energy

A kitchen or bathroom renovation can yield exciting results but energy efficiency improvements aren’t nearly as fun but can have a large payoff. One of the most popular improvements in Florida is solar panel installation. Living in the Sunshine State, it seems pretty obvious to take advantage of the bright sun to alleviate your utility bills. But not all homes or lifestyles are candidates for solar panels. Are solar panels right for your home?

Consider the Cost

The cost of the solar panel system is based on the amount of wattage you will need, which depends on the size of your home and your needs. The average size of a solar system in 5kW (5,000 watts) and costs $12,500.00. This price reflects federal and state tax credits. If paying for the system in cash isn’t an option, financing options are available from the installer, your local bank, or mortgage company. If you choose to finance, you should review your budget to ensure that you can include the monthly payment.

Consider the System

There’s not one type of solar system. The are three different types of systems: owned, leased, and power purchase agreement (PPA). With each option there are variables that need to be considered prior to making a decision. Some of these variables include maintenance, exception from tax rebates, and utility company rates.

Are Solar Panels Right For Your Home?

Consider Your Home

The most important thing you need for a solar system is the sun. You’ll want to examine your home’s solar exposure to determine how much energy solar panels will be able to capture. In addition to exposure, time of exposure (both length and time of day) and the grade of your roof will make a difference in your home solar energy efficiency. If solar panels are best installed on the front of your home you’ll want to make sure that there is no ordinance from a homeowner’s association or the municipality preventing the installation.

Consider Long Term

Are you looking to sell your home in a few short years but think the addition of solar panels are going to make a huge leap in your home value? You may want to think again. The initial upfront costs compared to the added value may not even out right away. The savings of a solar system are also seen over a longer term.

Solar panels and solar systems are not a get rich quick scheme. There will always be a reliance on utility companies but solar panels can diminish that reliance and improve your home’s energy efficiency and it’s value and your budget.

Sources: http://lifehacker.com/how-to-decide-whether-to-install-solar-panels-for-your-1719858560

http://news.energysage.com/how-much-does-the-average-solar-panel-installation-cost-in-the-u-s/

Florida may not see traditional winter temperatures but it can get chilly here during the winter months. Not only does practicing energy efficiency improve your budget it can also improve your impact on the environment. While replacing all of your appliances and systems with Energy Star rated models may not be an immediate option, we do have several energy saving tips you can put into action right now for very little money and effort.

Five Energy Saving Tips For the Winter

Energy Saving Tip #1 – Seal the Leaks

A great and immediate way to save energy in your home is to seal up leaks. Due to settling and age, gaps may appear between windows and doors. Other overlooked areas include entry points for utilities, telephone, and cable lines. Use chalking or weatherstripping to close up the gaps. For larger spaces, you can use expanding foam sealants.

Energy Saving Tip #2 – Add Some Fluff

Adding insulation can be an inexpensive way to create a buffer between your heat and the outside. It takes little skill to install. Insulation deteriorates over time so if your home is over twenty-five years old, the insulation should be replaced.

Energy Saving Tip # 3 – Clean Up

The change of season is a perfect time to clean your appliances and system. Dirt that collects on your refrigerator’s condenser can cause it to run harder to keep the same temperature. Vacuuming off the dirt can improve efficiency. Experts also recommend that you change your heater’s filter every two months. Dirty filters can restrict air flow causing your heating system to use more energy to perform at it’s proper level.

Energy Saving Tip #4 – Upgrade Your Lights

Traditional incandescent bulbs are no longer available but their demise is good news for your budget. Both CFL and LED bulbs are more energy efficient that their predecessor. CFL are less expensive up front but LED last much longer, which can save you more money over time.

Energy Saving Tip #5 – Turn Down the Temperature

Utilize programmable thermostats to lower the temperature in your home when you’re at work or away for a trip. If you’re feeling dedicated to the cause of lower bills, keep the temperature set to 67 or 68 and layer up on socks, sweatshirts, and blankets. Lowering the temperature of your hot water heater can also decrease your energy bills and a minor adjustment most likely won’t be noticeable.

As you can see, these are energy saving tips that you can put into place within a weekend.

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