Increasing Energy Efficiency with Solar Panels

By Shawn Kyles

Solar panels make homes more energy efficient. The electricity that is generated by the panels is not only good for the environment, it can reduce your energy costs. The amount of money you can save by installing solar panels is determined by how much electricity is used in your home.

Another benefit of installing solar panels is net metering, a term used to describe the policy of contributing any unused electricity back to the utility grid. Net metering was implemented to promote private investment in renewable energy. In California, it is a special billing arrangement that provides credits to customers with solar PV systems. How does net metering work? Solar panel systems generate most of their electricity during the middle of the day when the sun is shining. If your home produces more electricity that what is required, it goes back to the main utility grid. Homeowners receive credits at full retail rates for this excess electricity.

In addition to energy savings, installing solar panels helps reduce CO2, NOX and SO2 emissions. In a poll conducted by USA Today, 91% of survey respondents preferred solar power compared to other sources of power.

Solar panels do not make any noise and require very little maintenance. They can be installed when a home is being re-roofed and will add significant value to the property. The state and federal government also offers homeowners special tax benefits and rebates for using clean energy solutions. For example, California residents (and business owners) will receive cash back incentives under the state’s “Go Solar” program.

Do you want to know more about your current energy usage? The EPA has several tools that can help homeowners evaluate their energy usage and find out the best way to become more energy efficient. These EPA tools include the Home Energy Yardstick:
http://goo.gl/OKnL2X
http://goo.gl/AptZZ2

The Home Energy Yardstick is an assessment of the how much energy you home used during the past 12 months compared to similar types of home. The data that is used to conduct the assessment comes from your utility bill. The tool uses an algorithm based on the size of your home, number of occupants and the weather in your area. Scoring is on a 1 to 10 scale. A home that scores “10” is performing well compared to other similar homes, while a home that scores “1” is performing poorly when compared to similar types of residences. To use the tool, you will need to provide your zip code, the square footage of your house, the number of occupants and utility bill data for the past 12 months.

The Home Energy Advisor is an online service that gives you free advice on improvements that can increase the energy efficiency of your home. To receive your recommendations, you will need to provide your zip code, data on how your home is cooled and heated, and information on the type of water heater that you use.

If you want to decrease energy costs and are considering installing solar panels, a general contractor with experience in solar panel installations should be contacted to discuss your specific needs and options.

Safety Inspector Warns On Signs of Foundation Damage

Foundation Expert Shawn Kyles Gives Indications of Foundation Damage In A Home

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a foundation construction and foundation repair company in Southern California, has issued a report on the signs of foundation damage in a home. The author of the report, safety inspector Shawn Kyles, provided guidelines for the visual inspection of a home.

Mr. Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, residential and commercial, and has worked with engineering firms and specialists in local building and safety departments. In his report he stressed that there were several signs of foundation damage, among them cracks in the floor or floor tiles, cracks in the interior or exterior walls of the building, sloping or uneven floors, trim or molding that isn’t aligned, and doors and windows that stick. Potential foundation problems can be caused by water leakage, expansive or contractive soil as well as other soil conditions.

The full report can be viewed here:
http://julianconstruction.typepad.com/julian-construction-blog/2012/06/recognizing-the-signs-of-foundation-damage.html

Julian De La Torre, owner and founder of Julian Construction, stated: “Homeowners need to be on the watch for foundation problems. They get worse the longer they go undetected and unhandled. What starts as a crack can lead to much more serious structural damage, and in the event of an earthquake it can mean the collapse of the building. So we encourage people to heighten their awareness of the condition of their homes and get regular inspections. By doing so, you are ensuring the safety of the structure and everyone there.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/.

Construction Company Advises Homeowners on Drainage Problems

Julian Construction Assists Homeowners with Information On Common Drainage Problems

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a construction and foundation repair company in the Los Angeles area, is urging public to find out more about drainage system issues and the problems they can cause in a home. The company also listed some of the most common indicators or drainage problems so homeowners could better identify them. The company hopes to improve the standard of home safety in the Los Angeles area.

Poor drainage systems can cause threats to a home and possible foundation damage and other problems, and then to the rest of the structure, according to the company. Soil erosion and shifting is another adverse effect of drainage problems. There are several indications of drainage problems, including water pooling in a yard, rain water accumulating on a rooftop, moisture seepage coming into the house. Reversely, foundation cracks can be a sign that drainage problems also exist. Any of the above should be addressed with the installation of proper drainage systems to effectively handle the situation.

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “Proper home drainage results a home that is safeguarded from all water related home issues. Mold, foundation problems, flooding during rainy seasons; all of these can be addressed. No homeowner can afford to be unaware of these signs, allowing these conditions to go unnoticed in a home.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.typepad.com.