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Energy Efficient Home Improvements Can Help You Save Money!

It’s easy to think solar panels, or triple glazed windows when starting an energy saving home plan.

First of all, you should start by fixing that dripping faucet – which by the way, could save you around 2,082 gallons of water each year.

Your energy efficient home improvements are often quite simple. For example, a high efficiency showerhead can deliver a 400% return in just one year.

While you’re in the bathroom aisle, think about your faucets. Faucet aerators cost around $2, and can recoup their cost in 14 months. The annual savings may not seem like they amount to much at first, but over the long-term, they certainly add up.

And don’t go to the checkout just yet. Do you know that $32 is leaving your chimney every year? That is unless you have a fireplace pillow fitted. It’ll cost around $35; 13 months later and it’s paid for.

Once you’ve done the easy jobs…think about the bigger changes.

There aren’t just incentives for wind turbines and solar panels. Government tax credits can help pay for new windows, a front door – even a new roof.

Are your windows over 10 years old? Today’s ENERGY STAR windows are twice as efficient as those manufactured 10 years ago.

Not surprisingly, your windows can account for 20% of your home’s energy loss. But now, low emissivity (low E) glass contains an invisible coating, which reflects heat back into your home.

There are even insulated windows that use gas fillers, warm edge spacers and new frame materials.

It’s a valuable addition to your energy saving home plan. However, if it isn’t the right time for new windows, consider storm windows. These can deliver great results at a fraction of the price.

Or carry out some simple repairs. Weather stripping loose windows can save around $15 per year, per window.

Your roof’s also on the front line, protecting you from anything that strikes, so why doesn’t it get a moment’s thought all year?

If it has been over 15 years, you could benefit from a new roof. ENERGY STAR qualified roofing reflects more of the sun’s heat, thereby lowering the roof surface temperature by up to 100F, and decreasing the amount of heat that gets transferred into a home.

ENERGY STAR qualified roof products can also help reduce the amount of air conditioning needed in hotter climates and reduce peak cooling demand by 10-15 percent.

Not only can energy efficient home improvements save you money, they can also improve the overall comfort level of your home. Make sure that you get the right advice by talking to a Certified Green Professional, CGP contractor to find out what all your options are.