Acknowledging The Problem Of Low Frequency Noise From Wind Turbines

Low frequency noise from wind turbines has caused a bit of a stir in the renewable energy sector. A popular form of renewable energy, the wind power industry continues to experience growth of approximately 30% per year with wind farms being built worldwide. With this growth has come some indications that their operation may have adverse effects on some members of the population.

The topic of wind turbine noise contributing to health problems is one that has met with its fair share of skepticism. However, studies have shown that some individuals may in fact be less tolerant of exposure to the low-frequency noise associated with wind farms. These individuals report feelings of nausea and discomfort similar to those experienced with seasickness. The effect is different with each individual, as is the effect of seasickness. In addition, many report general annoyance, anxiety and stress, uneasiness, lack of concentration, headaches, dizziness and disrupted sleep patterns.

As explained by Dr. Malcolm A. Swinbanks, disbelief is common, particularly from those who visit wind farm sites and experience no ill effects. However, as mentioned, sensitivity is different for every individual and due to the nature of sound travel, distance can increase the effects that are felt. As well, sensitivity to low frequency noise can increase with exposure.

Dr. Swinbanks explains the reporting of sleep disturbances as due to the different hearing tolerances that individuals may experience as day progresses into night. Low frequency noise has a penetrating nature, but during the day when we are exposed to a variety of noises, our hearing tolerance threshold is much higher and the ability of the noise to intrude is minimal. During the evening and night hours, sound levels around us drop significantly, which in turn lowers our hearing tolerance threshold, allowing low frequency noise to be significantly more intrusive.

Dr. Swinbanks goes on to explain that efforts to reduce the noise such as closing doors and even burying one’s head under a pillow, may in fact increase exposure as this type of noise tends to penetrate barriers and these actions further lower our hearing tolerance threshold. When thinking this over, I am reminded of the sleeping patterns of my youngest child who would wake at the slightest noise. When a radio was left playing softly in his room, he was able to sleep undisturbed by household noises. So from that perspective, what Dr. Swinbanks is saying makes a lot of sense to me.

While it may be hard for those of us who have not experienced ill effects from low frequency noise for wind turbines, to relate to the symptoms and discomfort that others feel, it is wrong to simply dismiss their concerns out of hand. After all, there are many recognized health concerns today, that at some point in time were said to be figments of the sufferers imagination. Unfortunately, problems that go unrecognized, also go uncorrected. It is only by acknowledging these problems that steps will be taken to find corrective action and possible regulation of the wind power industry.

The goal of renewable energy is to help our planet to remain a place where we are able to go about our daily business with minimal impact to the environment. The addition of technologies that cause noise pollution is not part of that goal. It does, however, appear to be one of the side effects of the wind power industry. By acknowledging the problem of low frequency noise from wind turbines, focus can be turned from denial towards improvement and elimination.

Need Help With A Green Project?
US Homeowners, Call 888-880-6039 Today
For Referral To An Experienced Contractor In Your Local Area!

May all your tomorrows be warm and bright,

SherryD
http://energyoldandnew.com

Wood Burning Stoves Deliver Big Cost Savings

Although fireplaces are common place, when it comes to wood stoves, most people consider them to be useful only in rural settings where modern conveniences are not available. While it is true that they work well in these settings, many are discovering that they provide alternative energy and heating even in the most modernized of homes.

Improvements in the models of wood burning stoves over the past few years have resulted in stoves that are appealing and easy to add to modern homes, providing an appealing alternative for the budget conscious home owner to the expense of using natural gas, oil and even electricity.

The primary consideration a homeowner must look at is the space available for the installation of a wood stove. While they are relatively easy to install, they do require sufficient space to operate safely and will need to have a chimney in place to vent smoke to the outdoors.

Because it is a wood burning appliance, there will be several safety measures that need to be put into place and in some locations there may even be regulations that prohibit their use. Educate yourself on any restrictions that may come into play, insurance requirements, safe installation and operation practices, and what the maintenance requirements will be.

Wood stoves work best in larger rooms or in homes with an open floor design where the heat is able to spread naturally to all corners. Some times a special blower may be used to distribute heat more evenly. Alternatively, in more closed designs, they are generally placed in the rooms where the family spends the most time.

As a bonus, some models give you the ability to cook as well. Perfect for those stormy nights when the power is out or to make a quick batch of popcorn.

Wood stoves provide reasonable, alternative heating for your home and will help to make a significant dent in the rising cost of heating. Newer homes are generally built in an energy efficient manner with sufficient insulation to be able to retain heat produced by a wood stove well. Mind you, if a home is not adequately insulated, it really doesn’t matter what you are using as a heat source, because a large percentage of your heat will be escaping.

How your home is made and how well it has been insulated to retain heat will determine how long it takes a wood stove to heat it and how efficiently it can be done. Even poorly insulated homes will benefit from using alternative forms of heating, as the heat that is escaping will have cost them less to begin with. However, updating or improving the insulation should be one of the first steps taken to minimize heating costs.

Need Help With A Green Project?
US Homeowners, Call 888-880-6039 Today
For Referral To An Experienced Contractor In Your Local Area!

May all your tomorrows be warm and bright,

SherryD
http://energyoldandnew.com

Next Page »