There has been so much talk and news about companies who have set their future target dates to reduce their carbon footprints to reduce and combat climate change around the globe. There are deniers to these scientific facts concerning climate change, but I believe the majority know it has been happening over many years. Ideas to minimize and reduce global warming have been put forth and many companies have been upgrading their plans and putting them in motion to combat the problem. Whether or not they are truly committed and not just blowing hot air about the issue to be politically correct, time will tell over the next decade to see if the desired results will be attained. During the Covid-19 Pandemic shutdown, the air became cleaner with less cars on the road, especially in cities as businesses stopped producing harmful pollutants as noted in an article in Science Daily on October 14, 2020. The link is: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201014171326.htm.
It also poised a hypothetical situation to continue to have cleaner air. Solar and wind farms on land and water have also been constructed around the globe to create electricity thereby reducing the demand on our normal ways of producing our energy using gas, coal and nuclear power.
There are those homeowners that have been jumping on the “carbon footprint reduction” bandwagon over the last decade by trying to do their part by installing various devices to become more self sustaining and self sufficient with respect to energy, while saving money. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems account for 40% of all carbon omissions from a home. So opting for more energy efficient HVAC systems will greatly add to your energy savings and add greater value to your home. Solar panels also have been one of the major items that homeowners have been adding to their homes and commercial establishments to reduce and eliminate the dependence for their outside utility, while at the same time saving money. Manufacturers having been making Energy Star rated appliances for many years enabling the public to save energy. If you have old appliances I would recommend replacing old ones with new more efficient designs. Everyone renovating their kitchens and bathrooms are installing the more energy efficient types. When doing a bathroom makeover make sure you install more efficient toilets, shower heads and faucets using less water and to preserve our precious resource. Installing new windows with argon gas is another way to keep your home warmer during the winter months. Central
Air systems are now being replaced by more efficient split units that are installed in the wall whereby you don’t have to cool your entire home but just those rooms you are in and as a bonus are also a backup to the normal heating system. More energy efficient and much longer lasting LED lighting is have been replacing the old fashion incandescent bulbs again saving electricity and reducing one’s carbon footprint. More and more homeowners have become aware of the benefits of being climate conscious and realizing the need to reduce their carbon footprint while at the same time saving money. With the government tax credits on various installations. In 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, an individual may claim a credit for (1) 10% of the cost of qualified energy efficiency improvements and (2) the amount of the residential energy property expenditures paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year (subject to the overall credit limit of $500). Here is the link to the IRS site to further explain those deductions: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/energy-incentives-for-individuals-residential-property-updated-questions-and-answers#:~:text=In%202018%2C%202019%2C%202020%2C,overall%20credit%20limit%20of%20%24500).
So the bottom line, if we all do our part and minimize our carbon footprint we will all minimize our impact and hopefully save our globe from climate change, while at the same adding excellent value to our homes and potentially increasing your sales price when selling.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 39 years of experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S). For a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, a value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com Just email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your ideas or suggestions on future columns with your name, email and cell number and he will call or email you back.
