Green Energy In Everyday Life
It is a happy fact that using green energy is great for the planet and great for your pocketbook. Most people want to do their part to protect planet earth, and everybody wants to save money, but what can you do to make the most of green energy in your everyday decisions? In this article, we will explore some simple effective green ideas. Read on to learn more.
Make an inventory of your current energy use. Check your house to make sure you are not wasting your heating and cooling energy by having air leaks around windows and doors and into your attic. If you find areas where your valuable heated or cooled air can escape, make a little investment in weather-stripping and insulation to correct the problems. Be sure all your windows have good thermal drapes to help you control the temperature of your home.
Be sure to watch your thermostat and keep it set at a moderate level. In the wintertime, 68 degrees Fahrenheit is a good temperature when you are up and about during the day. When you are asleep or away from home, lower the temperature to 58 degrees. In the summertime, keep your thermostat at about 72 degrees at all times, and use fans when you need extra cooling. You will be pleasantly surprised by the reduction in your utility bill.
Make use of the green energy of the sun. Anyone can use passive solar energy by opening the drapes and allowing the sun's rays to warm the home on chilly days. Additionally, there are lots of standalone solar products you can buy to use around the home, such as path lighting, pool heaters, electronics rechargers and more. Of course, investing in solar panels to provide electricity for your home is the ultimate in use of the power of the sun. This is a decision that can save you a bundle after an initial investment. You may be able to get help from local, state or federal programs for a solar installation, and you may even be able to sell power back to your power company once your solar units are installed.
Remember to only turn lights on when you are using them. If no one is in a room, the light does not need to be on. Invest in power bars to plug in your electronic items and even lamps and other standard household electrical items. When you leave the house or go to bed at night, switch off the power bars. This will help prevent a steady draw of phantom energy from these items. This will save you quite a bit on your electric bill and reduce your carbon footprint significantly.
When you make sure your home is well insulated, control your thermostat, make use of the power of the sun and practice sensible energy saving habits, you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Follow the tips presented here to begin practicing green energy strategies today for a healthier planet and a healthier bank balance.
