Going green is about more than saving the planet; it’s about reducing your costs. While green technology requires an upfront investment, sustainable energy is far cheaper in the long run. If you were to make the switch, you could expect it to pay off within five to ten years through less costly utility bills.
The best ways to save money aren’t always immediately obvious, but there are tools available that can make it easier to produce accurate calculations. Energy comparison services can help identify the most critical things that you should change in your home or business, and once you’ve identified the biggest energy sucks, there are a few devices you should consider getting in order to make the most of your hard-earned money.
1. Blight Solar Blinds
While the name isn’t very attractive, these solar-powered blinds are an incredibly innovative concept. These Venetian-style blinds block sunlight during the day and turn the stored energy into light at night. Putting them in just a few windows within a house or office building can drastically reduce your electricity bill by eliminating the need for conventional lighting solutions.
2. Solar-Powered Perspex Desk Fan
Air conditioning is one of the biggest energy sucks during the summer, but having the right equipment on hand can either reduce or eliminate the need for it. The solar-powered perspex desk fan is easy to put together, and once it acquires a charge, immediate relief is available with the push of a button.
3. Solar Air Conditioning
Sometimes it just isn’t possible to beat the heat with fans and good air circulation. That doesn’t make the prospect of air conditioning any more enticing; not only is air conditioning bad for the environment, it can easily triple your utility bill during particularly hot summers. Luckily, there are companies that have gone to great lengths to provide the public with an eco-friendly way to keep cool without hurting anyone’s wallet. There are now solar-powered air conditioning systems provided by companies like Austin Solar that connect to existing infrastructure and ventilation systems. That means no retrofitting is necessary to install a solar-powered air conditioning system, and the savings from that one investment can prove immense for large office buildings or even large homes.
4. Global Sun Oven
Household appliances are notorious for being energy sucks. Refrigerators, water heaters and ovens are all offenders in this regard. While it isn’t possible to completely eliminate the need for indoor cooking in colder climates, you can drastically lower your power bill and carbon footprint through the use of a solar oven. There are a few models on the market, but the Global Sun Oven is relatively inexpensive, and it offers all of the key features you should look for in a solar oven.
5. Kill a Watt Power Strip
Knowledge is essential when you’re trying to go green, and that’s why it’s important to find a way to gauge how much power the devices that are already in your home and office are using. The Kill a Watt Power Strip does more than just protect the devices that are connected to it; it gives users real-time data on how much energy each device requires in order to run. If you suspect that something is using more energy than it should, this power strip will give you the answer.
Going green isn’t as convoluted or expensive as some people anticipate. With a little bit of research and small periodic investments, you can transform your home or office into an eco-friendly and energy efficient mecca of modern technology. The planet and your wallet will thank you.
Image courtesy of nokhoog_buchachon / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
