Today, many people want to lead a more sustainable lifestyle by going green. Some may believe that by going green they need to spend more money or give up the luxuries of modern life. However, this is definitely not true.
If you want to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and not give up the things you love, we have put together some easy to implement green energy solutions. You can discover just how easy it is to switch to renewable energy and begin living a more sustainable lifestyle.
Solar Energy
If you want to be free from coal and oil heating, you may want to consider installing a solar array on your home. Prices used to be astronomical but solar panel costs have dropped dramatically and continue to drop in price. There are tax credits that you can deduct from your federal taxes when you install a solar powered system on your home.
Over time, you will find that solar panels will pay for themselves because you will no longer have to pay a monthly electric bill. And if that’s not enough, you might even be able to resell any extra energy produced to the power company. Even if you do have to pay more upfront, over time, you will be paid back and then some.
If an entire array of solar panels cannot be installed on your home, you may be able to add a solar water heater. You can use the sun’s energy to heat your water and still save a significant amount of money on your utility bill. A solar water heater is as efficient as any other type of water heater and they will end up paying for themselves in no time.
Collect Rainwater
Another way you can go green is by collecting your rainwater. You can use this water for watering your garden, flushing your toilets or irrigating your lawn. It doesn’t cost much to add one of these simple systems.
Replace Old Appliances
If your appliances are older, you can save money by replacing them with more efficient “Energy Star” models. Each year, the energy efficiency of most appliances improves, so you can see savings when you upgrade your refrigerator, freezer, washer or dryer. Always be sure that you buy appliances that have received an Energy Star certification.
Get A Home Energy Audit
Another simple way to save energy is by getting a home energy audit. You can get more insulation added to your home and install energy-efficient windows. You don’t want the heat escaping from your home during the winter and you can also keep your home cooler in the summer.
Recycle
Be sure that if your community has a recycling program, you separate your paper, plastic and glass so it can be taken to the recycling center instead of to the landfill.
You can put these very simple green energy solutions into practice to reduce your energy usage and even save money over time. There’s no better time than the present to get started on doing your part to keep our green earth this way.