# Top Home Improvement Projects to Pair with a Solar Panel Installation

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/top-home-improvement-projects-to-pair-with-a-solar-panel-installation/
- Published: 2019-07-09T23:58:32-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

A solar panel installation on your home is one of the most cost-effective and energy
efficient home improvement projects out there. By making the switch, you’re able
to dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and overall emissions. I even ask here:
so why stop there? There are a handful of other [home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/06/the-future-of-living-how-to-upgrade-your-space-into-a-smart-home/)
projects that, in addition to a solar panel installation that will help make your
house even more eco-friendly.

### ![Top Home Improvement Projects to Pair with a Solar Panel Installation](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/image-39.jpg?resize=150%2C100&quality=52&ssl=1)

_Here are three of the top home improvement projects to pair with solar panel installation._

#### Update or Replace Your HVAC System

Your home’s [HVAC](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/horrible-home-odors-fixing-a-foul-high-efficiency-hvac-unit/)
appliances account for nearly 43% of your energy bill. So they should be replaced
if they’re over 12 years old. They’re not exactly cheap, and they vary from brand
to brand. However they’ll save you up to 30% on your heating and cooling bill. Since
that is the biggest single part of your energy bill, this really pays off in the
long run. Don’t have a heating and cooling system that’s over a decade old? Just
like the rest of your home appliances, your HVAC system needs some special attention
every once in a while. All to make sure it’s functioning at its very highest level.
For example, something like a low-functioning furnace means it’s essentially 50%
less efficient. 50% less than it would be if it received regular maintenance. So,
call in a professional to take a look, or even do some research and learn. DIY how
to tune up your home’s appliances yourself.

![Duct Test](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/image-
40.jpg?resize=150%2C150&quality=52&ssl=1)

#### Do a Duct Test

One of the most cost-effective ways to cut back on energy output is by hiring a 
professional like my friends at [ICC Property Management](https://iccpropertymanagement.com/)
to do a duct test on your home. Leaky ducts are one of the most undetected culprits
of your home’s energy efficiency levels. The experts at [Energy Star](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/go-green-tips-for-the-rookies/)
warn that, “during normal operation, gas appliances such as water heaters, clothes
dryers, and furnaces release combustion gases (like carbon monoxide) through their
ventilation systems.

Leaky ductwork in your heating and cooling system may cause “backdrafting,” where
these gases are drawn back into the living space, rather than expelled to the outdoors.
Sealing leaks can minimize this risk.” Not only do they keep your home safe and 
comfortable but sealing your leaks can also save you up to 20% on your heating and
cooling bills, thus, preventing air pollution due to burning unnecessary fossil 
fuels.

Leaky ducts don’t just suck up your home’s warm air. They also waste the energy 
that your house’s HVAC unit expends. All by trying to cool off misplaced, overheated
light bulbs! A duct test can cost around $325 – $350 in some states. So be sure 
to call a professional in your local area to get the best rates.

![Re roofing for a solar panel installation](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/
wp-content/uploads/2017/12/image-41.jpg?resize=150%2C100&quality=52&ssl=1)

#### Update Your Roofing Material

In addition to making the switch to solar panels, you might also want to consider
re-roofing. This project may seem like a huge undertaking, but it’s worth noting
that when solar panels are installed your roof may also be affected. Depending on
the height, pitch, and slope of your roof, your materials (or the whole thing!) 
might need an update. Installing metal roofing can help to keep your home cooler
by deflecting the sun’s heat without absorbing it as many other roofing materials
do and is an effective way to make your home even more energy efficient. Plus, you
won’t have to worry about replacing the roof after you install solar panels. In 
fact, metal roofs are a better foundation for adding solar panels since they can
be installed without the risk of water leaks, like you would need to punch holes
through a roof with asphalt shingles.

As a standalone, metal roofing is classified as a “cool roof”. That’s because it
decreases the amount of heat transferred to your entire home. With a cool roof, 
the amount of air conditioning needed to keep your home’s interior a comfortable
temperature is drastically lower. That clearly can help to conserve energy. When
paired with a solar panels installation, this high level of energy efficiency can
reduce your emissions. As well as lower your HVAC costs overtime. Thereby ultimately
improving your home’s value when it’s time to sell.

Katherine Oakes is a writer, yoga instructor, and vocalist living in Northern New
Jersey who loves writing for the [solar leads](https://modernize.com/pros/solar-leads)
professionals at Modernize with the goal of helping homeowners connect with qualified
contractors for their home improvement projects.