Smith 
If you are like most people, you may not spend a lot of time thinking about the effect your daily life has on the environment. Unfortunately, everything that is done affects the environment one way or another. You can use green energy in countless ways to keep the environment a happier place. Use this advice to learn how to start using green energy.
Some government money is available to assist consumers with switching to renewable energy. Get in touch with your local government to find out what kind of programs exist in your area. You might qualify for a solar or wind installation at no cost, or at least be able to deduct your expenses from your taxes.
Save electricity while becoming a more conscientious energy consumer by unplugging the chargers for all your electronic gadgets when they aren’t in use. All the chargers you use for mp3 players, cell phones, laptops and any other devices draw in some charge when they’re plugged in and aren’t being used.
Are you lucky enough to own a farm? If you own your farm property, you could allow an energy company to rent a small plot of your land, so they can install an energy-generating wind turbine. The energy generated can benefit your entire area without taking up much room.
Replace or clean your furnace filter at least once every 90 days, and check it once per month for build-up. It is also a good idea to install filters on warm-air registers. This reduces debris and small toys from falling into the ducts, which will make them less efficient.
Dry your clothes on a line or rack in the summer instead of a dryer. Using the sun can make clothes smell a lot better. They’ll be smelling much fresher than if they were just dried in a dryer. Additionally, you will end up saving lots of money each month on utility bills.
If you’re installing a solar energy system, be sure to place the batteries in close proximity to the cells. This helps prevent power loss in the cables. It also reduces the chances of the cable shading the cells and reducing their generation capability.
Maintaining your refrigerator is an easy way to save energy. Refrigerators take up lots of energy, so making sure they’re in working order is always good to know. Regularly make sure the heating coils are dust-free. Check the door seal for dirt, debris and leaks.
Unless you’re freezing to death, don’t turn the heat all the way up. If it’s a bit chilly, put sweatpants or a sweatshirt on. When heat is raised to a higher level you end up using a lot of energy you didn’t really need to use.
Investigate options for heating your oven through solar energy. You can make these with boxes, old windows or old pieces of foil that can be used for reflection. You can reach an oven temperature of 300 degrees or more without using any other source of energy besides the sun. It only takes a few minutes to build a solar oven.
Watch watt usage carefully. Try using gadgets like the Kill-A-Watt and the Watt Minder to see what in your home uses too much energy. If you attach the device to the appliances in your home, it will let you know how much energy that appliance uses for different lengths of time. This can show what your appliance is costing you.
Use biofuels as a heat source. Biofuel consists of vegetable or animals fats, wood and oils. In most cases, if you have a propane furnace, you can hire someone to switch it out to be able to use biofuel. This is between 20 to 99% biodiesel. Make sure you ask a professional before you attempt to utilize this type of fuel inside your household.
Energy Star
Replace aging major appliances with ENERGY STAR appliances. ENERGY STAR ratings mean that the appliance has met standards of the EPA and is especially crafted to use less energy than older models. This rating can promise anywhere from a 20-50% difference in energy costs, depending on the brand and the specific appliance.
While cooking, use a microwave if you can to save on energy. Ovens and stoves use lots more energy to prepare food than microwaves. By using the microwave, you are cutting down the amount of energy you use a great deal.
Many people typically don’t turn off lights, machines and appliances that they are not using. Most people could probably save a ton on utility bills by getting in this habit. Think before you act, and turn things off when not using them.
Consider switching out your home’s older windows with newer ones that are rated for superior energy efficiency. These new types of windows cut energy bills, keep outside noises quiet, reduce carbon dioxide in your home and keep condensation to a minimum.
Frequently check the condition of the seal on your refrigerator and freezer doors. Refrigerators may use more energy if the seals are broken. This will, of course, cost you more. A good seal test involves placing a piece of paper in the door of the fridge or freezer and see how easily it slides out.
Perhaps you can’t power your entire home through renewable energy, but you may be able to start with a section. For instance, you could add panels that will only heat the water in your home, or use panels just to heat your pool.
Green Energy
You may not be used to thinking about energy use and environmental considerations; and truth be told, you are not alone. Now that you’ve learned something about green energy, you can be more environmentally conscious. Using the tips that were given to you, you can make use of green energy in your home and avoid making a negative impact on the environment.
