Many homeowners that undertake home improvement projects to often neglect to consider the impact of the home improvement on energy costs.
There are many home improvements that can be undertaken in and around your home to reduce energy consumption and hence, reduce energy costs.
The U.S. government has created a joint program called ENERGY STAR. Energy Star is a collaboration of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, its mandate is to identify and work with manufacturers to create products, and best practices in order to reduce energy consumption and protect the environment.
The average family in the U.S. spends $1,900 a year on energy consumption.
Look at the EPA Energy Star ratings of all the energy consuming items that you purchase, both indoor and outdoor. By purchasing wisely, you can save more than 35 percent on energy consumption without loosing any features and benefits of an item. For the average family that is more that $600 per year. Energy Star ratings are available for the following items.
- Appliances
- Heating and Cooling
- Home Envelope
- Home Electronics
- Home Office Equipment
- Lighting
Energy conservation does not only mean buying low power consumption appliances and other items. Every day we loose substantial amounts of energy by inefficient, poorly maintained equipment. Heat and cooling losses due to air ducts not being properly sealed, clogged air filters and loose fan belts are just a few of the ways we consume fuel unnecessarily.
Poor attic ventilation, windows, and doors that are not sealed properly, lack of insulation in floors, walls and attics all lead to higher energy consumption.
Half loads of laundry, leaving air conditioning systems on when away from home and inefficient water heaters add up to hundred’s of dollars a year in wasted energy.
For additional information on the ENERGY STAR program click on their logo:
As the cost of energy continues to escalate and the environmental impact of energy production becomes an increasing concern, the pressure to conserve energy resources is at an all-time high. In an effort to help promote energy efficiency and conservation, energy tax credits are now available under The 2005 Energy Policy Act for both new construction and existing homes.
There has never been a better time to increase the energy efficiency of your home and earn tax credits.