As homeowners know, there are many costs associated with running a household. You need to pay for your groceries, your mortgage, your internet bill, cable, and that pesky electric bill. But it turns out that you can make a serious dent in that last expense by taking advantage of easy-to-implement energy efficiency measures. Ready to start saving money? Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Keep reading for energy savings tips that you can use in your own household regardless of the season.
If your home is drafty or if you notice your utility bills skyrocketing after normal energy use, a DIY energy audit may be in order. An energy audit is a type of home inspection that determines where energy is being lost in your property and what upgrades can help. Conducting your own energy audit may not yield the same results as a professional energy audit, but it’s still helpful to identify opportunities to save money and frustration. By completing a thorough and comprehensive energy walkthrough, you can get a better sense of your home’s strengths and weaknesses.
When to Replace Your HVAC System & Costs to Consider
November 25, 2019
Use these ENERGY STAR questions to determine if your HVAC system is on its last legs.The best heating and cooling (HVAC) system is one you don’t have to think about. In fact, you may not even give your HVAC a second thought until suddenly, your heater isn’t working during the cold winter months or your air conditioning fails during a sweltering summer heatwave.
Is your home ready for the onslaught of inclement weather the storm season brings each year? Your doors and windows are particularly vulnerable to the forces of wind, debris, and precipitation. Adequate window and door protection in the form of storm windows or hurricane shutters is vital for keeping your family and your home safe.
Interested in financing a home improvement project? Until quite recently, home improvement financing typically meant getting a loan—often using your home as collateral.
Home improvement financing trends are evolving. Today, you can find a wide range of financing options out there, each with its own unique strategies for helping you enhance your home with the least possible financial burden.
Use Solar Energy Financing to Harness the Power of the Sun
September 28, 2018
The goal of a solar power system is to efficiently convert energy from the sun into electric power that you can use in your home or business. Over time, the money you save on lower electric bills–or by eliminating your electric bill completely–may pay for the original cost of the solar power system.
You've probably heard a bit about the Property Assessed Clean Energy program also known as "PACE". But sometimes the explanation of what PACE is and how it works can be a bit confusing, so we want to cover the basics. This article will dive into 5 things you need to know about PACE before deciding if you should use it to pay for upgrades on your home or commercial building.
Home Improvement Financing: Here’s What You Need to Know
August 29, 2018
You love your home, but it needs upgrades—and you need cash. It’s a common situation to be in. And luckily, there are plenty of solutions for your home improvement financing needs.
As much as most of us love summer, there’s one big downside that comes with the heat: more use of air conditioning and fans equals higher utility bills.
PACE: the Best-Kept Secret in Home Improvement Financing
May 9, 2018
Today, it seems like everything is on the rise—sea levels, the cost of electricity, our collective blood pressure. While some factors are beyond our control, there are certain actions we can take to alter seemingly uncontrollable circumstances. Enter: storm preparedness and energy efficiency upgrades.
8 Tips for Buying Energy Efficient Appliances in 2020
April 23, 2018
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) encourages homeowners to consume less energy by changing the way they use their appliances. For example, you can save money on your electricity, gas, and water bills by only washing full loads in your machine and using cold water settings whenever possible. You could also air dry clothes (by hanging them outside on a line) during warmer months to avoid using the dryer altogether.
Wind power is a growing segment of renewable energy for residential use. Generating electricity from wind produces zero emissions and is readily available all over the globe. Wind power for homes has also been increasing with smaller turbine availability growing. Depending on where your home is located, you could have large turbines generating the majority of your power or smaller ones acting as supplemental power.