Less Mean, More Green: Advice On Green Energy
The term “green energy” is used a lot these days in the news and in business. However, you may not know exactly what is meant by the term. Green energy is any type of energy from a sustainable resource, such as the sun or wind. Read on to find out more about green energy and how it can work for you.
If you plan to purchase lighting for your deck or patio, you should give solar-powered lamps a try. The solar lamps are relatively inexpensive and will not need any additional power other than direct sunlight. You save a lot of energy in the process. You also won’t have to spend time wiring your outdoor lights.
If you are repairing or replacing your roof, and you have good sun exposure, look into having photovoltaic (PV) cells integrated into the roofing material. Modern PV cells are much less noticeable than older styles. If you don’t use all of the electric generated by your home, some utility companies will even let you feed it back into the system for credit against your bills.
Try using energy efficient light bulbs or even LED lights in your home to cut costs for lighting. Turning off the lights when you are not in the room also helps to save energy. Keep this in mind when you are leaving home, as simply turning off the lights saves a lot of energy!
If you are interested in alternative energy sources, you can start by contacting your current energy provider to see if they have anything to offer. Many companies are now able to harness power from solar and wind power. This may cost you more, as there is a price for the extra work involved in tapping these sources, but you will be doing the environment a favor!
When you are not using your appliances, you should make sure they are turned off. If you are in a room, make sure that the light is turned off when you exit. If you leave your home, ensure the TV is turned off. These little things can greatly decrease the amount of energy you use in your home, which will leave you with some extra cash in your pocket at the end of the month.
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!
Try using cold water in the washing machine whenever it is possible. 90% of the energy used by washing machines is for heating up water. Because of this, using warm water will just increase your monthly utility bill and decrease the amount of money you have at the end of the month.
As you can see, there are many different types of “green energy” technologies. Because there are so many options, there is bound to be a way to put “green energy” to work for you, while doing your part for the future of the planet. Use the information that you’ve learned in this article, in order to make an informed choice for your personal energy needs.