Submitted by Fox First at Ten on November 14th
Your home is your largest investment. Besides the initial cost, a home is a series of operating systems within a larger system. Those systems use more energy than your car, and if the systems weren't efficient when you built or purchased your home, or if your home is over 10 years old, then it is probably time to consider updating those systems. New generations of Energy Star appliances, heating and air/systems, and environmentally friendly insulation can help make your home more energy-efficient and ultimately save you money.Heating and Air
Heating and cooling your home takes nearly 56% of your energy budget dollars, making it the largest energy expense, according to energy.gov. Installing an updated HVAC system in a 2,000 square foot home will cost between $3,000 to $5,000 dollars, if you don't require any new electrical work or ductwork. If you do need any work besides the basic installation, the cost will increase to between $6,000 and $10,000 dollars. It will be several years before homeowners see their return on investment. If you plan to stay at your residence for five years, or if your home HVAC system is older than 10 years, then this may be an excellent investment. You will see even more savings if your current HVAC system is over 20 years old. In addition, you will significantly reduce carbon pollution and greenhouse gases with new systems. Windows and Doors
A large portion of your energy dollars literally fly out the door. Replacing older windows can save you over $400 per year if you are replacing single pane windows. Replacement windows can cost anywhere between $200 and $400 to be installed. If you have newer windows, consider caulking them and using insulation around the frame to help increase your energy efficiencyOne of the least expensive energy efficiency investments you can make is adding insulation to your home. Adding the correct amount of insulation could save roughly 20% on your heating and cooling bill. Finding the correct R-rating is crucial to knowing how much insulation you need. This is a home's insulating quality and it is determined by the weather in the area where you live. You can find an easy-to-read chart on the Energy Stars website. Once you have insulated your home, it should last forever. This means that it is a one-time investment that keeps paying you by saving energy and lowering your cost. Lighting
Although lighting takes the smallest portion of your energy dollars, it still accounts for approximately 25% of your energy budget. Using compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs can save you money. The initial cost of the CFL bulbs is greater than traditional light bulbs, but they last longer, put out the same amount of light and use up to 8% less energy. Over the life of the CFL bulb, you will save an average of eight cents per kilowatt-hour, which works out to about a $45 dollar savings over the life of the bulb. Now, multiply that by the number of light bulbs in your home and you'll be impressed with how much you save.The Bottom Line
Many of these energy-efficient improvements require a large initial investment. The government's Energy and Recovery Act offers tax rebates for many energy-saving home upgrades to help offset the cost. Check with your tax expert to see if the upgrades that you are considering are covered. Improvements such as insulation and energy-saving light bulbs will give you almost immediate savings on the investment. On more expensive upgrades, such as windows, doors and HVAC systems, the savings won't be so immediately evident. It often takes several years for the investment to recoup the price. If you plan to stay in your home for more than five years, these improvements are worth the investment. If you plan to sell your home, then you must evaluate whether those investments will improve your home's resell value.
Originally posted on Investopedia.com
