Energy Efficient Folsom Heating

In the northeastern corner of Sacramento County, California, you will find a charming little city called Folsom, which is bordered on the north by Folsom Lake. Although Folsom has been around since the Gold Rush days, it was not until big corporations like Intel and Aerojet arrived on the scene that the real housing explosion came to Folsom.

A good number of these houses are in need of changing their heating systems. If a furnace is older than ten years, it lacks the efficiency of the more modern heating systems. Residents of Folsom are lucky to have three benefits when it comes to heating their homes: access to natural gas is available to most homes, lots of sunny days for utilization of solar energy, and connection to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, which has more competitive electric rates than other companies. But it is expected that due to the passage of the “Carbon cap and trade” legislation all energy rates will rise sharply.

Although many people use a wood burning stove to supplement their heater, this is no longer as practical as it was at one time. Folsom is within Sacramento County, which has strict air quality controls and wood burning is banned on some days, even though Folsom itself still has lots of open land and is fairly countrified. You cannot even light a fire unless you check with the Air Quality Management District to see if that particular day is designated as a “spare the air” day. Violators are subject to a fine unless they are exempt due to wood burning being the only method of providing heat in the home. Only a small percentage of the homes in Folsom will be eligible for this exclusion.

When autumn arrives, homeowners should prepare for winter by having their current heating system inspected and tuned up. This will ensure that the unit is working correctly and to its utmost efficiency. At this point, it is wise to consider replacing older units rather than having them repaired. Newer heating units are quite high tech, and for homeowners who plan on remaining in the home for several years, replacement can be quite cost effective. Through 2010, federal tax credits up to $1500 are available for 30% of the cost of a high efficiency replacement unit. Rebates from the state of the local utility company may also be available, in some cases. This can make it less expensive to purchase a premium unit than an average quality one.

Solar power provides the true savings. Unbelievable improvements have occurred in the area of solar technology. A photovoltaic system will provide power to handle all electrical needs, not just to heat water as was the case with early solar systems. To provide a balance for those times when more electricity is required or an excess is produced, the system is connected to the power grid. Qualifying units are eligible for federal tax credits of 30% of cost with no cap.

Even if the first visit is just to provide maintenance on an existing system, homeowners should choose a reputable Folsom heating company that has experience in all aspects of home heating options. The homeowner would receive advice from a professional and knowledgeable representative regarding their particular needs and the options that would suit the home's unique situation. An outstanding company will also provide assistance to the homeowner as to whether they qualify for any available tax credits and rebates.

So if your existing heating system needs repair or is an older model and you plan to replace it, this is a summary of current heating choices available in Folsom and an explanation as to why the available tax credits make it wise and economical to upgrade.