Pollution; it is the evil that we release upon our planet every day, as we power our cars, homes, and businesses. More Green Advice On Green Energy, if you are one of those who sees the need to pull away from traditional forms of energy and look for cleaner, renewable sources of energy, this article should be helpful to you.
To help you use more green energy in your day to day life, contact your current energy or electricity provider to see if they offer a renewable-energy alternative. Many energy companies are beginning to offer environmentally sound, even higher priced energy services to cater to more socially conscious individuals.
Turn off the kitchen, bathroom, and any other exhaust fans as soon as you no longer need them. Some people leave the fans on for 20 minutes or so, but it is better to leave them on for no longer than five minutes after showering, bathing, or cooking is finished.
There are government grants available for investing in renewable energy. Ask at your local municipality office to research what types of programs might be available to you. For instance, you might find that installation of wind or solar structures is free, or you might see a tax benefit by installing a tankless water heater.
Start small. Even if you don’t have the resources for a large-scale green energy project, there are still steps you can take. For example, solar chargers for small electronics generally only require the device to be set near a window for a few hours. Don’t underestimate the power of a small step.
Plant trees around your home. The trees will help provide shading for you home and therefore will help keep your home cooler in the hot summer months. It will not require as much air conditioning to keep it at your desired temperature. Since trees lose leaves in the winter, they will still allow the sun to come in and help heat your home during the winter months.
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.
Use solar-powered outdoor lights. Outdoor lighting elements are a great place to use solar power, since there is easy access to sunlight. There are a wide range of lighting options to fit any decor. Not only does the solar-powered feature save on your energy bill, but it also makes these lights easy to install anywhere on your property.
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.
More Green Advice On Green Energy
If you are struggling to maintain low energy costs in your home, you should try putting in a water-efficient flow control washer or shower rose that is Triple A-rated. Triple-A appliances are designed to decrease the amount of energy used in your home, which will ultimately lead to large savings.
To practice good green energy habits you should make it a priority to recycle at home. Anything that is recyclable should be sorted out and stored in a recycle bin. By doing this, you are taking an active role in making sure the environment is safe for everyone while also cutting down on energy costs.
During the holidays, it can be tempting to want to put up a lot of lights, both inside and outside your home. However, this is not wise. Not only will your electric bill be extremely high, but you will be using too much energy. Try to use Christmas lights sparingly.
Use rainwater to water outdoor plants and shrubs. This water can also be collected and used for kiddie pools and other outdoor water needs. Rain collection buckets are simple to install, and these reduce the amount of city or well water you use each year, saving you money and keeping your yard green.
One way to help with reducing energy is by using solar panels in your home. Solar energy harnesses the power from the sun which is then used to provide energy to things like getting hot water, drying clothes and keeping your home warm during the winter. Solar energy is also pollution free and helps to lower the carbon footprint along with other greenhouse gases and terrible emissions.
Consider opting for a solar hot water heating system. If you must use hot water to run your dishwasher or do your laundry, a solar hot water system can benefit you. If you live in an area where freezing is not a concern, a direct circulation system will be perfect for you.
LED lights should be used during the next holiday season. Research has shown that in the United States alone, more than two billion kilowatt hours worth of power could be saved if everyone made this transition. The Department of Energy has shown that the United States could conserve over 2 billion kWh of electricity if all households switched light types. To put this in perspective, that amount of power could supply the energy needs of 200000 homes for a whole year. Your holiday power bill will be smaller too!
As a business owner, you can benefit from interesting tax incentives by adopting green energies. Avoid any kind of fossil fuel emanation, including oil, coal, and natural gas. Using green energies will give a positive image of your brand, and will help you save money on the long run if you decide to invest in your own green energy system.
More and more people are becoming aware of the need for a shift from traditional, polluting energy to renewable, clean, green energy. Hopefully, some of the thoughts and ideas mentioned in this article should help you as you learn more about green energy. We all have a responsibility to take care of our world, and finding better energy sources is key to fulfilling that responsibility.