Your number one reason to switch from traditional energy to solar is to save money. However, contrary to popular belief, solar panel installation doesn’t automatically lead to significant savings. To maximize your investment, you need to assess where you’re losing energy the most.
It could be poor insulation or outdated appliances. Maybe, you have many windows, or your home is particularly large. Perhaps you live in an area with high energy rates. So, what’s a homeowner to do?
It’s simple – get an energy audit done!
Let us explain a bit more!
What is an Energy Audit?
Do you ever wonder why your monthly utility bills are so high, even though you haven’t changed your usage? An energy audit will help uncover these inefficiencies and make specific recommendations for improvement.
During a residential energy audit, a certified energy auditor will visit your property and assess how much energy you’re using. They’ll inspect your home’s insulation, windows, and heating and cooling systems. The auditor will also analyze your energy bills to see how much you spend each month.
After the audit, you’ll get a report with specific recommendations on improving residential energy efficiency.
Why Must You Get an Energy Audit Before Solar Installation
Switching to solar is a big decision and a significant investment. Therefore, you want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your solar installation investment. Below are some compelling reasons why a home energy assessment is critical before going solar.
Identifies Home Energy Inefficiencies
A home energy assessment helps identify where your home is losing energy. A certified home energy auditor will conduct a blower door test. This test depressurizes your home and identifies any air leaks. You can address these air leaks with caulking, weather-stripping, and other home improvement measures.
Determines Your Home’s Solar Potential
Your home’s solar potential is determined by its orientation to the sun, shade, and your home’s energy needs. If you have enough south-facing windows, your home has good solar potential. If many trees shade your roof, you’ll have to look for alternatives. You can go for a ground-mounted solar array in that case. But that’s only possible if you understand your home’s solar potential.
An Energy Audit Helps You Save Money
How many solar panels do you need? What’s the size of your solar array? These are essential questions that an energy audit can help you answer. Installing too many panels can be a waste of money. Installing too few panels will mean you’re not getting the most out of your solar investment. But, with an energy audit report, your contractor can help you determine the ideal arrangement for your needs.
Improves the Efficiency of Your Home’s HVAC Systems
Your home’s heating and cooling systems are some of the most energy-consuming appliances. Determining the proper functioning, sizing, and maintenance of these systems is critical to any home energy assessment. A residential energy audit will also look into the insulation in your home. Often, homes are under-insulated, which leads to higher energy bills.
Conclusion:
A residential energy audit sets you up for success by providing an in-depth analysis of your home’s energy usage. But a poor solar installation can dud your system and cause you to lose out on valuable savings.
That’s where we step in! Iron City Construction LLC, serving Hillsborough County, FL, is your premier provider of quality solar installation services. We help you go green!
813-519-6957
Call Us Today!