There are several initiatives that West Virginia residents can take advantage of as a home owner for going green at home.  What exactly is going green, anyway? There are varying definitions and ideas to going green, including recycling and reduction of energy dependence.  For some, this can simply be participation in programs while for some it is a complete lifestyle. Regardless, the bottom line is that going green simply means taking steps to help save the environment.

In West Virginia, there are three power companies who offer rebates to customers based on energy efficient weatherization and HVAC equipment.  Appalachian Power, Wheeling Power Company, and AEP offer these measures.  Once work it completed, and paperwork has been submitted, a rebate check will be sent in under 45 days.  For more information, please visit AEP online at http://aeprebates.com/customers/residential-programs.

There is also a Low Income Home Energy Audit/Retrofit Program that provides a free in-home energy audit and generates a report and can provide simple low-cost energy efficiency improvements with the owner's permission. For more information on the Home Energy Audit, please visit https://www.appalachianpower.com/save/programs/HomeEnergyAudit.aspx

There are other steps that can be taken in addition to those above that can help with efforts to go green. This includes using compact fluorescent light bulbs, up to six faucet aerators for kitchen and bathroom, up to three low-flow showerheads, LED nightlights, two water heater temperature adjustments, water heater pipe insulation, refrigerator thermometer, refrigerator coil cleaning brush,  and basic air sealing.

Just remember, that even the smallest changes can make a big difference!