You not only realize the trend of rising energy costs at the gas station, but also with the yearly increasing heating bills. Energy prices for oil and gas have almost doubled in the last ten years and many energy companies have announced further price increases. If you can imagine that more than sixty percent of the used energy in homes is spent for the generation of room temperature and hot water it becomes quickly clear that here are the biggest saving potentials. Therefore, the renovation of a home or building should not just include new paint, bathroom and kitchen renovations, and or flooring, but also measures which contribute to the reduction of heat loss and gains of the home or building. Energy savings mean cost savings. Money which will be invested into the renovation of a home or building will be paid back over the years and will immediately increase the resale value of a home.

Poorly insulated homes loose heat and cooled air mainly over the roof, poorly insulated walls, windows and doors. Those temperature losses could be easily prevented through a gapless insulation of the building envelop. All areas which are heated and cooled should be properly insulated. Areas without climate control like basements, garages, or unused attics do not need to be insulated. 

Another point to capitalize on is the US EPA and Department of Energy newly expanded tax credit program. Keep in mind that energy efficient products and methods pay back in a reasonable amount of time and the tax credits are just an added bonus. 

Andrew Morrison is the founder of Greenhaus Construction, home builder and remodeler specializing in energy efficient and sustainable building in the San Francisco Bay area.

am@greenhausconstruction.com

http://www.greenhausconstruction.com

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