It can be simpler than you thought to cut down on the resources you use in your home. With a combination of some small and big changes, you could lessen your carbon footprint, as well as save money in the process. Continue on for some great ideas on how you can go about doing this.

When creating lightning outdoors for a garden path or patio, consider using solar-powered lamps. Solar lamps are relatively inexpensive and can save you a great deal on wiring and electricity expenses. This not only saves energy. It also means you do not to have string up those outdoor lights.

Install solar panels and reap the benefits easily. However, before beginning this process, you need to realize a few things. How much sun is your house getting on average? If you home is under a lot of shade, or in an area where you do not have a lot of sunny days, the power gained from your solar unit will not be very significant.

Keep your refrigerator well maintained. Since the refrigerator is an appliance that consumes a lot of energy, it is important to keep it in top-working order. Be sure to regularly clean out the dust around the heating coils. Check frequently to ensure that the door seals tightly.

Swap out your tank water heater for a tankless type. These heaters only heat water when you need it rather than heating the tank constantly. This saves you on your gas or electricity costs. There are various options when it comes to tankless water heaters, from heating enough water for your entire home to ones that only serve one faucet.

Solar Power

When looking at solar power, know the difference between passive solar power and active. Active power is stored for use at a later time, passive does not require expensive cells to store the power. Active solar power requires a lot of involvement in the form of installation, mechanics, and power cells. Passive systems simply use the sun’s energy to heat your house or water.

Rather than using an energy-hogging desktop computer, switch to a laptop. This can lower your electrical use by as much as 75%, particularly if you are someone who stays on the Internet for long periods of time. In addition, the laptop is portable and be used anywhere in the house.

A good energy saving tip at home when cooking is to always use a microwave when possible. Cooking in the oven or on the stove top uses a lot of energy. By using the microwave, you are cutting down the amount of energy you use a great deal.

Do not forget the most basic ways to save energy, such as turning off the lights you don’t need. You will be surprised at the amount of energy you save over a certain period of time by turning your lights off when they are not being used. You not only save a lot of energy but you save money, as well.

Energy Efficient

Even though appliances that are energy efficient cost more than those that are not, they are worth it because they will save you money over the long term. 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.

If you can, replace your old windows with the more efficient new styles. There’s a ton of benefits to these windows, such as lower energy costs, a quieter home, less carbon dioxide and reduced condensation on the windows.

A simple way to locate appliances and products that are energy efficient is to see if they have an Energy Star logo. Appliances that designate themselves as being ENERGY STAR compliant are those that have met guidelines set by the U.S.
Department of Energy and those of the Environmental Protection Agency. You may have to purchase these appliances to get tax rebates.

To reduce electricity usage, use sensor lights in regularly-used rooms. These lights only go off when someone is the room, so you will save money and energy when no one is in the room. Install these sensors on your outdoor lighting as well for more savings.

Checking seals in fridges and ovens are good ways to keep from wasting energy. Refrigerators may use more energy if the seals are broken. This will, of course, cost you more. A good way to test this is to see if a piece of paper can be held in the door or if it slips out easily.

Reduce microwave energy use by thawing your frozen food items in your refrigerator. You will thaw your food in a safer manner and your fridge will not have to work hard with the frozen items inside. This could lower your total energy usage.

Look for ways to include the tips discussed here in your own home. You can reduce your bills and do something positive for the environment. If you work toward meeting your green goals slowly and over a period of time, your home will eventually be at it’s greenest potential!