Easy Ideas for Utilizing Green Energy In Your Daily Life

The idea of going green in the home may make many people scratch their heads wondering where to begin. It can be rather confusing and maybe a bit intimidating. If you are unsure about what steps can be taken to improve the way energy is used in your home, then read on to get some information that will assist you in your green journey.

Although some people might assume that climate change is a hoax, you may disagree. Take steps now to reduce your carbon footprint, while also saving money through efficient energy usage.

Do not assume that green energies are too expensive. The initial cost can be high, but most states will give you interesting tax incentives if you invest in green energies. You will be saving a lot of money on your energy bills. Do the math for yourself, and you will find that green energies are not expensive.

Solar Water Heaters

If you are looking to naturally heat your water using solar power, an indirect circulation system may be perfect for your home if you live in an area where the temperatures go below freezing. These systems run a fluid that does not freeze through the system to prevent icing, and they’re very energy-efficient. This pump will still use electricity, but only about 25% when compared to traditional water heaters.

If your home has a pool or hot tub, look into a solar water heating system. Installing a solar water heating system costs about the same as a conventional system, but operating costs for the system will be much lower. Repair costs for solar heating systems are often lower as well.

You can also 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.

Green Lighting Solutions

Purchase solar lights for your garden and outdoor walkways. These decorative lights are relatively inexpensive, and do not add to your electricity bill. During the day, these lights absorb power from the sun. At night, they light the area with the stored energy. These are a fantastic way to reduce your energy consumption while beautifying your yard. If you’re feeling ambitious, try designing one yourself.

A great way to go green is to replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights or LED’s. These light bulbs use about one fifth of the energy as regular light bulbs but can last up to twelve times longer. They also don’t generate as much heat so they are particularly useful in the summer months.

In rooms that you are frequently in, put automatic light sensors that have motion detectors. The lights in these rooms are turned off by the sensors when not in use, resulting in energy and money savings. Add these sensors to your outdoor lights, as well.

Energy-Efficient Windows & Incoming Sunlight

Use curtains to assist you in keeping green. If it is summer and you want the room to stay cool, draw the curtains during the day so that the sun doesn’t shine in. If it’s winter, and you want the room to stay warm, open the curtains and let the sun into your room.

If you can, replace your old windows with the more efficient new styles. These types of windows will lower your energy bills as well as protect your home from outside noise and carbon dioxide.

Conserve Energy

Green living is not only about buying the right products, but it is about saving on energy whenever 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.

When you are working at home on your computer, take the time to turn it off along with the printer and any other speakers or accessories attached to it. These constant drains on your cost you a bundle in the long run and make your overall impact on society less green.

Make energy efficiency a sure thing in your home by installing a programmable thermostat and putting other appliances on timers. Set your thermostat for different temperatures at different times of the day, depending on who is or is not home. Likewise, set appliances on timers that shut them off regardless of whether or not anyone is home.

The Power of Wind

Don’t forget to use ceiling fans just because it’s wintertime. Change to the winter clockwise rotation to return the warm air down towards the room and put less stress on your heater. The fans use much less electricity than your heater or furnace, which will cut your electric bill.

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.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Responsibly recycling electronics is a great way to maximize resources. When people think of green energy they think of alternative energy. However, it is just as important to get the most from the non-renewable resources that we use as it is to minimize our use. Recycling electronics prevents unnecessary polluting of landfills as well as reuses resources that non-renewable.

Pack your own lunch when going to work or out for the day. This saves money, but also improves the environment by using less “consumables” that inevitably come with meals ordered out. You can reuse the containers you used for your lunch, and it only takes a small space in your bag or purse.

Switch over to getting information through email. Going paperless can build the environment in many ways. This builds businesses to save energy as well as consumers. Most importantly, it builds to protect the environment.

Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Conclusion

You should now be more aware of what it takes to make your home a green one. Use the provided information to reduce the amount of resources that it takes to run your home. You are sure to appreciate the changes that you have made for your lifetime and your children’s.