How to Lower Electricity Use and Go Off Grid

Sometimes living off grid is a challenge but it can be thoroughly rewarding. It is not an easy lifestyle but it can be very enjoyable if you plan well and think before you act. Success will be yours once you eliminate electricity usage that is unnecessary. Consider your methods of heating, refrigeration and other electricity uses and you'll live happily of grid.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Reduce your electricity needs by changing the way you heat your home. Electric heating is out of the question. Heating can be cozy with a conventional hydronic system once you modify it to meet your off grid needs. You can use wall-paneled radiant heat or in-floor baseboard heat. The two can even be combined.
   
   Gas space heaters can be used to warm individual rooms and a wood heater is always a great choice for heating your home without any power usage.

2. Consider your source of refrigeration, a major consideration for off grid living. Old style refrigeration units use way too much energy. Choose an energy efficient energy star refrigerator. As a rule, it uses 1kWh per day.
   
   Running a freezer must also be considered. If you can, keep the freezer in an outside building that is unheated as a means to keep it cooler. It will use less electricity to keep the food cool. Consider canning your food instead of freezing and eliminate the need for a freezer altogether.

3. Choose lighting that is off grid friendly. LED lights and compact fluorescent light bulbs use less electricity than other lights. When planning your lighting, efficiently illuminate areas according to their use and eliminate unnecessary lighting. Turn it off when it is not in use to conserve energy.

4. Cooking meals without electricity is as easy as a gas stove but make sure it does not use electricity when you are baking. Consider using a solar oven if your style of living will support it. Cooking outside whenever possible is another alternative. Check out the different styles of outdoor cook stoves. Some will use wood chips and sticks you have laying around the yard.

5. Cooling your home begins with external window shades and trees to keep direct sun from your home. Make sure your home has good ventilation to make use of natural air flow. In arid areas, you can use an swamp cooler.

6. Use additional means to save electricity.
   *Laptop computers use less electricity than PCs and can run on batteries. Use an inkjet printer.
   *Hang clothes on a line to dry. In the winter you can use an indoor rack. If you can't live without a dryer, try using a gas dryer instead.
   *Put everything you can on power strips and turn them off when you are not using them.
   *Only plug in appliances like toaster and microwaves when they are in use.
   *Use a battery-powered clock.
   *If you must have a television, use a smaller model.
   *Use an energy star rated front loading washer.
   *Use a generator to supplement your solar power.
   *Consider using a wind generator too.
   
   Going off grid can create a rewarding life, knowing you can make it without being subjected to the big power companies. Lower your electricity usage and make the lifestyle more successful for your family.

[a4gllc]

on 11/24/2009 Your creative ways are environmentally friendly and saves money. What a win-win...Thanks!!!

[LilacGirl]

on 10/23/2009 This is a terrific, wonderfully detailed, and well-written article. You covered a lot of territory and it's clear you know what you're talking about. A 5* for sure.

[Wasatch]

on 10/23/2009 I have always wanted a cabin completely off the grid. I do solar cook a lot. Maybe I can get there some day.

[Diablo2]

on 10/14/2009 Very helpful for this economy, haha. Thank you