Wednesday, 30 June 2010

Energy Conservation: It\'s About More Than Saving Money


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As some one who has no doubt noticed a significant increase in utility bills each month, I'm sure you're very interested in energy conservation.

Don't wait until you get your next utility bill before you do something to conserve energy, do it now.

Even though energy costs have stabilized somewhat over the last several months and aren't rising nearly as quickly as they were a year ago, they are never going to go down again, at least not all the way back down. 

And of course we all know that being more careful about the amount, and type, of energy we use can make a substantial positive impact on the environment.

When people think about conserving energy they almost always think about the money they can save.  Just changing a few light bulbs and turning your thermostat down a few degrees won't make a huge difference, but it is a good start.

Combine those simple things with other conservation efforts and before you know it, you're saving yourself thousands of dollars a year in energy costs.

To make a bigger dent in your utility bill consider replacing, or at least repairing, energy leaking, old windows and doors. 

With some caulk, weather stripping, and a window insulation kit, you can make your house much 'tighter' and more energy efficient.

You can even take it up a notch by producing your own electricity, thanks to advances in technology this is now a viable option.

One of the best ways to generate electricity for your home, for most people, is to install a wind turbine and use wind power.  You can build it yourself, easily, and for just a few hundred dollars.

The savings can be up to 80% off of your utility bills.

It's time we all started thinking about energy conservation.  It can save us a lot of money and keep our planet beautiful and green.





Tuesday, 29 June 2010

You Can Do Your Own Home Energy Audit To Cut Energy Bills


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It may sound overly simplistic but one of the best things you can do to cut energy bills is simply to look around your home.  Take a pad of paper and a pen and go all around your home to look for 'weak spots' in your energy efficiency.

This is basically all an energy audit is.  Yes, you could hire someone to do it for you, but if you want the same results without having to pay someone, you can do most of it yourself.

A lot of problem spots in your home will be easy to spot.  Grab a flashlight and your pen and paper and lets go:

1. The first place to start is in your attic.  Look around to see how much insulation you have.  If you need more, add more. 

2. Next take a close look at your foundation.  Are there big gaps?  One of the most common places to lose energy, ironically, is where your utilities such as cable, water, electric, and phone lines come into your home.  Make sure the area around these openings is well sealed with caulk.

3. Go from room to room and make note of any light fixtures that don't have CFL light bulbs. These bulbs don't use as much electricity and they last longer.

4. As you go from room to room take note of any electronic items you have in those rooms that aren't used on a daily basis.  Even if the item is turned off it is still drawing power as long as it's plugged in.

5. And last but not least, consider adding a wind turbine so you can generate your own electricity. You can make a turbine for around $200. It's easy to make but the savings will be significant.

I hope this list has jump started other ideas on how to cut energy bills, there are many things you can do.





Monday, 28 June 2010

Save Money By Using Green Energy


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Just imagine what it would be like if you didn't have to pay a utility bill, ever.  How much money could you save? What could you do with that money, take a vacation, buy a new car?

This isn't just a pipe dream. Thanks to new technologies it's now possible for just about any homeowner to produce their own green energy, and save a bundle at the same time.

The first step is to learn a little about solar and wind energy.  These are the two forms of renewable energy that are already being harnessed for household use. 

The basic principle behind wind power and solar power is the same, you convert the energy of the sun or the wind into electricity which can then be stored or used immediately.

Solar energy uses solar panels to capture and convert the energy of the sun and wind energy uses a wind turbine to capture and convert the energy of the wind.

It isn't cost effective to buy the turbines or the solar panels, you are better off making them yourself.  This may sound intimidating, but don't worry, it's not hard.

There are manuals that you can use that will show you in easy to follow steps how to assemble a turbine or solar panel.

Either project can be done for only a few hundred dollars and the parts you need can be bought locally.

With one turbine you'll save up to 80% on your utility bill.  You won't be able to generate all the energy you need, but it's a great start. That will be 80% less energy you have to pay for.

Using green energy is available for anyone to use right now.  The start up costs are small but the potential payoffs are huge.  Get started today.





Using Wind Energy For Your Home


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Many experts have predicted that our reserves of fossil fuels will be exhausted in about twenty years.  Whether or not you believe that's true one thing is clear: it's time we started finding alternative energy sources.

Wind energy is one of the most viable forms of alternative energy sources available today.  We are lucky in that current advances in technology have made it feasible for wind power to be used by the average homeowner.

Before you decide if wind power is the best way for you to go, check over this list of advantages to using wind power:

1. Wind power is clean and will not pollute or harm the environment.

2. It is renewable.  Unless things change dramatically there will always be wind. Wind is always being 'created'.

3.  Wind power is plentiful.  Anywhere you go on the planet you will be able to find wind. Unlike fossil fuels we won't be able to use up all the wind on the planet. 

4. Inexpensive to install.  To really benefit from wind energy you should build your own turbine. To buy one would cost thousands and take much longer for you to recoup your investment. 

But you can easily build your own for only a few few hundred dollars.  It's an easy project that will only take a few hours of your time.

One turbine won't be enough to provide all your energy needs.  In order to go completely off the gird you would probably need a combination of wind and solar energy.

But one turbine is enough to help you save hundreds of dollars on your utility bills while enabling you to use that much less fossil fuel.

All in all, using wind energy to supply some of your household electrical needs just makes sense, for you and the planet.







Simple Steps To Cut Energy Bills


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Even though we can't stop the utility companies from raising energy prices we can protect our budgets. There are many things you can do for yourself that will help cut energy bills.

The nice thing is that most of what we do will also have a positive impact on the planet.  It's not that often that we can help ourselves and save the environment at the same time.

Here is a simple list that you can use as a starting point. These ideas are easy to do and some will save more money than others, but they'll all add up:

1. Make sure your furnace is working efficiently. Have a HVAC professional inspect it.  Fix whatever isn't working right.  Make sure you keep your filters clean.

2. Even if the furnace is running properly you will still be wasting money if your home doesn't have enough insulation. If you're not sure how much insulation  you need ask someone.  If you need more insulation than add more.

Another thing to look for is inefficient windows and doors.  Use caulk and weather stripping to close any gaps.  Add another layer of insulation to drafty windows by using a insulated kit made just for windows.

3.  If you lower the temperature on your water heater by only 10 degrees you can see an energy savings of up to 5% on your gas or electric bills.

4. One of the absolute best things you can do to save on energy bills is to stop paying for your energy.  You can do that by building your own wind turbine.

These turbines have come a long way. They are now smaller yet will still produce about 60% of the electricity your home needs.  You can make one yourself for only $200.

I hope these ideas on how to cut energy bills has gotten you motivated.  The most important thing to remember is that we do have options and we don't have to just take what our utility companies dish out any more.



Thursday, 24 June 2010

Renewable Energy Sources - Wind Power


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Even though renewable energy sources such as wind and sun have been around for centuries, it's only now becoming viable for use by the average homeowner.

It used to be that bigger was better when it came to wind power, and that is still largely true.  The bigger the turbine the more electricity you can generate.

But with some advancements in the method used to convert that energy into electricity a smaller turbine now makes sense.

Of course one small turbine isn't going to produce the same amount of electricity as a giant turbine, it can still help you save on your utility bills, significantly.

If you choose to buy your turbine that savings will evaporate pretty quickly.  Purchasing a turbine will cost you $1,000 and up, so it will take you  a long time to get that money back.

It's best if you build your own turbine for a few hundred dollars.  The homemade turbine will still generate the same amount of electricity as one you buy, but with a much smaller upfront cost you'll get your money back in months instead of years.

It is easy to find a book that will show you how to build your turbine.  This is a project that virtually anyone can do.  You don't need to know anything about it.

All the parts you need can be bought locally for around $200.

Even though building your own turbine is cheap, the amount you save on your energy bills is substantial.  Most people see a savings of up to 80%.  When you factor that out over years, you can see the potential of using this energy source for your house.

So if you want to use renewable energy sources such as wind power, you  couldn't have picked a better time.  We've advanced to the point where even one small turbine can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills.









Wednesday, 23 June 2010

Going Green


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With so much talk about saving the planet and going green you may have wondered what exactly that means.  For most people it simply means making small changes in their routine so they don't use, or waste, as much.

There are many things you can do to help out the environment.  Many of them will save you money too.  There are many things big and small that can help.  Just pick out a few things and get started.

Here are some ideas:

Things like laying off the disposable products.  If you think about it, there really is no such thing as disposable.  Those disposable water bottles, or paper plates are still sitting in a landfill somewhere taking up space.

Instead of relying of disposable products concentrate on reusing products.  You will save a lot of money in the long run if you invest in a home water filtration system and a reusable water bottle. 

Another simple way to save is to get reusable plastic containers for your kids lunches instead of using plastic bags.

Another great place to save is in your car.  First of all, try to drive less.  Whenever possible combine errands so you can limit the total number of trips you make.  Also make sure your car is tuned up and that your tires are properly inflated.

One of the biggest things you can do to cut back on your energy consumption is by generating your own clean, renewable energy like wind energy.

You can easily build your own wind turbine for very little money, yet the savings can be as high as 80% on your utility bills.

Use these simple tips, or come up with your own, and start going green now.  It's much better for the planet and it's much better for your bottom line.


Tuesday, 22 June 2010

What You Need To Know About Building A Wind Turbine


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If you're like so many people today who are trying to gain some control over their energy costs by building a wind turbine, there are some important things you need to know.

Having your own turbine is a great way to generate your own renewable electricity.  It can save you a lot of money on your utility bills, but a home made turbine isn't for everyone.

I've compiled a list of some of the things you need to consider before you invest in a turbine:

1. Buying a turbine isn't very cost effective. The average price of a turbine is around $1,000. At that price it will take you years to get your money back.

2.  Building your own turbine is easy to do.  Pretty much anyone can build a turbine.

3. If you build your own turbine it will only cost you a few hundred dollars.  At that price you can recoup that money in a few months.

4. The materials you need can be easily purchased at any hardware store.

5.  Not everyone will want a  turbine.  In order for it to work you will need a fairly wide open space.

6. Turbines can be quite small, you could mount one on your roof.

7. One small turbine will save you about 80% on your energy bills.

8. For those who want to go 'off grid' and generate all of your own electricity , you'll need either several turbines or a combination of turbines and solar panels.

I hope this list has given you a better idea of what turbines can do and what they can't do. Building your own wind turbine is a practical idea for many, but it's not for everyone.  Decide what's best for you.











Monday, 21 June 2010

You Can Go Green At Home - 5 Simple Steps


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Saving money on your utility bills isn't the daunting, overwhelming task many people seem to think it is.  You can go green easily, and cheaply, but the savings can be big.

Here are 5 simple steps you can take to cut your energy bills starting now:

1. Replace all the light bulbs in your home with energy efficient CFL bulbs.  These bulbs not only burn less electricity they also last longer so you'll save money in two ways.

2. Replace or repair old, drafty windows and doors.  If you don't have the budget to replace your windows at least caulk around them to close off any leaks.

You can also purchase an inexpensive window insulation kit.

3. Instead of paying to water your grass use the water Mother Nature provides for free.  You can buy rain barrels that can collect the water when it rains.  That water can be used to water your lawn and gardens.

4. Make sure your home has the proper amount of insulation. If you're not sure how much you need just ask an expert at your home improvement store. If you don't have enough, add more.

Insulation is your first line of defense when you are trying to conserve energy.

5. Produce your own electricity by making your own wind turbine.  You can make one for about $200. It will only take a few hours and all the materials you need can be bought at any hardware store.

You can find manuals that will show you how to do it at any bookstore or online.

I hope you follow one, or more, of these ideas on how you can go green.  It's not hard, some simple daily lifestyle changes can make a big difference on how much you spend every month on your utility bills.





Cut Utility Bills- Start At Home


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In this new age of eco-friendly smart homes many of us are looking for ways to cut back on the amount of polluting fuels we use and save money at the same time.

The first thing you need to do to cut utility bills is take a walk around your home, from top to bottom. Start with the insulation and work your way down to the light bulbs you use.

If you are in the market for new appliances look for those that have an Energy Star rating.  These appliances can save you money throughout their life since they are made to be more energy efficient.

Make sure any unused electronics are unplugged.  Even if they are turned off they are still drawing about 90% of the electricity they would be using if they were running.  If you don't use them daily, unplug them.

Replacing your light bulbs with CFL bulbs will save you in two ways: CFL bulbs use less electricity when they are on, and they last longer so you don't have to buy light bulbs as often.

When you do laundry try to wash clothes only in cold water.  Most clothes will get clean, there are even detergents made specifically for this purpose, and you can save a lot of money since the biggest expense when you wash clothes is the energy you use to heat the water.

After  your clothes are clean try to hang them to dry outside.  Your dryer is a big energy hog, avoid using it whenever possible.

Another thing you can do that will really take a big bite out of your utility bill is to generate your own electricity. This can easily be done with one small roof sized wind turbine.

These can be easily built by virtually anyone yet the savings they can provide is substantial.

Start at home and start today to cut utility bills.  The simple changes you make today will pay off for you for many years to come.



Friday, 18 June 2010

Build Your Own Wind Turbine


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If you've been wondering if it really is worth it for you to build your own wind turbine, keep reading.  I've wondered the same thing myself so I did some research.  This is what I found.

1. Wind power is a good source of energy pretty much anywhere in the country, since there is wind every where.

2. If you want a turbine, you shouldn't buy one. The cost to buy one is over a thousand dollars and it will take you a long time to make that money back.

3. You can build your own turbine. It will only cost a few hundred dollars. You don't need any special skills or knowledge.

All the materials you need can be found in any hardware store.

4. One turbine won't be enough to provide all the electricity your home needs.

5. With one turbine you can expect to generate about 60% of the energy your home needs.

6.One turbine can save you about 80% on your utility bills.

7. The electricity from your turbine can be used immediately or stored in inexpensive batteries for later use.

8. Combining wind power with solar power might be a good choice for you. By combining both you can benefit when the weather is sunny or overcast but windy.

9.Solar panels are a viable option but because you need a lot of sunny days it may not work for everyone. You also can't generate electricity at night.

I know that one turbine won't be enough for me to go completely off the grid. For now, though, I'm content to save some money on my utility bills.

After the research I've done I've decided that for me installing my own wind turbine is a great option. I hope that this information can help you decide for yourself if a turbine is the right way to go.






Wednesday, 16 June 2010

The Facts Behind Solar And Wind Power


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Using solar and wind power to provide electricity for homes is becoming more common largely because of increasing energy costs.  Household utility bills are one of the biggest expenses most homeowners face.

Since few of us have the ability to increase our income on demand, we are turning to methods that can save us money.  Using renewable, clean energy sources is a great way to take control of your own energy future.

Obviously there is another benefit to using these clean energy sources: saving the environment.  We know now that using fossil fuels causes a lot of harmful side effects to the planet. 

If you can cut back even a little on the amount of fossil fuels you use the impact can be dramatic.

The best way to cut back is to generate more of our energy from wind and  solar power.

The wind turbines and solar panels that were huge and ugly have been replaced by smaller, more efficient and even more attractive turbines and panels.

That's because of advances made in the technology that allows us to convert energy into electricity.

Of course your location will play a large part in determining which you choose: wind turbines, solar panels, or maybe a combination of both.

Whether you choose solar or wind  you need to keep in mind that to gain the maximum benefit you will want to build your own panels and turbines.

Don't let that throw you off.  Both projects are very easy to do with materials you can get anywhere.  In most cases the supplies you need will only be a few hundred dollars.

The savings can be significant though. One turbine can produce about 60% of the electricity your home needs.

It doesn't matter if you choose to use solar power or wind power. It doesn't matter if you want to use these alternative energy sources to save money or save the planet.  Either way,  you and the planet will benefit.


Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Alternative Energy Sources - Solar And Wind Power


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Trying to find more alternative energy sources is becoming increasingly popular due in large part to environmental concerns as well as skyrocketing energy costs.

For many people a combination of solar and wind power will help them drastically cut, or eliminate completely, their utility bills.

Many people have the mistaken belief that installing wind turbines or solar panels will cost thousands of dollars and will be an ugly eyesore in their yards or on their roofs.

That is simply not the case anymore. The truth is that due to advances in the technology involved in converting solar power and wind power into electricity, panels and  turbines are now smaller and more efficient than ever.

Wind turbines are probably a better choice for more people since more areas have a steady supply of wind than those that have a steady supply of sunny days.

You also have to keep in mind that even a sunny day will have night.  That means no matter how much sun you get at least half of every day you won't be generating any electricity.

Anyone can easily and inexpensively build their own turbines or solar panels for just  a few hundred dollars and several hours of time.  

All the parts you need are readily available at any hardware or home improvement store.  You can buy easy to follow plans at your local bookstore or online.

Millions of people worldwide are starting to take advantage of the energy efficiency of wind and solar power.  They are recognizing that by providing their own energy they are freeing themselves from never ending price hikes and power outages due to storms.

The added benefit is the positive impact you will have on the environment by using less of the harmful fossil fuels and more of the green alternative energy sources.




Monday, 14 June 2010

Energy Saving Tips


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Cutting your energy bills is a great way to save some money, particularly in the winter months. But it doesn't mean that you'll have to spend the whole winter shivering because you've turned your heat so low. 

It is easy to cut way back on your utility bills.  All it takes is some willingness to make a few changes in your daily habits and the results can be more than you would have imagined.

Here are some easy to follow energy saving tips:

1. The first thing you will need to do is make sure you aren't wasting money on energy costs by making your furnace work harder than it needs to. How do you do that? Easy, make sure it's running properly.

Have your furnace inspected by a professional.  It is also important to keep the filters clean.  Most experts recommend you replace your filters monthly during the winter months.

2. Now that you've got your furnace humming along it's important to make sure all that nice warm air you've paid to heat doesn't escape out of your house.

Make sure your home has the proper level of insulation.  Insulation is measured in 'R' values. If you're not sure what you should have just ask someone at your local home improvement store.

If you don't have enough insulation add more.  Other places your house can 'leak' are around, and through, windows and doors.  Make sure all your windows and doors are properly caulked and weather stripped.

3. Make your own energy.  It's easier than ever before to use solar and wind power to generate electricity for your home. 

You can easily, and inexpensively, build and install your own turbines and solar panels.  And don't worry, turbines are much smaller and can even be installed right on your roof.

I hope these energy saving tips give you a place to start. There are many other things you can do to cut back on your utility bills.





Alternative Energy Sources You Can Benefit From Today


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This is the first time that the average home owner is in a position where they can benefit from alternative energy sources. 

Advances in the way solar and wind power are converted into electricity have made it feasible and cost effective for a homeowner to install their own solar panels and/or wind turbines.

Wind turbines in particular have come a long way.  When it comes to generating electricity from wind the bigger the turbine the more electricity you can generate.

That meant, that up until recently, it just didn't make sense for someone to install their own turbine because it would be too small to provide a reasonable amount of electricity.

But now that is no longer the case.  With advancements we are now able to generate enough electricity, up to 60% of what the average household needs, to make installing your own wind turbine not only feasible but advisable.

Another advantage to using these energy sources is that you will dramatically cut down on harmful emissions by using fewer of the polluting fossil fuels.  So it's good not only  for your financial situation but it's also good for the environment.

To build and install your own panels or wind turbines will be very inexpensive, usually no more than a few hundred dollars. They are so easy to build virtually anyone can build there own in just a day or so.

There are manuals available that can walk you through the process and all the parts you need are available at any hardware store.

When you take into consideration how much the environment can benefit from alternative energy sources, how much you'll save on your utility bills, and how easy and inexpensive they are to build and use, it just makes sense to take full advantage of them.


Superbissima Valleta


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Supperbissima - “most proud” - is an apt description of Valleta, a small Mediterranean island in Malta just south of Sicily. The city stands tall and proud with its quintessentially Baroque construction surrounded by formidable fortification.

Valleta’s founding dates back to 1566, when the first stone was laid by Jean Parisot de la Vallete of the religious Order of St. John - for whom the city was named after. Since then Valleta has grown into a beautiful city of gorgeous churches and imposing palaces. Unfortunately, the city’s architectural treasures suffered much destruction during World War II.  Major restoration projects were then carried out and Valleta has been restored to its former glory.

When approaching from the sea, visitors will notice the outstanding fortification that seems to embrace the city. Unlike other fortifications which are nothing but a crude wall of stone, Valleta’s wall is a stunning expanse (standing at 330 feet high) artfully decorated by bastions, ravelins and curtains, which make it quite a sight to see.

Since the city was built and established by a religious order, it is a treasure trove of churches that are among the oldest and most opulent in the world. Grand palaces also abound in Valleta, thanks to men of nobility that were the city’s founders and builders. One thing is for sure, there will be no shortage of architectural treats when visiting the capital of Malta.

Its museums were former palaces that house historically relevant and remarkable masterpieces of art, armory collections and archeological finds. For one, the National Museum of Archaeology should not be missed. It displays exceptional exhibits of artifacts from Malta’s prehistoric period some of which were considered as the first man-made free-standing structures on earth.

For a picture-perfect over view of the harbour, the Upper Barrakka Gardens is the place to be. The Lower Barrakka Gardens, on the other hand, offer a beautiful panorama of some of Valleta’s landmarks such as Fort Ricasoli, Fort St. Angelo and Bighi Palace interlaced by the Vittoriosa and Kalkara creeks.

If you can’t wait to leave a bus terminal when traveling, you will not feel the same seeing Valleta’s bus terminus. A charming watchtower stands sentry overlooking the terminal of white and yellow buses and at the center of the main terminus is the Triton Fountain. Visitors can sit back and rest their feet in one of the many little cafes and shops in the area and still enjoy some of the city’s visual charms.

The Valleta Waterfront is perfect for a romantic evening. It is located near Floriana and composed of a long line of warehouses dating back about 250 year. These warehouses were given a chic facelift and now look elegant and graceful with their pastel exterior and stylish furnishings. Add the beautiful reflection on water of the buildings with their soft lighting and the mood is set for a wonderful evening.

Moving around Valleta shouldn’t be a problem. Although the streets within the city center are mostly pedestrian and entrance of motor vehicles is limited, there are plenty of hop-on hop-off buses that’ll take you to all major destinations easily and cheaply.  Also, walking is a great way to experience the city.

Bringing rental cares to Valetta should be avoided if possible since parking can be expensive (billed depending on parking duration) and private cars may not be allowed within the city center.

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Do You Need A Whole Wind Farm To Make Wind Power Work For You?


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There seems to be a common misconception about wind power.  Many people seem to believe that they need several huge turbines in their backyard in order to benefit from this clean renewable source of energy.

Actually that's just one of several common misconceptions about using the wind to generate electricity.

Don't let a lack of information stop you from becoming more eco-friendly and saving a lot of money in the process.

Here are some things you may, or may not, have known about using wind energy  for your own private household use:

1. In most parts of the country wind energy is a better option than solar energy.  That's because wind is readily available more often than the sun and wind can also happen at night.

2. One turbine will generate about 5 times more energy than one solar panel.

3. One turbine won't generate all the electricity the average household needs daily, but it can generate up to half.

4. Wind turbines come in many sizes and shapes.  You don't need to have some ugly contraption in your backyard to benefit from wind energy.

5. You can build your own turbine for less than $300, yet you can still see savings of up to 80% on your utility bills.

6. For most people the cost of buying a turbine would be too high.  It would also take much longer to recoup your investment if you bought a turbine rather than built one.

7. You don't need a lot of land to have a turbine. Some are small enough to fit on your roof. 

Using wind power to save the planet while saving yourself some money is a great idea.  Now more than ever it's viable for the average homeowner.  You can do it, start today.







Friday, 11 June 2010

Advantages Of Green Power


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Between the downward spiral of the economy and increasing pressure to be smarter in our choices and take better care of our planet, many of us are interested in learning more about green power.

While some people may have different definitions about what that means, for the purpose of this article we are only focusing on sources of power that are non-polluting and renewable.

There are several promising clean energy sources.  Some such as wind and solar power, have been around a long time. Others such as geo-thermal are a little more recent.

Due largely to increases in technology it is becoming more and more viable for the average homeowner to start implementing some of these alternative energy sources to help them cut back, or eliminate altogether, their need to pay for their energy needs.

It used to be that in order to get any amount of usable electricity from a wind turbine you needed a huge turbine. 

While it's still true that the bigger the turbine the more power you can produce, it is now possible for even a small turbine to make enough energy to make it a worthwhile project for homeowners to undertake.

For many people wind power either by itself, or in combination with solar power makes the most sense.  That is because solar power is not feasible in many areas.  And even in an area that does get a lot of sunny days, you still won't be able to generate electricity at night.

Since wind is available anywhere you have a greater potential to generate more electricity.

It really doesn't matter what source of green power you choose to utilize, just be aware that there are alternatives that you can use right now that will save you money and be more eco-friendly.




Thursday, 10 June 2010

What Are The Advantages Of Wind Power?


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For anyone who is serious about cutting back on their use of fossil fuels and saving themselves some money, it is important to take the advantages of wind power into consideration.

There are many sources of clean, renewable energy available today.  As technology continues to advance the effectiveness of some of these sources will only increase.

Most people are familiar with solar power for home use, after all, in certain parts of the country there have been solar panels on rooftops for a long time.

The use of wind power, on a small individual basis, is relatively new.  Of course, there have been windmills around for centuries and we've all seen the huge wind farms that take up hundreds of acres of land, but the idea of harnessing this energy for your own household use is a new one.

If you are considering what type of energy is best for you, your lifestyle, and your location, here are some things you need to keep in mind about wind energy:

1. Unlike solar energy, wind energy can be generated day or night and pretty much any where on the planet.  While some locales may not get enough sunlight to make solar energy a feasible way to go, virtually every place gets wind.

2. You can easily build your own wind turbine.  As a matter of fact, it's actually best if you do.  Buying a turbine is very expensive and it would take you a long time to recoup that investment.

3.  Just one turbine won't be enough to supply all your energy needs, but it can be enough to make about 60% of the energy you'll need as well as cut your utility bill by up to 80%.

If you're looking for ways to become more eco-friendly as well as more independent of your utility company take a look at the advantages of wind power for your home.


Wednesday, 9 June 2010

Easy Sources Of Home Renewable Energy


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Many of us dream of being able to take more control over our finances.  One of the biggest expenses we have as homeowners is our utility bills.  Wouldn't it be nice to find an inexpensive home renewable energy source?  Well, here it is!

The most common types of clean, green, renewable energy for your home are solar power and wind power.  Both of them can really help you save big on your energy bills without having to invest thousands of dollars to set them up.

Many homeowners have been using solar power for years.  This inexpensive method of turning the energy of the sun into electricity can fit right on your roof. 

While it can make a dent in your electric bills one or two panels won't provide all the electricity your home needs daily, and it won't supply any electricity at night.

Wind power, on the other hand, is a little newer concept, at least for home use. That's because up until recently the technology for converting the energy of the wind into electricity wasn't good enough to make a small turbine worth the effort to install.

But that has changed, in a big way. Now you can generate about 60% of your homes energy needs with just one turbine. 

You can even build the turbine yourself even if you're not an engineer or carpenter, and the cost is less than $200.  Just buy a plan that will show you how to do it, go to your local home improvement store and buy the parts, and take a few hours of your time, and you'll be set.

Home renewable energy is a viable option for homeowners for the first time ever.  Between advances in technology and easy to follow plans that make it easy for you to build the panels and turbines yourself, it's viable for you to generate the majority of the electricity you use and save yourself a lot of money in the process.





Tuesday, 8 June 2010

Going Green In 3 Easy Steps


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Going green is a very easy thing to do.  I think many of us think it has to be more complicated than necessary.  It's just a matter of following three simple steps: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

To reduce take a minute to think about what things you throw away.  Are there things you can replace them with that aren't disposable?  For example, if you pack your, or your kids, lunches you can use reusable plastic containers instead of throwaway plastic bags.

In the long run you'll not only cut back on the amount of trash you generate you can also save yourself a lot of money.  Those plastic bags can get pretty expensive after a while.

A great way to reduce is to cut back on the energy you use.  This can be done by properly insulating your home, driving less, and even building your own wind turbine to generate a substantial amount of your own electricity. 

A turbine can be built by virtually anyone for just a few hundred dollars yet it can save around 80% on your utility bills. The parts you'll need can be bought right in your local hardware store.

We've already talked a little bit about step 2, reuse.  Some other ideas would be to get a home water filtration system and instead of buying bottled water you can get a  dishwasher safe, reusable water bottle. 

And don't forget grocery shopping, you can take your own reusable shopping bags. 

And of course, recycle.  Most communities have recycle programs.  Often it's just a matter of taking the recycling bin out to the curb along with your trash can once a week.

There you have it, 3 easy steps to going green.  You can easily start today.  It's well worth it for not only the planet but for your bottom line too.


Cut Energy Bills


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With winter fast approaching many of us are wondering how we can cut energy bills.  It's really not that hard to do, it won't cost you much in terms of time or money yet the savings can be substantial.

Here are some easy things you can so right now to help you save all winter, and all year long:

1. Insulate.  Add insulation wherever it isn't up to the proper 'R' value.  First check your attic, but don't stop there.  You can get an insulated blanket for your hot water heater, your pipes, and for behind your switch plates.

2. Close the gaps and cracks.  Check to see if you have any cracks in your foundation, check around the spots where pipes and other utilities come into your house, as well as around windows and doors.

To fill these gaps you can use caulk, or expandable foam.  No matter what you use just make sure that you seal up any places where your hot air can escape,so you don't have to pay for your furnace to keep heating the air.

3. Make sure to turn the temperature down in your home when you're not there or when you're sleeping.  That can save a lot of money.  To make it even easier you can add a programmable thermostat. That way you set the time you want to the temperature to be lowered or raised

You can then come home to a nice warm house every day and not pay more than necessary to get it that way.

4. Consider generating your own electricity.  This isn't as crazy as it may sound.  As a matter of fact, it's cheap and easy to do.  You can either build a wind turbine or solar panels.  Both are easy and inexpensive yet they can help you save around 80% on your utility bills

There you go, plenty of projects to keep you busy this weekend! But if you invest some time now you can cut energy bills not only this winter but all year long.


Monday, 7 June 2010

Is Organic Gardening Always Safe


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Every where you turn today people are talking about organic gardening and the healthy benefits of eating organically grown fruits and veggies. However, are organic grown vegetables and fruits as healthy and safe as people claim? The information contained in this article will provide you with food for thought.

In a recent study, done by United Kingdom scientist, revealed that almost 33% of the food being sold in the UK had measurable levels of pesticide and chemicals used in crop enhancement, which are dangerous to the human body. In addition the same study indicated that almost all developed countries, through out the world, had approximately the same levels of contamination. Unfortunately this included organically grown food as well.

The primary reason for this contamination was due to the ground water which the plants consume. This is from years and years of chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizer being dumped on the ground, to enhance the yield and speed the growth of the produce, then leeching into the ground water table. The only way your organic gardening can avoid this water is to use filtered water or distilled water. However using distilled water means your produce will be short on certain nutrients vital to the health of your body. In addition to the ground water the contamination is also caused by the wind currents.

Much of the pesticides and fertilizers applied to the crops are sprayed on. Consequently, the mist of chemicals is caught by the wind and can be carried a good distance before dropping to the earth. If your organic garden happens to be in the path of the wind your plants will become covered with the synthetic pesticides and fertilizer.

Other studies have shown that these same pesticides and other chemicals, over a period of years or even months can cause health problems in the human body. It is now believed that these chemicals can affect the brain development of unborn babies in the mother’s womb. In addition these chemicals have been linked to certain kinds of cancer, breakdown of the nervous system, weakening of the immune system and other diseases which can destroy the vital organs of the human body.

Perhaps you believe that washing of your veggies will protect you, but this is not necessarily the case. These same studies have also indicated that certain fruits and vegetables are susceptible to these same chemicals leeching into the meat of these veggies and fruits through the skin. An example of this kind or fruit would be lemons or grapefruit. In this case organic produce would really be much safer than the regular grown fruit.

As you can tell from reading the above information organic gardening may not be quite as safe as you thought it was. However, with the proper precautions, such as always washing the veggies and fruits prior to preparing or eating, will reduce the risk of ingesting dangerous chemicals.



Going Green


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Going green doesn't have to be some big hassle, lifestyle change where you stop showering and start eating only sprouts.  It can be as simple or as complex as you want. But many things you do can also save you a lot of money.

Some simple changes you can make in your daily routine can have a very positive impact on the environment, and your wallet.

Things like using reusable water bottles, reusable grocery bags, and reusable plastic containers to carry your lunch to work. All of these things will save you money and be that much less that ends up being thrown in the trash, and ultimately end up in a dump somewhere.

Other things you can do to have a positive impact on the planet is to save fuel.  That can be as simple as combining errands so you don't have to make a bunch of trips, getting your car tuned up so it's running well, and properly inflating your tires.

Again, all of these things will allow you  to spend less on gas and since you're using less gas that's fewer dangerous carbon emissions that are being sent into the air.

One of the best places to make a positive change is around your home.  You can do a lot to make sure that your home is energy efficient.

Some of those things will involve making sure the heat you have to pay to make doesn't go right up your chimney or out of your roof.

You can even build your own wind turbine very easily and for very little money, yet it can save you up to 80% off of your energy bills.

I hope some of these simple ideas have helped you see that going green is good for the planet and good for your bottom line, and they're easy to do too.


Cheap Energy Sources For Your Home


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Taking control of our finances, particularly our energy costs, has never been easier to do.  With the improved technology available to us today we are able to use cheap energy sources for much of our home energy needs.

That hasn't always been the case.  Even though people have been using the power of the wind for much of recorded history, it hasn't always been the most effective method.  Today thanks to advances we have more opportunity than ever to generate our own electricity for little start up cost.

There are easy to use manuals that can walk you through the process step by step and show you how to build efficient wind turbines and solar panels, all for just a few hundred dollars and a little of your time.

Being able to build your own solar panels and wind turbines makes it extremely cost effective to use wind and solar power to supply some of the electricity needs of your home.

In many cases just having one wind turbine will save you about 80% off of your utility bill.  If you want even more savings you can build more than one turbine or combine wind power with solar power and build a turbine and one or more solar panels.

When you do the math and figure that building a turbine will only cost you about $200 yet it will generate up to 60% of your household electrical needs that works out to be a very good deal. 

You also have to remember that home turbines and solar panels now come in many different sizes and even different shapes.  You don't have to settle for some horrendous looking monstrosity in your backyard to save money on your utility bills.

Turbines can now be small enough to fit on your roof.

So, why not take the plunge? Use these cheap energy sources so you can say goodbye to your utility company forever.



Friday, 4 June 2010

Cheap Energy Sources For Your Home


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Taking control of our finances, particularly our energy costs, has never been easier to do.  With the improved technology available to us today we are able to use cheap energy sources for much of our home energy needs.

That hasn't always been the case.  Even though people have been using the power of the wind for much of recorded history, it hasn't always been the most effective method.  Today thanks to advances we have more opportunity than ever to generate our own electricity for little start up cost.

There are easy to use manuals that can walk you through the process step by step and show you how to build efficient wind turbines and solar panels, all for just a few hundred dollars and a little of your time.

Being able to build your own solar panels and wind turbines makes it extremely cost effective to use wind and solar power to supply some of the electricity needs of your home.

In many cases just having one wind turbine will save you about 80% off of your utility bill.  If you want even more savings you can build more than one turbine or combine wind power with solar power and build a turbine and one or more solar panels.

When you do the math and figure that building a turbine will only cost you about $200 yet it will generate up to 60% of your household electrical needs that works out to be a very good deal. 

You also have to remember that home turbines and solar panels now come in many different sizes and even different shapes.  You don't have to settle for some horrendous looking monstrosity in your backyard to save money on your utility bills.

Turbines can now be small enough to fit on your roof.

So, why not take the plunge? Use these cheap energy sources so you can say goodbye to your utility company forever.


Thursday, 3 June 2010

Alternative Energy Sources


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If you thought using alternative energy sources for your home electricity needs would mean you would have to spend thousands of dollars on some huge ugly thing to mount on your roof or in your backyard I have good  news for you...not anymore!

The technology has advanced to the point where you can get more out of less in terms of solar and wind power.  You don't need a huge windmill in your backyard or to cover your entire roof with solar panels.

Even just one turbine or a couple of solar panels can be enough to save you substantially on your electric bills.  Technology has made the conversion of solar and wind power more effective so you don't have to have your very own wind farm to make it worth your while anymore.

Although, it is important to note, that one turbine won't generate all of the electricity you use daily,  it can generate over half of what you'll need. That translates into a savings of about 80% on your electric bill in many cases.

The sizes and even the shapes of turbines and solar panels have changed so they don't have to look ugly in your backyard.  Some might even say that some turbine designs look more like a piece of sculpture than a way to generate electricity.

And with both wind and solar power you can easily, and inexpensively, construct your own solar panels and your own wind turbines.

When you take it all into consideration: the low cost of building and installing a turbine or solar panel, the huge savings potential of these alternative energy sources, as well as ease of use, it just makes good sense to go for it and start producing your own electricity. 

You can cut the cord to your utility company today!



Wednesday, 2 June 2010

Renewable Sources Of Energy For Your Home


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Many of us are getting the message: it's time to make better choices in regards to the way we get, and use, our energy.  We now understand that there are other options and renewable sources of energy.

In higher numbers than ever before people are looking into building their own solar panels and wind turbines...for home use. 

The neat thing is that you can too.  Solar power and wind power have advanced to the point where it is now viable for any homeowner to benefit from one, or both of these energy source.

Solar energy is arguably the most recognizable source of energy for home use.  Solar panels have been on roofs in some areas of the country for decades.

And while it is an effective source of renewable energy for many people it isn't their best option.  The reasons for that are:

1. Not every part of the country gets a lot of sunny weather and therefore there will be many days when you aren't generating electricity.

2.  Solar panels won't work at night and no matter how sunny your climate there will be a big part of the day, every day, when you aren't producing electricity.

3. On average one wind turbine will generate about the same amount of electricity as 5 solar panels.  And can work day or night as long as there is wind.

Of course wind energy has it's issues too such as the fact that it needs a fairly big open space.  Though if you mount your turbine on your roof you can overcome that to a large degree.

The bottom line is that there are several renewable sources of energy that you can start utilizing today to save  you money for years to come, all with very little effort on your part.


Make My Own Wind Turbine...Is It Really Possible?


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I'll admit it, I've had some financial struggles over the last couple of years.  I'm just starting to get things under control and don't need any unexpected expenses such as ridiculous energy costs. That's the reason I've decided to build my own wind turbine.

I know that may sound over the top, but after looking into it a little bit, I've found that it's really easy to do, it won't cost me much, and the savings can be huge.

I've found that due to advances in technology even a smaller, home size turbine can generate some serious amounts of electricity which means it makes sense for me to install one.

I can install it on my roof, or just in my backyard.  As long as it's in the open where it can get the wind and it isn't obstructed, it will work fine.

I was wondering if I should just buy one but I realize that I can't, it's  too much money to buy one.  I can build my own for less that $250 so it makes more sense to take that route.  After all, I'll recoup my investment in a month or two on the energy I save.

I decided a  turbine makes more sense than a solar panel since it can work at night, as long as there is wind, and it generates about 5 times more electricity than one solar panel.

I might even add another turbine sometime in the future.  I would like to be able to kiss my utility company goodbye forever and I know one turbine won't be enough for me to do that.

For now, though, I'll stick with one and save hundreds of dollars on my utility bills which is a good start.

So, that's my project for this weekend, build my own wind turbine. With the small investment, the large savings, and the ease of the project, it just makes sense to go for it.




Cut Energy Bills Today with Wind Power


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I know many of use are mourning summer time.  It's doubly difficult to say goodbye to summer when you're worried about your utility bills all winter long. But you don't have to worry, there are some easy things you can do today to cut energy bills, today, and all year long.

There are big changes you can make that will save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on utility bills, and then there are smaller things you can do that will save you dozens, or hundreds of dollars. The choice is yours.

Generally speaking the bigger the change the bigger the upfront cost, but also the bigger the payoff on energy savings.

Here is a brief list of changes, big and small, that can help you get those utility bills under control, and keep them that way.

1. Either replace or repair windows and doors.  If they're older than 10 years you might want to upgrade to newer more energy efficient models.  You might even be eligible for a tax credit if you do.

2. Adding insulation can help save a lot of money since you won't be wasting all the warm air by allowing it to seep out of your house. 

Insulate your attic, fill in cracks around windows and doors, and add insulatated window kits to your windows to keep the drafts out of your home.

3.  Use the sun to heat your home during the day.  Even in the winter sunlight throws off a lot of heat.  Let it help you keep your home nice and toasty, all for free. 

Close your curtains at night to keep the cold air out of your home.

4. And to really save big on your utility bills you might want to consider ways of generating your own electricity. 

You can easily, in a few days, and cheaply, for less than $200, build a home size wind turbine to capture the power of the wind and convert it to electricity and cut energy bills. 




Homemade Wind Power - Easy To Do


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I have great news if you've been thinking about using wind power to save you money on your electric bills, homemade wind power is a reality.  You can do it yourself and it won't cost you much.

Harnessing the wind will necessitate you using a wind turbine.  This converts wind energy into electricity which is then stored, or sent right into the grid for immediate use.

You shouldn't buy your turbine unless you have a lot of money since they are very expensive and it will take you a long time to get that money back.  You are much better off building your own, it's a fraction of the cost yet you'll still get a lot of savings on your electric bills.

Building your own turbine will cost about $195, of course that can vary somewhat depending on where you live, but that's a good estimate.

Where you live is another thing to keep in mind before you start building your turbine, you want to make sure you have an open space so the wind has an unrestricted route to the turbine.

If you have a lot of trees or big buildings close to you you will need to mount your turbine on the roof or on a high column. Anywhere that it can have  an open area and get plenty of wind.

A turbine will generate about 60% of the electricity your house needs and that will save you upwards of 80% on your utility bills.

When you consider how cheap it is to build a wind turbine, how much you'll save on your bills, and the satisfaction of knowing you're not giving so much of your money to the utility company, homemade wind power just makes a lot of sense.

It's not everyday that you find  something that is cheap, easy, and will also save you money!



















Tuesday, 1 June 2010

Cut Energy Bills - Have You Thought About Wind Turbines?



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Summers almost over,  that makes me want to cry! But there's no need to worry about electric bills this winter. We have options and simple things we can do that will help us cut energy bills.

A few simple modifications around your home can help you save big this winter, and all year long. You don't have to do major projects to save money, but if you want to save even more there are some big things you can do.

Here is a short list of some things you can do now to save on utility bills.  I've included simple, cheap things as well as a little more elaborate and expensive things.

Do as many, or as few, as you want, either way you'll save on your bills:

1. Add insulation to your attic all around your house. I didn't know it, but they have insulations for around your water heater, to cover your pipes, for behind switch plates, and of course, around windows and doors.

2. Don't make your furnace work any harder than necessary, make sure it's in good condition.  Change your filters monthly too.

3. Stop your nice warm air from going out the windows.  Get some insulated curtains.

4. On a nice sunny winter day allow the sun to come in your home. It can really help heat things up. You can close your curtains at night to keep the cold air out.

5.  Now that you've got some good ideas on how to save money on your electric bills, why not take it one step further and actually generate your own electricity?

It's really easy to build and install your own wind turbine or solar panels and it can generate about 60% of the electricity your house will need.

Well, I hope that helps.  The important thing to remember is that you do have options and there are products that can help you cut energy bills.  Invest a little time and money now and when you utility comes in January, you won't have to fear it.