|
|  |
Why Building Green?
Interest in building an energy-draining dream home that comes with high costs and wasteful space is fast becoming a thing of the past. Today's homeowners are very savvy about energy-efficiency and economics. The economy has swiftly changed us from excessive pampering to practical living. Helping to make that road easier are architects and designers, builders and manufacturers, who support green building through their products and services.
Here are some common questions people ask when deciding whether or not to purchase or build a green home:
Q: How much is it going to cost to heat and cool a green home?
A: Residential cooling and heating alone make up 20% of the United States ' yearly energy use. Throw in household lighting, appliances and other electronic equipment, and homes are clearly a major source of energy consumption. Green homes use 40% less energy than comparable standard homes.
Q: Is building a green home really worth it?
The net cost of owning a green home is comparable to - or even cheaper than - owning a standard home. If upfront costs are higher, it is often because many architects, homebuilders, engineers, plumbers and other industry professionals just don't have the knowledge and experience to cost-effectively plan, design and build a green home. Finding a professional familiar with green-building techniques will save you money and ensure you're getting the best-quality work possible.
Month to month, people who live in green homes save money by consuming 40% less energy and 50% less water than standard homes. Over the years, that adds up to big savings. So yes, it is definitely worth it, not only to you and your family, but the environment.
Q: But what does a "Green" home look like?
A: Your new dream home is likely to be smaller but designed to look bigger with the right floor plan, window locations and interior design accents. Flexible spaces make it easier to do more with less space. For example a 15' by 30' family room could easily be designed to convert to a 24-person dining room during the holiday season.
Keep in mind it's going to be a lot easier to maintain an energy-efficient home, because it's smaller and much more durable than most standard homes because of its high-quality building materials and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs.
Q: Is it true that there are several tax breaks available and even a special energy-efficiency mortgage?
That's correct. If you build an energy-efficient home you may qualify for a higher mortgage and get a tax break. Energy-Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) allow some new homeowners to qualify for a larger mortgage with a lower annual income, because they factor in the energy savings expected in homes built to high energy-efficiency standards. A lower federal tax bill is another benefit. A new law for 2009 offers a consumer tax credit for certain energy-efficient home improvements. You can get a one-time income tax credit of up to $500 in total for installing efficient new windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in your home. If you qualify for a First-Time Homebuyer's Tax Credit, you will receive an $8,000 credit.
The best benefits of designing and building a green home are lower operating costs, a healthier interior environment, and increased level of comfort for daily living in your home. You'll see these benefits directly relate to an increase in your home's market value as well.
Resources for Greening Your Home
A number of high-quality, informative resources on green building are available on the Web. Here are just a few:
Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES)
A free software program developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology that helps you select cost effective, environmentally preferable building products.
www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html
Directory of Wood-Framed Building Deconstruction and Reused Building Materials Companies
Published by the Forest Products Laboratory of the U.S. Forest Service, this directory lists contractors and vendors that reclaim or sell reclaimed wood.
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr150.pdf
ENERGY STAR®
ENERGY STAR® is an international standard for energy efficient consumer products, including appliances, HVAC and other building products.
www.energystar.gov
Efficient Windows Collaborative
Allows you to compare the energy efficiency of various windows for energy cost, and provides detailed information about different window types and technologies.
www.efficientwindows.org
Green Seal
Provides recommendations on carpet, lighting, particleboard, and a variety of other building products.
www.greenseal.org
Greenguard
Tests indoor air quality and rates various building products.
www.greenguard.org
Greenhome
Lists various building and consumer products for your home that are sustainable, including low
VOC products.
www.greenhome.com
Habitat ReStores
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices.
www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx
 |
|
 |
 |
No matter what type of heating or cooling system you have, everyone is feeling the heat with rising energy costs. Typically, 45% of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling with more than half of homeowners in the U.S. using natural gas to heat their homes. The good news is, no matter what kind of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system you have in your home, you can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining and purchasing the right energy efficient equipment.
|
 |
 |
|
 |
| |
|
