You might have read that solar panels can pay for themselves after a certain amount of time due to reduced energy bills, and it’s true! The most common estimate for solar panels to pay for themselves is around 6 to 7 years of use. Since solar panels can range in effectiveness, this estimate could be longer or shorter for your home depending on the model you go with.

A cool roof is made with reflective materials in order to keep your home cool by absorbing less solar energy which can heat up homes quickly in hot weather climates. This can reduce the costs of cooling a home once it’s hot by keeping the home cool to begin with, ultimately saving you money on bills and reducing energy use.

The most effective insulation for a home is through insulated wooden walls. However, since many homeowners in the greater Los Angeles area enjoy their large, wrap-around windows, it’s important to insulate properly since windows can let heat or cold escape much easier than insulated walls. Double or triple-pane windows are a great solution that still allows for beautiful views while keeping a home at a comfortable temperature.

Double and triple pane windows work to keep cool air inside in the summer, and warm air inside during the winter since they are thicker than single pane windows. The added layers of glass will reduce gaps that cause drafts that can be running up your energy use, and you’ll be more comfortable overall by maintaining your home’s temperature– no matter the season.

Replacing hot water tanks with tankless units will undoubtedly be easier on the environment and your wallet. Since these units only operate on-demand, they consume much less energy than their water tank counterparts. They produce fewer carbon emissions and tend to last longer than water tank units, too!