Today’s conservation-savvy world is all about the term “green”A new meaning has been given to the word “color” that goes beyond just being a color. Many public figures, from world leaders to TV personalities, have taken initiative to encourage others to improve the environment. What are you waiting for? It starts at your home.

You can save money on your monthly energy bills and help the environment. It will also increase the home’s worth. The Maine Energy Efficiency Building Standards Study concluded that homes have a $20 increase in value for every dollar of reduced utility costs.

The European hydronic heating technology has been proven to be a good home appliance investment as more North Americans seek to make a better life for their families and the environment. Baxi wall-hung boilers made in Italy, for example, allow homeowners to save money and space while increasing their home’s resale values.

A 2007 field trial in southern Ontario resulted in fuel consumption and gas bills savings of up to 59% per month, compared to last year. In a 1,900-square-foot home, a Baxi Luna combination heating system and tankless hot-water boiler were installed. The field test also featured:

* Family members found hydronic heating to be much more comfortable than their previous forced-air furnace system.

* The boiler’s endless hot-water-on-demand function eliminated arguments about running out of hot water during morning showers.

* Homeowners expected to save up to $1,000 a year by reducing natural gas use by 530 therms.

* Fuel consumption savings were equal to greenhouse gas emissions of 2.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide. It would take six years to park a car or plant an acre of trees for the same environmental benefits.

Wall-hung boilers by Baxi have been certified by American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Energy Star rated. They can be installed only by licensed heating and plumbing contractors to achieve energy efficiency levels of 86 to 98% respectively. Visit www.heating-and-plumbing.com for more information. www.wallhungboilers.com.