In this economy, every home owner can benefit from being frugal, and using green energy is a great way to accomplish this. Keep reading for a few great ideas on how you can convert the standard technology in your home to greener energy, enjoy greater savings in your out-of-pocket costs, and reduce your impact on the environment.
A simple way to save energy is to close the curtains. Curtains or blinds can also be used to do this. Keeping your home cool in the summer means you will not be tempted to use the air conditioning as much. This means that you will save energy as well as money.
For green energy use in your home, you should change all your incandescent bulbs to the new energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. Not only will you save a bundle on your energy bill, but you will help conserve energy for future generations and reduce your own impact on the power grid in your city.
Use solar-powered outdoor lights. Outdoor lighting elements are a great place to use solar power, since there is easy access to sunlight. There are a wide range of lighting options to fit any decor. Not only does the solar-powered feature save on your energy http://www.larsonelectronics.com/DistributorList.aspx?IsSubmit=true&ShippingCountry=United+States&submit=Select bill, but it also makes these lights easy to install anywhere on your property.
Speak with your utility company about receiving your electric power from a renewable source. Many metropolitan areas get some of their power from hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, or wind powered plants. Often, the electric company can simply apply a certain amount of your electric bill to renewable energy without you needing to make any other changes.
Turn off all appliances. When not using appliances in your home, make it a habit to turn them off when not in use. Items such as televisions, computers, and lights should all be off so you can prevent unwanted energy use. Not only is this good for using less energy, your electric bill will be much less too!
If you want to save energy, try not to use your dishwasher very often. Instead, let your dishes air dry. Dishwashers tend to use a lot of energy and because they use so much power, your electricity and your water bill will be through the roof. If you have to use the dishwasher, put it on a low setting.
Replace your furnace with one that has the Energy Star seal on it. You can save 15 to 20 percent on your month energy costs if you purchase a highly efficient furnace. You can even get a federal tax credit that will help cover the cost of your new furnace!
If you want to make better use of energy in your home but aren't sure where to start, schedule a home energy audit from a professional auditor. These auditors can thoroughly investigate your home, and suggest ways to reduce your energy consumption, with green technology and other improvements.
If the time comes that you need a new toilet, purchase one that is energy efficient. A lot of water is wasted by constantly flushing, which has a negative impact on both your water bill and the environment. Many newer toilets have a flush feature that allows you to use less water.
Use the power of the sun to help you heat your home. By installing large windows or glass patio doors on the south side of your home, you can catch the morning sun. This free energy will heat your room for a few hours each morning and cut down on heating costs.
Learn about the differences between passive and active solar power. Passive solar power doesn't need expensive cells in order to store power, although active is stored for later use. You need to install solar panels and systems if you want active solar power. Passive power, instead, just stores the energy gotten from the sun inside your home.
Replace your toilet with a water-saving model. People have estimated that you flush about 50% of the water from your house down the toilet. Older toilets use 5 gallons per flush, whereas new models use less than 2 gallons.
Spending a little more on green appliances and electronics generally pays off over time. Although green technology is a bit more expensive, it quickly pays for itself in lower bills. It is also going to ultimately pay off for the environment.
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.
Use rechargeable batteries instead of regular ones. Batteries are harmful for the environment if not recycled properly: you can reduce the amount of batteries that need recycling by using the same ones for a long time. Invest in a good brand and get a battery charging device to power your children's toys and other appliances.
The higher the demand for green energy alternatives, the lower the cost of the technology. The rational behind this is simple, the more people demand green energy options the less expensive they will become. When enough people combine their buying power, the industry will respond by offering a wider range of environmentally friendly products at lower costs. An additional benefit to demanding green products is that it encourages manufacturers to develop new environmentally friendly practices.
Be sure to check the insulation levels in the areas around your house. Insulation helps keep the warm air out in the summer months and the cold air out in the winter months. Places that you should check include your attic, crawl spaces, all exterior and basement walls, ceilings and floors.
Deciduous Trees can come in handy when trying to save energy in your home. Place them in both http://www.greenenergyoh.org/ your front and backyard if possible. This will help to shade your home, meaning that it will not get so hot. In turn, you will not have to use your air conditioning as much.
Being "green" can make the difference in your life because, ultimately, you end up saving money. But using green energy can make a great difference to the world around us, as well. The more people who use green energy, the more we conserve our resources and keep the world looking beautiful.
