Top 15 Green Home Improvements and their Costs 2022

Home energy efficiency is both a journey and an objective. The objective is as simple as going Green. You optimize the resources of your home while saving money. Those savings are part of the journey.

A home solar power system on a tile roof

Green living is smart living. Truly, the journey is never ending. There are steps you can take today to achieve greater resource efficiency in your home. It’s important to remember that energy efficiency is for everyone and not just those with ‘best practices’ in mind, or those who can afford the right technology.

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We list 15 green home improvements or major renovation projects popular today. More importantly, these are considerations for truly increasing your home’s energy efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint.

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Vinyl Siding Cost Vs. Fiber Cement Siding: Total Cost, Plus Pros & Cons

Vinyl is the #1 material in the U.S. due to its pros (namely low cost, versatility and low maintenance requirements). Warranties are usually life-long and are sometimes transferable. This is truly a pro, but as it varies by contractor, it is more of a consideration.

Vinyl is typically a horizontal lap-type siding, designed to mimic traditional wood-lap. The height of each individual lap (or what would resemble a plank of wood) is generally what distinguishes brand or model types, along with the thickness of material.

Material Types and Options:

Vinyl essentially comes in two types – one which is called hollow-back or is just the siding material, the other which is foam-back, to provide extra layer of insulation. Foam-back adds about 15% more to the cost of siding material, but the cost can be easily recouped via energy savings.

Vinyl comes in a number of thicknesses (which add to cost), and as seams may be a con, it does have a seamless option, but that too adds on to cost.

The material is fairly durable and will last a good 20 to 40 years, usually with a warranty to back this up.

Costs per square foot has a fairly wide range based on factors noted above and brand considerations. Our research shows it as little as $5.50 and as high as $15.50. A perhaps more accurate range is $6.50 to $8.50 for standard vinyl siding, and $8.50 to $14.50 for deluxe vinyl, depending on the project variables.

An average-sized house (2,000 sq. ft. of siding) will cost between $17,000 and $29,000 for standard siding, including materials, installation, and warranty.

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