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Inflation: What it means for your heating costs this winter
Home heating bills are expected to rise significantly this year, as inflation drives up costs of natural gas, heating oil, propane, and electricity. The federal Energy Information Administration found that households will spend 54% more for propane, 43% more for heating oil, 30% more for natural gas, and 6% more for electric heating. As you…
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What Is the HERS Index and Why Does It Matter for My Home?
Want to reduce your home’s energy use? Well, then you’re probably going to want to make some improvements around your home. But which ones? And what should you focus on first? That’s where an energy evaluation can help. The first step in many residential energy overhauls is to have an energy audit performed. Professionally trained…
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Efficiency Improvements to Pair with Your Solar Installation
There’s a whole lot to love about solar. For less than the price of a new car, you can enjoy reduced energy bills that will pay for your unit many times over in just a few years—and give your home some coveted green cred, too. But a solar energy system is only as efficient as the home…
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Insulation Types: Pros and Cons
When it comes to insulating your home, you’ve probably heard about plenty of different methods. But it can be overwhelming to know which type is the best for your home, so we’ve broken it down into your 5 available options, with pros and cons for each. Before You Begin: Choose the Right R-Value Before you…
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Energy-Efficient Outdoor Holiday Lights
Aren’t holiday lights the best? The way they can transform your home into a festive winter wonderland—nothing beats it when you’re looking for seasonal cheer. Still, it can be quite a challenge to hang them; plus, they use a lot of energy, and they’re expensive to keep lit. Here are some tips for outdoor holiday…
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Want to know where you can save energy in your home but don’t want to hire an energy auditing company? You can save money and a simple home energy audit yourself. Start by pinpointing these five most common ways homes lose energy. Locate air leaks Where in your home is cold air seeping in or warm…
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Did you know that solar panel uses go beyond traditional installations on home rooftops? From solar ovens to solar swimming pool heaters, there is a solar energy solution for all of your energy needs. Solar panels can be made as small as those found on calculators or as large as the roof on your home,…
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What Is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency and How Do I Use It?
Rebates, incentives, and loan programs, oh my! When it comes to solar energy and other home efficiency updates, there’s a dazzling variety of ways to save. Your choices range all the way from federal tax incentives right down to rebate programs from your local energy provider. In fact, you could have hundreds of different programs…