| Description |
xiii, 335 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm. |
| Series |
Books for living wisely from Mother Earth news |
|
Books for living wisely from Mother Earth news.
|
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 291-320) and index. |
| Contents |
Introduction : Renewable energy and me ; Why switch to renewables? ; Another reason for switching ; Averting global warming ; Is there hope? ; Keeping your eye on the prize ; Organization of the book -- 1. Renewable energy: clean, affordable and reliable : Making wise choices ; Understanding energy ; What is renewable energy? ; The pros and cons ; Prospects for the future -- 2. Conservation rules: the cornerstone of your energy future : What is energy conservation? ; Benefits of energy conservation ; Home energy use ; Retrofitting your home for energy efficiency ; The silver lining -- 3. Solar hot water systems: satisfying domestic hot water needs with renewable energy : Conventional hot water systems ; Tankless water heaters ; What is a solar hot water system? ; A brief history of solar hot water ; Solar hot water systems ; Which system is best for you? ; Sizing your system ; Finding a competent installer ; The economics of domestic solar hot water systems -- 4. Free heat: passive solar, active solar, and heat pumps : What is passive solar heating? ; Is passive solar for you? ; Types of passive solar design ; Getting the help you need ; Some final thoughts on passive solar retrofits ; Active solar retrofits ; Active hot air systems ; Heat pumps -- 5. Wood heat : Retrofitting fireplaces for efficiency ; Fuel-efficient wood burning stoves ; Shopping for an efficient, clean-burning wood stove ; Wood furnaces ; Pellet stoves ; Masonry heaters -- |
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6. Passive cooling: staying cool all summer long, naturally : What is passive cooling? ; Tools in the passive cooling toolbox ; Building a better future -- 7. Solar electricity: powering your home with solar energy : What is a solar electric system? ; Buying a solar electric system ; Locating a reliable contractor ; Why install solar electricity? -- 8. Wind power: meeting your needs for electricity : Is wind power in your future? ; Wind power: a brief history ; Understanding wind generators ; Wind system: three basic options ; Is wind energy appropriate where you live? ; Selecting a wind generator and tower ; Financial matters ; Wind power without installing a wind generator -- 9. Microhydro: generating electricity from running water : An introduction to hydroelectric systems ; The anatomy of a microhydro system ; Assessing the feasibility of your site ; Buying and installing a system ; Finding an installer or installing a system yourself ; The pros and cons of microhydro systems -- 10. What's on the horizon?: new fuels and new technologies for homes and autos : More fossil fuels ; Hydrogen: solution or distraction? ; The hybrid transition ; Plug-in hybrids ; Biodiesel-powered vehicles and homes ; Vegetable oil as fuel? ; What about ethanol? ; Methane digesters ; The botanical revolution. |
| Summary |
"The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy tells you how. It starts by outlining the likely impacts of fossil fuel shortages and some basic facts about energy. It then discusses energy conservation to slash energy bills and prepare for renewable energy options. Focusing carefully on specific strategies needed to replace specific fuels, the book then examines each practical energy option available to homeowners..." -- Publisher website (November 2009). |
| Subject |
Dwellings -- Energy conservation.
|
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Renewable energy sources.
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| Other Form: |
Online version: Chiras, Daniel D. Homeowner's guide to renewable energy. Gabriola, BC : New Society, c2006 (OCoLC)607847349 |
| ISBN |
086571536X |
|
9780865715363 |
|
