What do solar energy, tidal power, and wind power all have in common? They're all forms of green energy; natural energy sources that cause minimal pollution. If we want to take care of this planet, it's important that we take the steps to use more green energy. Keep reading this article to find out how.
Before you start incorporating green energy sources into your home, you should cut back on the amount of electricity you use. Make sure you're not wasting power by leaving things turned on when you're not using them. This way, when you make the switch over to alternative energy sources, you'll be more efficient with your energy usage.
If your home has a pool or hot tub, look into a solar water heating system. Installing a solar water heating system costs about the same as a conventional system, but operating costs for the system will be much lower. Repair costs for solar heating systems are often lower as well.
Do not assume that green energies are too expensive. The initial cost can be high, but most states will give you interesting tax incentives if you invest in green energies. You will be saving a lot of money on your energy bills. Do the math for yourself, and you will find that green energies are not expensive.
Too often, the water heater allows water to reach a scalding temperature when trying to take a shower. Try turning the maximum heat on the water heater down by twenty degrees, and you will see a definite decrease in electricity costs. Tankless water heaters are another green energy option for anyone.
Try Continue Reading switching to CFLs. The compact fluorescent bulbs tend to use about 75 percent less energy than the traditional incandescent bulbs do, plus they last around 10 times longer. They are pricier than the traditional bulbs, but it takes only a few months to make up for it in energy savings.
Only a small percentage of older homes are insulated. It will require an initial investment, but it will cost you much less to heat and cool your home every month afterward. Your heating and cooling system will run much more efficiently, and you will surely reap the benefits for years to come.
Buy Energy Star products. In the typical home, appliance's make up about 20 percent of the electricity use. You can purchase products that contain the Energy Saver seal and start saving money on your electric bill and use less of the world's power sources. In order to carry the Energy Star seal, the appliance has to run efficiently.
If specific areas of your home feel cold or drafty, then chances are they are not properly sealed or insulated. These deficiencies can greatly increase the cost of heating or cooling your home and are often an easy fix. Seal any holes you identify and get a price estimate for adding insulation to thin walls.
Get as many pieces of mail electronically as possible. Basically, this means using as little paper as possible. This will help the businesses you deal with cut down on energy costs, and it will also save you a lot of money on energy costs too. In addition, going paperless helps the environment, something that everyone benefits from.
The average washing machine uses a lot of hot water. It can use over 30 gallons each load. Cut down on its hot water usage by washing in cold water. Many people struggle with this because they insist on having the water warm. If you're one of them, try replacing your machine with an Energy Star unit. Many modern detergents clean clothes really well at low temperatures.
If you have a car with a diesel engine, think about switching to biodiesel. Biodiesel is degradable is will not have any harmful effects on the environment. However, using biodiesel can be expensive and finding filling stations is hard. If you can afford to use this alternative, do your best to reduce harmful emanations from diesel engines.
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.
Consider installing a solar powered hot water heater for your home. These systems use natural sunlight to heat the water in your home and are very green alternatives to using a standard power water heater. You will save a bunch of money using these systems because you are not wasting your money on power to heat your water.
Those looking to save energy and live a greener life may want to consider reducing the amount of lighting in their house. Ask yourself if you really need four lamps in a single room, or read with a book light rather than using your rooms lighting at night. This simple tip can go a long way to reducing your energy consumption.
Thaw foods that are frozen in the fridge. Thawing frozen foods in the fridge is safer. It also helps save energy by providing extra cold air for your refrigerator as the food thaws.
Your green living journey can start with major home improvements, or it can start with something as easy as using light bulbs that are energy-efficient. Completing a few simple projects that don't require professional assistance can save you a ton of energy, not to mention money. Just select your first project and you'll be headed in the right direction.
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.
Green energy is going to be the way of the future, as we're running out of fossil fuels, yet demand continues to grow. It's important that you take what you've learned here and start using it today, so that you don't feel the energy crunch, which is rapidly coming upon us!
