Beginning to use green energy does not have to be difficult. You may not know exactly where to start, or what changes would be most beneficial to you while being environmentally friendly. Read the article below for tips to help you live a greener life inside your own walls.
Wear natural fabrics instead of running your air conditioner during summer months. Cotton and linen wick away moisture from your skin so that you stay cooler. Lighter colors also make you feel cooler.
If your home is heated with fuel oil, ask a technician if you can switch to biodiesel. Sometimes you can make the switch to some use of biodiesel fuels without having to purchase new parts or make costly modifications. Bio-diesel is more efficient and burns cleaner than conventional petroleum, which in turn, reduces the environmental impact from your home during the winter.
When you are away from home, use window coverings. Heavy drapes help keep you home cool, resulting in energy savings. South-facing windows get maximum sun. Use dark curtains, roman shades, roller shades or other coverings on all windows.
Consider installing a solar water heating system. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are not a problem, you can purchase a system that heats water through a heater that is solar before it pumps it in your home. Make sure you own traditional water heaters for backup during cold days.
Know the available energy options in your community. Compare the costs of various utilities, and take current or pending energy legislation into consideration. For example, it might be wise to use natural gas instead of electric heat or water from the well rather than city water.
Turn off appliances if you are not using them. Any rooms in the home that are vacant should not have any electronics or lights left on. You can save a lot of money on energy by investing into a new power strip for all of your electronics and turning it off when those electronics aren’t in use.
Each home’s layout is different and located in different places. Since each home has its own characteristics, what will work for one, may not work for another. There are some green solutions that one homeowner may implement but that may not work for another. Research the different options available to you and then select the one that is a perfect fit for your own home.