Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Take advantage of these important tips that will help save you money and make your <a href="http://www.ICIHomes.com/EFACTOR">homes energy efficient</a>!

<b>1. Use Fluorescent Bulbs</b>
Incandescent bulbs produce a lot of heat and are very inefficient. Replace your home lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs use 25% of the energy that traditional incandescent bulbs use. In addition to that, flourescent bulbs last a lot longer.

<b>2. Solar Outdoor Lights</b>
Today's solar outdoor lights are not only cost effective but the designs are really nice, too. You're sure to find the right solar lights that match your <a href="http://www.ICIHomes.com">homes design style</a> all while enhancing the look of your garden for free. Paid for by the sun.

<b>3. Upgrade Appliances</b>
Think you can't afford a new refrigerator or microwave? Think again.  Replace your appliances with Energy Star rated appliances. You will save in the long run and rest contently knowing you aren't wasting energy.

<b>4. Get Programmable Thermostats</b>
When you are headed off to work is there any reason to keep your thermostat at the same temperature you need it while your home? This is a big waste of energy and we don't always remember to change the setting before we leave. With programmable thermostats you basically just hired an assistant to take care of this for you. So relax.

<b>5. Dim Lights</b>
Dimming your lights can save anywhere from 10-50% in electricity and can extend the bulb's life by 20 times making your <a href="http://www.ICIHomes.com/EFACTOR">home enegry efficient</a>.

<b>6. Use Lighting Scenes</b>
Ever wake up in the morning and find that the garage light is still on or come home from work and see that glow coming from the front office window? A
lighting control system can bring only certain lights on when you’re cooking, eating or reading. You can shut all the lights off in your energy efficient house at once or turn lights off in other rooms all from one convenient place.

<b>7. Control Climate with Motorized Shades</b>
You know the perfect time of day when the sun isn't coming straight through your windows but there's enough light outside to reduce having to use indoor
lights. Do we always remember to use natural light instead of flicking on the light in our house? I know I don't. Invest in motorized shades that can open at
just the right time of day allowing you to let the natural light into your home.

<b>8. Alternative Energy</b>
Solar panels on a south-facing roof can provide enough energy for electricity for your entire house.Don't worry you won't have a big metal twirling object on your roof, solar panels are designed to look like roof shingles keeping with the beauty of your <a href="http://www.ICIHomes.com/EFACTOR">energy efficient home</a>.

<b>9. Variable Speed Air Handler</b>
Using a variable speed air handler is another efficient means to cooling and heating your home. With a quiet start up and not as abrupt you can count on less noise and a more efficient flow of air through your home.

<b>10. Monitor through Computerized Control Systems</b>
Control your entire home through one system. It's more than just energy efficiency it is managing your home wisely with new technology that saves you money while allowing you to operate different technologies throughout your home. So get smart and start saving today!

Learn how ICI Homes is leading the industry in <a href="http://www.ICIHomes.com/EFACTOR">energy efficiency and high performance homes</a>. Visit us today at http://www.ICIHomes.com/EFACTOR.

About the Author
<a href="http://www.ICIHomes.com">ICI Homes</a> is an award-winning <a href="http://www.ICIHomes.com">home builder</a> with desirable communities throughout Florida, also in parts of Georgia and Tennessee. From the 180's to several million dollars, ICI Homes builds comfortably designed and thoughtfully appointed condominiums, townhomes and single family executive or <a href="http://www.ICIHomes.com">luxury homes</a>.

Copyright
© Copyright 2005-07, ICI Homes - <a href="http://www.ICIHomes.com">award winning home builders</a>. All rights reserved.

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Foreclosures Caused by Rising Energy Costs

Almost daily, you hear news reports about the increasing numbers of homes in foreclosure.  What you don't hear reported is how increasing energy costs are so often the cause of this devastating problem.

Are you losing your home because your can't afford to pay your energy bills and your mortgage? If you aren't facing foreclosure can you afford temperature settings that keep you feeling comfortable inside your home?

During the recent U.S. housing boom, builders completed homes quickly. Interest rates were low and investors eager to cash in on high returns on investments.   Unless you were knowledgeable about energy-efficient home features and made sure they were included during construction, chances are your new home wastes a lot of energy.  It's also likely you don't feel comfortable in your home due to uneven room temperatures, drafts, cold floors, etc.

There was a time when home air conditioning was a luxury.  Now it seems more like a necessity. Average temperatures in North America have risen over the last 20 years, remaining high for longer periods and forcing people to turn on air conditioners powered by electricity to survive excessive exposure to heat. 

Rate caps that once held down electricity costs are ending countrywide.  Maryland residents recently experienced the shock of a 70% electric rate increase. Pennsylvania residents will receive the first of several rate increases starting in 2008.

The mortgage industry facing huge losses from foreclosures is working with homeowners to reduce monthly mortgage costs.  A reduction in mortgage costs may help, but this is only a temporary solution.  Moving to another home, unless it is energy efficient will not solve the problem.

The best solution is to implement energy saving features in your home as quickly as possible. This will not only be good for you financially, it will also be good for the planet.

©Siti Crook, 2007