As energy prices go up, many people are looking to alternative power solutions in order to save money. However, converting an entire house to go off grid can be costly, and the work involved may be too much for some homeowners. That doesn’t mean that you have to abandon the idea of alternative power however, and there are plenty of small and simple solutions that you can implement that won’t cost much money, but can still reap big rewards.
1. Install a solar power water heater.
This is a very easy fix that just about any homeowner can try. A single panel is used that will be hooked directly into the water heater. You’ll be able to harness the power of the sun to help you heat your house’s water and you may be surprised at just how much money you can save.
2. Wash your clothes in cold water.
If you’re not quite ready to convert your water heater over to solar power, you can still save money by washing your clothes in cold water. On average, this can save a household more than $60 a year, which may not sound like much, but when added to other solutions, it can make a difference.
3. Install Solar Air Heating Panels.
This is a great idea, especially if you are using a furnace that requires either propane or heating oil. The basic concept is that you are using solar power to run your forced air furnace and the savings can be significant. While you don’t have to re-fit your entire house, you may need to get an electric furnace, and of course, the panels to run it. However, this is a relatively small investment that will more than pay for itself in a short time, especially considering how high the prices have gone for propane and heating oil this year.
4. Line dry your clothes.
It’s funny, but a lot of our energy consumption has to do with laundry. We’ve already covered two tips on how to save big by using cold water, or changing how you power your water heater, but line drying your clothes can also save a significant amount of money. This is of course a little difficult in winter, but if you use this technique during the summer months, you can save quite a bit of money. You may need to use fabric softener for some clothes, but overall, this is a very easy and cheap way to get your clothes done.
The best way to save money on your energy costs is by watching your overall consumption. Consider installing new light bulbs that are more energy efficient, turn your heat down and your air conditioning up, and watch the length of your showers. By combining many different techniques, you can easily save money and you’ll only have to invest a small amount of money to get started. In fact, many of these options are absolutely free. Over a few weeks, you should start to see a big difference in your power and gas bills.
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Originally posted 2008-11-03 05:07:35. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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