Everyone loves to use their cars, microwaves, portable media players, and other life-enhancing technology, but it's often true that these items are being used at the cost of the environment. It's important to learn as much as possible about how to power everyone's life without damaging the Earth, and this article will help you do just that!
As you ready yourself to make the switch to green energy, try getting a step ahead of the game by decreasing your present energy needs. By using less energy, it will be that much easier to switch to alternative sources because you won't be using as much. Good ways to start include using less light in your home, shortening hot showers and using cool instead of hot water for laundry.
Are you still using oil heat? You could switch to a greener solution without replacing your furnace. Find a qualified technician to inspect your system and make sure you can switch to a biofuel. Biofuels are non-toxic, degradable and renewable sources of energy that you will be able to re-use.
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.
Green living is not only about buying the right products, but it is about saving on energy when ever possible. When you are not in the room, take the time to turn off your ceiling fans to conserve energy and not waste power. If you are not in the room, there is no need to have the fan on.
Think outside of the box. While many people think 'solar' panels when they think of green energy, there are other ways to take advantage of the sun. If you are building a new home, consider incorporating passive solar design into the home. By building with materials such as concrete or adobe and taking advantage of the sun's natural heat with south-facing windows, you can create a home that will naturally heat itself in the winter and stay cool in the summer.
If you are thinking http://planetsave.com/2009/06/07/global-warming-effects-and-causes-a-top-10-list/ about switching to solar power, do your research first. Some towns have restrictions regarding the number of collectors they allow. To bypass these limitations, think about getting your neighbors to join you and get a solar power unit that would provide power for a small group of homes.
Warm-air registers, radiators, and baseboard heaters need cleaning at least once per year. It is best to clean these at the beginning of the cold season so they are ready to work at top efficiency once the weather turns cold. Clean heating units will distribute the heated energy evenly.
You do not have to leave your electronics behind to live a green lifestyle. Recharge your electronics with solar chargers and you no longer have to be concerned with your electronics being a drain on the environment. It is a small investment that pays off quickly in electric bills and a guilt-free conscience.
Try switching to CFLs. The compact fluorescent bulbs tend to use about 75 percent less energy than the traditional incandescent bulbs do, plus they last around 10 times longer. They are pricier than the traditional bulbs, but it takes only a few months to make up for it in energy savings.
A really simple way to begin making your house energy-efficient is to get your electric company to help you. Many of the utility companies have added website tools that help you review your current energy usage and look for ways to reduce it. Also see if they offer discounts for purchasing certain energy-efficient items, such as appliances or light bulbs.
Make sure you remind yourself to be on top of being energy efficient and check into your energy bills on a monthly and annual basis to see what the difference is. You can reduce your energy use just by being http://myledlighting1.weebly.com/home/watts-versus-lumens-versus-footcandles aware of what you are spending. You will probably make newer, greener habits such as turning off appliances when not in use if you approach energy reduction consciously.
Pay attention to the thermostat in your home. Installing a programmable thermostat makes it easier for you to track the temperature in your house, and turn the heat down when you aren't at home. Between 1 and 3 percent of your energy costs can be cut for each degree you turn it down!
Invest in green technologies to ensure their proliferation. Consumers are a powerful group that can exercise that power by selective purchasing. If you want to encourage the use of renewable energy purchase products, vehicles, and electronics that utilize these technologies. If consumers insist on green technologies companies will produce items that use green technologies.
Do not use bottle water. This water comes from a tap and is then filtered or has minerals put back into it, and the bottling process uses a ton of energy and pollutes the environment. If you are suspicious of your area's water supply, try using a re-usable metal bottle with a replaceable filter.
Now that you know what it takes to use green energy in your own home, forget all of the excuses you were using before. Take this article and put the information from it to use. You'll find that there are so many benefits, from saving money on bills to making money on extra energy, well within your reach!
