Issue Date: November 2, 2008
GreenSmart |
NATALIE E. RUSSELL |
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"Hybrid" your house
Living off the grid -- that is, producing all of your own electricity and water so that you don't have to rely on utility companies -- might seem like an extreme measure. But Pouwel Gelderloos, builder and designer of his own "hybrid house" in Montana (OasisHybridHomes.com), figured out all the perks of living off the grid without any of the risks. Here, a few of his ideas:
Collect rainwater. A water collection tank is relatively easy to install and can cost as little as $200. For every inch of rainfall, the roof of an average 2,000-square-foot home will collect about 1,250 gallons of water.
Use the climate. If you live in a sunny area, think about solar panels. In a wind-prone region, consider a wind turbine to supplement your electricity supply.
Let the sun warm your home during the winter. "Passive solar" heating is a way of using windows on the south side of your home to heat the inside with the sun. Choosing concrete, brick and stone -- materials that absorb and retain heat -- to use inside the room will increase the effect.
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