Spring has sprung! Time to consider energy-efficient upgrades to improve your home

(NC)—With spring in full bloom, it's a great time to consider ways to “green” your home and reduce your carbon footprint. Having a “green” conscience is much more practical and inexpensive than you may think. For example, by simply installing compact fluorescent lights or sealing cracks around your windows, you can do your part to save money on your electricity bill and minimize your impact on the environment.

Here are a few tips that can help green your home:

1. Audit Yourself: By hiring an inspector to perform a simple home energy audit, you will be able to find where energy is lost and where it can be saved. By properly insulating your home, you can save up to 34% on your heating bill. (CMHC, Renovating for Energy Savings, 2004)

2. Reduce Your Use: On average, lighting a house consumes 3,942 kWh, which is equivalent to 27 light bulbs. By switching to compact fluorescent bulbs, you can save up to $300 on your lighting bill. (Natural Resources Canada, ENERGY STAR Simple Savings, 2008)

3. Buy Green: After cooling and heating, appliances are the most energy consuming users in the home. When you buy appliances, make sure you look for the EnergyGuide label.

4. Tax Free: In the province of Ontario, people who purchase ENERGY STAR residential furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps are exempt from provincial sales tax (8%).