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Introduction.

With the stakes being raised at the Climate Change Copenhagen conference, and there seemingly being even more imperative behind us all doing our bit to help ‘save the planet‘; now is that time to think about how you can fund some changes toward reducing your carbon footprint by making your home more energy efficient, and saving money at the same time.

Insulating your home.

If you haven’t already installed wall or roof space insulation - now really is the time to do it. Insulating your home is not only the least expensive thing you can do but it is also the one that you will most quickly be able to recoup your money by making savings on those expensive fuel bills. If you have a cavity, air-gap, wall then special foams can be injected into the gap forming an insulating layer, on single-wall buildings you could externally fit an insulated faux-stone layer or internally insulated rock sheets. In the ceiling space there are loose materials, foams and blanket like materials you can add. With wall insulation costing as little as $1000 and ceiling insulation only a few hundred dollars, you could be seeing the benefit of your lower fuel bills before you’ve even paid off the loan you take out for them.

Alternative power sources.

Wind, Solar and Geothermal alternative energy supplies could help you save money and the planet.

You’ll need to take out a slightly bigger loan for these options and be prepared to take a longer term approach to the savings you’ll make - but the following will really mark you out as being committed to becoming ‘greener’ when it comes to heating and powering your home. Depending on whereabouts you live in the USA, and how much land you have around you, you could alternatively fit solar panels, wind turbines or even geothermal units to produce ‘clean’ electricity for you and your family to use, without any CO₂ emissions at all. You’ll need to think in terms of a personal loan over $5000, which will take some time to recoup. However, if you’re planning on moving home soon you can add the cost to your selling price, whereas if you’re intent on staying put and not looking for a new mortgage - you can reap the rewards of your clean energy. Finally, don’t forget also that any excess electricity you produce you can sell on to the power utility companies!

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