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Many people depend on having predictable monthly expenses as part of a household budget. The more you can decrease those expenses, the more money you’ll have to save, invest, and enjoy. Many people also make the assumption that a green home costs more, but the truth is, building a new green home can actually help you reduce your monthly expenses.

Burn Away Monthly Heating Costs
If you were buying a new car, you wouldn’t search for the one that has the worst gas mileage. In fact, you might even look for one that consumes no gas at all, especially as other alternatives become more readily available. However, when building a new home, most people assume that they have to install a furnace when the fact is, there is a reliable and more affordable alternative: electric heat pumps. Having a furnace is like having a dinosaur in the basement. It’s old technology that consumes both fossil fuels and your monthly budget. Furnaces also produce exhaust that can affect the air quality in your home.

Chill Out Monthly Cooling Costs
Electric heat pumps have the added bonus of providing energy-efficient cooling during the hotter months, so you’re basically getting a built-in air conditioning system. This is especially useful for New England homeowners who want to be comfortable during those few extra hot weeks, but don’t necessarily want to invest in an air conditioner.

Abolish Energy-Guzzling Appliances
Installing energy-efficient appliances in a green home reduces both hot water and electricity expenses. Look for the Energy Star rating on appliances like:

• Washers and dryers
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Dishwashers
• Heat pumps
• Ceiling fans
• Water heaters

Don’t forget about your electronics and office equipment next time you decide to upgrade. The less power all of your devices consume, the lower your bills will be.

Minimize Maintenance Costs
Although they might not be monthly expenses, home maintenance costs can add up over the course of a year. A green home is built to be durable and low-maintenance, so you can cut costs associated with furnace repair, duct cleaning, moisture damage, and more.

If you decide to install solar panels on your green home, your monthly expenses shrink even more because your house produces most or all of the energy it uses. Imagine having an electricity bill less than $10. You can do it with a green home!

To learn more about how a green home can help you save money every month, contact BrightBuilt Home today.