From hydroelectric dams to wind farms, power collection is an integral part of our world’s electrical grid. The truth is, you can help keep the grid going by supplying your home with its own green energy. You will not only be powering your own equipment, but this allows you to give back to the grid, as well. Read on for some ideas to help you get started.
Speak with your utility company about receiving your electric power from a renewable source. Many metropolitan areas get some of their power from hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, or wind powered plants. Often, the electric company can simply apply a certain amount of your electric bill to renewable energy without you needing to make any other changes.
If you want to conserve energy, adjust your air conditioning unit so that it is set two degrees higher in the summer and two degrees lower in the winter. You will probably not be able to tell that you have changed it, but taking that step will save you on your monthly bill and bring down your carbon emissions.
Simply cleaning or changing the filter on your furnace can cut electricity costs significantly. Too much dirt or dust built up in the vents can make more heat necessary to warm the house. It only takes a short amount of time to clean these, and you will notice the change in your bills!
Go green on your coffee break by bringing your own cup. If you usually order a Tall Latte at Starbucks, bring a tall re-usable coffee mug with you. Every time you ask your favorite coffee shop to mix your drink in your own cup, you are helping to green your environment.
Turn your computer off when you are not using it. This includes anything connected to the computer, such as the printer. When these are on, even if in hibernate mode, they are drawing electricity. When you are done browsing or working, turn off the computer and turn off the strip plug to save electrical energy.
Replace regular light bulb with Energy Star qualified bulbs. These bulbs last about ten times as long as a traditional incandescent bulb, and use approximately 75 percent less energy, saving you about $30 in energy costs during the lifetime of the bulb. They also emit about 75 percent less heat, and are therefore much safer.
Get your whole family thinking about green energy by stocking organic, recycled or eco-friendly products whenever possible. Ask your kids to identify such products on the shelves at the store and explain why those products are better for your family, your home and your environment. You can also segue such conversations into other eco-friendly practices like shutting off the water while brushing your teeth or turning off lights when not in a room.
If you do not need to use the lights in your home, turn them off. This includes when you are not even at home. When the lights are left on, they use a lot of energy, which is not only negative for the environment, but it is also negative on your wallet.
Try receiving as much messaging as you can via email. Use paper as little as you can. Businesses will have a much easier time communicating with you, and they will be saving energy. It also helps save the planet, of course.
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.
One very basic method of using renewable green energy in your home is the use of solar power to dry your clothes. That is, hang your wet laundry out on a clothesline. The amount of energy saved by not using a dryer is considerable, and it also gets you outside in the nice weather.
Upgrading the windows on your home can go a long way with saving your money on energy costs. If you do not have energy efficient windows on your home, you could be paying an extra ten to twenty-five percent on your energy bill each and every month. Think about what kind of difference that could make if you upgrade your windows in conjunction with other energy-saving steps.
Consider getting a “freezer on bottom” refrigerator as a way to help save energy. Everyone knows that hot air rises, so it makes perfect sense to keep your coolest appliance as close to the ground as possible. This will help save energy as well as reduce the cost of your electric bill.
Some forms of insulation do not require professional services but rather can simply be pushed into an open area. These types of insulation are an ideal way to improve the energy efficiency of everything from your attic to your crawl spaces to your basement and the spaces between floors. This type of insulation can also be inserted whenever you repair drywall.
When you can, take showers rather than baths. Running a bath uses up to 40% more water than a shower does, which means more energy is being used and your water bill will sky rocket. If you insist in using a bath, let it fill up and then turn the water off.
If you’ve tried compact fluorescent lightbulbs in the past, but found their light to be cold and unappealing, try one of the newer models. The newer bulbs are much improved, and even more energy efficient than earlier ones. The designs are also improved, with smaller profiles and non-twisty models for fixtures where the bulbs are visible.
Did you know that the power you create, if you don’t need it, can be sold back to your municipal power corporation? Using green energy will not only power your home and save you on energy bills, but can also make you money! Use the information you’ve read here to change your life forever!