Keith and Keli Encinas are transforming their home into an energy saving haven. They are also one of the first families to pick up a free energy saving kit offered through Solar Colwood.

Colwood residents can now pick up an energy saving kit from Colwood city hall.

Each kit offers families a low-flow shower head, a waterproof timer to keep track of shower lengths and kitchen and bathroom aerator nozzles.

B次元官网网址�(The aerators) force air through the water so you get the same pressure but less water is being used each time,B次元官网网址� said Paula Steele, Solar Colwood outreach co-ordinator.

The Encinas, a family of seven, have already taken advantage of grants through Solar Colwood to install a solar hot water system and a ductless head pump. Their five children are between the ages of 14 and three.

B次元官网网址淲e try to limit how much hot water and energy we are using,B次元官网网址� Keith Encinas said. B次元官网网址淚 am pretty conscious about conserving energy ... itB次元官网网址檚 about changing behaviour.B次元官网网址�

The familyB次元官网网址檚 ductless heat pump was installed at the end of November. TheyB次元官网网址檝e seen a 20 per cent decrease in home heading costs, Keith said. The solar hot water system was installed at the end of December and the family is waiting to see the results.

B次元官网网址淔rom June to September we should be getting free hot water,B次元官网网址� he estimated.

The energy saving kits are just another way the family hopes to save money and energy.

B次元官网网址淭hese kits are really easy to install and an easy way to save $50 to $100 on your water bill (in a year),B次元官网网址� Steele said. B次元官网网址淭his is a great first step for water conservation and a great first step for energy saving solutions.B次元官网网址�

The kit can be used to help reduce water consumption and Steele suggests using the shower timer to have family contests to see who can shower the fastest.

Steele has already implemented these energy saving items in her home.

B次元官网网址淚 just use less water and I have no limits in my lifestyle,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 donB次元官网网址檛 really even notice it.B次元官网网址�

There are a few hundred kits available to Colwood residents at Colwood city hall.

B次元官网网址淭he kits are being offered until they are gone,B次元官网网址� Steele said. B次元官网网址淪olar Colwood wants to provide something for everyone.B次元官网网址�

Call Colwood city hall at 250-478-5999 about the kits, or check out www.solarcolwood.ca.

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com