Category: Uncategorized

The Federal Government has authorized Income Tax credits for home improvements that are energy efficient and carry the ENERGY STAR rating. Some home improvements that qualify for the 2009 credit are windows, doors, and insulation. A tax accountant will explain that a credit is different than a deduction in that the credit adjusts the amount that is owed the Federal Government …

Ever wonder how your electric bills never seem to decrease ‘that’ much while you are doing all of the recommended changes to your home including switching all lights to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), weather stripping around all doors and windows, turning off all lights and electricity consuming devices, and the list goes on. If only you could monitor your electric …

One of the fastest, simplest ways for a homeowner to begin their energy-efficient transformation is through their lighting choices. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an average household dedicates 10 percent of its energy budget to lighting. Using new lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in your home by 50 to 75 percent. Usually when one considers new lighting …

You notice as the season’s change your house just doesn’t seem as warm in the winter and cool enough in the summer. Is it time for you to start considering installing additional insulation?   Some factors to examine when considering adding insulation to your home are: The age of your home. If your home is over ten years old, you most …

As the summer temperatures rise, so will your energy bill as air conditioning is used more and more and the continuing tight natural gas supplies put upward pressure on electricity prices. To help consumers reduce their home energy bills and help the nation reduce overall energy use, the U.S. Department of Energy and the Alliance to Save Energy have joined forces to offer consumers tips …

One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste and make your home energy efficient is through installing more insulation. Installing additional insulation can protect your home from outside temperature fluctuations, protect against air leaks and control moisture.   When installing insulation there are several factors to consider including will you do it yourself or hire a contractor? …

Windows is one of the most common culprits in loss of home energy efficiency. If the windows in your home are not efficient, 70 percent of your home’s heat and 46 percent of the air-conditioning you pay for is lost through the windows and doors. New windows can pay for themselves through energy savings alone in a short period of time. …

Updating your home appliances, electronics and heating and cooling systems are key in making your energy bills less while reducing your carbon footprint. Most folks do not realize that when they make purchasing decisions that they are not only affecting their wallets, but also the environment. The Consumer Research Council offers an excellent guide to help buyers to understand the basics about home …

Homeowners are always seeking new and improved ways to make their homes run more efficiently while cutting their energy costs. With the advancements of environmentally friendly energy resources there is a variety of renewable energy technologies that homeowners can use in their home.   Renewable energy resources that are available today are: Geothermal direct use – this method uses the …

The way to reduce our energy demand, according to experts, is to utilize wind energy as a standard versus being a supplemental energy supply. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the United States has enough wind power to generate electricity for every home and business in the country. U.S. offshore areas hold the most promising potential of wind energy development for …

Designing your landscape can not only help you with your energy costs but also with water conservation. During drought seasons in all areas of the country, maintaining a good quality water supply is crucial to the health and well-being to the home owner. Xeriscaping is an innovative method to landscaping where quality design is effective, attractive and promotes water conservation in landscaped …

Beautifying the landscape of your home can also cut energy costs significantly through a well-planned thoughtful design.  Planting trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and hedges can help your home’s energy efficiency through reducing the effect that wind, rain, and heat have on your energy bills. Smart landscaping can: significantly cut your seasonal costs, protect your home from the elements, reduce the consumption and …