By FrontDoor.com | Published: 3/27/2008
4. Let the sun be your friend
Letting the sun shine in -- in the right places -- can drastically reduce your heating, cooling and electricity bills. It costs little, if anything, to shuffle the window arrangement during the design process.
To maximize the sun's effects, add the most windows to the south side of your home. Add fewer windows on the east and west facades to reduce cooling costs.
5. Save water
Adding water-saving features to your home during construction won't cost you much coin, but it'll make a big difference in you bills down the road. There is little, if any, additional cost to substitute standard water equipment with energy-efficient models. So why not install a low-flow showerhead or water aerator now?
6. Get energy-saving appliances
Your appliances have two price tags: the one on the sticker at the store and the one you get in the mail every month for utility fees. Efficient appliances might cost a little more off the shelf, but they're worth the savings later.
Appliances approved by the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models, reducing energy costs.
7. Trash the garbage disposal
Disposals might be convenient, but they're definitely not energy-efficient. They use a lot of water and send lots of organic material down the drain. Take your food scraps out back to a compost pile instead. You won't miss the disposal when your food scraps turn into nutrient-rich topsoil that's the perfect fertilizer for a garden.
8. Recycle construction extras
When your sparkling, new home is done, don't forget to salvage the leftover materials. Some extras can be sold, while others can be recycled. You'll save big on landfill expenses, and you'll keep your project from contributing to another trash heap.
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