In most households, spending is considered and reconsidered on a purchase-by-purchase basis, especially now with the questionable economy. While the gut feeling would be that building and home improvement projects might be shelved for the time being, it turns out many folks are opting to put any extra dollars into home improvements and system upgrades instead of planning vacations and spending that don't improve their surroundings.
The recent Building Industry Association's Spring Home Show at the Franklin & Marshall College Alumni Sports and Fitness Center saw an increase in visitors this year, and vendors report people are looking to put their money into more energy-efficient technologies, are thinking "green" and are looking to spruce up their personal spaces.
"We were more than just pleased with this year's attendance compared to past years. We were thrilled," said Kylee Bowman, the BIA of Lancaster County's public relations and member service coordinator.
"With tax credits and government incentives, lower mortgage rates and people staying home, it is the perfect storm for a great housing market right now."
According to Karen Watkins, the BIA's event development coordinator, most exhibitors felt people are still looking for projects because not only are there fabulous deals, but homeowners are realizing their home is their sanctuary.
Aside from looking for great deals to do remodeling or new construction, all homeowners have a need to address heating and cooling solutions at some point.
Ed Irwin, equipment sales representative at Jerome H. Rhoads, 624 S. Prince St., said, "Between the energy crisis making a big impact on homeowners last year, and the economy being tight, people are fixing up what they have."
There are tax credits available in which homeowners can research on www.energystar.gov when they're considering a mechanical upgrade or replacement in their home.
A tax deduction is an expense or amount of money which lowers your taxable income, Irwin explained, while a tax credit is a reduction that is subtracted from your tax liability.
The lists go on and on as to what energy-efficiency efforts are recognized; storm and exterior doors, windows and skylights, metal and asphalt roofs, insulation, central air, air-source heat pumps, some furnaces and hot water boilers and heaters and biomass stoves make the list.
Looking more closely at green sources, included in the list of systems used that qualify for a 30 percent credit, are geo-thermal heat pumps as well as solar water heating, photovoltaic, wind energy, fuel cell and microturbine systems.
Dropping temperatures often trigger tasks associated with eliminating air leaks and gaps but, whether your home is quipped with air conditioning or not, the hotter months of spring and summer are equally as important, to keep the heat out. Look at ways to seal around windows and doors to find ways to properly blanket the house with a thermal hug.
E-mail: rmcroberts@lnpnews.com