Going green doesn’t have to be hard on your wallet, nor be time-consuming. A few, small changes around the house can shave electricity bills and greatly benefit the environment. Read this article for learning how to effectively use green energy, while helping the environment in the long run.

Use solar-powered lamps for outdoor lighting. Solar-powered lamps are usually inexpensive, and they don’t need any power source besides the sun. This does more than just save energy. As an added benefit, you are spared the trouble of running an outdoor wiring system.

You might be able to get a government grant to finance your green energy installation. Check with the local government and find out about any possible programs you may be eligible for. You may qualify for free wind or solar installation, or you may find that you can deduct some of your expenses on your taxes.

Save on the use of electricity in your home, and become a better consumer of energy by unplugging your electronic devices and gadgets when they are not in use. Even if you are not charging your laptop, cell phone or mp3 player, just having it plugged in uses energy.

Do you have a lot of land? Farms are the perfect place to put a wind turbine. If you don’t have a farm, you might be able to rent from someone. You will reap the benefits of this energy and the space needed is minimal.

Try to use cold water for washing clothes. Almost all of the energy used to wash clothes is used to heat the water. If your detergent is decent, cold water will be as effective as hot when cleaning your laundry. Another great tip is to always fill up the washer with a full load so that you’re being as efficient as possible.

Solar Energy

Use solar energy to provide hot water cheaply. Simply put, all you need is a hot water system that uses solar energy. Your options include direct circulation systems and indirect ones. If frozen pipes are common in your area, an indirect water heater will be your best option.

Always be consistent in maintaining your fridge. The refrigerator hogs energy, so it should work well. Regularly make sure the heating coils are dust-free. Don’t forget to be certain to keep the seal surrounding the door tight and clean.

Use a model which is tankless and more green instead of a tank style heater. Although tankless heaters require electricity or gas to heat water, they only do this on the amount you need as opposed to storing it in a large tank that is kept hot all the time. You can purchase tankless water heaters that are small enough to heat one faucet, or large enough to heat your entire house.

One of the simplest ways that you can go green is by dressing warmly. If you put on a light sweater, you’ll be two degrees warmer, while a heavy sweater will make you four degrees warmer. It is unnecessary to dress scantily at home, so pick up a sweater and save some money!

Solar Power

Try to learn about passive and active solar power. Passive solar power doesn’t require the costly power-storage cells that active power does. Installing an active solar system requires more money and work, with panels and an entire system. While passive simply uses the sun in storing thermal energy in your walls in order to heat your house.

Even though some people don’t believe global energy is anything to worry about, everyone can benefit from the use of green energy in their home. Simple changes, like turning off the overhead lights when leaving a room, can add up to huge utility bill savings.