When it comes to powering your home, solar is a great way to go! 

Patrick and I used to work a company that has now added solar to their selection of services, and  the results we've seen and the success their having is a testament to the power of renewable energy. And the amount of homeowners opting to use solar panels here in Cache Valley has been astounding! Both Patrick and I agree that we've seen as many if not more solar panels on homes here than we have in beautiful, sunny St. George.

Now once they're installed, you may be thinking that it's set and forget, but there are a few things that should be done every so often. Specifically, they should be cleaned once every blue moon specifically at least once every 2 years. ​According to Australian company "Energy Matters" solar panel efficiency can actually drop by 20% the first year they're not cleaned, and drop even further, down 35%, if they're not cleaned every 2 years. That's a pretty significant drop, especially when you're trying to use solar to lower your energy bill.

You know what's one of the most neglected parts of almost every home we service in Northern Utah? The gutters. And honestly, who's to blame? Because cleaning gutters is literally the last thing on anyone's mind until they're overflowing (and even then, does it really matter). 

Well, here's the truth. I remember meeting up with a water damage restoration contractor and talking a little business. I mentioned to him that we clean gutters on a regular basis for customers and what he said next surprised me.

You know what's annoying. Broken seals on double or triple paned windows. They cause a build up of moisture in between the glass, that neither you nor I can get to. And the problem is that when moisture or humidity builds up inside the glass, it becomes foggy and prevents you from getting those clear views that we often enjoy from clean windows. 

Most modern windows are created out of two pieces of glass with dead space in the middle that insulates your home. The glass's edge is sealed with caulking that keep out any moisture, and often times the interior of the pane is filled with an inert gas that acts as "insulation". When this rubber breaks, you oftentimes end up with dirty windows AND the gas inside escapes, meaning your windows won't keep your home as warm or cold as they should.