| "How to build a solar power generator." "How to build | | | | 10 percent annually. |
| a simple windmill generator." "How to make electricity | | | | Water heater: Reduce your water heating costs by |
| using wind and solar power." Why the fuss about | | | | simply lowering the thermostat setting on your water |
| solar and wind power? With the Internet all a buzz | | | | heater. For each 10ºF reduction in water |
| about wind and solar power, one might think we're | | | | temperature, you can save between 3%-5% in |
| back in the '70's again! In the '70's, wind and solar | | | | energy costs. Most households usually only require |
| power was more of a fad. Times have changed. | | | | them set at 120ºF. Water heated at |
| Emerging nations, such as China, India, Brazil, and | | | | 140ºF also poses a safety hazard-scalding. |
| South Africa, have dramatically increased the world | | | | However, if you have a dishwasher without a |
| demand for energy. Energy that was once plentiful | | | | booster heater, you might want to set it at |
| and cheap is now considered a precious commodity. | | | | 130ºF. You might consider replacing that old |
| Consequently, enormous energy bills are devouring | | | | water heater with an energy saving "on demand" |
| more of our monthly budget. Unless we take a | | | | type or maybe even a solar option. |
| pro-active approach to energy savings, utility bills may | | | | Washing machines: Minimize the number of washes |
| someday replace the home mortgage as the single | | | | by washing full load of clothes every time. Consider |
| highest monthly expense. | | | | replacing that old top load with a water saving front |
| As the world scrambles for viable alternative energy | | | | load machine. |
| sources, there are easy, but effective things you can | | | | Refrigerator and other appliances: Your appliances and |
| do to substantially reduce your electricity bill. Here are | | | | home electronics are responsible for about 20 |
| a few basic, but simple steps: | | | | percent of your energy bill. If your appliances are |
| Replace your incandescent light bulbs: Compact | | | | older than 5 years old, consider replacing them with |
| fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs have many benefits. | | | | new ENERGY STAR® models. The savings can |
| They use up to 75% less energy than standard | | | | be substantial. |
| incandescent bulbs. They save about $30 or more in | | | | Consider a renewable energy option: Solar and wind |
| electricity costs over the life of the bulb. They | | | | power is becoming more mainstream. There are a |
| produce about 75% less heat, thereby reducing | | | | number of inexpensive guides that show you how to |
| energy costs associated with home cooling. Even | | | | build simple windmill generators, and solar generators |
| though they are very energy efficient, leaving them | | | | that allow you to convert the power of nature into |
| on when you leave the room is wasting money! | | | | real, usable power that can actually allow you to live |
| Heating and Air Conditioning: Make sure your | | | | off the grid. Unlike the fad of the '70s, power |
| thermostat is programmable. If it is not, replace it | | | | generated by wind and solar has become a vital |
| with one that is. Thermostats with a 10 to 15 degree | | | | component of our economic stability. |
| setback can reduce heating and cooling costs up to | | | | |