Energy efficient or "green" building methods are presently a hot topic with homeowners
. The initial expense of "eco-friendly" building materials and energy efficient windows and appliances may appear overwhelming to many homeowners. If you are a property owner concerned with the value of energy efficiency, you are not alone. There does appear to be a long-term trade-off to adding energy efficient products in your house.
Energy efficient windows have been proven to lessen the monthly power bills of property owners. Energy efficient windows are helpful to the property owner across all seasons; they will always decrease your monthly bill. In fact, while energy efficient windows are great in any climate, they are actually the most valuable in regions where the outdoor temperature fluctuates dramatically.
The rate of the most common energy efficient windows averages around $165. 15-25 windows is the typical amount installed in a home. Averaging of those numbers: if you have 18 windows and they cost around $165 for each one, you will spend just under $3000. It's hard to say what you will save each year, but it is probably between $125-$465. The disparity in energy rates and average temperatures across the nation account for the different degrees of savings. If a property owner saves $200 for each year, it will take about 12 years for him to get back the investment. Of course, some homeowners believe that decreasing their carbon footprint is benefit enough!
Installing your energy efficient windows prior to the conclusion of 2010 will result in a much quicker return on your primary investment. The federal government is currently offering a tax credit available to any property owners until December 2010. Replacing older windows with energy efficient windows can get the homeowner a 1500-dollar tax credit if complete before the end of this year. Other "eco-friendly" upgrades will also get homeowners tax credits if completed this year. Completing energy efficiency upgrades before the conclusion of the year will considerably lessen the time it takes to earn your investment.