Posted June 21, 2010 by

Biggest Housing Trend – Go Green – Duh!

The 3^rd point of Money Magazine’s real estate article touted that eco-friendly upgrades can save you cash.  This is the without a doubt the hottest “trend” out there today and unless you live in a hole in the ground you’ve already heard this. 

Eco friendly housing projects lead to savings in several different ways: 1) utility bills, 2) tax savings, 3) re-sell value.  By changing old appliances out for newer more efficient ones, adding insulation, radiant barrier, double paned windows etc. homeowners can cut down on energy costs and end up saving money in the long run on bills, but it also makes your home more attractive to smart buyers. 

I added a tankless water heater in the process of my remodel that allowed me to capture the water heater closet space (see previous blog on more efficient space re-do’s) and knock down a wall in my kitchen – major win win if I do say so myself!  I then recaptured the cost with my $1,500 tax credit which I turned around and used to add a solar attic fan, 12 inches of insulation and attic vents.  And next year I’ll get that $1,500 back again! And I swear I’ve already seen a difference in my bills!  Unfortunately 2010 is the last year for this $1,500 tax incentive to make the energy efficient upgrade and I would highly suggest taking advantage of it.  Also, look into other Federal and State rebate and/or incentive programs when you are considering purchasing a major appliance or making an energy efficient upgrade.

Energy Efficient Qualities to Look for When Shopping for a Home or to Add to Your Home:

-         Windows – single v. double paned

-         Amount of attic insulation & ventilation

-         Energy efficient appliances

-         Water heater age and efficiency

-         A/C unit age and efficiency

-         Is there radiant barrier?

-         Window placement – will hot west sun heat your home up in the summer?

-         Low flow toilets (I put on in during my remodel!)

-         Water recapture systems for lawn watering

-         Foam gaskets behind light switch plates and plugs (easy to add)

-         Weather stripping (easy to add)

-         Caulking (easy to add)

Sites to get more information:

dsireusa.org

energy.gov

energy.gov/insulation-airsealing

Also try Microsoft-hohm.com. This site that lets you score the energy efficiency of your house and gives you tips on how to save money on utilities.  I spent a good 30 minutes inputting utility usage information and filling out a detailed profile of my home… while it didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know it was a startling reminder of how much it costs to have an old home that lacks wall insulation and has single paned windows.  Guess I’ll start saving for new windows….  (Tip of the week in Wall Street Journal June 6, 2010 business section by Anna Prior)

Finally, check out the article in the Home section of the Dallas Morning News yesterday (Sunday, June 20, 2010) about the cream/foam wall insulation for older homes…. Sounds pretty cool and something that I need!!

Source: Garskof , Josh. “Six Ways to Ensure a Project Pays Off.” Money January/February 2010: 58-59. 

Please contact me if you have any questions about this blog, any of my previous blogs or are interested in buying, selling or renting a new home!  Bonnie@RogersHealy.com or 214-794-0306

Hope to hear from you soon!  Cheers, Bonnie

• Categories:
• eco-friendly,
• green,
• remodeling