Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient

by | Oct 12, 2020 | Solar Panel

One of the first things most buyers look into is the energy efficiency of the house when it comes to buying one. Various weather trends and increasing utility costs sometimes make this a crucial factor when trying to find a home to settle. Aside from being important when listing the house, efficiency also is one of the best home improvements homeowners look for when planning to add value to their house.  

There are a lot of ways you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your house, from installing Lancaster solar panels to installing a programmable thermostat.  

Go Solar 

Because of its ability to produce power from the sun directly, solar energy is very efficient. Homeowners who work with a professional solar energy company will be able to figure out how many solar panels are required to generate enough power for the needs of their house. A reliable solar panel company will be able to offer the most effective solar panels on the market. This enables homeowners to utilize fewer panels compared to traditional ones. Over time, this can result in energy savings.  

Also, solar energy is an ideal home improvement project since it adds value to the property. The truth is that, according to a study, houses with solar panels usually sell for 4% more on average than similar houses without it. Because of this, homes with solar panels can enjoy the extra benefit when listing their house on the market, aside from the benefit of energy savings.  

Install New Windows and Doors 

Windows and doors play a vital part in your home’s energy efficiency. Replacing old doors and windows with an energy-efficient option can make a huge difference. Over the years, steel doors have become more popular because of their advanced security and resistance to warping during weather changes. Homeowners should think about versions with NFRC or Energy Star Label when it comes to looking for more efficient windows.  

Finally, you can also take steps to ensure your windows and doors are sealed properly. This will help prevent drafts from happening. If your house has drafts, your HVAC unit might have to work harder. Thus, increasing your energy usage in the process.  

Add an Additional Layer of Insulation 

When it comes to energy efficiency, the fastest way to make a huge impact is by insulating a house. If you opt to do this, the easiest way is to insulate your attic first. There are a couple of different approaches you can consider when it comes to insulating your house. However, one thing stays the same. This process will help lower the amount of energy required to cool or heat your house.  

Installing a Programmable Thermostat 

Programmable thermostats are known for saving money. It enables homeowners to make a schedule that follows the routine of the family. They can adjust the thermostat during the seasons to cool and heat whenever it makes the most sense rather than just working constantly to maintain a particular temperature. If you don’t have this yet, make sure you consider it.  

Things to Know Before Installing Solar Panels on Your House

by | Oct 8, 2020 | Solar Panel

The first step to a long period of sustainable energy is installing solar panels on your house. However, you will have to determine how to make your house generate as much energy as it can to make the most of your sun-sourced energy.  

Today, we are going to share with you a couple of things you should know about installing Fort Lauderdale solar panels on your house. 

Roof Material and Roof Shape 

Of course, you aren’t the one to blame if you have not given much thought to your roof’s shape. However, it will factor into how much energy and sunlight you are able to harness. The best shape for a solar panel installation is a regular gable roof. The reason for this is that it makes for a quite easy installation. However, there are a lot of other roof shapes that could also work great with solar panels. The installers will consider the degree of pitch, shading, and roof shape during a site visit. This will help figure out how much sunlight your roof is able to absorb effectively.  

When it comes to handling solar panels, a couple of roof materials are better compared to others when it comes to composition. 

  • Tile roof surfaces vary on the material. Clay tile is hard because of its tendency to break while the concrete tile is quite easy.  
  • Another material for easy solar installation is composition shingle. 
  • Metal has a tendency to be the simplest material to install solar panels. This includes corrugated, tin, and standing seam metal. The reason for this is that it doesn’t require roof penetration. 

Roof Has to Be in Excellent Condition 

The material, shape, and age of the roof matter when it comes to harnessing the energy of the sun. 

You might be better off taking care of your repair needs before you install solar panels. This is particularly true if you’ve got an older roof that will have to be replaced within several years or if it has seen some damages and requires fixing. You’ll have to get rid of the panels for the repair and have them reinstalled if you opt to install solar panels now and make the repairs later on.  

A professional technician will be able to figure out if the roof is sound enough structurally to support the solar panel’s weight. 

Roof Direction 

There are a couple of areas around the world that get a lot of sunny days every year compared to others. However, if you live in these areas, it does not necessarily mean that your house is the ideal candidate for installing solar panels.  

The panels will not be able to soak up enough light to generate energy if your roof is not angled toward the sun. The ideal houses for solar panels are the ones with roofs facing west or south.  

Fortunately, solar panels can potentially harness enough energy, even if they are installed on a north- or east-facing roof. This greatly depends on the roof’s pitch. Make sure you hire a technician first to examine your roof.