12 Hydroponics System Designs – One For Every Budget!

hydroponics_systems

Here are examples of hydroponics systems with enough variety that there's one for every budget and (almost) all of them have complete instructions.  (There are tips and knowledge links throughout and at the very bottom.) 1.  A nice setup using Rubbermaid tote.  The instructions have lots and lots … [Read more...]

Solar Water Heating Basics Explained

solar-water-heating-basics-explained

Lots of homeowners are moving towards sustainable energy. Knowing the basics of solar water heating is a valuable skill to have. It doesn't matter if you are part of the tiny house movement or looking to save costs on your water heating bills. There is a solar water heating solution for you. This … [Read more...]

Free Hot Water For Your Tiny Home

free-hot-water-for-tiny-home

For those of you enjoying the tiny home lifestyle, free hot water may come as a bit of a surprise. Even if you are not on board with the small dwelling craze, this one genius tip could help you create your own free hot water for absolutely nothing. One of the greatest things about this fast moving … [Read more...]

Geothermal Energy Basics Explained

Geothermal-Energy-Basics-Explained

Geothermal energy has long been known as an effective method for supplementing, or replacing, traditional energy sources. In recent years, geothermal energy interest has taken off as it has become a practical method to supplement a home's energy. Basically, the system of pumps and plastic pipes … [Read more...]

The Complete Poop On Composting Toilets

the-complete-poop-composting-toilets

There has always been a certain stigma associated with composting toilets. Many people think of the traditional outhouse or, worse, some kind of hole in the ground. Well, there are lots of obvious drawbacks to those systems but thankfully modern technology has perfected the composting toilet. A … [Read more...]

Electric Dryer Modification | How To Run Your Dryer On Free Energy

electric-dryer-modification

You can easily modify your electric dryer to save energy by using heat from an outside source. Electric dryers are designed to generate their own heat, and expel it through a vent to the outside of your home. With energy costs rising and many folks looking to save some money, we often overlook … [Read more...]

How To Make Biodiesel At Home For Cheap

how-to-make-biodiesel-at-home-for-cheap

Once you learn how to make biodiesel fuel, you'll be on your way to terrific savings on fuel. Biodiesel is a clean-burning, renewable substitute for what we commonly refer to as petroleum diesel. Using biodiesel as a vehicle fuel increases energy savings, protects the environment, and helps us … [Read more...]

Rain Catchment DIY Decorative Cover

rain-catchment-diy-decorative-cover

photo by: trellisstructures Here is a creative idea for a decorative rain catchment that can hide things like trash cans, propane tanks and other unsightly items. If you live in close proximity to your neighbors and want everything to look pristine, these DIY enclosures are great. In addition, … [Read more...]

Backup Generator Silencing And How To Do It

backup-generator-silencing

Having a backup generator can save you from many inconvenient situations. No one will deny the pros of having emergency power when you need it to run all things electric from stoves to hair dryers to the all important TV. But, while you're inside enjoying the modern conveniences, your backup … [Read more...]

Solar Tracker DIY Using Available Materials

Solar-Tracker-DIY

This solar tracker DIY project allows your solar system to follow the sun's movement across the sky. Traditional static solar systems are fixed in place and can miss out on gathering much of the sun's energy once it moves out of direct sight. With this simple design, a 12 volt linear actuator moves … [Read more...]