It’s important for everyone on the planet to help take care of our environment. One way to do this is to adopt a green energy lifestyle, with an eye towards less waste and greater energy efficiency in your home. But how exactly do you do that? Here are some ideas that will get you thinking about the steps you should be taking.
Talk to your electricity provider and see if they offer an alternative that allows your home to use green energy. Several companies are now using wind or solar power for their electricity, and you can take advantage of this! Call your provider today to find out if you can switch to green energy.
Cover your windows when you are away from home. This will help save energy. This helps to keep your house at a cooler temperature and lower the amount of energy used. Pay particular attention to covering the windows on the south side of your house. They typically admit the most sun. Make sure that all the windows are covered with dark curtains, blinds, roman shades, or whatever shade you choose.
If you have a swimming pool, you can save a lot of money by using solar energy to heat the water. Solar heating systems are not more expensive than other solutions and are easier to maintain. These systems also work for your outdoor hot tub. This is probably the best use of solar power.
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.
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.
Look into using recycled or rechargeable batteries for the items that require batteries. Disposable batteries cost a lot of money to produce and they also contain toxic chemicals which are bad for the environment. By switching to recycled or rechargeable batteries, you will be keeping these chemicals away from our environment.
Think small. If you are unable to use alternative energy for your entire house, start with just one room. You can use alternative energy sources in one room and when you are ready, install it in another room. This way you are not overwhelmed with the expense of making over your house to use alternative energy.
Take advantage of the sun by installing solar panels on your roof. These panels will harvest the energy from the sun and convert it into usable power for your home. Most energy companies will purchase any excess power that is created. You will discover at the least, a reduction in your power bill each month.
Try insulating your pipes to decrease the chances of them freezing and to cut the costs for hot water. Another added benefit is that the government will reimburse you up to 30 percent for using highly efficient insulation in your home. Contact local utility companies to find out your state laws.
Green energy is very important in the conservation of resources, a cleaner environment, and can help you save money. These suggestions should be helpful with incorporating a green energy philosophy into your daily lifestyle. As you can see, it’s easier than you might think. Get your friends talking about these tips and help spread the word about green energy.