It’s amazing how many simple, easy and cheap methods of utilizing green energy there are! Below, you will find helpful advice on how to start using more environmentally sound energy choices.

Do you have a lot of land? If you own a farm, consider installing an energy turbine on your property, or renting land to a utility company for that purpose. The turbine will provide free energy to you and close neighbors, and won’t take up much space.

When away from home, cover the windows. They will help to keep the temperature and the energy consumption of the house down when the house is vacant. Usually, windows that face south receive the most sunlight. Try using coverings on all of the windows, such as dark curtains, roman shades, or some roller shades.

Solar water heaters are an inexpensive and efficient way to heat your home’s water. If you live where freezing temperatures aren’t prevalent, you can purchase a system that can circulate water via a solar heater prior to being pumped to your home. It is still a good idea to keep a regular water heater in case of excess hot water usage or overcast weather.

Only using the dishwasher when it is full will save you money and energy. Running it with half loads is wasteful. With a little effort, you will be amazed by how much you can fit in one load. Just make sure to align the dishes in an orderly manner to maximize the available space.

When you are preparing to install a solar energy system, ensure that the power storing batteries are located nearby to the cells. By doing so, energy loss through the cable is reduced. Additionally, the cable cannot shade the cells, which can cause reduction in generation.

If you would like to live your life green, stay away from excess electric heater usage. Instead, wear multiple layers, slippers and socks, or even consider investing in a stove or fireplace. Cool air while sleeping is better for your breathing.

Try not to set the heat very high in your home unless it’s an absolute must. If it’s chilly, put on warmer clothes. You waste a lot of energy if you put the heat on higher than necessary.

Solar Oven

A solar oven is a great consideration if you are an avid baker. A solar oven is very easy to make. All you need is a window, a piece of foil and a sturdy box. These ovens can be quickly assembled, and reach 300 degrees in temperature simply using the sun.

One of the simplest ways to be environmentally friendly is to install a water-saving toilet. Up to half of the water that your household uses is when flushing the toilet. An older model toilet uses a lot more water than a water-saving one, 5 gallons versus 1.6 gallons, almost 70 percent more.

Your electric company is probably eager to help you start saving energy today. Several light and utility companies provide tips and tools on their website to let you know the amount of energy you are using and wasting. Look into programs that include discounts or rebates for purchasing more efficient appliances, light bulbs, thermostats or other products.

Eventually, it will pay off to get green appliances and electronics. Using energy efficient gadgets and appliances will save you money on your energy bill, which adds up from month to month to equal greater savings for you. A bonus is that you will be helping to protect the environment.

Use automatic light sensors that have motion detectors for your busiest rooms. These motion sensor lights will turn off lights in rooms that are not in use automatically, which in turn, will save you money with your energy bills. Include sensors on your outdoor lighting and lights in the garage, as well.

Turn your thermostat to 60 when you are away from home and also at bedtime. Your home uses the least energy possible when the heat is set to 60 degrees. You will save money and energy by doing this.

Energy Efficient

Weatherizing your home is a great way to make it more energy efficient. Ideas to help weatherize your home include adding insulation, sealing furnace ducts and installing energy efficient windows. You may also see real savings on your energy bill!

You can heat every room in your house separately and save yourself some money on your heat bill. Get a system that heats the house from underneath the floors. This will let you monitor each area of your home, and control the temperature in each room. Choose this type of solution if you own a large home.

Make better use of ceiling fans during cold weather. Run fans clockwise to help circulate warm air throughout the house and reduce the need to use external heaters. The fans use much less electricity than your heater or furnace, which will cut your electric bill.

If you want to reduce the amount of energy you use, make ice yourself. Automated ice makers are an energy hog and can be inefficient. It is likely that their seals will have leaks as well. You can stay away from these issues by making your own ice.

Energy Usage

Try out one of many available home energy monitors so you can see your energy usage as it happens. These devices can collect real-time usage statistics and help you estimate what it is costing you. Research has shown that if consumers see an immediate cost to their activities, they have a higher likelihood of cutting back on their energy usage.

All of the tips in this article are simple and easy to implement, so don’t allow excuses to get in the way of using them within your own home. Take the time to use green energy so you can see the changes!