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June 13, 2015 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Best Guidelines to follow when Choosing Solar Panels

Guidelines on Choosing Solar Panels

Since electric power costs are not exactly all that great in many areas around the world, there is an increasing need for alternative sources of electricity that happen to be eco-friendly and easy to use. Although solar power has been around for a fairly long time now, there have been developments in the field that it a better choice as time goes by. The best thing about this is that solar power will give you a chance to stay either partially or completely independent from your local power grid with the right solar power setup. You would do well to look for an installation company that allows you to get the job done without worrying about the details, but that will require some inquiries and research so you can find the right company for your needs. The following guidelines will give you a few ideas you can use in making this happen:

  • Lowering your electric bill

There needs to be a certain balance between how many panels you have and the space you have to work with. For the most part this will depend on the budget you have available and the space you may possess around your home. Consumption levels still depend on your appliances, electronic devices and more, so these details will need to be tracked before you can move on to actually purchasing a solar panel setup.

  • Breaking even on the costs

This is one really important part of the process of purchasing, installing and using a solar panel setup, since the price of one still happens to be a pretty hefty one. You will need to find a proper balance between your setup and consumption, as well as the orientation of the panels and what you have to work with in terms of landscape. A great time to install solar panels would be right after moving into a new home, straight after the reliable moving company has dropped off your belongings and you still have some freedom to choose what you want to do without having to deal with a lot more work than you otherwise would.

  • Keeping your system efficient    Guidelines on Choosing Solar Panelss2

There are some hours of the day which happen to be more productive for solar power, which is between 8 AM and 4 PM, so you will need to keep that in mind so the solar panels will be unobstructed in those hours for maximum efficiency. Any shade on the panels will only diminish their ability to collect and store energy, so you will need to focus on moving any items out of the way if the shadows become a problem.

  • Maintaining the panels

You need to choose an installing company that allows you to get regular maintenance done to your panels once in a while as part of the original deal. Although they require minimal maintenance, you should still keep that in mind when you look for solar panels, avoiding shady companies and second hand solutions.

P.S. Real estate is booming this Spring!  Homes are selling fast and for the highest prices in years. It is never too early to get your home ready for the market or for buyers to call me to discuss the Spring market.  Don’t miss out on your dream home & interest rates below 4%.  Call me for details today!

Filed Under: Energy Efficiency, Green Construction, Guest Blogger

May 28, 2015 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Fifteen Shades of Green: Building Design Tips

Fifteen Shades of Green Building Design

Green building is not an invention of 21st century. However, sustainable design has been out of the scope of architects for quite a long time. As the resource shortage and the severe climate changes impose actual dangers on the environment and the society, “green” building reached its peak. These constructions are healthy for both the nature and their occupants.

The most impressing thing to the ordinary viewer is probably the ingenious design. Each building has unique and transcendent look. Although architects are free in the expression of their creativity, they still follow certain techniques. On the other hand, the expert builders should adopt specific techniques and get updated on the current trends.

Fifteen Shades of Green Building Design2

1. Long Life, Loose Fit, Low Energy

In other words – sustainability, flexibility and energy – efficiency. The idea was presented by the Welsh architect Alex Gordon. His prophetic vision has become the basic of the nowadays green building.

2. Social impact and Functionality

Designing a built environment that complies with both the social and ecological needs is corner stone in sustainable architecture. The building should not only serve its primary purpose as an administrative space or home, but it should also improve or add up to the surrounding environment.

3. Location

The location determines the approach that the architect and the expert building team will undertake. What are the benefits and the downsides of a certain area? Making use of the natural resources such as light, water, wind and soil will shape the future design of the building.

4. Adjusting To The Climate

What makes a sustainable building so special is that its design is perfectly adjusted to the local climate. This allows making the most of a certain environment, even if it’s not exactly favorable.

5. Reuse, Reduce and Recycle

These principles don’t apply simply to the materials used in the construction. Many architects choose to work with buildings that don’t function anymore. Instead of destroying the old place and rebuilding it again, they use the existing structure. In this way builders and architects reduce the waste.

6. Quality Materials

Sustainable buildings are made to last. That’s why these constructions usually incorporate good – quality and eco – friendly materials.

7. Landscape

As mentioned earlier, sustainable building is not only about creating a structure. Include also the exterior that surrounds it. The outdoors environment will contribute to the aesthetics and the energy –efficiency. For instance, strategically situated trees can shade out the area, decreasing the energy for cooling the building.

8. Durable Interiors and Low Maintenance

One of the primary characteristics of sustainable building is an interior with timeless design. The indoors spaces should require minimal resources for their maintenance.

9. Indoor Air Quality

The building services should use low or no – VOC s products such hard surface flooring and non – toxic paints and finishes to ensure the high quality of indoor air.

10. HVAC System

This system will control the residential climate, ensuring that building doesn’t use more energy than needed.

11. Energy Conservation

Architects come with different creative ways to incorporate renewable energy resource in the construction – from solar panels and passive solar integration to glazing and high – efficiency appliances.

12. Water Systems

The most popular choices are rainwater harvesting systems and tankless water heaters. The collected water is then used for the sprinkler systems in the landscape.

13. Insulation

This is another feature that has huge influence on energy conservation. Heating and cooling contribute sufficiently to the building’s energy consumption.

14. Ventilation

There are two types of ventilation – passive or natural and mechanically powered. The choice depends on the local climate specifics.

15. Eco – friendly appliances

Everything that can save you energy and thus decrease the carbon pollution can be incorporated – from water and energy conserving household appliances to office equipment.

Real estate is booming this Spring!  Homes are selling fast and for the highest prices in years. It is never too early to get your home ready for the market or for buyers to call me to discuss the Spring market.  Don’t miss out on your dream home & interest rates below 4%.  Call me for details today!

Filed Under: Energy Efficiency, Green Construction, Guest Blogger, Home Design

October 29, 2013 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Home Buyers Value Environmentally Friendly Features

ISS_4607_00972-300x199Homeowners frequently see their heating bills rise as fall begins and the weather cools. For this reason, homes with energy efficient and environmentally friendly features are often a priority to prospective buyers.

“Nearly nine out of 10 recent home buyers said that heating and cooling costs were somewhat or very important when considering a home for purchase” according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2012 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

Energy efficiency and green building features are more than a trend.  People want to live in communities and in houses that are more resource efficient and sensitive to the environment.

You can read the full article Home Buyers Value Environmentally Friendly Features

Fall is here but it’s still a great time to buy or sell a home!!  It is the time for sellers to put their homes on the market & for buyers to start your home search!  This season has been the busiest in 6 years & interest rates are hovering around 4.0%.  Both home prices & interest rates are on the rise though!  Contact me for details today!

Filed Under: Energy Efficiency, Green Construction

June 12, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Green Homes in Higher Demand

The number of green homes is expected to increase dramatically in the next 4 years.  Home builders who can offer a combination of higher quality and better value will stand out.  Whether it is new construction, or a home renovation Green construction is in demand.

  • Consumers are seeking green homes because they will save money in the long run, and the are typically higher quality construction.  Consumers are seeking out lower utility costs.
  • Green project costs are now typically in line with traditional construction, a dramatic improvement since 2008.
  • Indoor air quality is also a big driver in the desire for a green home.

Check out this article for more on Green Construction predictions

Whether you are building a new home, or buying a home that has been renovated, selecting a top real estate agent can help you make an informed decision.  Sandra Meranda specializes in the St. Charles and St. Louis county home markets.  Contact me for help with green construction possibilities in St. Charles today!

Filed Under: Green Construction, Why Hire a Real Estate Agent

Contact Sandra

Cell: 314-691-1320
Office: 636-946-2020
Email Sandra

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate, St. Charles
2171 Bluestone Dr.
St. Charles, MO 63303

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