If you haven’t taken the opportunity to introduce green energy into your life, you are missing out. Green energy is cheaper, safer, and cleaner than traditional sources of energy, and it can also save you money over time. Here are some really smart ways to start using green energy to your advantage.

Lower the cost of heating your indoor water, pools and hot tubs by switching to solar water heating systems. Traditional gas and electricity are not that efficient, but solar-powered water heaters glean the sun’s natural energy to maintain even temperatures. Many of these improvements will cost you a bit up front, but the cost savings and tax deductions will usually more than offset that cost.

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.

Reverse the direction of the blades on your fan if you’d like to cut heating costs by as much as 10 percent! Although most people use fans for cooling, it’s possible to use them to suck cold air up and make your home feel much warmer without turning up the heat.

Use solar-powered outdoor lights. Outdoor lighting elements are a great place to use solar power, since there is easy access to sunlight. There are a wide range of lighting options to fit any decor. Not only does the solar-powered feature save on your energy bill, but it also makes these lights easy to install anywhere on your property.

Now that you have gone through the tips in this article, make sure you use them. When you do, you will find that green living can be easy, and that green energy is, in many respects, preferred. Take action and start putting green energy into your life, as soon as today!