Programmable thermostats help you reducing your energy bills

Are you seeking ways to lower energy bills while being more eco-friendly? A great place to begin would be with your heating and cooling systems – installing a programmable thermostat could help maximize energy use while decreasing costs significantly.

As we have introduced in an article before, programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperatures at different times throughout the day, helping to prevent heating or cooling an empty house or having your system operate unnecessarily during times when it won’t be needed – helping save you money on energy costs by cutting heating and cooling expenses. According to the Department of Energy, using a programmable thermostat could save up to 10% annually in heating and cooling costs alone – an amount which quickly adds up over time.

programmable thermostats

But how can you select an ideal programmable thermostat for your home? Here are a few pointers that should help:

  1. Consider Your Size and Layout Your home size and layout will dictate which programmable thermostat would best meet your needs; for larger homes or those spanning multiple zones, an advanced thermostat that supports multiple temperature zones could be more appropriate.
  2. Find features to fit your needs. There is a range of programmable thermostat models on the market; therefore it is crucial that you select one which meets both your individual preferences and specific requirements. Take into consideration features like Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone control, energy usage reports to maximize energy saving results even further.
  3. Check compatibility with your heating and cooling system before making a purchase decision. Not all programmable thermostats will work seamlessly with all types of HVAC systems, so it is wise to perform due diligence prior to purchasing anything.

Set Up and Utilize Your Thermostat Correctly Once you have identified an ideal programmable thermostat for your home, be sure to properly setup and utilize it by reading through and following its instructions carefully in order to maximize energy use and minimize heating/cooling costs as much as possible.…

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Choosing the Right Solar Panels for Your Roof

As society becomes more focused on sustainability, more homeowners are turning to solar panels as an easy and cost-saving way to lower their carbon footprint and energy bills. As discussed before, solar panels are very important to increase home energy efficient. Unfortunately, selecting the appropriate type can be an intimidating task; therefore, in this article we discuss key considerations homeowners must keep in mind when purchasing solar panels for their roof.

Solar Panels
Types of Panels

Homeowners should keep three main solar panel types in mind for their home: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film panels. Monocrystalline panels offer maximum efficiency but may be prohibitively costly; polycrystalline is less efficient but more budget friendly while thin film panels may offer significant energy savings while remaining cost effective – homeowners should determine which panel type best meets both their financial goals and energy demands before selecting their solar panel type(s).

Efficiency Ratings of Solar Panels

Solar panel efficiency ratings measure how efficiently sunlight is converted to electricity by each panel, with monocrystalline panels typically producing the most and thin-film panels having lower rates of production. Homeowners should opt for panels whose efficiency ratings match up well with both their energy needs and budget requirements.

Cost Considerations

Solar panel costs can depend upon several factors such as type and size of system as well as installation fees. Although monocrystalline panels tend to be more costly upfront due to their higher efficiency ratings, homeowners should review both costs involved with installation as well as expected energy savings when making their decision.

As previously discussed, selecting suitable solar panels for roof installation requires taking several factors into account, including type of panel used, efficiency ratings and costs to consider before making a final decision. Homeowners should research all their options thoroughly as well as consult a professional before making their selection – by having an appropriate solar system in place they will reduce carbon emissions while saving money on energy bills for years to come!

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Energy-Efficient Upgrades for Homeowners: Cost, Benefits, and Potential Energy Savings

Many homeowners want to improve their home’s energy efficiency as our society moves towards sustainable practices. This will not only reduce your carbon foot print and protect the environment but also help you save money on energy bills.

This article will cover some energy-efficient upgrades homeowners can do to their home, their costs, their benefits and their potential savings.

  1. Insulate Your Home Correctly: Proper insulation of older homes is critical to keeping them warm during winter and cool during summer, with inadequate insulation causing significant energy losses that could account for up to 20% of heating and cooling costs if left alone. Upgrading insulation could save money – and even save lives!
  2. Replace Your Windows: Your outdated windows can be a major source of energy losses due to leaks and gaps that let cold and warm air escape, leading to significant heating/cooling expenses savings of up to 10% per year. Upgrading to double-paned windows will significantly cut energy losses while saving on heating/cooling bills by up to 10%!
  3. Install a Programmable Thermostat: With a programmable thermostat installed in your home, you can save money and reduce cooling and heating costs by up to 10% by automating its temperature settings when no one is in it or asleep.
  4. Switch to energy-efficient lighting: LED bulbs can be up to 25x more energy-efficient than incandescent lights and last considerably longer, helping reduce your overall energy costs by using them. While their initial cost may be greater, you could actually cut costs over time through using them.
  5. Install a high-efficiency HVAC system: Upgrading to an energy-saving HVAC system could slash your energy costs by up to 20 percent. Though more costly upfront, such an investment will pay dividends over time.
  6. Utilize energy-efficient appliances: When upgrading, opt for Energy Star-certified appliances as they use less power and will ultimately save money.
  7. Install solar panels: Solar panels may seem like a large investment, but they could help you generate power for yourself and reduce reliance on the power grid. You could save hundreds or even thousands in energy costs each year depending on how large of a system your solar system is.

It’s important to research before choosing the right contractor. Contractors who have a history of energy efficient upgrades, and are insured and licensed should be considered. Verify their reviews and references to make sure they are reputable. Ask for multiple quotes, and detailed information about the products and installation.

Financing Options: While energy efficient upgrades can save money in the long run, their initial costs may be prohibitive to some homeowners. Luckily, several financing solutions exist such as:

  1. Energy-Efficient Mortgages: With these mortgages, you can borrow additional funds for making energy-saving upgrades to your home.
  2. Energy-Efficient Loans: These loans offer low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms to make energy efficiency upgrades possible.
  3. Energy-Efficiency Rebates and Tax Credits: Many state and local governments offer rebates or tax credits to homeowners who make energy-saving upgrades to their homes.

Upgrades that are energy efficient can save money …

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