As businesses and consumers look for ways to survive in today's economy, some are realizing they can maintain their lifestyle and professional business presence while at the same time lowering their utility bills.
There are many ways you can alter your home or business to both be more environmentally friendly and cost effective. Understanding how the sun's energy is impacting your home or business is one of the easiest and cost effective ways to lower your bills. Solar tubes and sky lights can let natural light and heat into areas that you are currently using light bulbs and your heater. Sky lights can light up large rooms and even warehouses, and solar tubes let light into tighter areas such as hallways and closets. Installing a skylight or solar tube typically costs from $300-$900 and can save you thousands over their lifetimes.
Awnings and solar shades can also block the sun's heat from entering your structure to lower your air conditioning/electricity bill without permanently obstructing your view. Awnings can even enhance the beauty and value of your home or business. Solar screens are a lesser known but highly effective method for blocking the sun's heat and UV rays from entering your home or business. They essentially look like your average screen but typically are used in a "drop-down" fashion and are designed specifically to block the sun's heat and harmful rays. Awnings can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on your needs, but can increase value, beauty and lower your air conditioning bills. Solar shades are typically a less costly alternative to awnings and can drastically reduce your need for air conditioning in those warm summer months.
Bassett Rain Gutters & Construction (http://www.bassettraingutters.com) has specialized in cost reduction for home owners and businesses on the Central Coast of California for nearly 30 years. Santa Barbara and Santa Maria residents have been coming to them for advice and quality products and craftsmanship since 1981. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact them at info@bassettraingutters.com.
