When it comes to your home, going green is good for both the environment and your pocketbook

BMO Harris Financial Tip of the Week:
Chicago, Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — As part of BMO Harris Bank’s ongoing commitment to financial literacy and Helping Make Money Make Sense BMO Harris is providing weekly financial tips. This week’s tip teaches how “Going Green” is surprisingly simple and cost effective. BMO Harris Bank provides several strategies to help you make the transition to green living.

• Replace an old furnace or water heater – Replacing an old furnace or hot water heater with an energy efficient system uses less energy and may reduce your gas and/or electric bill. The amount you can save depends on a few factors, most importantly the price of heating fuel.
• Use a programmable thermostat – Programmable thermostats allow you to set your heat and air conditioning to turn on and off at preset times so you can reduce the energy you use during hours you are not home or sleeping. Even just setting back temperaturesa couple of degrees can have a direct effect on your utility bills.
• Upgrade to energy efficient appliances – Energy starappliances can be expensive but if you chose the right ones for your needs, the payback can be realized in as few as two to three years. After your payback period is over, you will continue to save on those utility bills for the life of your appliances.

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