Green Living: How Colorado Homeowners Can Save Money & Help the Environment
As Coloradans, we pride ourselves on being environmentally conscious. We do our part by protecting our backcountry playgrounds, bringing reusable bags to the store, and even composting. However, many of us still rely on gas guzzlers to get to the ski slopes every winter weekend. So we’ve compiled a list of ways we can be better environmentalists at home – with the bonus of saving some green! Here are some ways you can go green with property-based rebates. Let’s create a more sustainable future for the Front Range.
Dumping your old fridge in a landfill can lead to groundwater contamination and ozone depletion, but Xcel Energy will pick up your old fridge for free and even pay you $50 for doing so. Check out Xcel Energy’s program for more information.
2) WaterSense Commodes: $100
Did you know toilets account for 30% of the water used at home? If you replace your old toilets with a WaterSense-certified model (prices start at $100), it’ll use 1.1 gallons or less per flush – that’s half a gallon less than the federal standard. Not only do these efficient toilets save the average family $140+/year, your water department may reward you with a crisp $100.
WaterSense toilet complies with rigorous standards to ensure no “test media” is left behind. Here are the participating communities:
Read: Spring into Home Maintenance
3) Solar Panel Installation: $4,000 to $5,500
Installing solar panels is expensive. The average Colorado home is $13,557 to $18,342 (source: Energy Sage). But before you decide against it, the federal government will offer you a 30% tax credit. Plus you can earn credits on your utility bill whenever your system generates more energy than you use. Check out Energy Sage for competing quotes.
Sources: 5280.com