Happy New Year! Resolutions to make your home more energy-efficient

Have you been wanting to make energy-efficient upgrades to your home, but just haven't had a chance to yet? Many homeowners find themselves in this position. There's a lot to do to maintain a property, and sometimes it's hard to get around to everything. But New Year's Eve is upon us, and this holiday is all about resolutions for the next 365 days. When you're putting together your list of goals for 2013, consider some of these simple changes you can implement to make your home more eco-friendly:

Install a programmable thermostat – According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the use of a programmable thermostat can cut your monthly heating and cooling bills by 5 to 20 percent. By setting the temperature to be just a little bit cooler or warmer when you're at work and programming it to return to comfortable levels before you get home, you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Upgrade to energy-efficient lights – Did you know that Energy Star qualified light bulbs use 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to six times longer? By spending a little bit extra on LED or CFL bulbs, you'll actually be saving money in the long run. So when your next bulb burns out, make a resolution to replace it with one that's energy-efficient.

Turn off your computer when you're not using it – The U.S. Department of Energy offers guidelines for how you can conserve energy by doing this. If you aren't going to use your computer for more than two hours, the website states, turn off both the CPU and monitor. Otherwise, turn off just the monitor if you aren't going to use it for more than 20 minutes.

To find other ways to upgrade to an energy-efficient home, consider hiring a home inspection contractor. They can perform an energy audit and help you determine other actions you can take to make your property more eco-friendly.

Storm-damaged East Coast homes selling for a fraction of their original asking prices

Recently in this blog, we talked about why buyers need to be cautious about purchasing foreclosed homes, and emphasized the importance of getting a home inspection before making a down payment on such properties. Real estate activity following Hurricane Sandy further illustrates why you should never buy a house without knowing exactly what you're getting yourself into.

According to The New York Times, homeowners in storm-damaged areas along the East Coast are facing difficult decisions about what to do with their houses. Some people who had their properties on the market earlier in the year have taken them off, hoping to wait until property values begin to rebound.

Others, like 72-year-old retired police officer John Vento, have decided to sell their homes for much less than what they are worth. Vento's home, which was originally on the market for $580,000, sold for a mere $279,000. Considering it had been flooded with 10 feet of water during the storm, Vento told the source that he considers himself fortunate for being able to sell it for even that much.

Steve Kaplan, an investment banker from Long Island who has been buying damaged properties there since the storm, told The New York Times that many residents are ready to move on, and don't want to have to deal with redoing their homes. Because of this willingness to sell for a fraction of what their homes were originally worth, there is an opportunity for buyers to score a property for a great deal.

In situations like this, it's essential for potential homebuyers to have a home inspection contractor evaluate the property and help them determine exactly what they will need to do in order to make it safe and liveable.

Foreclosed homes may be more trouble than they’re worth

Although data continues to show that the United States is in the midst of a fragile housing recovery, the fact remains that there are still a record number of foreclosed properties on the market.

For potential homebuyers, there are pros to purchasing these kinds of homes. They're generally pretty cheap and they can be a great buy for people who are looking for a fixer-upper. One thing to be aware of, however, is that foreclosed homes could come with a whole slew of problems that may not be immediately apparent, so it's important to have a professional perform a home inspection before you get out your checkbook.

Educational website Investing Answers recently wrote an article uncovering some of the craziest ways that people have destroyed their foreclosed homes, which should help people better understand the importance of a home inspection.

There's the homeowner from Tampa Bay, for example, who dragged a garden hose through his window so the water would flood his home. Then there's the Texas man who dumped concrete into his drains and punched holes in the walls.

Often having their houses taken away in a foreclosure causes people's emotions to run high, and believe it or not, these stories about homeowners wreaking havoc on their property before officially exiting it aren't all that uncommon.

When you purchase a foreclosed home, you really don't know what you're getting until you have a professional take a look at it. Thankfully, there are home inspection contractors who know what to look for and can help you determine if a foreclosed property is really worth the price or if there are hidden problems that could wind up costing a small fortune to fix.

Renters or homeowners: Who uses the most electricity?

Whether you've purchased your home or are renting a place temporarily, the appliances you use matter when it comes to the cost of your utility bills. Economists Lucas Davis and David Levine from the Haas School of Business of the University of California, Berkeley, released data in November revealing that renters use more electricity than homeowners and presented some potential reasons why.

Since many homeowners have incentives for investing in energy-efficient appliances – such as reduced monthly costs and even state and federal rebates – the research shows that more than a third of them own appliances that have the EPA Energy Star rating for efficiency.

For renters, the data is quite different. Occupants generally don't have a say in the appliances in their apartments. If they did, they'd probably insist on having energy-efficient refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers once they discovered how much money it could save them. Since in most cases it's the landlords who are making these kinds of purchases, they often may dismiss the long-term savings of energy-efficient appliances and instead buy ones that are a bit cheaper.

According to the survey, 45 percent of the washing machines in owner-occupied homes or condominiums are Energy Star-rated, compared to a mere 17 percent in rental units. What's particularly interesting is that the air conditioners renters invest in on their own are often energy-efficient models, suggesting that when they have a choice, they opt for environmentally friendly products.

One solution that could convince landlords to invest in more energy-efficient appliances is raising the rent for those units. However, since potential tenants are unable to truly know how much they would be saving until they move in, they're less likely to want to cough up more cash for their apartments.

This data only further illustrates the fact that many homeowners understand the value of green technology. If you're thinking about making energy-efficient upgrades in your home, the best way to start is by contacting a home inspection contractor. They can assess your property and help you determine the best options.

University of Vermont makes the switch to LED light bulbs

Many colleges across the country have developed a mindset that energy-efficiency is a valid investment – both for their budgets and for the environment – and the University of Vermont (UVM) is no exception, having recently implemented some significant environmentally friendly changes to its campus.

According to local news source the Burlington Free Press, UVM has recently converted to LED bulbs in its 1,300 outdoor lamps. This investment was funded by the university's $13 million green revolving fund, which was established in February.

"This is a showcase project for how organizations and electric utilities can partner to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact," Richard Cate, UVM's vice president for finance and administration, said in a statement. "The green revolving fund gives us resources to continue investing in energy efficiency at UVM, but to do so in a way that's financially prudent and sustainable."

An article published by the National Science Foundation illustrates the advantages of LED bulbs, stating that by implementing them, people can save up to 85 percent of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs and between 20 and 50 percent of the energy used by fluorescent lighting.

UVM paid $225,000 for the new lighting, and it was able to save money thanks to the state's rebate offerings. The university expects to save $75,000 annually in electricity costs, meaning the project will pay for itself in in just three years.

Maryland residents hoping to make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes can also benefit from rebates and incentives, including those available from Pepco and Potomac Edison. To get started, schedule an energy audit with a home inspection contractor, and they'll help you determine the most effective ways that you can improve your property.

Wounded veteran gifted brand new energy-efficient home

Thanks to a few non-profit organizations in Florida, a young veteran of the War on Terror will have a brand new energy-efficient home.

Sunstone Construction in St. Petersburg, Florida, will begin building a house in conjunction with GE Ecomagination for local resident Stephen Peterson, who was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan in 2010.

According to local news source Bay News 9, this initiative is an effort by Community Partners in Revitalization, a coalition of groups that serve to better the community around them.

Operation Finally Home is one of the main organizations involved. According to its website, the program was established in 2005 by Bay Area Builders Association Support Our Troops. The mission is to design, build and donate custom-made homes for wounded veterans and their widows. The organization has been featured on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and "CNN Heroes" in recognition for its efforts to help these veterans and their loved ones enjoy a rewarding life.

Peterson's net-zero energy home is expected to be finished sometime in the spring. Peterson told the source that he is "very grateful and blessed."

"Those veterans have gone, put their lives on the line," said Watson Haines, president of the Pinellas County Urban League, another local non-profit organization. "And this is one way our community can say, 'Thanks for what you've done, we'll do this for you,' and this is something we need to do for our veterans."

It's great to see wonderful humanitarian efforts like this one being made across the country, and it's also heartening that organizations like Operation Finally Home recognize the value of sustainable technology. If you're interested in upgrading to an energy-efficient home, contact a home inspection contractor. They'll perform an energy audit and help you determine where to get started.

Radon causes more lung cancer deaths among non-smokers than anything else

More people die from lung cancer than any other form of the disease. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 158,592 people in the United States were given this horrible diagnosis in 2008. With a very low survival rate – only between 11 and 15 percent of people diagnosed with it will live longer than five years – lung cancer can quickly become tragic for those who are diagnosed with it and the people who love them.

The good news is that there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of getting it. When people think of lung cancer, it's probably often linked to cigarette smoke right off the bat – and with good reason. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), smoking causes $160,000 cancer deaths in the United States each year, making it the leading cause of lung cancer.

But steering clear from cigarettes won't guarantee that you don't end up with this terrible disease. Breathing in secondhand smoke leads to about 3,000 cancer-related deaths per year. However, there's another common cause that has nothing to do with nicotine or tobacco.

Radon causes more lung cancer deaths among non-smokers than anything else, says the EPA. After discovering that this dangerous chemical element is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona issued a national health advisory on radon in 2005.

Fortunately, however, radon exposure can be avoided as long as people take the proper precautions. Before you move into a new home – or if you have reason to suspect that there is radon present in your current house – it's essential to have a home inspection contractor conduct radon testing and make sure that you and your loved ones are safe from this hazardous chemical.

Limiting standby power, weatherizing your home and other easy tips for maximizing your energy savings

Recently, digital news website PC Advisor published an article listing simple energy-saving tips that people can easily begin implementing in their daily lives. Not only do these suggestions benefit the environment, but they can also help cut the costs of your utility bills.

The simplest place to start is by reducing the amount of standby power your electronics consume by unplugging your devices when you aren't actively using them. According to EnergyStar, standby power accounts for more than $10 billion in annual energy costs, or, about $100 per household. While it makes sense to leave things like clocks on at all times, you might want to unplug your TVs, DVD players and computers when you don't need them.

When it comes to heating and cooling your home, there are a few easy actions you can take to reduce costs. Programmable thermostats are helpful because they adjust the temperature automatically, maximizing your energy savings. By caulking and weatherstripping windows and doors, you can keep heat from escaping your house and cut back on utility bills during the winter. During the warmer months when you use an air conditioner, it's important to clean the filters regularly and keep the surrounding area clear to maintain airflow.

Chances are, the appliances you have in your kitchen use a lot of energy. While turning your refrigerator and freezer off isn't advised, you can make sure that the temperature settings aren't lower than they need to be and that your fridge isn't too overcrowded, which can prevent the air from circulating properly. If you have a dishwasher, don't pre-rinse your dishes before loading them into it. This can help you save money on your water bill. And when you're boiling water in the tea kettle, only fill it with as much as you need.

By implementing these simple changes, you can make your home more energy-efficient and save money on monthly bills. If you're interested in more significant upgrades, you may want to contact a home inspection contractor. They can conduct an energy audit and help you determine how to get started.

New England’s spending on energy-efficient projects expected to hit $5.7 billion by 2021

Last week we wrote about Rhode Island's energy-efficient initiatives and how they are helping to fuel the state's economy. But apparently the Ocean State isn't the only place in the northeast looking to cut its power use and improve its energy costs.

ISO New England, a company in Holyoke, Massachusetts, that helps to protect the region's economy by ensuring that electricity is constantly available, told The Associated Press that energy efficiency within the area's six states has more than doubled since 2008.

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont have collectively contributed $1.2 million toward these efforts from 2008 to 2011, according to ISO's most recent report. This is expected to reach $5.7 million from 2015 to 2021.

The New England states will be able to save about $260 million by deferring 10 transmission upgrades that were once needed to ensure reliability. Stephen Rourke, ISO's vice president for system planning, told the source about some of the northeast's efforts to reduce the cost of energy, which include using compact fluorescent light bulbs and installing more efficient heating and cooling systems in buildings across the region.

"This is a very big deal," Seth Kaplan, vice president for policy and climate advocacy at the Conservation Law Foundation, said about ISO's recent report. "The system needs to know what the demand is."

It's heartening to see that these East Coast states are making so many substantial efforts to adopt energy-efficient technologies. Fortunately, moving forward with eco-friendly upgrades is something that anyone can do if they work with the right companies and are aware of the resources available to them. To get started, contact a home inspection contractor for an energy audit, and they'll help you determine where to go from there.

By leveraging federal grants and tax credits, New York resident saves 90 percent on solar panel installation

Making energy-efficient upgrades to your home can feel like a daunting project. There's a lot to consider, and at first glance it can seem like a huge investment. More and more people are finding, however, that adopting a sustainable lifestyle is actually more cost-effective in the long-run than continuing to pay exorbitant amounts of money on utility bills.

According to DailyFinance, Flushing, New York, resident Gerald Singleton was able to drastically reduce his bills by making eco-friendly upgrades to his home. Singleton told the source that his heating bill was reaching $600 a month, since he had to run a space heater all day and night to keep his 101-year-old mother warm during the winter.

Singleton hired a home inspection contractor to perform an energy audit and help him determine where he was losing heat and actions he could take to make his house more energy-efficient. He made some simple changes, such as purchasing insulating blankets for his water heater and switching to LED lights in kitchen, but Singleton didn't stop there.

After doing his research, the homeowner decided to install solar panels, too. Though it's traditionally a very expensive project, Singleton was able to cut the costs by a whopping 90 percent thanks to federal grants and tax credits. When all was said and done, he spent $1,600 on a $16,000 installation.

"All of these energy savings [are] like a form of a pension plan that provides a comfort to me that I know that I will be able to have lights on well into my retirement years, and I won't have to pay for it because I'm getting the energy from the sun," Singleton told the source.

Maryland residents hoping to follow in Singleton's footsteps will be happy to hear that there are many rebates and incentives to take advantage of, including those available from Pepco and Potomac Edison. To get started, schedule an energy audit with a home inspection contractor, and they'll help you determine the most effective ways that you can improve your property.