Indianapolis Area Real Estate Blog

Green Savings in Indianapolis

ElectricityOne 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.

Discussion

#1 By Ashley Gephardt at 8/20/2007 3:25 PM

Paula great tips for lower your utility costs in Indianapolis or anywhere else!

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