Most homes have areas of inefficiency, such as air leaks, poor or no insulation and other issues that can lead to wasting energy on heating and cooling. Making energy efficiency improvements, in addition to going solar, can help homeowners reduce their energy use and maximize their overall energy performance to save money on their electric bills and mitigate harmful environmental impacts.
Benefits of solar and energy efficiency
Reduce energy demand and increase savings
Energy efficiency improvements minimize the amount of energy needed to heat, cool and power your home. Consuming less electricity enables a solar energy system to meet a larger portion of your energy needs, which can further reduce your utility bills than solar alone. Improved home performance and reduced maintenance costs also strengthen home durability and make your home more attractive to future buyers.
Improve your comfort and health
The financial benefits of pairing solar with energy efficiency improvements can alleviate feelings of anxiety from high energy costs. Energy efficiency upgrades can also lead to cleaner air and reduced moisture-related mold problems that can contribute to health issues. A well-performing home is also a comfortable one. Well-insulated walls, roofs and floors keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Lessen environmental impact
Both solar and energy efficiency improvements contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Solar energy generates electricity without producing carbon emissions, while energy efficiency measures reduce overall energy consumption. Combining solar and efficiency improvements provides a cost-effective way for homeowners to minimize their environmental footprint, reduce pollution and contribute to cleaner communities.
Benefits of solar and energy efficiency
In addition to installing solar, PosiGen also provides a variety of free energy efficiency improvements:
Air sealing and weather stripping
Finding and sealing air leaks around windows and doors can help keep your heated or cooled air in and eliminate wasted energy from air draining out.
Duct repair and sealing
Over time, ducts can develop leaks or gaps that can also cause heated or cooled air to escape into unconditioned areas like attics, crawl spaces or walls. Sealing these leaks can also improve heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs over time.
Programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your schedule, so you're not using unnecessary energy when you're away or sleeping.
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs
Traditional incandescent bulbs waste ~90% of their energy in the form of heat. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) use about 70% less energy. Energy-efficient bulbs also produce less heat, reducing the risk of burns or home fires. Their longevity means fewer replacements, which is both cost-effective and eco-friendly, as it reduces waste.
Water heater insulation jacket
High thermal-resistant wraps made of fiberglass or foam help to reduce heat loss from a home’s hot water tank. The water heater doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a desired temperature, which saves energy.
Air filter replacements
Clogged filters restrict airflow, so your HVAC system consumes more energy as it works harder to push air through. Replacing the filter regularly ensures that air can flow freely, reducing the strain on your system and improving its efficiency.
Take our energy efficiency assessment.
Interested in learning how your home could benefit from energy efficiency upgrades? PosiGen’s team offers a free energy assessment as part of our solar leasing program to determine what fixes and upgrades could help you consume less energy.
PosiGen’s energy audit includes:
- Blower door testing: By pulling air out of the house, air leaks can be identified and sealed.
- Thermal imaging: Thermal imaging cameras quickly and efficiently identify sources of drafts.
- Window & door assessment: Improperly sealed windows and doors are a common source of leaks. We’ll help identify if you need an upgrade.
- Detailed attic evaluation: The attic can be a massive source of inefficiency. We’ll evaluate your attic insulation to identify any issues.
- Personalized home energy report: On completing your energy audit, we’ll provide you with a full personalized report to identify priority issues that need to be addressed.
- Combustion appliance zone test: Our experts will perform a CAZ test to ensure your boiler, water heater and other appliances are installed safely and performing efficiently.
Integrating solar energy and energy efficiency improvements can result in a more sustainable, cost-effective and resilient energy system for your home. By optimizing energy performance and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, you’ll be more comfortable throughout the year, use less energy and reduce your heating and cooling bills.
Learn how you can maximize your solar savings with an energy efficiency audit.
