It's almost summer, which means that season is in the full swing. Many homeowners are interested in remodeling their homes in a green, and environmentally responsible way. Green home improvements and energy efficient remodeling are in the hearts and minds of many homeowners this year, especially because the U.S. economic stimulus and recovery act has appropriated funds encouraging green home improvements. Homeowners can receive up to 1500 dollars in tax credits for qualifying energy efficient improvements. With that in mind, I would like to present my top 10 energy efficient home improvements for 2010.
Energy efficient windows - 1
This is the first upgrade that comes to mind because older windows tend to have a lot of problems due to lack of proper insulation, aged window frames with the effects of wear and tear. These little things contribute to energy inefficiency resulting from air leaks, and inadequate insulating properties of the older windows. I recommend installing a minimum of double pane Low-E windows as a replacement for the single pane windows.
Solar mass thermal windows - 2
Some of the latest green building technology innovations, had brought us a new product; thermal mass solar windows engineered to collect solar thermal energy to warm the living space in the winter. In the summer, when the sun is high and with use of appropriate shading, thermal mass solar windows actually help insulate the living space of your home and keep it cool. The special windows are designed as building blocks that are easiest to integrate with the new construction, but they can still be used in some remodeling projects.
Thermal mass solar windows
Energy efficient insulation - 3
Most homes in the United States are not sufficiently insulated. By installing energy efficient insulation, and properly insulating walls, ceilings, attic space, and living space of your home, you can gain as much as 60% improvement in energy efficiency of your home.
Energy efficient roof - 4
If your home needs a re roofing job, then choosing to replace your existing the roof with a metal roof can Provide up to 35% in additional energy savings, increase the short term and long-term value of your home, and finally metal roof can be the last roof you ever have to install. If your roof is flat, you can still install energy efficient flat roof by IB roof systems.
Energy efficient metal roof
Solar roofing upgrade - 5
Would you like to take your energy efficiency to yet another level? Why not upgrade your existing metal roof with solar roofing panels? Standing-seam metal roofs can be integrated with thin film photovoltaic solar laminates that convert solar energy into electricity. Even if you do not have a standing-seam metal roof, investing in solar systems can provide you with significant energy savings and in some cases, completely make your home independent of the electric grid.
Solar panel systems upgrades - 6
Many states are providing some very attractive and financially feasible solar rebates. Solar systems are rated by the number of kilowatts of electricity they can produce per hour. It is rumored that state governments will make investing into solar systems even more lucrative and financially feasible. You can learn more about solar prices, and calculate the cost of installing solar panel systems at solar-calculator.org.
Solar hot water systems - 7
Solar hot water technology has been available for years, but ongoing technological advances has greatly improved their quality, and longevity. Using the energy of the sun to warm up the water is another great way to take advantage of alternative energy innovations.
Energy efficient siding and metal wall panels - 8
This is yet another building envelope energy efficient upgrade that homeowners can take advantage of. Energy efficient siding, or metal wall panels can help further reduce the energy costs of your home and provide long-term reliable protection against the harsh climate and nature's elements.
Geothermal heat and cooling - 9
Geothermal energy uses a special technology that leverages differences in temperature deep underground, and surface temperature. Homeowners can choose to install geothermal heat units in their backyards, which can lower the energy costs by 40 percents.
Energy efficient lighting - 10
Led lighting technology stands for light emitting diodes. Led lighting uses very little energy compared to fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. Led lights are very cool in terms of temperature, which means that energy goes towards production of the light and does not get wasted to generate heat. Led lights last significantly longer than conventional lighting, which makes it a viable energy efficient upgrade for your home despite the high initial cost.
Further reading:
Green building information - learn about green building practices, materials and sustainability.
Energy efficient roofing materials - compare and contrast conventional roofing materials vs. Energy efficient PVC flat roofs and green metal roofing.
Green roof options - discover elements that make up a green roof.
Roofing prices - survey of residential roof prices in the North Eastern United States.
Roof calculator - estimates roof and prices for any roof type.
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