Whether someone is buying or selling a home in Austin, Texas, there are ways to make it more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly. When it is time to make changes to an Austin home, consider the greener, more economical versions that are available. Here are a few ideas for homeowners on how to be a little bit greener when considering a move.

Water

Choose items that use less water and energy, resulting in lower utility bills each month. Choosing a tankless hot water heater uses as much as 13 percent of a home’s energy. Tankless devices heat up water on demand, rather than storing it in a tank and keeping it hot until it is needed. Depending on the fuel source used, this reduces the gas bill by a minimum of 30 percent or the electric bill by a minimum of 60 percent. Low-flush toilets and low-flow shower heads reduce the amount of water used in the bathroom.

Energy Star

The federal government has a special program which recognizes products that excel at energy efficiency. Homeowners of existing construction can receive a tax credit until December 31, 2010 for qualifying items. Some of these products include heating and air conditioning systems, doors and windows, water heaters, insulation, biomass stoves and roofing. A tax credit of 30 percent for up to $1,500 spent by the homeowner of a principal residence is available. New and existing homes with qualifying Energy Star geothermal heat pumps, residential wind turbine and solar energy systems are eligible for a 30 percent tax credit through December 31, 2016. These are not limited to a principal residence. A secondary home may qualify as well.

Yard

Homeowners buying or selling Austin real estate can make the yard more attractive and more environmentally-friendly at the same time by really going green. Planting trees and tall shrubbery in the yard will block the sun’s radiant energy. This prevents it from heating up through the windows and siding, especially in the summer months. This lowers the amount of energy required to cool the home’s interior to make it more comfortable for those living in the Austin home. Planting flower beds and creating large gardens reduces the amount of grass in the yard. Grass uses more water and often requires an irrigation system. Add mulch to the flower and plant beds to retain water and reduce the amount that must be added. Mulch can be created from a compost pile or by chipping any cut or fallen branches and tree limbs.