In today's society many environmentally conscious and thrifty individuals seek the freedom that comes from living off the grid. Innovations in energy and water conservation have provided avenues for many to become less reliant on city resources. Here are some examples of alternative energy sources and conservation methods that ordinary home owners can use on their journey to sustainable living.

Take Advantage of a Wind Energy Windfall

Wind energy is one of the main alternative energy products that has been used by commercial operations for many years. These industrial organizations refined wind energy collection and distribution methods with sophisticated wind farms where one large wind turbine can produce enough power for 600 households. These techniques are now scalable for residential use, and small wind electric systems potentially cut electricity bills by up to 90 percent depending on one's windy location. These wind turbines that are equipped for residential use are nonpolluting, and many systems are capable of running independently of the city's electric grid.

Employ Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems

Many household appliances received energy-efficient make overs in recent years, and residential heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVAC) systems from Romaniuk Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd are no exceptions. Well-known HVAC system manufacturers have developed patented electronic controls that modify residential temperatures at smaller increments. This creates a temperate indoor environment that requires less energy to maintain. Also, some HVAC systems use solar power in conjunction with these other energy-saving mechanisms.

Be Solar Savvy

Solar power is one of the most common sources of alternative energy used throughout the world. Roof top solar power systems that produce a household's entire energy supply are still expensive, but there are some cheaper ways to harness enough solar energy to reduce one's reliance on city power. Besides installing do it yourself solar panels around one's property, home owners will soon be able to pick up solar shutters and blinds from their local hardware stores and collect solar energy in a relatively inexpensive way. These special window treatments block heat producing summer sun rays while absorbing the energy for household power consumption. Another smart solar power invention is a flexible, tensile material with thin solar absorbing sheets built into the fabric. People can use this material to give shade to sunny patios, decks or car ports while collecting significant amounts of solar energy. While not yet available in local stores, home owners can get some of these products from the inventors who sell them in small quantities over the internet.

The described sustainable living tools are just a few examples from a fast growing industry that continues to develop environmentally friendly products. These products often spark other creative ideas that promote the cause of sustainable living.