Green Savings in Indianapolis
One of the questions I hear repeatedly from my clients who are buying a home in Indianapolis, is, 'how much are the utilities'?
This is a difficult question to answer. Although we can easily access the past history of utility charges for a given property, utility costs are more dependant on personal usage.
While the current costs of utilities are a consideration when buying a home, there are some simple changes you can make to reduce the cost.
Today, there are many options available which provide both savings and protect the environment. Integrating just a few of these ideas will help reduce your overall utility costs.
Water Usage:
- Repair leaky faucets and running toilets.
- Use the correct water level when washing clothes.
- Run the dishwasher when it is full.
Green Options:
- Install low flow toilets and plumbing fixtures to reduce water usage
- Front load washers use up to 66% less water and 75% less detergent
- Tankless water heaters - heats water instantly and on demand.
- When it's time to replace old appliances, buy Energy Star.
Electric:
- Replace existing light bulbs with CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Lamps)
- Caulk or seal around doors and windows
- Turn off lights and program your thermostat
- Insulate your water heater
- Add attic insulation
- Replace Windows
- Replace heating and cooling system filters every 60 days
Green Options:
- High Efficiency Heat Pumps or Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Cellulose Insulation
- Argon filled double pane windows
- Tankless water heater
- Replace older Heating and Cooling units with high efficiency units.
Indianapolis Power and Light offers programs designed to help you save money on your electric bills: Cool Cents Program: Allows homeowners to recycle their air during the summer months and receive a rebate on their electric bill.
Perfect Cents Program: Upgrade your current heating and cooling system to a high efficiency system and receive a rebate.
Green Option: Help the environment and enroll in the Green Power Option. This allows current customers of Indianapolis Power and Light to use clean renewable sources of energy.
