Are you thinking of making some energy efficient improvements to your home? The first thing most people think of is solar panels, right? After all, solar panels save lots of energy. Some people even sell the excess electricity generated back to the power company and have a $0 electric bill. Larry Hagman, of "I dream of Jeannie" and "Dallas" fame actually creates enough energy to power his 5,000 square foot mansion and creates enough extra energy to power 13 inner city homes, which he does as a gift - awesome!
However, for our smaller homes, solar might not be the answer. In many cases than not, taking advantage of other energy efficient improvements such as insulation and weatherstripping, energy star appliances, native plant landscaping and irrigation on timers and sensors, will actually bring you a greater return in money savings and energy in the long run without the huge expense of solar panels. But then on the other hand, with manufacturer and government rebates for solar panels, now is probably the time to buy! Do your due diligence and research.
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The best way to find out what course of action to take is to have an Energy Audit done on your home. It will factor in rebates, and government incentives and give you a report stating exactly what improvements will bring you the most return financially and on energy efficiency.
Here's a website with the energy audit info:http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/tightenup/audit.html
Here's a website detailing government rebates: http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/index.cfm?state=CA&re=1&ee=1&spv=0&st=0&srp=1
Don't forget that manufacturers also have rebates. And energy star rebates: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index
Let the Sun Shine In!
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