Battlefield strategy:
Mission Accomplished!
Declare war on“ energy gluttons”
If you are contemplating solar for your home or business, make sure you have identified your enemy, totally & completely. Find your energy gluttons and attack them where they are. Implement an energy efficiency strategy by eradicating“ ALL” the energy gluttons, in your home or business. This will decrease your overall electric demand, reducing both your solar system size and cost, giving you the“ biggest bang for your energy buck!” Once action is taken to minimize or eradicate these nefarious energy gluttons, then commission“ solar power” to finish the job, and win the energy war forever!
Battlefield strategy:
Energy Efficiency above all, by attacking these energy gluttons:
Glutton Number One: Inadequate insulation.
Did you know that 35 % of your energy is lost through the roof, walls and windows? Have you made the switch yet from the inefficient windows of the past? What about the unseen gluttons like wall, attic or floor insulation? 25 % of a home’ s heat loss is through the roof. By properly insulating your attic,( 14” or more) you can subdue the insulation glutton for a relatively small investment of a $ 1,000 or less! This will save you money instantly on your heating and cooling.
Glutton Number Two: Inefficient appliances.
Eradicate the HVAC( Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) glutton. Has your HVAC system been checked for leaks and / or perhaps, ducts that have come loose? Shouldn’ t you exchange the older unit, for a high efficiency or zonal heating and cooling strategy? What about those appliances, like refrigerators and freezers? I recall one customer who simply unplugged their 25 year old freezer in the garage, and saved $ 45 per month on their electric bill! Look for those camouflaged gluttons and make them your P. O. W.’ s. The time to strike is now!
Glutton number three: Lighting.
Old incandescent light bulbs are gluttons as well, with up to 98 % of the energy they consume is wasted as heat, not light. Compact fluorescent light bulbs, on the other hand, average 75 % more efficiency than incandescent lights. Additionally, if you decide to go one step further by engaging in LED( light-emitting diode) lights, these“ battle buddies” are up to 90 % more efficient than incandescent and could potentially save an additional 7 % per year, a huge savings, particularly for commercial users. Finally, if not in the room, engage in hand-to-hand combat and turn the lights off!
An Energy Efficiency foothold established, Gluttons“ captured!
Now bring in Solar to win the war!
Designing the right system to handle your escalating cost of energy will“ win the energy war.” An experienced solar integration company can help you achieve that goal. Remember, the baseline you are charged from the utility company is usually a fee regulated by the public utility commission. Once you move into the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th tiers, it’ s“ open season” for the utilities, and your bill increases dramatically. This is where Solar can significantly,“ save the day.” Solar is now reasonably priced, and with careful planning and“ right-sizing” of your system, you may be able to recoup your investment in as little as five years!
Attack the gluttons— Implement an energy savings plan, assess your home or business location and roof, select quality panels with a sound warranty and the right company with a professional experienced staff and you too can say ……
Mission Accomplished!
Energy Gluttons
Energy Efficiency Solar
Information Provided by Pamela Garcia, CEO Affordable Solar Roofs, Serving South County since 1995
S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 G I L R O Y T O D A Y 63