Using Naturally Sustainable Building Materials In Your NewHome Or Addition

Going green has more benefits to the home than simply protecting the environment. You will be ableto make your home energy efficient while also reducing your electric bill. This article provides usefultips on home-energy conservation.

Use cold water in your washing machine. Almost 90% of energy used for doing laundry is due toheating the water. Washing your clothing in cold water will get them just as clean as washing themin hot water if you have a good laundry detergent. Only wash when you have a full load of clothes toput in the washer.

Use windows covering for when you're not home.This keeps the interior of your home cooler orwarmer, depending on the season, and reduceshttp://www.onecarenow.org your energy bill.Generally, your home's south-facing walls and windows receive the most sun exposure. Try usingcoverings on all of the windows, such as dark curtains, roman shades, or some roller shades.

Do some research to gain information on the energy sources available to your area. Compare costs,and keep in mind that new legislation exists which will sometimes reward you for using renewableenergy sources. It may be beneficial to switch from electric heat to natural gas heat, or from citywater to well water, for example.

When you are installing a solar energy system, you want to be sure the batteries you will be using tostore the solar power are situated as close to the solar cells as possible. Doing so removes thechance of lost energy. This can reduce chances of cables shading cells and reducing capabilities.

Take the time to properly maintain your refrigerator. Refrigerators use a large amount of energy, sothey should be taken care of to work their best. Keep heating coils dust free. Make sure the doorseal is clean and also tight.

Dress in warm clothes to cut costs! You can wear a heavy sweater instead of a light one to giveyourself more warmth when you're at home. Since it is pointless to wear very little clothing whileindoors, you might as well wear a sweater.

Think of using a laptop computer instead of a desktop model to save on your electricity usage. Youcan reduce your energy use by three-quarters if you use the internet a lot or do a lot of wordprocessing. Another benefit of the laptop is that it's portable, so it can be used anywhere.

Investigate options for heating your oven through solar energy. You can make one using suppliesyou may already have on-hand like old window panes, boxes, and pieces of aluminum foil. Ovens likethis can be assembled quickly, reach temperatures in excess of 300 degrees, and do not require anyenergy besides the sun.

Switching to green energy options need not be difficult or expensive. Often, making a few changesto your home can actually save money in electricity costs. Keep these tips in mind, apply them andlet your friends know about your good resolutions so that you can all assist the environment.