Book Review: The Homeowner’s Guide to Energy Independence

When this arrived, I was surprised at the smallness of it—previous books I’d read on this subject were like phone books in size and thickness. This trim hardback, by Christine Woodside, published this year by Lion’s Press, was a concise, modern collection of things doable (and not-so-doable) by the average homeowner.

Deluged with possibilities for energy independence I was not—for a change. This book was filled with the practical instead of the fantastical.

Christine chose, to her credit, to write about what the average homeowner uses in energy and could conserve TODAY, as in right now, through judicious selection and use of appliances, vehicles, fuels, and includes a section on alternative energy sources for the home—starting with the most easy-to-assimilate, all the way through to the most difficult and not recommended for the average home.

The one thing she did mention that homeowners should steer clear of, unless conditions were absolutely favorable: home hydro electrics. Unless your home backs onto a swiftly-moving creek or stream, don’t bother with this idea—it just isn’t worth the hassle of mechanics and never pays back.

Her last chapter is her “appliance manifesto” of what she thinks homes could really do without, and invites us to question our need and use of them. She lists such niceties as blow-dryers and curling irons, freestanding freezers (a debatable one with me), microwaves, garbage disposals, electric blankets, as well as the power they consume for the meager (if any) payback they give. The freestanding freezer issue I shall take up in a separate article.

Throughout the book, she stresses the common sense of not dropping everything and rushing out to buy more energy-efficient appliances and compact fluorescent bulbs—she herself admits to not having such spare funds for that. Instead, she takes the “pick your battles” approach by listing common things achievable by Joe and Jane Public, and says to make changes as funds and alternatives become available. In the meantime, take your own energy survey (using her included questions), find the largest energy-wasters in your home, and research better alternatives for purchase when you can do it. In other words, have your “replacement” ducks in a row so you know what to buy when the time comes.

Her solar PV chapter also contained a bit of interesting history: once upon a time, Jimmy Carter had PV panels installed on the White House to heat water for the kitchens. At the time, they only possessed enough power to offset half the hot water bill, but it was a start. Then Reagan came into office, and the price of oil and natural gas dropped very low, making the panels a novelty and reminder of times gone badly. After a re-roofing became necessary, Reagan had the panels taken down and put in storage. Eventually, the panels were unearthed, restored, and put back to use at Unity College.

Wenchypoo gives this book a thumbs-up for conciseness, ease of understanding, and practical reality. All homeowners and dwellers alike should get this book (or just a look at it)—there are tips that can be carried out in apartments and other housing as well.

Thanks, Christine, for cutting through the bull and showing us all how we can help save energy efficiently and effectively--now we can dissect our lives and eliminate the unnecessary!