Interested in geothermal pumps and solar roof panels? Get multiple bids from licensed contractors, make sure they cover any installation-related property damage and understand what happens if you move. With an investment in the range of $17,000-$20,000 with a five- to 10-year payback period, you’ll want to make sure you’ve considered all options, including the possibility of leasing solar panels.
Hybrid water heaters can help. If you have an electric water heater that’s at least 13 years old, it may be time to upgrade. A hybrid heater — which uses electricity and a heat pump — can lower your heating bills, but avoid the tankless heaters that are expensive and limited.
Be selective with LEDs. These are promising, but some bulbs are dim, according to Consumer Reports. Their top energy saving bulbs include $14 LEDs from IKEA and Great Value CFL bulbs from Walmart for $1.25.
©2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.)
Distributed by MCT Information Services