Are you looking to lower the carbon footprint of your home?
Choosing a renewable energy source is a great way to improve the sustainability of your home. It can bring savings on your energy bills and set you up for the future as fossil fuel resources decrease. But if you’re new to renewable energy, it can be daunting. You might not even know where to start.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Keep reading for these 5 alternate energy sources to get you started.
1. Solar Energy
The popular form of renewable energy for homes is solar energy. You generate energy from the sun’s rays, captured by solar panels installed on your roof. An inverter then takes the DC energy and converts it to AC so you can use it in your home.
One of the main benefits is the improvement of your sustainability. It also reduces your reliance on the electric grid and can lower your utility bills. With tax incentives available across the country, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular. But if you’re considering solar installation, make sure you choose a reputable, experienced company.
2. Wind Energy
With advances in technology, you can now get smaller wind turbines designed for your home. Some will be a pole like their larger counterparts, others can fit onto your home.
They produce energy as the wind turns the blades, driving the internal turbine system. A mounted system could cost around $3,000 where a free-standing pole is around $8,000-$12,000. Free-standing poles can generate more energy as they have the space and are usually larger.
3. Biomass Energy
A form of natural energy is using a biomass heating system. You use wood pellets, logs, or chips to heat your water and home. Compared to fossil fuels like oil and coal, it’s got a reduced carbon footprint.
As with all the options on this list, switching to biomass heating comes with savings on your energy bill. And, as long as you’re using responsible wood sources, it’s sustainable and renewable.
4. Air Source Heat Units
Another source of green energy is an air source heat pump. These units take the heat from the air outside to provide heat for your home and water. They work in the reverse way to your refrigerator.
Along with the fact that again, you’ll see savings on your bills, it’s almost silent to run. It’s not like the noisy HVAC systems you might be familiar with already. It’s clean, good for the environment, and another way to do your bit for the planet.
5. Hydroelectric Energy
Hydroelectricity uses downhill flowing water’s velocity to generate electric power. If you’re lucky enough to have a home near a lake or river, this could be a great option.
It’s a sustainable source of energy that works. Think of the Hoover and John Day Dams, and other large hydroelectric plants in operation in the US. Home hydroelectric systems work the same only they’re on a smaller scale, only needing a one-meter drop to work.
Alternate Energy Sources: Know Your Options
So, there you have it! Now you know these top 5 alternate energy sources you’re sure to find the right one for your home.
Your home is unique, so you’ll need to work with what you’ve got to get the best energy source for you. You can also combine many of the options above if more than one option works for you. So much so, that a tailored sustainable home could remove your need for utility companies completely.
If you found this article helpful, make sure to check out our other blog posts today.
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