With increased interest of lowering our environmental impact and reducing monthly costs in homes, homeowners are looking to the installation of green features as they look to build new or upgrade their current home.

Making a few energy efficient upgrades will not only help the environment, but also increase the value of your home.

Solar Panels
If you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels to power your home, now is the time to do it. While the initial installation costs may be a bit daunting, there is a 30% federal renewable-energy tax credit available in 2019. To qualify, your system must be placed and in service (or ready for inspection) by December 31, 2019.

In 2020 the tax credit will fall to 26%; 2021 it will fall to 22%, and after that it is no longer available. With significant estimated savings in the first year as utility rates continue to rise, the system is projected to pay for itself in the first 10 years.

Geo-Thermal HVAC
These heating and cooling systems work by utilizing ground’s natural temperature to help regulate the temperature in your home without burning fuel or emitting greenhouse gases. The system consisting of underground piping, called group loop, and an indoor heat pump, work to help heat in the winter and cool in the summer.

We recommend contacting a qualified geothermal heat pump contractor or engineer to give an estimate of the size of the system needed for your home.

Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters help reduce the inefficiency of heating unused water by using thermal optic sensors that are activated as water passes through the system, heating only the water that is being used at that time — thus saving money!

This on-demand heating process helps reduce the energy and costs associated with reheating water. Additionally, tankless water heaters take up minimal space and can fit under the sink or in cabinets so homeowners won’t have an issue finding a place to put it.

Energy Efficient Windows
Choosing high-quality and energy efficient windows can result in significant cost savings and benefits in your home all year long. Having energy efficient windows can better insulate your home, forming a barrier against the cold in the winters and keeping rooms cooler in the summer.

With better insulation, you’ll consume less energy heating and cooling your home, resulting in cost savings and a more eco-friendly home. Additionally, these windows are made with a special coating that can block out the sun’s UV rays, which help protect your rug, carpet, wood and other fabrics that could be damaged by the sun.

LED Lighting
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) lights are designed to use at least 90% less energy than the standard bulbs, helping to save money right away on your energy bill. They are smaller in size, have reduced temperatures and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs (up to 50,000 hours) so you won’t need to replace them nearly as often as fluorescent or incandescent bulbs.

From an environmental standpoint, LEDs don’t contain mercury as traditional lighting does, meaning when the time comes for a replacement, these lights can be recycled and do not require specific disposal handling.