Category: Energy Efficiency

Solar panels have become increasingly common throughout the United States, especially in areas that experience sunny days throughout the majority of the year. If you are considering having these installed on your home, there is a lot to think about before signing the contract. By weighing the pros and cons, you can approach this investment with confidence knowing you’re making the right choice.

Pros:

 

1. Savings

Most homes can save hundreds to thousands of dollars each year when they have fully functioning solar panels on their roof. In addition to this, most states offer tax breaks as incentives, which can help cover some of the costs of having these installed.

2. Proven Technology

Solar panels have been around for many years, so you can invest knowing that the technology has passed the test of time. What’s even better is that since this technology is established and automatically works in your home, you don’t have to do anything to use it once the panels have been installed.

3. Longevity

Although solar panels do not last forever, they still have a relatively long life of 25-30 years. This means they can more than pay for themselves in the time you have them, making the investment well worth it.

4. Environmentally Friendly

With solar panels installed, you’ll be making your home more energy-efficient. This is great for the environment and can lower your overall carbon footprint.

 

Cons:

1. Cost

For many homeowners, the initial cost to purchase solar panels is more than they can afford to spend at once. While paying in full is a great way to save on interest, it’s not the only option. There are many ways to make solar panels easier to afford with monthly payments.

2. Limited Usage Times

Solar panels do not work at night not are they effective during bad weather when the sun isn’t shining. If you live in an area that isn’t particularly sunny, this may mean you won’t get a lot of use out of your panels throughout the year.

3. Professional Installation Required

Although many projects can be done to your home yourself, installing solar panels is not one of them. In most states, a permit is required to install solar panels and extensive knowledge of the installation process is crucial. Without the right knowledge or experience, you could end up improperly installing these and not seeing optimal performance as a result.

4. Cleaning

Panels will need to be cleaned from time to time to keep their performance optimal. Dust and dirt will collect over time making them less efficient. Solar panel cleaning can be a daunting task for the average homeowner. You might need to hire a professional pressure washing service company to get the job done.

Investing in Solar Panels

Millions of homes throughout the country proudly display solar panels. However, for some, it’s simply not the right choice. If you’re not sure about whether or not you should make the investment, take the time to speak with a professional. They’ll help you learn more about what to expect out of these panels and the pros and cons you can expect.

 

 

It’s natural to want to feel comfortable in your own home. To make this possible, reliable heating and cooling systems will be necessary. Opt for energy-efficient choices to save a little money on your bills as well as reduce your carbon footprint. Whether you are updating an existing system or starting over from scratch, one of these options is sure to be perfect for your home.

 

Geothermal Heat Pumps

 

The earth’s surface is dotted with “geothermal hot spots”. Geothermal gas pumps use this naturally-created heat to provide your home with effective heating. The demand for this renewable heat source has skyrocketed in recent years. While the demand for pumps goes up, the cost of them goes down. This makes it a practical value for homeowners. This style of heat is sustainable, diverting natural ground heat into your home.

 

Mini Split Heat Pumps

 

A mini-split heat pump system will use heat from the air to make your home an optimal temperature. While the split pump has been around for a while, the mini pump was debuted recently. They are known for featuring interior and exterior units that are smaller and more powerful than they ever were. Outside air is cycled through the outdoor unit into a coil. From this coil, the heat is distributed throughout your house.

 

Residential Furnaces

 

After pumps, furnaces are the most efficient system that you can invest in. They are likely to be the most commonly used type of heating system. Studies suggest that up to 60 percent of American homes have a furnace. While older furnaces are not very efficient, the technology of this industry has introduced models that are perfect for today’s needs. A new furnace is designed to lower your utility bills while also lessening your impact on the environment.

 

Boilers

 

Though they are less common than they used to be, boilers are still very efficient ways to regulate the temperature in your home. As the name suggests, they heat up water which is then circulated around your house by a collection of tubes and radiators in various rooms. A boiler can work efficiently while making your home a comfortable place to be.

 

When you are looking into which is the best HVAC system for you, there are several things that you want to consider. First, you will want to get an accurate quote on how your utility bills will change. Next, you want to make sure that it is as efficient and environmentally-friendly as you need it to be. With new heating and cooling systems, your home can be as comfortable as you desire. Visit https://comfortonthecoast.com/ to learn more.