5 Tips to Free yourself from utility companies - baby steppin'

Free electricity doesn't have to cost a ton of money. Doing it yourself (DIY) is an alternative that many, including me, have chosen. With the new go green energy incentives, those of you are not inclined to DIY can now take advantage of those rebates and do something great for the planet and get free from the grid.

But what if you don't have time to DIY and don't have the money to convert your home right now? Just take one baby step at a time!

The first thing you should look at is your electric consumption. Where can you cut down? Replacing those regular light bulbs with the new florescent ones is a great start. They last years and take very little energy.

Washing only full loads will save energy because it takes the same amount of electricity to do a small load as it does to clean a large amount of clothes. This also helps save some of our precious water.

Most electronics are on all the time. These little power drainers include your TV, stereo, surround sound system, satellite dish receiver and the list goes on. By connecting those drainers to a power strip and turning off the strip when not in use, you will eliminate the electricity trickle and notice a difference on your bill.

Electric water heaters consume huge amounts of energy. Personally I haven't owned one since the 80's, but I know most homes have this type of heater. So do like I did when I did have one: put a water heater blanket on it, put a timer on it so it only goes on when you need it and doesn't heat water all day and all night, then insulate your hot water pipes. The insulation is cheap and readily available at hardware stores. It is easy to install as it is slit up one side to just slip on. You will notice an immediate decrease in your electricity bill.

For those who want to get completely off the grid and free yourself from utility bills, Check This Out!



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Solar Power Solutions At Home

Flipped version of MIT Solar One HouseImage via Wikipedia

With energy sources depleting at a rate faster than they are being built, it is only wise that we use the abundant energy available for free – the solar energy. Apart from the easy availability, solar energy helps control environmental pollution. Most of us shy away from installing solar power solutions at home thinking them to be expensive and cumbersome. You will, however, be surprised to know how easy it is to employ these power solutions. Moreover, these will help cut down your power bills. Finally, you will be delighted to know that you are doing your bit to save power for the future generations.

This article will explore the various solar power options available for home use.

Solar cooker: A solar cooker is a cooking utensil that uses absolutely no fuel for cooking. You can cook food for up to five people in the small box. If you are thinking that using a solar cooker will reduce your chances of spreading up a varied platter on the dining table, you will be surprised to know that you can not only boil food items in the cooker but also roast and bake! The only limitation with the solar cooker is the time it takes to cook. However, given the free source of energy it uses, this is a great option for cutting down those sky-rocketing bills and saving some power.

Solar home lighting: A solar home lighting system converts solar energy into electrical energy for your home. This is done via cells that are charged with solar energy. So, in the night, if you wonder how the lights are on in the house, it is because of the solar energy stored in the solar cells. You can install the solar home lighting system in your house and not worry about the electricity bills anymore.

Solar heating system: Installing a solar heating system in your home helps cutting down your electricity bill along with saving the world’s quickly-exhausting power. If you are worried that a solar heating system will turn your sweet home into a gadget house or that it will be an expensive investment, your concerns are misplaced. Companies providing solar power solutions for homes make it a point to install aesthetically-pleasing heating systems in your house. As per as expenditure is concerned, investing in a solar heating system is wise because you get a return on your investment within 3-4 years, giving you absolutely free service after that.


Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Get our complete guide at
NaturalHomePower.com









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Power for the People - Right On!

This wind turbine charges a 12 volt battery to...Image via Wikipedia

Wind Power

Harnessing the wind to power our homes has become the fastest growing source of energy in the world. Since 1990 wind turbine use has grown at an average of 25% per year.

A stand alone or 'off-grid application' is independent of utility companies. Some windmills power separate appliances such as the one shown in the picture.

A small system can also be connected to an electric distribution system (grid-connected). A grid connected wind turbine can reduce your electric bill. Some systems produce so much power that the utility companies 'buy back' the excess electricity. But should there be a power outage, this type of grid connected wind turbine system would be automatically shut down for the safety of the entire utility company's electric distribution grid.

It is easier these days to make your own small systems from items purchased at your local hardware store. Just be careful to buy one that is easy to understand and has good ratings.

One of the books I use can be found at NaturalHomePower.





Small wind systems are being used throughout the United States, including a hybrid model in Alaska!

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