How does green energy help you? It can reduce your household’s dependence on the traditional electrical grid while doing your part to save the planet. How are you able to help? Read the following article for suggestions on what you can do to help.
Choose solar-powered lights when installing outdoor lighting in your yard. Solar lamps are relatively inexpensive and can save you a great deal on wiring and electricity expenses. This not only reduces energy costs, You also won’t have to spend time wiring your outdoor lights.
If you want to preserve energy, keep your windows so they are shaded from sunlight. Do this by installing blinds or curtains. Doing both these things will decrease your usage of the air conditioning during the summer because your house will be cooler. You will save energy and money as well.
The U.S. Government makes grant funds available as an incentive for consumers to start using green energy. To find out which programs are available in your area contact your local government. Depending on your local energy programs, you could end up getting a renewable energy system set up for your home for free.
Start paying attention to your energy consumption. Unplug the charger for your iPod and XBox when they are not in use. Anytime a charger is plugged in, it is using a bit of energy.
Check your furnace and air conditioning filters monthly. Clean or replace them as needed. Filters can also be installed in every warm-air register. This will keep everything out of the air ducts, keeping your energy efficiency high.
If you currently use fuel oil for home heating, ask your local technician how you can switch over to biodiesel fuel. Many systems allow a switch to biodiesel or biofuel with slight modifications. Biodiesel is great because it is more efficient and produces less pollution that standard oil, which will reduce your carbon footprint.
When you are away from home, use window coverings. This helps to keep your house at a cooler temperature and lower the amount of energy used. Typically windows on the southern side of the home receive the most sun. Try using coverings on all of the windows, such as dark curtains, roman shades, or some roller shades.
Don’t leave appliances that aren’t in use, on. For example, if you are not in a certain room, turn off the lights, TV or computer. If you run your electronics through a power strip, you can turn everything off in that room with one switch.
If you want to save energy on heating and cooling costs, install storm windows and doors. The cold air which comes in from drafts can be reduced with proper care for doors and windows. Energy efficiency is increased by 45 percent in homes that have stormed doors and windows, which will save a lot of money on electricity.
Use a laptop for your computing needs rather than a power hungry desktop. These portable machines will reduce your electrical use by 75% while you do everyday tasks. The laptop is also mobile, so you can take it with you everywhere.
Try to buy some bamboo models when you want to buy wood products. It is a green product and is actually a grass; however, it is quite durable and works well even in high traffic areas. Bamboo grows quickly and it used for several products including flooring. This saves energy needed to recycle and produce manufactured products.
Use automatic motion or sound sensors on the lights in high-traffic rooms. Use these sensors to turn the lights off when no one is in the room, which will save you money as you use less energy. Add these sensors to your outdoor lights, as well.
Turn your thermostat to 60 when you are away from home and also at bedtime. Setting the thermostat to 60 degrees will help cut energy usage. This is a good way to reduce your heating bill considerably.
Even if you cannot use renewable energy to power your entire house, check into a smaller installation which can meet some of your energy needs. For example, get panels installed which will only heat hot water, or ones that specifically heat your basement.
Many consumers have considered green energy, but a large number never try to figure out how to take advantage of it or learn how to use it. The preceding article has given you a starting point for making your home more green without spending a lot of money.