Saving energy at home can cut your electric bills. In these tough times every dollar not spent on utilities is critical. You’re hearing more about solar and wind energy. They are free, readily available resources — for those with a little ingenuity and determination. Not only does solar and/or wind energy offer the possibility of cutting your electric bills, they can help save planet earth. This article looks at why electric bills are rising, and why they will continue to rise in the future. It suggests that you harness your own free solar and wind energy and build your own inexpensive small-scale home solar or wind system.
Electric bills keep going up
Why do electric bills keep going up? For starters you’re simply using more electricity to power all those new TVs, air conditioners, computers and other appliances. For another, this winter may have been colder than usual in your area. (There’s not much we can do about the weather.)
But that’s not the whole story. Your bill also depends on the price per kilowatt-hour you are charged by your electric utility. Some utilities now charge more per kWh used during periods of peak electric use. If you have opted for this rate tariff (or schedule of charges) your bill also depends on when you use electricity. You can save money by off-peak use, for example — you can use your clothes washer/dryer when the price is lower during off-peak times.
Wait, there’s more. Since the year 2000, the average residential price per kWh in the U.S. has been rising faster than inflation. I believe electric rates will continue to rise. Why? For one thing, rate caps now in place in some states will be removed allowing rates to climb. For another, world-wide demand for fuel has been outstripping supply, and the prices paid by utilities for fuel are governed by supply and demand. While the current downtrend has provided some welcome relief, the long-term trend will be upward when the world resumes its anticipated economic growth.
The nation’s electric infrastructure needs upgrading. Electric generating plants and transmission lines need maintenance. New generating plants are hugely expensive. Air pollution controls and carbon caps will cost a ton of money, even though they will result in cleaner air. Utilities are looking around for alternative energy sources, including solar, wind and conservation. And so should we. Not only to save money, but to save our planet.
Passive solar energy to save on electric bills now
There are many things you can do right now to save energy. Replace your old light bulbs with new compact fluorescent lights. They use much less electricity. Turn appliances and lights off when you are not using them. Adjust your thermostat to save on heating/cooling.
Make passive solar energy your friend. You probably already know which windows in your home face sunny exposures — usually east, west and south. These are your sunny windows which allow welcome light and warmth during the winter. Open the shades in the morning, allow the warmth to come in. Place solid decorating objects (stones or bricks) where they can absorb heat. Enjoy the warmth of the sunshine. At night, close the blinds.
Make wind energy your friend. Get to know the prevailing wind direction around your home. To cool your home during the summer, turn off the a/c, and open doors and windows and allow the breeze and moving airs to condition your inside air naturally. Enjoy the summer breeze.
Learn about solar and wind energy
Now that solar and wind energy are your friends, consider harnessing their power and transforming it into electricity. Solar and wind power are increasing in popularity around the world, especially as their cost per kWh keeps going down, while your utilities cost per kWh keeps going up.
Many do-it-yourselfers around the world are building small-scale solar and wind systems on their own in their backyards, for very little cost. These are practical applications which really work. These motivated do-it-yourselfers are saving money on their electric bills. They have made solar and wind energy their friends.
It’s easy to build your own solar panel
You don’t have to be scientist or an engineer to understand and build a solar system in your backyard. If you are a do-it-yourselfer who has saved money on projects around your home, you know that if you learn all you can about a project, plan carefully, obtain materials and any necessary tools, and take it step by step — you can do it! The same is true for a home solar energy project.
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