3 Green Home Improvements Under $500

Electric Tankless Water Heater

The world is going green, with or without you. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) predicts that the green home improvements market will grow by 20 percent in the next four years. Many homeowners don’t consider energy-efficiency upgrades because they believe they will cost too much. If you found right-priced solutions, would you consider them? Here are three that cost less than $500 and can save you money and energy.

1.  Have a programmable thermostat installed.

The government Energy Star agency says you can take $150 off your annual energy bill just by using one, which is right around the cost of a moderately priced, seven-day programmable thermostat. Find a licensed, pre-screened HVAC specialist near you.*

2.  Order a tankless water heater.

According to The Clean Tech Revolution, by Ron Pernick and Clint Wilder, a tankless heater will cut your water heating bills in half (if you heat with gas) or by 70 percent (if you heat with electricity.) Prices are in the $400-$500 range for an electric-powered heater. Remember, these water heaters last twice as long as your older tank models.

3.  Get a blower door test.

A blower door test should reveal all the cracks or holes in your home where you lose the most energy. Some utility companies offer it for free, but most likely you’ll need to contact a professional. Costs for the test vary from $25-$250, depending on where you live and the size of your home. Learn exactly where to apply the weather-stripping and insulation foam with confidence.

These are simple and effective green upgrades. Contact a professional and you can have any one of them done in a single day!

An experienced contractor may have other suggestions to tighten your energy use before bills rise again.