Increasing your solar energy efficiency will help you meet more of your home’s electricity needs using the sun’s energy, save money and reduce your dependence on the utility grid.
If you are still paying an electric bill every month, a little extra efficiency could help eliminate those charges for good.
Have you wondered whether Energy Star appliances can make a difference in your home? For many consumers, both traditional and alternative energy users, they can be game-changers.
The research proves that all the hype about appliances with the Energy Star label is justified. These high-tech appliances will reduce your household electricity consumption.
How much? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners who replace older appliances can expect their new models to use 10 to 50 percent less electricity.
If you decide to purchase a new, energy-efficient refrigerator, dishwasher or washing machine, electricity savings aren’t the only benefit you’ll notice. These appliances use less water than older models, so you’ll also be smiling when you see your monthly water bill.
Because they use advanced technology and manufacturing processes, energy-efficient appliances are costlier than their traditional counterparts. Most pay for themselves within a few years, but you will have to bear the increased upfront cost — anywhere from an additional $50 to $200.
However, many homeowners can offset these costs with available financial incentives.
Your local utility company may offer a rebate for purchasing certain types of efficient appliances. And you can check the federally funded Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) or the Energy Star Rebate Finder for financial incentives offered in your area.
You can save even more on the costs of your appliances by searching for certified used models at a local authorized retailer.
Purchasing one or more of these cost-cutting appliances can boost your energy efficiency and help eliminate your reliance on costly electricity from the utility grid. But are they really worth the extra cost, given that it can take years to see a return on investment?
If your appliances have seen many (many) better days and aren’t likely to last much longer, you’ll need to replace them soon. In that case, opting for power-saving appliances is a wise choice for most consumers
If your appliances are in good working order, however, buying new ones may not be the best way to increase your home’s efficiency. Your dollars may be better spent investing in a programmable thermostat or improving your home’s insulation, for example. A home energy audit can tell you which improvements will be most effective for reducing your household electricity consumption.
The photovoltaic experts at Intermountain Wind & Solar assist homeowners throughout Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado and Wyoming. Contact us to schedule a professional solar energy system consultation today.
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