Environmentally friendly, "green" & more eco-conscious are sizzling hot topics in homes and businesses across the U.S. Families and people all over seem to more aware and concerned with the beautiful Earth we live on. Most folks want to conserve energy in their homes, and the subject is often a major topic of discussion as home buyers start looking for their dream home. Not only does energy conservation save homeowners money and make their home more appealing, but it also has a significant positive impact on the environment. In the real estate market today- fewer home features attract as much attention as a home's ability to conserve energy. So, let's get down to business and help you make your home a "green" energy conserving machine! 1. Tame that ThermostatOne simple, easy step all homeowners can take is to install a programmable thermostat and then actually program it. During the winter months, set the heat at 68 degrees during waking hours and lower it when you sleep. Setting the temperature lower in Winter when the house is empty, will prevent that heater from blasting out BTU's like a jet engine on take off while your utility bills remind you of feeding your money into a paper shredder. In the hotter summers, keep the air conditioning set at 78 degrees for the hours a home needs cooling off.2. Light Bulbs can do More... for LessSwitch light bulbs in a home from incandescent to compact fluorescent bulbs or CFLs. These bulbs also put out significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs, further increasing a home's overall energy efficiency.3. Put a Cinch on Water UseConsider installing low flow toilets and a flow reducer in all shower heads. Flow reducers have come along significantly in recent years to both reduce flow but maintain desired water pressure. When you jump in the shower-you can enjoy a refreshing blast of comforting water without lowering the water table in surrounding communities!4. No Procrastination on the InsulationAll families considering buying or selling a home or those looking to save some hard-earned dollars should check insulation levels in attics, walls and the floor. In most climates that experience all four seasons, the recommended R-Value of insulation (the measure of insulation's ability to resist heat traveling through it) is a minimum of R38 for attics and walls, and a value of R25 to R30 for floors. Homeowners should also consider insulating water pipes and water heaters. A simple insulating jacket for a water heater costs just $10 to $20 and can add up to significant savings over time.5. Appliances looking a little worn around the edges?Replace older appliances when possible as new models are more energy efficient. If you are looking looking to buy a home- consider asking the current owner to update the appliances. All appliances in a home should carry the Energy Star label. Also consider switching to a front-loading washing machine, which can cut hot water use by 60 to 70 percent.6. Exercising that Green Thumb; Planting Pleasant Shade TreesConsider planting luscious shade trees around your home to provide natural energy conservation. Home owners can benefit from programs supported by cities around the country which offer trees for free or at significantly reduced prices.As the temperature climbs, visualize yourself relaxing in a hammock beneath your gently swaying mature shade trees enjoying the cool breezes... saving energy and being environmentally conscious can be downright pleasant!With just a few simple steps, any family can increase the energy efficiency of a home, save money and contribute to the health of the environment.About The AuthorThe Hughes Group is a team of Buyers Agents located in the Boise, Idaho area. For a fresh, exciting experience preview Idaho Real Estate now.

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