Q: What is considered an "energy-efficient" home?
A: By definition, an energy-efficient home is one that is 30 percent more energy efficient than a non-energy efficient home.

Q: Why should I make energy-efficiency improvements or use energy-efficient products?
A: The short answer: to save money, reduce your carbon footprint and live more comfortably. The average household spends $1,500 annually on energy. By implementing a sound energy improvement strategy, such as the improvements offered by Dwelltech, you may save more than 30 percent annually - depending on your home situation and location. Energy efficiency saves valuable energy, and money on utility bills while also protecting the environment by reducing the amount of energy that needs to be generated and the resulting pollution from that energy generation.

Q: What other benefits are there?
A: Beyond just the personal saving and environmental stewardship, making your home more energy efficient enhances national security because it can decrease our dependence on imported resources, such as natural gas and oil, from socially and politically unstable foreign countries. What's more, it can promote domestic economic growth by keeping our energy dollars invested here in the United States instead of exporting them overseas. Investing in energy efficiency tends to create more local and in-state jobs. In addition, saving money on energy allows consumers to spend more of their income on other products and services, thus stimulating the economy in other areas.

Q: Are there any tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements?
A: On October 3, 2008, the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008" was signed into law. This bill extended tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements (windows, doors, roofs, insulation, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters). Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will now be available for improvements made during 2009 and 2010 for existing homes only. However, improvements made during 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit.

The tax credit for solar water heaters and solar panels, which remained in effect for 2008, has been extended to 2016.

Q: What about tax credits and other rebates?
A: Many states and local governments also offer tax credits for energy-efficient efforts. In addition, several manufacturers and utility companies offer rebates when you purchase energy-efficient products. Dwelltech will be happy to help you identify what credits and rebates may be available to you based on the improvements you decide to make.

Q: I hear and see a lot on ENERGY STAR®. What exactly is it?
A: ENERGY STAR® is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help Americans save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.

In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced ENERGY STAR® as a voluntary labeling program to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ENERGY STAR® label is now on more than 50 product categories including major appliances, office equipment, lighting, and home electronics. The EPA has also extended the label to cover new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

Q: There is a lot of talk about green homes. What exactly does this mean?
A: According to the U.S. Green Building Council, a green home incorporates smart design, technology, construction and maintenance elements to significantly lessen the negative impact of the home on the environment and improve the health of the people who live inside.

Q: How can I make my home greener?
A: There are a number of ways to make your home greener. It all depends on how green you want to go. You can take simple, inexpensive steps such as replacing light bulbs with CFL versions and replacing harmful cleaning chemicals with safe, environmental friendly solutions.

If you are looking to make more comprehensive changes, you can replace whole systems such as the heating and cooling system and/or water systems along with updating floor coverings, exterior shells and other major elements of your home. Dwelltech can help you with any or all of your green needs.