WASHINGTON - It doesn’t cost much to put a house on an energy
diet, says the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). In fact,
remodeling to improve energy efficiency may pay for itself with immediate
savings on energy and water bills. May is Home Remodeling Month, and the NAHB’s
Remodelers section is shining a spotlight on the financial incentives of
remodeling and offering suggestions for home renovation projects that provide
the best return on investment.
“Homeowners save big on green remodels,” said NAHB Remodelers
Chairman Lonny Rutherford, CGR, CAPS, a professional remodeler from Farmington,
N.M. “Not only is green remodeling good for the environment, it is great for
the checkbook.”
Remodelers are more knowledgeable about green options, and with
energy-efficiency tax credits and the latest technology, including
high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, homeowners can maximize the efficiency
of their home while minimizing their utility bills. As energy costs rise,
consumers can save money by making sure their homes use less energy through
increased efficiency.
“Smart green remodeling solutions really make a difference in
lightening energy bills,” said Rutherford. For example, he said, “installing
new windows or sealing air gaps decreases wasted money on heating and air
conditioning.”
According to NAHB, homeowners can reduce their utility bills with
some simple solutions:
• Install a programmable thermostat to set heating and cooling
equipment to automatically turn on or off to match the family’s schedule and
create a comfortable and energy-efficient living environment. These units
typically offer savings of 10 to 15 percent and cost $40-$100.
• 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.
• Old windows are often the weak link in energy efficiency. New
window technology yields windows that are three times as efficient, or more.
For more information about remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel.
Publication date:05/12/2008