Do the light thing5 of 8Here's a green remodeling idea that's light on the wallet: Replace your old incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.These bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they last up to 10 times longer, according to the Energy Star website. If your budget allows it, replacing age-old appliances with newer models can reduce overhead in your kitchen and laundry room.When appliance shopping, look for Energy Star labels. Energy Star is a government-backed program that supports energy efficiency in home appliances and consumer products. Energy Star standards are set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. Among other things, the agencies measure how well the machines do their job, not just their energy efficiency. Also, if an appliance costs more than a less-efficient model, it must justify the added expense by proportionately lower utility bills.How big are the savings? According to the Energy Star website, replacing a washer that's 10 years old or older can wring $135 from an average family's annual utility bills. Related Articles:Do math before remodeling4 steps to remodeling successFinding a mortgage lenderMortgage calculatorsRelated Links:Prevent appliance failureHomebuying tips for 20104 novice homebuyer errorsEnergy audit saves power advertisement
Here's a green remodeling idea that's light on the wallet: Replace your old incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
These bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they last up to 10 times longer, according to the Energy Star website. If your budget allows it, replacing age-old appliances with newer models can reduce overhead in your kitchen and laundry room.
When appliance shopping, look for Energy Star labels. Energy Star is a government-backed program that supports energy efficiency in home appliances and consumer products. Energy Star standards are set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. Among other things, the agencies measure how well the machines do their job, not just their energy efficiency. Also, if an appliance costs more than a less-efficient model, it must justify the added expense by proportionately lower utility bills.
How big are the savings? According to the Energy Star website, replacing a washer that's 10 years old or older can wring $135 from an average family's annual utility bills.
Bankrate wants to hear from you and encourages thoughtful and constructive comments. We ask that you stay focused on the story topic, respect other people's opinions, and avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal contents and advertisement posts. Comments are not reviewed before they are posted. Bankrate reserves the right (but is not obligated) to edit or delete your comments. Please avoid posting private or confidential information, and also keep in mind that anything you post may be disclosed, published, transmitted or reused.
By submitting a post, you agree to be bound by Bankrate's terms of use. Please refer to Bankrate's privacy policy for more information regarding Bankrate's privacy practices.
Feeling lost in the mortgage wilderness?