There has been increased discussion during recent years surrounding the importance of green and renewable energy. Thankfully, many solutions exist in the marketplace for individuals seeking green alternatives to solve their energy problems. This article contains an abundance of advice and information to help you reduce your environmental footprint and protect the environment.

One thing you might consider is heating your water with solar water heaters. If your location does not get too cold, purchase a system that puts the water in a solar heater prior to coming to your home. Don’t get rid of your conventional water heater though; you may need it if it’s cloudy when you’re ready to use hot water.

Dry clothes outdoors instead of in the dryer during the summer. The sun gives your clothes a great smell. You clothes will smell clean and fresh when line dried. You will also be saving money on your utility bills.

If your property has a small stream running through it, you can install a micro hydropower system. These systems divert a small amount of the water through a turbine or wheel, providing energy that can be used to light and heat your home. If the flow is strong enough, you can power multiple homes on one of these systems.

Swap your old incandescent light bulbs for high-efficiency LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs use far less electricity than incandescent, and they come in sizes that fit most existing fixtures. While the up-front cost is generally higher, most of these bulbs will last for years before burning out.

You should never use a small amount of warm water all at once. Doing this will just gradually increase your overall energy usage. Instead, try using all the warm water you plan on using immediately. For example, you should try having all your family members take a quick shower at once.

Replace your water heater and get a tankless model. While they do require energy to heat the water, they require only a small amount of energy to heat a smaller amount of water. Tankless heaters come in various models that either supply a single faucet or the whole house with hot water.

Get your whole family thinking about green energy by stocking organic, recycled or eco-friendly products whenever possible. Ask your kids to identify such products on the shelves at the store and explain why those products are better for your family, your home and your environment. You can also segue such conversations into other eco-friendly practices like shutting off the water while brushing your teeth or turning off lights when not in a room.

Replace your furnace with one that has the Energy Star seal on it. You can save 15 to 20 percent on your month energy costs if you purchase a highly efficient furnace. You can even get a federal tax credit that will help cover the cost of your new furnace!

Green energy is a sector that is developing quickly. If you find that getting a solar roof or a wind turbine is not an option for you at the moment, stay up to date with new innovations. Chances are that better solutions will be available in the years to come.

When traveling short distances, try not to use your car. Instead, walk, run, or use a bicycle. Automobiles are not only expensive to keep up with, but they have many negative effects on the environment. If you must use your car, be sure that it is tuned up when necessary.

Power strips are a great way not only to protect your expensive appliances but also to easily lower your energy usage. Instead of having to switch off or unplug every individual appliance when they are not in use, you can simply switch off all power strips at night or when you leave your home.

Replace your windows with more energy-efficient ones. These have many benefits, such as reduced spending on energy bills, a quieter home, and less condensation on the interior of your windows.

A simple and easy way to reduce your energy consumption and make your house greener is to thoroughly clean the lint filter in your dryer each time before you use it. Believe it or not, by doing this easy and simple act, you can slash your dryer’s usage of electricity by as much as 30%!

Since heating accounts for the largest portion of any home’s energy usage, this should be the first system you target when trying to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Look for leaks or insulation issues, place restrictions on thermostat usage and bring in a heating professional to assess the efficiency of your furnace.

As this article has previously discussed, it is clear that green energy and environmental efficiency are of greater importance today than ever before. If you are aware of the alternatives and solutions out there, living a green life is much easier than you think. Apply this article’s advice and you can live a green lifestyle too.