Energy Efficiency in Your Home Office

Leaving office equipment on 24-7 is not an effective way to reduce energy costs. Yet, many people do that in their home office because it takes too much time to turn them on and off. Energy efficiency is important in your home office as much as anywhere else in your home, and you can still save time while reducing your electricity bill.

Turn Off Devices

Leaving computers and printers on all the time is expensive. This will cause you to use a lot of kilowatts per year. The simple act of shutting off your devices can result in huge savings. It's not enough just to put your electronic devices on standby. The electricity is hidden when you use standby power, but it's still being wasted until you actually shut off your electronics.

Energy Audit

The first step to reducing the energy you use in your home office is to do an energy audit. Look at everything that you plug into a socket, including phone chargers. You can purchase a plug-in Kill a Watt meter to measure the amount of electricity that each piece of equipment is using. It will even measure the amount of electricity on standby power, which still uses energy, even though the device is not in use.

Sleep Mode

You can make your computer more efficient by putting its sleep and idle modes to the lowest settings. This will decrease the amount of energy you use while working, because it will switch to sleep and idle modes quicker.

Replace Devices

Another option is to replace inefficient equipment to reduce your energy use. You may even qualify for tax deductions or rebates for buying new, efficient equipment.

Standby Mode

The devices to be more watchful of are the ones that you don't use as much as your computer, such as printers and scanners. These are on standby a lot, but you're still wasting electricity over time when you keep them in this mode. If you're having trouble remembering to shut them off, try using smart power strips, like the Wattstopper. The way this works is that you plug your computer into the main line and plug printers, copiers and scanners into the secondary line, which you'll have to manually power up because of its separate on/off switch.

Power Strips

You can use power strips for chargers as well, to avoid the standby problem. When you turn off the switch on the power strip, you cut off electrical power to the chargers or other equipment plugged in. You can use power strips all around your home, to plug in everything from kitchen appliances to televisions. Solar power is another option for chargers. These are made of small solar panels that you set out in the sun to generate energy. For example, the Sunny Flower solar charger can charge the batteries for your cell phone or electronics that use batteries.

Autor: Brent Crouch

HowToSaveElectricity.net
Energy conservation tips that lead to be savings.
http://www.howtosaveelectricity.net/energy-conservation-tips/

Added: January 1, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Make a Windmill - Huge Cost Savings Exposed by Using Windmill Power

Is it a fact that we could all do with more money? Well, your electric bill is one area where you can really make a huge difference and here's how. There are literally many millions of people the world over who are looking to source renewable, green energy for their homes. The result is that this has led to a big increase in the popularity of the home windmill. Here's an interesting thought..... Make a windmill for your home and you could easily and realistically generate about 60% of your home energy requirements!

This is actually a very conservative figure as it depends upon the area in which you live of course but you have the capability to make a huge difference.

Let's work out the savings:

Annual electric bill - $1200.

60% generated for free if you make a windmill.

You save - $720!!

These are very conservative figures too. One thing for sure is that many people, regardless of where in the world they live, are taking advantage of windmill power for home electricity. Think about this..... If you are a genuinely serious home DIY enthusiast, you can easily make a windmill at home for under $200 and save thousands on your electric bill. Windmill power is easy to make, most of the parts required are readily available from any good hardware store and you can start literally right away!

Remember - Make a windmill and reap the huge financial rewards of using windmill power as a means to generate clean electricity for your home. What would you do with that extra money?

Autor: James K Stewart

So, do you actually realize the savings you could make?

To help you make a windmill, I have some quality details with some excellent FREE Bonus Offers waiting for you right now.

Follow this link to see discover this information and make your home a more energy efficient place today: http://www.homediyenergy.info

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

Top Alternative Energy Solutions

Do you want to find out about the top alternative energy solutions that can be used to run your home with? One of the best tested and proven methods today is to use wind renewable energy systems such as windmills and wind turbines. With higher electricity prices and increased environmental pollution, there is more focus on the use of alternative energy and how they can be fully harnessed.

1. What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Alternative Energy Solutions?

Their effectiveness tends to be lower in highly populated areas due to more obstacles blocking the free flow of wind energy. The best places to utilize them would be in more rural and suburbia areas, but nevertheless, still can work with very low wind speeds. The best positions to place the wind turbine would be in areas that are bigger than 1 hectare; otherwise the wind power may not be enough to run the windmill properly.

2. How Do Wind Alternative Energy Solutions Work?

They work when the wind power rotates the blades on the turbines, resulting in mechanical energy being produced. This power can then be channelled into the system towards the generator. The generator will then convert this mechanical energy into electricity that can be used to run the lights and various household appliances. Given the fact that wind is a completely free and renewable source of energy, it is a great alternative to traditional energy sources such as coal and fuel.

3. What Are Some Other Considerations When Building Wind Alternative Energy Solutions?

The average wind speed that one should look out for when placing their turbines is about 10 mph to 11 mph. There will be 4 main components needed to assemble it, and you can find out all about how to build alternative wind energy solutions at my website link below.

Autor: Gary Ashby

Do you want to learn more about the best Alternative Energy Solutions? Download the Best Step-By-Step Home Energy Guides at http://www.renewableenergysystemreview.com first!

The author has managed to reduce his energy bill by more than 80% by building his own renewable home energy system. Check out his website above to find out how to do it!

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

DIY Solar PV Panel Kits - Statistics Show More Homeowners Are Choosing PV to Save Money

More and more home owners are choosing to install solar panels on their roofs. According to the Energy Information Administration, the official provider of energy statistics to the US government, the number of installed units was over 280,000 in 2007 (the latest year that data is available). Why are so many people installing them?

The first reason is that solar, or pv, panels can save money. In many cases homes become "net providers" of energy. That means the solar panels create more electricity than the homeowners' need, turning these homes into mini-power stations, where the electricity the homeowner does not need is sold back to the power company. They not only reduce their electricity bill to zero, but get credits applied to their electric company's bill. That comes in handy on those months that there may not be enough sun to cover all of your electricity use, like during a month with a lot of rain or snow - or during winter.

The second reason is that there are tax credits that try to make the installation of the panels more affordable. Recent stimulus legislation includes these incentives.

A third reason is that more and more Americans are concerned about where their fuel comes from, and they want to do their part to help keep the environment clean for the children and grandchildren.

However, even with the tax credits, the costs for putting solar panels on homes can still reach into the thousands of dollars. That is beyond the reach of many people. But there are other options.

Believe it or not, you can build your own. With as little as $200 in materials and a little elbow grease, it is possible to start putting these savings into your pocket. And there are very easy step by step guides to help. The internet offers many products that walk you through the process.

How many months does it take you to spend $200 on your electricity bill? Three months? Two? One? In that amount of time, these panels would have paid for themselves. This is a great investment.

Autor: Robert Fryer

My experience installing solar panels is always the same: homeowners love saving money, using less foreign oil and helping the environment. See if this product is right for you. http://makeyourownenergy.wordpress.com

Robert Fryer is an architecture professor in energy efficiency, and has 15 years experience in designing homes and systems.

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

Going Green Tips For Home - Start Today

If you are worried about the environment then you are possible looking for going green tips for home. We all have to do our part in trying to save this planet; at the rate we are going we are not doing such a good job! But, these tips will not only save the planet, it will also save you some money.

1. Reduce:

Try to think of all possible ways that you can reduce your use of valuable resources. Combine routes when you have to do shopping and take the kids to school for instance. Walk wherever you can instead of taking the car. Use the most energy efficient cooking methods instead of long cooking processes. Think of better options to using the oven for instance.

2. Reuse:

This is very important; reuse everything that is at all possible. We have to get out of this mentality of throwing everything away so easily. If you use stuff more than once, only make sure you use eco friendly dish washing liquid not to harm the environment unintentionally.

3. Recycle:

This is vital. Try and recycle as much as possible. Do not throw away glass for instance but recycle it.

4. Use renewable energy:

Here you can really save a lot of money. You will be surprised at how much energy you will be able to supply with a home rooftop wind turbine. It is possible to generate enough energy to make a real difference in your energy bills.

These are only a few of the many going green tips for home. You should be able to think of may more ways to save the planet and to save you some money.

Autor: Riekie Van Aardt

Save yourself a lot of money with good Going Green Tips for home. Go to: http://www.squidoo.com/GoingGreenTipsForHome now and have a look.

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

Saving Money at Home - How Much Money Can You Save by Making Some Eco-Friendly Changes at Home

The cost of living seems to be always on the rise regardless of the economic times. When it comes to cost cutting ideas and making ends meet, it can be hard to appreciate that our small efforts make any difference to our bills. Well, here is a "rough guide" to how much money you can save and at the same time, make a difference to your ecological footprint on the planet. Remember, not only are you saving your own money, but every Watt of energy you save, is less "fossil fuel" burnt to supply your house with electricity.

Simple changes to your daily habits can have a huge effect on the gas and electricity bills that drop through your letterbox. The trick is to see your home a little like a business and how it all works. Efficiency will be the key and how the parts of your home work together. For instance, efficient heating is of little use if the heating is lost through poorly insulated roof and walls, single glazed windows or air leaks. If your house can retain its heat, the size and cost of the heating system can be smaller. Because heating makes up the majority of your energy bills, (in colder climates) you will save the most money by reducing your heating needs. Conversely, in hotter climates, your cost is on cooling, and very often the same energy saving principles apply.

Applying our no-cost energy saving tips around your home can save you heaps of money a year.

For a typical home in the United Kingdom, here's how to save about 375/year, or $US500 for a house in in the northern latitudes of USA.

• Energy Saving Light Bulbs - Save 5- 10/yr. Cost recovered in 6 months
• Hot Water Insulation - Save 10/yr. Cost recovered in 1 year
• Draught Proofing - Save 35/yr. Cost recovered in 3 years
• Heating Controls - Save 50/yr. Cost recovered in 2-5 years
• Double Glazed Windows - Save 40/yr. Cost recovered in 5 years
• Ceiling/Roof Insulation - Save 80 - 100/yr. Cost recovered in 2-6 years
• Cavity Wall Insulation - Save 130/yr. Cost recovered in 3 years
• Replace Old Heater - Save 120 - 200/yr. Cost recovered in 4-5 years

It is easy to start saving energy right now, and you don't have to spend a lot of money to reduce your energy bills. As well as changing your daily energy habits, you can install energy efficient products and appliances around your home. Efficient products usually don't cost more than power munchers, but are cheaper to maintain and run. A properly heated house is comfortable and costs less to run by lowering your energy bills.

Autor: Greg Murry

Providing information to online users interested in living, lifestyle ecologically sound solutions. Helping people find DIY eco-friendly solutions to everyday living. Visit SolarDIYTips for information solar DIY solutions.

Added: December 22, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Earth Energy Solutions

The first step that anyone considering an alternative energy solution should do is reduce there energy consumption. Do not worry I am not suggesting that you give up modern conveniences and move to a cave. Easy things like changing all your incandescent light bulbs to florescent bulbs. Then either unplug or put on power strips things like dc converters, TV, DVD players, and microwaves and any similar devices that have displays and some that do not. These devices still use power even when they are turned off. These small steps will reduce the average home electrical needs by 65%.

There are many earth energy solutions, water, wind, and solar just to name a few. Which one will work for you will depend on your electrical needs and your location.

First we will discuss water as a source of alternative energy. If you live near a source of water this maybe a possible solution for you. Now you can't just go build a your own dam. But you can divert some of the water into a turbine to generate your own power. Of course you need to check your local and state laws. But this is allowed in many areas.

Next up as one of the earth energy solutions, is wind power. This one can work in almost any location. And can generate reasonable power in winds as low as eight miles per hour. It works best in combination with a battery system.

Solar is the most widely used of all the earth energy solutions. Probably because it is so easy to install, you get a panel set it up in the sun an it converts sunlight into electricity. This system also needs a battery system because the sun will go down.

Autor: Garry Fisher

Regrettably it can be very hard to locate a trustworthy place to discover how to best convert wind power and solar power to electricity. Earth4Energy... is the most reliable place to start. I definitely recommend this website as a great place to learn how start use Alternative Residential Energy Solution...

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

Thrifty Retirement - Easy Savings on Winter Energy Costs

As the winter season closes in on us, we all begin to think about the cost of winter energy bills. If you are lucky enough to live in a location that's warm year round, you probably welcome the relief from high air conditioning bills. But for those of us who have four seasons, winter poses the heaviest burden of energy use and the highest utility bills. You can ease the pressure of those bills, especially in today's uncertain economy, by using cheap and simple measures to reduce energy use and save money.

The easiest energy-saving thing to do must be to replace your incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, compact fluorescent lighting, in as many places as possible. During shorter winter days, you probably have lights on for more hours, and energy savings can be substantial. Start with the lights that you use most often and for the longest periods. It's best to install CFLs where they will be on for at least 15 minutes at a time, so a closet, hallway, or stairway where the light is turned on and off after just a few seconds is not necessarily a good place for a CFL. Although it uses less energy, each on-and-off click shortens the overall life of the bulb, and your savings might be minimal.

Turn down the temperature on your water heater to 110 or 120 degrees to save money and use less energy. In retirement, most of us have only two living in our household, so you're not likely to run out of hot water. And while you're there, insulate your water heater. You can buy precut blanket-style insulation made especially for a water heater to make installation easy. Slip-on insulation for hot water pipes can save energy too.

Replace your furnace filters at the beginning of the heating season, and check for dust accumulation in the middle of the season, as well. If you have a permanent type of filter, be sure to clean it thoroughly. Also make sure the humidifier on your furnace is working properly. Air that is more humid feels warmer than dry air of the same temperature, making your home more comfortable. Check the humidifier water pad and replace it if it is caked with lime and scale.

Turn your furnace thermostat down a couple degrees in winter and up a couple degrees in summer. The rule of thumb is that you save about 5% of your retirement dollars on heating bills for each degree of adjustment. Wear an extra layer of clothing, like a sweater or long-sleeved shirt, if you get chilly, or use a small space heater to warm the room in which you spend most of your time.

Take advantage of free heat and humidity for your dry winter air by opening your dishwasher and allowing dishes to air dry. As you open the door, the moist steamy air rolls out and both warms and humidifies your home. Now that's thrifty retirement! You save the energy that would have been used to dry the dishes, and you warm your home while saving money. If you have an electric clothes dryer, you might be able to vent it indoors in the winter, taking advantage of that warmth and humidity, as well. Gas dryers should always be vented outdoors.

Check doors and windows for drafts. If cold air comes in under doors, purchase and install weather stripping that is designed for doorsills. Alternatively, you can roll up a small rug to place in front of it or buy a decorative "door snake" to block the draft. For windows, the clear plastic shrink-to-fit kits you install yourself are amazingly effective at saving energy and saving money. The kits come with double-stick tape to apply around the window. You cut the plastic film to size and stick it to the tape, sealing all edges. Finally, use a hair dryer to shrink the film and render it virtually invisible. In the spring, the tape and film are easily peeled off, leaving no residue. For windows that you never open, or that are in rooms you seldom use, you might want to leave the film on all year.

These tips on reducing winter energy use cost little or nothing, but they can add up to major savings on your winter energy bills. In our thrifty retirement, we can use the knowledge we have gained along the way to reduce our utility bills, save money, and make our lives warmer.

Copyright 2009 Linda Manley

Autor: Linda Manley

Linda Manley, a retired university research director, writes website articles on topics that interest her, such as retiring in warm places, staying fit and healthy, and saving money while doing both. You can find more of her articles at http://www.GreatRetirementPlaces.com.

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

Will Storage Heaters Save You Money?

Storage heaters are domestic heaters that store thermal energy during the evening when the cost of electricity is lower, so the heater can be used during the day or as required when the cost would be higher. It depends on the fact that there are two prices for electricity and that the user is subscribed to the correct tariff in order to save money. In Great Britain the tariff known as 'Economy 7' would be suitable in order to save money.

The construction of these heaters are usually made of clay bricks or other ceramic materials, concrete walls or containers full of water. While in the United States and the UK they are known as 'storage heaters' in Australasia they are commonly known as heat banks. It is usual that storage heaters have two main controls. There is what is known as a charge control (frequently referred to as the 'input') which controls the amount of heat being stored. The draught control - which is normally referred to as the 'output' - controls the rate at which heat is released into a given room or property.

While these controls can be used manually by the owner, they may also be set up to run automatically once the storage heater owner has selected the target room temperature by using the thermostat. Some storage heaters also come with an electric heater which can be used to increase output of heat by using resistance heater or indeed heat pumps. However, in many people's eyes this defeats the purpose of storage heaters because it usage would occur during the day - which would mean the high tariff being in operation, therefore being expensive.

Advantages

Electrical heating is generally more expensive than gas or oil heating, but these heaters mean that electrical heating can be economical. It is also generally accepted that heaters take up less space than other heating systems. Sometime natural gas is not available to a property, and so storage heaters are a viable alternative.

Disadvantages

Working out the size of a storage heater involves a compromise between what is thought to be the maximum expected low temperature duration and intensity, and the overall cost and space need of the heating system. If the heater is too large, its cost will be too high and it will have an impact on the building's available space; and if too small, the price of what is known as supplemental (during the day) electric heating will simply be too much. If for some reason the owner is out for a day, the stored up heat will still be lost - an unavoidable loss.

Overall, the suitability of heaters depends upon various factors as described - but it is definitely possible that it could save you money if used correctly.

Autor: Gino Hitshopi

Gino Hitshopi is highly experienced in the realm of storage heaters, having worked in the energy efficiency industry for many years. For more information please visit: http://www.discount-electrical.co.uk/section.php/107856/1/storage-heaters

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

Cut Energy Bills With Energy Generating Windmills

There are many simple things you can do to cut energy bills, but energy generating windmills are one of the options. Some of your other options are using efficient light bulbs or adding a programmable thermostat. Some of the things that people very often overlook are unplugging electronic equipment when you are not using them. Do not leave a TV or a DVD that you are not using plugged in if you are only going to use it occasionally.

Today's electronic equipment are always on "stand-by" and they are drawing electricity even when they are turned off. You will be surprised at how that can add up in the long run. Doing an energy audit may be a good ides. It can help you to identify the weak spots in your house where you are losing energy.

A cheaper way would possibly be to do it yourself. Take a careful look around the house. Look for cracks and gaps where you may be using valuable heat. Make a note of all windows and doors that are not properly sealed and take steps to seal them.

One of the best things you can do if you want to save money is to invest in something that can generate electricity for you... for free.

Using the power of the wind with energy generating windmills is one of the ways you can generate energy free. You will be surprised to know that you can build your own for very little and that you can have drastic savings on your energy bills that way. Do look into energy saving windmills as an option to save some serious money and save the planet at the same time.

Autor: Riekie Van Aardt

Go to Energy Saving Windmills and see how you can easily build one yourself. You will only need a few days and all the supplies will be obtainable from your local hardware store.

Added: December 16, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Using Water Efficiently in Homes and Buildings

How Can I Use Water More Efficiently In My Home or Commercial Building?

There is an ever increasing range of pressure on water resources such as: urban water supply competing with irrigation, the desire to retain the natural environment and the expectation water is available whenever we want it. So restrictions on water use will become tighter in the future. As water is a precious resource it must be considered when we design and construct our buildings.

Reusing rainwater that falls on your roof is an easy way to make water go further. If you have an existing building, first, locate your main storm-water drain, install a water storage tank nearby and connect it to the tank. The rainwater you harvest can be used to irrigate your garden and clean your building and vehicles.

The same fixtures can be installed in a new building, and you will also be able plumb your building so you can cycle the captured rainwater throughout your building. In this case your harvested rainwater can supply toilets, laundries, showers, basins, sinks and even provide you with clean drinking water.

Not only will you save on your water bills, you will be reducing pressure on water resources and helping to retain the natural environment. Water restrictions in the future will mean we will be required to design and construct our buildings so that water is used efficiently. So now is a great time to get started and have your building designed to use water more efficiently.

Autor: Les Dykstra

Architects-ldl is an Award-winning Master Architect, Designer of Houses, Apartments, Renovations, Interiors, Commercial, School, Hotel and Green Buildings. For more information visit our website http://www.architects-ldl.co.nz

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

Why You Want Solar Panels

Many people get solar panels each year, and they get them for different reasons. All the reasons are great, and no matter what they are, people are generally thrilled with their purchase and the results they get from it.

One reason people decide to buy solar panels is to save money on their bills. Bills are constantly rising, especially on gas and electricity. The idea of paying less in electrical and heating bills is one that many people jump at. Solar-panels can do many things including creating electricity, heating water, and heating air. All of these things can take the place of other forms of energy, which in turn lowers your bills.

Another reason is to "go green." Many people are looking for ways to have less of an impact on the environment, and solar panels are something that can be taken advantage by just about anyone. By using these panels, you use less electricity made by other sources. This cuts down on the reduction of natural resources. Sunlight is one of the best renewable resources that we have, so it just makes sense to take advantage of it.

Also, solar panels are a green energy. Solar-panels don't make any pollution on their own. The process of making the panels creates a little, but compared to the pollution created by other fuels, it is very little.

Solar-panels can really be a great investment for you to make. They will help you save money on your bills and protect the environment as well. Also, every person who buys these panels supports their production. This makes it easier for companies to make cheaper and more effective panels each year.

No matter what your reasons are for wanting solar panels, do some research and get them. You will be glad that you did.

Autor: Myloer Jamery

Myloer is a hobby writer who usually updates his blogs every day and writes about all kinds of topics. His latest project is about solar pool heaters and you can also read his articles about used solar panels by following the links.

Added: December 12, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Build Solar Panel - Basic Considerations You Want to Know Before Building Your Own Panel

Bid conventional electric utility bills "farewell" and renewable energy "hello." A popular and favorite source of renewable energy is solar power. The cost of having a solar power system installed by professionals does not come cheap though. According to environmentalists, such system is not only costly but the return of investment (ROI) takes a minimum of 10 years too. That's a long wait! Well, don't despair; you have other options. One cost-effective alternative is to build solar panel.

Does the idea sound exaggerated? If you think the process is complicated, know that it is quite the opposite. As long as there are complete and correct instructions to follow, assembling your own panels can be a piece of cake. Whether you're a kid, a teenager or an adult, you can build one without much difficulty. The same easy experience applies to the panel components. You can get the parts piece by piece from local hardware shops, or you can get the entire set in a solar panel kit. Build small-sized panels to get your small tools and appliances running. Take on the challenge of constructing a couple of panels that are capable of powering up mid-sized tools with larger power requirements.

Many of the available resources come with specific step-by-step instructions on how you can build solar panels hassle-free. Generally, you start the project by selecting which manual or guide to follow. Quality, depth and clarity count here. This step is very important. Once you've done this, shop for your supplies at the local hardware stores, and presto, you're ready to construct the system on your own! Be warned: once your neighbors see your handiwork, they might ask you to construct their solar panels too!

Building your own solar panel is a rewarding activity that saves you money and helps save the environment. Say goodbye to fossil fuels. One such simple goodbye can make a lasting impact on the neighborhood and on the planet that you live in.

Autor: Dan Bellson

No, you don't have the money to afford a professional solar power system. However, yes, you do have the option to go solar the inexpensive way. Build solar panel today and let the savings start rolling in. Build solar power and enjoy a more environmental friendly life.

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

What Are Vertical Wind Turbines For the Home?

You may have heard about it and now you are wondering about vertical turbines for the home. What are they? How do they differ from the windmill kind of turbine? Those are probably some of the questions you are asking me at the moment. Well, read on for the answers.

1. What are they?

They have a vertical axis instead of the normal horizontal axis you will find in the windmill type. The main benefit is that you can add extra blades without it using up more space. Of course, the benefit is that you can them make better use of whatever wind there is. Remember, more blades translate into more power for less wind.

2. How do they differ from the windmill kind of turbine?

Well, the difference is not that big. The main difference is that the axis is vertical so you could say the blades are "horizontal." This means that if you add more blades, they will not take up more space. You can think, for a home that is good.

For this reason you can have a small rooftop one that will be able to supply you with a substantial amount of energy. It is even possible to generate about 60% of your energy needs in this way. As you can think, if you harness the power of wind in this way you will have substantial savings on your energy bills.

3. Of course you are now thinking of the costs.

Buying one will be very expensive and you have to be sure you are going to stay in that house for a long time to get the return on your investment. There is a cheaper and economical option though. You can either make one yourself, you will have no problem finding a manual with the instructions, or you can buy a kit and assemble it yourself. In this way you will get your money back very fast and start saving on your energy bills in a very short time.

So, that is the most important facts you need to know about Vertical Wind Turbines For The Home.

Autor: Riekie Van Aardt

Good News! You can get all the info you need about Vertical Wind Turbines for the home when you go to the site with the same name. Go to: http://www.squidoo.com/VerticalWindTurbinesForTheHome now!

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

Build a Homemade Windmill - Generate Renewable Energy

Did you know that you can simply build your homemade windmill from everyday materials and replace your electricity bill. It is true because a homemade windmills only cost is the materials for construction. Once your wind turbine is up and running you have free energy.

So in order to build a windmill generator for your home it is important to have some kind of an instruction manual or kit because otherwise you will probably waste a lot of your time and money for that matter by just "winging" it so to speak. Do not worry you can pick up these instruction kits and I will leave a reference so you can find out more information.

BASE MATERIALS
The base materials you need to get started are:

- Concrete or sand bags, for base stability

- PVC pipe, for the tower

- Plywood, for the blades

- Battery storage unit, to store energy

As you can see these materials are easy to get a hold of and do not cost much.

BASIC CONSTRUCTION TIPS
Be sure to make your blades from 1-3 feet in diameter otherwise you will lose efficiency and and be sure to make more than 3 blades. If you are in an area with small wind velocity (5 -10 miles per hour) it is important to have many blades to increase your windmills efficiency. Having a windmill that works with a small breeze means that it is working for a longer period of time therefore in the long run creating more energy. The ideal height for a homemade windmill is 15 feet within a 300 meter diameter of your property. Make sure your base and tower structure are solid and can withstand the elements.

REMEMBER
The wind speed around your property will determine the size of your windmill so be sure to find out this information. Building a windmill with big heavy turbines in a low wind area will not work!

Autor: Paul Wiwatowski

REFERENCE
As mentioned before the process of building your own homemade windmill generator is much easier with a instruction manual or kit. Here is some further information where you can find these guides.

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

How to Find the Right Alternate Energy Source For Your Needs

So, you have decided to begin using an alternate energy source. That is great. But, which one is the right one for you? To start, you must take a look at the area in which you live. What is the climate like? What is the general landscape like? What problems might you encounter with each different alternate energy type?

Knowing and analyzing what type of renewable energy source you need is the first step. Renewable energy comes in all forms. Take some time to really study which one is best for you.

Solar energy is a great non-polluting, renewable energy resource for many people. However, if you spend most of your time in the house staring at the dismal gray sky and wishing that you could walk outside without stepping on a worm, then it may not be right for you. Even with fairly decent sunlight, without an adequate storage method, you are only going to have energy during the daylight, when you probably do not need as much to begin with.

Wind energy is also non-polluting (discounting the noise pollution) and renewable but is not going to be effective in areas where there is not a lot of wind for those areas that are sheltered or blocked in any way. Wind farms need fairly open spots to be set up in, and even the smallest turbine set up must be placed above the tree line to be effective at all. Again, a proper storage system is necessary or you will only have intermittent energy.

A hybrid of the two works better, but again only in those areas where sun and wind are both going to happen with any regularity. And, you would still need the energy storage method, one that is capable of converting energy from either source for storage.

Finally, cost is a consideration to keep in mind. Photovoltaic systems can cost up to $50,000 and even with government subsidies to offset some of the cost, it may be far beyond many budgets. Other systems are available, but they may not be as effective and may not provide enough energy for your home's needs.

Wind energy systems are generally considered to be more cost effective, but again may not be right for your area. They are also not as simple to operate as most people assume unless they are kept small. Remember, however, the smaller the system, the smaller the energy output will be.

Autor: Ezra Drissman

Eco20/20 is a cutting edge informational site. The primary focus of the site is clean energy. For almost two year Eco20/20 has been a leader in forward thinking articles.

http://www.eco20-20.com

Added: December 6, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Systems Will Help Cut Electricity Prices

Although not used a lot in the UK, solar power is a truly excellent way to cut electricity prices on your home utility bills and help reduce the impact of your carbon footprint.

Solar power comes in two broadly distinct forms: solar thermal heating systems and photovoltaic (PV) electricity generating systems. The first is a measure to provide constant hot water in the home, whilst the second provides electricity which can be used to run appliances.

Solar thermal water heaters are the more common of the two systems, certainly in the UK, but also throughout Northern Europe. Solar thermal technology has been in operation since the 1920s but as time has moved on, so technology has improved in order to make solar thermal systems more efficient and less expensive.

The thermal system can provide up to 85 per cent of a domestic hot water supply without having to rely on electricity or gas to maintain high temperatures in the home. Passive or compact thermal heating systems work off a single chassis to heat the water in a tank providing a constant supply of hot water for a family home. Active or pumped thermal systems are more complicated but more efficient than passive systems as they circulate hot water as and where it is needed around the home.

Thermal heating systems can also be used in underfloor heating and space heating, which can help to reduce electricity prices on your heating bills by up to 25 per cent. Although thermal heating is very useful for saving money on high electricity prices, the real savings can be made using photovoltaic systems.

PV cells generate electricity using the energy from the Sun to be converted into direct current at an efficiency of around 30 per cent. Although PV cells are expensive, the power generation after they have been set up is completely free and a single cell can last anything from 25-30 years.

A reasonable PV system could easily provide a quarter of the power needed to run a family home, further reducing electricity prices and the burden on fossil fuels. Last year there was just 6MW of solar PV cells installed in the UK, whilst Germany installed 1,500MW last year of solar panels. Not only will PV help reduce electricity prices in the UK if they are used more expansively, by 2050 they could cut carbon emissions by 15 per cent.

Autor: Kim Chambers

Kim has extensive knowledge in all kinds of insurance. She has written many articles on car insurance to help find the best deals available

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

Homemade Solar Panels Cut Power Bills!

We all know that since the past few years, inflation and the world economic crisis has caused our power bills to fly through our roofs! And as many of us think the solution to this is by solar energy (which it is), the average cost of installing retail solar panels is around $27,000! Ridiculous is not it? That is why Earth4Energy created a kit to help customers installing their home made solar panels that not only cost a mere $200, but can also be a profitable business as they can build these panels for $200 each and create a selling price of $500, creating a profit of $300 each!

This DIY guide can help home owners through the process of creating a 60-120 watt solar panel. By installing these panels on their roofs, the suns energy is converted into electricity through the panels' photovoltaic cells which is then made accessible to each home which is all illustrated verbally and visually in the 3-guide Earth4Energy kit. This kit also includes the additional additives of government forms to fill out for solar tax credits and rebates as well as a solar calculator that demonstrates how many panels one will need for their home and the size battery to be installed if you want to go completely off the grid.

So join the green campaign today by doing your part to save our planet through using solar electricity. It is also a great way to save money and an excellent means of adding value to your house which would do you well when you plan if and when you plan to place it on the market! Just remember, you do not have to be an expert to produce homemade solar panels as the installation process is quite simple. Besides, who would want to spend thousands on retail solar panels when you can simply install them for $200 with this kit?

Autor: Glaiza Vicente

To learn more about Free Alternative Energy, just Click Here.

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

Electric Windmill - Revealed - How to Turn Wind Energy Into Electricity

I think most of us have a pretty good idea about what an electric windmill is and what it is used for both at home and commercially. They truly are a great green energy provider and they are massively popular.

I am a big believer in the electric windmill and I have to confess that they one of my favoured choices for home energy.

However, let me ask you this....

Do you know how an electric windmill actually turns wind energy into electricity?

This might appear to be a strange question but it is important you understand this if you are a serious do-it-yourself home energy enthusiast who is looking to build your own windmill generator.

So, let me explain.....

The energy produced by windmill power will always depend on wind speed. If the wind speed doubles, this will result in approximately 6 times more power. If the wind speed triples, then this will result in approximately 24 times more power.

With me so far......

For your electric windmill to run efficiently, it is preferable for wind speeds to be about 3-4 m/s. Of course, the more wind the more your windmill generator will generate power but please do not be mislead by claims you have to live in a windy area to benefit.

What about blade length?

Basically, the greater length blades you use for your windmill, the more power you will generate. If you double your blade length, you will increase generated power by about 4 times. Triple it and generated power will increase by about 9 times!

Important - You should always take this information into account during the build process of your electric windmill. They will help you calculate the best options for you and help you to gain maximum energy benefits from the wind.

Autor: James K Stewart

So, are you actually ready to make your own electric windmill?

To help you make a windmill, I have some quality details with some excellent FREE Bonus Offers waiting for you right now.

Follow this link to see discover this information and make your home a more energy efficient place today: http://www.home-diy-energy.com

Added: December 2, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/