Energy-Efficient Roofs - Things to Consider

Energy-efficient roofs are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, keep your home cool and save energy all at once. If your roof is getting to the point where it needs to be maintained anyway, getting energy-efficient roofing could turn out to be a lucrative investment.

Here are a few things to consider when you're getting energy-efficient roofs.

==> Rebates and Tax Cuts

At the moment, PG&E is offering a $200 rebate for every 1,000 square foot of energy-efficient roof installations. Various states also offer tax breaks.

You may also qualify for the Energy Efficient Tax Breaks with energy-efficient roofing.

The tax incentives vary from state to state. If you're on a different utility provider, talk to them about potential rebates. These can go a long way towards offsetting the cost of the roofing.

==> The Different Types of Energy-Efficient Roofs

There are a few different common types of energy-efficient roofs.

First you have metal roofing. These metal roofs are reflective and will divert the sun's rays from your house, effectively cooling your home without taking up any energy.

They're also extremely durable and can survive even in harsh weather conditions.

Next you have clay tiling. Clay tiles aren't as reflective as metal, but a special coating can be added to increase their heat reflecting capabilities.

Often times clay tiles can be made in a sustainable manner to help reduce your environmental footprint even further.

Finally you have membranes. Membrane installation is much easier than the other types and can even be done without a contractor. Unfortunately, the material is much more expensive than other types.

Membranes are often used on commercial buildings rather than residential buildings.

==> The Process of Getting Energy-Efficient Roofs

The best way to get top-notch energy-efficient roofs at a good price is to talk to several contractors before making your decision.

Get at least three different bids for the job before you make your pick. Make sure you talk to the contractor about what roof type will work best for your house.

Do you get the sense that this contractor is really knowledgeable about their craft? Remember, doing a roof is a big project. Only hire someone that you really feel you can trust.

Try to negotiate a per-job rate rather than a per-hour rate. Per-hour projects almost always go over budget.

==> Energy-Efficient Roofs: Wrap Up

In summary, getting energy-efficient roofs can be a great way to help conserve energy and save money. There is a significant upfront investment, but it'll more than pay for itself in the long run.

This is especially true if your roofing needs to be replaced anyway. If you're getting a new roof, seriously consider making the extra investment to help your planet and conserve energy.


Solar Power For Homes

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient LEDs

Did you know that lighting costs account for about 25% of the average American's energy bill? That cost, when multiplied over a year, becomes an astronomical figure.

CFL and LED light bulbs have helped change that. Using energy saving technology, you can reduce your energy bill by 1/3rd to 1/25th of your original lighting costs.

Though LED lights used to be incredibly expensive, breakthroughs over the last few years have brought their cost down dramatically. Today, they're a better value than both CFL and everyday light bulbs.

Here are some of the many benefits of energy-efficient LEDs.

==> Generates Twenty Times Less Heat

Heat energy is dissipated from an average light bulb. That heat energy uses up electricity to generate itself, energy that you're paying for.

In addition, many Americans then have to spend even more electricity to cool their homes in part because of the heat generated from light bulbs.

LEDs on the other hand generate almost no heat - twenty times less than a standard light bulb.

==> Much Longer Lasting

A regular light bulb works by heating up a filament in an oxygen-free environment. Unfortunately, the light bulb dies when the filament burns out.

An LED light on the other hand has no filament. As a result, they last much longer.

A good LED light can last as much as ten times longer than the average light bulb.

==> Reduced Lifetime Costs

The standard light bulb costs five to ten times more in energy than its upfront costs.

An LED light on the other hand costs more upfront, but conserves a lot more energy in the long run.

In terms of total dollars invested over its lifetime, LED lights are better value than standard light bulbs and CFL light bulbs.

==> Better for the Environment

Standard light bulbs are terrible for the environment because mercury is used in the manufacturing process.

The chemical waste problem is compounded by the sheer volume of light bulbs that need to be produced.

Because standard light bulbs burn out so often and need to be replaced, the waste the standard household produces is astronomical.

LED lights are much better for the environment, because no mercury is used in the production process. You also need to replace them much less often, which means less waste.

These are some of the many benefits of energy-efficient LEDs. Replacing the light bulbs in your home is as easy as noting the wattage and going down to your local hardware store to buy LED lights.

There are quite a few choices you can choose from. You can get diffused bulbs, which take the concentrated light and turn it into a more spread out kind of light.

You can get high power diffused, which are similar to 100 watt standard bulbs. You can also get them in track lighting, spotlight and floodlight forms.

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 Cheers, Helene Malmsio

Related Reading: https://www.discoveryhub.net/how-to-go-green-at-home.html

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