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From hydroelectric dams to wind farms, power collection is an integral part of our world's electrical grid. The truth is, you can help keep the grid going by supplying your home with its own green energy. You will not only be powering your own equipment, but this allows you to give back to the grid, as well. Read on for some ideas to help you get started.

If at all possible, consider switching your electric or oil heating to gas. This is both better for the environment and your pockets. Just be aware that this is can be a complicated job that should be taken on by a skilled expert, should you decide to make this switch.

Replace all of the old incandescent bulbs in your home with energy efficient and green CFL bulbs. These bulbs may cost a little more initially, but they will last up to ten times longer than old incandescent bulbs. The energy they save in the life of the bulb more than pays for the cost of them.

If environmental concerns are top of mind for you, try replacing your current hot water equipment with a solar hot water device. Depending on your needs, you may require a direct or indirect circulation system in order to make this a reality. Also consider a small traditional water heater as this is not always as reliable.

Keep your office warm if you have computers running. You should keep computer rooms at temperatures between 64 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmer the room is, the more efficiently your computers will run. This tip saves you money on cooling computers during an emergency. The computers will react more quickly to changes in temperature if the room is kept warm.

Buying a hybrid vehicle is a good way to save energy, but that all depends on what type of vehicle you purchase. It is always a much better choice to purchase a smaller hybrid vehicle than to purchase a large hybrid SUV. The SVUs save so little energy that it is no different than having a compact non-hybrid vehicle.

Keep your refrigerator and freezer set to the optimum temperatures. These appliances are two of the biggest energy wasters in the modern home. Be sure the temperature in your refrigerator is set between 38-42 degrees (F) and in your freezer to 0-5 degrees (F). Anything lower and you are burning energy unnecessarily.

Try switching to CFLs. The compact fluorescent bulbs tend to use about 75 percent less energy than the traditional incandescent bulbs do, plus they last around 10 times longer. They are pricier than the traditional bulbs, but it takes only a few months to make up for it in energy savings.

People looking to go green would be wise to use oil lanterns to light up their homes. Oil lanterns don't use any electricity at all, and there are even some lanterns out there that will run on used vegetable oil that you can easily get from restaurants or your own kitchen.

During the holidays, it can be tempting to want to put up a lot of lights, both inside and outside your home. However, this is not wise. Not only will your electric bill be extremely high, but you will be using too much energy. Try to use Christmas lights sparingly.

Did you know that the power you create, if you don't need it, can be sold back to your municipal power corporation? Using green energy will not only power your home and save you on energy bills, but can also make you money! Use the information you've read here to change your life forever!