Prioritizing Energy Upgrades
When people who own older homes think about green remodeling and reducing their energy bill, quite often the first thing they think of is adding solar panels (aka PhotoVoltaics or PV). This isn’t a bad thing, because how could generating clean power from the sun be a bad thing? However, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to making cost-effective energy upgrades and taking the time to dig a little deeper into the particulars of a given home may reveal that solar panels should actually be installed further down the line.
The new mantra in energy upgrading is “reduce before you produce”, because the most cost effective energy dollar is the one you don’t have to spend. In most homes, particularly those built in the 70’s or before, there are numerous opportunities to reduce energy losses, instead of generating unnecessary power to compensate for them.
Depending on where the home is located and the climate involved, to save money, one course of action might be to get a home energy audit. In many communities, these detailed performance tests and the recommendations for improvements that come from them are often subsidized by local and state governments and utilities, which further reduces the overall cost of upgrading.
One study in one area suggested the following priority for the particular home involved:
- Windows
- Wall insulation
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning)
- Roof insulation
- Solar
The recommended improvements for the house next door could be completely different, depending on improvements or remodeling that may have already occurred.
So if you want to make the most of your energy upgrade dollars, consider hiring a professional firm who can guide you through the process, looking for ways to “reduce, before you produce!”
