Because May is Home Remodeling Month, the National Association of Home Builders is stressing the benefits of “green” home improvement projects.
It's easy to put your house on “an energy diet,” the association says. Remodeling to improve energy efficiency can pay for itself by reducing electric and water bills.
“Homeowners save big on green remodels,” NAHB Remodelers Chairman Lonny Rutherford said in a prepared statement. “Not only is green remodeling good for the environment, it is great for the checkbook.”
With energy-efficiency tax credits and new technology, consumers can increase the efficiency of their home while minimizing their utility bills, he said.
“Smart green remodeling solutions really make a difference in lightening energy bills,” he added. “Just replacing faucets greatly reduces water bills. And installing new windows or sealing air gaps decreases wasted money on heating and air conditioning.”
The association offers these remodeling tips:
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 percent to 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 match your schedule. Such units typically offer savings of 10 to 15 percent.
Old windows can be an energy drain. Consider installing new ones that are more efficient.
If you decide to hire a contractor, the least expensive isn't necessarily the best choice. Do a thorough check on experience, references, and qualifications.
More information is available online at nahb.org/remodel.
Emmet Pierce: (619) 293-1372; emmet.pierce@uniontrib.com
