Sound familiar? You just closed on a coastal property and have realized it needs a little TLC. Making it more energy efficient is one of your goals, but you don’t know where to begin. Or…You listed the family beach house a few months ago and have received feedback from several would be buyers. They say it falls short because of outdated components that will likely contribute to higher than average utility bills. Hmmm…is solar power an option?
In fact, solar power is a great option! According to Sperling’s Best Places, the Port City basks in the sun an average of 216 days a year. Why, then aren’t more local homeowners tapping this environmentally sound and money saving resource? Recent surveys from the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors have identified that today’s hopeful home buyers want properties that incorporate solar power and energy efficient components. In addition to doing the right thing by reducing one’s carbon footprint, more thoughtful energy use has a positive impact on utility bills as well!
Another great reason to consider making a few modifications or upgrades aimed at upping a home’s energy efficiency is that state and local governments offer a variety of tax incentives for such efforts. In 2005, Congress created a 30 percent tax credit for homeowners who made energy efficient upgrades. Are you curious about ways to make your home more energy efficient? Whether you are considering new construction or just want to make some changes to your existing residence, consider these simple solutions:
- Research solar components, and find out which ones are possible for your home. Use this link to see a few choices: http://solarenergy-usa.com/products/
- Consider installing an Air Source Heat Pump that circulates heat rather than generates it. This type of heat pump is capable of providing up to 4 times the amount of energy it consumes.
- When planning your lawn and garden, use native, drought tolerant plants to reduce erosion and save on water.
- Purchase a few inexpensive rain barrels and collect that precious resource!
- Save money and energy by switching to the new CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs.
- Make upgrades to EnergyStar-rated appliances, doors, and windows.
- Assess your home’s insulation and see if recycled insulation products such as materials made from denim jeans, cotton, and wool clothing are options.
- When building or remodeling, track down sustainable interior components such as bamboo flooring, reclaimed timber, recycled granite, and repurposed cement and glass.
- Reduce your carbon footprint even more by recycling, composting and turning yard debris into mulch.
Find out more about other ways to make your home more energy efficient! Simply schedule an energy audit. To locate qualified energy auditors in our area, look for those who are certified RESNET(Residential Energy Service Network) technicians or just use this link: http://www.resnet.us/
Another excellent resource is this link to the Environmental Protection Agency’s handy guide for homeowners: http://www.epa.gov/greenhomes/ReduceEnergy.htm
The good news is that there are affordable, new and effective ways to boost a home’s energy efficiency. Here in coastal North Carolina, the elements can be hard on a place thanks to salt water, wind, excessive heat and moisture. Paying attention to the various systems and components that are able to increase a home’s energy saving potential will only enhance their performance, longevity and save money! And, energy efficiency is high on the list of “must-haves” for many of today’s buyers!