The world is developing a greater environmental conscience every day and a growing number of people are saving money by going green. To discover some of the many ways in which you can utilize green energy in your home and save yourself money while benefiting the environment today, read on!
While it makes sense to change from traditional light bulbs to energy-saving light bulbs you should wait until your old ones are all burned out. It is not a good idea to throw away perfectly good bulbs in order to make the switch http://www.myledlighting1.weebly.com/home/watts-versus-lumens-versus-footcandles/ since that would be a way to waste energy as well.
Swap your old thermostat for a greener programmable model. You can program these thermostats to adjust the temperature at particular times during the day, so your heating and cooling system will run less while you are at work or school. These thermostats are inexpensive, and they http://www.kichler.com/landscape can save you money on your electric bill while preventing unnecessary energy use.
Set your computer so that it goes to sleep when you are not using it for more than 10-15 minutes at any given time. While most people believe that screensavers save energy they do not, and should not be used as an alternative to placing your computer in a sleeping state.
If switching your home to solar power is beyond your financial capabilities, try switching just one room, like a bedroom, to solar power. There are solar kits available online that can help you green a room, and this will positively affect your energy bills and carbon footprint for years to come.
Look into using recycled or rechargeable batteries for the items that require batteries. Disposable batteries cost a lot of money to produce and they also contain toxic chemicals which are bad for the environment. By switching to recycled or rechargeable batteries, you will be keeping these chemicals away from our environment.
Measure the prevailing wind speed on your property before considering a wind generator. In order for wind energy to be cost-effective, you need a wind speed greater than 8.5 to 9 MPH at least sixty percent of the time. Any slower, and the turbine won't spin fast enough to generate much electricity.
If there is running water on your property, you should consider investing in a good hydro-power solution. A simple mill can turn into an energy generator. Get in touch with Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to find out if your stream is strong enough to produce a significant amount of power.
Dress more warmly to be green and reduce energy costs. You can wear a heavy sweater instead of a light one to give yourself more warmth when you're at home. Since it is pointless to wear very little clothing while indoors, you might as well wear a sweater.
Wash your clothes in cold water. Clothes come just as clean if you use cold water instead of hot water, and making the switch can save a lot of energy. Most of the energy used to wash clothes is the energy the water heater uses to heat the water.
Responsibly recycling electronics is a great way to maximize resources. When people think of green energy they think of alternative energy. However, it is just as important to get the most from the non-renewable resources that we use as it is to minimize our use. Recycling electronics prevents unnecessary polluting of landfills as well as reuses resources that non-renewable.
Replace an old washing machine with a high-efficiency model for a greener way to do your laundry. High-efficiency machines come in both top-loading and front-loading designs that use less water than standard machines. They also spin clothes at high speeds to wring more water out of them, helping them dry faster.
Try switching to CFLs. The compact fluorescent bulbs tend to use about 75 percent less energy than the traditional incandescent bulbs do, plus they last around 10 times longer. They are pricier than the traditional bulbs, but it takes only a few months to make up for it in energy savings.
Green energy is not a priority everywhere. If you feel like you are not getting the help you need to set up your alternative energy solution, find out more about regulations and incentives in other towns or states. Moving to a nearby town or relocating in a different state might be a good idea.
Use light bulbs that are energy-efficient. Conventional light bulbs use entirely too much energy and create a lot of heat. Energy-efficient bulbs last much longer and don't give off that much heat. They can sometimes give off dimmer light, so make sure to use as many as you need in your rooms so you have comparable amounts of light.
If you cannot afford to invest in costly green energy solutions, consider moving to a smaller home. You will find that your energy needs decrease: you will save money on your energy bills and be able to afford a smaller solar roof or need a smaller quantity of biofuel to heat your home.
A good energy saving tip for those looking to go green is to wash your clothes in the washing machine only when you have a full load. Washing a few articles of clothing is just wasting energy.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer set to the optimum temperatures. These appliances are two of the biggest energy wasters in the modern home. Be sure the temperature in your refrigerator is set between 38-42 degrees (F) and in your freezer to -5 degrees (F). Anything lower and you are burning energy unnecessarily.
As you can see, knowing the basics about green energy technology is important. Now that you know these basics, you can begin using what you've learned to save electricity and other energy in your home. Pass on what you learned to someone else; so that they can save the environment and some money, too.
