You might be aware of green energy, but do you know that it's not just good for the environment? Usually, green energy is presented as being excellent for the environment, but it is also good for you personally. It allows you to save money on energy costs. This article contains some good ways to start using green energy.
Speak with your utility company about receiving your electric power from a renewable source. Many metropolitan areas get some of their power from hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, or wind powered plants. Often, the electric company can simply apply a certain amount of your electric bill to renewable energy without you needing to make any other changes.
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.
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.
Only using the dishwasher when it is full will save you money and energy. It's sacrilege to turn it on with just one or two dishes inside. You might be surprised by how much you can actually fit in the dishwasher. Try your best to align your dishes properly so that you maximize your space in your dishwasher, play Tetris with your dishwasher.
Start small. Even if you don't have the resources for a large-scale green energy project, there are still steps you can take. For example, solar chargers for small electronics generally only require the device to be set near a window for a few hours. Don't underestimate the power of a small step.
You should never use a small amount of warm water all at once. Doing this will just gradually increase your overall energy usage. Instead, try using all the warm water you plan on using immediately. For example, you should try having all your family members take a quick shower at once.
Get your whole family thinking about green energy by stocking organic, recycled or eco-friendly products whenever possible. Ask your kids to identify such products on the shelves at the store and explain why those products are better for your family, your home and your environment. You can also segue such conversations into other eco-friendly practices like shutting off the water while brushing your teeth or turning off lights when not in a room.
Think of using a laptop computer instead of a desktop model to save on your electricity usage. You can reduce your energy use by three-quarters if you use the internet a lot or do a lot of word processing. Because laptops are portable, you can also enjoy the convenience of taking your computer anywhere.
Once you make the switch to green energies, let everyone know. A lot of people are not even considering this option because they are not educated enough about green energies: you have a chance to make a difference by using your own system to demonstrate how green energies work and convince more people to make the change.
You can actually use biofuels to add heat for your home. Biofuels contain wood, oil and fat. Propane furnaces can be changed to use multiple fuels. This fuel would contain anywhere from 20-99% biodiesel. Just be sure to consult with a professional before attempting to use this fuel in your home.
An on-demand hot water heater is a good way to stay green. Traditional water heaters run constantly, wasting energy because they heat water when it isn't needed. Using an on-demand water heater is a great way to save both energy and money.
Pack your own lunch when going to work or out for the day. This saves money, but also improves the environment by using less "consumables" that inevitably come with meals ordered out. You can reuse the containers you used for your lunch, and it only takes a small space in your bag or purse.
Clean your air filters monthly to see if they either require cleaning or if they need replaced. This can help your unit run more efficiently. You can also purchase a permanent filter that you can wash and re-use. These can save you a lot later and can prevent more waste in the landfills.
Keep your fridge and freezer closed as often as possible. Refrigeration consumes about a third of your households total energy and constantly leaving your fridge and freezer open can increase the energy needed by up to 25%. Make sure that you know what you want before opening up your refrigerator.
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.
Use light bulbs that are energy-efficient. Conventional light bulbs use entirely too much energy and create a lot of heat. Energy-efficient bulbs last much longer and don't give off that much heat. They can sometimes give off dimmer light, so make sure to use as many as you need in your rooms so you have comparable amounts of light.
Green energy is, of course, a great way to protect our natural resources, but it is also a smart way to save you hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs. Use the tips laid out here in this article, and you will soon have the greenest home in your entire neighborhood.
Orignal From: Easy Steps To Follow When Going Green
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