Skyrocketing energy prices has meant higher energy bills for homeowners across America. And those bills are only going up. The rapid increase in energy costs has many homeowners thinking about ways to reduce their energy costs. Common energy saving solutions are adding insulation, replacing windows and buying a new high-efficiency furnace. But what if you could get free electricity?
Free Energy From the Sun
We now have the technology to harness the heat from the sun very efficiently, and turn it into electricity. When home solar power systems were first made available, they were quite fragile, inefficient and visually unappealing to many. In contrast, modern systems are far more efficient and built to last. And now you can buy solar cells that look like roof shingles, as opposed to the large rectangular boxes mounted on the roof. There are many different brands and models on the market, which has driven the price down considerably and given the consumer a wide variety of choice.
...That's Not Exactly Free
While home solar power systems are much more affordable now than ever, the startup costs are still a concern for many. A home solar energy system that can power the entire house can cost as much as $20,000 (minus any government or utility incentives or rebates). As the trend toward solar power grows, the price will continue to drop. But right now the high price is slowing the very growth that would bring the price down.
...But Makes Economic Sense
Although the startup costs are still quite high, consider the following scenario. If you pay for the unit with a fixed-rate home equity loan at 8% interest, the monthly payment would be a bit less than $200 for 15 years. Now consider that the solar power system will save you at least $100 each month on your energy bills - so the real cost of the system is under $100 per month. And depending on the amount of energy it saves - and price increases for utility-generated energy, the cost can be much less. Once the investment is paid off, you'll enjoy your free energy even more!
Multiple Benefits of Solar
Home solar energy systems not only help you save money on your energy bills, but provide a clean and sustainable source of energy. Solar energy is non-polluting and it won't run out as long as the sun continues to shine. Importantly, a solar power system gives you energy independence, so you don't have to rely on utility companies for you power - a growing concern as fossil fuels become more scarce and energy prices continue to rise.
Home Energy Efficiency Tips:
- General Energy Saving Solutions The Energy Star Program
- Simple Energy Saving Strategies Home Insulation
- Home Assessment Overview Energy Features, Green Your Home
- Energy Efficiency Mortgages & Grants Energy Efficient Mortgage
We were unaware of what was involved in an energy audit and your audior took the time to explain everything. We were impressed with the report which told us the areas in which we need to take action on. He never pressured us to use any particular contractors, he just suggested that we go to the Building Energy Pros web site to select contractors of our own choice. He did an excellent job and we HIGHLY recommend the Building Energy Pros. We already have recommended them to several of our neighbors. Again, EXCELLENT JOB!
Cynthia Simpson
The Building Energy Pros auditor was very knowledgeable. I was VERY HAPPY with him. He promptly E-mailed my energy audit report to me and I will consider all of his recommendations.
Tom McGee
We found out that our house really has no energy problems. We are happy to know that we
Leslie Stewart
I was very satisfied with your energy auditor. He was very qualified and spent a great deal of time with me. The energy audit was very informative.
P.B.
The energy auditor was very good and helpful. He keeps in touch with me to answer any of my questions.
D.G.
I was very satisfied with my energy audit. The auditor gave me some tips on attic insulation that were very helpful.
R.G.
I was very satisfied with my energy audit. Thank you!
R.S.
Very good service! I am going to replace the windows as the auditor had suggested.
D.W.
I was very happy with the energy audit. THANKS!
A. M.
My energy audit was very helpful. Joe Dempsey, your auditor, identified some structural problems that I was not aware of and explained to me why I need more insulation.
J. F.
The auditor was EXCELLENT! He spent ALOT of time with me. I am going to take 3 to 4 of his suggestions and correct these small items to save on my energy bills.
M. B.
The auditor did a GREAT JOB! He knew a lot about older homes, which we have. The report was very comprehensive. Thank you!
Vicki Nez/at
Your energy auditor was very nice and helpful. He answered all of our questions. We will recommend Building Energy Pros to our friends and neighbors.
Katherine McCaffrey
The auditor did a TERRIFIC JOB! The report was FANTASTIC! I will make all the repairs he suggested. I will definitely recommend him to everyone I know that could benefit from a home energy audit.
Steve Sleigh, Chevy Chase
The energy auditor was very professional and I am very satisfied with both the energy audit and the report I received. I will be referring the Building Energy Pros.
Tim Clary
I was very satisfied with the auditor. He was great and gave me some very valuable information. I will refer him to people I know who may need a home energy audit.
Willie Gantt
Your home energy audit proved to be very informative and helpful. I was not aware of the updraft created inside our walls because of the balloon framing construction. You said that that can cause heat to be pulled out of the house with the draft going up inside the walls and should be re-mediated. You also said that the attic insulation was insufficient and that fiberglass batts can leave spaces for around the edges causing heat loss and that it should have blown in insulation on top of what was there to seal the whole attic and increase the r factor. After going over your findings and telling me how you would fix the problems you told me how I could do it myself with stuff from the Home Center and for a quarter of the cost. Well, I did. I went into the basement and filled the bottom of the wall joist with unfaced insulation where they set on the sill plate. I then cut one inch foam board the size for each space and set it in and the sealed the edges of that with expanding foam as well as the sill plate to the foundation. I also sealed the sill plate to the foundation where the joist ran along it, as well as the top of those joist where it made contact with the subflooring. Next I went to the home center and rented their blown insulation machine and got ten bales of the insulation. I filled the attic on top of the batt insulation with about six inches giving another r-19 factor on top of the r-19 that was there. You said that the blown in would also help seal the heat loss around the edges of the batt. The work in the basement cost $144.00 and the work in the attic cost $328.00. After the 30% federal energy tax credit it will end up costing me about $330.00, which you said I should recover in savings in the first year. Thank You for all your advice and expertise. You made me aware of things I should consider and did.
Tommy Thompson