Monday, June 29, 2009

Wind Generated Power For Beginners

Definitely, one of your household goals is to save on electricity bills. If this is true, wind generated power is a great option for you. Aside from solar power, this is the next best thing that happened to electricity. However, there are a few pointers that you need to consider, and a few information as well, that you need to know if this is really the best option for you.

Wind generated power is cheap. In fact, you can make your own set at home without having to spend so much. In the average, you only need to shell out about $400 US dollars to be able to set up a homemade windmill. However, you may also purchase from stores I you do not have the time or the skill to build one. The only thing, though, is you will spend more. If you will buy a ready made windmill, you might spend thousands of dollars.

Harnessing power from the wind, if used in households, is called small scale wind power, this is because you are just going to be able to use about 12 volt of electricity. Wind generated power may be able to sustain farms and appliances like televisions, but not an entire household. Nevertheless, this is still going to contribute considerably to your goal of lessening your electricity bills.

You will also have an obstacle with this endeavor. First, your neighbors should approve your windmill. You should know that a windmill may be an eyesore to many people. They will not approve your project if they think you will block some scenes or views. Your other obstacle is the wind itself. If the wind does not blow strongly in your area, wind generated power may not be for you. If the wind is not strong, your turbines will not move.



Autor: Robert K.

Now Pay Close Attention Here-
Are you seriously looking for a proven way to save money on your electricity bills? There is a Guide which will help you to Build wind power at home. You will be surprised to know that how easy it is to Build a Windmill at Home, that will not only save your money but you will help in cleaning the environment. Check the Guide


Added: June 30, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Build Solar and Wind Power Systems For Your Home

With summer coming, you know you can expect sky-high electric bills. Want to lower your electric bills by tens of hundreds of dollars this summer? You can build your own solar energy system and wind power system for your home and see your electric bills drop dramatically. There is no better way to show respect for your environment than by using alternative forms of electricity, and many of these alternate energy products also come with an added tax credit for purchasing them.

Using solar power or wind power is the wave of the future. By capturing these natural resources, you can not only cool and heat your home cheaply; you are also conserving the earth's resources. A solar energy system is non-polluting and its main source of energy, the sun, is plentiful and readily available - for free! Wind is another resource that can generate energy that is like solar power - free and non-polluting. Green energy can help you protect both the environment and your wallet.

Because there are so many benefits to solar energy and wind power, a contractor or installer will want to charge you hundreds of thousands of dollars to get the benefits of a solar power system or wind power system for the home. But you can easily and for less money install a solar and wind power system for your home. It's not hard to set up your own solar and wind system, and whether you want to move off grid entirely, or only supplement your power, it's quite easy to set up a system that works for you.

First, you have to make or purchase solar panels. There are different types of solar panels available to deliver solar energy to your home. For example, there are different wattages based on how much power you need. Solar panels are the most expensive part of the your solar power system. But there are ways that you can make them cheaply. Additionally, they are essentially the only expense. After you get your solar panels and install them, you will have a complete solar power system and will begin to save money for the life of the panels, which can be many years. The sun doesn't cost you a dime, but it will certainly save you plenty of them.

Other expenses related to your solar power system are minimal. You will also need to build a box to hold the solar panels. This can be done with inexpensive wood, particle board or other type of durable substance. Additionally, you will want to secure your solar panels to protect them from the elements. They are the most expensive part of your solar power system.

Wind power systems will operate in a similar manner. By capturing the wind, you can also harness mother nature to lower your bills. With wind power, you will need a wind turbine or windmill. While wind is a great source of energy, often people find that a combination of solar power and wind power is optimal to deliver electricity to your home all year long.

Everyone is watching their bills in these economic times. With a small amount of money and a little hard work, you can save thousands on your electric bills by installing a solar power system or a wind power system. By utilizing what mother nature has to offer, you can not only save money, but contribute to the green energy revolution. Instead of being concerned about the planet when you turn on the lights in your home, start feeling good about your electrical source. With wind energy and solar energy you can feel confident that you are protecting the earth.



Autor: Tom Stone Jr.

Learn How to Build Your Own Solar Power System and Wind Power System

An expert on Home Improvement, Home Energy, Backyard Usage, Home Pets and E-Learning. Learn more about Solar Power System and Wind Power System.


Added: June 28, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Saturday, June 27, 2009

How Can a Residential Solar Panel Be Used in a Home?

Humans decided to choose solar power because it is available in enormous quantities and it is an inequitable source of energy, and is also it also called green energy, because it's ecological. A residential solar panel is something people use to capture and transform this energy, usually into electricity. Capturing solar energy is not polluting and it has no side effects on the atmosphere, and since we have to deal with a slow but sure degrading of our planet, this problem starts to be taken into consideration more and more, so people that are building a residential solar panel are often applauded by the community.

It's clearly that people started to become aware of the state our planet is in. If we talk about producing electrical power with a residential solar panel, the percent of solar energy out of total energy produced on the globe raised with almost 0.3 percents since 2005. It might not seem like a lot, but is something. Experts say that once the technology starts developing, the solar power will be utilized more often, until it will slowly begin to be the main electrical power source.

Nowadays, green energy is not very popular because of many factors. First of all, the technology is still in the beginning and it's very expensive if you look to buy from solar panels dealers. This is why the initial investment in a solar power system for a house is big, even if the amortization of the price is produced over time, because the systems are usually feeble and can function 10 to 30 years without lots of maintenance costs.

However, if you choose to make you own residential solar panel the costs can be a lot lower and you can immediately start making a profit, by using its energy instead of the one supplied by your electrical company.



Autor: Raghav Mitra

Now Pay Close Attention Here-
Are you seriously looking for a proven way to save money on your electricity bills? There is a Guide which will help you to Build a solar panel at home. You will be surprised to know that how easy it is to Build a solar panel at Home, that will not only save your money but you will help in cleaning the environment. Check the Guide


Added: June 27, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Three Great Tips in Harnessing Wind Power Electricity

There are many forms of natural resources that we can harness to get alternative sources of energy. But perhaps the most abundant and easiest of all is wind power electricity. As of the moment, many households in rural areas have windmills installed in their rooftops to generate wind power. In reality, there is still much to learn in harnessing wind energy. So to speak, there is a vast potential out there that is still undiscovered. Scientists are currently experimenting how to tap the wind as a source of power not only for household use but for factories as well.

If you want to generate wind power electricity, you should know that this is only practical if you live in a place where the wind is strong. This is not advisable if you live in an area with many high rise buildings. These are obstacles that will keep the wind fro getting to your rotor blades. Windmills are very ideal in houses near beaches or houses in open fields.

You should remember that there are several things you need to consider if you are serious in getting wind power electricity. First, you need to know if your neighbors are okay with seeing windmill blades on your house. Some people find it annoying. Some people see it as an eyesore. You should check if having a wind turbine is all right in the neighborhood.

You should also have several batteries for your wind power electricity. You see, your wind turbine may keep on running but the energy harnessed will not be stored if you only have one storage device. You should also purchase a generator that can withstand time and usage. Some generators may be cheap but are not trustworthy. They are unreliable and there is nothing more annoying than a failing generator just when you need it. Perhaps you may spend a little more than the ordinary, but at least you are sure that you can depend on your tools.



Autor: Robert K.

Now Pay Close Attention Here-
Are you seriously looking for a proven way to save money on your electricity bills? There is a Guide which will help you to Build wind power at home. You will be surprised to know that how easy it is to Build a Windmill at Home, that will not only save your money but you will help in cleaning the environment. Check the Guide


Added: June 25, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Is it Possible to Have a Perpetual Motion Motor?

A perpetual motion motor taken in its literal meaning will mean a motor that will continue to run forever without stopping. If taken in real literal sense then we can straight away rule out the existence of such a motion motor. The argument favoring this is that it is really not possible to have something moving for eternity without stopping and without any source of energy.

If we leave aside the literal meaning of the word 'perpetual', then perpetual motion motor will mean a device which produces more energy than it consumes for a very long period of time. According to the law of conservation of energy, perpetual motion motor cannot exist. However, there can be machines that can last over hundreds of years, much more than human generations can last and these machines may be termed as perpetual.

There are power motors which can last and run for about 300 - 400 years, and these motors can be termed as perpetual. Used as an alternative power source, perpetual motor devices create energy with the help of magnets. The power so produced is later used for conversion into electricity. The tendency of the magnets to repulse each other is used for generation of power.

In a perpetual motor, three magnets are involved. The third magnet is used for pulling the different sides of the first two magnets. Magnets have a tendency to resist each other when their like poles are put together. This dual attraction helps the motor to create energy by accelerating motion and as different poles of magnet are pulled together they will never come together and the motion will never stop. While the magnets resist each other pulled by the third magnet, the motor keeps moving and power is generated. So, perpetual motion motor creates and provides power for free for years together.



Autor: Marvin Dunn

Now Pay Close Attention Here-

Are you seriously looking for a proven way to save money on your electricity bills? You will be surprised to know that how easy it is to save money on electricity bills at Home by opting a renewable source of energy like Magnetic Energy, that will not only save your money but you will help in cleaning the environment. How i built a Magnetic Power Generator in a few hours at home? Click Here


Added: June 24, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Homemade Energy Solar Power Panels - How Easy is a DIY Solar Power Kit to Assemble?

In times of global warming and economic difficulties, many people are looking for alternative ways to save and conserve energy to not only reduce spending but to also help alleviate the mounting environmental issues that the world faces. A great way to get the best of both worlds is to build your own homemade energy solar power system.

Using a DIY solar power kit is a great way to save on energy costs while also contributing to a clean environment by using renewable energy sources. The advantages easily outweigh any known disadvantages by a significant amount and getting started is extremely easy. In fact, the sooner you build your energy saving devices the more money you can save in the long term.

So just how easy or difficult is it to assemble a DIY solar power kit? Well, it's actually easier than you think. If you are able to follow directions and you have all the right materials, then building your own homemade solar panels is not difficult at all. In fact, allowing your kids to build this project alongside with you is a great idea for them to get hands on experience and to also learn the value of energy conservation.

DIY solar power kits typically come with a guide and video tutorials with detailed diagrams that lay out precise measurements as well as lead you through the entire process. Nothing is left out and you won't be left out scratching your head. Of course, if you try to find a free guide online most will be complete junk or difficult to understand so do yourself a favor and get a guide.



Autor: James J. May

Ready to build your own homemade solar panels?

Having a great solar power guide can significantly cut your time and efforts in half while saving you a significant amount of money.

Learn how to build a homemade energy system the easy way and save on energy costs while promoting a cleaner environment.


Added: June 21, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Solar Home Efficiency - Temperature Control

Homeowners all over the world are considering a solar power kit or solar panel system for their home. This is a powerful way to save money, produce clean energy, and "go green". But before you do this you have to make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. The less energy you use, the greater impact your solar power system will have on your wallet and the planet. There are several things you can do in conjunction with solar panels to create an extremely efficient, comfortable home. This article will teach you about energy efficient heating, air conditioning, and passive solar.

Heating

Using gas (e.g. propane or natural gas) to heat your home is very efficient compared to electric furnaces. And using hot water heat, such as floorboard and in-floor heating is much more efficient than forced-air. Whatever your heat system is, regular maintenance is key to efficient energy usage. Often components such filters, valves or burners must be replaced periodically. Cleaning ducts can also improve overall efficiency.

For smaller spaces that are far away from the central heating unit (such as garages or basements) kerosene heaters can provide cheap, fast heat without the expense of heating of the space every day. Closing doors, vents or valves for seldom used rooms also reduces consumption significantly.

Something else to consider is your temperature setting. Try lowering the temperature setting by one degree each week for four weeks. By the fourth week, chances are you won't notice that your house is four degrees colder. And if you are colder, doesn't it make sense to throw on a sweater instead of heating the entire house?

Air Conditioning

Cooling air in hot climates is a huge drain on our electrical grid. This kind of consumption can be partially blamed for the rolling blackouts in California and other states a few years ago. Again, maintenance on these units is key. Have a trained professional check the refrigerant levels and performance. For new units, look at for the Energy Star logo. This government program certifies the best energy performers. New air conditioning units are often 200% more efficient than their old counterparts.

In arid climates, swamp coolers are a wonderful option for cooling. Swamp coolers work best when they are placed in shady areas, as opposed the roof mounts we are used to seeing. And the same holds true for cooling: don't cool seldom used spaces and keep filters and ducts clean.

Try the temperature experiment for cooling your home as well. Raise the thermostat by one degree each week for four weeks. Also, try simply opening the windows at night to let in the cool air. Chances are the night are is enough to cool your house while you sleep.

Thermostat

How often does your system run? Is it running all day while you're at work? Many people believe that it is inefficient to shut the system off while they are gone for the day and then have the system kick on right before they get home. This is almost always untrue. A well-sealed, insulated home will maintain a comfortable temperature within 5-10 degrees over an 8 hour workday. Try it out for a few days and see for yourself.

A programmable thermostat, and a homeowner that knows how to use it, is an absolutely essential piece of an energy efficient home. Turning your system way down while you're away on vacation, even for a weekend, will have a significant impact on your electrical consumption. Take 15 minutes and read your owners manual for you thermostat, or go out and get yourself a new one. New thermostats cost as little as $20 but can have a huge impact on your energy usage.

Passive Solar

What is passive solar? Passive solar is using the sun and your window treatments to heat or cool your home. Simply opening your blinds on the south side of your home during the day can raise the temperature inside by 10 degrees. Likewise, adding shade trees, window treatments, or awnings to the south side of your home can lower the temperature inside significantly. Plus these additions can add beauty and aesthetics to your home. An architect and a landscape architect can help you add beautiful and functional components to your home that will pay off with lower utility bills.

For more information on energy efficiency, going green, solar panels and solar power, check out our website.



Autor: Kriss Bergethon

Kriss Bergethon is a solar expert and writer. For more of his useful articles on solar power, please visit Solar Panels, Power Kits and Systems.


Added: June 20, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Taking Advantage of Renewable Energy Technology

Renewable energy is any form of energy system that is sustainable or will not run out as a result of human use. Using fossil fuels like coal and oil simply don't qualify because they will run out. The fact that the price of these items goes up every year might indicate that these resources are running out faster than expected.

But renewable energy systems have many different guises. For instance, growing sustainable, fast growing forests is a way of providing fire wood that can be used for cooking and heating. It may not be an environmentally friendly energy system but it is renewable. The more high tech. renewable energy systems harness the energy from the wind and the Sun. These systems are more environmentally friendly but are complex and have only really become viable in the past 30 years due to technical innovations and improvement.

For the average homeowner, taking advantage of renewable energy technology these days involves getting some form of solar system or even a wind turbine. Solar systems are more applicable to the residential home because they do not take up as much space and are becoming more integrated into the grid. Creating a wind turbine that produces sufficient energy needs space and possibly the agreement of neighbors who may be against having a large structure blighting their view.

Solar systems have come down in price and there are many incentives to get solar in the home. Many countries and states offer rebates on anyone that installs a solar system (that meets an agreed criteria). Many countries and states also require that Utility companies offer a net metering system for any of their consumers that use solar power.

Net metering simply means that the utility company has to pay you a fair price for the electricity that your solar system creates. Before net metering, a utility company might buy your solar power created electricity at a wholesale price and then sell it back to you at the retail price. Leaving you out of pocket in both cases. Net metering makes solar power in the home a more economically viable proposition for the average person.



Autor: Denzil De Vries

You can make your own renewable energy systems, go to solar and wind power kits for reviews of popular manuals that show you how to do this, including a Home Made Energy review


Added: June 18, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Solar Energy Systems That You Can Use in the Home

Solar energy systems can be as complicated or easy as you want them to be. Ultimately they use some form of heat or light energy that comes from the Sun to do their stuff. The task of the solar energy system is to get as much of that particular source of energy as it can in the most efficient manner possible.

A very simple solar energy system is the solar oven. This is simply a box the size of a microwave oven. It will be painted black on the outside so that it absorbs the Sun's heat. The inner sides of the box may be made of reflective material so that heat is not lost to the environment. You may add a tray to put the food on. And a thermometer to know the heat of the oven. Provided you locate the oven in a good spot for the sun you can cook food. It may take a while to warm up but it certainly works.

Along the same lines, you can create a solar water collector that can heat up water. A solar water collector uses the same principles as the oven. It is built to attract and absorb the Sun's heat energy. Within the collector you will store water. This water will get heated and can be used to heat the home or to wash the pots and pans.

Simple solar panels can even take advantage of the Sun's light energy. Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to convert light energy into electricity. With instructions and the right materials these cells can be made quite cheaply and easily. Once you have created the electricity with the panels, it can be stored in batteries or converted for use in the home.



Autor: Denzil De Vries

You can make your own Solar Energy Systems, go to solar and wind power kits for reviews of popular manuals that show you how to do this, including an Earth4Energy review


Added: June 17, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Monday, June 15, 2009

Solar Power Kits For the Home

Residential solar kits have found their niche with energy costs and demand for sources of efficient, green energy on the rise. Several manufacturers of solar power systems, such as Kyocera and First Solar, have found a growing demand for residential installations. Solar technology is continually advancing, becoming cheaper and more efficient, and home solar kits are becoming more readily available and affordable.

Residential solar kits can range from small, complementary systems designed to reduce energy costs, to larger systems that include greater power output and storage capacity. Generators can be added to automatically switch power on and off as the need arises. Homeowners can choose to supply power to a specific area of their home, perhaps a garage or small workshop, or to invest in a larger kit that could power an entire house. Solar kits can also be used as charging stations for electric or hybrid vehicles, essentially eliminating the owners' carbon footprint.

The main advantage of the residential solar kit is its convenience and ease-of-use. Generally, a kit includes all of the essential equipment to suit the user's specific needs. The typical residential solar kit includes a set of PV (photovoltaic) panels, power inverter, charge controller and battery, although individual kits vary. The appropriate kit will vary depending on budget, space, power needs, and sun light available to be converted into electricity. The grid-tie inverter is needed to change the DC electricity from the panels into the AC electricity we use in our homes. This is then stored in the battery, so the system can supply energy in times of low light. Wiring to connect the entire system is also often included. Solar kits, after installation, are usually expandable, additional or more efficient panels and larger batteries can be integrated as desired. Generators can also be added, switching on when battery power is low, making it possible to power homes away from the commercial power grid.

When considering the installation of a solar kit, it is important to take into account energy requirements and personal budget. Only individuals who are experienced in working with electrical systems should attempt self-installation. As with any use of outside labor, it is recommended to obtain multiple quotes, preferably those with previous solar installation experience.

The benefits of installing a solar kit are many. In the US, tax-breaks, grants, and incentives can lower base costs dramatically. From those of us trying to do our part in reducing pollution and erasing our carbon footprint, to those that simply need to chip away at some expenses, solar energy is an exciting solution.



Autor: Edmund E. Taylor

Edmund E. Taylor has researched and writes on a number of topics including solar energy, the green movement, renewable resources and recycling. His background is in teaching and higher education. For more of Edmund's articles on green energy, please visit PV Power, a supplier of residential and commercial solar power information.


Added: June 15, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Save Your Folks Thousands of Bucks, Make a Wind Generator

How much money will your family spend on electricity this year? Since the average home uses approximately 30,000 watts in a month's time, the number can be actually stunning. However, you are able to save your family thousands of dollars if you make a wind generator.

What Is a Wind Generator?

Do you know what a wind generator is? Some people think it's a contraption designed to create wind. However, it is a device that uses the wind to form electricity. Now here's the thrilling part : a wind generator can help you eliminate your electrical bill! Granted, there are some different factors that must be considered but the reality is, it is possible. Here are some of the things you need to consider:-

First of all, you need to determine if you get sufficient wind where you reside to power your turbine.

A turbine must be about 20 feet taller than the highest obstacle in the instant area.

Finally, to make a wind generator, you'll need some easy materials. You will need a tower on which to install the blade of the turbine. You will need a DC motor, but this will be bought new for around 50 dollars or so. You will also need a battery bank and there are methods to recondition batteries to extend their life. PVC may be used to form the blades and most of the other parts are extraordinarily simply accessible.

How Much Will I Save When I am making a Wind Generator?

Most families use about one thousand watts of electricity in a 24 hour period. If a wind generator is installed in an area that averages wind of 9 miles per hour, you can easily produce one thousand watts of electricity in the same timescale. Whilst you can need to have standard grid power until you see what your energy requirements are, you can possibly create sufficient electricity to power your house day in and day out.

In Closing

You can literally save your family thousands of bucks when you make a wind generator. If you were to purchase a new turbine, you will spend thousands of dollars. However, you can get the materials needed yourself for less than a hundred dollars. In spite of the monetary savings, you can also help the environment too. Ordinary grid power is not environmentally friendly. A wind generator can help you do your part to form a better environment for everyone.



Autor: Malcolm U Bass

Malcolm Bass
Learn the easy way to make a wind generator


Added: June 14, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Friday, June 12, 2009

Four Ways to Save on Your Hot Water Bill

Have you ever stopped to think how much hot water you use in a week? It has been said that a family of four who each shower 5 minutes every day will use 700 gallons a week. Now add in all the hot water you use for washing dishes or even the wash and you'll add good bit more.

Lets assume this number comes out to 750 gals in a week. Can you visualize 750 gallons? Probably not. So, think of your hot water heater. It usually holds anywhere between 30 and 70 gallons. This means, for a 30 gallon water heater, it would have to be filled, heated and used 25 times every week. As you can see, heating your hot water can be a significant expenditure every month. But what can you do, we need it for showering, the dishes and washing!!

Well there are some things you can do with your hot water heater to help cut expenses, such as:

  • If it is old, get rid of it and replace it with a high efficiency heater. Many people wait until their's break and then rush out and get one without shopping around for the best one. This could be costly because if you don't buy a highly efficient one, you'll be paying for this (in more ways than one) for many years.
  • You can wrap your water tank in an insulating blanket. These blankets are relatively cheap and do a good job of keeping the heat in the water rather than letting it escape.
  • You can turn the thermostat down a little. This saves quite a bit of money, but you can only turn it down so far without it being too cool for when you really need hot water.
  • Now after doing these few things there aren't many more things that you can do, unless you want to step it up a little., and by that I mean add a solar hot water heater. Now this sounds complicated, but it is not as bad as you might think.

You can build your own solar water heater relatively inexpensively and you don't have to get rid of your hot water heater. When you add a solar water heater, most times you add an extra tank outside your house. This tank is connected to your existing hot water tank and feeds it with hot water, thus cutting down on the amount of electric (or gas) you need to heat your water.

Enjoying hot water everyday is a quite a pleasure, but as with most things, pleasures cost money. Luckily there are things you can do to save money on your hot water. Most people think of the first three points listed above, but few people ever would consider adding a solar water heater. Maybe you should. To see how easy it is, read on....

A DIY solar water heater is certainly doable by most people. For more information and details on how to build one that is just right for you (with materials costing less than a $100) please read DIY Solar Water Heater.



Autor: Bruce Dinger
Added: June 12, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Cavity Wall Insulation and Home Energy Saving

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) currently operates two home energy conservation programs where the participant house owners may be reimbursed the total cost they incur while carrying out certain home energy improvements. One such improvement is the cavity wall insulation. Cavity walls provide a convenient structural design to support wall insulation material.

Cavity Walls

Cavity walls are external building walls which incorporate an air gap which may be within the wall structure itself (for e.g. Hollow block walls) or between two solid walls (or between two partitions having a narrow air gap separating them).The latter technique was widely used in houses constructed between 1932 to 1982.

Almost all houses constructed after 1982 adopted the cavity wall technique with or without the use of insulation.

Why do you need insulation in cavity wall?

The wall cavity maintains an air gap which is a good insulation. (In fact it is about the best available conveniently and almost all other manufactured insulation material incorporates air bubbles or spaces in order to gain this advantage).When the cavity width between the two walls exceed a certain critical dimension the air within the gap start moving about due to convection (convection currents) which start assisting heat transfer from the warmer to the colder side rather than blocking it.

Porous insulation fill will restrict the air movement within the cavity providing optimized insulation quality.

How to find out whether your house has cavity walls

All houses built during the last 25 years are almost certain to have cavity walls. It is possible these may be insulated too. Houses built during the 50 years prior to that are also likely to have cavity walls but may not have any insulation.

A sure giveaway sign is the brick pattern of the exterior wall. In general wall bricks are laid in 3 patterns.

  • Stretcher bond
  • Flemish bond
  • And,
  • English bond

Of these only the stretcher bond patterned brick walls will have a wall cavity. A stretcher bond patterned brick wall will have the bricks laid flat on side and in a linear manner i.e. bricks laid end to end.

Another tell tale sign is the width of the total wall. Due to the incorporated cavity the width is in excess of the normal 300 mm width you would expect it to have.

It is always better to get a skilled person with proper tools to give advice on these matters. Normally they drill holes in the wall and collect data to find out the details of the air gap, insulation material (if any), and the present condition of it.

Types of insulation for cavity walls

The commonly used materials are;

  • Fibreglass or mineral wool with short strands
  • Cellulose loose fill or stabilized cellulose
  • Phenolic and other Synthetic foam cavity board -(Used in new constructions only).

Cavity wall insulation if it is a retrofit in an existing house will not take more than 3 or 4 hours. Of course it has to be handled by a skilled person with specialized tools. They would drill holes in the existing external wall at regular intervals, insert a special nozzle and blow short strands of insulation material in to the wall cavity. If the house is being constructed anew phenolic foam rigid board or expanded polystyrene foam boards too may be used.



Autor: J Mahoney

John Mahoney is a freelance author who writes about various RENEWABLE ENERGY topics including Cavity Wall Insulation


Added: June 10, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Make Your Own Windmill at Home

We're living on hard times. Just look at your energy bills and notice the skyrocketing amounts. That's why it's not a surprise that more and more people are looking for a cheaper source of energy. The problem is, the best alternative is not known to the majority. This is no other than windmills.

A windmill is also known as a "wind turbine". Wind turbine is a renewable source of energy which provides free electricity. Amazing isn't it? Talk about cheap. Given this condition, a lot of people are now interested on how to make a windmill.

Before you join the bandwagon, you should learn about its basic principles. Knowing how to make a windmill and finally executing its construction is not ideal if you have no idea how the thing works. Aside from grasping how to make a windmill, you should first understand how it operates.

A wind turbine gathers kinetic energy from wind then transforms it into electricity. The quality of electricity produced is even tantamount to a regular residential electrical system. It is normally installed on the peak of a tower. A lot of people refer to these machines as "windmills" but you should know that the two are just one and the same.

In a regular residential area, a home is simultaneously served by the local utility and the wind turbine. If the speed of wind becomes below cut-in speed (7-10 mph), the turbine will not produce any energy. Instead, all the power that is needed will be procured from the utility.

Whenever the speed of wind increase, the turbine output escalates and the quantity of power procured from the utility will proportionately decrease. If the turbine generates greater power than the residence needs, the excess electricity will be sold to the local utility. Therefore, you are not only able to save money, you can even gain money through this technology.

Since you are now aware of the basic mechanisms behind wind turbines, focus on finding the best manual. You should be able to master how to make a windmill without spending too much and the technicalities involved should be easy to understand. Remember that you're learning how to make a windmill in the comforts of your own home. You're learning how to make a windmill to ease your financial condition. The last thing you want is to mess up your comfort zone.



Autor: Alexander Belov Alexander Belov
Level: Platinum
Hi, I am Alexander Belov. I love writing articles about literally anything and everything in this world. Starting from making money online and cars to ... ...

The greatest thing about this technology is that if you learn how to make your own windmill, you will not only save tons of cash on energy bills, but you will also be able to sell the power you producing to your electricity company. Sounds awesome, doesn't it? Click here to find out more.


Added: June 9, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Plans to Make a Windmill - Earth Day Activity Tip

Every year, there is this certain event more popularly known as the Earth day. This is the only day once in a year when people actually allot time to celebrate the gift of environment or commemorate its slow demise. The usual activities in Earth day celebrations include planting trees, educational discussions, media-related affairs and even protest actions.

A closer scrutiny at the educational discussions during the Earth day will reveal the promotion of alternate sources of energy. At present, majority of people use energy sources from the local utilities. These local utilities, in turn, operate through gas or coal - oblivious to the fact that these methods incur damages to our environment.

Your best bet on alternate energy source is the windmill. Windmills, better known as wind turbines, do not cause pollution at all. What's more, you utilize the planet earth to generate power using a natural method, without having to emit any pollutants. What's more, it is even renewable which only means that no energy is put to waste.

With the great advantage of wind turbines, people should start drafting plans to make a windmill. Put it this way, you can help save the planet if you use wind turbines so better lay out plans to make a windmill soon. Imagine if a substantial number of people opt to utilize windmills instead. This will certainly make mother earth happy and proud.

For a change, teach and inform others about the benefits in using wind turbine. Start by introducing your own plans to make a windmill and enlist the help of others in your endeavor. Do not just talk about it, do it. You can even organize your own Earth day activity and conduct your very own mini program. In addition, you can even contact various environmental groups for an event tie up.

What you should understand is that putting out plans to make a windmill is not limited only during Earth day celebrations. You can always do your part and help save our planet by convincing people to follow your lead. Urge them to start drafting plans to make a windmill. And just keep on spreading the word.



Autor: Alexander Belov Alexander Belov
Level: Platinum
Hi, I am Alexander Belov. I love writing articles about literally anything and everything in this world. Starting from making money online and cars to ... ...

The main problem that lots of people face, when they start looking for plans to make a windmill is information overload. There are so many guides and manuals to choose from, that you can go crazy. Also majority of them are just useless and don't provide any help at all. Now when I've successfully built my windmill, I can definitely recommend a guide called Earth4Energy. Click here to check it out.


Added: June 7, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Friday, June 5, 2009

Easy Instructions to Make a Windmill Quickly

A lot of people commit the mistake of making a windmill without any sort of help. Nobody even bothers to research, compare sources or solicit advice from previous windmill builders. Everyone is looking for quick and easy instructions to make a windmill. You should know though that not all the available instructions to make a windmill are always reliable.

Of course, all of us want to create and possess a windmill that is not only technologically advanced, but also functions at its peak capacity. Even the government has made extensive efforts in perfecting that incredible energy source. In fact, from 1974 to 1981, the U.S. Federal Wind Energy Program manufactured and experimented on thirteen successful little windmill systems. This only means that more developments on wind turbines are on the way.

Hence, once you find the best instructions to make a windmill - at least according to your perception, do not just close your options. Be open to modifying your technological machine for better functioning and service. Anyhow, this will be for your own good in the long run.

The instructions to make a windmill generally vary. Each ad company claims to offer the better services, every person boast of knowing the best methods. Truth is, there are two important steps to undertake. These two steps are the most common elements among the various proliferating instructions to make a windmill.

The first step is devising a plan and the other one is the actual building process. When you have the right plan, be assured that you will enjoy making the windmill without burning a hole in your pocket. Keep in mind that the best windmill plan requires less expense on your part. However, you may have to shell out a meager amount in order to find a good plan that suits you. That's because a lot of devious, misleading plans don't even use the latest technology that is cheap yet available for you.

Armed with apt plans and significantly little hard work, you could create a homemade windmill using an advanced technology. What's more, you can avoid those pesky, misleading instructions that only confuse and annoy you.



Autor: Alexander Belov Alexander Belov
Level: Platinum
Hi, I am Alexander Belov. I love writing articles about literally anything and everything in this world. Starting from making money online and cars to ... ...

After I have successfully built my windmill, I can certainly recommend you the guide, which I've used to get instructions to make a windmill. It's called Earth4Energy and the greatest thing about it is that it's not just about windmills. It also teaches you how to build solar power panels as well, so you can take advantage of sun's energy as well. Click here to find out more.


Added: June 5, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Thursday, June 4, 2009

How to Make a Windmill on Your Own

The reason you're reading this article is probably because you have finally been hooked into the latest craze. More and more people are now availing or building their own personal windmills.

You certainly deserve a pat in the back. You have finally realized the vital importance of switching into this alternate energy source. You should know though, that windmills are not just mere fads. With the ample benefits windmills bring, this energy source is more likely to proliferate even more.

Are you itching to finally have your own windmill? Then stop looking at your neighbor with envy. No worries. Once you're done with this article, you will now know how to make a windmill. Is money your concern? Relax, you'll still find out how to make a windmill without breaking the bank.

In fact, it is possible to construct a windmill with approximately $200. This amount will be spent on the needed parts. What's more, if you have sufficient skill, you can finish making a windmill in just two days.

First things first, be careful on your construction. You may have learned how to make a windmill at the cost of a broken arm. You certainly don't want that, do you? Familiarize yourself with the tools first in order to minimize accidents.

Obtain the necessary information. You can use various manuals, software and reviews as your construction backbone. Choose a set of guidelines that is suitable to the type of windmill you wish to construct. Look for a manual that is user-friendly. This means that manual is simple to understand, affordable and also accessible.

Keep in mind that the quicker you research on the basics of making windmills, the faster it is for you to finally start constructing and finish. Quit dilly-dallying and find out the pros and cons of certain windmill materials. Check out the endurance of the DC power monitor, scan for the best type of blade to utilize and purchase an efficient battery bank.

These are just few, important actions in the series of steps that will finally finish your windmill. You should remember that learning how to make a windmill is an important step. Executing it, however, that's a different topic altogether.



Autor: Alexander Belov Alexander Belov
Level: Platinum
Hi, I am Alexander Belov. I love writing articles about literally anything and everything in this world. Starting from making money online and cars to ... ...

When I was also looking for information on how to make a windmill, I was lucky enough to stumble upon a guide called Earth4Energy. Using this manual I didn't only create my own windmill, but I've also made solar power panels. So now I can use both wind and solar power to make free electricity. Click here to find out how you can do it too.


Added: June 4, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Make a Windmill to Save Our Planet

Do you know that you contribute to the destruction of Mother Earth? Yes, you do - whenever you use equipment and appliances that are fueled by gas, coal and other non-renewable energy sources. Sure, all of us don't want to be part of the notorious roster. But do you know what you can do to help? For one, you can make a windmill.

Windmills are certified environmentally friendly sources. What's more, they are relatively less expensive, renewable and even free. It's about time that we all learn the steps to make a windmill. Let's help save our mother earth.

To make a windmill, we must first understand its components. Basically, a windmill is comprised of this rotor blade structure. The said structure generates kinetic energy whenever the wind produces movement. The procured kinetic energy becomes beneficial when it is consequently transformed into the form of electricity.

Who among here doesn't want to decrease the sum of their monthly electric bills? Imagine if you can save by as much as 70%. In addition, windmills do not eat your time through constant maintenance. They are in fact, very convenient. With the enormous savings and convenience bonus, you are crazy not to avail of this amazing energy source.

In order to make a windmill that function properly, you must begin with gathering the needed components. The sizes of these components are dependent on the dimensions and design of the windmill you envision. Remember that a nacelle is crucial in making this windmill since it acts as the gearbox for its proper movement.

Furthermore, the windmill's wind blades can be created using metal, wood or aluminum. Depending on the functionality and your chosen design, the wind blades could be three-bladed or even more. However, wood is the ideal material since it is relatively less heavy and also functions best in breezy locations. If you want your windmill to perform at its best, one more important to consider is the shaft. Shafts help the alternator or generator move in order to produce electricity.

It is no secret that we need to protect and conserve our planet. Our continued use of non-renewable sources inevitably contributes to environmental damage. Needless to say, finding another source of energy is imperative. It's a good thing that we have windmills as a viable option. Making windmills does not only save you money, it also makes mother earth happy.



Autor: Alexander Belov Alexander Belov
Level: Platinum
Hi, I am Alexander Belov. I love writing articles about literally anything and everything in this world. Starting from making money online and cars to ... ...

Nowadays, when electricity prices are going rapidly up, there are literally thousands of people how want to know how to make a windmill to produce free power. If that sounds like you, then I'm sure you will love the Earth4Energy, which is designed for those who want to build a windmill or solar panels. Click here to check it out.


Added: June 3, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Monday, June 1, 2009

Home Made Wind Power Generator - 5 Simple Steps to Generate Your Own Electricity Using Wind Power

It is not that hard to build your own home made wind power generator. If you look around the neighborhood, you will notice that there have been an increasing number of homes that have their own wind power generator. Why is it that a lot of families now prefer this renewable source of energy?

Firstly, it doesn't cost much to build one and you can eliminate your electricity bills by about 80%. You certainly can save a lot of money on monthly bills every month. The best part is that you can also be paid by your power company if you produce excess energy. Talk about savings and income opportunity! Secondly, the energy that you produce from your home made wind power generator is totally clean and doesn't produce any harmful after effects. A cleaner environment means a healthier living conditions for you and your family.

Now lets get into how you can construct your wind power generator. It takes 5 simple steps to make one.

1. Suitable Location

Before you start building your generator, you need to find a suitable location. The location you choose should not have any trees, building or obstacles blocking the wind currents to the generator. It should also preferably be on a flat hilltop because wind power increases with height. More wind power means more energy for your home and this will help prevent your house from running out of power. Not to worry if you cannot find the perfect location. You will need a back up source of power which will be covered below.

2. Place to Mount

Once you have found a suitable location, you need to decide where you want to mount your home made wind power generator. You can either mount it on your rooftop or on a tall mast some distance away from your house. Do take note that you might need to seek permission from the relevant authorities before mounting your generator.

3. Size of Turbine

Now you need to determine the size of turbine that you need to power your house. For normal household appliances, you would need at least a system of 600 watts. For the whole household you certainly need a higher watt turbine. The recommended size is at least a 1000 watts or more system. This is to ensure that your home will be powered efficiently.

4. Back Up Source of Power

Just in case the wind current suddenly subsides or your home made wind power generator stops working, you need to have a backup source of power. There are 2 choices available as your back up power. One is to build another renewable source of energy like a solar power system. The solar power system uses solar panels to take in radiation from the sunlight and convert it into energy.

The other alternative is to check with your power company whether they an have an on-grid and off-grid application installed in your home. If they have the applications installed, then you do not need to worry. This is because the power company will supply you with power if your wind power generator stops working.

5. Detailed Guide with Illustrations and Videos

This is the most important point. You need to get a guide that gives you detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to construct the home made wind power generator. The guide also needs to provide graphics and illustration so that you can easily see how it is done and you can do it yourself after that. It is even better if the guide comes with videos too! This makes your job a whole lot easier.

There are a lot of guides available online that could help you. Make sure you do your research and check out consumer reviews first before purchasing any guide. Take note that the materials and assembly should not cost more than $200. You should also be able to get the materials easily in any hardware store nearby your area.

It is simple to set-up your own wind power generator with the knowledge that you have now. Get started today!



Autor: Muhd Noor Noordin

We have reviewed and tested over 12 guides that could help you build your home made wind power generator but only 3 passed our strict criteria. Check out our reviews and start eliminating your electricity bill here: Home Solar Systems.


Added: June 1, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/