Going green was all the rage in home improvement and new home construction last year.  And yes, it’s true – with the end of 2007, we did see the expiration of a tax benefit for those making qualifying green improvements to their homes.  But that doesn’t mean that green is dead at all.  Actually, it’s quite the contrary.  Making your home as green as possible is still worth every last bit of effort.

Go a Step Further This Year.

Maybe last year, you took some small steps towards making your abode a little bit greener.  Perhaps you make the switch to efficient compact fluorescent lighting.  Maybe you took the extra bit of consideration to buy low VOC paint for that bedroom you redid last fall.  If so, that’s great!

As you plan spring and summer projects for your home this year, consider taking it a step further.  Do something big.  Need an idea for a splendid springtime do-it-yourself green project?  Find a way to reuse runoff water and grey water for landscaping and irrigation.  Check your local codes, but almost all will allow the storage and reuse of rainwater collected from the roof and gutter system.

Energy Costs are Still on the Rise.

As our nation’s energy costs continue their journey upwards, I think it’s safe to say the days of dirt cheap kilowatts and therms are a thing of the past.  High rates are here to stay, but that doesn’t mean your home’s energy sucking systems and appliances must stay too.

How about replacing that old rickety water heater with a brand new ultra efficient tankless water heater?  This will cause two things to happen right away – your energy usage and costs will plummet and your comfort will increase.  That’s right, tankless water heaters heat water on demand, allowing an endless supply of hot water for showers and other tasks while eliminating the need to constantly keep a huge barrel of water heated up at just the right temp 24/7.

At the same time, it might be advantageous to update your HVAC system with one of the newest high efficiency models, even if your current standard efficiency system is only a few years old.  I know this sounds crazy, but a couple thousand dollars worth of upgrades in efficiency when it comes to an energy thirsty furnace and air conditioning system will usually pay for itself in a matter of a few short years.  Ultimately, after the initial investment is recouped – let’s say in three or four years – you’ve got another good fifteen years of what amounts to profitable savings left in the equipment’s life span.

Take Action Today.

The green home ideology is here to stay.  Take action in 2008 and save bundles of money for years to come, all while helping reduce your impact on the environment too.  It’s a win-win situation for all!