The price of food, gas, electricity, and other necessities in the United States continues to rise. Many people are looking for ways to reduce their monthly costs, from driving less to growing their own produce. Reducing your energy costs might be one area you feel you don’t have any control over.
Making your home energy independent is a great way to reduce or eliminate your monthly energy bills. Being self-sufficient and not relying upon the electricity grid for power can be freeing but intimidating for some. There have been many advancements in recent years that make it easier for homeowners to achieve energy independence.
Don’t feel stressed about the increasing costs of necessities. This guide will discuss the top three ways you can become energy independent.
Table Of Contents
1. Solar Panels
A solar panel system is one of homeowners’ leading renewable energy choices. You can experience the following benefits by installing solar panels in your home:
- Reduced energy bills
- Get paid for generating extra power that’s fed into the grid
- Decreased carbon footprint
Solar panels produce clean energy by capturing UV rays from the sun. The panels then convert the UV rays into usable electricity that can power your home.
If your solar panels produce more energy than you need, you can store it in a battery or have it fed back into the electrical grid. Your electricity company might issue you a check for the extra energy you produce. This site explains the benefits of solar energy, including how it can increase your home value.
2. Conserve Energy
While conserving power isn’t an energy source, it’s a way to become less dependent upon electricity. You don’t have to live a lifestyle reminiscent of our forefathers, but you can change some of your habits requiring electricity.
Some ways you can conserve energy include:
- Turning down your thermostat at night
- Using a clothesline instead of a dryer
- Close your drapes during the hottest times of the day
- Unplug your chargers when not in use
- Turn off lights when you’re not in that room
- Putting your computer in sleep mode
You should also review your home’s energy efficiency when considering ways to conserve energy. Poor insulation and single-paned windows are two of the most common contributors to losing heat during the winter. Make sure your heating and cooling systems are operating efficiently as well.
3. Wind Turbines
A wind turbine system is another way to become energy independent. A home wind turbine is a scaled-down version of the turbines you see while driving on major highways.
One of the things you need to keep in mind with wind turbines in your area needs to produce enough wind to power the system. A wind turbine system can generally lower your power bills by 50 to 90%. You can also use your system to power water pumps for irrigation systems.
Become Energy Independent and Save Money
There are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and become energy independent. You shouldn’t feel like you don’t have any control over your monthly bills. Look for opportunities to save money and become more self-sufficient.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out another one of our articles for more money-saving tips.
