Recent data shows that as less people are buying new houses and more people are living in their houses longer, many are choosing energy efficient upgrades and alternative energy.

Data shows less people are buying houses. According to recent data from the AJC and the National Realtors Association, "Nationally, sales of existing homes plunged in July to the lowest level in 15 years, despite the lowest mortgage rates in decades and bargain prices in many areas. One large factor: the expiration of federal tax credits aimed at pumping up the market.

Sales in July fell by more than 27 percent from June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.83 million, the Realtors group said Tuesday. It was the largest monthly drop on records dating back to 1968. Sales were also down 25 percent from July 2009."
This data can also be interpreted to say that more people are living in their houses longer. Lengthier occupancy rates means homeowners will run into more problems related to their aging homes
Its a perfect time for people to get comfortable in their existing homes and focus on home improvements and other upgrades that will add value to their biggest investments.
Better home energy efficiency is a great way to increase the value of your home while simultaneously save you save you money on monthly utility expenses.
Energy efficient appliances are great and sure, those GA Power dogs are darn cute, but these small upgrades are not going to translate into considerable energy savings.
Did you know your roof is one of the leading causes of temperature absorption on your home, forcing your air conditioning to continuously run and significantly increase your energy costs?
The most common type of roofing is asphalt shingles which provides zero energy efficiency and needs periodic replacing.
An alternative roofing option is metal paneling which does provide energy protection, especially if you find an Energy Star rated metal roof.
There is a great company called Energy Roofing Systems (www.energyroofingsystems.net) located in metro Atlanta that offers such a solution which they claim will reduce your energy bill up to 40% and never need to be replaced.
Additionally, their "SmarterRoofs" as they are dubbing them, are an excellent base to install solar panels on top of.
According to a survey by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory , more people are choosing alternative energy sources like wind and solar power.
Using data from the U.S. Department of Energy, the laboratory said energy use fell from 99.2 quadrillion BTUs (quads) in 2008 to 94.6 quadrillion BTUs in 2009, a drop of nearly 5 percent. Laboratory analysts said that while some of the decline was due to the economic recession, the drop also came about because Americans are using more efficient vehicles and appliances.
The laboratory said that electricity generation from solar arrays, wind turbines, geothermal wells, and hydroelectric dams all grew from 2008 to 2009, with wind power showing the most dramatic increase, from .51 quads in 2008 to .70 quads last year. "The increase in renewables is a really good story," said A.J. Simon, an energy analyst at the lab. "It's a result of very good incentives and technological advances."
Installing solar panels on your house is a great way to take advantage of federal and state tax incentives while protecting against utility rate hikes.
Combined with solar technology, Energy Roofing Systems says energy savings with a SmarterRoof can be expected in the range of 55-70%.
For more information you can visit their website at www.energyroofingsystems.net