Living a greener life is becoming a popular trend these days, and it’s easy to see why. Not only will you save money with green energy in the home, but you will benefit the environment. The following article will provide you with some useful handyman tips on how you can capitalize on the use of green energy right now. You’ll save money and feel great that you’re leaving a cleaner world for the next generation!
Tip #1. If possible, use cold water in your washing machine. Almost 90 percent of the consumed energy while washing your clothes is spent on heating up the water. As long as your detergent is good, cold water washing can be just as effective as warm water. In addition, remember to wash full loads to maximize energy efficiency; you’ll use less energy overall washing a single full load versus multiple smaller loads.
Tip #2. This is a simple one! Close the curtains or blinds before you leave the house especially in the Midwest and places like O’Fallon or Shiloh IL. These help your home remain cool in the summer and warmer in the winter, and keep your energy bill down when you are not there.
Tip #3. To save money on heating your water, buy a tankless system. Tankless heaters require less energy to heat water, as they only heat the water as needed, rather than spending energy (and your money) keeping a tank of water hot. You can get a tankless water heater to heat your entire home’s water supply or you can get a smaller one that heats only water that comes out of a particular faucet.
Tip #4. If you live in an area with normally warm temperatures, but need a handyman near your other home, try installing a system that uses a solar heater to heat your water! You may want to retain traditional water heaters for backup when the sun doesn’t show, or if you use a lot of heated water, but this is a great way to get hot water without the energy costs.
Tip #5. Another easy one: simply turn your furnace down a few degrees than you normally keep it, and wear a sweater instead. This is fast and simple to do, plus you’ll save money on your bills!
Tip #6. Don’t waste money or energy by running a half-full load of dishes in the dishwasher. If you only have a couple of dishes, do not put them in the dishwasher and turn it on. Your dishwasher can probably hold a lot more dishes than you think. Line up the same types of dishes, such as plates and cups so you are filling it completely, and only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
Tip #7. Many people who use oil to heat their homes are weighing the possibility of switching to biofuel instead. Biofuel is a better fuel because it has a cleaner burn and is more efficient, and the transition from oil to biofuel may not be as extensive as you’d imagine (depending on your system).
Summary
If you are like a lot of people, you’re probably becoming aware of the opportunity to live a greener lifestyle while saving money too. Put these strategies to work to make your home and life greener! Better yet, call our general handyman services at Valor Home Services and set up a free home consultation.