Blog: Green Homes Save Money

‘Green’ homes not only help the environment but can also help save homeowners money while increasing property value. Simple steps such as sealing up homes, and adding insulation can decrease energy use (as well as bills) up to 30 percent.

1- Air sealing can put a stop to air leaking, which happens when air from outside enters homes uncontrollably, changing the temperature and adding moisture that can lead to mold.

2- In most homes ducts are used to distribute conditioned and heated air throughout the house and according to EnergyStar.Gov 20 percent of that air is lost to leaks . Duct Sealing can save homeowners lots of money during winter and summer months.

3-Insulation helps increase the air sealing of houses. Insulation can be added to old homes easily and will start saving homeowners money immediately. Insulation is really important in floors, walls, attics and crawl spaces.

Homeowners in the Columbia neighborhood can get a Home Energy Assessment now through the Community Energy Challenge. Assessment’s cost $95, a huge knockdown from the normal price of $600. That $95 can then be spent towards one of the many projects the CEC specialists may suggest to help ‘green’ ones home.

Projects done through the Community Energy Challenge can only be completed by a list of approved local businesses. The community with the largest cluster of home or most homes competing in the challenge will win $1,000 towards a greening project. Columbia neighborhood was the winner in 2007 and used the money to put new trees around Columbia School.

For more home greening tips check out EnergyStar.Gov or EnergySavers.Gov

To learn more about the Community Energy Challenge and to sign up for a Home Energy Assessment go to CommunityEnergyChallenge.Org