Everybody can use some extra money these days. Additionally, most people are looking for ways to go green as well. Fortunately there are plenty of ways to go green and save some green as well. One of the biggest ways to do so is to make some environmental changes to your home. Here are a few.

A heat pump can be a great way to save money. Rather than use an expensive furnace or A/C, a heat pump transfers energy between the inside and outside. So on a cold day it takes energy from outside (heat) and pumps it inside and vice versa on warm days. If you live in the cold north or hot south, forget about it, but many parts of the country can really benefit from this energy efficient device.

Tankless water heaters have become a very popular way of saving money, energy and even space.. A standard water heater takes constant energy to keep its surplus water hot whereas as a tankless system only heats water as it is needed, that way it is not constantly using energy.

Natural daylight is is one of the best ways to save on energy and lighting. Natural sunlight is free but sadly many homes don’t take advantage of it. Installing skylights is a great way to go. Large, bay windows let in a lot of light and can look very cosmetically pleasing as well. North or South facing windows are the best for sunlight as east or west facing windows only catch a little sun.

Most everyone uses energy efficient light bulbs. Do you know that lighting alone can cost you about 10% of you electric bill, and the older bulbs can eat away electricity. Energy efficient bulbs can reduce this use by 50%-70%! They may cost a little more upfront but they save money and electricity in the end. They tend to last longer than normal bulbs as well. For a great home loan try home mortgages today.

Water conservation is a huge issue, especially in the Southwest. Not only is saving water wise, but it will also save you money on lowered utilities. Design your yard with regional plants and greenery that will thrive in your climate. Don’t plant grass that requires a lot of water if you live in a dry climate. While it may not seem as pretty at first, a well-kept garden of cactus, wild grasses and scrub brushes can really add a rustic, native feel to your home.

Mulching is another way to save money and improve your yard. Most lawn mowers can be equipped with mulching blades. Rather than have the clippings be bagged and thrown away, mulching blades cut the thee grass clippings into tiny particles that get deposited back onto the lawn. This acts as a fertilizer to renew your growth. It also acts as a barrier to keep moisture from escaping and drying out your lawn, thus reducing the need for more water. It will save time on bagging and raking.

While it may not seem like much, just little things like this can add up to a lot.

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