You've seen the ads, read the claims, and are now probably wondering 'is it really possible to cut my home energy costs with a do-it-yourself project?' The simple answer is: it depends. Sorry to be vague but there are an awful lot of considerations to ponder before launching into a project that could end up being a big waste of time. Here are a few questions to ask and get you on your way.




1. Are you handy?
This one is self-explanatory, but you wouldn't be the first to embark on a home project that is beyond your abilities. If you are not, then you had better consider the additional cost that will be associated with your project if you have to hire someone to finish for you. You would probably be better off buying one of the pre-built units available on the market, and just tackling the installation, or even having it installed for you.




2. Do you have a good location for wind power?
One of the chief considerations is going to be the site planning. Wind energy can only be obtained when the wind is blowing fairly briskly. Many people might consider the site they have in mind as ideal, but testing can reveal that the wind is a lot less powerful than they think. Wind maps are generally available from the government, but these are going to be a general guide to average wind speeds in a large area. For a more accurate assessment you will need to do a local reading. The best bet is to rent a wind speed indicator and mount it in the spot, and at the height, that you plan to have your turbine. Digital units will record the variations in wind speed and record the average for you.




3. Are there bylaws that will interfere with your plans?
There have been plenty of examples where a homeowner has gone ahead and installed a wind turbine only to be told by the local authorities that they must remove it. In one case I know of a conscientious property owner had a turbine professionally installed, only to have the neighbors sign a petition against him, and a judge rule in favour of the neighbors. Their complaint? They felt it might make too much noise. It made virtually none, but nonetheless he had to remove it.




4. Are you an energy conserver?
If you are the kind of person who leaves lights on all the time or runs appliances constantly, then the small contributions a wind turbine makes will likely hardly impact your bills. However, if you are a person who watches their consumption already - and I imagine you are if you are considering making your own wind mill - then you have a good chance of at least reducing your energy bills to some degree. Also, simply having built the unit will make you more aware of energy use, and probably lead to you conserving more anyway, which again will reduce your bills substantially.




5. Do you have a good plan?
There are a multitude of do-it-yourself wind mill plans out there. Some folks have come up with really great ideas, some make nice looking but ultimately useless devices. Make sure the plan you have is one that is going to make your efforts worthwhile, or at least be happy just experimenting.