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.