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Save Energy - Use CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs)
Replace all incandescent light bulbs (the regular light bulbs that ou usually buy at the grocery store) with ENERGY
STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) which use 66% less energy than a standard incandescent
bulb and last up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb with a 32-watt CFL can save Rs.1200
($30 approx) in energy costs over the life of the bulb. You can save $100 per year just by replacing just five the
most frequently used light bulbs in your home. The greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by one trillion
pounds if every family did this just in the United States.
Save Energy - Appliances
FHA 203K will finance new free standing appliances for your home.
Appliances use about 18% of a typical home’s total energy bill; with the refrigerator being one of the biggest
energy hogs. The EPA suggests using energy-efficient models that bear their ENERGY STAR® logo. Energy Star-
qualified appliances use 10%-50% less energy and water than standard models. According to the Energy Star
site, if just one in 10 homes used energy-efficient appliances, it would be equivalent to planting 1.7 million new
acres of trees.
Save Energy - Solar Panels
Solar electricity is quickly becoming the energy option of choice for many Americans and a great way to
significantly reduce energy bills. HUD strongly encourages the use of solar power and will allow a borrower to
exceed statutory loan limits. In many cases the Federal, State and local Utility company offer tax credits that will
pay for a good portion of the purchase and installment of solar panels.
Save Energy - Request a Blower Door Test
A blower door test will uncover the hidden holes and cracks that are the main source of energy loss in your
home. For example an open fireplace damper can let 8% of your heating costs slip out the chimney. Hiring a
certified Home Energy Rater (HERS) costs $200 to $400 and is worth every penny.
Save Energy - Hot Water Heaters
If you don't have one installed already, put an insulated jacket around your hot water heater, and insulate the
pipes around the water heater. Insulated jackets cost between $10 and $20, and you can get pipe insulation for
less than $1 for six feet. Also consider turning the temperature on the water heater down to 120 degrees. It will
save you money and prevent scalding.
Save Water - Tankless Water Heaters
These are becoming a hot item, but there are pros and cons. Watch this Consumer Reports Video and decide for
yourself. Click Here for a consumer reports opinion.
Save Water - Shower Heads and Faucets
Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators to save resources without sacrificing water pressure. An
efficient shower head will save a family of four up to $285 per year. They can cost less than $15, and installing
them couldn't be easier: they just screw on.
Put an aerator on all household faucets and cut your annual water consumption by 50%.
Low-flow faucet aerators usually cost $5 -$10. Low-flow shower heads range from $8 - $50 depending on
features such as flow adjusting dials and designer styling. Hand-held models are more expensive than fixed
models.
Save Water - Toilets
Toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of residential indoor
water consumption. Recent advancements have allowed toilets to use 20 percent less water than the current
federal standard, while still providing equal or superior performance. The WaterSense label is used on toilets that
are certified by independent laboratory testing to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency. Only
high-efficiency toilets that complete the third-party certification process can earn the WaterSense label. EPA
estimates that a family of four that replaces its home's older toilets with WaterSense labeled models will, on
average, save more than $90 per year in reduced water utility bills, and $2,000 over the lifetime of the toilets.
Save Wood - Wooden Floors
Choose bamboo. Bamboo is considered an environmentally friendly flooring material due to its high yield and the
relatively fast rate at which it replenishes itself. It takes just four to six years for bamboo to mature, compared
to 50-100 years for typical hardwoods. Just be sure to look for sources that use formaldehyde-free glues.
Use Low-VOC products
After painting, the volatile organic compound level can be 1,000 times the healthy normal level. Select Low or No-
VOC paints and finishes to combat this health hazard. When selecting paints, look for the Green Seal. When
cleaning around the house, use non-toxic natural products or make your own green cleaning products.
Check out the Energy Star Tax Credit!
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