david2 
A lot of people do not think about the environment as they use items in and around the home. Whether you like it or not, all the things that you do have an effect in the environment. There are ways you can utilize green energy in your home to make things better for the environment. Use this advice to learn how to start using green energy.
Wear natural fabrics during the summer in order to avoid wasting energy on air conditioning. Cotton and similar fabrics will draw moisture from your skin, so you will stay cool. Wear light colors; dark colors tend to make you feel warm and you will be likelier to turn on the air conditioner.
Use drapes or curtains in your windows for when you are not home. This simple act blocks the sun from entering and heating your house in the summer, while in the winter, it keeps the heat from escaping through drafty windows. Pay particular attention to covering the windows on the south side of your house. They typically admit the most sun. Try adding window coverings that block heat, such as shades or darker, lined curtains.
If you’d like to cut down your hot water bill, look into using solar energy. Purchase a solar water heating system. There are direct circulation systems and indirect ones. For colder regions,indirect is a better option.
Storm Doors
Storm doors and windows help control air flow into a home. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air from drafts. Energy efficiency can be increased up to 45% in a home with storm windows and doors.
Perhaps you are intimidated by making an large, green energy investment. Seeking the input of a professional, such as a heating/cooling specialist or plumber can educate you on options. They will be able to tell you how much money you are losing on inefficient appliances, and they can also give you an accurate estimate of what it will cost to upgrade or replace your systems.
Keep track of how many watts you’re using. Get a watt monitor such as the Watt Minder or the Kill-A-Watt to find out which appliances use too much energy. Plug your appliances in to these devices to find out what amount of energy is required each year, month or hour to run it. This is helpful in showing you exactly what each appliance costs to run.
Purchasing a new boiler can be a good way to save energy. Older boilers were not created with energy conservation in mind, but newer boiler varieties are more efficient. Newer models have multiple benefits; not only can they lower your energy bills, but they often create a lower amount of carbon dioxide, which can will be lot better for your family’s health.
Use the microwave instead if you’d like to save energy. The stove uses a good bit of energy. By using the microwave, you are cutting down the amount of energy you use a great deal.
While turning your lights off to save energy is old advice, it’s still relevant. You could save quite a bit of energy if you are diligent about turning off the lights. You will also enjoy a lower power bill, saving you money every month.
Although it is probably common sense, usually, most people forget to shut off lights and electronics when not using them. Just this single habit could prevent a lot of unnecessary energy use and save much money. Think before you act, and turn things off when not using them.
60 Degrees
One way to reduce energy consumption is to lower your thermostat in the winter. Consider setting your thermostat to 60 degrees during the night or while you are away. Having the heat set at 60 degrees uses the minimum quantity of energy possible. As stated, lowering your thermostat will minimize the energy needed to heat your home.
Check your refrigerator seals to avoid wasted energy. If you have a seal that is broken, it can make your energy bills go up. To determine whether or not the seal needs to be replaced, close a piece of paper in the door and ensure that it doesn’t slide out too easily.
You can improve your home’s energy efficiency by being responsible with your lights. Don’t turn on the lights until a certain time, during the brighter months. Dimmers can cut the amount of energy lights consume. You should also consider sensors that will turn off lights when people exit the room.
If your home isn’t suitable for full solar paneling or other sources of renewable energy, maybe you can power some areas using this type of technology. For instance, you could add panels that will only heat the water in your home, or use panels just to heat your pool.
Reducing your water heater temperature to 120 degrees can save energy and money in your home. Not only will it provide a good water temperature, but it will also save up to 10% on your bills.
Ice Makers
You should make ice yourself if you want to reduce the amount of energy you use. Most ice makers use way too much energy and aren’t reliable. The seals on automatic ice makers are also prone to leaking, which can raise your freezer temperature and cost more to cool. Instead of using them, make your own ice.
Think about using rainwater inside your house for certain things, like the toilet. This will save you money on your water bill and have a positive impact on the environment. To collect large amounts of water, install rain barrels to collect water from your gutters. If you only need small amounts of water, just set out jars or buckets to collect water during a rainstorm.
Like most people, you probably haven’t thought about the environment much. However, since now you know about green energy technology, you can make some changes. These tips will help you to improve the sustainable nature of your own home.
