Save Money Using Green Energy
In an economy where it continues to be a struggle for many to hold on to there homes, utility bills can be a constant cause of stress. If you invest a little money in green energy, however, you can save money for years to come by decreasing the amount of gas, electricity, and water you use on a daily basis.
One simple way to save money that doesn't cost you a penny is to unplug all appliances when they aren't in use. The chords continue to conduct a low level of current even when the appliance is off, meaning that your bill is increasing continuously for electronics not even in use. If you already have acquired this habit, take a look at what kind of appliances you have and if there are equivalent, low energy options. The appliances that are most important to switch are the ones you use the most. Consider starting with your refrigerator, air conditioners, and light bulbs.
Over the past decades, there have been huge advances in water saving technology. This includes toilets, washing machines, showers, and faucets. These new appliances work just as well, and use a fraction of the water of their older counterparts. It may seem expensive to upgrade your house in this way, but you will save in the long run.
If can only afford to make one major change in your home, insulate the windows and doors. Even if you find you have to replace your windows, the cost is worth it. The importance of being able to keep heat in and cold out or vice versa will have a significant impact on your heating bill and electricity costs related to airconditioning. Of course, these changes are most important if you are living in places with extreme weather conditions. In the winter, you are paying a fortune to heat your home, especially as gas prices rise. What you may not realize is large drafts of cold air are leaking through the windows and doors of your home, making you turn your heat up even higher just to keep warm. The same is true in the summer when all your cool air leaks out into the blistering hot day and is replaced by the warm air from outside.
As you begin to replace and improve the technology you use in your home, it is also important that you begin to create habits that help you maximize your energy savings. Turn off the lights when you are not using them. Open the blinds so you can use fewer lamps. Try to decide what you are getting out of the refrigerator or freezer before you open the door to minimize the time the cool air has to escape. Consider drying your clothes on a clothes line or drying rack instead of in the dryer.
Reducing the amount of gas, electricity, and water will seem like a daunting task at first. However, if you start with small changes, you will soon see that going green is not as hard as you thought. As you start to see your bills go down, you will find it easy to take the next steps towards making your home energy efficient. There will be some costs in the beginning, but your long-term savings will more than make up for the initial loss.
