With winter just around the corner, consumers now have access to a tool that can help them reduce their energy bills up to 25 percent by making some simple improvements around their home. The new tool from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], the Energy Star Home Advisor, provides consumers with customized recommendations for improving energy efficiency and comfort at home. Using energy more efficiently is also another way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."Dropping temperatures don't have to lead to rising energy bills," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By making a few energy saving home improvements, Americans can stay warm this winter, while keeping more cold cash in their pockets."
The average family spends $1,900 per year on energy bills. For example, EPA estimates that homeowners can save up to 10 percent on their annual energy bill simply by sealing air leaks and adding insulation. If every American home improved energy efficiency by 10 percent, the result would be 800 pounds of carbon removed from the air each year.
Using the Energy Star Home Advisor, homeowners can enter their ZIP Code and some basic information about the types of fuel used to heat and cool their home, and get recommended home-improvement projects to increase energy efficiency and comfort. Homeowners can also see the average energy savings for these improvements and associated greenhouse gas reductions.
Common recommendations for homeowners include sealing air leaks and ducts; adding insulation; installing a programmable thermostat; replacing older heating, cooling, and water-heating equipment with more efficient units; as well as changing lighting, appliances and windows to Energy Star-qualified models.
Homeowners can visit the Energy Star Home Advisor at: http://www.energystar.gov/homeadvisor.
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency Expire Dec. 31
To encourage homeowners to buy energy-efficient components for their homes, the federal government is offering tax credits that reduce the cost of certain upgrades. But there is a time limit: The breaks expire at the end of this year.
Here are a few of the eligible products covered:
* Windows, skylights and storm doors: Recoup 10 percent of the cost of materials -- up to $200 for all qualifying windows, skylights and storm windows.
* Roofing: Install an Energy Star-certified metal roof and get back 10 percent of the cost -- up to $500.
* Insulation: Material must meet the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code. If it does, you can get back 10 percent of the cost -- up to $500.
* Water heaters: Certain high-efficiency models qualify for a $300 credit.
* Solar power: Install a photovoltaic system to power your home, and get 30 percent of the cost back -- up to $2,000.
* Heating and cooling systems: Qualified air-conditioning and heating units provide up to a $300 credit.
Click here for complete info about all energy-related tax credits available.
About Energy Star
Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label [see logo sample, above] can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products as well as new homes. Products that have earned the Energy Star designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government.
Last year alone, Americans -- with the help of Energy Star -- saved about $14 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 25 million vehicles.
Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy designed to save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.
Source: Energystar.gov
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