Post courtesy of  Rick Martin, president at Wheatland Custom Homes and a promoter of Lancaster PA green home options:

As we move into the sultry summer months, the temperatures will rise … and so will those energy bills! For those homeowners who may not have felt the sting of their electric bill over the winter months, they most likely will feel it this summer when their air conditioning is running 24/7 to keep their family comfortable.

Remember, with Federal tax credits still available through the end of 2010, I encourage anyone considering a home improvement project to heavily weigh the benefits of doing it NOW so you can take advantage of the tax credits – and energy savings. That’s what this month’s article is all about.

It’s nearly impossible these days to not see or hear about “green” ways. Everything is “Going Green” ― from vehicles to building materials. Not only are consumers much more conscientious about their carbon footprints, in today’s economy they are also getting savvy about saving money, too.

One of the biggest investments you will ever make is on your home, and for consumers who are looking to build a new home, building one that is certified “green” is certainly something I encourage you to look into. In fact, a recent survey revealed that homeowners of green homes said they were happier 85 percent of the time with their new green homes than with their previous, more traditionally built ones, due in part to the lower operating and maintenance costs that come with energy- and resource-efficient homes.

But for the 120 million existing homes in the United States, remodeling is the only way for homeowners to incorporate green. Here are some suggestions to homeowners who want to increase their home’s efficiency, decrease costs, and take advantage of the other benefits that green offers.

1. Install maximum insulation in the area to be remodeled.

Forty percent of the energy consumed in a typical house goes to heating and cooling. Adding insulation is an easy way to increase efficiency. It will also help save energy costs, increase comfort by better controlling temperature, and improve indoor air quality by eliminating many gaps through which dirt, dust, and other impurities can enter.

2. Install high-efficiency windows instead of those that “just meet” code.

Ordinary window glass transmits ultraviolet heat rays from the sun, which can increase your air conditioning bill dramatically. Energy-efficient windows can help control this effect. These windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the panes, improved framing materials, and microscopically thin metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on windows to reduce radiative heat flow.

3. Seal all exterior penetration points.

You can reduce energy loss by inspecting your home from the inside and outside, and plugging cracks or openings. Anywhere a home’s envelope has been punctured (windows, doors, electrical outlets, etc.) can be an energy loss point, especially over time when the original protective seal begins to deteriorate. Use caulk to seal all small cracks on non-moving surfaces, and install weather stripping on windows, doors and other movable parts of the home.

4. Purchase only ENERGY STAR-rated appliances.

ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, ranging from dishwashers and refrigerators to computers and televisions, meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. Qualified refrigerators, dishwashers and vent fans incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50 percent less energy and water than standard models, more than making up for the slightly higher initial costs of these products.

5. Install low-flow water plumbing fixtures.

In the average home, toilet flushing accounts for some 30 percent of water usage. By using low-flow plumbing fixtures such as toilets, faucet aerators and showerheads, you can save up to 25 percent of that water, compared to conventional fixtures, while providing the same utility.

6. Upgrade to a high-efficiency or tankless water heater.

Homeowners looking to conserve money can save big by replacing their traditional water heater with a high-efficiency or tankless one. Traditional water heaters use a lot of energy because they keep the water in the tank at a constant temperature ― whether the water is immediately needed or not. There are now many water heater options on the market that only heat the water, when needed.

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand at a preset temperature rather than storing it. Replacing an electric water heater with a solar model can reduce costs by up to 80 percent a year. Over its 20-year lifespan, a solar heater will prevent more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

And if nothing else, a low-cost alternative is to wrap insulation around your heater, which can reduce standby heat losses 25 to 45 percent.

7. Purchase the highest efficiency HVAC system you can afford.

Over a ten-year period, the average homeowner spends more than $10,000 for heating and cooling. Installing high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment can reduce utility costs on average by 10 to 30 percent over minimum efficiency equipment. It also can improve your home’s overall comfort.(Source: NAHB)

If you are thinking about improving the energy efficiency of your home this summer, give Rick at Wheatland a call at (717) 560-3400 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. He’d be happy to discuss options that will work within your budget.