Solar panels are a giant step to reducing a carbon footprint, but there is always something else to do (or not do) to make a green impact! Acting on some of these suggestions will make those solar panels will be more effective than ever.
Electric Car
Electric cars hold great potential. Without emissions, they can make that work commute guilt-free. Depending on where they’re being charged, their lack of emissions on the road is cancelled out at home by the emissions created by the power plant creating the energy charging them.
However, if a solar array is large enough to produce energy for a household or corporation plus some, an electric car could be charged via solar rather than the coal or natural gas the power company is burning. With a home or company and car largely powered by solar, life at home and on the road would be as green as possible.
Update your Appliances
While appliances can be expensive, they make up huge portions of a home’s energy bill. Including heating and air, a water heater, kitchen appliances, and a washer and dryer, appliances can be responsible for a about two thirds of the average annual energy bill. Making sure all appliances are as energy efficient as possible will decrease how much energy a household or company uses on a daily basis.
Take advantage of that home renovation to make sure appliances are updated. Be sure to use any appliances, old, new, or green, creating responsible habits about thermostat temperatures and awareness of hot water usage.
Weatherproof Your House
Depending on how weatherproofed a building already is, this may be the cheapest change available. Getting every door and window sealed will keep in cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.
If the building is lacking in insulation, adding some will also help the building retain a proper temperature.
These are only a few suggestions to cut emissions, energy use, and costs. All require some investment but with the proper care can save money in the long term.
