Cutting back on your electricity usage is probably a lot easier than you may have thought. With a few small changes, and maybe some big ones, you can reduce your carbon footprint and save some money at the same time. This article contains tips and suggestions to help you get started saving energy.
You can cut your energy consumption by a lot if you just cut back on the electricity you use. Unplug appliances that aren’t in use. When you aren’t using your television, computer equipment or lights, don’t forget to turn them off. This is easy to do and saves a lot of energy.
Keep drapes drawn when you are not home. Heavy drapes help keep you home cool, resulting in energy savings. South facing windows will receive the most sun, and therefore heat. Try using coverings on all of the windows, such as dark curtains, roman shades, or some roller shades.
One way to help conserve energy is to use window treatment to block sunlight. You could also try putting in curtains or blinds. If you do these things, you will cut your use of air conditioning throughout the warm months, as your home will be a bit cooler. You will save both money and energy in the process.
Do your laundry using cold water, if you can. Almost ninety percent of the energy used by a washing machine comes from heating the water for a warm or hot cycle. As long as you have reliable clothes washing detergent, using cold water is just as effective. Additionally, do not run the washer until it is full so as to maximize your energy use.
When planning out your solar PV system, try to locate the battery storage system as close to the cells as possible. By doing so, energy loss through the cable is reduced. It also prevents the cable covering the cells, which would reduce their generation capability.
Start using as many of these ideas in your own home as you can. Green energy helps protect our environment but also pays you back in household savings. Before long, you will have one of the greenest homes around!