Matthew McDermott
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If you want to check out in person many of things we're telling you to do to make you home more energy efficient -- installing CFLs or LED lighting, using Energy Star appliances, tankless water heaters, better insulation and windows, solar tube daylighting, etc. -- then check out the Living Zero home tour.
The full tour is for 16 cities across the US and they're 10 left to go. Greensboro NC is up next 8/17-24; full tour dates here.
Part of the cool thing about it all is that you can really see how all the pieces of energy efficiency in the home fit together: You may have Energy Star-rated appliances, but if your windows and insulation aren't up to snuff, you're not really taking full advantage of the energy and dollar savings, for example.
Once you've taken the tour (it won't take you too long -- I checked the house out when it was in New York City this past week) you can pick up literature on energy efficiency, check out the website for checklists to determine the energy efficiency of your home and what sort of renewable energy options you can take advantage of.
Federal & State Tax Incentives, Rebates Make It More Affordable
In terms of what state and federal tax incentives are available to help you out, the Living Zero site has some info, and then check out these references:
Energy Star -- all sorts on info, comprehensive
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency -- there are all sorts of state and local options to make renewable energy and energy efficiency easier on your bank balance
EnergySavers.gov -- the DOE's energy efficiency and renewable energy site; lot's of good info
More: Living Zero Home Tour
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