Many people are looking for ways to make their homes more energy-efficient house and it’s not hard to understand why. Energy efficiency saves you money and helps the planet – it’s a win-win! Creating an energy-efficient home may also be easier than you think. Even making a few changes can have a significant impact. Typically, solar panels working can convert 15% to 22% of solar energy into useful energy.
Here are some tips for improving your home’s energy efficiency:
1. Use Energy-Saving Lighting
Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs use approximately 50% less electricity than fluorescent tubes and 85% less than incandescent bulbs. Swapping your bulbs for ENERGY STAR®-rated light bulbs is a relatively simple change that can lower your electricity costs significantly in the long run.
You can also reduce the energy your home uses on lighting by letting in natural light whenever possible instead of using artificial lighting. Research shows that exposure to natural light also has benefits for your physical and mental health.
2. Unplug Devices You Aren’t Using
Leaving devices plugged in uses energy even when you aren’t actively using the devices. For example, the average cell phone charger consumes 0.26 watts of energy when it’s not in use, and 2.24 watts if it’s connected to a fully-charged phone. Other devices in your home can contribute to energy loss in this way. Instead of unplugging, you can also use a power strip and turn it off when the connected devices aren’t in use. The energy savings may seem small, but they can really add up over time.
3. Do Laundry With Cold Water
Did you know that up to 90% of the energy your washer uses goes toward heating the water, and only 10% toward running the machine? Switching to washing with cold water when possible can make your home more energy-efficient. Even using warm instead of hot can make a difference.
4. Take Care of Your HVAC System
Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is one of the most significant components of your home in terms of energy consumption. In Arizona specifically, the average home uses 25% of its energy on air conditioning, which is four times the national average.
Here are some ways to help reduce the energy consumption of your HVAC system:
- Change your air filters regularly.
- Seal any air leaks around your windows to reduce heat gain/loss.
- Schedule regular maintenance to keep your system working at its best.
- If possible, choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated system.
5. Go Solar
One of the best ways to create a more energy-efficient home is to install solar panels. A solar energy system turns sunlight, one of Arizona’s most abundant resources, into electricity to power your home. With the current solar tax credits and incentives, now is a great time to make the switch before these credits expire.
The Process of Going Solar
Getting solar panels is easy and there’s no need for a down payment in most cases. The first step is getting in touch with our solar experts. We will assess your energy needs and schedule a site audit. After this, we’ll design the system, obtain the necessary permits, and install the panels. After an inspection from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), we’ll help you get Permission to Operate (PTO) from your utility company, and then you’ll be ready to use your new solar energy system.
Best Solar Panel Installers in Tucson
At Solar Pros, we strive to provide the best solar panel experience from start to finish. We’re with you every step of the way and can help you start saving money and helping the planet with clean solar energy.
