The Homeowner's Energy Handbook: Your Guide to Getting Off the Grid

Are you looking for creative ways to lower your energy costs, generate more of your own power, or become less reliant on the grid? Energy expert Paul Scheckel offers practical solutions for adapting solar, wind, wood gasification, biogas, and micro hydro power systems for home use. Step-by-step instructions show you how to build a wood gasifier, a solar heat collector, a bicycle-powered generator, and other energy-saving equipment; make your own transportation fuels, including ethanol, wood gas methanol, and biodiesel; convert kitchen compost into renewable natural gas; and more. Whether you want to live completely off the grid or just save some money on your fuel bills, this guide has the knowledge and skills you need.

Paul Scheckel lives off the grid in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. He is an energy auditor and consultant who has visited more than 3,000 homes, educating people about energy efficiency, cost-effective improvements, and indoor air quality. He has appeared on national television and local radio, writes a monthly column on energy issues for two statewide Vermont newspapers, speaks at conferences, and hosts a blog.

Introduction

Part One: Home Energy Efficiency

1 Getting Ready for Renewables

The Big and Little Energy Picture * Basic Considerations * Systems and Planning * Renewable Habits * The Value of Electricity * Energy Action in Cuba * Build a Bicycle-Powered Battery Charger

2 Do Your Own Energy Audit

Getting Started * Electricity * Hot Water * Heating and Air Conditioning * Thermal Envelope * Windows * Prioritizing Your Improvements

3 Insulating Your Home

How Heat Moves * Measuring Insulation Value * Insulation Inspection * How Much Insulation Do You Need? * Choosing and Installing Insulation * Stopping Air and Moisture * Roof Venting * When "High Performance" Doesn't Perform

4 Deep Energy Retrofits

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