One of the best ways to help with the cost and footprint of a solar system is to make your home more energy efficient. Here are 10 of the best ways to help your home use less energy.

  1. Install Energy-Efficient Windows: Energy-efficient windows can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing your heating and cooling costs.

  2. Upgrade to LED Lighting: LED lights use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.

  3. Use a Smart Thermostat: A smart thermostat can help you control your home's temperature more efficiently, reducing energy waste and lowering your energy bills.

  4. Seal Air Leaks: Air leaks around windows and doors can lead to significant energy waste. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal these leaks and keep your home more energy-efficient.

  5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances: When it's time to replace your appliances, choose energy-efficient models that can help you save money on your energy bills.

  6. Use Energy-Efficient Landscaping: Planting trees and shrubs strategically around your home can help provide shade in the summer and block wind in the winter, reducing your heating and cooling costs.

  7. Install Insulation: Insulating your home's walls, attic, and floors can help reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, making your home more energy-efficient.

  8. Use a Tankless Water Heater: A tankless water heater can help you reduce your energy bills by heating water on demand, rather than constantly heating a large tank of water.

  9. Unplug Electronics When Not in Use: Electronics and appliances that are left plugged in can still use energy, even when they're not in use. Unplug them when they're not in use or use a power strip to easily turn them off.

  10. Install a Solar Panel System: Installing a solar panel system on your home can help you generate your own clean, renewable energy and reduce your reliance on the grid.