Eight Eco-Friendly Home Tips Make Going Green Easy
Incorporating eco-friendly measures in homes has
moved beyond installing energy efficient appliances and swapping out
incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescents – going green is giving home
sellers a competitive advantage. With luxury condos touting eco-friendly
features like rain water recycling, and home builders incorporating energy
saving features into new homes, it’s no wonder real estate professionals say
more and more home buyers are asking about “green homes.” In the end, small changes to a
home can help the environment and help a property stand out among the
competition.
It makes sense on a number of levels to incorporate
green principles into a home and many consumers are surprised at just how easy
it is to do so. Not
only is it great for the environment. but homeowners are looking at ‘going
green’ as an opportunity to have their home stand out from the crowd.
The following are eight tips outline how to make homes sustainable, energy- and cost-efficient now, and
appealing to eco-conscious homebuyers:
1.
A Ray of Light:
South-facing windows provide more natural daylight making a home more
bright and cheery. But, more importantly, natural daylight can help keep the
indoor climate comfortable during the winter months, allowing a homeowner to
set the thermostat a bit lower. Alternatively, drawing shades during key
daylight hours during the summer can help cut down on air conditioning needs.
2.
Green Gardening: Sustainable landscaping is becoming all the rage
to eco-conscious homeowners. Planting
native plants, vegetation and shade trees strategically around a yard can keep
a home cool during the summer and block cold winds during the winter. And native vegetation will thrive in its
preferred environment without requiring excess water.
3.
Switch to Green Power: The use of renewable energy in a home, such as
solar, wind, water or geothermal, greatly helps reduce pollution. However,
installing solar panels or wind generators property can be cost-prohibitive for
some. Fortunately, many utility companies in the United States offer options to
purchase a form of renewable energy that is cost efficient for the
homeowner.
4. Dial it Back: Lowering the settings
on water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry machines reduces the
amount of energy required to maintain the temperature. Installing low-flow sink faucets and shower heads also lessens water
consumption.
5. Reuse
Rain: Recycling rain water for gardening is another great way to
conserve. For example, a water collection system under drains can catch the
water and then reuse it for watering landscapes.
6. Less
Lawn does More: Eliminate as much of the lawn as possible and plant native
bushes, flowers, etc. Depending
upon a number of factors (including the climate of the region), homeowners can
simply cut back on the amount of
space that they have to mow to promote energy conservation in lawn care.
7. Turn Old into New: Refurbish
the home's existing materials when remodeling instead of buying new ones
(cabinets, tiles, flooring). If brand new appliances are required, homeowners
should make sure they are energy-efficient, and should consider donating their
old appliances to be recycled or reused.
8. Insulation is Key: Insulating cold-water
pipes will prevent them from dripping condensation, and insulating hot-water
pipes will prevent costly heat loss and save on energy bill.
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