For buyers looking at houses or condos to purchase, buying green may be something you want to consider. There are many benefits to “going green,” including an increased boost in energy efficiency; however, it’s important to know what to look for when house hunting.

The first important thing to check is the home’s heating and cooling system.

“The heating and cooling system of a house is a dead giveaway,” says Ron Croushore, CEO of Prudential Preferred Realty “Depending on the climate, a radiant floor heating system is more efficient because it pumps heated water through tubing under the floor surface, rather than traditional hot air or water units.”

Radiant heating allows for more even heating and may even result in cleaner air due to less dust moving.

Having an on-demand water-heating unit also helps with efficiency since it only heats water as needed instead of keeping it hot all hours of the day. The more “Energy Star”-rated appliances, the better the efficiency of the home.

Ask if the home has had a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) audit recently.

“A HERS report will fully reveal a home’s energy efficiency and tell you where it works best and where it may need work,” says Croushore. “If a report isn’t available and the home is touting its green aspects, ask for an audit to be conducted.” If the house scores poorly on the report, you can use it as a starting point to negotiate on price.

The outside of the home matters as well. Examine the materials used to build the home. Products that have been processed as little as possible are better for the environment and for the health of your family.

“Look for products containing zero volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These materials don’t emit gases like some other traditional ones,” says Croushore.

By narrowing your home-buying search to meet green standards, you are not only helping the environment, but providing a safe and eco-friendly home for your family to live in.

Use the dishwasher more

Here are a few surprising and simple ways to cut your energy bill this season. Give your pocketbook and Mother Nature a gift this season by taking advantage of these simple, surprising ways to save energy and money.

Put lamps in the corners: Did you know you can switch to a lower wattage bulb in a lamp or lower its dimmer switch and not lose a noticeable amount of light? It’s all about placement. When a lamp is placed in a corner, the light reflects off the adjoining walls, which makes the room lighter and brighter.

Switch to a laptop: If you’re reading this article on a laptop, you’re using 1/3 less energy than if you’re reading this on a desktop.

Choose an LCD TV: If you’re among those considering a flat-screen upgrade from your conventional, CRT TV, choose an LCD screen for the biggest energy save.

Give your water heater a blanket: Just like you pile on extra layers in the winter, your hot water heater can use some extra insulation too. A fiberglass insulation blanket is a simple addition that can cut heat loss and save 4% to 9% on the average water-heating bill.

Turn off the burner before you’re done cooking: When you turn off an electric burner, it doesn’t cool off immediately. Use that to your advantage by turning it off early and using the residual heat to finish up your dish.

Add motion sensors: You might be diligent about shutting off unnecessary lights, but your kids? Not so much. Adding motion sensors to playrooms and bedrooms cost only $15 to $50 per light, and ensures you don’t pay for energy that you’re not using.

Spin laundry faster: The faster your washing machine can spin excess water out of your laundry, the less you’ll need to use your dryer. Many newer washers spin clothes so effectively, they cut drying time and energy consumption in half—which results in an equal drop in your dryer’s energy bill.

Use an ice tray: Stop using your automatic icemaker. It increases your fridge’s energy consumption by 14% to 20%. Ice trays, on the other hand, don’t increase your energy costs one iota.

Use the dishwasher: If you think doing your dishes by hand is greener than powering up the dishwasher, you’re wrong. Dishwashers use about 1/3 as much hot water and relieve that much strain from your energy-taxing water heater. Added bonus: you don’t have to wash any dishes.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/9-unexpected-energy-and-money-savers/#ixzz1CdBmSGZF

BORROWERS looking to make energy upgrades in their homes that will lower utility bills, along with their environmental impact, may soon find additional options available to them.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/realestate/07mort.html?ref=realestate

Winter is definitely upon us and so are the cold winds and snow.  Now is the perfect time to investigate ways to make your home more efficient.  These tips may cost you a little money upfront, but they’ll provide a great return when you take a look at your energy bills.  According to Energy Star, you can save 25% on energy bills just by following a couple of these measures.  

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