One of your responsibilities as a homeowner is to provide power for your home. We all know that often means a large energy bill. However, many homeowners have discovered that solar power siding or roof panels are eco-friendly. Over time, solar-powered electrical grids help homeowners save money on their energy bills. Solar power harnesses a sustainable energy source and doesn’t require the use of fossil fuels.
By contacting one of your local solar installation services, you will be able to get several quotes for your solar power project. For example, some homes have a whole home solar power system. According to Anker, whole house solar kits typically include photovoltaic (PV) panels, inverters, and supporting components. Each of these will work together to convert solar panels into energy for your home and give your home a sleek, modern appearance.
Want to learn more about the reasons to install solar energy panels? According to Solar Reviews, using solar panels will save you enough money to recoup your installation costs. Solar Reviews also estimates that if you sell your solar paneled home in the future, the sale price of solar properties will likely be at least 7% higher. Installing solar panels is an investment that saves you money on energy costs and increases your home’s value.
Many homeowners today who are concerned about being environmentally friendly are considering making upgrades to their homes. Most homeowners start by recycling, but you can take other measures. One popular example of using sustainable resources is solar panel installation. Although a switch to solar power requires an initial investment, according to the Motley Fool, you’ll see a decrease in your utility bills within nine to twelve years.
You might wonder about the best time to install solar panels. According to Today’s Homeowner, you want to avoid a summer installation. Summer is the busiest time for solar panel companies, so a request for service in the summer may place you on a long waiting list. During the spring or fall, you’ll find a quicker response.
When working with a solar panel installation company, be sure they will use certified solar solutions. To clarify, seeing National Electrical UL (Underwriters Limited) Codes means the panels have met all safety and performance standards. When you talk to the contractor before the project begins, be sure their estimate will include all the components of a complete home solar system. According to Energy Sage, you’ll need inverters, racking equipment, and performance monitoring equipment in addition to the panels.
By now, you probably know about some of the simpler ways of going green at home, from the importance of recycling paper and plastics to the safe disposal of medications. However, being truly energy efficient can sometimes come with greater costs and involve a more intense project plan than picking up a few recycling bins. Saving real money on energy bills, for instance, will come with big changes around the house.
Fortunately, however, there are manageable steps you can take to improve your home’s heating, energy saving and cooling capabilities. Here are three different ways you can decrease your energy consumption and increase the efficiency of your space at home:
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Buy new energy efficient appliances.
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- If it’s been a while since you upgraded your furnace, you could be making a larger environmental impact than necessary — and driving up your heating costs. Other appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves and ovens, and air conditioners can also suck up energy and increase your electricity bill. Now is the perfect time to find Energy Star-certified appliances to save energy, bring down utility costs, and receive tax advantages, too.
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Install new doors and windows.
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- The older a home is the more likely it is that the doors and windows will be drafty. This leeches warm air out of the home in the winter and makes the house too hot in the summer, forcing you to use more air conditioning than necessary. By swapping your old doors for new ones, you can keep energy costs down. New windows have the advantages of being energy saving and cooling your home by filtering out the suns rays. If you can’t afford to get these doors and windows replaced, call a repair company to see if you can have new seals or other insulation added to these fixtures.
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Swap out your old insulation for new.
- Finally, sometimes energy efficiency is all about the guts of the house. Be sure to have the insulation in your attic and basement checked, or add it if you don’t have it already. Doing so will help you save on energy costs and protect your home from drafts during the winter.
Have more questions about making your home more energy efficient? Leave a comment below. Research more like this.