A central concern for homeowners is making sure their property is both comfortable and economical. Today, doing so also means considering environmentally friendly upgrades. Here are six updates that will save energy dollars and add to the "greenness" of your home.GO TANKLESSTraditional water heaters use an enormous amount of energy and waste stored heat when hot water is not in demand. A tankless water heater can provide all the hot water a home requires, and considerably reduce energy expenditures. The Department of Energy "estimates that a typical family can save 100 or more per year with an ENERGY STAR qualified tankless water heater."ENERGY STARBoth energy efficient and designed around contemporary culinary trends, appliances on the market today will contribute significant savings over time. For instance, a 20 year old refrigerator costs 16.00 per year in energy dollars, while a new Energy Star model consumes only 69.00 in a year.THERMOSTATSProgrammable thermostats are inexpensive upgrades that save energy dollars. "By turning your thermostat back 10^0 to 15^0 for 8 hours, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill." In the summer setting the thermostat to 78^0F will save by keeping the empty house warmer.LOW-FLOW TOILETSReducing the dollars flushed down the drain is easily achieved by upgrading the toilets. Updating to WaterSense labeled models can lead to a savings of 13,000 gallons of water at approximately 110.00 per year.WINDOWSAn inexpensive update to windows is to install solar control film. The advantages of this film include saving on energy costs, reducing the fading of draperies and furniture, and reducing glare. This film is readily available in DIY outlets, or can be installed by a window contractor.RECYCLED ROOFIf you have roof repairs in your near future, look into getting a recycled metal roof. Once installed, the new form of roofing is low cost and low maintenance, not to mention it helps the environment by using recycled material. The experts from UniversalSheet Metal Ltd say it is a great home roofing alternative that has not been fully embraced yet, but there is huge potential for home owners. GEOTHERMAL ENERGYAnother significant way to save energy dollars in the home is to upgrade the traditional heating and air conditioning system to use geothermal energy. Dependent upon the heat energy stored in the earth, such a system not only is energy efficient, it also minimizes your home's carbon footprint by not utilizing fossil fuels. Research has shown that a geothermal system saves an estimated 2,500 per year in energy costs for the average home, and pays for itself within 3 years.Updating your home by looking for energy efficient options is a positive way to work toward ensuring a sustainable energy future. Not only is this an eco-friendly approach to comfort, it is a way to save energy dollars.
Source: opengreendoors.blogspot.com
