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Wall selection is a key component of sustainable design. Sustainable walls help reduce heat island effect, provide insulation and natural cooling. Sustainable walls can slow down stormwater runoff, and when properly designed and installed can add value to a house, and reduce energy costs.
Choosing the correct wall system is part of good sustainable design. Homeowners should demand good sustainable wall design, builders should be knowledgeable about them, and architects should include them in every building design.
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An exterior door can contribute significantly to air leakage in a home-as well as some heat transfer-if it's old, not properly installed, and/or not properly air sealed. This can result in energy losses.
Weatherstrip your home to seal air leaks around movable joints, such as windows or doors. Do it now and you will see great savings in your energy bills this winter.
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If you are building a new house or replacing your roof, try and install a sustainable roof.
It's a roofing system that is designed, constructed, maintained, rehabilitated, and demolished with an emphasis throughout its life cycle on using natural resources efficiently and preserving the global environment.
While many homeowners may think that a sustainable roof requires a large gesture, choosing any one of these options can make a large environmental impact. Even asphalt shingles can be upgraded to reduce energy and construction waste and could just get you a break on your homeowner's insurance.
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Home improvement tax credits
Tax credits are available for home improvements "placed in service" from January 1, 2009- December 31, 2009. Any qualified home improvements made in 2008 are not eligible for the tax credit.
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Green Building Cost, Budgeting and ROI
Green building skeptics sometimes argue that it's difficult or even impossible to build green without paying a big cost premium. But real-world examples show that you can complete a LEED-certified green building project for an average of 2 percent more in upfront costs, and sometimes even below standard market construction costs.
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Home Energy Saving Tip:
Shade Your Air Conditioner For Up To A 10% Efficiency Improvement, according to eere.
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Home Energy Saving Tip:
Track Your Energy Costs with a Home Energy Audit.
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Energy-efficient windows
Energy-efficient windows can help lower a home's heating, cooling, and lighting costs. Windows provide our homes with light, warmth, and ventilation, but they can also negatively impact a home's energy efficiency. You can reduce energy costs by installing energy-efficient windows in your home. Some energy efficiency improvements to existing windows can also help.
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