Increasing energy efficiency is paramount to divesting from fossil fuels. While Sun Pacific Solar Electric would like to see every residence and business go solar, we feel that it is extremely important establish energy saving practices first. A general principle is that for every $1.00 that you save with energy efficiency, you save $3.00 on your potential solar electrical system costs. Greater energy savings generally translate into the need for a smaller solar system to offset electrical usage. Upon request, Sun Pacific Solar Electric can perform an energy analysis of your home or business.
Below are some of the straightforward energy saving solutions we recommend:
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
LED lights are now available in high quality true white light. These extremely energy efficient bulbs produce light at 10% or less of the cost of conventional light bulbs. They are pricier to purchase but have a 75% longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs, making this energy saving switch a no brainer.
Program Thermostats for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Water Heaters
Energy star thermostats are highly accurate as well as efficient and programmable. Setting your thermostat at 78° F or higher in the summer months and 62° F in the winter, is another easy energy saving tip. However, programming them to be off or at a minimal output when no one is in the home or office is even better, and can save a tremendous amount of energy. Programming your water heater to 120° F will also reduce your monthly bill. Programming all these appliances is the basis for a great energy saving framework.
Tune Up Heating and Cooling Systems (HVAC)
HVAC’s should be tuned up periodically and filters should be changed or cleaned frequently. Additionally, ducting should be checked for leaks to ensure optimal performance.
Add & Maintain Weather Stripping
Weather stripping around doors and windows should be maintained or repaired. You can save money on heating and air conditioning bills by caulking and weather stripping doors, windows and other wall penetrations while keeping living spaces more comfortable.
Buy ENERGY STAR Appliances
Energy Star appliances are reported to be 40% more efficient today than they were just four years ago. Energy Star appliances may cost more up front but their energy saving designs will more than pay for themselves over the long-term, especially as energy costs continue to increase.
Convert to Gas Appliances
Gas rates are generally much cheaper than electricity rates. If your area/property is connected to Natural Gas lines and your jurisdiction allows it, switching your appliances could have a significant impact on your energy saving goals.
Identify Household Energy Vampires
These common energy hogs can consume a huge amount of power without you even knowing it, sometimes making up 1/3 of your energy bill! Click trough to find out how to prevent this.
Furthermore, Sun Pacific Solar very frequently fields phone calls from customers unsure of what’s drawing power in their home and jacking up their bill. One of the services we provide is a Home Energy Analysis in which we use a measurement device to record real time data of your home usage. Find out exactly how this can help you make data driven energy saving decisions here.
Invest in an Electric Car
Many articles have been written on the cost effectiveness of Electric Vehicles compared to gas cars. The Natural Resources Defense Council wrote about the topic succinctly here.
The City of Santa Barbara has also rolled out a rebate program for residential EV charger installations.
If you’re curious about how Sun Pacific Solar would approach installing an Electric Vehicle charger in conjunction with a new solar system or to an existing system, we wrote a blog post walking you through our process.
Additionally, for a comprehensive list of EV charging stations available in the Santa Barbara area and beyond, PlugShare is a great resource.
