Gilroy Today 2013 06 Summer | Page 63

Battlefield strategy :
Mission Accomplished !

Declare war on “ energy gluttons ”

If you are contemplating solar for your home or business , make sure you have identified your enemy , totally & completely . Find your energy gluttons and attack them where they are . Implement an energy efficiency strategy by eradicating “ ALL ” the energy gluttons , in your home or business . This will decrease your overall electric demand , reducing both your solar system size and cost , giving you the “ biggest bang for your energy buck !” Once action is taken to minimize or eradicate these nefarious energy gluttons , then commission “ solar power ” to finish the job , and win the energy war forever !

Battlefield strategy :

Energy Efficiency above all , by attacking these energy gluttons :
Glutton Number One : Inadequate insulation .
Did you know that 35 % of your energy is lost through the roof , walls and windows ? Have you made the switch yet from the inefficient windows of the past ? What about the unseen gluttons like wall , attic or floor insulation ? 25 % of a home ’ s heat loss is through the roof . By properly insulating your attic , ( 14 ” or more ) you can subdue the insulation glutton for a relatively small investment of a $ 1,000 or less ! This will save you money instantly on your heating and cooling .
Glutton Number Two : Inefficient appliances .
Eradicate the HVAC ( Heating , Ventilation and Air-Conditioning ) glutton . Has your HVAC system been checked for leaks and / or perhaps , ducts that have come loose ? Shouldn ’ t you exchange the older unit , for a high efficiency or zonal heating and cooling strategy ? What about those appliances , like refrigerators and freezers ? I recall one customer who simply unplugged their 25 year old freezer in the garage , and saved $ 45 per month on their electric bill ! Look for those camouflaged gluttons and make them your P . O . W .’ s . The time to strike is now !
Glutton number three : Lighting .
Old incandescent light bulbs are gluttons as well , with up to 98 % of the energy they consume is wasted as heat , not light . Compact fluorescent light bulbs , on the other hand , average 75 % more efficiency than incandescent lights . Additionally , if you decide to go one step further by engaging in LED ( light-emitting diode ) lights , these “ battle buddies ” are up to 90 % more efficient than incandescent and could potentially save an additional 7 % per year , a huge savings , particularly for commercial users . Finally , if not in the room , engage in hand-to-hand combat and turn the lights off !
An Energy Efficiency foothold established , Gluttons “ captured !
Now bring in Solar to win the war !
Designing the right system to handle your escalating cost of energy will “ win the energy war .” An experienced solar integration company can help you achieve that goal . Remember , the baseline you are charged from the utility company is usually a fee regulated by the public utility commission . Once you move into the 2nd , 3rd , or 4th tiers , it ’ s “ open season ” for the utilities , and your bill increases dramatically . This is where Solar can significantly , “ save the day .” Solar is now reasonably priced , and with careful planning and “ right-sizing ” of your system , you may be able to recoup your investment in as little as five years !
Attack the gluttons — Implement an energy savings plan , assess your home or business location and roof , select quality panels with a sound warranty and the right company with a professional experienced staff and you too can say ……

Mission Accomplished !

Energy Gluttons
Energy Efficiency Solar
Information Provided by Pamela Garcia , CEO Affordable Solar Roofs , Serving South County since 1995
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