Anyone who has used gas and oil can reluctantly agree that green energy is cleaner, safer, and less expensive. But many people don't know how to implement green energy into their lives. So here are just a few of the many ways that green energy can be good for your home and your life.
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.
Shading windows from sunlight whelps to save energy. Adding some window coverings can also help. When you use these two things in tandem, you will find your heating and cooling bills will plummet. You'll save money as well as energy.
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.
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!
Are you currently using a wood-burning fireplace http://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/scholarships-list.htm/ to decrease your dependence upon fossil fuels? If http://www.greenesenergy.com/ so, remember to shut the flue damper very tightly when your fireplace is not being used. If you forget to do this, both warmed or cooled air will easily escape from your house through the chimney.
Get an energy audit of your home. Having your home inspected by a professional is the best way to find out how you could adopt alternative sources of energy. In some cases, the sun or wind exposure is simply not high enough to justify investing in alternative sources of power.
Buy a programmable thermostat. An Energy Star programmable thermostat will regulate your home's temperature year-round, both day and night. Always set your thermostat a couple of degrees less than you think the temperature should be, as you won't really notice the difference in your home. An Energy Star thermostat will save you about $180 a year in heating costs.
A good green energy tips for your home is to always wash your dishes in cold water unless they are oily. When using cold water, you are not using any electricity that you would normally use if the water was hot. Small things like this can really reduce the amount of energy your home uses each month.
Insulating your hot water cylinder can help you to save large amounts of energy in your home. Putting insulation around your pipes helps your hot water to run more quickly as well. If you are unsure of how to do this yourself, you may want to enlist the help of a professional.
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 possible, try to use a laptop computer, rather than a desktop. And, if the battery is full on your laptop, do not have it plugged into the charger. Desktop computers are perhaps one of the biggest energy users in your home, which is why why having a laptop is beneficial.
Your electric company can assist you in making your home energy-efficient. Many power companies have websites with tools that allow you to calculate your hourly energy consumption and tips for reducing your bill. Check out the appliances and light bulbs that they recommend, as well as special programs to help you purchase them.
Consider the amount of energy it takes to run your computer. Different people hold different opinions on whether they prefer the use of a desktop or a laptop. There are two things for sure that cannot be argued against when it comes to laptops. They are portable, and they save you money on energy costs when compared to desktop computers. Computers are one of the pieces of equipment in your house that uses the most energy, so why not save some money?
Pack your own lunch when going to work or out for the day. This saves money, but also improves the environment by using less "consumables" that inevitably come with meals ordered out. You can reuse the containers you used for your lunch, and it only takes a small space in your bag or purse.
Green energy is, of course, a great way to protect our natural resources, but it is also a smart way to save you hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs. Use the tips laid out here in this article, and you will soon have the greenest home in your entire neighborhood.
