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The Homeowners Guide to Energy Independence: Alternative Power Sources for the Average American
 
 
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The Homeowners Guide to Energy Independence: Alternative Power Sources for the Average American (Paperback)

by Christine Woodside (Author) "America depends on fossil fuels, particularly oil, to support life as we know it..." (more)
Key Phrases: backyard stream, biodiesel fuel, peak oil, United States, Department of Energy, New York (more...)
3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)


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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
Fossil fuels make up 90 percent of the world’s energy sources. Fossil fuels provoke wars, make us ill, and endanger the planet. And they’re running out. Have you ever felt like declaring your independence? Can the average American begin to move away from traditional energy sources without pulling out of society? The answer is Yes! A revolution is afoot and it’s happening quietly in homes across the country. There are other options beyond oil and coal, and it only takes access to information to begin making the switch.
The Homeowner’s Guide to Energy Independence is a guide to the most viable and affordable alternative energy sources, including solar panels, wind generators, hydrogen fuel cells, wood, hydro-electric, geothermal heat pumps, and more. Whether you want to moderately supplement your traditional fuel-burning furnace or completely revamp your home, this book has what you need. You’ll learn about the most progressive and advanced options that have become available to the consumer as well as tried and true energy conservation techniques. You’ll learn how much each method costs, and how quickly you will recoup any investment in alternative energy. A chapter covers fuel efficient cars and alternative fuel transportation. Also included is a list of contacts and resources, so you can get started today.
The Homeowner’s Guide to Energy Independence is for all homeowners: urbanites, suburbanites, and rural residents alike. It is for anyone who gets their electricity and heat from traditional oil-burning sources but who wants to be proactive in cutting fuel costs as well as achieving freedom from fossil fuel dependence.


About the Author
Christine Woodside is an environmental reporter and award-winning journalist. Her work appears in The New York Times, The Hartford Courant, The Washington Post, Woman's Day, and The Christian Science Monitor, among other publications. She lives in Deep River, Connecticut.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 200 pages
  • Publisher: The Lyons Press (March 1, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1592288170
  • ISBN-13: 978-1592288175
  • Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #722,228 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in this category: (What's this?)

    #65 in  Books > Home & Garden > How-to & Home Improvements > Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning



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Customer Reviews

11 Reviews
5 star:
 (5)
4 star:
 (1)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:
 (4)
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Average Customer Review
3.5 out of 5 stars (11 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Not the practical guide I was hoping for, June 28, 2006
I was hoping to get a book that gave me some practical steps and references in order to achieve the energy independence I desire. Instead, it was a book of theoreticals and broad ranging ideas. When I think of a guide, I think of a "how to" manual. This book is anything but that. If you're looking for a book that scratches the surface on the topic, in an attempt to learn more about the concept of energy independence, then have at it. If you want something meatier, look elsewhere.
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20 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars So-so, April 11, 2006
By Phelps Gates (Chapel Hill, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)      
I found this book rather disappointing, having expected more nuts-and-bolts details on how to get off the grid. A lot of the book is just rehash of stuff we've all read before (including a 9-page speech by a politician... ho-hum!) and there are many errors. Compact fluorescents don't cost $11 (it's closer to $5). The discussion of hybrid cars is confusing (the "payback times" are largely meaningless and compare apples with oranges). I'd have liked some information on the complicated tax credits for hybrids in this year's law. Having said all this negative stuff, I'll give the book credit for being a convincing "pep talk" for getting active in energy conservation. It nudged me into stocking up on compact fluorescents, which will pay back the price of the book in a few months!
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The Time Has Come, March 5, 2006
Energy supplies have been an interest of mine since college days in the 70s, but rising prices have made it a lot more personal. We've recently concluded the time has come to consider retooling our home heating. This book brought me up to date on the current picture and gave me lots of alternatives to consider. As a result of reading, we will be looking into a geothermal system. Book fulfills its promise to offer alternatives for "average" people -- even if its just awareness that the simplest, quickest alternative is to rethink and reduce your current energy uses. Written with a very clear, easy-to-read style.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars someone else should have wrote this
A great title like this should be written by someone with experience in the field. There are a lot of sources from this guy named.... or this person from... Read more
Published 23 months ago by S. Rega

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Too Technical
Homeowners interested in sustainable living will want to delve into this book, which will give them the basics to begin thinking about alternative energy.
Published on April 3, 2007 by Marina Kushner

4.0 out of 5 stars a sound , basic overview.
This is a great book for those who are looking at this topic for the first time. I wld recommend it to those who have just developed an interest in this area. Read more
Published on January 19, 2007 by rosedelblanco

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for the Public
This book gives just the right level of detail to get homeowners going with renewable energy. It gives the right level of detail to make financial and behavioral decisions. Read more
Published on November 6, 2006 by D. P. Crocker

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Easy to Read Guide
This book covers all of the basics that you need to know. I was particularly interested in the solar stuff. Read more
Published on November 3, 2006 by S. Livingston

5.0 out of 5 stars The item of choice for any who strive to abandon the grid
There's a lot of worry that fossil fuels are running out, and THE HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE: ALTERNATIVE POWER SOURCES FOR THE AVERAGE AMERICAN will prove the... Read more
Published on July 27, 2006 by Midwest Book Review

2.0 out of 5 stars basic introduction not "guide"
This book is good for someone who needs an introduction to the ideas of energy conservation and alternative energy technologies. It gives an overview of the basics. Read more
Published on June 7, 2006 by D. Breczinski

2.0 out of 5 stars Shallow
A book with a political agenda: Very much a tree hugger view of energy, global warming, etc. Several good points on wind, wood, micro-hydro, and solar plus heavy emphasis on flat... Read more
Published on May 4, 2006 by Flippers

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