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Question: I´ve decided to remodel my home and I´m wondering about what projects would be most beneficial in the long run. What would you suggest?
Answer: Any remodeling effort today should have energy efficiency at the top of the list. This alone will reduce energy and water bills, increase home comfort and health and decrease pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Make sure any new products that you purchase are "Energy Star" certified, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. The following are only a few suggestions for smart home energy efficiency investments. Kitchen: One of the hottest remodeling categories, kitchen remodeling can recoup 70 - 90% of the cost when the home is sold. Upgrade all of your kitchen and laundry appliances to those that are Energy Star certified. You will realize immediate savings on your energy and water bills - up to 30% in each product category. Windows and doors: Replace your drafty rattling single pane windows with high efficiency double pane windows with low-emissive coatings that are Energy Star certified. They will reduce heating and cooling costs, street noise, and protect your furniture from the sun's discoloring rays. They will increase the value of your home.
Heating and cooling systems: These systems can account for as much as half of a home's energy costs. When replacing a furnace, heat pump, or room air conditioners make sure that they Energy Star certified to ensure their energy efficiency. Your central air conditioning system should have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 12 or higher to use 20 percent less electricity than a new unit.
Home office addition or remodeling: Make your home office energy efficient from the start - from insulation to products that use less energy. Your energy use impacts on your bottom line.
Earn 50 percent on your investment by installing insulation and weather stripping to cut your heating costs. |
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