The following tips show you how to be more energy efficient and save money while reducing the risks of global warming.

1. Replace your five most frequent used light fixtures with CFL bulbs. Turning off one incandescent bulb can save $15 per year.
2. If you are in the market for an air conditioner, consider an ENERGY STAR model
3. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature settings when you are sleeping or are away.
4. Many consumer electronics products use energy even when switched off. Electronics equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR helps save energy when off. Phantom power can use up 30 to 40 watts.
5. A ten minute shower can use less water than a full bath. Install a low-flow shower head which saves water and energy. It can save 5 gallons of water and $145 on electricity per year.
6. Make sure hot air can circulate freely and air registers aren't blocked by furniture.
7. During the colder months, take in the Sun's warmth by keeping drapes open in the daylight hours and close them to keep out the summer heat.
8. Before loading in the dishwasher, save water by scraping dishes instead of rinsing them. Run the dishwasher with a full-load and use the air-dry option.
9. Use cold water when doing laundry and wash full-loads if you can. If you do need to do a partial load, adjust the water level to match the load.
10. Don't over dry your clothes. Clean the lint trap before every load. Dry full loads, or reduce drying time for partial loads.
    

Source: Article from Energy Star

Canadian Tire is promoting a greener tomorrow by showcasing products that can make a difference in the environment today.

You can save upto 40% on select environmentally friendly products for energy conservation, healthy home and garden, waste reduction and water conservation.

• blue planet household cleaners
• energy star programmable thermostats
• water-efficient showheads and toilets
• energy star light fixtuers, ceiling fans, motion sensors
• energy saver fan heaters, air cleaners
• renewable energy products to produce, convert and store energy

To learn more about Canadian Tire's green commitment, visit their green options page.

Preferred Client update from Chris Whitney of Royal LePage.

How to reduce hot water costs

Heating water is probably the most expensive use of domestic energy after home heating and cooling; it is probably one of the most wasteful as well. At the same time, municipalities are considering raising the fees for supplying water. This combination has homeowners taking on larger utility bills.

Here are a couple of ways to reduce the hot water consumption in your home.

• Replace washers on hot water faucets that show signs of leakage
• Reduce the temperature setting on your hot water tank
• Only use your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full and lower their settings when possible
• Reduce hot water usage by avoiding hot baths
• Install water reduction showerhead and aerators

E-friendly renovation tips that can increase the value of your investment

• Windows - switch to triple-glazed that are installed properly
• Lighting - use sensor lights, skylights, compact-flourescent bulbs
• Heating - get high-efficiency furnaces, radiant heating, solar panels, solar heated hot water tanks (hot water tanks are 25% of your gas bill)
• Insulation - pack insulation in the walls, basement, attic, around pipes
• Water - install low flow toilets and showerheads, install on-demand hot water heaters
• Paint - use paint that has no VOCs (these cause breathing problems)
• Carpet - install wool carpets that don't pollute the air and are renewable,
• Floors - use renewable resources such as bamboo or cork or recycle old materials
• Surfaces - use products such as PaperStone that is made from recycled paper instead of non-renewable stone

Tips gathered from Joanna Pachner's article titled "Green renos increase a home's value".