#HomePerformance

[solarpana]

How to Maintain Solar Panels for Optimal Home Performance

Investing in solar panels is a great way to save on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, but to ensure your system continues performing at its best, regular maintenance is essential. Keeping your solar panels in top condition will maximize energy production and extend the lifespan of your system. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to maintain solar panels for optimal home performance:

1. Keep Your Panels Clean

One of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain solar panels is by keeping them clean. Dirt, dust, leaves, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of the panels, blocking sunlight and reducing energy production.

How to Clean: Gently rinse your panels with water, or use a soft brush to remove debris. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the surface. You can clean your panels once or twice a year, or more often if you live in an area with heavy dust or pollen.

Safety First: If your panels are on a roof, it’s essential to prioritize safety. If you're unsure, hire a professional to clean your panels safely.

2. Monitor System Performance

Regularly monitoring your solar system is key to catching any issues early. Many solar providers offer monitoring systems that allow you to check your panels’ energy production remotely.

What to Watch For: Pay attention to any significant drops in energy production or irregularities. If your system is producing less energy than expected, it could indicate a problem with the panels, inverter, or wiring.

3. Inspect for Damage or Wear

Inspect your solar panels periodically to check for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or loose connections. You should also check the wiring and other components of the system to make sure everything is intact.

What to Look For: Look for debris buildup, broken panels, or any objects that could be obstructing the panels' surface. Also, examine the inverter and other electrical components for any visible signs of wear or overheating.

4. Trim Overhanging Branches

If you have trees near your solar panels, make sure to trim any branches that could block sunlight or cause physical damage to the panels. Overhanging branches can lead to shading, reducing the system’s efficiency.

Best Time to Trim: It’s a good idea to trim branches at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, to ensure your panels have maximum sunlight exposure.

5. Check for Birds or Nesting

Birds or other animals may sometimes nest under the panels, which can block airflow and lead to damage. To prevent this, consider installing bird-proofing devices or wire mesh around the edges of the panels to prevent access.

6. Ensure Proper Inverter Functionality

Your solar system’s inverter is responsible for converting the DC electricity produced by your panels into AC electricity used in your home. If the inverter is malfunctioning, it can affect the overall performance of your solar system.

How to Monitor: Check the inverter’s display or app regularly to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Most modern inverters will provide diagnostic information that can help you spot any issues early.

7. Schedule Professional Maintenance

While you can do a lot of the maintenance yourself, it’s also a good idea to have your solar system professionally inspected once a year. A professional solar technician can check the system for issues you might not notice, such as electrical problems or efficiency drops, and ensure the panels are performing at their best.

8. Stay on Top of Warranty and Service Plans

Many solar systems come with warranties for both the equipment and installation. Make sure you’re familiar with the terms and conditions of these warranties and that you’re following any necessary maintenance procedures required to keep them valid.

What’s Covered: Warranties often cover issues like faulty panels or inverters. If you experience any technical problems, make sure to reach out to the provider as soon as possible to avoid voiding the warranty.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance of your solar panels ensures they continue performing at their best, providing clean, renewable energy for your home while saving you money. Regular cleaning, monitoring, and professional inspections will keep your system running smoothly and maximize the return on your investment for years to come.

[nathfiset]

When is the best time to do a pregnancy test

I am ready to enroll in cord blood banking NOW and get my special discount!

By clicking on either buttons, you are agreeing to our TOS and disclaimers and will be redirected to an affiliate cord blood banking provider. We might get financial compensation if you sign up with them through our affiliate links. Unlock your special discounts by adding your promo code.CORD300 in the coupon field to get $300 OFF cord blood and tissue banking. OR cord200 to get $200 OFF if you are getting cord blood banking only. I want more information on cord blood banking

Most women have found themselves eagerly staring at a pregnancy test, wondering if now is the right moment to take it. The timing of a pregnancy test can significantly impact its accuracy and reliability. Knowing when to take a pregnancy test can save you from unnecessary stress and confusion. So, when is the best time to do a pregnancy test? Let's explore into the details to help you make the most informed decision.

The Biology Behind Pregnancy Detection

How HCG Levels Affect Test ResultsFor many women, the excitement of taking a pregnancy test can be overwhelming. The key factor in detecting pregnancy is the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which is produced by the developing placenta after the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. HCG levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy, doubling every few days, and this hormone is what most pregnancy tests are designed to detect.The Role of Ovulation in TimingAn important factor to consider when deciding when to take a pregnancy test is the timing of ovulation. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary, typically occurring around midway through the menstrual cycle. In a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation usually happens around day 14. If the egg is fertilized by sperm, it travels to the uterus and implants in the uterine lining, triggering the production of HCG.Role: Understanding the role of ovulation in the timing of pregnancy tests can help women determine the best time to test for accurate results. Testing too early, before implantation occurs and HCG levels rise, may result in a false negative. Waiting to test until after a missed period or using early detection tests can increase the likelihood of obtaining accurate results.

Types of Pregnancy Tests

It's important to understand the different types of pregnancy tests available when you're trying to determine if you're pregnant. There are two main types of pregnancy tests: Home Pregnancy Tests (HPTs) and Clinical Pregnancy Tests.Home Pregnancy Tests (HPTs)Clinical Pregnancy TestsConvenient and easy to use at homePerformed at a doctor's office or clinicDetects the presence of hCG hormone in urineCan also detect hCG hormone in urine or bloodResults are usually available within minutesResults may take longer to processMost HPTs are over 99% accurate when used correctlyClinical tests are highly accurateHome Pregnancy Tests (HPTs)For many women, Home Pregnancy Tests (HPTs) are the first choice for determining if they are pregnant. These tests are convenient, easy to use at home, and provide results within minutes. Most HPTs are over 99% accurate when used correctly. It's important to carefully follow the instructions provided with the test to ensure an accurate result.Clinical Pregnancy TestsWith Clinical Pregnancy Tests, you can get tested at a doctor's office or clinic. These tests can detect the hCG hormone in either urine or blood samples, offering high accuracy in confirming pregnancy. While the results may take longer to process compared to home tests, they are a reliable option for confirming pregnancy. Any concerns or questions about the results can be discussed with your healthcare provider during the visit.

Ideal Timing for Taking a Pregnancy Test

Best Time of Day for TestingWith modern pregnancy tests being highly sensitive, you can take a test at any time of the day. However, many women prefer taking the test in the morning when the urine is more concentrated, increasing the chances of accurate results.Signs and Symptoms to Look ForIdeal timing for taking a pregnancy test is usually after you miss your period. However, if you can't wait that long, some tests can detect pregnancy hormone levels as early as one week after conception.TestingWhen you're trying to conceive, it's easy to get caught up in every twinge or change in your body. Remember that symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness can also be attributed to other factors like stress or illness. It's best to rely on a pregnancy test for confirmation.

Factors That Influence Test Accuracy

Unlike what many people think, the accuracy of a pregnancy test can be influenced by various factors. It's important to consider these factors before taking the test to ensure reliable results.The Impact of Irregular Cycles- Factors such as irregular menstrual cycles can affect the accuracy of a pregnancy test. This is because the timing of ovulation and when implantation occurs can vary, making it challenging to pinpoint the best time to take the test. - An important factor that can influence the accuracy of a pregnancy test is the potential for false results. False negatives can occur if the test is taken too early, while false positives can be caused by certain medications or medical conditions.A false result can be frustrating and confusing for individuals trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. It's important to carefully follow the instructions provided with the test and consult a healthcare provider if there are any uncertainties.

To wrap up

So, deciding when to do a pregnancy test depends on various factors such as the type of test, your menstrual cycle, and when you may have conceived. For the most accurate results, it's best to wait until after you have missed your period before taking a test. Remember to follow the instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Ultimately, trust your intuition and take the test when you feel ready to know the result. Good luck!

FAQ

Q: When is the best time to do a pregnancy test?A: The best time to do a pregnancy test is after you have missed your period. This is when the test is most accurate and will give you reliable results.Q: Can I take a pregnancy test at any time of the day?A: Yes, you can take a pregnancy test at any time of the day. However, for best results, it is recommended to take the test in the morning when your urine is most concentrated.Q: How soon can I take a pregnancy test after a missed period?A: You can take a pregnancy test as early as the first day of your missed period. Some tests are sensitive enough to detect pregnancy hormones at this early stage, while others may require a few more days to provide accurate results. Read the full article

[youngmoneyboywolf]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lance Raymundo II (@lanceraymundo)

Excerpts from my LIVE #HomePerformance of my Single #ChottoMatteKudasai on Today’s episode of Letters & Music @net25tv #SoundTripAndChill 🎵🎧 Stream the entire song on Spotify & YouTube only from @madhousemusicproductions (at Manila, Philippines) https://www.instagram.com/p/CURgpCzFj_y/?utm_medium=tumblr

[rottenmaneditions]

Waiting for Lee Yi's performance at 

Ruido Vírico Fest (6.pm) (CTE)

Wanna join us..?

https://www.twitch.tv/audiotalaia .

[toshi---toshihikonakazawa]

 Dear friends   I started Youtube!!!!   Suddenly I got vacation 😉　 from this week until… I don’t know👓   So I started Youtube Channel⭐  This vacation let me stay in my home, so I can’t go outside🏠  And if I can reach 1000 subscribe on Youtube, I can start Live Stream!!!  So please check my Channel and please Subscribe🙏   Your 10 seconds and 2 clicks help my life (It’s serious🆘)  You can find the link from my profile🙌 Thank you so much and I never stop Entertain💯   We can change all of Pasts and all of Futures If we can change right now👍 Life is contradiction anyhow, live life fully🌆           #YouTube #youtuber #youtuberlife #youtubers #youtubecreatoor #vlog #youtubelife #youtubecontent #toshihikonakazawa #TOSHI  #youtubercreator #youtubecommunity #newyoutuber #youtubevideo #streetperformer #streetperformance #nostreetperformer #homeperformance  #street #nstadance #subscribe #performers  #japaneseperformer #onlineperformance #remoteperfomrnce #remotework Photo by @triangle_ny https://www.instagram.com/p/B97j8_EgYpq/?igshid=1ji4rbipibvm5

[jr3hp-blog]

“Attending” an #indoorairquality conference with #homeperformance presenting right now. Pretty nifty way to get better educated and ultimately improve all of my clients lives. People obsess over the health effects of vaccines and food quality but nearly completely ignore air quality. Yet we take in more air by mass/weight into out bodies than food or water. We also spend 90% of our lives not being outside. That means 90% of the time we are subjected to air with on average 5x the contamination levels as compared to outside... (at Amsterdam, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4SMehbA2G0/?igshid=8h5nfrcxkyx3

[mrthbordin]

🔊 A lil piece of “Out of Love”, (originally by Air Supply) in my own version... . 🎶 . #mrthbordin #mah #bordin #mb #mrthbordinathome #homeperformance #quarentinetimes #quarentinemusic #goodnight #goodmorning #haveaniceweek https://www.instagram.com/p/CACf3YggAEqe54dokZo7Ul1Fzk5zFT_-Wa_SvQ0/?igshid=hv9rlotiguhn

[mozaicsoul]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ᗰOᘔᗩIᑕ (@mozaic_soul)

1 WEEK LEFT fam bam!!!!! Link in BIO!!! Rewards with EVERY pledge including my NEW cover project “Cover me Blue” 💙 . Help me reach my goal for my SUMMER TOUR!!! We got this!! #anightoutonthetownwithME #tshirts #stickers #homeperformance #limitededitionvinyl #cds #kickstarter

[tinyhouseexpedition]

The ultimate #tinyhouse utility closet! Watch the tour—link in bio. The Lunsfords use their Tiny Lab home to teach homeowners about home performance testing and building science. And they now have TV show, Home Diagnosis—available on public TV stations nationwide. 🛠🏡🔬@homeperformance (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwQcrsKHtmG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wbrrunxy63sp

[mazenkhaddajart]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MAZEN KHADDAJ (@mazenkhaddajart)

I am so proud to be part of this movement! Thank you @performistanbul for the opportunity ❤️ Stay LIVE At Home Ev Performansı no.40 Mazen khaddaj Stay LIVE at Home Home Performance no.40 Mazen Khaddaj The Voice Inside My Head WHAT: "I have known 'Myself' for 35 years now. We have gone a long way to understanding each other. Our discussions are often intense and discouraging, but at times they are sweet and soothing. "Myself" guides and supports me; he always says the things I want to hear. Sometimes he is funny and does pranks on me. I can say I have a love and hate relation with myself. WHEN: 19.05.2020 - 5:00 - 5:30 pm GMT+2 (For Turkey) 4:00 - 4:30 pm GMT+1 (For Berlin) WHERE: Instagram - @mazenkhaddajart Mazen Khaddaj #neededyou #collectiveexperience #homeperformances #homeisus #staylive #stayhome Performistanbul Sanat İnisiyatifleri Sürdürülebilirlik Fonu 2019 – 2020 kapsamında SAHA tarafından desteklenmektedir. - Performistanbul is supported by SAHA as part of Art Initiatives Sustainability Fund 2019 – 2020. https://www.instagram.com/p/CAV9CUYKo_g/?igshid=1ielq7dj9aayd

[youngmoneyboywolf]

Will be part of The Madhouse #HomePerformance Series #54 @ 8PM Tonight! 🎧 To watch, visit the @madhousemusicproductions FB Page! (at Manila, Philippines) https://www.instagram.com/p/CN_T5fQFGTl/?igshid=l36bwenyccsf

[sealedhomes]

Thoughts from #ACI2013

I just finished my first Affordable Comfort Institute (ACI) conference, and my head is spinning (and not just because of the parties). 

Despite the weird name, ACI is the largest home performance conference, and attracts a healthy mix of contractors, program folks and vendors (audit software, new insulation technologies, etc.). As a reminder, "home performance" is the term generally associated with efficiency improvements that create an energy reduction of 20%+.

It was a great experience, and I learned a ton about the challenges and opportunities of home performance across the country. Below are a few of the takeaways.

Many contractors don't sell with energy savings

One of the things that struck me the most was how many contractors are selling home performance without talking about savings. This is mostly due to necessity for those in areas with low energy prices. Instead, they are selling on comfort, health and safety, with any projected energy savings being a nice by-product, but not a buying justification.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, I'm very impressed by their ability to sell without savings. On the other hand, it does seem to limit the market penetration significantly. Most contractors I talked to said they love to sell on energy savings when they can, and would like to offer a guarantee as well (hear hear!).

But it did remind me that energy efficiency is doing much more than lowering energy bills. It is solving real people's problems and therefore there is no way you can ONLY sell the energy savings (if you do you're selling yourself short). 

There is a lot of diversity in business and program models

Another big thing that stuck out was how much diversity there is in business and program models across the country. Some contractors rely heavily on financing while others have their customers pay everything in cash. Some areas have heavy market involvement by the "program" people (state / non-profit / utility folks), while others rely much more on the contractors. Some contractors only do home performance, while others have it as a side business. Some programs try to create proactive engagement, while others are focused on leveraging reactive engagement (e.g. furnace breaks). 

While a lot of this diversity is appropriate to different market circumstances, my own take is that models that empowered the contractors worked a lot better than others. The contractors are the ones on the ground developing the relationship with the homeowners, and it always seems awkward when there is another party involved. The other side of this is a fear that unscrupulous contractors will take advantage of programs without producing results. 

To overcome these challenges, there needs to be more dialogue with the contractors to create systems that engender flexibility with accountability. More on this in another blog post. 

#OpenEnergyData is starting to come, but not fast enough

The last big thing that made an impression on me was the emergence of robust data sets that are finally quantifying the savings, realization rates (actual savings divided by projected savings) and variability. 

The DOE is taking an important leadership role on aggregating this data through the Building Performance Database (BPD) and the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) with the Building America Field Data Repository (BAFDR). There are also a number of programs that are investing in gathering and analyzing their own data. These are all amazing efforts, and Sealed is obviously going to leverage them all if we can.

The disappointing observation, however, was that there did not seem to be the appropriate sense of urgency in allowing access to these data sets. The BPD in particular has a policy of only allowing derivative analysis, not being able to analyze the raw (anonymized) data. You can see Sealed's comments to the BPD here. The bottom line is they should be asking their data partners to allow the raw data to be shared. 

The BAFDR (which will theoretically feed into BPD) looks to also have a ton of promise. NREL has gathered a good amount of data around home performance results, and are starting to use it to test the accuracy of various software tools (so far looks like Michael Blasnik's "SIMPLE" model works best). But I was told that it might be "several years" until this data can be analyzed by anyone other than the government, a proposition that seems patently ridiculous given the value it can serve in the private market.

Various programs (weatherization, ARRA, etc.) are also starting to collect post-retrofit data, analyzing the overall realization rates and variance, and sharing them with the wider community. I'm going to talk about the takeaways from the data in another blog post, but it is very encouraging to see grassroots efforts to collect and share this data. 

In concert with more data is a new standardized data protocol (HPXML) that will hopefully be deployed soon in New York, Virginia and Arizona. 

Big thanks to the community

The last observation from ACI is just how great of a community it is. The people working in home performance are truly passionate about what they are doing, and it shows. These are men and women who have literally sacrificed everything to work in an industry that is rarely profitable (today), extremely frustrating and technically challenging. 

I felt welcomed by a family this week, one that I couldn't be more excited to become more a part of. Special thanks to Dan Kartzman and the Powersmith crew for letting me tag along to various events (and delicious dinners), and introducing me to various HP folks. Another big shoutout to Aaron Goldfeder and the Energy Savvy team for throwing some awesome parties, and bringing some needed common sense (and data frameworks) to the industry. And thanks to Will Schweiger of Bablyon for data and smokeless cigarette education; Damian Hodgkinson, a Rochester-based contractor (and newly elected Efficiency First board member) who gave me some invaluable feedback on selling HP in the field; and Peter Troast, HP marketer extraordinaire, who imparted wisdom as always and also uncovered by #nerdcrush on his old Friends of the Earth co-worker Amory Lovins. Thanks also to Nate Adams, Coby Rudolph, Brian Kurtz and many others who made this week awesome. 

[youngmoneyboywolf]

My single “How Bout U?” will be featured tonight 8pm at @madhousemusicproductions #HomePerformance Series #53 and Tomorrow (Saturday 8PM) as part of the line up for my special 3-Song Performance at #MUSIC @brandsasia_channel ! Credits : “How Bout U?” ( Words & Music : @finadeni143 / @lanceraymundo ) (at Viva Artists Agency) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNtWmUSlizz/?igshid=17t2xxtderoh4

[jr3hp-blog]

Job complete. We took this old upstate NY home and gave it $12k of home performance upgrades. Now featuring an extra 1,700 lbs of insulation in the walls and attics, a tuned up oil heating system, an indoor air quality improvement from reduced basement humidity, and a couple other minor improvements. Expected energy savings over $1,500/year mean a quick payback along with the vast performance increase to the indoor environment. #homeperformance #upstatenewyork #empowerny #insulation #insulationcontractors (at Amsterdam, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzOj8p-gn3j/?igshid=1w9j78nqtdp1t

[jr3hp-blog]

Here’s some shots I took of an oil boiler that we serviced. It hadn’t been serviced in about 8 years. Look how dirty the filters and nozzle are. We go above in beyond in our heating system service work. In this case we removed about 15lbs of scale and debris along with fixing broken parts and replacing wear items. The steady state effiency increased by 4%. We also installed a vent damper (not shown) that will reduce cycling losses to the tune of 8% or better seasonal effiency gain. All in for a few hundred dollars this client now has a more reliable and tuned heating system that will also reduce their fuel bills. I don’t like heating with fossil fuels but we at least make it as efficient and reliable as possible. #oilheat #homeperformance #empowerny #fieldcontrols #cleanandtune (at Middleburgh, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzOeNRxAV9e/?igshid=1oefwarj8o9r3

[jr3hp-blog]

800 lbs of blown cellulose insulation transported from the truck to this attic. All that remains is a bag of plastic bags ready for the recycling collection. #empowerny #homeperformance (at Middleburgh, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByoHNVRgcmq/?igshid=1mk6cv0rbm728