Inexpensive Ways to Cut Costs

One of the most common reasons people choose not to "go green" in their home is because it is too expensive.  Well not anymore!  Here I have listed five ways to help you reduce your water and energy intake, all for less than $100.

1. Replace those incandescent bulbs with CFLs!

One of the EASIEST ways to reduce energy consumption and save money is by replacing your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).  Many people stray away from CFL’s because they are more expensive upfront.  But don’t let that $2 price tag defer you from purchasing; CFLs last 10 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb, and they use 80% less energy!!  This results in a savings of about $30 throughout the life of the bulb.  Take that savings time the average number of light bulbs in a US home (45), and you get an average savings of $1,350!  Yes, you read that right.  One THOUSAND, three hundred, and fifty dollars.  Now isn’t that worth the extra $1.42?  And the best part?  When your CFL finally does burn out, you can bring it to Home Depot and they will recycle it for you for free!

 

Cost for entire household:  Approximately $90

Savings: Approximately $1,350

2. Install low-flow water fixtures

For those of you shower singers, why don't you try this tune on for size.  A standard shower head pumps out 2.5 gallons per minute.  However, you can cut that number nearly in half by purchasing a low-flow shower head.  You can easily find shower heads that restrict the water flow to 1.5 gpm, without sacrificing water pressure.  For example, take a look at the American Standard Flowise shower head, which can be purchased for $42.25 at Home Depot. 

Also, if your shower head dates back before 1992, I would strongly recommend you replace it as soon as you possibly can.  Why?  Not only does it probably LOOK dated...it IS dated.  Before 1992, it wasn't uncommon to find shower heads that delivered water at speeds over 5.5 gallons per minute!  Think of all that water you could be saving!

Low-flow fixtures are also available for your sink faucets, so when you go to purchase a new faucet, make sure it is rated at 1.5 gpm or less.  The fish will thank you.

3.  Enroll in Saver's Switch

Who doesn't like getting paid for doing absolutely nothing?  I know I sure do.  Well, Xcel Energy has a program that essentially is just that.  If you go online and enroll in their Saver's Switch program, you will save 15% on your bill from June through September.  That's it.  You're done.  In a nutshell, what Saver's Switch does is gives Xcel permission to switch your air conditioning on and off in 20 minute intervals during peak energy times in the summer.  It saves you energy, it saves you money, AND, you can't even tell when the Saver's Switch has been activated.  Now I'd say that's pretty cool.  And yes, that pun was intended.

There is another similar program that Xcel offers that goes year round.  If you sign up to have your water heater switched on and off for 6 hour periods (don't worry - you can still use the water that has already been heated up during that period), Xcel will give you a 2% discount on your bill.  Now this one does require slighly more effort on your part, but only in the sense that you physically have to be home so Xcel can come into your house and install the switch on your water heater.

So what about those unfortunate souls who do not have Xcel Energy?  Well, there is still hope for you.  Check with your local utility company, because more often than not, similar discount programs are offered. 

4.  Hug your water heater

No, not literally.  But go downstairs and touch your water heater.  Is it warm?  If so, you water heater needs to be insulated.  By adding an insulating blanket around your water heater (hence the hug), you can reduce heat loss by 25%-45%.  What does that mean to you?  A savings of approximately 5%-10% on your bill.

These blankets cost NOTHING (otherwise known as approximately $20 from the Home Depot), so it won't take long before it pays itself off.

On a serious note, if you have a gas water heater, use EXTREME caution when installing the insulating blanket.  I would highly recommend you have a plumbing or heating contractor install it for you, but if you must, make sure you keep the blanket away from the flame at the bottom.

5. Install a programmable thermostat

Last, but certainly not least, replace that nasty old thermostat with a shiny new programmable one!  For only $30, you will have COMPLETE control over when your home is being heated and cooled.  This will save you a tremendous amount of money, and besides, there's no need to keep your home at a roasty-toasty 70 degrees if you are at work or sleeping.

So, I hope you heed my advice, because for just a few hundred dollars, you will not only do your part in saving the planet, but your pocketbook will thank you in the long run.

For more information about money-saving strategies, check out the U.S. Department of Energy's website.

Recycled Countertops

One of my favorite products on the market today are recycled countertops.  Even though they have been around for several years now, I am still completely obsessed.  Recycled countertops are increasing in popularity, and are currently being produced by a variety of manufacturers.  I have seen countertops that are made out of recycled glass, money, sunflower seeds, paper, cardboard, coffee beans...the possibilities are endless and the results are beautiful!

 

It used to be that granite was the standard go-to choice for your high-end kitchen counter, but now these stunning new materials are giving granite a run for its money.  Not only are there several possibilities for the recycled content of the counter, but there are also different finishes to choose from.  Some of the high-gloss finishes nearly mimic the look of granite, in a much more sustainable way.

 

Publisher Grey Light (Newspaper)   Publisher Grey Dark (Newspaper)

 

Counterfeit Green Marbleized (Money)  Counterfeit Green Shredded (Money   

 

Latte Brown Light (Cardboard)    Latte Brown Dark (Cardboard)

Above are a series of recycled countertops created by Shetka Stone, which is located it Le Center, MN!  Other manufacturers that specialize in recycled countertops are Vetrazzo, IceStone, and PaperStone.

The best part about these countertops no doubt is their environmental benefit.  As opposed to consuming limited natural resources when you purchase a granite countertop, you are instead making use of existing materials, as nearly everything making up the counters is recycled.  In fact, incorporating one of these countertops into your building can actually earn you LEED points.  Now how fantastic is that?!

EcoSmart Fire

Recently, I came across one of the coolest products I have seen in a long time: EcoSmart Fire Products.  Essentially, they are portable fireplaces that run off of bio ethanol, which is a completely renewable fuel.  Their sleek design makes these fireplaces the focal point of any room, and you can move them wherever you want it, whenever you want!

So, how exactly does one of these fireplaces work?  Well, as I said earlier, they burn bio ethanol, which is an alcohol that is created when sugar and starch crops ferment.  Because all of the components are natural, there are no harmful emissions that are given off when the fuel burns.  And because there are no harmful emissions, there is no need for a chimney or flue, thus allowing these stunning fireplaces to be placed anywhere in your home.  Not only does its lack of chimney allow for portability, but it increases the energy efficiency because traditional fireplaces lose a large amount of heat through the chimney.  With the EcoSmart Fire, all heat produced remains in the room.  There are no required electrical or gas connections, and there is virtually no installation, so adding one of these gems to your existing home is completely painless!

The only downside to these exquisite, eco-friendly fireplaces, is their price tag.  The Mini-T, one of the smaller models (see image below), starts at a whopping $1,990!  However, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, these fireplaces qualify for a tax credit up to 30% of their purchase price (not to exceed $1,500).  Even still, these fireplaces cost a pretty penny.

The bio ethanol can be purchased online and delivered right to your front door from e-nrg. Otherwise, it can be found in your local grocery and hardware stores.

So, although the cost is steep, there is no doubt that adding one of these beautifully designed, environmentally conscious fireplaces will surely brighten up your space!  

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

...no, it's not Christmas season - it's Parade of Homes season!!  The Parade of Homes isn't just for people who are looking to buy a new house - it's a great way to spend the afternoon seeing the latest trends in residential design.  You may even find some inspiration for ways to decorate your own home.  And besides, it's not everyday you get the opportunity to walk through luxurious, multi-million dollar homes. 

I have been attending the Parade of Homes in Minneapolis, MN for the past 8 or 9 years, and believe me when I say that it is one of the highlights of my year.  It is currently running Thursdays-Sundays, 12-6pm until April 3rd.  More information about the Twin Cities' Parade of Homes can be found here: http://www.paradeofhomes.org/

Here is a sneak peek of some of the homes I am looking forward to visiting:

 This 6,000 square foot home located in Hugo, MN is currently listed for $1.5 million.  This home is listed as part of the "Energy Efficient Home Tour" because it implements a geothermal heating and cooling system, as well as several other energy saving technologies.

To say this 4,200 square foot home in Golden Valley is energy conscious would be an understatement.  It has nearly no utility bills each month!  And the coolest feature of the house?  The security system, media system as well as several other appliances are all monitored by...drum roll please...YOUR IPHONE!  Talk about cutting edge...

The influence of the Frank Lloyd Wright "Arts and Crafts" style is evident in the design of the exterior of this enormous home.  This Orono mansion is a whopping 8,786 square feet and is currently listed for $3.48 million!!

So that's all for our sneak peek.  I encourage you all to check out the homes listed on the Parade of Homes website, and I'm sure I will have quite the update after I visit the homes next week.