Saving, reducing, and reusing energy is an important part of the world today, particularly in European and American society. Each year, thousands of people, companies, and organizations begin committing to green energy. By following the simple tips outlined in this article, you too can become a ‘green’ household.
The first step in having a greener household is ensuring that your home is adequately insulated. Having a well insulated home keeps heat and air conditioning trapped within your home, thus preventing a waste in energy with constantly-running heaters or air conditioners, and also keeps out the cold air in winter. This all means that you will lose less energy from running heating and cooling devices, and thus save money on heating and cooling costs. There are several types of home insulation, from plexi-glass fiber to recycled newspaper to a spray-foam. Find the one that is most cost-effective for you and will work best with the style of home you have.
Explore solar panels, if you have the financial resources for it. Solar panels come in a variety of styles, placements, and sizes. Consider the space you have available, how much you are willing to spend, and even if solar panels can work on your property. A number of large trees can inhibit solar panels from receiving all the sunlight they can.
Minimize the amount of air conditioning you use during the summer. Open windows and allow a natural breeze to go through your house. If the heat it severe, use your air conditioner, but keep it a few degrees warmer than you usually would to keep it from working as hard and using as much energy.
During the winter, minimize the use of heating appliances. Wear sweatshirts and blankets while inside, and invest in slippers if cold floors bother you. Using a small space heater in areas where you spend the most time may be more effective for you than heating your entire house.
Switch to energy-efficient appliances every time you upgrade to a new appliance. If you get a new appliance because an old one breaks, ensure you recycle the older appliance and the packaging the new one comes in. Some stores will carry away old appliances when they bring the new one for delivery. That is an effective system if you know the store will be taking it to a recycling center.
Explore options regarding attic ventilation. Employing fans in an attic works well, or simply opening a window in the attic in the summer will cool down the attic.
Seal doors and windows against drafts. You can use a clear plastic film and a hair dryer to insulate windows. You can also slide rolled up towels against door jams to eliminate drafts from outside.
Use energy efficient lighting, like employing the ‘twisty’ light bulbs instead of old filament light bulbs.
Make energy efficiency important in your family. Encourage recycling and composting, shutting off lights when leaving a room, powering down televisions and other electronic devices, et cetera.
Help your children learn about green energy by taking them to museums, movies, and special exhibits about green energy. Encourage your school board to take a part in recycling and teaching students about the environment.
Recycle whatever you can. If recycling is picked up in your neighborhood, put out as many bins of recycling as you can. If not, crush cans and take them to a recycling center as often as possible.
There are many simple tasks a family can do to save energy. By following these simple tips, you, too, can save energy and have a greener household.