The Homeowner's Energy Handbook

Are you looking for creative ways to lower your energy costs, generate more of your own power, or become less reliant on the grid? Paul Scheckel offers practical advice for taking matters into your own hands. Explaining the fundamentals of solar, wind, water, and biofuel energy production, Scheckel shows you how to build and maintain a wide variety of energy-saving and energy-producing equipment, ranging from thermosiphon solar hot water collectors to bicycle-powered generators. Use less energy, save money, and help preserve the environment.

“We all want to lower our energy bills, but alternative energy can be a bit daunting. This great manual is a fantastic introduction to what's possible and practical. … Chock-full of practical advice and realistic assessments of alternative energy, this book is superior to others on the topic due to its accessibility, organization, and balance. Home¬owners can easily pick and choose from projects without fear of becoming overwhelmed. Highly recommended.”

"A must for those who want to live off grid or simply want to use less energy or live more sustainably."

"A masterfully clear and accessible guide to incorporating power-saving strategies in the home ... With plenty of lucidly written instructions, well-drawn illustrations, and user-friendly sidebars, Scheckel's manual is an indispensable reference for library how-to sections and homeowners hoping to cut the cord from their corporate power suppliers."

"Provides readers with cost-effective, self-empowered, and energy-efficient home-energy solutions ... a one-of-a-kind resource."

"We all want to lower our energy bills, but alternative energy can be a bit daunting. This great manual is a fantastic introduction to what's possible and practical. ... Chock-full of practical advice and realistic assessments of alternative energy, this book is superior to others on the topic due to its accessibility, organization, and balance. Home¬owners can easily pick and choose from projects without fear of becoming overwhelmed. Highly recommended."

PaulScheckel is an energy auditor and consultant who has visited more than 3,000 homes, educating people about energy efficiency, cost-effective improvements, and indoor air quality. His articles have appeared in such publications as Mother Earth News, Home Power, and Vermont Life, and he contributes a monthly energy and environment column to two state-wide newspapers. A frequent radio guest, Scheckel has also appeared as a guest expert on the acclaimed television show Ask this Old House . He lives off-grid in northern Vermont with his family in a solar- and wind-powered house.

Make and Conserve Your Own Energy With practice advice and a working plan, you can reduce or eliminate your dependence on fossil fuels. Energy-efficiency expert Paul Scheckel shows you the value of producing your own renewable energy -- from sun, wind, wood, water, or biogas -- and then points the way to personal action. Reduce your use, then produce! Begin by doing an energy audit to boost your home's efficiency, and then explore the opportunities. From investing in basic retrofits to going completely off the grid, your energy future is up to you. Scheckel includes step-by-step plans for building a biogas generator and four other energy-producing projects.

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