Synopses & Reviews
Are you looking for creative ways to lower your energy costs, use renewable energy, generate more of your own power, or become less reliant on the grid? Energy expert Paul Scheckel offers practical advice for taking matters into your own hands. Understand the fundamentals of solar, wind, water, and biofuel energy production as you make your home ready for renewables. Each chapter of Homeowner's Energy Handbook provides a comprehensive discussion of renewable energy sources along with "green guides" for building your own energy-saving -- and energy-producing -- equipment. Step-by-step instructions show you how to build a bicycle-powered generator, a biodiesel processor, a thermosiphon solar hot-water collector, a biogas generator,
Review
"An incredible resource for anyone who wants to take responsibility for their energy use and production.
Review
"A masterfully clear and accessible guide to incorporating power-saving strategies in the home ... With plenty of lucidly written instructions, well-drawn illustrations, and user-friendly sidebars, Scheckel's manual is an indispensable reference for library how-to sections and homeowners hoping to cut the cord from their corporate power suppliers." Foreword Reviews
Review
"Provides readers with cost-effective, self-empowered, and energy-efficient home-energy solutions ... a one-of-a-kind resource."
Review
"We all want to lower our energy bills, but alternative energy can be a bit daunting. This great manual is a fantastic introduction to what's possible and practical. ... Chock-full of practical advice and realistic assessments of alternative energy, this book is superior to others on the topic due to its accessibility, organization, and balance. Home¬owners can easily pick and choose from projects without fear of becoming overwhelmed. Highly recommended."
Review
"A must for those who want to live off grid or simply want to use less energy or live more sustainably."
Synopsis
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.
Synopsis
Make and Conserve Your Own Energy
Synopsis
Make and Conserve Your Own Energy
Synopsis
Make and Conserve Your Own Energy
Synopsis
Make and Conserve Your Own Energy
Synopsis
Make and Conserve Your Own Energy
About the Author
PaulScheckel 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. His articles have appeared in such publications as Mother Earth News, Home Power, and Vermont Life, and he contributes a monthly energy and environment column to two state-wide newspapers. A frequent radio guest, Scheckel has also appeared as a guest expert on the acclaimed television show “Ask this Old House”. He lives off-grid in northern Vermont with his family in a solar- and wind-powered house.
Table of Contents
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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