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Energy-efficient homes: Cheaper to own, more expenive to buy. Why?

January 25, 2010

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Krista and Micah Fuerst were looking near here to buy their first place together, and had narrowed it down to two houses: One built 25 years ago, the other brand new and built to strict energy efficiency standards. The couple's choice was easy: They picked the Energy Star home, which the U.S. had certified because it will use about one-fifth to one-third less energy than a comparable home. But they're in the minority. Most homebuyers don't think about the ongoing costs of home ownership beyond the mortgage and taxes; using energy costs, too. And fewer still think about the pollution that energy use creates, but home energy use accounts for 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The proportion of newly built Energy Star homes is growing, but still only represents 20 percent of new homes built in 2009, according to Sam Rashkin, national director of the Home Energy Star program. Despite the slow increase in newly built efficient homes, some 99 percent of existing houses are "sick" -- damp, drafty, dusty, noisy and expensive to heat and cool. They "could be made at least 30 percent more energy-efficient with highly cost-effective, tried-and-true energy-efficiency improvements," according to Rashkin. A 30% reduction in energy use is a 30% reduction in home energy costs; newly built Energy Star homes have, since 1995, saved homeowners an estimated $1.2 billion. The Energy Star program won't fix those old houses. Energy Star designations go to the cream of the housing stock; if just one in five new homes meets these standards, far fewer renovations do. So if energy efficient homes cost homeowners less and pollute less, why aren't they more commonplace? Experts say economics and regulations are the root of the problem: Mortgages are structured in ways that fail to recognize the benefits of energy efficiency, while a patchwork of inconsistent and ill-enforced energy codes provides conflicting signals to industry. Meanwhile consumers remain largely unaware of efficiency's advantages, advocates say, thereby bypassing an easy target for considerable cuts in national carbon emissions -- and home energy bills. In this sense the Fuersts are typical of many homebuyers. Both in their late twenties, the Fuersts were aware of Energy Star-rated appliances, but didn't know the label also applied to homes, said Krista Fuerst, a childcare director. Their home, which wouldn't stand out in any new subdivision, and they mostly just wanted a place big enough to raise a family. They traded slightly longer commutes for smaller energy bills and freedom from costly renovations. "We're certainly conscious of the environment," she explained, "but we're not hyper-conscious. We're not extreme green." Of course, the ultra-efficient heating and cooling systems, high-performance windows and other features that make the homes exceptionally comfortable also make them a bit pricier. The added cost for a new Energy Star home may only be about the price of a night at the movies on each month's mortgage payment, but it's enough to scare off many potential buyers. "It's an incredibly smart choice," Rashkin said, since smaller utility bills more than offset the higher price. "But consumers are overwhelmed by first cost."

Energy-efficient mortgages

To get buyers over that hump, a handful of specialized mortgage options have for decades given buyers more cash Read more
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Written by Douglas Fischer · Filed Under News, Rebates · Comments Off 



Solatube eChoice makes tubular skylights more efficient & less expensive

June 30, 2009

Solatube recently announced upgrades to two models of their tubular daylighting devices (tubular skylights).  The upgrades qualify their products for a 30% Federal Tax Credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The two qualifying products are the 160DSe and the 290DSe.  Both are improvements upon the 160DS (the one I installed in my home), and the 290DS.

Solatube is the first company with tubular daylighting devices that exceed low Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC), and U-Factor ratings specified in the federal Act.     This is why their products qualify for the Federal tax credit!

What are SHGC and U-Factor you ask?  These ratings come from the National Fenestration Rating Council. We demystify both terms in detail for you in a previous article here on GetWithGreen.  Essentially, a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient means that your window or tubular device will block heat from sunlight.  A low U-Factor means that heat has a difficult time escaping.  These ratings matter to you because the tube from these skylights runs through your attic.  You want to prevent as much heat from coming in during the summer, and limit the amount of heat lost during the winter.    The lower these ratings, the less your attic Read more

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Written by admin · Filed Under Rebates, Windows & Doors · 12 Comments 

Save over 1 gallon per flush – high efficiency toilets (HETs)work

June 28, 2009

High efficiency toilets, or HETs have been on the market now for years.  We wrote about them two years ago when we launched GetWithGreen.com.

Essentially high efficiency toilets conserve a lot of water.  Many older toilets use 3.5-5 gallons of water per flush, and newer high efficiency toilets from Kohler or Caroma use far less (0.8-1.6 gallons).

Having recently installed Kohler Revival HETs in my remodel, I am extremely pleased with the quality.  Even with two small kids cramming just a bit too much toilet paper, the toilets perform incredibly well.  Also, since so little water is used, the toilet does not run for five minutes afterwards!

Make sure you check with your manufacturer of choice, and your local water company for rebates after purchasing your new toilets.  There are many programs available to save money.  Here is an example of a special savings from Caroma that is offered in a drought affected portion of Texas:

City of Alamo Heights Launches Toilet Replacement Program
Caroma and Morrison Supply help save water and costs with dual flush high efficiency toilets

Caroma, the leader in dual flush toilets and stylish sinks, is partnering with the City of Alamo Heights and Morrison Supply Company in Texas on a toilet replacement program for Alamo Heights water customers. The new program started on June 10th, 2009.

Due to drought conditions, Alamo Heights is experiencing Stage 1 water restrictions. This includes limiting landscape watering to one designated day per week at specific hours, no impervious outdoor ground washing (parking lot, driveway, etc.), restaurants serving water only when customers request, and several additional restrictions. As part of these ongoing efforts to conserve limited water supplies, the City of Alamo Heights has created the toilet voucher replacement program to help conserve water in the house.

Approximately 30% of water in the home is used to flush a toilet. Many older toilets use 3.5 or 5 gallons of water per flush. The voucher rebate program enables homeowners to purchase a water-efficient Caroma toilet at a reduced cost and Read more

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Written by David Putnam · Filed Under Bathrooms, Rebates · 6 Comments 



Congress votes YES, President signs bill, Solar tax credits back on!

October 4, 2008

From CNNMoney.com

After months of failed attempts in Congress to extend crucial renewable energy tax credits, the end-game came with lightning speed Friday afternoon: The House of Representatives passed the green incentives attached to the financial bailout package approved by the Senate Wednesday night and President Bush promptly signed the legislation into law.

There were goodies for wind, geothermal and alternative fuels, but the big winner by far was the solar industry.

“It feels like we should be popping the champagne,” said a Silicon Valley solar exec Green Wombat met for lunch minutes after Bush put pen to paper.

That it took the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression to save billions of dollars of renewable projects in the pipeline for the sake of political expediency does not bode well for a national alternative energy policy. But the bottom line is that the legislation passed Friday sets the stage for a potential solar Read more

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Written by GetGreen · Filed Under Rebates, Solar / Power · 1 Comment 

REBATES: No sales tax for Energy Star products purchased in Georgia.

October 3, 2008

2008 Energy Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday  October 2008 – for GEORGIA residents

In an effort to help Georgians conserve energy and water, save money and protect the environment, today Governor Perdue announced Georgia’s fourth annual ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday has been expanded for the first time to include WaterSense labeled products.

Georgians will not pay state or local sales taxes on the purchase of energy efficient or water efficient products that cost $1,500 or less per item.

The sales tax holiday begins at 12:01a.m. Thursday, October 2, 2008 and runs through midnight Sunday, October 5, 2008.

ENERGY STAR designated products meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Qualified ENERGY STAR appliances and products include dishwashers, clothes washers, air conditioners, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats, refrigerators, doors and windows.

Many ENERGY STAR qualified appliances use Read more

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Written by GetGreen · Filed Under Rebates · 4 Comments 

National Grid offers new energy efficiency rebates for gas customers

September 21, 2008

Massachusetts’s resident?  New Hampshire?  New York City, Long Island, Rhode Island?   National Grid customers can now take advantage of new rebates for natural gas and energy efficiency improvements.

Natural Grid recently launched their Think Smart Think Green website which details how National Grid gas customers can save on rebates for energy efficiency improvements such as Programmable Thermostats, Boiler Reset Controls, High-efficiency heating equipment, water heating, weatherizing, replacement windows, and solar water heaters.

Wherever you live, make sure you check with your utility provider for rebates during your remodel – because there are lots of them out there!
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Written by David Putnam · Filed Under Rebates · 2 Comments 

Government tax credits and rebates coming for green improvements?

September 20, 2008

Reuters reports this week that the U.S. Senate will be voting as early as Tuesday on new energy tax credits for homeowners who are remodeling.  The voting on legislation would extend tax breaks and incentives for renewable energy production and energy-efficiency measures taken by homeowners.

Negotiators hammered out the extensive tax rebate package to continue investment credits for solar, wind, and geothermal energy. It also creates a new tax credit for purchasers of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Homeowners could get a 30 percent tax credit for eight additional years for the cost of installing solar equipment at residences.

Homeowners could claim a tax credit of up to 10 percent of the costs of all qualified energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation, replacement windows, water heaters and heating and cooling equipment.

“This compromise will enable us to become a more energy efficient nation and wean us off our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Democrat Jeff Bingaman, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

For detailed information on the legislation see the United States Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources

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Written by David Putnam · Filed Under News, Rebates · 4 Comments 

Are you taking advantage of refrigerator & freezer recycle rebates?

September 18, 2008

As you are demo’ing your house in preparation for your remodel, stop before you take that used refrigerator or freezer to the dump! There are organizations that will haul away your refrigerator or freezer, pay you a rebate, and then recycle it!

Southern California Edison (SCE) is one such organization. They will pay you to recycle your old refrigerator or freezer. You will receive a $50 check for that working refrigerator or freezer. And, by swapping your old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones or disposing of a spare unit, you can save up to $292 per year on your energy bill says SCE (savings based on 2006, assuming average use and conditions. Actual savings may vary according to SCE).

To be eligible, you must be an SCE customer. The appliance must be picked up at your SCE service address. The appliance must be in working condition at the time of pick up. The size of the appliance must be between 10-27 cubic feet.

Check your local utility for similar rebate and recycle programs for appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers!

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Written by David Putnam · Filed Under Appliances, Featured Articles, Rebates · 3 Comments 

REBATES: Lowe’s is offering another 10% discount day

June 26, 2008

In the spirit of the 4th of July, Lowe’s is offering a 10% Discount on purchases up to $5,000 for Active, Reserve, Honorably,  discharged, and Retired Military Personnel and Their Families.

If you qualify for this, get out and save some money on greener alternative products at Lowe’s such as:

 

 

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Written by David Putnam · Filed Under Rebates · Leave a Comment 

WINDOWS: How do you find rebates for your new windows?

June 21, 2008

window house pellaWhether you select Pella, Andersen, Marvin, JELD-WEN, or another brand, windows are almost a certainty in your home remodel project.  Did you know there are rebates and incentive plans in many areas of the country?

Window rebates are most often paid out based on the U-factor or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient by your power or Utility company.  Many times these rebates have a budget, and once they are used up they are gone – so submit yours as soon as you can if there is a program in your area.

GetWithGreen searched the web and found you a fairly comprehensive list of rebates.  Click here for the .pdf list of Utility Programs that Offer Incentives and Rebates for Energy Efficient Windows

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Written by David Putnam · Filed Under Main Articles, Rebates, Windows & Doors · 1 Comment 

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