Keeping Current Matters | Mar 7, 2025
Some Highlights
- Over the past 5 years, home prices have risen dramatically. If you own a home, that means your house may be worth a lot more than you think.
- Nationally, prices are up nearly 60% since 2019. And, if selling has been on your mind, you can use that bigger-than-expected return to power your next move.
- If you want to know how much your home is worth in today’s market, reach out to CA Real Estate Group. The number may surprise you.
Let’s connect and plan your next steps. Find out if we’re the right real estate team for you!
CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group
Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Realtor DRE# 01412944 | (714) 476-4637
Anaid Bautista @wealthwithanaid
Realtor DRE# 02179675 | (949) 391-8266
Letty Luna @lettylunarealestate
Realtor DRE# 02174000 | (562) 879-4181
PT Nguyen @sellsocalbuypt
Realtor DRE# 02223919 | (714) 756-0240
EnergySage | Updated Sep 5, 2024
One of the biggest benefits of going solar is that it’s pretty much a “set it and forget it” way to power your home with renewable energy. But for solar homeowners, depending on where you live, you’ll still need to clean your solar panels once or twice a year to ensure you’re getting the maximum energy benefit from your solar investment. Cleaning your solar panels is a relatively simple process though, and you can easily do it yourself or hire a professional service to take care of it for you.
Cleaning your solar energy system helps maximize your panels’ efficiency by allowing them to absorb the most sunlight possible. When dust or other particles cover your panels, it means they won’t be able to produce as much power — and ultimately that means you’ll lose some of the financial benefits of going solar. That’s why it’s important to keep up your solar panel maintenance, and clean them about every six months if you live in a dry or dusty environment.
In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions that solar panel system owners have about solar panel maintenance and how to clean them safely.
Key takeaways
- Solar panels usually only need to be cleaned once or twice a year, or even less if it rains a lot where you live.
- Cleaning your solar energy system helps maximize your panel efficiency by allowing it to absorb the most sunlight possible.
- You can clean your solar panels yourself, or hire a professional cleaning service to do it for you.
- Solar panels don’t require any special cleaning equipment and can be cleaned with basic tools you probably already have at home like a garden hose, rag, and dish soap.
Your solar panels need to be exposed to sunlight to produce power. If they get dirty or build up layers of grime and dust over time, those pollutants and particles will prevent your panels from absorbing as much sunlight as possible, which is known as soiling. In certain areas of the U.S., the energy lost from soiling each year is as high as 7%, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
But there’s good news, too. Solar panel cleaning is often unnecessary unless you live somewhere with high amounts of smog, dust, dirt, grime, or sand blowing around. In most areas of the country, occasional rain is typically enough to naturally and safely keep your solar panels clean and free of debris that could lower their energy production.
But a good clean every once in a while can always help maximize your panel’s photovoltaic (PV) production no matter where you live. So if you need or want to clean your solar panels, here are the smartest and most efficient ways to get your panels washed off and producing the maximum amount of energy possible.
Just like washing your car, you can DIY solar panel upkeep, but there are also professional solar panel cleaners to make it easier. For a small fee, your original solar installer may even do it for you. If you have a rooftop system, enlisting a cleaning service might be a good idea, if only for safety precautions, as professionals will have more experience using high ladders to reach your roof, for example.
A professional solar panel cleaning company may not necessarily do a significantly better job than you can, but they’re likely better equipped to clean and maintain rooftop units safely and already have all of the necessary equipment. Plus, professional solar panel cleaning will usually only cost you around $150-$300, or $15-$30 per panel.
Professional cleaning may not be worth the cost for ground mount units, because you can safely and effectively clean your panels with a water hose, some dish soap, and a soft rag without having to climb onto your roof.
Types of professional cleaning
Various types of professional cleaning companies can help you. For example, robotics companies use semi-autonomous machines to clean without as much direct personal work involved. Some maintenance companies also use soapless brushes and sponges to clean panels to avoid potentially harmful residues. Other high-tech cleaning processes are currently being developed, including waterless vibration and nanoparticle coatings.
Does your solar lease cover panel maintenance?
Solar lease agreements will often include a maintenance clause, but keep in mind that it can sometimes be hard to wrangle the company to come perform any maintenance once they’ve installed your system.
If you own your solar panels, some companies will perform regular maintenance on their panels, including washing services, while others will repair damages the customer reports. You’ll need to read the print of your agreement to figure out whether cleaning services are included. It’s important to remember that solar panels generally require little maintenance, and spraying them down with a hose occasionally can usually take care of most of the dust and debris.
Here’s our EnergySage step-by-step guide on the best ways to clean your solar panels:
- Shut off your solar panel system – this ensures your safety and that your equipment won’t get damaged.
- Use a soft brush to clean the surface of your dirty solar panels to remove debris like dirt and dust. Never use a rough or coarse brush as it could damage your panels.
- When cleaning your panels with water, use a standard garden hose and soapy water. You don’t need to purchase any particular cleaning solution to clean your panels; regular dish soap will work perfectly. Avoid any strong cleaning agents like bleach that could damage your panels. You should also avoid using any type of high-pressure hose that you might use for things like power washing your house, as they can create cracks or otherwise damage your system.
- Use lukewarm water when cleaning your panels as very hot or cold water could also damage your panels.
- After you’ve finished the cleaning process, check your panels’ energy output so you can see how much more efficient they are after cleaning.
What should you use to clean your solar panels?
When cleaning your solar panels, the most important consideration to remember is that scratching or damaging the glass in any way will reduce a panel’s energy production – much more than any removable soot or dust build up will. The smartest way to clean your solar panels is to approach the process the same way you would clean your car. Dish soap and clean water applied with a soft sponge or cloth is the safest and easiest cleaning method. It may also be helpful to use a squeegee to remove dirty water. Remember: Avoid damaging or scratching the glass at all costs.
On rare occasions, oily stains can appear on your panels. You might find these if you live near a common truck route or an airport, and they can be tackled with a bit of isopropyl alcohol and a rag. You may be tempted to use strong cleaning detergents like bleach as a fix, but they can leave streaks, damage the glass, and impact the efficiency of the panel, so avoid using them.
How often should you clean your solar panels?
You should clean your solar panels about every six months. Of course, the frequency of solar panel cleaning depends primarily on where you live. For example, if you live somewhere where it rains a lot, you may need to clean your panels less often than if you live somewhere dry and dusty where debris builds up more quickly.
- In desert climates, including the U.S. Southwest, more regular cleaning is needed due to the large amount of dust and sand that can affect a solar energy system’s output.
- Areas near highways, factories, and airports tend to be more polluted, so solar panels should be cleaned more frequently to avoid residue buildup from pollutants that could result from heavy traffic and machinery nearby.
- Solar panels should be frequently cleaned in heavily wooded areas to prevent obstructions like overgrown vegetation and bird droppings.
Should you remove snow from your solar panels?
In the winter, snow on solar panels generally doesn’t need to be removed – it will typically slide off on its own. Most panel installations are tilted at an angle, and snow will naturally slide off as it melts. If snow persists on your panels, you can invest in tools like a solar panel snow rake, which makes it easy for homeowners to remove snow covering on solar panels safely.
But it’s important to keep in mind that you shouldn’t use a standard broom, shovel, or any other non-specialized tool to remove snow from panels; they can scratch the panel glass which will lower your solar power production.
Keeping Current Matters | Mar 4, 2025
For the past few years, it’s been mostly a seller’s market. But dynamics are shifting as the number of homes for sale grows. And that means that the market is balancing out a bit. As a result, some sellers are finding they need to be more flexible to close a deal. One strategy that can help? Offering concessions.
As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:
“As home inventory begins to grow and buyers regain some advantage in the market, sellers may consider offering more in negotiations to make the deal more attractive and get to the closing table.”
What Are Seller Concessions?
Concessions are homebuying costs that a seller agrees to cover as a way to get their house sold. And based on data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nearly 1 out of every 4 sellers (24%) offered a concession in 2024. Here are a few of the most common types of concessions:
- Covering Closing Costs: The seller pays for part (or all) of the buyer’s closing costs, like appraisal fees, title insurance, or loan fees.
- Price Adjustments: Instead of making repairs, a seller might lower the purchase price to make up for updates the buyer will need to tackle.
- Adding a Home Warranty: A seller may throw in a home warranty, giving the buyer peace of mind key repairs will be covered in the first year.
And don’t worry. This doesn’t mean you have to come up with more cash to make it happen. These are things that get subtracted from your profits at closing – not more funds you have to bring to the table. And not all concessions are about money.
There are other extras you could throw in. Like, if your buyer is coming from an apartment and has never had a yard before, they may ask if you’d be willing to leave your lawn mower behind. That’s another lever you could pull to keep them happy.
How Concessions Help Sellers
Offering concessions can be a smart strategy for sellers to get a deal done.As Dennis Shirshikov, Professor of Finance and Economics, City University of New York/Queens College told The Mortgage Reports:
“Pricing homes realistically and being willing to offer concessions, such as covering a portion of closing costs or including upgrades, will be key to closing deals . . . in a less frenzied market.”
For example, let’s say you accepted an offer from a buyer, but after their inspection, you found out there are some repairs they want you to tackle before you hand over the keys.
Rather than starting at square one and searching for a new buyer, you could offer a concession. One option is you can take on the repairs and cover the costs yourself. But, if you really don’t want the hassle of dealing with contractors, you could reduce your price by however much repairs would cost. Alternatively, you could offer to pay a portion of your buyer’s closing expenses with the idea they’d use the money they saved at closing toward doing the repairs themselves.
Either way, a concession can be a great way to meet in the middle. However, it’s important to have an agent on your side to help with these negotiations.
A good real estate agent can help you decide when and how to offer concessions, so you don’t give away too much while still ensuring your house gets sold. It’s all about finding the right balance.
Bottom Line
With the market becoming more balanced, seller concessions are coming back into play in some areas. The key is having an agent to help guide you through the process, so things work out in your favor.
What’s a concession you’d consider to move things along?
Let’s connect and plan your next steps. Find out if we’re the right real estate team for you!
CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group
Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Realtor DRE# 01412944 | (714) 476-4637
Anaid Bautista @wealthwithanaid
Realtor DRE# 02179675 | (949) 391-8266
Letty Luna @lettylunarealestate
Realtor DRE# 02174000 | (562) 879-4181
PT Nguyen @sellsocalbuypt
Realtor DRE# 02223919 | (714) 756-0240
FamilyHandyman.com | Sep 12, 2024
These maintenance steps will prevent most refrigerator breakdowns.
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Clean the Refrigerator Condenser Coils
Cleaning the condensor coils is a very common refrigerator repair. Condenser coils are located on the back of the fridge or across the bottom. These coils cool and condense the refrigerant. When the coils are clogged with dirt and dust, they can’t efficiently release heat. The result is your compressor works harder and longer than it was designed to, using more energy and shortening the life of your fridge.
Clean the coils with a coil cleaning brush and vacuum. A coil cleaning brush does a thorough job and will easily pay for itself. The refrigerator coil brush is bendable to fit in tight areas. They can be used for cleaning your dehumidifier and air conditioner coils too.
You can eliminate more than 70 percent of refrigerator repair and service calls with this simple cleaning step.Do it twice a year or more often if you have shedding pets. Their fur clogs up the coils fast.
Unsnap the grille at the bottom of the refrigerator to access the coils. If your coils are located on the back, you’ll have to roll the fridge out to get at them.
Clean the coils with a special refrigerator coil cleaning brush to loosen the dirt and dust. Vacuum the coils as you brush. Be careful not to bend the fan blades. A gentle brushing will do the job.
Some refrigerators have the coils on the back of the unit. Brush and vacuum these coils in the same manner as coils found under a refrigerator.
CAUTION:
Always unplug your fridge before working on it!
2 / 8
Clean the Refrigerator Condenser Fan
If the coils are located on the bottom of the fridge like ours, clean the condenser fan and the area around it. Fridges with coils on the back don’t have a fan. The fan circulates air across the coils to help cool them. At times, paper, dirt, dust and even mice can get sucked into the fan and bring it to a complete stop.
Yours could be in a different area, but it’s always next to the compressor. Most refrigerators will have a diagram on the back or folded up under the front grille showing the location of the major parts. While you’re under there, wipe out the drip pan, a flat pan that collects water from the defrost cycle and allows it to evaporate.
Remove the lower back cover
Access the condenser fan by rolling the fridge away from the wall and removing the lower back cover with a screwdriver. Replace the cover when you’re finished. It’s essential for good air circulation.
Brush and vacuum the fan
Clean the fan blades with the brush and vacuum so air can move freely across them. Also clean the shaft by vacuuming the crease where the blade meets the motor. Don’t lubricate the shaft; oil will attract dirt and cause problems.
3 / 8
Wipe Down the Refrigerator Door Gasket
Prevent an expensive refrigerator gasket repair bill and cut down air leaks by keeping your door gasket clean. Syrup, jelly or any other sticky stuff dripping down the front sides of your refrigerator can dry and glue the gasket to the frame. The next time you open the door, your gasket can tear. Keep it clean and you’ll get a nice, tight seal, keeping the cool air where it belongs, in the fridge.
To prevent wear, lubricate the door handle side of the gasket by sprinkling baby powder on a cloth and wiping it down once a month.
Clean the door gasket
Wipe the door gasket regularly with warm water and a sponge. Don’t use detergent—it can damage the gasket.
4 / 8
Clear the Freezer Vents
These little vents on frost-free fridges allow air to circulate in the freezer. Don’t block them or let crumbs or twist ties get sucked in around the evaporator fan or clog the drain tube. To help save energy, keep your freezer about three-quarters full to retain cold air. But don’t pack it any fuller because the air needs to circulate.
Keep the freezer vents unobstructed
Clear food packages away from the vent openings and clean the air return so crumbs and twist ties don’t clog them.
5 / 8
Set the Fridge Temperature Controls to the Middle Settings
This step won’t necessarily prevent a refrigerator repair, but it’ll extend the life of your fridge by allowing it to run more efficiently, which reduces your electric bill. Your fridge has at least two temperature controls (except on manual defrost types, which have one).
The one for the food compartment is a thermostat that turns the compressor on and off. The second, for the freezer, is just an air baffle. The baffle lets cold air from the freezer sink into the food compartment. Closing the baffle makes the freezer colder.
Adjust the temperature controls
Set the temperature controls to the middle settings. Make any adjustments according to a refrigerator thermometer. The optimum setting for your fridge is between 38 and 42 degrees F; the freezer, between 0 and 10 degrees.
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Claire Krieger/Family Handyman
Three Ways to Get the Smell Out
- Charcoal briquettes absorb the odor just like a filter in a range hood.
- Crumpled newspaper. The ink absorbs the odor.
- Baking soda is the old standby. Leave an open box in the fridge and replace it every three months for continuous deodorizing.
7 / 8
Clear and Clean the Drip Openings
Drip openings allow water that has melted from the defrost cycle to flow down to a pan located by the compressor, where it evaporates. Check your owner’s manual for the location on your fridge. On cycle-defrost fridges, a channel directs the water to a tube in the food compartment.
On frost-free refrigerators, look for a small cap under the crisper drawers that covers a hole, or an opening in the back of the freezer or refrigerator. If the drain opening clogs, water will build up under the crisper drawers and eventually leak out onto the floor.
Locate the drip cup
Find the drip opening on your fridge.
Close up of the drip tube opening
Locate the drip opening and wipe it out, being careful not to press any debris down into the hole. Suck out crumbs with a vacuum.
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Melissa Kopka/Getty Images
Troubleshooting Refrigerator Repair
Service specialists will be the first to admit: A ton of their callers don’t require refrigerator repair service at all. The solutions are so easy they don’t even require a toolbox. Before you pick up the phone, check the following list. It just might save you money and a bit of embarrassment.
Got power?
- Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to be sure power’s coming to the outlet.
- Is the cord plugged in tight? Wiggle it around a little. A worn receptacle could let the plug fall out just enough for the connection to fail.
- Plug a light or any other electrical device into the outlet to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you’ve got an electrical problem, not a refrigerator problem.
- Check for a loose, worn or frayed power cord. Rodents often chew through a wire. Sometimes cords loosen when the fridge is moved.
What if you have power but poor cooling?
- Make sure the thermostat is turned on and set right. On some models the dial is easily bumped, shutting the fridge down. Or kids could have messed with it.
Your fridge is running all the time but the food’s still warm.
- Vacuum the coils. Dirty coils can eventually cause the overload protector on the compressor to shut the fridge down. It’ll automatically come back on when the compressor cools, but by then your food is usually warm.
- Is the condenser fan jammed? (This applies only to fridges with the coils on the bottom.) Remove any obstacles and clean it thoroughly. Unplug the fridge and turn it a few times and see if it comes on. If it’s still not working, you’ll have to replace it.
- Is the light turning off when the door’s closed? That little light bulb can raise the temperature in the fridge substantially. To check it, close the door and use a butter knife to pull the gasket slightly away from the frame. If light shines out, the switch is bad or slightly out of alignment. Until you fix the switch, loosen the light bulb so it goes out.
- Look for ice buildup (frost-free fridges only) bulging on the inside walls or the floor of the freezer. Manually defrost the freezer by unplugging it. It’s only a temporary fix, so call for service.
S3DADesign.com
Heavy rainfall is more than just a temporary inconvenience; it can lead to a range of issues for homeowners. Whether you live in a region with unpredictable weather patterns, experience frequent storms, or only have the occasional downpour, it’s essential for homeowners to stay vigilant. After any major downpour, checking for damage around your property is crucial. Ignoring small issues now could result in bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
From the roof to the foundation, several key areas of your home may be affected by heavy rain, and knowing what to look for can save you a lot of trouble later.
1. Soil Erosion
When heavy rain hits, the water can wash away the top layer of soil, particularly in areas around your yard with poor drainage. Soil erosion can weaken the foundation of your home by destabilizing the ground around it. Over time, this can lead to shifting or settling, which may cause cracks in your foundation or driveways.
To combat soil erosion, it’s important to direct water away from your home’s foundation. Landscaping with plants that have deep roots can help hold soil in place. Adding mulch or gravel in areas where water tends to flow can also reduce erosion by slowing the water’s movement.
2. Roof Damage
Beyond simple leaks, heavy rainfall can cause more structural damage to your roof. Prolonged exposure to rain can weaken your roof’s materials, making it less effective at protecting your home. Where weather conditions can be harsh, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to face roof damage after storms. Wind and rain can tear off shingles, expose the underlayment, or cause cracks and dents in the roofing materials.
After a storm, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your roof for signs of damage. Contacting an experienced roofing company can ensure you catch any problems early on. Even if your roof looks intact, there could be underlying issues that require expert attention. A proper inspection helps to extend the life of your roof and protect your home from further damage.
3. Foundation Cracks
Your home’s foundation plays a crucial role in maintaining its structural integrity. Unfortunately, heavy rainfall can put significant pressure on the foundation, especially if water is allowed to pool around the base of your home. Over time, this can lead to cracks, which create entry points for water. If moisture seeps into your basement or crawl space, it can cause mold growth, wood rot, and even structural damage.
Preventing foundation issues involves ensuring proper drainage around your home. After a storm, walk around the perimeter of your house and check for any signs of water pooling near the foundation. If you notice any small cracks, it’s important to seal them immediately to prevent further water damage. Larger cracks may require professional attention to ensure the safety and stability of your home.
4. Drainage Problems
Heavy rain can also expose issues with your home’s drainage system. Proper drainage is essential for directing water away from your home and preventing it from pooling in areas where it can cause damage. However, during a storm, drainage systems can become overwhelmed, leading to standing water around your property.
Standing water can be problematic for a number of reasons. It can erode the soil, weaken your foundation, and even flood your basement. It’s important to inspect your drainage system regularly to ensure it’s functioning properly. If you notice that water is not draining as it should, consider having a professional evaluate your gutters, downspouts, and landscaping to improve water flow.
5. Basement Flooding
Basements are particularly vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainstorms. If your basement isn’t properly waterproofed, water can easily find its way through cracks in the walls or floors. Even a small amount of water can cause significant damage to your basement, including mold growth, ruined belongings, and structural issues. This can be especially problematic if your basement is finished or used as a living space.
To prevent basement flooding, check for any cracks or weak points in the foundation and ensure your sump pump is in good working order. Installing a waterproof membrane on your basement walls can also help keep water out. Regular maintenance of your drainage system and gutters will further reduce the risk of basement flooding after heavy rain.
6. Gutter Overflow
Gutters play a critical role in channeling rainwater away from your home. However, during heavy rainfall, gutters can become overwhelmed, especially if they’re clogged with leaves, twigs, or other debris. When gutters overflow, water cascades down the sides of your home, potentially damaging your siding, windows, and even your foundation. The excess water can pool around your home, increasing the risk of foundation cracks or basement flooding.
To prevent gutter overflow, it’s essential to clean your gutters regularly. Removing any debris allows water to flow freely through the system. Installing gutter guards can also help by blocking large debris from entering the gutters in the first place. After heavy rain, check for any areas where the gutters may have overflowed or detached from the house. Making these checks part of your routine maintenance will ensure your gutters continue to function properly and protect your home from water damage.
7. Mold Growth
Excess moisture is a breeding ground for mold, and after heavy rain, your home is at risk of developing this unwanted guest. Mold can grow in areas that remain damp for extended periods, such as basements, attics, and inside walls. While mold may start off as a small, unnoticeable patch, it can quickly spread and cause significant health problems, especially for those with respiratory issues.
Preventing mold growth involves ensuring your home is properly ventilated and free from excess moisture. Dehumidifiers can be used in damp areas, while ensuring windows and doors are properly sealed will prevent water from getting in. After heavy rainfall, it’s crucial to inspect areas where water may have pooled or seeped in. Any damp areas should be dried immediately, and if mold is already present, it’s best to consult a professional to safely remove it. Mold can be stubborn and difficult to eliminate, so acting quickly is key to keeping your home safe and healthy.
In conclusion, heavy rain can cause a variety of problems for homeowners, affecting everything from the roof to outdoor structures. Identifying potential issues early on and taking preventative steps can save you from costly repairs and ensure your home stays safe and secure. Regular inspections and maintenance, particularly after significant storms, are crucial to protecting your investment.
Originally Published: January 20, 2022
