Home Improvement : Wind Power Can Help Deflate Electrical Costs
Question: I have always been intrigued by using a windmill to generate electricity for my own home. Are there residential-sized windmills available, and can I install one myself?
Answer: There are many residential-sized electricity-generating windmills available. Many include an entire kit with pole, generator or alternator, rotor (blade) and all controls for easy installation.
In a residential area, you will still want to be connected to the central utility company’s power lines. Since wind is not constant, the output varies, and your electricity demand will exceed its output at times.
You should contact your local electric utility. Usually, there is some plan where you can be paid or get a credit on your monthly electric bill for excess electricity your windmill produces.
A typical residential windmill has a rotor blade diameter of 15 feet and a rated output of 4,000 watts of electricity. There are automatic computerized controls for the electricity output and frequency (alternating current--AC) to match the utility company’s output.
These generally require a wind speed of 10 m.p.h. to begin generating electricity. A brake is applied at about 40 m.p.h. to avoid damage. They can be set to produce either regular 115- or 230-volt house current.
Although the investment in a windmill system is substantial, once it is installed, you should get many years of free electricity. If you choose a system with a brushless generator, it is basically maintenance-free. Also, a windmill is environmentally clean, producing no air or water pollution.
There is a new small portable windmill that weighs only 20 pounds. You can quickly take it apart and carry it under your arm. Its output is enough to power a fluorescent light, radio, television, or small solid-state refrigerator.
For a remote cabin or back-yard workshop, it can continuously charge up several batteries to provide greater short-term output.
It begins to produce electricity in only an 8 m.p.h. wind and automatically tilts back in a 29 m.p.h. wind to avoid over-speed damage. You can include an inverter in the circuit to produce house-type alternating current output.
Before you invest in a larger residential windmill, research the wind conditions in your area to determine its feasibility. Also measure the wind speed in the exact location you plan to place the windmill. Wind speed can vary considerably over short distances.
You can write to me for “Utility Bills Update No. 064” listing manufacturers of residential-sized windmills, information on a small portable and a typical residential windmill, and an annual wind speed chart for 130 cities. Please include $1 and a self-addressed business-sized envelope. Send your requests to James Dulley, c/o Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244.
Checking Anode Rod in Water Heater
Q: What is the purpose of an anode rod in a water heater tank, and how do I know when to replace it?
A: An anode rod is usually a magnesium or aluminum rod inside the water heater that is suspended from the top of the tank. Its purpose is to react with minerals in the water first, thus reducing the corrosion of the steel tank. The glass lining in a tank seldom seals perfectly.
You should remove the anode rod every six months or so and check its condition. Replace it when it is substantially depleted. Check with plumbers in your area about using a magnesium or aluminum rod.
When to Turn Off Furnace Humidifier
Q: I was wondering when I should turn off the humidifier on my furnace. The humidifier is mounted on the outlet air duct on the furnace and the humidity control is on the return air duct?
A: As soon as you start using your air conditioner, you should turn the humidistat knob to its lowest setting. Excess moisture will make your air conditioner run harder. More of the cooling power is used to condense out the humidity and less is left to actually cool your house.
Letters and questions to Dulley, a Cincinnati-based engineering consultant, may be sent to James Dulley, Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244.
