Going Green Santa Fe Style #3

By Anthony • November 7th, 2009

Santa Fe Homes vary in age and construction. Santa Fe, New Mexico zoning includes: historical district, archeological district, residential subdivisions, mountain zoning. That's because Santa Fe is 400 years old. In 2009 Santa Feans celebrate our Fiestas and Quatro Centenario!

Historical Santa Fe homes are hundreds of years old and built with adobe bricks; one of the oldest insulated materials used by man. So in many ways these homes are green. But you can always add other green amenities to these older Santa Fe homes: roof insulation, new roofs, new stucco, solar panels/hot water, new furnaces, insulated windows, water catchment, water filtration, drip irrigation, filtered air, CFL / compact fluorescent bulbs.

You can upgrade your older or newer home and save with tax credits. Local, State and Federal Tax credits are available to Green your home. Be sure and consult with your tax professional regarding all tax regulations. Also visit www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm, www.energystar.gov .

Many aspects of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 are still in effect. Here are some projects that will help Green your home and tax credits available:
1. exterior windows & skylights 2. exterior doors 3. certain roofing materials 4. storm windows & doors, 5. water heating equipment 6. insulation 7. circulating fans 8. central air conditioners and air filtration 9. furnaces and boilers 10. thermostats 11. solar panels.

You can calculate your own impact on the environment as well as tips for improving your score: http://green.yahoo.com/index777php?q=calculator

Free Book on Water Harvesting, Roof Reliant Landscaping, Rainwater Harvesting with Cisterns in New Mexico. Also see harvesttherain.com.

Other green resources in Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico, GreenFireTimes.com

Anthony Atwell, Your Santa Fe Real Estate Broker for 18 years