Homeowners have a lot of worries, especially when it comes to paying their electrical energy bill. Rates are always rising and many are speaking of a looming energy crisis. Our two main forms of energy, coal energy and chemical energy, are also heavy pollutants not to mention the fact that they are both non-renewable resources. Energy conservation is a must, but many homeowners are only interested in finding affordable ways to heat their homes.

Electricity is very important in our lives and will be in the future. It plays a very important role in our modern lives and we can’t live any more without it. Without electricity we are not safe, we can’t produce the products we need and can’t use all the appliances we love so much..

Most people feel that the price of electricity is too high for the amount they consume. However, complaining will not be the answer which will lower the amount you have to pay. There are other alternatives to lower your monthly bill for electricity. One option is to make use of alternative energy. Let’s review the most used types of this ‘new’ energy source.

Although people think alternative energy is ‘new’ it really is not. We have used this energy source long before we even knew electricity. Just think about drying your washed clothes outside in the sun. In fact, many of us still use this method to dry clothes and there is nothing wrong with this. Drying your clothes this way will save a lot of electricity!

Here we will list other types of alternative energy sources:

*The first is wind energy. Today windmills are used in homes to run small generators. Using windmills is not a new concept. Windmills were used extensively in the past century. They were primarily used to mill grain. Making flour from grain was hard work and using the power of the wind was an economical way to complete this task. Another use of the windmill was to pump out water from large creeks or lakes to gain land. One country which frequently used this technique was the Netherlands. Acres of land were gained this way and today homeowners still benefit from this land.

Today the windmill has a renewed function which is run small generators for homeowners. These generators produce electricity to be used in running small home appliances. These windmills are commonly used outside the city area. It would be hard for a homeowner in the city to make use of this technique because they are a few feet in diameter and are placed fairly high.

*The second form is solar energy. This energy source can be used in several ways. Most homeowners use it to produce electricity. The solar power can be used to power small appliances. Other homeowners used it to heat their homes. This can be done either passively or actively.

The passive form works like placing your car in the sun. The temperature in the car increases quickly making the inside of the car very hot very fast. For homes it can be done by making use of glass and positing your home to the sun. Your home can be heated up very quickly. By using certain types of stone walls inside your home this warmth can be held inside the house.

The active method uses solar energy to produce hot water for central heating. The hot water can also be used for running hot water, the washing machine and dishwasher. The efficiency by which we are now able to convert solar power into electricity and hot water is of such a degree that it is very possible to power a whole house and use for central heating!

Solar energy is much easier to use in the city and so many people in cities can lower their energy by making use of this energy source. The roof solar-panels that are needed can be placed on the roof out of sight. Some people think this that solar panels can be an ugly sight, but that is an individual’s taste.

*The third is hydropower. By making use of the power of running water small turbines can run generators. These generators in turn can store electricity which can be used for running home appliances. This technique was also used in the past where waterwheels were used to grind grain into flour, just like windmills. But like the windmills, this form of alternative energy is not feasible for use in a city area.

*The fourth technique is bio-gas. Bio-gas is produced naturally via the decomposition of different biological material. This can be from animals and from humans. Farmers can successfully use this method to produce bio-gas. The bio-gas can be used for heating a home or can even be used to cook. This form of alternative energy is also not commonly used inside the city area.

There are more ways to make use of alternative energy than mentioned here. The forms mentioned here are very common today and are evolving. In the early days of solar energy the efficiency was poor but today it has improved dramatically. If you live inside the city area your options are limited to solar energy. The advantage with this energy source is that is very versatile. You can produce electricity and hot water.

When you decide to use alternative energy you accomplish more than only saving money you’re also helping to create a better world. The big reason not to use alternative energy is the price tag. The devices to convert the ‘free’ energy source are not cheap. You need to realize that you’re investing in your home. But after good calculations you will realize that you’ll be saving more than you’ll spend. Don’t forget to apply for tax credits or other benefits for investing in alternative energy.

By: Della Franklin