Well here we are 2 months in, and I must say, the planning stages of this process are extensive. Although I have yet to labour away at the actual "greening" of my home, my research continues daily. Here are five tips and a helpful list of resources for anyone who wants to go green with their current home:

1.  Have an Energy Audit Done on Your Home - An energy audit assesses the current efficiency of your home. Find out who can perform energy audit in your area. An energy audit is essential if you want to qualify for government rebates.

2. Green Your Appliances - Appliance use comprises about 18% of a typical home’s total energy bill. Here are some great tips to follow when shopping for energy efficient appliances.

3. Make Your House Airtight - Although you want to make sure your home can still "breath", it's not good energy sense to heat the outdoors. Here is a step by step DIY guide to sealing your house.

4. Heat and Cool Your Home Efficiently - In the colder months, turn down the heat when you're not home or install a programmable thermostat to make the adjustments automatically. Change your furnace filter once a month. Consider installing an energy efficient furnace. In the summer, resist the urge to run the A/C non-stop. Consider purchasing an indoor/outdoor thermometer and open windows when the outside temperature lower, and then close them up in the morning just before it becomes warmer outside. Use ceiling fans and shade east and west facing windows. Delay running the dishwasher or dryer until it cools off in the evening. 

5. Save Water - Install low flow or dual flush toilets and low flow shower heads. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Buy a rain barrel (or watch this video and learn how to make your own rain barrel) and place it under your downspouts. Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load.

If you are in the Lethbridge area and want to see a home built with many of these principles in mind, visit the Living Home located at 609 Sunridge Cres. . 

Click here to see Green Homes Currently for Sale in Lethbridge.

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