Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

You do not have to break the bank to become more green, and you don't have to waste a lot of valuable time either. There are a few simple changes you can make to your home that will drastically reduce your utility bills while helping the environment. Learn how to get the most out of green energy by reading this article.

Turn off the kitchen, bathroom, and any other exhaust fans as soon as you no longer need them. Some people leave the fans on for 20 minutes or so, but it is better to leave them on for no longer than five minutes after showering, bathing, or cooking is finished.

If you're considering switching to green energy sources, the easiest thing you can do is call up your current electric provider and see if the offer green energy. Many electric companies offer these power sources to their customers. They may cost a bit more, however, to offset the amount of money they would've had to invest in the sources.

Find out more about ground source heat pumps. These pumps are located under your home and pump the natural heat of the earth to keep you warm. This system can be http://homegardenandgreenlivingshow.com/balancing-nature-and-technology but the pumps use very little power and can last up to fifty years. Invest in this system if you are going to stay in a home for decades.

A good way to begin your quest for green energy is to use alternative sources to heat your home. While wood stoves have been relied upon for countless years, the newer trend is toward pellet stoves. The pellets are composed of compressed sawdust and take up far less space than a wood-pile.

Use solar-powered outdoor lights. Outdoor lighting elements are a great place to use solar power, since there is easy access to sunlight. There are a wide range of lighting options to fit any decor. Not only does the solar-powered feature save on your energy bill, but it also makes these lights easy to install anywhere on your property.

Think outside of the box. While many people think 'solar' panels when they think of green energy, there are other ways to take advantage of the sun. If you are building a new home, consider incorporating passive solar design into https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/sustainability/ . By building with materials such as concrete or adobe and taking advantage of the sun's natural heat with south-facing windows, you can create a home that will naturally heat itself in the winter and stay cool in the summer.

You can obtain hot water for a cheap cost with solar energy. Build a hot-water system based on solar energy. Indirect or direct circulation systems are both available. The indirect one is your best option if you have to worry about frozen http://homegardenandgreenlivingshow.com/tag/asheville-homeshow in the winter.

Use rainwater to water outdoor plants and shrubs. This water can also be collected and used for kiddie pools and other outdoor water needs. Rain collection buckets are simple to install, and these reduce the amount of city or well water you use each year, saving you money and keeping your yard green.

If you do not need to use the lights in your home, turn them off. This includes when you are not even at home. When the lights are left on, they use a lot of energy, which is not only negative for the environment, but it is also negative on your wallet.

Think of using a laptop computer instead of a desktop model to save on your electricity usage. You will find yourself shaving 75 percent off of the amount of electricity used for computer usage, especially if you go on the internet often. In addition, the laptop is portable and be used anywhere in the house.

Think about using a carpool for work and other activities in order to reduce the amount of fuel you use. Kids can also form carpools to school by alternating parents days. If you are near friends and family, go food shopping together and take turns driving.

Installing storm windows can go a long way in helping you save on energy costs. There are both interior and exterior options to choose from. Installing storm windows is said to save you anywhere from twenty-five to fifty percent of heat loss. Make sure to add weather-stripping at movable joints of the storm windows.

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!

A tankless water heater is a great, &green& addition to any house. A tankless heater will heat your water at the source, meaning you aren't storing heated water in a tank until you need to use it. The hot water is available almost immediately. This is an energy efficient option that can be added to most any home.

While it's super easy and quite cost-effective to alter your home to make use of green energy, it's up to you to take what you've learned here and get started. The more time you dedicate to the project, the better the outcome. So get down to work today for the best results!




<img src="http://www.globalactionawards.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/31.jpg" />