Clean energy for home

{{whyLabel}}: You cannot manage what you do not measure; knowing your baseline is essential for sizing future solar or heat pump systems.

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• Log into your utility provider's online portal.
• Export usage data as a CSV or PDF for the last full year.
• Note your total annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a document showing your total annual and peak monthly energy usage.

{{whyLabel}}: This is the fastest way to ensure your grid-supplied power comes from wind or solar without installing hardware.

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• Search for providers with 'Green-e' (US) or 'ok-power' (EU) certifications.
• Compare 'Fixed Rate' vs 'Variable Rate' plans to avoid price spikes.
• Sign up online; the switch usually happens automatically at the next billing cycle.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You receive a confirmation email for a 100% renewable energy contract.

{{whyLabel}}: Air leaks can account for up to 30% of heating and cooling energy loss.

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• Close all windows and doors and turn on exhaust fans (kitchen/bathroom) to depressurize the house.
• Hold a lit incense stick near window frames, door edges, and electrical outlets.
• Mark spots where the smoke is blown sideways with painter's tape.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All major drafts in the home are identified and marked.

{{whyLabel}}: 'Vampire' devices like TVs and consoles consume power even when off, wasting roughly 5-10% of household energy.

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• Identify 'always-on' electronics in your living room and office.
• Plug them into a smart power strip that cuts power to peripherals when the main device is off.
• Use the 'Master' outlet for the TV or PC and 'Slave' outlets for speakers/lamps.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All major entertainment and office hubs are connected to smart strips.

{{whyLabel}}: LEDs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.

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• Count all bulbs in the house, including closets and basements.
• Purchase LEDs with a 'Warm White' (2700K-3000K) color for living areas.
• Ensure bulbs are 'Dimmable' if used with dimmer switches.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Every light fixture in the home contains an LED bulb.

{{whyLabel}}: Proper sealing prevents conditioned air from escaping, making your home easier to heat with renewables.

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• Apply silicone caulk to stationary gaps in window frames.
• Install adhesive foam or V-seal weather-stripping on the moving parts of doors.
• Add a 'door sweep' to the bottom of exterior doors to block floor-level drafts.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: No visible light or felt air movement around closed doors and windows.

{{whyLabel}}: The attic is the primary source of heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

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• Measure current insulation depth; most older homes have only 3-6 inches.
• Aim for 15-20 inches of blown-in cellulose or fiberglass batts (R-49 to R-60).
• Ensure you do not block attic soffit vents to maintain airflow.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Attic floor is covered with a uniform layer of insulation at least 15 inches deep.

{{whyLabel}}: Smart thermostats can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10-15% by optimizing schedules.

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• Check compatibility with your current HVAC system (look for a 'C-wire').
• Install the device and connect it to your Wi-Fi.
• Set 'Eco' temperatures for when you are at work or sleeping (e.g., 62°F/17°C in winter).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Thermostat is programmed and controllable via smartphone.

{{whyLabel}}: Reducing standby heat loss in your water system saves energy regardless of the fuel source.

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• Fit foam pipe sleeves over the first 6 feet of hot and cold water pipes exiting the heater.
• If your tank is older (pre-2004), wrap it in an R-10 insulating blanket.
• Set the tank temperature to exactly 120°F (49°C) to prevent scalding and save energy.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Pipes are covered and tank temperature is verified at 120°F.

{{whyLabel}}: Induction is 85% efficient compared to 32% for gas and eliminates indoor air pollutants.

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• Check if your cookware is magnetic (cast iron and stainless steel work).
• Hire an electrician to install a 240V outlet if you currently only have gas.
• Choose a model with 'Power Boost' for faster boiling than gas.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Induction cooktop is installed and functional.

{{whyLabel}}: HPWHs are 2-3 times more efficient than standard electric resistance heaters by moving heat rather than creating it.

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• Ensure the installation area has at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space for heat exchange.
• Select a model with a high 'Uniform Energy Factor' (UEF > 3.0).
• Connect the condensate drain line to a floor drain or pump.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The heat pump water heater is providing hot water at high efficiency.

{{whyLabel}}: This replaces both your furnace and AC with one system that can provide 100% of heating even at -15°F (-26°C).

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• Look for 'Energy Star' certified units with a high HSPF2 rating (>9.0).
• Ensure the installer performs a 'Manual J' load calculation to size the unit correctly.
• Opt for a multi-stage or variable-speed compressor for maximum comfort.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The heat pump is the primary heating and cooling source for the home.

{{whyLabel}}: Knowing your roof's sunlight exposure helps determine if rooftop solar is viable or if you should use a balcony kit.

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• Enter your address into Google Project Sunroof.
• Review the estimated 'Usable Sunlight Hours' and 'Square Footage' for panels.
• Note the estimated 20-year savings provided by the tool.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a report on your roof's solar viability.

{{whyLabel}}: Ideal for renters or those with small budgets; it can offset 10-30% of your base electricity load.

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• Purchase a kit with 400W-800W capacity and a micro-inverter.
• Securely mount panels to the railing using certified brackets.
• Plug the system into a standard outdoor AC outlet (check local regulations first).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The system is plugged in and generating power (verified via app).

{{whyLabel}}: Comparing multiple installers ensures competitive pricing and high-quality components (Tier 1 panels).

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• Contact local installers and provide your 12-month energy data.
• Ask for 'All-Black' panels for aesthetics and 'Micro-inverters' for shade tolerance.
• Verify they handle all permitting and utility interconnection paperwork.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have three detailed proposals to compare.

{{whyLabel}}: Batteries allow you to use your solar power at night and provide backup during grid outages.

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• Choose a capacity (e.g., 10kWh to 15kWh) based on your critical loads (fridge, lights, Wi-Fi).
• Ensure the battery is compatible with your solar inverter (AC-coupled vs DC-coupled).
• Set the software to 'Self-Consumption' mode to maximize renewable use.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Battery is installed and storing excess solar energy.

{{whyLabel}}: Using energy when your panels are producing (10 AM - 3 PM) reduces reliance on the grid and saves money.

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• Set dishwasher and laundry machines to 'Delay Start' for midday.
• Charge electric vehicles or portable power stations during peak sun.
• Pre-cool or pre-heat your home using the heat pump during the afternoon.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Your daily routine is aligned with solar production peaks.

{{whyLabel}}: Dust and debris can reduce solar efficiency by up to 20%.

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• Rinse panels with plain water and a soft brush twice a year (Spring/Autumn).
• Check the inverter app for any 'Error Codes' or 'Clipping' issues.
• Ensure no new tree growth is shading the panels.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Panels are clean and the system is operating at peak efficiency.

{{whyLabel}}: Incentives like the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) can cover 30% of the cost of solar, batteries, and heat pumps.

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• Save all receipts and 'Manufacturer Certification Statements' for installed equipment.
• Use IRS Form 5695 when filing your annual taxes.
• Check the DSIRE database for additional local utility rebates.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Tax credit forms are completed and filed.