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Is it Worth the Cost to Make a Home More
Energy-Efficient?
Making a home more energy-efficient
will be worth the investment, especially over time.
Not only will you be doing your part for the
environment, you could save hundreds, even thousands
of dollars on utility bills over the years you stay
in your home. And, an energy-efficient home is much
easier to sell when the time comes.
You might not want to just launch an effort to make
your home more energy-efficient in one fell swoop,
but as you make repairs, do upgrades and maybe do a
little remodeling, the small additional costs will
be recouped faster than you might expect. After all,
some of the things you can do to make your home more
energy efficient don’t cost much at all, especially
if you are upgrading anyway.
For example, adding weather stripping to doors and
windows will probably cost you less than $50. You
could save more than that in the next year in
reduced energy bills because your home is losing
less heated or cooled air. Installing window film on
your east- and west-facing windows will probably
cost you less than $100 if you do it and less than
$250 if you have a professional do the job. It will
reduce your heating and cooling bills and prevent
fading of your carpet and furniture caused by
intense sunlight saving more than your investment in
one or 2 years.
Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact
fluorescent bulbs will cost you a little more when
you first buy the bulbs, but you will save on
electricity and you will replace the bulbs far less
frequently.
Adding storm doors and windows will save on both
heating and cooling costs by reducing the amount of
conditioned air that is lost and reducing the amount
of outside air that sneaks in. If your budget is
tight, you can try doing what our grandfathers did
when they wanted storm windows – make you own storm
windows. You just need a little lumber, a few nails
and some heavy plastic.
If you are replacing appliances, it is worth it to
insist on energy-efficient models and options, such
as vent-free moisture sensing dryers, front loading
washers, and refrigerators with through-the-door ice
and water. If you are replacing a water heater, an
attic fan or a heating/cooling system, you can
certainly buy replacements that are more
energy-efficient. You might replace your water
heater with either instant water heaters or a solar
water heater; replace an electric attic fan with a
solar-powered fan. Replace your heating and cooling
equipment with a single, energy-efficient heat pump.
To really save, try choosing a programmable zoned
system with timers that allow you to control the
temperature in various parts of the house according
to your family’s needs. Replacing a toilet? Choose a
dual-flush toilet to save water usage.
When it is time to replace your roof, choose a metal
roof for your replacement. Metal roofs are less
expensive and very energy-efficient. If you don’t
want a metal roof, you can always install attic foil
to prevent heat loss.
All of these options are great choices, both for the
environment and for your family. But don’t forget to
look for possible rebates and tax breaks.
Many utility companies offer rebates to customers
who install energy-efficient appliances and lights.
Just give your utility company a call and ask. Then
be sure you understand the standards to qualify for
the rebates.
If you install a whole-house voltage surge
suppressor or disaster-proof features, be sure to
check with your insurance company to see if you will
be entitled to any reduction in your insurance
rates.
Investigate energy-efficient financing for your
upgrades if you are making your home more
energy-efficient. Check on FHA Energy-Efficient
Mortgages, FHA Section 203(k) Rehabilitation
Mortgage Insurance, etc.
And don’t forget the opportunities to save on your
taxes.
If you will use a remodeled or added room as a home
office, be sure to deduct the appropriate percentage
of utilities, etc. each year as a business expense.
Get to know the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005. It
allows homeowners to take tax credits for remodeling
that improves the energy efficiency of your primary
residence. The maximum credit you can take is $500,
but you can take credits for:
10% of cost up to $500 for energy-efficient exterior
door or storm doors
10% of cost up to $500 for a qualified metal roof
10% of cost up to $500 for adding insulation
expected to last at least 5 years
$300 for qualified central air conditioning, heat
pumps or geothermal heat pumps
up to $150 for a qualified gas, oil or propane
furnace or hot water boiler
up to $300 for a qualified gas, oil, propane or
electric heat pump water heater
up to $2,000 for solar water heating
Making your home more energy-efficient can be good
for the environment, good for your family (and your
wallet), and good for the resale value of your home.
Do your research and shop carefully when you are
making upgrades in your home. Going green will
usually pay for itself within 5 to 10 years in
reduced energy bills.
Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing
Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the
founder of the websites
http://www.remodelormove.com and
http://www.remodelestimates.com and
http://www.remodelingorganizer.com He is
the author of three books on home remodeling.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Fritschen
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