Maximize Energy Savings through Green Methods

                                                                                         

It is a refreshing feeling on a hot summer day to step into a nice, cool house. One of the negative aspects though, is that having a cool house is probably costing you a small fortune in energy bills. Running an air conditioning unit continuously also leads to environmental problems. Air conditioning units release carbon dioxide into the air, which is hazardous both to human health and to the environment. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy concluded that a half billion tons of carbon dioxide are put into the atmosphere by heating and cooling systems each year. Many home owners do not realize that there are ways to minimize the damage that their cooling and heating systems are making while still having a cool home.

One sensible way to naturally cool your home is to add some shade trees about your home. Shade trees naturally block the heating rays of the sun. Although some trees would require a really long time to grow, there are also many fast growing breeds that are an outstanding choice because they will start providing shade much quicker. Ask a garden expert in your area what the best local trees are that are fast growing and will provide shade. Common examples are willow oaks and red maples. Once you have chosen on the kind of tree that will mature rapidly, plant them on the southern and western sides of your home so that you will get the most possible benefit from your shade trees.

Window treatments consist of shades, blinds and insulated drapes. Although these items can add a creative touch to your home, they serve a much more important function of keeping your home cool. The best thing to do is to have your windows covered during the hottest part of the day or when bright light is coming through the window. This will decrease your cooling expenses. If you use drapes, keep them hung close to the window to get the most significant benefit. Also, light colored window treatments are the best option since they won't soak up the heat entering from the window.

Another option to contemplate is a shade screen, also called a solar shield. These are constructed to reflect heat and sunlight and only let though one-tenth of the suns rays that hit the shield. Shade screens can be expensive, but they are light and very long-lasting. These shade screens are worth the money because of how much they will cut down on your power bill. These solar shields should be installed on the outside, south-facing side of your home to get the most benefit.

Ceiling fans are an inexpensive way to keep your home's temperature cool when it's hot outside. You can select a fan that accents your home's décor and use it to keep the main areas of your home cooled, or purchase several for bedrooms as well.

Many people also use tabletop fans to help keep their home cool. If you do decide to go with fans, you can use them best by placing one fan at one end of your house and point it so that air is coming into the house, then place another fan at the other end of your house and face it so that it will blow the air out. This will create a windstream that is able to cool down your house quickly. This is a good option to use a night when temperatures are more moderate.

If your home is the type that has hot air in the attic, try a whole-house fan. This option is very affordable, and is easily mounted in your attic. The whole-house fan works to draw in cooler outside air while pushing out hotter inside air.

About the author:
Find an ideal location in Southern California: Gated Lakeside Properties and Lemon Grove Luxury Homes for Sale
Realtors: Maximize your internet exposure with our dynamic real estate websites.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com