Get matched with top energy efficiency auditors in Mapleton, MN

While parts of the appraisal are out of your control, there are some things you can do to potentially raise the home’s value. You can make necessary repairs and upgrades before the appraiser visits—an appraiser can only value what is currently part of the home, not its potential. You can also provide the appraiser with the cost of recent upgrades. The appraiser will likely increase the value of your home by about 50% or more of what you paid for those improvements.

Dehumidifiers typically use 300 to 700 watts of electricity per hour, whereas portable dehumidifiers use about 40 watts per hour. The exact amount of electricity your dehumidifier will generate depends on its capacity and energy efficiency. Generally, higher-capacity dehumidifiers generate more electricity than lower-capacity units, but they also usually have better energy efficiency over the long run.

Generator size requirements vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:

• 1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW

• 1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW

• 2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW

• 2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW

• 3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+

Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.

Solar water heating systems are not one-size-fits-all. You'll likely work with a team of experts to get the job done—including solar panel installers, plumbers, and water heater installers. A specialist will help you decide if a passive or active system is best for your local weather, home layout, roof stability, and your budget.