Choosing to live life off the grid is becoming a more and more common practice in our society as a whole. Everything seems to be rushing forward every day as technology becomes more advanced, and this unending cycle of change can become a source of pain, stress, anxiety, and more. Whether you’re looking to step off the hamster wheel and let yourself take in a some fresh air or simply want a more sustainable lifestyle, off the grid living may be the perfect fit for you.
Living Off the Grid
Living off the grid is growing to become a more common practice as technology advances and life starts to feel more and more hectic, stressful, and detached. Most people today don’t understand what goes into their homes, their purchases, or even their bodies with the way technology has changed almost every market. For those looking to live a fulfilling life that gives you full control over each aspect of your home and livelihood, off the grid living may be what you’ve been looking for.
Benefits of Off-Grid Living
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Self-sustainable living surrounded by nature
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Animals and fresh food that you raise and grow
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The satisfaction of knowing what concrete changes and advances you made in your life
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As much or as little interaction with the outside world as you desire
Challenges of Off-Grid Living
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A steep learning curve for people unfamiliar with many of the tasks (farming, etc.)
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Building up the energy reserves to handle every day’s tasks
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Learning the feast of summer and famine of winter and how to compensate
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Maintaining adequate heating and cooling throughout your space
DIY Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners
For anyone looking to live off the grid, one of the main focuses becomes handling as much as possible yourself. This ranges from outdoor tasks like farming, animal agriculture, and landscaping to cooking and cleaning, but also including tasks like climate control and other maintenance tasks that are commonly tasked to licensed professionals. While some problems will require external solutions, getting yourself a DIY Ductless Mini Split System can give you one more tool in your arsenal that doesn’t require anyone you don’t know and trust entering your space.
Benefits of Ductless Mini Split Systems
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The ability to install the system by yourself without the help of a licensed technician
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Total control over where the system is installed
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Heat Pump systems both cool and warm your space with a single unit
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The option on some models to use the MrCool Cleaning Kit to extend the warranty, keeping the system running at peak for longer without professional maintenance
MrCool DIY Mini Split Ductless Split Systems
The MrCool DIY Mini Splits are fully ductless, requiring only the integration of the electrical and refrigerant connections between the indoor and outdoor components to give you powerful performance. Able to handle spaces ranging from a single zone to five zones, you can tailor your climate control to the unique needs of your structure while keeping individualized temperatures in each space. Each system comes with the installation instructions that walk you through the setup process step-by-step, so you can enjoy heating and cooling throughout your off the grid home.
Fireplaces and Stoves
Whether you’re living off the grid in an area with fluctuating temperatures or in a region that tends to have particularly harsh winter temperatures, having a stove that usurps the need for electricity to function gives you an easier option to keep you and your loved ones cozy and comfortable in the frigid temperatures. Whether you’re the type of person to chop down the trees and heat your home that way or someone who’d rather use the gas on hand, a fireplace or stove is a wonderful way to give robust heating to your space to combat harsh conditions.
Wood Stove Heating
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Old-fashioned and effective heating solution for supplemental heating
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The sound, smell, and ambiance most desire when they think of sitting around the fire
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Require venting, but are easier to cater to your home’s needs for installation
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The best option for the lowest impact on the environment without compromising results
Gas Stove Heating
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All the charm of a real wood fireplace without the unpredictability
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None of the undesired popping and noises of real wood
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No need for physical labor to provide the fuel source for the stove
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Require venting for indoor units, so location is paramount
Generators
Supplying power to your off the grid home can feel like one of the more tricky tasks, but generators were designed to give you the electricity you need whether you’re hooked up to a power grid or not. Whether you have centralized electricity and simply want a backup in case inclement weather or other problems take down a power line, or you live a life that doesn’t rely on power supplied by an outside source, a generator is a great way to keep your home powered and comfortable no matter what mother nature throws your way.
Standby Generators
Kicking on in case of any power outage, a standby generator is the perfect solution to keep you and your home safe without the need for your manual intervention. Standby generators turn on automatically in the case of any disconnect from your primary source of electricity to keep things like your fridge, HVAC system, and other essential equipment running in any conditions.
Portable Generators
Able to move around with you, portable generators are a great way to keep light and power on any of your outdoor projects while living off the grid. Supply the electricity to run your power tools, hook up some lights outside when you want to enjoy an evening out without the heat supplied by making a fire, or give yourself flexibility in the face of severe weather.
Water Heaters
Nothing beats a nice shower after a long day’s work, and no shower is more disappointing than those where the hot water runs out before you’re sufficiently clean and relaxed. Water heaters are the big piece of the HVAC puzzle that give you heated water for your sink, shower, and laundry so you can effectively clean and sanitize clothing, dishes, and yourself.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
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Runs on gas (as does most off the grid hardware)
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Space saving by not requiring a large tank to store pre-heated water
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On demand heating reduces energy consumption
Tankless Water Heater Systems
Offering remarkable energy efficiency, tankless water heater systems only run when you’re using an appliance or faucet that requires hot water to minimize unnecessary energy waste. Working with a variety of water sources and types, your city, well, hard, or soft water can be heated effectively by most tankless systems, so you can save on both cost and space.
Other Off Grid Water Filtration Needs
Solar Panels
Solar paneling is a great way to provide electricity for your space with no monthly associated utility cost. In some cases, you can even sell the excess electricity you generate back to the grid for an extra buck or two. For those looking to live off the grid, the use of renewable resources is a huge boon that minimizes your footprint and ensures a range of game changing benefits
Benefits of Solar Power
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Long-term sustainability by making use of a renewable energy source
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Savings on your monthly utilities
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Energy independence as power prices fluctuate and rise
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Minimal maintenance requirements over the years
Solar Panel Systems
While having a higher entry price point than some home systems, the benefits of solar power in the long run more than make up for the initial investment cost. There are a range of different manufacturers and types of solar panel systems available, so finding which is right for your space is paramount. Some work best in harsher climates, some offer more power bang for your buck, and some come with impressive warranties that can last as long as your off the grid lifestyle. Do your due diligence to compare the benefits of each type of solar system and find the right fit for you.
Find the Right Equipment for Your Off-the-Grid Project
No matter where you’re looking to live off the grid, there is an HVAC solution that can keep you and your loved ones comfortable in any conditions. Choosing the right combination of heating and cooling equipment can feel like an overwhelming task, so be sure to chat with the IWAE customer support team, describe your situation and goals, and let us help you ensure your home will have every piece of equipment necessary to get your space full to the brim of the top-tier temperature regulation you deserve.
