A home-owner can be green and save money at the same time. Being environmentally friendly doesn't have to hurt the pocketbook. There are a number of different improvements that a homeowner can make to their home that can make that home more environmentally friendly and save money. Here are some ideas for home owners:
1. Whether it is summer or winter, a programmable thermostat can save a homeowner hundreds of dollars a year. Heating or cooling an unoccupied home is a waste of energy and money. By installing a programmable thermostat, the house will only be heated and/or cooled when the home is occupied; thus saving money and the environment (through lower power usage).
2. Hot water on demand is becoming a popular and economical way to heat water in our homes. Hot water on demand works by heating water only when needed; thus reducing the need to heat water 24hrs a day, 7 days a week for the few times a day that it is needed. For households that use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day, a hot water on demand system can save 24%-32%. Since a hot water tank can cost as much as $300/year, that's a minimum savings of $75. And, since less energy is being used, the environment also benefits.
3. Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent light bulbs. CFLs can save as much as $30 per light bulb each year and they can last as much as 15 times longer. Again, using less energy is less taxing on our environment.
Homeowners can also turn computers off when not in use, fix leaky toilets and faucets, replace old appliances with energy star appliances, and replace shower heads with low-flow alternatives all in an effort to save energy, water and money; all of which will benefit our environment.
As always, visit my Calgary Real Estate website for further information regarding the Calgary Real Estate market.
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