Use Your Tax Return to Go Green
It's tax season and as home-owners we all wonder what we can do to somehow use our return to bolster the value of our properties, and if not raise its value, raise its energy-efficiency. Home projects centered on these two things seem to be the trend this time a year. So this time The Claus Team is weighing in on eco-friendly home projects. Here are 20 things you can do to become eco-friendly home-owners this year. If you haven't made a New Year's Resolution by now, energy-efficiency is a good one! You can try a few of these things to start out and branch out, or do a couple more expensive projects right off the bat. It just depends on the range and scope of your original goal.
1. Consider using low-flow or dual-flush toilet models in your home. These save water (and costs!). Here's a great infographic from Simply Sewers in Denver, CO, that explains the money and energy savings:
2. Replace your current incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent (CF) or LED bulbs throughout the house.
(Photo Credit: ReviewJournal.com)
3. Look for exposed or broken joints and ducts in your home (especially in the basement, attic, or utility room) and cover them with duct mastic and insulation.
(Photo Credit: GoEnergyLink.com)
(Photo Credit: GoEnergyLink.com)
4. Insulate your attic
(Photo Credit: BGEHome.com)
5. Go through your home and inspect for any air leaks. Seal them up with caulk, bubble wrap, tape, or whatever depending on where it is. This infographic from Mosby Building Arts' website explains where most of the leaks happen in homes:
6. Repair any leaky faucets or leaks in your sprinkler system. Replace all showerheads with low-flow ones.
(Photo Credit: DecorTalks.com)
7. Upgrade your thermostat for a programmable one. Or, in the summer, simply raise your thermostat one degree to cut down on cooling costs up to 10 percent!
(Photo Credit: Honeywell)
8. Plant deciduous trees around your yard for shade to keep cooler temperatures in the summer. Make sure you place them to the south, east and west sides of the home.
(Photo Credit: NeighborhoodLink.com)
9. Replace all your windows to energy-efficient ones to keep your home properly insulated. Check out this nifty Energy Star infographic that explains what makes a window able to save energy:
10. Install ceiling fans and place portable fans throughout the house to assist with cooling your home in the summer instead of cranking up the AC.
(Photo Credit: CLTV.com)
11. Change the air filters in your home regularly.
(Photo Credit: UnitedFilter.com)
12. Install energy-efficient AC unit in your home (make sure it has a rating of 13 or greater!)
(Photo Credit: BeaumontHeatandAir.com)
13. Change out your appliances throughout the house to energy-efficient ones (washer & dryer, dishwasher & refrigerator).
(Photo Credit: NewAmerica.net)
14. Add a ridge to your roof to reduce attic temperatures in warmer months.
(Photo Credit: Lowes)
15. Use a tankless or instantaneous water heater and set the temperature to 120 degrees. See how it works below:
(Photo Credit: Beacon Plumbing)
16. Add solar screens to your windows to decrease temperatures, or buy rooftop solar shingles or a photo-voltaic solar system to offset energy costs.
(Photo Credit: Marathon Roof)
17. One thing we seem to love in Texas is those gorgeous tin roofs! Consider upgrading to one of these and it'll not only look stylish, but it'll save energy, too!
18. Consider a recycled glass or concrete countertop if you'd like to upgrade them. They're pretty!
(Photo Credit: Alphaplit.com)
(Photo Credit: ConcreteNetwork.com)
19. Cork floors are great because not only are they attractive, they don't harm trees and are very versatile!
(Photo Credit: TrendsFlooring.com)
20. Xeriscape your yard; plant drought-tolerant perennials and shrubs everywhere to lessen the need for water.
(Photo Credit: DesertCrestPress.com)
No Comments