Green energy can be collected from many sources, from water to the sun to a compost heap! It’s amazing how simple and affordable it can be to use green energy in your home. You just have to know where to start. Read this article in its entirety, in order to learn how to begin.
If you’re considering switching to green energy sources, the easiest thing you can do is call up your current electric provider and see if the offer green energy. Many electric companies offer these power sources to their customers. They may cost a bit more, however, to offset the amount of money they would’ve had to invest in the sources.
Contact your current energy provider and see if they offer an option for you to use renewable-energy sources. Many providers harness renewable energy through solar or wind power and therefore, have this option available for their clients. However, you should keep in mind that this may cost a little bit extra.
Use window coverings when you’re not at home. These help your home remain cool and keep your energy bill down when you are not there. Typically, the south facing windows are the ones that get the most amount of sun due to their location. Install window coverings like heavy curtains, drapes, roman or roller shades, or blinds on all windows.
If you live in a sunny area, you could generate your own energy. Invest in PV cells and have a professional install them on your roof. You should have your needs in electricity assessed by a professional to make sure your solar installation will provide enough power for your home.
Plant trees around your home. The trees will help provide shading for you home and therefore will help keep your home cooler in the hot summer months. It will not require as much air conditioning to keep it at your desired temperature. Since trees lose leaves in the winter, they will still allow the sun to come in and help heat your home during the winter months.
If you are thinking about switching to solar power, do your research first. Some towns have restrictions regarding the number of collectors they allow. To bypass these limitations, think about getting your neighbors to join you and get a solar power unit that would provide power for a small group of homes.
Go green on your coffee break by bringing your own cup. If you usually order a Tall Latte at Starbucks, bring a tall re-usable coffee mug with you. Every time you ask your favorite coffee shop to mix your drink in your own cup, you are helping to green your environment.
If you can not afford to get new windows that are more energy efficient, be sure to invest in some good shades. During the summer months, cover the windows during the day to keep the sun out. In the winter months, leave the window covers open to let the sun heat up the rooms; close them at night though to help keep the cold out.
Replace your light bulbs with eco-friendly bulbs. These light bulbs will last longer, burn brighter and use less power. The only downside is that they are more expensive than regular light bulbs. However, you will get your money back when your energy bills start decreasing and you won’t have to constantly buy new light bulbs.
Heat your home with biofuels. Biofuels contain wood, oil and fat. You can find a professional to change your furnace if it is propane so that it can heat with the blend of fuels. Your fuel choices are likely to be between 20 and 99 percent biofuel. Talk to a pro before using this fuel inside your house.
In a colder climate, make sure you weatherize your windows to be energy efficient. This will not only help you stay much warmer, but it will save you on energy costs. You can have this done for a fee, or you can do it yourself after purchasing the necessary products.
Energy Star appliances help save energy. An Energy Star appliance is built to use less energy than non-Energy Star appliances. Refrigerators and freezers use about 20 percent less energy, while the energy that washing machines use is cut in half.
Use your microwave oven whenever you can instead of the stove and oven. Cooking in the oven or on the stove top uses a lot of energy. So, pop your food in the microwave and avoid wasting energy to heat it.
A good green energy technology tip is to use a water heater that is on-demand. Traditional water heaters run constantly, wasting energy because they heat water when it isn’t needed. Water heaters that use on-demand, will heat water instantly when needed, which ends up saving you a lot in energy costs.
A tankless water heater is a great, “green” addition to any house. A tankless heater will heat your water at the source, meaning you aren’t storing heated water in a tank until you need to use it. The hot water is available almost immediately. This is an energy efficient option that can be added to most any home.
Make use of your ceiling fans to make the air cooler during the summer. The ceiling fan keeps air circulating, which can create the feeling of cooler air. This is especially so if you run the fan with the air conditioner on. You will be able to set your thermostat much higher because the ceiling fan is doing some of the work.
Clean the filters in your air conditioner and dryer. Clean filters mean that your appliances use less energy, and less traditional energy means greener energy. Schedule a time to clean the filters so you don’t forget. You might, for example, clean the filter for the dryer and air conditioner once every week.
If you’re willing to dedicate yourself to take the time and put in the work, you’ll be shocked by how simple, quick and easy, it will be to change your home to use green energy. All you need to do is use the many tips in this article and you will be well on your way, so get to work!
