An energy-efficient home, more popularly called as a green home, is one of the fast rising and widespread options for environmentally conscious home buyers. Having a green home is very advantageous in diverse ways, from economical deals to the betterment of the environment.
Big savings
These days of economic crises around the world, any money saving measure should be encouraged and accommodated. By using home products with the Energy Star label, you get to save lots of money.
Every year, average home could spend around $2,200 on energy bills alone. You can save up from $75 to $110 on utility costs a year if you employ Energy Star-labeled products. These include lighting equipment, appliances, heating and cooling systems, water heaters, electronic gadgets like cordless phones and television sets.
You could also count on the longevity of these products’ function. Most of the household appliances with the Energy Star label could last from 13 to 21 years.
Energy efficiency tax credit and rebates
Another financial plus of having an energy efficient home is getting an energy efficiency tax credit. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 gave way for eco-friendly home owners to get tax credit for having energy-conserving home appliances and installations.
Some utilities companies give financial incentives for homeowners who have bought Energy Star-qualified house installations like windows, doors and skylights; appliances, light bulbs and fixtures, office equipment and electronic gadgets. The tax credit you could get could be from $1,500 and up, depending on the Energy Star approved products you have at home and your location.
Moreover, all Energy Star products bought before June 2009 could still claim tax credits. Just be sure you have retained the Energy Star labels or manufacturer certification statements.
Take note that to qualify for this tax credit, you need to hold the manufacturer certification that the product you are buying has passed the Energy Star criteria.
Take advantage of this tax credit as this is only applicable until the end of December 2010.
Better health and safety
Another way you could make your home energy efficient is by frequent cleaning your appliances. Your priorities should be the air filters and cooking appliances. If these are free from dirt and bacteria formation, there would be no barriers for better functioning. You and your family are also guaranteed of improved indoor air circulation. Cleaner surfaces also mean that you eliminate disease causing bacteria and molds.
In addition, if you ensure that your home areas and appliances are maintained well, you reduce your risks of being fire prone.
Environmental impact
As you save your own pocket, you save the environment. All these measures to save energy contribute to making a better place. You save from 30 to 60 percent of the world’s energy consumption by just using the right light bulbs.
All these advantages could convince anyone to start using energy-efficient appliances and building materials. Be one of the proud green homeowners. Search for energy-efficient homes from Homes for Sale in Laurel Maryland and Laurel Real Estate, and start saving your money and Mother Earth.
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