Small Steps To Living A More Sustainable Life

You may know a bit about green energy, but you might not be aware of all the ways you can live “green.” Green energy can be used very easily and can be easily implemented into your lifestyle, no matter what it is. Keep reading for some tips about how you can make your home greener.

Before you start incorporating green energy sources into your home, you should cut back on the amount of electricity you use. Make sure you’re not wasting power by leaving things turned on when you’re not using them. This way, when you make the switch over to alternative energy sources, you’ll be more efficient with your energy usage.

Instead of using fuel oil to heat your home, try to make a switch to biodiesel. Some systems do not need any modifications in order to use biodiesels. Biodiesel is a better fuel because it has a cleaner burn and is more efficient.

If you live in a sunny area, you could generate your own energy. Invest in PV cells and have a professional install them on your roof. You should have your needs in electricity assessed by a professional to make sure your solar installation will provide enough power for your home.

Support your local green energy providers by purchasing energy from them. You can check online to see if any of your local energy providers sell wind, hydro, or solar energy. By switching from the standard energy, you will send a message to your provider; you prefer cleaner energy. You will also be support the development of green energy in your area.

Don’t use electric heaters unless you have to during the winter months. You can save electricity by avoiding these devices. Instead, wear multiple layers, slippers and socks, or even consider investing in a stove or fireplace. In addition, this is beneficial to your health, as cooler air keeps your airways from getting too dry, allowing you to breathe easier while sleeping.

It is easy to live green,and still enjoy technology just by making small changes. Make your laptop more energy efficient simply by changing your wall paper. Using a dark or black wall paper, and screen saver uses less energy. This small amount of energy saved will add up over time, especially if you have more than one computer in the home.

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.

Convert your home into a more efficient place by investing into energy saving products. Insulated double-pane windows and eco-friendly doors are especially effective for saving energy. This will reduce both your home’s heating and cooling bills.

If possible, try to use a laptop computer, rather than a desktop. And, if the battery is full on your laptop, do not have it plugged into the charger. Desktop computers are perhaps one of the biggest energy users in your home, which is why why having a laptop is beneficial.

An easy way to make your home greener is to replace your old light fixtures with ones, which are ENERGY STAR qualified. If you are unable to install ENERGY STAR qualified lighting fixtures at the moment, at least replace your standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) which use much less energy.

Invest in solar power for your home. Adding a few solar panels to your roof can actually decrease the cost of heating or cooling your home by up to 50%! Talk to a professional about where best to install them on your roof, as the placement is very important to get the optimal amount of direct sunlight.

Purchasing a new boiler can be a good way to save energy. Old boilers were created without considering energy consumption, and new boilers are more efficient. Not only do the newer ones emit less carbon dioxide and are healthier, they will greatly lower your energy bill costs as well.

You can lower the temperature setting on your water heater and save money at the same time by insulating your water pipes. Just insulating the hot water pipes can reduce heat loss and raise your hot water temperature by 2-4 degrees F. You will save water as well, as it won’t take as long for the water to heat up.

You can reduce your monthly energy bills by air-sealing. This means sealing off openings in your home where hot and cool air can either escape or get inside the home. Places to seal include windows, doors, gaps around attic access hatches and pull-down stairs. Look for anyplace where you can find gaps that allow heat or cool air to escape!

If you are building a home, consider the placement of your windows carefully. If you place windows in the right areas of a home, they can act as a passive solar energy collector. This means that your windows can help you keep your home cooler in the summer, and warmer in the window. You will reduce your electric bill and your dependence on traditional energy sources.

Wash your clothing in cold water. By staying away from warm and hot water washing cycles, you take the need to heat the water out of the picture, meaning more energy saved! With today’s modern cold water detergents there is little to no effect on your clothing, so make the switch today to save some energy.

Contact your local utility company to see if purchasing energy from renewable sources is an option for you. Buying green energy directly from a power company is one of the easiest ways to go green with your energy use, without having to invest in any major alterations to your home.

Making your home greener is a step you can take today. You don’t need that much money to make it happen. Just read over the tips laid out here and you will be able to easily use green energy when you need it. Always keep learning and your house will be the greenest on the block!