It does not have to be expensive to go green, nor does it have to be time consuming. It can be as easy and cheap as making a few home modifications that save electricity. Read this article for ways to use helpful green energy!
Consider installing solar powered lamps for outdoor lighting. These lamps are very cheap, as they require no external power source, just the sun. This will end up saving you a lot of energy. Also, it will no longer be necessary to install wired outdoor lights.
Do you own a farm? If so, you can rent some property to energy companies for installing wind turbines. You will reap the benefits of this energy and the space needed is minimal.
Wash clothes with cold water, as much as you can. When you heat up water, you consume much more energy as opposed to using colder water. Most good quality laundry detergents work just as well in cold water. Additionally, do not run the washer until it is full so as to maximize your energy use.
Don’t use your electric heater when you can avoid it. Use a fireplace in place of the heater and wear warm layers of clothing. By inhaling cooler air during the sleeping hours, your breathing will be better as your airways are less likely to get dry.
If you’re one of many who wants to live an environmentally friendly life, there’s plenty you can do. Going green doesn’t mean you have to spend tons of money, as you can begin simply by setting the thermostat to 60 degrees for those periods when you are not home.
You can also conduct monthly cleanings of your furnace filters. Setting your water heater’s temperature to a maximum 120 degrees will also save money. Little things like this add up!
You can use biofuel to heat your house. Oil, wood and animal or vegetable fats are used to make this fuel. If you have a propane furnace, a professional can usually make changes that allow you to use this blend of fuels. Most furnaces use between 20 to 99% bio-diesel fuels. Always speak with a professional who will guide you in how to properly use this type of fuel.
Use the microwave when you can in order to save on energy consumption. Ovens and stoves use lots more energy to prepare food than microwaves. If it is possible to microwave the item you are considering cooking, do so to reduce your energy consumption.
Install a toilet that uses less water. Some estimates show that up to half of all the water used in your home is flushed right down the toilet hole. An older model of toilet might use up to 5 gallons per flush, as compared to a lean 1.6 gallons for a water-saving model.
On-demand water heaters are great energy savers. Old fashioned water heaters would constantly run, heating water even when it is not needed, and therefore wasting energy. The water heaters that heat on-demand only heat water that is immediatly needed and save a lot on energy costs.
Although this may seem like common sense, many people still keep the lights, appliances and electronics on when they are not using them. This simple action can save anyone a lot of money on monthly bills. Think in advance about what you need to do, and make it a habit to turn off anything that you are no longer using.
A simple way to start going green is to talk to your power company. Most gas and electric companies offer web-based tools to help you monitor your consumption, and they also provide suggestions for reducing your energy usage and utility bills. Check out programs that help you buy energy-efficient light bulbs or appliances.
While many people do not see global warming as a threat, everyone can benefit from indoor green energy. You can save on utility bills by doing simple things like turning the lights off when you aren’t using them.