Green Home Improvements That Pay

Here are some green remodeling projects that will actually put money back into your wallet while making your life a little easier at the same time.

Installing high performance Windows

A new generation of energy-efficient windows can reduce your energy costs by as much as a whopping 50% year on year, which means it will literally pay for itself in a few short years.

If you're in the market for new windows should be looking for more paned windows, low-e coatings, insulated box, and gas fills.

You should also keep in mind that a good installation is every bit as important when it comes to achieving the highest possible levels of energy efficiency to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable window installation company you can trust.

Installing high efficiency heating

This is another improvement that green can save you a small fortune on energy bills and help the environment by reducing fuel consumption. Look for the heating system is AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of 90 or better and, again, remember that a poor installation job will sabotage all your efforts and investments.

to get a new kitchen appliances

Just because a ten year old refrigerator and can still do your job, does not mean you should. new breed of Energy Star rated dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines and clothes dryers can help you achieve up to $ 500 in extra energy savings for each year that are at work.

Go low flow

Wasting water is as bad as wasting the energy and the average home is still a lot of waste. Low flow toilets and showers will help you reduce water consumption a lot, and the latest models are every bit as effective as drinking water and their older colleagues. How much water you save? a lot. For example, just a simple act of installing low-flow shower heads can reduce your water bill third.

Insulate, insulate, and insulate some more

All the high-efficiency windows, heating and appliances in the world are not as good, if your home is properly insulated. Leaky windows and doors, and poorly insulated attic spaces are some of the most common causes of energy inefficient homes, so they are good places to start.

To be really sure that your home is up to speed to consider the call in a professional conduct a full energy audit and help you determine where and how you should be adding additional insulation.

All these measures are large, and many of them come with an extra bonus - tax credits and deductions. Make sure you ask about all of them when making purchases and then not actually remember the picture for them when tax time comes around!