The average power bill in the US is around 110 dollars each month. This is only a small sum when compared to larger bills like the house payment and rent but 110 dollars still adds up in the long scheme of things.
Switching to green energy can help you save on your power bill so you can use at least some of your 110 dollars elsewhere. You’ll also lower your carbon footprint which is good news for the planet.
Not sure where to begin? Check out this guide to learn how to use green power in various areas of your home.
1. Solar Panels
The most effective way to save energy each month is by having solar panels installed. As you’re most likely aware, solar panels take in energy from the sun and use it to power a home.
The cost of solar panels can be a bit expensive but there is a way for you to fund your project. This is solar leasing. A third-party company will pay to have the solar panels installed on your roof and you’ll pay them for the energy that you use.
It’s cheaper than going through a traditional power company for your electricity but you won’t be able to get the tax breaks that solar power owners get.
The major drawback of using solar power is that they only absorb energy throughout the day. If you want to still power your home at night, you’ll have to couple them with grid electricity.
2. Wind Power
Wind turbines aren’t one of the most popular ways to get green power but they are still widely used. They have their advantages and disadvantages. First, let’s go over their advantages.
There are some states where installing solar panels isn’t smart. They see more cloudy, rainy days than sunny ones. That makes wind turbines the better choice.
There will always be wind but the sun can sort of be a hit or miss. Depending on the size of the wind turbine you’re using, you only need one to power your entire house.
As far as disadvantages go, they can lower your curb appeal because while they’re functional, they’re not pretty. They’re also noisy and some states don’t allow their residents to install them.
3. Cook with the Power of the Sun
If you can’t pay for an entirely solar-powered system at the moment, consider starting small. Traditional stoves can use up a ton of power but you’ve got to eat.
Solar ovens cook your meals by absorbing heat from the sun. You can buy one or you could make one out of things laying around in your house. Besides saving energy, having a solar oven allows you to cook at any time, anywhere.
So if your location is experiencing a power outage, you can still cook dinner. It’s portable so you can throw it into your RV and have something to cook with when you set up camp.
4. Hydropower
Hydropower won’t work for you unless you live near some kind of large body of water. You can run some of that water through a hydroelectric generator to power your appliances.
For this method to work, the water from the stream has to be diverted so it flows through the generator at a normal pace. It’s sort of hard to do so you’ll probably have to call in the professionals to install the system for you.
Once it’s installed, you’ll have a power source that’s more reliable than wind and solar combined. Since water is continuously flowing through the generator, you’ll never have to do without electricity for your home.
5. Solar Water Heater
Solar water heaters work much like solar panels. The only difference is that they work with water instead of electricity. The system holds in water that is heated by the sun’s rays.
This water can be pumped through your faucets so you can use it to wash your dishes or take a shower. It’s much cheaper and more efficient than traditional water heaters as it will never quit on you and it doesn’t use up near as much energy.
6. Solar Air Conditioning
Can you guess which appliance uses the most power in your home? The answer isn’t your washing machine or your stove. It’s your air conditioning.
You can cut out the need for an expensive thermostat by switching up to a more eco-friendly power option. Solar-powered air conditioning units work a bit like the water heater. The difference is that it uses the water to cool your home instead of power your shower.
7. Power Wall
The Tesla power wall stores in electricity that you don’t use so you can use it later. It’s programmed to give off power when it is energy efficient to do so.
The power wall doesn’t give you energy savings all on its own but it is designed to work off of the other power saving options in this article.
8. Skylights
Tubular skylights allow you to take advantage of natural light during the day so you don’t have to waste electricity by turning on all your lamps. Having the natural light shining down will also warm your home so the AC doesn’t have to work as hard.
Of course, the only disadvantage of using tubular skylights as your main light source is that it won’t illuminate your home at night. You’ll have to buy a separate kit for that.
9. Start Off on the Right Foot
If you know when you start your home buying process that you want access to ways to get green power, shop with it in mind. Pick a home that’s already energy-efficient. It will give you a head start when you begin your solar power electricity planning.
Invest in Green Energy for Your Household
Are you tired of your high energy bill? Now is the time to invest in green energy. Not only will it allow you to cut your power bill in half but it will reduce your carbon footprint. Are you ready to begin your search for an energy-efficient home? Keep track of our listings to see the latest houses up for sale.
