How to Make Your Houston Home More Energy Efficient

With heating and cooling bills constantly on the rise, as well as the need to go green and preserve resources, more Houston residents are looking toward alternative methods. Deregulation of energy costs in Texas has consumers worried that energy costs will soar even higher. One money-saving alternative is to become more energy efficient, often with the use of Energy Star-qualified products, services and green homes. The HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) system is the most effective means of doing this to create a green home.

Is Energy Efficiency Cost-Effective?

A resounding yes! First, an Energy Star or energy-efficient green home can have the same building costs as one that is not energy efficient. On the occasion that an energy-efficient green home costs more to build, it is still worth the extra cost. Why? The savings Energy Star will garner on heating and cooling alone will likely more than repay the extra cost in the purchase price. Also, according to EnergyStar.gov, when you go for a green home and utilize energy efficient methods, you could qualify for tax credits. That amounts to even more savings. In essence, opting for a green home with Energy Star will more than pay for itself.

Should I Build a Green Home or Remodel My Houston Home to be Energy Efficient?

If you have the means to do so, build or purchase a new green home. You will save energy, money and experience other benefits when going energy efficient and acquiring a green home. HoustonEnergyStarHomes.com is a great Web site to find out which builders and green homes are Energy Star qualified. An existing home still can become an energy-efficient green home, but it cannot receive Energy Star status. It can, however, achieve what is called Home Performance with Energy Star, which still is a huge improvement over the standard building code.

HVAC Services and Upgrades to Make the Home More Energy Efficient

Some HVAC services, installs and upgrades will help you go green and become more energy efficient. A home built with the Energy Star qualification is the most energy-efficient green home, compared to one that is remodeled around energy efficiency.

Energy Star Qualified HVAC Unit - Installing an Energy Star qualified HVAC unit, in conjunction with cutting down on usage, using energy-efficient insulation and applying other energy-efficient methods is the best way to save energy in your green home.

Energy Star Qualified Clean Air System - A clean air system that is Energy Star qualified can go a long way in not only saving energy but also in improving the air quality of your green home. This can be a huge benefit to asthma and allergy sufferers. Even those without those conditions often notice the difference in a green home's air quality when switching to an Energy Star qualified clean air system.

Energy-Efficient Insulation - Energy-efficient insulation can help reduce energy costs by reducing drafts. There are many insulation materials that can help lower energy costs. However, the most effective is radiant barrier insulation, also known as reflective foil insulation, due to its silver color.

If you are thinking about greening your Houston home, Yodle Local can help you find reputable, Houston HVAC contractors who can answer any questions you may have.

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