Frequently people want to know how many solar panels they will need based on the size of their home. However, the amount of electricity you use is more important for solar electric system design than the square footage of your home. This is mainly because people’s use of electricity varies in so many different ways. Same House, Different Energy Situations For instance, let’s say two families live next door to each other in 2,000 square foot homes. A young man lives in Home A with his fiancé; they both work long hours and often spend evenings out with friends. As a result, they don’t use much electricity and pay about $40 a month. In Home B, two parents live with their two teenage children. They are either running the heater or air conditioner and use electricity to filter their pool, meanwhile the teenagers are always on their iPads, opening the refrigerator or watching TV. Since more people live in the house and their lifestyle requires more energy, their electricity bills run at about $325 a month.

Importance of Electricity Usage for Solar Panel Design Even though they live in homes that are the exact same size, the family in Home B would most likely need to invest in more solar panels to bring down their electricity usage than the couple living in Home A.  Even if the households were identical in electric consumption, one home may have better solar exposure or less shade than another, which can mean more or fewer panels. Electricity usage is also important because most utility companies in Los Angeles and Orange County limit the size of your solar system based on the amount of energy you currently use. This number is usually determined by looking at how much electricity you have used in the last 12 months. Just Moved or Building Your Home? Here’s How it Works Of course, there are always some exceptions to the rule. If you have only lived in your home for a few months or want to install solar panels on a home in construction, then most utility companies let us estimate usage based on your home’s square footage.

As an example, LADWP calculates this type of average at 2 watts for every square foot. So, a 2,000 square foot home would be allowed a solar array of 4,000 watts.  Depending on the type of panel that you choose, a system of this size would be anywhere from 12-18 solar panels.  Keep in mind, this formula to estimate consumption varies depending on who provides your electricity. Another exception is sometimes made for people who are anticipating that their electricity usage will go up. If you are planning to buy an EV (electric vehicle) or install central air, for example, we can estimate the additional usage and factor it into the solar panel design and cost. But, the utilities are sticklers! They will make us submit proof of purchase along with the solar system application. Find out How Much Solar Panels Cost Interested in how many solar panels you will need for your roof and energy situation? , and have your electricity bills handy. We can typically provide a rough estimate based on your usage and a quick glance at your home on Google Earth.

For those who would like a more specific price, we can schedule a solar evaluation where we meet at your home and evaluate your roof in person. Will it run occasionally or most of the time? Check the appliance nameplate's for running watts and volt-amps. Running Watts / Starting Volt-AmpsIn addition to being uncomfortable, humid indoor air also causes damage to your home and furnishings and promote the growth of mold and dust mites. through the wall ac heat unitsThankfully, purchasing a quality dehumidifier is a great way to solve the problem. hvac system unitsControlling humidity levels is important. why does an ac unit freeze overRelative humidity shouldn't exceed 40-50%. Learn the basics here, and determine if you have a household moisture problem.and if using a dehumidifier is right for you. 

If you notice creaking floors, condensation developing on windows, or exacerbated allergy symptoms then your home's humidity levels may be too high. Those living in hot, humid climates may also find that their homes provide the optimal environment for pests such as termites. The chart below illustrates how humidity levels can affect your health and home:High Humidity (Use Dehumidifier) Low Humidity (Use Humidifier) Stains on Ceilings and Walls Scratchy Nose and Throat Condensation on Windows and Mirrors Damage to Electronic Equipment Damage to Home and Furnishings Damage to Home and Furnishings Continued Respiratory Discomfort  Humidity is often associated with that muggy feeling you experience on a warm summer day. There are two forms of humidity: absolute humidity and relative humidity. Absolute humidity refers to the mass of water vapor divided by the mass of dry air in a volume of air at a given temperature. As such, the hotter the air, the more water it contains.On the other hand, relative humidity refers to the ratio of the current absolute humidity to the highest possible absolute humidity.

If an environment has 100% relative humidity, this means the air is saturated with water vapor and can hold no more moisture. This creates the possibility of rain.Overall, humans are quite sensitive to humidity because the skin relies on air to get rid of moisture. Sweating is your body's way of keeping cool and maintaining its current temperature. This is why you feel hot and sweaty when humidity levels are high.When there is low relative humidity, you feel much cooler than the actual temperature because sweat is quickly evaporating and cooling us off. In other words, if the temperature is 75° F with zero relative humidity, it will feel like it's 69° F. If  relative humidity is 100%, it will feel like it's 80° F. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, it is recommended that relative humidity be kept between 30% to 50% in the summer and 30% to 40% in the winter.In order to measure humidity levels, you can purchase a small, inexpensive hygrometer.

This device will confirm whether there is too little or too much humidity. Once you are aware of the humidity levels in your home, you can then decide if you need to take action.To get an idea of the human perception of humidity, look to the chart below:Relative Humidity at 90° F Very Humid and Uncomfortable Somewhat Uncomfortable for Most People Acceptable for Most; Some May Perceive it as the Upper Limit May Feel Slightly Dry to Some People Again, if your air is too dry, you can regulate moisture levels with a humidifier. However, if your air is too moist, a moisture removal system can help maintain the indoor relative humidity at the desired level, control musty odors, and protect furniture from water damage.Dehumidifiers are household appliances that help reduce the humidity levels in the air. There are primarily two types of humidifiers: desiccant and mechanical.DesiccantDesiccant Models are named for their use of a desiccative or drying substance to remove moisture from the air.

The dehumidifying process involves exposing the desiccant matter to an air stream with high relative humidity. These units do not use compressors and are best placed in areas with low temperatures and lower humidity levels. They are inexpensive and quite effective when controlling light humidity problems.  MechanicalMechanical Models are much more common. These units are like air conditioners, containing both hot and cold coils in the same box. As the fan draws indoor air over the cold coil, the moisture is collected into a bucket. Dry air then passes through the hot coil to warm it back to its original temperature. As a result, mechanical units raise the air temperature slightly, as opposed to air conditioners, which cool the air as it dehumidifies it.  This model is ideal for moderate to high humidity levels.There are several factors to consider when shopping for a moisture removal system. Consider the size of the unit, dehumidification capacity, and safety features.

Below is a list of some of the most common things to look for when choosing a moisture removal system and what it means to you.Size: The size of a dehumidifying unit is generally based on the amount of moisture extracted from the air in 24 hours,. This is usually measured in pints. Purchase a larger capacity model over a smaller one because larger units can dehumidify more area in a shorter amount of time. A model with a smaller capacity may run continuously and still not lower the humidity to proper levels. The AHAM, or Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, recommends the following size guidelines:AHAM Dehumidifier Sizing Guidelines - Match Room Size to Current Humidity Conditions to Find Minimum Size Ratings Condition Without Dehumidification Moderately Damp with Musty Odors in Humid WeatherVery Damp with Odors and Damp Spots on Walls and FloorsVery Wet with Sweating Walls and/or Seepage Extremely Wet with Wet Floors and High-Load Conditions Portability: If you're looking to move your unit from room to room, look for one that is compact, lightweight, and includes a carrying handle or rolling casters.

Built-In Humidistat: If you'd like to be able to adjust humidity levels, find an option with a humidistat. This feature will automatically turn the unit on/off depending on the humidity setting.Automatic Shut-Off: This function will allow you to turn the unit on or off without having to unplug it. It also prevents overfilling when the storage tank is full.Low Temperature Operation / Automatic Defrost:  If you're using it in temperatures colder than 65° F, look for a unit that has an anti-frost sensor. You want ot make sure it will operate in cold temperatures. This prevents quick cycling and frost from accumulating on the sensor.Storage Tank Capacity: Almost all types have storage tanks for the collected water. If you're not planning to purchase a model with a continuous drainage port, you'll have to empty the tank periodically. Continuous Drainage:  Models with a continuous drainage port eliminate the hassle of emptying a condensation tank. Simply attach a hose to the dehumidifier and the moisture will drain out through the hose.