Having a residential solar energy system is a great way to improve your home's energy efficiency. But why stop there? At West Coast Solar, we want to help you get the most out of your solar panels by optimizing your home's energy output. By making a few upgrades, you can increase the effectiveness of your solar energy while saving money in the long run and decreasing your carbon footprint. Read through these effective ways of improving your home's energy efficiency, then contact us to have solar panels installed in your home!
Upgrade Your Windows
One of the best ways to improve your home's energy efficiency is to upgrade your windows. Older windows can be quite drafty, letting in cool air in the winter and hot air in the summer. This forces your HVAC system to work harder as it tries to maintain a comfortable internal temperature. Replacing your windows with newer, more energy-efficient ones will help keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round while also saving you money on your energy bills.
Insulate Your Attic
Another great way to improve your home's energy efficiency is to add insulation to your attic. Because heat rises, much of the warm air you heat your home with in the winter ends up escaping through the roof, leaving you to turn up the thermostat another degree on those chilly nights. By adding insulation, you'll help keep your home's temperature regulated which can conserve energy and increase the longevity of your heating systems.
Improve the Lighting in Your Home
One of the easiest ways to improve your home's energy efficiency is to upgrade the lighting. Older incandescent bulbs are very inefficient, wasting a lot of energy as heat. LED bulbs consume 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, helping to save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, if you have solar panels installed, these bulbs can help you get the most out of your solar energy.
Invest in a Tankless Water Heater
If you're looking for an energy-efficient way to heat your water, consider investing in a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters only heat the water when you need it, so you're not wasting energy heating water that you're not using. You can also install low-flow fixtures throughout your home to reduce the amount of water you use in general.
Investing in improving your home's energy efficiency is a journey that can take a few years to complete. A great place to start that journey, however, is with a residential solar system! If you’re ready to reduce your bills and your carbon footprint, request a quote from West Coast Solar today!