I've been doing my homework, so to speak, on going at least partially off-grid. I'd very much like to be out from under the electric bill, but it means cutting back on some conveniences. However, since I live alone, I'm not overly concerned about them.
I already use CFL bulbs throughout my house. I don't use the electric stove that's in the kitchen but have opted for low-wattage countertop alternatives and a couple of single burner propane stoves for all my cooking needs. In fact, the single burner propane stoves actually do most of my cooking.
There are two major items that are 220v, though -- the water heater and the well pump. I can probably do a lot toward using a different water heating source, such as solar water heating for baths or just using the propane stoves for heating water for other needs. But, since I have a deep well pump, it's going to be hard to get around that obstacle. Still, if I can eliminate the need for much of the power consumption here, maybe that will be the only thing still on the grid and it shouldn't cost too much to operate.
I'm going to be installing some gutters and rain barrels so I can have water for cleaning, laundry, and bathing. Drinking water can be transported home, thus eliminating the pull on the well pump even further.
There are a lot of thoughts in my head, whirling around, as to ways I can reduce expenditures. These reductions will allow me to reduce the amount of hours I have to work at my job, giving me more time at home.
