NC) - Budgeting is a financial management discipline that is crucial if you are considering buying a home for the first time or are already a home owner.

Budgeting helps you keep track of your spending. It allows you to put aside money for a down payment or to cover the many costs of owning and operating a home, such as mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance.

The average house price in Canada in the first three months of this year was $238,230, up from $226,230 in 2004. Thanks to mortgage insurance, Canadians can buy a home with as little as a five per cent down payment.

There are a number of design features and fittings that can improve bathroom energy efficiency and reduce energy bills and greenhouse pollution. Remodelling your bathroom to make it more energy efficient will improve your home because doing it right will reap the benefits of health, safety, comfort and will save you money and energy.

1. Energy Efficient Hot Water System

Select an energy efficient hot water system and place it as close to the bathroom and laundry as possible to reduce pipe length and reduce heat loss.

2. Energy Efficient Labelled Ventilation Fans

Bathroom moisture is often controlled by the use of an exhaust fan. The fan sucks out the moisture-laden air, which is then replaced by drier outside air.

(NC)-If you are considering heating and cooling options for your home or are looking for ways to reduce your energy bills, you could consider a heat pump. Despite its name, heat pumps are unique appliances that provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Heat pumps are not new; the first unit came off the production line more than three decade ago.

In size and appearance, a heat pump looks like a central air conditioner. A heat pump takes the place of both furnace (with a supplementary heating system) and central air conditioning equipment with a single heating-cooling system. This appliance can pump heat into the home in the winter and pump heat out in the summer. Heat pumps are typically operated electrically; however, a limited number of gas-fired heat pumps are available in Canada. Some types can also provide supplementary hot water heating. Heat pumps transfer heat from natural heat sources in the surroundings, such as the air, ground or water to the home. In cooling, a heat pump transfers heat in the opposite direction, from the home to the surrounding air, ground or water.

(NC)-Energy costs are rising, and specialists don't predict a drop in the foreseeable future. Home heating is typically our biggest energy expense. Efficient heating units can help you save without sacrificing comfort. However, the cost of a unit should not be the only factor when purchasing. It's important to evaluate your needs and to choose a high-efficiency unit that is inexpensive to operate.

Whether you want to heat a cold spot or an entire house, you have a range of options.

Natural convection units move the air mass around a room continuously by emitting a gentle, uniform heat. The cold air is drawn in at floor level, rises into the unit, heats up on contact with the element, and is released naturally through slanted grille louvers.

a) Kitchen Appliances

Install energy efficient labelled kitchen appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers, and clothes washers). Every kitchen appliance has two price tags – a purchase price and the operating cost. Energy efficient models will save you money and use less energy.

b) Lighting

- Install energy efficient labelled lighting (e.g., light fixtures: suspended lights, ceiling-mounted lights, cabinet lights, recessed lights, and compact fluorescent bulbs).

c) Refrigerator

- In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance. Energy efficient refrigerator models use high efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to improve energy efficiency. Energy efficient refrigerators provide energy savings without sacrificing the features you want.

(NC)-There are few things in life that compare to the sense of pride and accomplishment experienced from owning a home. While being a great sense of comfort, homes are among our biggest and most stressful financial investments.

Costs of home ownership such as mortgage payments, taxes and insurance are unavoidable however, smart consumers know where to find the best cost-saving options to help lighten the financial load. The following are tips to help homeowners get the best for their home - for less.

Big isn't always best - Don't assume that large companies offer the best deals. When shopping for services like long distance and natural gas, small companies often provide lower prices with better service. For example, natural gas supplier RiteRate.ca has consistently offered fixed rate contracts at much lower prices than larger competitors.

(NC)-Do-it-yourself renovations are a growing trend amongst Canadian homeowners. Stephen Molnar, an Insulation Expert with Owens Corning Canada, provides answers to some commonly asked questions:

Q: Why is it so important to insulate my attic? How do I know how much insulation is enough?

A: Up to 17 per cent of a home's energy is lost through the attic and, much like a toque, during colder months insulation and sealing keeps heated air from escaping outside. Typically, attics should be insulated to a value of R-40 to maximize energy efficiency. Canadians whose attics are filled with blown-in insulation should have yearly check-ups to ensure that the recommended R-value is met, that the insulation is evenly distributed and that proper ventilation is maintained. If an attic is insulated with FIBERGLAS batts, owners should also verify that an insulation value of R-40 or better is in place.

(NC)-Simple jobs around your home - installing a programmable thermostat and improving air sealing - can provide a big payback. These easy, affordable steps can reduce a typical customers natural gas bill by more than 10 per cent annually.

Additional energy efficiency measures can also be taken. Replacing a mid-efficiency natural gas furnace with a high-efficiency unit can save the typical homeowner about $110 annually.

Improving attic insulation from R-16 to R-40 can save about $100 annually. Increasing basement insulation from R-8 to R-12 typically saves about $60 annually.

To learn more about saving energy and to download a copy of the Union Gas Wise Energy Guide, please visit uniongas.com/ energyefficiency.

(NC)-Natural gas prices have steadily increased over the past several months. With the coldest winter days still ahead, many homeowners are paying close attention to their monthly heating costs and weighing their options. Getting the best natural gas price and contract terms can be a challenging task.

"Not understanding your options can result in a shocking surprise when your home heating bill arrives," says Brian Wikant, Chief Operating Officer of Canadian RiteRate Energy Corporation. "Knowing more about natural gas contracts can save people money and a lot of heartache."

Here are some important things to consider before venturing into the world of natural gas contracts:

(Washington, D.C.-Nov. 14, 2005) With American businesses expected to
experience higher than ever energy prices this winter, EPA has issued
advice businesses can take to save 10 percent or more on their energy
bills. The advice shares lessons learned by EPA's Energy Star partners
who saved money and subsequently adopted longer-term energy management
strategies that produced even greater savings. If every business in the
United States saved 10 percent on its energy bills, Americans would save
about $10 billion annually.

"By taking a few common-sense steps to heed President Bush's call to