The cost of running a home is ever-increasing, and so are the concerns about the environment. Nowadays, everyone is aware of the state of the environment and the ozone layer, and the benefits that renewable energy could have.
In fact, if a few billion people were to choose to make even small changes, it would make a huge difference and act as a ginormous step in the right direction towards a much healthier planet.
However, how easy is it really to choose renewable energy, and what are the benefits of doing so?
First Things First, What is Renewable Energy?
The overall term ‘renewable energy refers to energy sources that will be replenished by nature; therefore sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and biomass.
Whilst many believe that renewable energy is a very new and modern form of power, people have been harnessing the power of nature for many, in fact, thousands of years.
Despite the abundance of the power nature can offer us, humanity has turned to man-made sources of energy over the past few years, including coal, oil, and gas.
Yet, there are more and more people choosing renewable energy and finding much more cost-effective solutions to using renewable energy.
Types of Renewable Energy
There are many different types of renewable energy available, including;
Solar Thermal
Solar thermal technology is a method of turning sunlight into heat, as opposed to power. These systems work by attaching solar thermal panels to your roof and will help you to reduce your carbon footprint and save on your monthly bills, by covering your heating needs with a free, renewable energy source.
Biomass Heating Systems
Biomass heating works by burning natural fuels, such as wood, wood chips, pellets, and logs. Essentially, biomass boilers are a much more environmentally friendly choice, as opposed to standard gas and oil boilers. They are versatile, affordable, long-lasting, and future-proof.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps will take energy from outside your home and transfer it into heat to be circulated around your central heating and hot water systems. There are two forms of heat pumps, air source, and ground source. A ground source heat pump will collect heat from the ground, whereas an air-source heat pump will take the outside air as its heat source.
Wind Turbines
Did you know that people have been harnessing the power of the wind for more than 7000 years? Today, electricity-generating wind turbines have become much more common across the world, turning the wind’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Hydropower
Hydropower, or hydroelectric power as it is also commonly known, is generated by turning kinetic energy from water into electrical energy. This power is collected using either dams or diversion systems, that alter the natural flow of a river or a similar body of water.
What Advantages Can Renewable Energy Provide You With?
Renewable energy can provide you with a huge number of advantages, including;
A Much Lower Environmental Impact
Renewable energy has a much lower environmental impact overall when compared to fossil fuels. In fact, choosing renewable energy sources can help to positively impact the environment.
Energy Independence
Many countries have been forced to rely on others for their energy supply. Choosing renewable energy is an empowering step that can allow nations to become independent, controlling their own energy pricing and boosting the local economy.
Easy Integrated Into Everyday Life
Renewable energy sources can easily be integrated into everyday life. For example, wind farms can be built on disused farmland, and solar panels can be fitted onto almost any structure.
Save Yourself Money
Choosing renewable energy is also a great way to save yourself some money. Whilst the cost of setting up some renewable energy can seem high, such a system will, more often than not, result in less wastage.
How You Can Implement Renewable Energy into Your Home
There are very many different ways that you implement renewable energy into your home, including;
Solar Panels
Rooftop solar panels are an incredibly popular source of renewable energy. They capture the sun’s energy and convert it into usable energy for powering your home.
Underfloor Heating
An efficient underfloor heating system is an excellent idea for heating your home. Not only will it keep your toes warm, but it will also efficiently heat your whole home, by pumping hot water through pipes under your floor.
Smart Thermostats
Looking to prevent energy wastage? A smart thermostat will collect to your heating system and allow you to adjust your heating from your smartphone. No more accidentally leaving the heating on all day!
We hope the above article has given you some insight into how renewable energy could benefit you and why you should choose to make such a change to your home.
