From The Workbench - Alternative + Renewable Energy Blog Valuable information for do-it-yourselfers interested in the latest in alternative + renewable energy

Yesterday we talked about one of the biggest “no…really?!” products of all time, that we’ve all probably needed and wanted a lot more than we’d like to admit.  Today, we look to the future, and the future, in Montana’s case, usually means freezing cold winters as soon as September and October.  Believe it.

So, from cooling, to now wanting a greener, more alternative energy based way of HEATING my home, huh?  Sorry for the random skip forward in seasons, but hey, it is better to be prepared than sorry, right?  That said, I just so happened to find an article Packed with ideas on green heating alternatives for this year’s inevitable frozen tundra of a winter.  So, as always, check out the full article, but here is a paraphrasing of some simple ways to heat your home without damaging your pocketbook OR the environment:

• “Adjust the Thermostat - Turning down the thermostat just 10-15 degrees for only 8 to 10 hours can save you 10% on your annual energy bill.
• Use Fireplace Inserts - Make your older fireplace absolutely air-tight and you’ll keep the warmth inside, without losing it to the cold outside.
• Invest in a Pellet Stove - Using small pellets of wood or sawdust, its 50% less expensive than using electricity or propane, and 35% cheaper than heating oil.
• Heat Your Home With Biofuels - Using Biofuels, derived from recently dead material, differ from fossil fuels, which are derived from long dead material, like petroleum, can help keep costs down and reduce emissions!
• Weatherize Your Home - Use weatherstripping and caulking to fill and cover any gaps between doors and windows can help you save hundreds in lost heat.
• Radiant Heating - While more pricey to remodel, by using radiant heating in your floors, you could save 20 to 40% over time once its installed.
• Use Solar Power - I love this one!  By using solar panels you can actually make enough energy to have the power company pay YOU back.  Expensive to start, but worth it in the end.
• Installing Double Paned WIndows - Old, single paned windows can drain 10-25% off every heating bill.  Upgrade?
• Use a Space Heater - If it is only one room you’re trying to heat use a space heater, it will drastically reduce your energy consumption.
• Upgrade Your Current Heating System - Upgrading can take your ancient heating system into a modern, efficient machine without the full-fledged commitment to a major overhaul.”

There you go!  I’m sure all of you can relate to some of these ideas!  Or, if you’re like me, living in a home built in 1892, all of them probably seem amazingly smart!  Whatever the case may be, try some out, and jump into some cleaner, greener, cheaper alternatives this winter!