When it comes to powering your home, you have a variety of options to choose from depending on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a renewable energy source that can help reduce your carbon footprint, check out these sustainable energy options for the home.
Buying New, Recycle Old
A lot of homes use a lot of energy simply because they’re outdated and inefficient. If your home is one of these, it’s time for an upgrade! However, upgrading your home doesn’t necessarily mean you have to completely replace everything. You can repurpose and reuse items from your home to save money, energy, and resources. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint, these home renovation ideas may be exactly what you need.
Similarly, if you’re looking to cut down on your electricity bill, you may want to consider replacing old appliances with energy efficient models. If you’re not sure where to start, consult with an energy advisor who can help you choose the right equipment for your home. Then, consult with your local utility to see what type of discounts they offer for purchasing energy-efficient appliances directly from the factory. In most cases, you’ll see a significant savings if you buy new and don’t have to worry about the energy bills afterward!
Consider A Small-Scale Energy System
If your home isn’t equipped with a dedicated energy room, having a solar power system may not be practical. However, in most cases, a small-scale system installed on the roof will provide enough electricity for the home. Depending on your location and the size of your home, you can have a completely customized energy plan designed by an expert that takes into account your specific needs and goals. Having a small-scale system is a great alternative to having none at all. It gives you the freedom to generate your own electricity whenever you want and avoid energy charges when the power goes out.
A small-scale system is also great for homesickness. Installing one at home gives you the feeling of being close to the native land without having to give up all your worldly possessions. When the sun begins to set and the wind starts to howl, you can truly appreciate what it means to be at home in a safe and relaxed way. The feeling of independence and self-reliance that comes with owning a small solar power system is unmatched. It may not be the most practical or efficient system available, but it definitely makes the list of “things I miss when I’m away from home.””
Go Off-Grid
Even if your home is already equipped with appliances and lighting that are efficient and eco-friendly, you can always go one step further by generating your own power on site. It’s a great option for particularly large homes with extensive landholdings where having a power line running to the grid may not be feasible. Off-grid living is not a new concept. It’s been around for quite some time and still has a lot of supporters today. If you’re interested in living a healthier and more environmentally conscious lifestyle, consider going off-grid.
If you want to get rid of your energy bills altogether and live a more independent life, you might want to consider going off-grid. With your own power source, you don’t need to worry about the electricity being shut off due to nonpayment and you won’t have to live with the stress of wondering when the next bill is going to come. If going off-grid is not an option due to space constraints or lack of know-how, a mini-grid system using solar panels may be the next best thing. It’s a great option for homesick individuals or those that want to be completely independent.
Look Into Wind Power
Wind power is considered one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources around. You don’t need to rely on fossil fuels to generate it which makes it a great option for homesick individuals or for those that want to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. It’s a fantastic alternative to other forms of energy production and can be an invaluable source of clean, renewable electricity. If you’re in a region where wind power is abundant, you may never need to pay another energy bill again.
Many homeowners choose to invest in a small wind turbine built on the roof top. These turbines are often connected to a battery that stores energy for later use. Having a backup power source that can provide electricity during brief periods of downtime is essential. During these times, you will need an independent power source to restore some sense of order to your life. A small wind turbine is the perfect option for those that want to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle but don’t have the space for a larger system.
However, the advantages of a small wind turbine don’t end there. Batteries degrade and become less efficient over time. By having a small wind turbine that’s built into a battery storage system, you’re guaranteed to get the most out of it and save money in the long run. Batteries also make your device more stable which is essential if you want to operate it accurately.
Hydro Power
Hydro power is considered to be one of the more traditional forms of energy production. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not sustainable. In most cases, installing a hydroelectric plant at home isn’t that difficult. You will need a sizable water source (preferably a stream or lake), some equipment to divert it, and a large holding tank to store water until it’s needed. After you install the equipment, all you have to do is draw the water into the tank and hit the switch. Your house will be powered up for hours or days until the water level gets low again.
Depending on your location and the size of your house, you can have a completely customized hydro plan designed by an expert that takes into account your specific needs and goals. Having a hydroelectric plant is a great way to get an energy source that is both sustainable and reliable. The main disadvantage is that it takes a while to generate enough power to meet your daily demands. However, during those times when the power flows easily, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot and won’t want to live without it again.
Other Options
There are many other options available to those that want to reduce their carbon footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Some of the more popular ones are reviewed below.
- Rainwater tanks – store rainwater during the monsoon season for later use. Effective when used in conjunction with a solar energy system or wind turbine. (You can also use desalinated water if you have access to it)
- Solar Power – generate electricity using the sun’s energy. Can be installed either on the ground or on the roof (depends on the size of your house)
- Geothermal Power – heat comes from the earth surrounding you. You can use heat pumps to generate electricity. (Takes a while to generate enough power to meet your daily demands)