If you’re thinking about upgrading your HVAC system, or it’s simply on its last legs — why not consider a solar solution? Another great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency is augmenting your HVAC system with solar panels. Several furnaces, heat pumps and A/C units integrate seamlessly with solar modules and can provide significantly lower utility bills.

Here’s how it works:

• The solar modules help power the furnace or A/C during the day.
• When the HVAC system isn’t running, the solar modules supply free power to your home.
• If you decide on a grid-tied solution, all surplus energy rolls your power meter backward.

Many people ask us, “Why are solar solutions necessary?” They aren’t necessary — they simply enhance energy efficiency. This means savings over time and a smaller carbon footprint.

The first thing to consider is whether you need a grid-tied or stand-alone solution. Tying solar modules to the utility company’s grid has the benefits of potential rebates and the stability of a comfortable HVAC system — rain or shine, day or night. This solution is usually convenient for snowy or urban areas where power lines and rebates are readily available.

Rural areas sometimes work best with stand-alone systems because of the potential cost of plugging into a sparsely available grid. A proper stand-alone system can supply all the free energy a home needs with a battery station. Check out our blog post to learn more about the differences, because northern California and southern Oregon have wonderfully different climates, depending on the side of the Cascades you call home.

At the end of the day, you may not even like the look of solar panels on a roof or the initial investment — and that’s OK. Many highly efficient HVAC can serve your needs. But if you are ready to increase your energy efficiency via solar power, let Metal Masters know. We can help you, from selection through installation and maintenance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about solar energy and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Metal Masters services Southern Oregon and Northern California. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!