Many people these days are beginning to take steps to living a greener lifestyle in their homes. There are a growing number of technologies that are being developed to make living a green life easier and more effective. Learn from the following information, the ways to make your home a green home.
Outdoors, solar-powered lights are very convenient for patios and garden paths. These lamps are very cheap, as they require no external power source, just the sun. Not only does this save energy. You also won't have to spend time wiring your outdoor lights.
Take the time to dry your clothes naturally. The dryer in your home takes up a lot of energy and it is quite simple to just hang your clothes and allow them to air dry. If you do need to use the dryer, then be sure to clean out the lint to help it work more efficiently.
Don't try to install a wind generator on a small piece of property. First of all, you'll likely get complaints from the neighbors, as an efficient wind turbine needs to be at least 30 feet off the ground. Secondly, you need about an acre of land in order to ensure an unobstructed prevailing wind.
Check out the Green Power Network website to find out if there is a green power alternative available in your area. Consider switching to green power if there is a good service available in your area and if you can afford to. You might be able to get a tax rebate in some states.
If you heat your home with fuel, talk to a technician about using biodiesel. Some systems can easily be changed to biodiesel without having to make major modifications or installing extra parts. Biodiesel will burn cleaner than petroleum, which helps to protect the environment.
Take the time to dry your clothes naturally. The dryer in your home takes up a lot of energy and it is quite simple to just hang your clothes and allow them to air dry. If you do need to use the dryer, then be sure to clean out the lint to help it work more efficiently.
If specific areas of your home feel cold or drafty, then chances are they are not properly http://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Ceiling-Fans-Outdoor-Lighting/LED/N-5yc1vZc7qvZ1z115g2 sealed or insulated. These deficiencies can greatly increase the cost of heating or cooling your home and are often an easy fix. Seal any holes you identify and get a price estimate for adding insulation to thin walls.
Insulate your home. A pre-1950 home that isn't insulated will use approximately 60 percent more energy than a house that was built after 2000. Adding sufficient insulation to your attic and basement will greatly improve your home's energy efficiency. As well as keeping you warm in the winter, you will find that the home remains much cooler in the summer months, reducing the need for an air conditioner.
Get your whole family thinking about green energy by stocking organic, recycled or eco-friendly products whenever possible. Ask your kids to identify such products on the shelves at the store and explain why those products are better for your family, your home and your environment. You can also segue such conversations into other eco-friendly practices like shutting off the water while brushing your teeth or turning off lights when not in a room.
Take shorter showers to get greater advantage of green energy in your home! Heating hot water accounts for nearly 14% of the average household's energy use and that can really add up. Cutting down on the time you spend in the shower will be better on the environment and your energy bills!
Using green energies is not an excuse to use more energy than you really need. Do not forget to turn the lights off when you leave a room and putting on a sweater instead of turning the heat up. Even if green energies are cheaper, you should still do your best to save as much energy as you can.
Buying a hybrid vehicle is a good way to save energy, but that all depends on what type of vehicle you purchase. It is always a much better choice to purchase a smaller hybrid vehicle than to purchase a large hybrid SUV. The SVUs save so little energy that it is no different than having a compact non-hybrid vehicle.
Develop the habit of shutting off your computer before you leave your home for several hours and before you go to sleep each day to make your home a greener one. Also, set your computer's sleep mode to activate when it is idle for five minutes. If you faithfully practice these two simple acts on a daily basis, you can decrease the energy usage of your computer by 85%.
Put the wind to work for you. There are a variety of wind turbines that you can use to power your home. They are expensive, but are becoming more affordable for consumers. You must be sure that your area is zoned for wind turbines before you make an investment. You must also own at least one acre of land and live in an area that has a steady breeze.
If it is holiday time, you might want to consider throwing out your old bulbs and replacing them with new energy efficient LED lights for your tree and your home. These lights use 90 percent less energy than the old style lights and will save you money during the holiday season.
Unless it is absolutely necessary, keep the windows open in your home instead of using your air conditioning. One of the biggest energy users in your home is your air-conditioning system, and by keeping it on too often, you are going to spend a lot of money on your electricity bill.
Add motion-detecting light sensors to the rooms in your house that you use most. These motion sensor lights will turn off http://my-led-lighting-guide.tumblr.com/post/146990177173/1-roi-in-a-short-amount-of-time-2-save-75-or/ lights in rooms that are not in use automatically, which in turn, will save you money with your energy bills. Make sure your garage has outdoor lighting, as well.
Making your home greener is a step you can take today. You don't need that much money to make it happen. Just read over the tips laid out here and you will be able to easily use green energy when you need it. Always keep learning and your house will be the greenest on the block!
