This article tells how to harness inexpensive solar power for the home.
With the high cost of power utilities these days, wouldn't it be great to be able to conserve energy while paying less for gas or electricity during the winter months? Of course it would! And, by using the simple methods below, you will not only save on monthly energy bills but you will be living in the spirit of true conservatism.
TIP #1: Sunlight Through The Windows
During the cold months, simply opening your curtains to allow the sun's heat inside will reduce your heating bills. Before doing so, it is very important to block all drafts around the windows of your home because much of your interior heat can escape through tiny cracks and crevices around windows even as the sun shines through. Choose inexpensive weather stripping and apply this both inside AND outside around windows. Also, if you do not have storm or insulated glass windows, consider plastic sheeting on the outside of your windows.
After you have made sure that you have no drafts around the windows, help the thermal ability of your home by hanging thick drapes. During the morning, open only the drapes on the windows that face east. Allow the sun to stream in for heat and natural light. As the sun reaches high noon above your house, close the eastern facing drapes. This will trap the natural heat in your home. Then, as the sun travels towards the west, open the drapes on that side of your home to utilize all the sun's power for the day. Remember to close these drapes before sundown to prevent heat from escaping. During the summer, this plan works in reverse to help keep your home cooler.
TIP #2: Creating A Windbreak
Building a simple windbreak on the north side of your home will increase your heating capabilities as well and conserve the solar heating of your home. Over 90% of the time, the cold winter winds come from the north and, by creating a simple windbreak on the north side of your home, you can help the sun do its heating job more efficiently.
A friend of mine used discarded pallets as lumber to construct a windbreak. He purchased the posts and framing wood but used pallets as free lumber to construct his thick, six foot tall fence. Another wonderful result of making a windbreak is that any plants you put into the ground between the windbreak and your home will require less mulching to carry them through winter. Also, early Spring planting of certain vegetables and flowers will fare better with the sun they receive and be protected from wind chill.
TIP #3: Concrete Planter Ring
Concrete is messy yet it is very easy to work with. If you really want to help the heating of your home, do this summer project: construct a planter ring around the entire perimeter of your home (but make sure not to cover your vents - make small offshoots for the vents under the house with simple wood boxes). A concrete planter ring serves not only to make a house more energy friendly, but also to improve its beauty. Simply pour a two to three foot deep concrete ring around your home, taking care to allow small openings at the bottom for adequate drainage. In the winter, the concrete ring not only blocks drafts under your home but also heats up when the sun hits it and the dirt fill acts as the perfect insulation. It's also the perfect place for bulbs to winter beautifully without having to apply extra mulch. The project is time consuming but not expensive at all if you mix and our your own concrete. Use free pallet wood for frames!
TIP #4: Heat From Mulch For An Outbuilding
If you have an unheated outbuilding, there is a great way to supply heat: simply harness the power of a mulch pile. The temperature of decomposing mulch is well over 100 degrees and it is possible to insert pipes into the mulch to pull natural heat from it. There are many designs on the WWW to choose from when attempting this type of natural heat. So, stop cursing those grass clippings and pulled weeds and put them to use as a part of an organic furnace!
I hope these few tips have helped you to see that passive solar power works very well for reducing the costs of heating during the winter. With the extra money you will save over the long run, you might choose to add a solar panel or two to your home. Work with nature, not against it: all the resources are there for helping us all to live more efficiently with our natural resources.
