Making a commitment to go green in your home not only helps the environment, but also your wallet. The federal government and New York are offering tax breaks for upgrades made in 2013. So, take an interest in Mother Nature and advantage of the tax incentives by making your home more energy efficient.

 1. Invest in a tankless water heater.

On-demand water heaters heat your shower or washing machine water as needed, so they are not constantly working to keep a large amount of water continually hot. Electric tankless water heaters can sometimes be twice as energy efficient as standard water tank heaters.

 2. Install ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans help circulate the air in a room to make it feel cooler. This reduces the need to turn on appliances that consume a lot of energy. Leave the air conditioner off just a little bit longer; open the windows and turn on the fans!

 3. Upgrade the plumbing.

Adding aerators into faucets and showerheads can reduce the amount of water you use. Also, replacing old toilets that might use as much as 3.5 gallons per flush with a new low-flow model can significantly reduce your utility bill.

 4. Change your air filters.

Letting dirt and dust build up on an air filter restricts the flow of air throughout your home. This makes it harder for your system to heat and cool your house, which uses more energy and costs more money. Filters are easy to change and should be done so regularly.

 5. Utilize sustainable materials.

If you’re installing new flooring, opt for bamboo or local hardwoods. Or if you’re redoing a kitchen, there’s a huge selection of sustainable and recycled materials available, such as compressed newspaper or quartz countertops.

Even if you’re not quite ready to make the investment to upgrade your home, it’s always smart to have a plan in case the furnace dies or the refrigerator goes on the fritz. For additional ideas about upgrading your house to make it more energy efficient, please call me at 718.370.3200 or email me at tomcrimmins@tomcrimminsrealty.com for more information.

Posted by Thomas Crimmins on

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