The biggest challenge with energy efficiency and green initiatives is to determine the actual return on investment. If done properly, energy efficiency improvements can result in substantial, tangible savings on your day to day energy use. Our friends at Cotuit Solar and Cape Light Compact have provided a basic chart discussing general return perior for certain improvements.
See Below
ENERGY AND $ SAVING IDEASIn the following list, the higher the level, the more cost effective the choices are for reducing energy use in your house/business. So, ideally, one should exhaust the possibilities at the highest level before implementing lower level actions.
PAYBACK IN YEARS and ACTION
0: Get a free energy audit (Cape Light Compact: 800-797-6699), lower house thermostat setting, combine/minimize automobile trips, replace lawn area with garden or natural landscape.
½ - 2: Solar Pool Heat Installation.
1-5: Add Attic Insulation; Replace Light Bulbs & Appliances with more energy efficient ones.
3-7: Solar Domestic Hot Water Installation using tax credits.
3-8: Add Window Quilts or Thermal Shades; Install a Wood/Pellet Stove.
5-7: Groundwater Source Cooling/Dehumidifying.
6-8: Wind Power and/or Photovoltaic Solar Installation using MTC (Massachusetts Technology Collaborative) incentive money and tax credits.
6-10: Replace Heating Equipment/Automobile with updated, more efficient technology.
10-15: Reside Building with added insulation & new windows.
15-20: Install Solar Space Heating
If you have questions about your next home improvement project please click below for more information: