Remodeling
Home Improvements Save Energy, Increase Home Appeal
By NUI
Feb 4, 2005, 10:54

(NUI) - Your home is one of your greatest assets. It's important that you protect and improve on that asset to get the most value from your home.

Whether you are trying to sell your home or just ready for a change, there are a few improvements you can make that offer the double-benefit of reducing your energy bills while you increase the value of your home.

Try these ideas from the company that brings you Tempstar heating and cooling products:

* Plan your landscape for energy efficiency. One way to improve your home's appeal is to landscape around the home. With planning, it can also reduce your energy bills by shading the home during the summer and letting in light during the winter.

* Use energy efficient lighting. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing 25 percent of lights in high-use areas can save nearly 50 percent on your lighting energy bill. Take advantage of the various energy efficient lighting products available, like fluorescent and solar-powered lights, to help save energy. Lighting inside and outside the home provides decoration as well as security.

* Upgrade your heating and cooling system. A new heating and cooling system not only improves home comfort, but it also adds to the value of your home - especially when it's backed by a strong warranty. The Tempstar SmartComfort line of variable-speed gas furnaces provides your home with energy efficient comfort, which could save up to 50 percent in electricity over furnaces equipped with conventional blower motors.

* Update appliances. Update the look of your rooms, especially the kitchen, by replacing old appliances with more energy efficient products for a new look and lower energy costs. In the long run, new energy efficient appliances can pay for themselves in energy savings.

* Replace roofing, siding and windows. Spending money to replace worn roofing, siding and windows can be a good return on your investment because they can increase the value of your home. Energy efficient replacements will also help you cut your energy bills.

There are energy efficient solutions for a variety of home improvement projects, both large and small. Take advantage of these opportunities and find out just how much you can improve your greatest asset.

For more suggestions on improving home efficiency, contact your local Tempstar contractor. To find a local heating and cooling contractor near you, visit the "Dealer Locator" at www.tempstar.com.