How are you using green energy in your life right now? If you can't answer that question, you have to read this article. Green energy is clean, safe and cheap, so it is smart to make the most of it. Read these tips to find some smart ways to put green energy to use in your life.
If you're considering switching to green energy sources, the easiest thing you can do is call up your current electric provider and see if the offer green energy. Many electric companies offer these power sources to their customers. They may cost a bit more, however, to offset the amount of money they would've had to invest in the sources.
Biodiesel fuel might be an option if your current heat source is fuel oil. Switching to biodiesel is often doable without system modification. Bio-diesel is more efficient and burns cleaner than conventional petroleum, which in turn, reduces the environmental impact from your home during the winter.
Try to turn off things you are not using. For example, if you are not in a certain room, turn off the lights, TV or computer. Get a power strip so you can turn off all of your electronics at the same time, rather than letting energy get wasted in standby mode.
Install timers, motion sensors, or sound sensors on lamps, lights and other electrical devices to automate their functions. Such sensors are ideal if you have a hard time remembering to turn off the lights, and because they conserve energy, they can save you a significant amount of your power bill.
When you purchase new appliances, like refrigerators, ranges, and washing machines, look for the Energy Star label. The United States Department of Energy recommends these products because they save energy. You will also save money by using them. Products that are energy efficient will usually have a star on them.
Don't throw away that coffee grinds- use them to fertilize your plants. Coffee grinds are rich in nitrogen so these make great, healthy plant food. Using coffee grinds as fertilizer keeps them out of the landfill, makes it unnecessary for you to purchase and use chemical plant food, and make your plants grow nicely, adding oxygen to the atmosphere.
If you are in favor of using green energy to save money as well as to help the environment, try using an energy system that omits fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, as these tend to emit carbon dioxide. Instead, use a renewable energy system such as solar, wind or hydro-power.
A high-efficiency furnace becomes far less efficient with a clogged, dirty filter, so change your furnace filters often. This is especially important if you use tightly-woven pleated filters, because the HVAC system must work much harder to draw in air through its tiny openings. Most filters need to be changed or cleaned at least once every 3 months.
Replace your furnace with one that has the Energy Star seal on it. You can save 15 to 20 percent on your month energy costs if you purchase a highly efficient furnace. You can even get a federal tax credit that will help cover the cost of your new furnace!
Appliances can be a big, unnecessary energy drain. Find out how much energy each of your appliances are using. Work to replace those larger appliances that are inefficient and outdated, and unplug the smaller ones - like computers and television sets - when they are not in use. Setting all appliances on a timer switch is another way to ensure that you don't waste energy.
Replace an old washing machine with a high-efficiency model for a greener way to do your laundry. High-efficiency machines come in both top-loading and front-loading designs that use less water than standard machines. They also spin clothes at high speeds to wring more water out of them, helping them dry faster.
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.
During cooler days, turn off that air conditioning to be greener and save on energy. Many homeowners let their air conditioning run non-stop no matter the outdoor temperature. This can use up a lot of energy and cost you hundreds of more dollars annually. Opening the windows and letting a cross-breeze in is a fast and easy way to be green and get some fresh air!
If it is holiday time, you might want to consider throwing out your old bulbs and replacing them with new energy efficient LED lights for your tree and your home. These lights use 90 percent less energy than the old style lights and will save you money during the holiday season.
Harnessing the amazing power of the wind can reduce the cost of supplying energy to your home by as much as 90% make certain your town or city does not have been zoning restrictions against wind turbines, and check with a professional first to make sure there is enough room on your property to accommodate the size of the necessary equipment.
Keep your fridge and freezer closed as often as possible. Refrigeration consumes about a third of your households total energy and constantly leaving your fridge and freezer open can increase the energy needed by up to 25%. Make sure that you know what you want before opening up your refrigerator.
A tankless water heater is a great, "green" addition to any house. A tankless heater will heat your water at the source, meaning you aren't storing heated water in a tank until you need to use it. The hot water is available almost immediately. This is an energy efficient option that can be added to most any home.
Now that you have read the article, you know that green energy is smart energy. It is safe, cheap, and clean. Take the tips in this article and use them to make your life greener. Apply the tips to your life, and you will soon see how green energy is beneficial for you.
Orignal From: Small Ways You Can Start Living More Green
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