The Future is Here with Energy Efficient Homes
The future is here with energy efficient homes and it’s expanding in popularity. Nearly one-third of new homes in the US are projected to be green by 2016. These homes are energy efficient and designed to reduce the impact on human health and environmental damage. Some homes are even going a step beyond and making goals to be net zero by using renewable energy to offset their energy consumption. According to the New Building Institute the number of net- zero homes has doubled between 2012-2014.
Some experts say the trend will continue because solar energy has become more accessible and affordable giving consumers increased energy savings. Homeowners are increasingly opting for green homes across the country and solar companies are partnering with homebuilders across the U.S.A to meet consumer demand for reliable energy solutions. Solar energy is empowering customers to choose where they energy comes from, when they use it, and at what price. Some systems have software management programs that allow costumers to set goals and take better control of their energy use. Keep in mind energy systems are not all created equal so important to ask these questions when shopping for solar: How much power will my solar panels produce? How long will my systems last? Who makes my solar panels? These are important questions because you don’t want more panels than you really need and secondly, you want to make sure that your system will be made with quality and warrantied and be aligned with your goals. Lastly you want to know who makes them and that there standards are the best quality.
At Eco Kong we believe that all of these are important, but first before you purchase any solar system in a new or existing home we recommend you have an independent energy evaluation to make sure your whole house is up to date with your states energy efficient standards. You want to make sure that your HVAC equipment is efficient, your building shell is air tight, and your indoor air quality is free from dangerous gases and volatile organic compounds. This is the first step to comfort, safety and efficiency. After you have completed an your energy evaluation Eco Kong will make recommendations to help you get your home ready before installing a solar system. This will help you waste less and save more by installing only what’s needed to supply energy to your home and nothing more.