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.
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 you are planning on switching to green energy, it can seem too discouraging to jump in and do it all at once. While an entire home and land can be overwhelming, try narrowing your efforts to one room at a time. A good first step is a bedroom, where you can use solar power for just a reading lamp and a radio or alarm clock. Then work up from there!
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.
Take the time to dry your clothes naturally. The dryer in your home takes up a lot of energy and it is quite simple to just hang your clothes and allow them to air dry. If you do need to use the dryer, then be sure to clean out the lint to help it work more efficiently.
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 planning on installing solar panels, understand the amount of maintenance required. You have to keep the photovoltaic cells clean. If the cells are installed on your roof, this could mean climbing all over your roof as often as once a month. If you are not able to do that, you’ll need to hire someone.
Think about using the wind to power your home for an excellent source of green energy. You will not only be off the power grid, but the wind is an emission free source of energy that is in plentiful supply in many areas of the world. The initial cost may be high, but the savings in the long run are high as well.
Buy a programmable thermostat. An Energy Star programmable thermostat will regulate your home’s temperature year-round, both day and night. Always set your thermostat a couple of degrees less than you think the temperature should be, as you won’t really notice the difference in your home. An Energy Star thermostat will save you about $180 a year in heating costs.
Write reminders for energy-efficient goals and check your utility bills. You can reduce your energy use just by being aware of what you are spending. For instance, if your stated goal is to reduce your consumption of electricity and water, you are more apt to remember to turn off the lights and shut off the faucet when not using them.
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.