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Face it, the odds of energy costs coming down in the near future are nill. Combine that with a stagnant housing market, a glut of starving construction workers, and personal incomes for most not going down, you have the recipe for a surge in Green Remodeling.
The Green movement has always been a fringe element of society as long as it was not affecting the pocketbooks of the American consumer. We tend to think right but act based upon our pocketbooks and what is good for our families.
However, when energy prices soar, the right thing to do for our families is now concentrate on energy efficient choices that will benefit us all. Add to that technological innovations that have improved efficiency while lowering cost on energy savings projects you have the perfect storm.
While things are slow in the construction world and we have some dollars to spend on home improvements, here are a few ideas from the NAHB that will help you save money with green remodeling.
- Toilets, showers and faucets account for 60 percent of water usage in the home, according to the EPA. Replacing these items with more efficient models can save 11,000 gallons of water per year.
- When buying or replacing appliances, choose energy-efficient models. Federal ENERGY STAR-rated appliances are designed to use 10-50 percent less energy and water than standard appliances and save an average of 30 percent over standard models.
- Install a programmable thermostat to set your heating and cooling equipment to automatically turn on or off to match your schedule and create a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment. These units typically offer savings of 10 to 15 percent and cost $40 - $100.
- Old windows are often the weak link in energy efficiency. New window technology yields windows that are three times as efficient, or more.
1 comment so far ↓
I do not have a house as yet but all these things are simple enough to do when I do get one.
I have started my part in the apartment where I rent by changing all my lights to CFLs and using solar lights where I can.
I also have low flow showerheads in my bathrooms and I am always looking for ways to go green!!!!
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