Making green updates to your home can feel challenging - and expensive. However, there are many clean improvements that any homeowner can make which save money, and cost less than you think.
For example, did you know that most green home updates offer tax benefits, are subsidized by your state or county, or offer rebates? In fact, you can not only get a rebate for many updates, but you may also get cash back for recycling an older item during the replacement process.
SF Green Construction stays on top of local, state, and federal rebates and incentives. We share information about these programs with our customers as we know that you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle. If you can afford more green upgrades then you thought you could, we want to support all of the green energy savings you can possibly get.
Five Ways Homeowners Can Save
While rebates, subsidies, and tax credits evolve over time, the list below offers five ways that you can save by reducing your energy costs and increasing your comfort.
Here are five green ways to save:
1. Solar panel installation
We wanted to tackle the most intimidating green home improvement first. Most homeowners want to use solar energy. It’s cheap, reliable, and, contrary to popular belief, affordable. Solar panels and installation services have dropped in cost over the years. Solar installation is now not only affordable, both state and federal government agencies are doing their best to make it available to most homeowners. $0 down financing is now available from reliable lenders which makes solar energy within reach for any qualifying homeowner.
If you’ve always wanted solar energy, but felt like the sticker price was overwhelming, you may be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to get a solar system installed on your home.
2. Cool roofing
Your roof is absorbing all of the heat coming down from direct sun every day. This increases the heat within your home, causing your home interior to heat up unnecessarily. Cool roofing utilizes modern technology to reflect the sun’s heat back into the atmosphere, reducing the heat your home is absorbing and reducing your cooling bills significantly.
3. Double pane windows and doors
If you have single-pane windows, installing double pane windows and doors should be at the top of your to-dos. Double pane windows and doors reduce condensation, cut back on unnecessary drafts, and reduce outdoor noise. Take it from someone who has had them installed, they are worth the installation.
4. Water-wise landscaping and artificial grass
Artificial turf is a great way to reduce water waste while still enjoying a near-real lawn. Grass is incredibly wasteful and it sucks up the precious water that is always in short supply. Don’t waste water, time, and fertilizer on a lawn. Instead, utilize water-wise landscaping and install artificial grass. It’ll last for years and won’t ever go brown on you.
5. Tex-Cote COOLWALL® System
SF Green Construction technicians are qualified to install the infrared cooling technology called a COOLWALL®. A COOLWALL® is essentially a paint technology that works like a cool roof, but on your walls. The walls reflect the sun’s rays back, keeping your home interior cool and comfortable on the hottest days. This new technology helps you to reduce energy costs with a simple coat of paint.
What green home improvement is on your wishlist? Contact SF Green Construction and let us know!
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