The world is getting warmer, and we are feeling it here in California! July 2021 was the hottest month ever recorded and included the highest average temperature ever recorded in over 24 hours, just a few hours south of Sacramento in Death Valley. 

Are you wondering what you can do to make your home more comfortable during these extreme temperatures and more extreme natural events in the future? How about ways you can reduce your carbon footprint in the face of climate change? If so, Brower Mechanical can help! 

Brower Mechanical has been helping homeowners “reduce before they produce” and electrify their homes here in the greater Sacramento area since  1979 — here’s what you need to know about making your Sacramento home more sustainable to future proof your home. 

Green Home Upgrades That Reduce Energy Use

One of the first things homeowners think of when it comes to green living and making a sustainable home is solar energy. However, if you are using solar panels to power your home, making sure that the home is as energy efficient as it can be first will reduce the number of solar panels required to power it. There are a number of home upgrades aimed at resolving energy loss in the home, making it easier to keep comfortable.

Attic Insulation & Air Sealing

The most important lines of defense against energy loss in your home are the insulation in your attic and the overall air seal of your home. Insulation prevents heat from infiltrating, or exfiltrating, your living space. Proper insulation and air sealing mean a cooler home in the summer, and a warmer home in the winter, all while requiring less of your heating and cooling systems.

Heat Pump Installation 

Speaking of heating and cooling, if your furnace or air conditioner system are aging or inefficient, consider replacing them with a heat pump or a ductless mini-split. This heating and cooling upgrade combines both heating and cooling modes into one, requiring less energy and less maintenance. 

Gas to Electric Conversions

With predicted spikes in the cost of natural gas this year and in the future, another way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your energy bills is to electrify your home by converting your gas appliances to electric.  Installing single or multi-zone mini-splits, converting from gas to electric water heaters, electric clothes dryer, and induction cook tops. Rebates are available through utility programs, like SMUD. 

Smart and Wifi-enabled Thermostats

Even with an air-tight and insulated home, and a stunningly efficient heating and cooling system, the amount of energy your home needs depends on how you control it! Upgrading to a smart thermostat provides your greater control over your home comfort, and by automatically optimizing your thermostat settings, can save you at least 8% on your energy bills!

Installing Solar & Battery Storage

Once your home is operating efficiently and keeping you comfortable all year long, it is time to look at ways you can generate and use your own energy. Installing solar panels allows you to reduce your reliance on your electricity company, reduces the demand on the already-overloaded grid, allows you to become more energy independent with solar battery storage, and most importantly, reduces your carbon footprint! 

Backup Power for the Unexpected

With the threat of wildfires every year and increasingly higher demand on the grid, power outage events like Public Safety Power Shutoffs and Flex Power Alerts are a common occurrence.

Much like a backup generator, a solar plus battery storage system keeps your lights on during an outage and can be configured to operate completely independently from your local grid.

And if you switch your home to all electric appliances, like heat pump water heaters, induction oven ranges, etc. you won’t have to go without the comforts of home if the grid goes down!  

With a solar battery storage system, you can experience benefits like:

• Reduced or eliminated electricity bills

• Protection from power outages now and in the future

• Large carbon footprint reduction

• Tax savings thanks to the Federal tax credit

Go Green and Save Energy with Brower!

If you are ready to get serious about making your home more sustainable, resilient, and more comfortable amidst California’s wild temperature changes and extended power outages, get in touch with Brower Mechanical today. Our team can get you set up with an energy audit that will outline your customized path towards a more sustainable home!

Want to know more about making your California home efficient for years to come? Call Brower Mechanical, at (916) 624-0808 or get in touch here.