This may be an idea that is in left field, but we are going to throw it out there anyways, and see if we can get a response from it.  What if we could only use power that we created?  What if, we were completely free from a power plant, and we had to create our own power?  Let’s say we each had a battery system stored away in the garage somewhere and you had to save up the energy created in order to do the things we love.  You have a solar panel on the roof, perhaps a wind turbine in the backyard.    One day there isn’t enough wind or sun to generate enough power for you to watch your favorite television show, LOST.  What about self made energy?

One of those types would be pedal powered energy.  A lot of people like to work out right?  You are creating so much energy when you work out, why waste it?  THIS guy has created a pedal powered generator.  We think it is an awesome idea.  People who work out, whether it be treadmills or stationary bikes or even stair steppers.  We know, some of you have a Nordic Track stored under your bed that you got and forgot about.  How awesome would it be to generate your own energy.  Think about it.

HERE is a CNN article intended to make you think.  Think about the things you do that use energy.  Watching T.V., computer, xbox.  It all uses electricity.  Like CNN’s first line, what if you had to cycle for a specified time in order to do some of things that are mainly for entertainment.  Are those things important enough for you now?

Lastly, we want to show you a video of what a simple pedal powered generator looks like.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgRFPpZGx8Y&hl=en&fs=1]

As previously stated, with the high cost of natural gas this winter, let’s start cutting back on energy. HERE is a good article on how much electricity your stuff uses.   Also, let’s break down how much your gas bill will be.  To estimate how much it will cost you to operate a natural gas appliance or piece of equipment each month, you need to do three things:

Determine how many therms that appliance or piece of equipment uses each month.
Determine your cost per therm rate. Your cost per therm rate can be found on your paper bill.
Calculate the natural gas usage and expense. (Remember, your calculations will be approximate.)

A average water heater uses about 18 therms a month. Multiply that by $1.67 (estimated average across the USA) per therm = 30.06 estimated monthly cost of natural gas to operate your water heater.  This is an old estimate, but it gives you an idea of how to figure it out.

We want to first discuss Tankless Water Heaters.  This is something that companies are pushing because they are supposed to “save energy”.  This is done by only taking water when you “need” it.  They are also called an “on-demand” water heater.  These seem to be what everyone is talking about right now.  Let us first tell you, we commend you on trying to conserve energy, if you have looked into these, or already have one.  Now that that is out of the way, let’s talk about the biggest downfall there is.  Natural Gas is going through the roof, and if you are looking at a nat gas tankless water heater, you are looking at a hefty gas bill every month.  For more in depth information, “Ask the Builder” has done a lot of research, check it out.

Solar Power Water Heater:  Having half of all households use solar water heaters might not be such a tall order. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), there are 1.5 million solar water heaters already in use in U.S. homes and businesses. Solar water heater systems can work in any climate and EESI estimates that 40 percent of all U.S. homes have sufficient access to sunlight such that 29 million additional solar water heaters could be installed right now.  According to the EESI, residential solar water heater systems cost between $1,500 and $3,500, compared to $150 to $450 for electric and gas heaters. With savings in electricity or natural gas, solar water heaters pay for themselves within four to eight years. And solar water heaters last between 15 and 40 years–the same as conventional systems–so after that initial payback period is up, zero energy cost essentially means having free hot water for years to come.  What’s more, in 2005 the U.S. began offering homeowners tax credits of up to 30 percent (capped at $2,000) of the cost of installing a solar water heater. The credit is not available for swimming pool or hot tub heaters, and the system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation.

HERE is a good starting article about Solar Water Heaters, and information to get you started

THIS is a great link of more information.

Hopefully this post empowers you to Take a Stand against the high energy costs.

If you have done a water heater, shopped for a water heater, or in general have some insight on water heaters and saving energy, let us know.

Take a Stand, Make a difference