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 are repairing or replacing your roof, and you have good sun exposure, look into having photovoltaic (PV) cells integrated into the roofing material. Modern PV cells are much less noticeable than older styles. If you don't use all of the electric generated by your home, some utility companies will even let you feed it back into the system for credit against your bills.
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.
Swap your old incandescent light bulbs for high-efficiency LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs use far less electricity than incandescent, and they come in sizes that fit most existing fixtures. While the up-front cost is generally higher, most of these bulbs will last for years before burning out.
Make use of fans inside the home. You can easily use floor fans or have a ceiling fan installed to increase airflow inside the home. You can use these even if you already have an air conditioner because you can turn the thermostat higher and just use the fans for air movement.
If you are interested in alternative energy sources, you can start by contacting your current energy provider to see if they have anything to offer. Many companies are now able to harness power from solar and wind power. This may cost you more, as there is a price for the extra work involved in tapping these sources, but you will be doing the environment a favor!
A very easy and cheap way to save on your high energy bills is to try installing some low flow shower heads and faucets. Switching from the standard, 2.5 gallon/minute shower heads, to the low flow 1.5 gallon/minute ones, can help you save a lot with your hot water energy costs.
Make sure that your home is completely sealed from all drafts, if you want to live green and use the principals of green energy. Windows and doors are your biggest culprits for letting hot and cold air out of your home. So, seal them up and start saving money.
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.
Try heating water using solar power to further implement solar power into your needs. For many people, solar power is still a thing of the future, but it doesn't have to be. There are many ways to include it in today's world, and using a solar power for all your water heating needs is one of them. Think about how much your current water heater is used, and think about how much money you could save.
Appliances can be a big, unnecessary energy drain. Find out how much energy each of your appliances are using. Work to replace those larger appliances that are inefficient and outdated, and unplug the smaller ones - like computers and television sets - when they are not in use. Setting all appliances on a timer switch is another way to ensure that you don't waste energy.
Seal any air leaks in your home. Air leakage, or infiltration typically occurs when the outside air enters your house uncontrollably via openings and cracks. You can properly seal these openings and cracks via sealant or weatherstripping. This greatly reduces cooling and heating costs, betters your building's durability, and helps you mainatain a healthier home environment.
Get some green plants in your home and your garden. Green plants transform carbon dioxide into oxygen: keeping plants in your home is a good way to balance the harmful emanations from your heating system. It is also a good alternative to opening up windows and losing heat to change the air in your home.
If your dishwasher was made before 1994, replace it with a new, high-efficiency model to save both electricity and water. Modern dishwashers use fewer gallons per load than older units, and they come with a wider variety of settings that allow you to customize your energy usage based on the size of the load.
You can reduce your monthly energy bills by air-sealing. This means sealing off openings in your home where hot and cool air can either escape or get inside the home. Places to seal include windows, doors, gaps around attic access hatches and pull-down stairs. Look for anyplace where you can find gaps that allow heat or cool air to escape!
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.
Ceiling fans can help keep your home warm during the winter months. A ceiling fan spinning clockwise will push warmer air downward from the ceiling, reducing the amount of heat your home needs to produce. Running your fans is less costly than leaving your furnace on all the time.
Think about going green in terms of energy use in small steps, especially if your home cannot accommodate the solar panels or wind turbines necessary for a major infusion of green energy. Things like laptops, cell phones, iPods and other small gadgets can easily be powered up with smaller solar cells.
If you are going to switch to green energy, you should invest in a generator. In case something goes wrong with your alternative energy solution, you will be able to rely on your generator until you can get your system fixed. If you find yourself using your generator often, green energy might not be the right solution.
As you can see, using green energy is very popular. By using renewable energy sources and making your home more energy efficient, you'll be helping the environment one day at a time. If you remember the tips you just http://www.inoreader.com/bundle/0014cd638053 read, you can begin using green energy at home just like everyone else is doing.
