Chic vs. Geek: Going Net Zero @ Home

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“Net zero” is what happens when the renewable energy you use to power your home matches the need, meaning you have no net impact on the environment. With new heating technology and lower-cost renewable energy systems, any home can get to net zero. Need help getting started? That’s why we’re here!

CHIC (PEARL)

Like any home improvements, there are upfront costs to going net zero, but an investment today could help lock in your energy prices for the next 25+ years. Roof-mounted solar is currently the most affordable way to generate your own energy. With a good financing plan, a photovoltaic (PV) system can deliver electricity at 60% to 70% of what you’re paying PG&E. And because of widespread adoption, solar has never been cheaper! You can also upgrade to efficient electric heating and cooling systems like heat pumps and floor coils.

GEEK (KEVIN)

When it comes to energy efficiency, there’s nothing like some good, old fashioned repairs and upgrades. First, check the air sealing on your home and shore it up where you can. This will give you the biggest bang for your buck year round. Combine that with better insulation, and you can save more money downsizing to a smaller heating/cooling system. And don’t forget to replace old, drafty windows and doors with high-performance, triple-pane brands or storm windows. This will reduce heat loss and provide plenty of natural light.

Chic vs. Geek: How do you flex?

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Last week’s excessive heat wave caused flex alerts that asked Californians to conserve energy during peak hours from 4-9pm in order to prevent blackouts. What are some ways you cut back to help out?

CHIC (PEARL)

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m in love with my air conditioning. But with rising energy rates and calls to conserve, I’ve also had to admit that it’s a luxury we can live without for a few hours a day. So we started pre-cooling our house before 4pm, preparing for the hottest time of day. At 9pm, we checked the air outside and either opened up all the windows or cranked that lovely AC. It may have been rough, but we’re lucky to have these options in the first place.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Anybody who knows me knows I love food, and dinner is a very important time of my day. I’m usually in the kitchen during flex hours, cooking with multiple burners, heating up the oven, and going in and out of the fridge and freezer. The flex alerts forced me to change up our routine, eating dinner later in the evening or DoorDashing from one of our favorite restaurants. It’s a great way to support local businesses while you’re flexing your power.

Chic vs. Geek: Home Tech

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The 2020 Consumer Electronics Show introduced new and improved technology that will make living in a home much easier and efficient. What’s your take on home tech-onomics?

CHIC (PEARL)

The future of smart homes is exciting! There will be around 31 billion devices connected to the internet by 2020, and that number is supposed to grow to 75.4 billion by 2025. One of my favorite devices is a floor cleaner that performs basic home surveillance at the same time!

GEEK (KEVIN)

The idea of a smart home sounds very attractive. But it’s also smart – and in my opinion necessary – to understand the basics of what you’re getting into, and prepare for any risk involved. What risk? Well, if hackers can break into Equifax, they can crack your home network!