Green Remodeling Puts Green Back In Your Wallet

In case you forgot, May is National Remodeling Month! One of the hot topics of remodeling is how to improve energy efficiency, reduce a home’s carbon footprint and improve the overall environmental sustainability of the residence. Remodeling in an eco-friendly fashion will not only help the environment, it can save you money as well. If you are considering remodeling, take the following things into consideration in your decision to remodel “green”: you can save money by reducing energy, and you can save money with federal energy efficiency tax credits.

Save Money By Reducing Energy

It is almost common knowledge that ENERGY STAR appliances save money on operating costs. The less energy you use, the less energy you have to pay for. Other changes to your home can reduce energy costs as well.

• Install proper insulation. On average, 40% of a home’s energy bills are from heating and cooling.
• Install low-flow water fixtures. You will barely notice a difference (if you notice on at all) in the water flow from sinks, showers and toilets, but your water bill will.
• Consider a tankless water heater. Instead of keeping a tank of water constantly warm, the tankless models only heat water that is being used.
• Install high-efficiency windows. Yes, they cost more than those that just skim past the energy code, but the long-term energy savings are more than worth the investment.

Save Money With Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credits

A tax credit expiring December 31, 2010 offers homeowners a tax credit of 30%, up to $1,500, for installation of the following:

• Windows and doors
• Insulation
• Roofs (metal and asphalt)
• HVAC
• Water heaters (non solar)
• Biomass stoves

Tax credits through 2016, with no upper limit and at 30% of the cost for:

• Geothermal heat pumps
• Solar panels
• Solar water heaters
• Small wind energy systems
• Fuel cells

To see the specifications for qualifying improvements, visit the ENERGY STAR website. Construction Resources would love to help you remodel your home in an environmentally-friendly way. Contact us or check out our website for eco-friendly options as well as our company’s commitment to green practices.