As talk of global warming and other environmental concerns increase, there are more options available to run your home on green energy. Read this article for tips on how to cut energy costs and even get more in tax refunds for using solar or wind power, instead of traditional energy.
To help you use more green energy in your day to day life, contact your current energy or electricity provider to see if they offer a renewable-energy alternative. Many energy companies are beginning to offer environmentally sound, even higher priced energy services to cater to more socially conscious individuals.
Buying energy-efficient light bulbs is a great way to save money and use green energy in your home. These light bulbs take a couple minutes to use their maximum brightness. This delay allows less energy to be used when turning on the lights in your home, which is a great way to save energy!
If you are trying to conserve energy in the summer, be sure to keep your shades drawn to block out the sun. Installing blinds and curtains will also help. Doing these things will let you use less air conditioning in the summer. You will save both energy and money.
If your property has a small stream running through it, you can install a micro hydropower system. These systems divert a small amount of the water through a turbine or wheel, providing energy that can be used to light and heat your home. If the flow is strong enough, you can power multiple homes on one of these systems.
Buy a box of Ziplock quart size baggies and use these to make your own snacks. Whether you enjoy a bit of trail mix, Chex Mix, or a tasty muffin, you can use this bag and wash it when you get home to use the next day. Keep your snacks green by washing and reusing these baggies for your snacks until they are too worn.
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.
Making changes to an existing home is very costly. If you want to start using green energies, you should think about moving or getting a new house built. Look for certain features such as running water or good exposure to the sun and wind when buying a new property or home.
You can use biofuels as a heat source for your home. Biofuels consist of vegetable or animal fats, wood and oils. If you have a propane furnace, a professional can usually make changes that allow you to use this blend of fuels. This is between 20 to 99% biodiesel. Be sure you discuss any new fuel use in your home with a pro before starting.
There are several things that we can all do to cut back on our use of energy. It is important to take these small steps now, as it not only saves money, but creates a better environment. Remember the tips in this article to start making energy efficient decisions that will have plenty of benefits.