A great way to use the environment to your advantage is to use things like the wind, water or sun to generate energy for your home. People who want to have a greener home, should continue reading this article.
Try using energy efficient light bulbs or even LED lights in your home to cut costs for lighting. Turning off the lights when you are not in the room also helps to save energy. Keep this in mind when you are leaving home, as simply turning off the lights saves a lot of energy!
Swap your old thermostat for a greener programmable model. You can program these thermostats to adjust the temperature at particular times during the day, so your heating and cooling system will run less while you are at work or school. These thermostats are inexpensive, and they can save you money on your electric bill while preventing unnecessary energy use.
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.
If you are charging products within your home, use smart green ideas to conserve energy by unplugging these devices when you are done. Even when they are fully charged, these units still consume energy and cost you money. So unplug them when they are finished, and save some energy and money.
Use solar-powered outdoor lights. Outdoor lighting elements are a great place to use solar power, since there is easy access to sunlight. There are a wide range of lighting options to fit any decor. Not only does the solar-powered feature save on your energy bill, but it also makes these lights easy to install anywhere on your property.
A helpful tip to live greener and conserve energy is to have the windows in your home tinted. The windows in your home act like glass in a greenhouse and when you want you home to be cool, the windows will heat it up and work against your air conditioner and cost you a bundle.
When planning a home solar system, calculate the potential energy generation of the system using hours of sunshine in the winter. That way you won’t run out of energy during winter months, and you will have more than enough in the summer. If you generate excess energy during the summer, with the right plan, your utility company will send you a check!
Are you currently using a wood-burning fireplace to decrease your dependence upon fossil fuels? If so, remember to shut the flue damper very tightly when your fireplace is not being used. If you forget to do this, both warmed or cooled air will easily escape from your house through the chimney.
The sooner you start using green energy, the sooner both you and the environment will start seeing the benefits. This article has shown that it is neither expensive nor difficult to go green.
