Are you looking to green up your home, but don’t know where to start? Here are a few tips that should get you started and on your way to a greener, more energy efficient home!
- 1. If you are building a new home and want it to be certified green, check the program first. Most require an inspection at the very beginning of the project.
- 2. Start off with a home energy audit. It will run you $400-600, but will show you where your energy leaks are and give you a list to work from.
- 3. Start with the biggest leaks. They will give you the biggest ROI. You can do the smaller ones as your budget permits.
- 4. If you are in the market for a new HVAC unit, look for one that is already solar-ready. They are not much more expensive and you can add solar panels as your budget permits.
The federal government is also offering a 30% tax credit for installing solar-energy appliances as well as the 30% tax credit for energy-efficient improvements (this one expires at the end of the year). Check www.energystar.gov for more information on federal rebates and the AC Doctor Rebates page for information about state rebates.
Yo, that’s what’s up trfuthully.
The Australian carbon tax is certainly slowing down the uptake of home solar systems due to the uncertainty.