Green Living - Simply Additions

Solar Power for Cheapskates 101: Guides on Affordable Solar Projects

Sat, 24 Jan 2015 15:09:37 -0500

By now everyone and their grandmother has seen evidence that solar power is something we can all take advantage of. But did you know that what you don't know about solar power can hurt you financially for 15 to 20 years? Come explore the true pros and cons of today's solar energy options, you won't believe how good & bad solar has gotten lately.

Lucky for you I'm a bit of a cheapskate when it comes to spending money on gadgets that my wife doesn't quite yet approve of. Solar power is one of those things that has been exploited to the point that an average Joe can sign on the wrong dotted line and cause serious financial consequences for his family.

Because of these newly created pitfalls that I will touch on below, I began doing research on affordable solar power projects that people are documenting and doing today. These are proven ideas that continue to work and best of all they are inexpensive to setup in most cases. Simply trade in a few hours of your free time and a couple trips to Home Depot and soon you too can join the affordable solar club. I'll show you where you can find how-to guides, materials, and people who have already built devices that will dramatically lower your utility bills. Conventional solar panels are not the only way you can save megabucks every year, keep reading.

Now my wife does want to save energy; after all, we just ate a $418 power bill for December. However, if you begin your solar research like I did, you will find 2 things at first glance. Number 1: Solar power kits for the house are over $10,000 and Number 2: You can get solar power for your house dirt cheap by signing up for a solar lease. The latter has become a problem for many people already, and since my wife and I are very keen on not wasting our money, I dug deeper into the web to uncover what savvy homeowners are doing that know a little about the science of solar.

What I found is that there are several projects almost anyone can do at home, if they are willing to tackle building things like solar hot water collectors and holding tanks. At first I was not interested in solar hot water, but that was before I read countless articles on the internet. Solar hot water can be used to heat your home, provide almost unlimited hot water, and of course my favorite, dramatically lower your utility bills. Best of all these systems can be built on a shoestring budget, which is the only way I can make my wife release her Kung-Fu grip from my debit card. Keep reading and check out all the resource links I collected for you below. You will be just as amazed as I was when I discovred how easy it really is to begin testing these solar gadgets.

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Why Are Solar Lease Programs a Bad Idea?

Do-it-yourself Solar Hot Water Project

Well those solar lease programs seen on TV commercials are a fantastic way to get solar power quickly, but what most people don't know is that you will forfeit most of the benefits of having solar to the leasing company itself. They will get all the federal tax credits, rebates and incentives, you get a 15 to 20 year lease that most people would run away from, if or when you ever decided to sell your home. Did I mention that you will never own the solar panels nor will leasing the solar panels make any real financial sense? That's right, my constantly updated (evergreen) article will get you into solar power without 15 to 20 years of regret!

Read more about Why Solar Lease is a Bad Idea on the Wholesalesolar.com website.

Don't worry, this article is not about destroying your dreams to getting cheap clean energy from the sun, in fact, this article is all about how to get solar power to work for you while spending as little cash as possible. Below you will find links to amazing articles and complete step by step how-to videos, that will show you how to build cheap but very effective solar devices. Many of these solar projects are taken on by families such as a husband and wife team or dad and son or daughter teams.

So bookmark this amazing guide, before your computer crashes and you loose it forever!

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Welcome to the Living Article on Cheap Solar Projects

So friends, my research has just begun, because this article will be what I call a living article. I will continually add, revise, and announce new tutorials, gadgets, and places to buy your materials for cheap. Expect this article to grow into many sections as I find what other interesting people are doing all across the internet. I will also be posting photos, videos, and links to my solar projects.

Amazing Links For Do-it-yourself Solar Powered Projects

Pex Solar Hot Water Collector

Solar Hot Water Projects for Heating and Hot Water Generation Systems

Solar Hot Water - What is it really, and what benefits do you stand to gain buy buying or building an affordable solar hot water system? A solar hot water system consists of a collector, storage tank, and a water pump. These devices can be constructed out of plywood, aluminum coils, a garden hose, and plumbing pipes made out of PEX, CPVC, or Copper. Using the materials I just mentioned, you can create your own collector and start testing as early as this week!

Here are some detailed guides on building a solar collector that's 1/8 the cost of a commercially purchased collector.

Nice looking Copper Solar Collector by Build It Solar (Article)

Solar Collector and Custom Water Tank by Matt from Philadelphia Pennsylvania (PDF)

Generate 100% of your heat and hot water using the sun, like the people linked all over this page. Many of these people have generated more than 90% of their hot water needs using only solar energy.

Building a Solar Hot Water Collector Using Cheap Pex Tubing (Video)

Building a Better Solar Hot Water Collector Using CPVC Piping (Video)

Building a Solar Hot Water Collector Using Copper Pipes and Copper Sheets (Video)

I really like this idea, although copper is not cheap. You can easily buy the copper pipes and tubing at your local Home Depot or Lowes Home Improvement Center.

Comparing a CPVC Solar Collector Versus a Copper Collector (Article)

More Affordable Solar Power Projects Coming This January 2015!

Oh oh! I have good news and some not so good news for you. The good news is that I'm actively researching affordable solar projects you and I can both build at home. The not so good news is that I have not finished writing my results. But don't worry, this is an evergreen article, because I plan to add links, how-to guides, and useful tidbits to this page for the life. So with that being said, please bookmark this page using your browser right now.

It's the little star icon on Google Chrome & Firefox, or the + button in a Apple Safari browser.

Is Solar Power Worth The Cost?

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:22:35 -0400

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Sunlight is one of the freest energies on earth. Unfortunately, the methods that are used to harvest it can be costly. But that doesn't mean solar power isn't worth the cost. Use this guide and weigh the facts and details for yourself before you decide if solar power is right for you.

Solar Power Return on Investment

One of the biggest concerns with buying a solar array system is does the initial cost outweigh the return on investment (ROI). That answer can be solved by knowing how much sunlight your area receives and what type of system you have installed. Although the initial $5,000 to $10,000 investment price might seem like a big pill to swallow, it's not necessarily going to cost you anything, if you just give it enough time. To get the best return on investment, it's in your best interests to get at least three solar companies to come to your home and give you an estimate on lighting conditions. Typical solar panel systems recoup their ROI somewhere between five and ten years.

Access to Government Incentives for Solar Power

One of the first things you should do is see what local, state and federal alternative energy incentives there are available for you as a homeowner. Many local, state and federal programs exist that provide homeowners with grants, loans and rebates for solar power arrays and solar heating systems. Many application services are available online and abound from area to area.

Solar Power Grid Parity

Grid parity is a term used by mathematicians to denote the point on a graph where one factor is rising and another factor is sinking, and the two meet together. This point is exactly what is happening to solar panels and carbon based energy. Oil/coal/gas prices are steadily on the rise while solar panel costs are steadily on the decline. But just because solar panels cost more than carbon energy right now, doesn't mean that you should wait until they reach grid parity. Many solar power professionals think that grid parity will be reached within the next few years, making solar power the most cost effective home energy supply, even if it's installed right now. The problem is, using coal, gas and oil energy to power your home is nearly half the price of what it costs to install solar panels. The benefit is that eventually, the solar panel system will pay for itself and each year that oil/coal/gas increases in price, the solar panels will provide exponential energy savings.

Solar Power Variations

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It's not just about installing batteries and a few solar panels on the roof. There are many variations of solar power with more innovations coming out each day. Thin solar film is a PV panel that can be attached to existing or new metal roofs, glass panels and siding. This amazing sticky backed solar panel can be purchased for less than $200 per panel and provide electricity to your home for years. Solar evacuated tubes are used to create a hot water solar system even in low light areas like Alaska and Seattle. 3D crystalline materials are being developed that allows the solar panel to capture the rays of the sun at nearly any angle, reducing the need for tilting panel systems.

Use our automated contractor locating service by filling out the form below.

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Exploring The Benefits of Using Solar Panels

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:31:49 -0400

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You can make your carbon footprint smaller and save money at the same time by outfitting your home for solar energy.

Whether you are looking at solar thermal or photovoltaic, you'll find it to be an excellent resource to use in your home.

If you install photovoltaic tiles on your roof, you can use power that is "off the grid" of your local power company.

This is done by using the rays of the sun and converting them into energy. Since electric prices are rising so rapidly, photovoltaic electricity will help keep your future electric bills lower.

Is solar energy right for you?

Most homes will reap the benefits of going solar, with some type of solar power. If you can get past worries about the aesthetics of solar panels on your roof, you'll find that using the sun to heat or cool your home and run your appliances is very earth-friendly, and a sound financial decision.

Check the layout of your home, to see if solar will be a good fit. You will need to be sure that your solar panels collect the maximum amount of sunlight on any given day. If you have a lot of land, you can do a solar unit mount that is not on the roof. The main things you need are:

solar panels facing South
proper panel angle
eliminating shade near the panels

As far as orientation goes, you need to make sure you have the room to install panels that face South, to collect the most sunlight. If your roof doesn't face South, select the pitched side that is the closest to true South. If you have a flat roof, you can face the panels in any direction. Make sure that your flat roof can support the weight of the panels, before you begin any installation.

As far as the angle of your solar panels, you should build your solar panel array with the same angle that your roof has. The ideal tilt in most United States areas, in an area without shade, is roughly forty degrees. If you have shade in the area, you can drop to a lower tilt, like thirty degrees, to avoid any obstructions from blocking your array in the wintertime.

Each solar system should be built in a custom way, with the best orientation and tilt for your home, to obtain the greatest benefits of going solar. If all other factors are equal, it's best to use the same tilt as your roof, if it is a pitched roof. This will reduce the wind's influence and make the system more aesthetically pleasing.

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As far as obstacles that block the sun, this usually comes in the form of trees, but may also be the work of taller buildings in your area. You can keep a shady lot, as long as the trees will not block the sun between 9AM and 3PM. Some trees may need to be trimmed back, but if others aren't high enough to block the sun during those crucial hours, you can leave your shaded lot pretty much as is.

Solar energy is worth the time spent looking into it as a feasible plan for your home. Don't rule out solar energy offhand. Look into the power output and find out how much solar can affect your utility usage. Gather information and work with your installer, to be sure that solar energy is a good fit for you.

Use our automated solar contractor locating service by filling out the form below.

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DIY Solar Power Project

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:02:51 -0400

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Lots of people today are saving money on their utility bills by installing DIY solar power systems on their houses or businesses. There is much useful information online about how you can best go about setting up your own solar power system.

You can make a solar panel array that will generate more than enough power for your own personal use. In many cases, you can even sell your excess power back to your local utility company. This makes the idea of DIY solar power very attractive for many home and business owners.

Solar energy is free, as well as being renewable, and most every home owner can benefit from it. You may not have the time, money or expertise to set up a complex array and system, but you can still cut back on your electric bill even if you only install smaller solar panels. Any amount you can reduce your utility bill by is a positive thing.

You can take the money that you save on your utility bills and invest in more solar panels, until you have a custom DIY solar power system in place. This will further reduce the power you need from your utility company, and when you reach a point where you generate more power than you need, how nice will it be to have the utility company paying you for a change?

We cannot sustain our current energy consumption rates using only fossil fuels. Other countries outside the United States, including China and India, are increasing their need for power even more than we are. This in and of itself is a good reason to build your own solar power system. Your carbon footprint will be smaller even if all you can power right now is outdoor lighting or power tools in your home workshop. Any step in the right direction is a good thing.

When you generate your own power, you will be using fewer chemicals that come from today's energy sources. DIY solar power generators and small solar panels need hardly any maintenance, and what little they do need will keep them working for a good many years.

Solar panels or an inter-tied grid solar power system needn't be an expensive investment. You can get a good start on your project for under $200. The better your system, the more it will cost you to install, but you have to keep thinking about the money you'll be saving every month.

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The overall cost will depend on how many panels you install, and the grade of other equipment you use. Surprisingly, you do not need to be an electrician to set up a DIY solar power system. You don't need expensive tools or machinery, either. Most packages are fairly easy to follow, and they will give you instructions with illustrations to help you install your solar power system.

When you build your home solar panel array, you will be money ahead, and you will be doing your part to save the environment and the planet.

Use our automated contractor locating service by filling out the form below.

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Useful Tips To Improve The Energy Efficiency of Your Home

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:13:53 -0400

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Improve The Energy Efficiency of Your Home by Following These Simple Tips

I. Purchase and install a water heating jacket for your hot water heater if it is in a non heated area of your home.

II. Insulate all water pipes and heating pipes that are in non-heated parts of your home. This will also prevent sweating and dripping in the summer.

III. Be sure that your attic or crawl space has proper insulation between floor joists and cross ventilation.

IV. Check all windows and doors for drafts or cracks. Caulk all windows and-or doors that have cracks. Install weather stripping on the inside of any door or window with drafts.

V. Keep the garage door closed.

VI. Reduce energy costs by installing a programmable thermostat. This way you can customize it to your energy needs by having it, for example, turn down while you are at work or sleeping.

VII. Purchase a ceiling fan. They help both in the summer and the winter. In the summer keep it on high and turning counterclockwise. In the winter put it on the lowest setting and have it turn close-wise. This will push all the hot air down from the ceiling.

VIII. When purchasing appliances, check for the Energy Star Label.

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Making Your Home Healthy

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:06:26 -0400

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Keeping a Healthy Home

Making your home healthier and greener is a top priority on every home owners list these days. It doesn't have to be expensive either. A few minor changes can improve the health of your home drastically. And don't forget that a healthier home equals a healthier you and a healthier family.

1. Control dust in your house.

Dust can pose more problems then most people really know about. Sure it can look ugly when it's just resting on your furniture, but it can also hold chemicals, allergens, and toxins. Rule of thumb is to give your home a good old vacuuming twice per week. We are used to the once a week schedule at our house, but we use the little dirt devil to get any exposed dust balls that catch our eye.

2. Stop smoking in your home.

Smoking can do a number on your house, it can clog your air-filter in your HVAC system, it can leave sticky yellow residue on top of surfaces.

When my parents used to smoke, our 1980's white kitchen cabinets turned yellow and there was a ton of sticky residue on top of them. The fact is, that second hand smoke can trigger asthma in children and smoking is an expensive habit these days anyway. Give it some really good thought. I quit smoking because I hated the way it would make my clothes stink, I also didn't enjoy the morning phlegm. I quit cold turkey, and didn't think twice.

3. Is that lead paint or radon in your basement?

Who knows? Well an expert does know and it's up to you to call one and have these items inspected. Newer homes should be safe from lead paint, but radon is that colorless and orderless gas that can make people ill and possible kill them. Buy a good radon detector and maybe hire a home inspector to do a once over your home, for your piece of mind.

4. It that water filtered?

When I was a kid the water that ran from the pipes in our New Britain home was amazing. Somewhere along the way the water started to change in taste, and then one day we just plainly didn't want to drink our water without a filter anymore. It's really too bad what happened to us and I'm sure to countless towns across the US. One thing is for sure and that is pure water is the best thing we can put in our body. So, go down to your local Walmart or home depot and buy yoursel1f a water filtering system. There are many to choose from. There is even a whole house water filtering system! Just imagine taking showers or bathing in pure water again. Bring a little piece of heaven back into your life, by filtering your water.

5. Becoming aware of chemical dependence!

No I'm not talking about drugs, but that is another subject that can be talked about. We are talking about the dozens of chemicals we have sitting around our house at all times. Some of these we cannot live without and some, we can do much better. Instead of Windex, you can try using a solution of white vinegar and water to get streak-less performance from your window cleaning days. Baking soda can also help you clean your tub a bit better than some of these harmful smelling bathroom cleaning products. There are also many new green products at the market that can help you replace your harmful chemical agents to something more greener and less harmful to you and our planet. The point is that we no longer have to rely on harmful chemicals as the only way to get things done.

6. Eating Healthy and Staying Active!

This is the most important item on this entire list. Because if you eat like a starving weight lifter at Arbys everyday, you won't have to worry about keeping your house clean, because you probably won't be living that long. Okay, maybe I went a little overboard there, sorry. My point is that we all should aim to eat healthy and have some type of daily physical activity. I personally like walking, because I can load up my iPhone with audio books and pound the pavement around my house, while I learn something new. If you have never tried and audio book walking session, please do.

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And if you want you can visit our contact us page and tell me about your experience.

That's it folks. Be sure to bookmark this site, because only good things are planned for it. My goal is to have tons of useful, articles, great remodeling and building plans, and just plain amazing things you will not be able to find somewhere else. I love this website and it takes a whole team of people to get it running and keep it running. I also always look for suggestions from people like you! So don't hesitate to shoot me an email, even if it is to complain about something. I really don't mind and I might use your complaint to change the entire site as long as I can honestly see a benefit for everyone else. Take Care

Voitek Lex Klimczyk Facebook Me

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The Benefits of Geothermal Energy

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:54:31 -0500

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Why Use Geothermal Energy?

There are so many great benefits when choosing a green solution to heat your house, but the best ones are operating costs and energy efficiency.

With a geothermal heat pump you'll enjoy these benefits:

Energy Efficiency & Lower Operating Costs - A Geothermal heat pump system can save you money. The pump uses the earth's thermal properties to save costs on running your heating and air conditioning systems. On average, homeowners can save between 30 - 70% in their heating costs and 20 -50% in cooling costs when compared to a conventional HVAC systems. A Geothermal heat pump provides an effciency of 300 to 400%.
Geothermal energy does not rise with inflation!
Extremely Dependable - Canadian government states that Geothermal Systems last 20 percent longer as well as the lowest cost of lifetime maintenance.
Environmentally Friendly - Geothermal systems lower the need for power generation and eliminate fossil fuel consumption. These systems produce a large impact on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
Higher Comfort - Because the earths temperature is mostly stable, you can expect a constant source of heating in the winter and improved humidity control in the summer months of operation.
Flexibility - Geothermal Systems can operate in almost all combinations, including: forced-air heating, radiant in-floor heating, domestic hot water, and air conditioning from one unit. A Geothermal System can handle houses, office buildings, swimming pools and everything in between.
Quiet Operation- neither - Geothermal heat pumps are quiet and small. You will hardly know its there, but you'll notice the dramatic difference in your energy bills.
Healthier Air Quality - Eliminates Carbon Monoxide because nothing is combusted.
Safer - No flames, no chimneys, no odors, and especially no risk from carbon monoxide. Simply safe and reliable operation.

Manitoba Hydro's Residential Survey Results:

91% of respondents were satisfied at their decision to install a geothermal heat pump system
83% were satisfied with the energy savings achieved.
93% were satisfied with the comfort of their home

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Save On Heating Costs With Solar Hot Water

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:10:48 -0500

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Home heating costs seem to keep rising every year and Americans are looking for alternative options such as Solar Hot Water to lower their bills.

One of the largest expenses for a homeowner is the cost of heating water and their home.

Statistics state that heating costs account for approximately 40% of our annual bills, and it makes no difference if you are a renter or a homeowner.

Add to the fact that crude oil keeps fluctuating and rising, people across the nation are finding it harder than ever to manage their bills.

Solar Water Heating is the most cost-effective and affordable solution to lower heating costs. On average people save around 75% from the first month of installation. Now, isn't that something worth looking into?

A Solar Hot Water System is a water heater that is linked to your existing water heater to offset some of its load. Solar Hot Water Collectors preheat your water by being exposed to the sun, this means that your conventional water heater, whether it is powered by natural gas, propane, or oil, does not have to work as hard anymore. The technology is relatively simple and people are installing these systems more often now, because of all the bragging their neighbors or friends do once they have installed theirs and saw their first heating bill.

The big question is how much does Solar Hot Water Systems Cost?

Most systems are purchased for under $4,000; most people recoup the costs of their Solar Hot Water System within a 2-year period. This new heating option will eventually become a standard option in new construction, if enough people adopt this technology in their home.

Do not forget that hot water is needed to Wash Laundry, Dishes, Showers and Baths. Sign up to get a free estimate on your Solar Hot Water Project below.{loadposition followbtns}

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How To Seal The Gaps In Your Home

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 08:15:54 -0400

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One of the most cost effective ways to improve the energy efficiency in your home is to insulate it well and seal the shell properly. This means that you go over all the areas where air gaps occur such as: outer walls, windows, doors, ceilings, and floors.

A little bit of caulk goes a long way around your windows and doors. There are special thermal imaging cameras that can illustrate drafts in real-time, but you don't need to get that fancy. Go to your favorite home improvement store and buy a few tubes of door and window caulk. Next go around the entire exterior envelope of your home and caulk around all of your windows and exterior doors. You can also caulk around vents, electrical wires and utility boxes etc.

Attics and basements are often overlooked, study the diagram below and caulk or insulate around any cavity that can cause air leakage to occur.

When your home is sealed and insulated properly, you will spend less money on heating and cooling costs. And don't forget that you can do most of the work yourself with a minimal investment. Conduct an entire house audit of your home with a notebook and a pencil. Go through each room and identify the areas where you think air leakage can occur. This includes any opening into the exterior, basement, or attic. Keep in mind that older homes will require more insulation and caulking then newer homes.

Common places to seal around:

Click the picture to enlarge it

Wall sockets
Windows
Doors
Ducts (get silver duct tape and seal the seams of your duct work)
Vents
Electrical Wires and Components (cable wire from the exterior coming into your house)
Pipes

Once you complete these simple steps, your home will be less expensive to heat and cool. Filling little gaps doesn't seem like much, but once you complete the process you will be able to see the difference in your energy costs!

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Green Living - Simply Additions

Solar Power for Cheapskates 101: Guides on Affordable Solar Projects

Welcome to the Living Article on Cheap Solar Projects

Amazing Links For Do-it-yourself Solar Powered Projects

More Affordable Solar Power Projects Coming This January 2015!

Is Solar Power Worth The Cost?

Solar Power Return on Investment

Access to Government Incentives for Solar Power

Solar Power Grid Parity

Solar Power Variations

Use our automated contractor locating service by filling out the form below.

Exploring The Benefits of Using Solar Panels

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You can make your carbon footprint smaller and save money at the same time by outfitting your home for solar energy.

Whether you are looking at solar thermal or photovoltaic, you'll find it to be an excellent resource to use in your home.

If you install photovoltaic tiles on your roof, you can use power that is "off the grid" of your local power company.

Is solar energy right for you?

DIY Solar Power Project

{loadposition content300x250}Lots of people today are saving money on their utility bills by installing DIY solar power systems on their houses or businesses. There is much useful information online about how you can best go about setting up your own solar power system.

You can make a solar panel array that will generate more than enough power for your own personal use. In many cases, you can even sell your excess power back to your local utility company. This makes the idea of DIY solar power very attractive for many home and business owners.

Useful Tips To Improve The Energy Efficiency of Your Home

{loadposition content300x250}Improve The Energy Efficiency of Your Home by Following These Simple Tips

I. Purchase and install a water heating jacket for your hot water heater if it is in a non heated area of your home.

II. Insulate all water pipes and heating pipes that are in non-heated parts of your home. This will also prevent sweating and dripping in the summer.

III. Be sure that your attic or crawl space has proper insulation between floor joists and cross ventilation.

IV. Check all windows and doors for drafts or cracks. Caulk all windows and-or doors that have cracks. Install weather stripping on the inside of any door or window with drafts.

V. Keep the garage door closed.

VI. Reduce energy costs by installing a programmable thermostat. This way you can customize it to your energy needs by having it, for example, turn down while you are at work or sleeping.

VII. Purchase a ceiling fan. They help both in the summer and the winter. In the summer keep it on high and turning counterclockwise. In the winter put it on the lowest setting and have it turn close-wise. This will push all the hot air down from the ceiling.

VIII. When purchasing appliances, check for the Energy Star Label.

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Making Your Home Healthy

{loadposition content300x250}Keeping a Healthy Home

1. Control dust in your house.

2. Stop smoking in your home.

3. Is that lead paint or radon in your basement?

4. It that water filtered?

5. Becoming aware of chemical dependence!

6. Eating Healthy and Staying Active!

Voitek Lex Klimczyk Facebook Me

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The Benefits of Geothermal Energy

{loadposition content300x250}Why Use Geothermal Energy?

With a geothermal heat pump you'll enjoy these benefits:

Manitoba Hydro's Residential Survey Results:

Save On Heating Costs With Solar Hot Water

{loadposition content300x250}Home heating costs seem to keep rising every year and Americans are looking for alternative options such as Solar Hot Water to lower their bills.

One of the largest expenses for a homeowner is the cost of heating water and their home.

Statistics state that heating costs account for approximately 40% of our annual bills, and it makes no difference if you are a renter or a homeowner.

Solar Water Heating is the most cost-effective and affordable solution to lower heating costs. On average people save around 75% from the first month of installation. Now, isn't that something worth looking into?

The big question is how much does Solar Hot Water Systems Cost?

Do not forget that hot water is needed to Wash Laundry, Dishes, Showers and Baths. Sign up to get a free estimate on your Solar Hot Water Project below.{loadposition followbtns}

How To Seal The Gaps In Your Home

{loadposition content300x250}One of the most cost effective ways to improve the energy efficiency in your home is to insulate it well and seal the shell properly. This means that you go over all the areas where air gaps occur such as: outer walls, windows, doors, ceilings, and floors.

Attics and basements are often overlooked, study the diagram below and caulk or insulate around any cavity that can cause air leakage to occur.

Common places to seal around:

Click the picture to enlarge it Wall sockets

Windows

Doors

Ducts (get silver duct tape and seal the seams of your duct work)

Vents

Electrical Wires and Components (cable wire from the exterior coming into your house)

Pipes

Once you complete these simple steps, your home will be less expensive to heat and cool. Filling little gaps doesn't seem like much, but once you complete the process you will be able to see the difference in your energy costs!

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Lots of people today are saving money on their utility bills by installing DIY solar power systems on their houses or businesses. There is much useful information online about how you can best go about setting up your own solar power system.

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Improve The Energy Efficiency of Your Home by Following These Simple Tips

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Keeping a Healthy Home

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Why Use Geothermal Energy?

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Home heating costs seem to keep rising every year and Americans are looking for alternative options such as Solar Hot Water to lower their bills.

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One of the most cost effective ways to improve the energy efficiency in your home is to insulate it well and seal the shell properly. This means that you go over all the areas where air gaps occur such as: outer walls, windows, doors, ceilings, and floors.

Click the picture to enlarge it

Wall sockets