I have just started my Eco-Broker designation . . . in part a result of my recent acknowledgement that it's time this girl get back to more mindful day to day living! I have to admit that in the hurley-burley fast flying real estate market of recent years I got a bit away from myself.

With our nation's oil and gas worries, and my recognition of local environmental changes, I've decided that working toward the Eco-Broker designation would be time well spent. And I have to tell you, I've learned some interesting things in just two days! So I'm here to share:

First of all, did you know that nearly half of an average home's total energy bill goes toward space heating or cooling?

And, do you believe that by setting your furnace or air conditioner back while you are away it will just make them work harder to catch up when you return home and dial the thermostat back up? Evidently that is a very common misconception (One that I have to admit I bought into!). Years of research has proved this idea wrong. The facts are these:

1. By dialing back the thermostat (or up for A/C) 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours you can save 5 to 15% a year on your heating or cooling bill.
2. Your savings are roughly 1% for each degree if the setback is 8 hours or longer.
3. The percentage of savings from the setback is greater in milder climates.
4. A programmable thermostat can pay for itself in energy saved within 4 years.

This born again eco-girl has just scratched the surface of important information that we can use ourselves and share with our clients. I promise to let you know what Ah-Ha moments I have as I continue my Eco-Broker designation journey!