Although most prospective home buyers consider the monthly mortgage payment (including principal along with interest, principal, and escrow/ taxes) Many aren't taking into account the other monthly expenses, associated with home ownership. One of the biggest shops for sale in Islamabad, is the cost of energy-related activities, including electric, and heart. The aim of this article is not to go over the many alternative heating alternatives that include solar, geo - thermal and others, but instead to go over some basic stepsone could quickly take to make their home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Let's look at 5 simple fundamental, energy-saving strategies or steps.

1. Windows and doors:What is the EERof your doors for entry? What material do they consist of? How do they hang? How much air is getting out of the spaces createdby their arrangement? By ensuring your door has an lower sweep and that the space around the top, and sides are reduced/ eliminated, will prevent heating from escaping during the winter months, and air conditioning and cooling from escaping in summer. What type of blinds, or curtains do you have, and are you using them, to let sun inwhen it's cold, while also limiting the entry of the sun's heat, when it is hot? How long has it been since you assessed your windows terms of air the tightness, energy rating and tinting (if the local climate is the need to do so)?

2. InsulationEvery form of insulation is accompanied by an R rating. This number indicates the amount of insulation. Are you confident that your external walls and ceilings have been properly insulated? If you do, you could save a considerable amount of unnecessary energy expenses.

3. Appliances that are energy efficient:Certain home appliances, particularly refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners, have become far more energy efficient in recent years. Which one is yours? Take a look at the rating and it will tell you the amount of energy an appliance may be using. When I upgraded my fridge, the new one was far more efficient (therefore it cost less to run) and more energy efficient than my 15 - year old model. Also, today's burners that use gas and oil as well as boilers are far more efficient, than they've ever been!

4. Water and toilet:Are there any dripping toilets or faucets that continue to flow on? Eliminate the drips, change faucet heads (especially in the shower) and test the effectiveness of your toilets.

5. Lighting fixtures and lights:Begin by taking the initiative to switch off lights after you have left the room! What kind of light bulb are you using? Most bulbs today are four, or even more times higher efficiency (use less energy/ wattage) as compared to older bulbs. Make sure you have a lighting and fixture check on a regular on a regular basis!

These ideas may appear basic and obvious, but you'll be amazed at how few people think about these. If you don't like using energy inefficiently and paying more than you have to, using these simple, conservation methods, will lower costs and help reduce energy waste.