Philadelphia Green Energy Homes
Philadelphia Green Energy Homes
Philadelphia Real Estate Blog – Philadelphia Green HomesEverywhere I turn I see advertisements for alternative energy sources promoting green energy. This week Philly.com posted an article about Green energy homes in Philadelphia. In addition to helping the planet and saving money on utility bills, some green energy options trigger tax breaks or rebates and can increase the value of your home.
“Consider that the Department of Housing and Urban Development suggests homeowners may earn twice their money back after implementing green products in their homes. Additionally, a study by the Appraisal Institute indicates that, for every dollar of energy costs saved per year in an energy efficient home, the value of the property increases by $20.”
According to the article, the US government is awarding tax credits between 10 and 30 percent for green products bought and installed in 2011. For more information visit this website. The Federal Housing Administration is also offering qualified borrowers a $25,000 interest-free loan to incorporate green improvements in their homes. More information on the FHA program can be found here. There also are many subsidies and rebates available from federal, state and local governments that can help defray the costs of energy improvements, and your area energy supplier may offer additional programs and incentives.
Retrofitting your existing home with energy-saving amenities will also help you remain competitive if you decide to sell in the future, however wary it may be; The National Association of Home Builders reports that by 2015, 68 percent of new homes will include more green features and technology. “Greening up your home can absolutely increase resale value, but the right improvements also offer health benefits by producing cleaner and better indoor air quality,” says Anika Berhang, Realtor and certified EcoBroker with the John Aaroe Group, Los Angeles (EcoBroker Certified professionals help clients market properties with green features, save money and live comfortably through energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive choices). “However, it’s not sufficient to simply install a few green appliances. You have to look at the whole house as a system and invest in quality products and systems without thinking merely about quick or cheap.”
Here are few green improvements recommendations from the article:
- installing energy-efficient lighting in your home
- sealing your building envelope tighter with caulk, weather-stripping and other products; adding extra insulation; and duct-sealing
- Replacing a dated furnace/air conditioning system with a high-efficiency model
- Installing water management devices, such as on-demand and/or tankless hot water heaters, faucet aerators, low gallon-per-flush toilets, and water-efficient showerheads
- Implementing new Energy Star appliances
- Installing energy-saving windows and doors.
- Geothermal systems, which take advantage of the earth’s constant temperature to effectively heat and cool a home
- Photovoltaic solar systems, which utilize solar panels to convert sunlight to electricity
- Wind turbines, which convert kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy.
Before making any of these improvements make sure to select a contractor that has experience with and is certified in green energy improvements.
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Blog post compliments of CenterCityTeam’s Philadelphia Real Estate Blog
Frank L. DeFazio, Esquire
Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors – Society Hill
530 Walnut Street, Suite 260
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.521.1623 Direct
610.636.4364 Cellular
888.308.1148 Fax
[email protected]
www.CenterCityTeam.com
