Protecting the environment while also reducing your energy bills is simple by using green energy. You don't need to spend a fortune to do this, so there is no need for an electric car. Read on for tips on how to make your house energy-efficient.

A good green energy tip to keep your home cool in the summer is to set the thermostat on the air conditioner five degrees warmer. This can reduce the cost to cool your home by up to 20%. You can make your home cooler by turning on the fans instead of the air conditioner.

Work for legislation that will encourage companies to use green energy. Awareness of the energy policies of companies is an effective tool and should be fully utilized. If people were aware that certain companies chose profit instead of green energy, they may avoid buying from them. One of the best ways to encourage companies to go green is to make them publicly responsible for their actions.

Outdoors, solar-powered lights are very convenient for patios and garden paths. These inexpensive lamps require no external power source and can run entirely on solar power. This doesn't merely save energy. You also won't have to spend time wiring your outdoor lights.

Rather than using an air conditioner during the summer, wear clothes that are natural. Fabrics, such as cotton, draw moisture naturally from the skin, making it cooler. You can also try wearing lighter colors, they help you feel cooler, lessening your need for artificial cold air.

Remember that buying green technology is an investment that will pay off later. Green technology may be more expensive at first, but your utility bills will be reduced. It also pays off as far as the environment is concerned.

Keep track of how many watts you're using. Devices like Watt Minder and Kill-A-Watt can help you determine the highest energy-usage culprits in your home. Gadgets can be set to give you the energy-usage amounts for hours, months or years. You can get a real idea of what your appliance is costing you and the environment.

Biodiesel fuel might be an option if your current heat source is fuel oil. A lot of the existing systems can be modified with minimal parts or alterations. Biodiesel burns more cleanly and will improve your carbon footprint.

Replace an energy-hogging water heating tank with a greener, tankless variety. Tankless heaters require less energy to heat water, as they only heat it as needed. You can purchase a tankless heater for a faucet or your whole home.

Solar panels can be an excellent investment for the typical homeowner. Consider some things before you do this, as you will benefit from the thought process. The most important thing you need to consider is the amount of sun your home gets regularly. If your home is mostly in the shade, or if you live in a location that receives little sun, your power gain may be minimal.

There are many government incentive programs you can take advantage of when it comes to green energy. Ask at your local municipality office to research what types of programs might be available to you. You could qualify for a no-cost wind or solar installation, or at the very least, receive a tax deduction.

By making use of light bulbs that are energy-efficient, for example, you can find a lot of great ways to save energy. Be an example to your family, so they will realize how simple it is to be green! Keep in mind all that you learned and apply this knowledge as soon as possible.