PROView - June 2008 - (Page 9)

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 27. Radon in indoor air is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year, according to the U.S. EPA. To check for it, DIY tests are available from home improvement stores or from the National Safety Council (nsc.org) for $20 or less. If unsafe levels are detected, the cost for reducing radon ranges from $800 to $2,500. $–$$$ 28. Light at the end of the tunnel. Brighten up dark hallways, bathrooms and other spaces with tubular skylights. They let in daylight without the excess heat and are relatively easy and a ordable to install. $$ 32. Made in the $ Get paid to go Green If you made certain energy e ciency improvements to your home between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007, you have until April 15, 2008 to claim a credit of up to $500 on your 2007 taxes. Eligible improvements include insulation, replacement windows, water heaters, heating and cooling equipment, and more. Although most of these credits expired as of December 31, 2007, Congress may introduce new legislation in 2008. Check the Energy Star website (energystar.gov) for information and updates. A federal tax credit is still available for quali ed solar water heating and solar electric systems. The credit is for 30% of the system’s cost, up to $2,000. And a number of states and some cities o er rebates and other incentives to encourage installation of renewable-energy systems. For a directory of incentives by state, go to dsireusa.org. When ling your tax return, don’t overlook possible tax credits for donations of salvaged building materials to charities such as Habitat for Humanity. Also check with your local utility company and municipal water agency. Many o er cash rebates when you purchase energyand water-e cient appliances and make energy-e ciency improvements. Plant it again, Sam. Plants like bamboo that can be harvested and grown again within a short time ease demand for slower-growing trees and nonrenewable resources like petroleum. Check out great bamboo alternatives for oors, cabinets, built-ins and furniture. $$ Be an Energy Star. Sometimes to save a lot, you have to spend a little. Energy Star–quali ed appliances may cost a bit more than standard models, but they incorporate features like highe ciency compressors and motors and better insulation. And they use 10% to 50% less energy and water, which means more money in your pocket year after year. $$ shade. Summer sun striking west- or south-facing windows and walls can make your home unbearably hot and drive air conditioning costs through the roof. Plant deciduous trees along them and get relief. $$ 33. Solar-powered attic fans 29. exhaust hot air and help keep your home comfortable while reducing cooling costs. An added bene t: No need for electrical wiring, so installation is straightforward. $$ 30. Got WaterSense? ense? If a family of four replaces their 3.5gallon-per- ush toilets made before 1994 with a WaterSense-labeled toilet, they could save $90 a year and as much as $2,000 over the toilet’s life. Find out more at epa.gov/watersense. $$ 34. 35. Deconstruct, don’t demolish. 31. Waterwise, landscaping doesn’t have to resemble a desert scene, thanks to today’s high-e ciency irrigation products. Drip and bubbler irrigators and smart controllers determine when and how much to water based on moisture sensors, historic local weather data or a signal from a weather station. $$ When remodeling, reuse as much as you can of the existing structure, trim, nishes and xtures. If you hire a deconstruction out t, ask if they’re a charitable organization—if so, you may be eligible for a sizable tax deduction for the value of the salvaged goods. $$–$$$ Button up. Save energy and feel more comfortable by bee ng up insulation in perimeter walls and ceilings. Check out eco-friendly options like recycled cotton or cellulose and berglass batts with no added formaldehyde. $–$$$ 36. PINELLAS REALTOR® ORGANIZATION June 2008 9 http://nsc.org http://energystar.gov http://epa.gov/watersense http://dsireusa.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PROView - June 2008

PROView - June 2008 Contents Chairman’s Notes Sustainable Lifestyles Greening the Not-So-New House Green Renovation Checklist Green Building Tips Going Green PROActive You Have 30 Seconds to Prove Your Value Marketplace Analysis Home Sales Report PRO Biz Calendar of Events & Programs New Members and Affiliates

PROView - June 2008

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