Many types of specialized heat reflective paints are on the market today. These coatings are very popular in hot climates like the southwestern U.S. as well as Australia, Dubai and China. When properly applied, these coatings can reduce the amount of heat that penetrates the building. By reducing the amount of heat that enters the building, the load on the air conditioner is reduced thereby increasing the energy efficiency of a building. So here's an overview of the basics behind this technology.

Here’s some great news for Californians. Local agencies, including California Energy Commission, have developed the Energy Upgrade California program worth $300 million to reduce energy use and utility bills as well as create green jobs in California. Funded by the federal stimulus and utility bill surcharges, homeowners can now receive up to $4,000 in rebates for home improvements in energy-efficiency. From switching to a tankless water heater or upgrading to more energy efficient windows, these rebates will help make improvements more affordable.

Being that the word “xeriscape” comes from “Xeros”, the Greek word for “dry”, it’s no wonder people think of unattractive, colorless patches of plants when they hear of xeriscape landscaping. Contrary to popular belief, drought resistant plants can be visually appealing while being water efficient. The Natural Resources Conservation Service water consumption publication states that over half of the water that we use around our home is for landscaping. Utilizing xeriscape plants into beautiful landscape designs not only lowers your water bill while, but also minimizes pests, reduces disease problems, and limits the use of fertilizers all with low maintenance.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the residential water use for a family of four is 400 gallons of water per day. That’s nearly 150,000 gallons per family per year. These water saving products and water conservation tips can help you save water and money.

Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year. Fixing them will save you money and valuable resources. Some leaks aren't so obvious and may only show up on your water bill. If you're not sure you have a leak, check the water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter has changed, you probably have a leak.

The federal tax credit is in effect for furnaces purchased in 2009 and 2010. If the unit is installed in your principal residence between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, you can qualify for a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost (including installation/labor costs). Tax credit is available in 2010 with the maximum of $1,500 for both years combined (ONLY for existing homes, NOT new construction, which is your principal residence).

Insulation is generally one of the easiest improvements to implement and in colder climates provides a real ROI within a short time. Typical bulk insulation products can qualify, such as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray and pour-in-place. Products that air seal (reduce air leaks) can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturer's Certification Statement. These products include weather stripping, spray foam in a can, caulk and house wrap.

Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing effectively allows property owners to borrow money, without a credit check, to pay for energy efficiency improvements. The amount borrowed is typically repaid via a special assessment on the property over a predetermined number of years. California's Assembly Bill 811 has authorized local governments to establish such programs. California counties currently offering PACE financing include: Berkeley, Palm Desert and Sonoma County. Other counties in the process of launching a PACE type program are: San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and Ventura.

Professional energy auditors use blower door tests to help determine building performance and airtightness. There are a variety of reasons for establishing the proper building tightness. Reducing energy consumption due to air leakage is one of the primary considerations. If your parents were anything like mine, they wouldn't want you heating or cooling the neighborhood. That's exactly what you're doing with a leaky building. However, all structures should be allowed to breathe.

HUD offers a solution that allows home buyers to finance the cost of remodeling or improvements. Below is a list of eligible allocations of the program funds. Bear in mind, many of these improvements require an energy assessment before and after the construction. This is actually a good thing because the quality of installation is verified and reported to you as well as the lender. Also, you will be able to see how these investments will lower your monthly costs.