How to making an existing home GREEN


How to making an existing home GREEN
By Scott Rogers • February 9, 2009
Over the past few months I have been educating myself about green building techniques (for example: What Is An Earthcraft House?), but I have also been picking up some tips on what existing homeowners can do to make their homes more green, and energy efficient. Here are some low-cost ways to live green around your home: Install CFL lightbulbs (save lots of electricity) Install low-flow showerheads (save water too) Start a compost pile (save the landfills) Plant trees (shade trees around a house can reduce heating bills) Insulate hot water heater (avoid unnecessary energy/heat loss) Weatherstrip and caulk doors and windows (seal those leaks) Collect rainwater to water plants (save tap water for drinking) Paint with low- or no-VOC paint (avoid those toxins) Replace air filters (improve indoor air quality) Install a programmable thermostat (don't heat an empty house) Plant native plants (avoid the need to water heavily) If you're willing to spend a bit more, here are some medium-cost ideas: Conduct an energy audit (find the problems) Tune up the HVAC system (efficient heating systems heat efficiently) Install a tankless water heater (stop heating water endlessly) Insulate attic and other areas (stop needless heat loss) Do you have other ideas of how to live greener in your current home? Please share! I'll be posting even more information that I have learned from these Green Building courses over the next few weeks, but if you have specific questions before then, feel free to call (540-578-0102) or e-mail (scott@cbfunkhouser.com) me. Receive Updates by Email Recent Articles: There Are Plenty Of Types Of Houses That Exist That Just Are Not Available To Purchase Home Sales By Price Range In The City Of Harrisonburg Are You Compromising On Aspects Of Your Next Home That You Can Or Cannot Change Later? How Much Slower Are The Winter Months In Our Local Housing Market? Rockingham County and New Home Sales Drive Surge in Area Housing Market Find The Balance Between Optimistic And Realistic Home Pricing Room Size Is Difficult To Understand Solely From Real Estate Photos How Much Would You Value Not Having To Prepare Your Home For Showings? One Out Of Four Homes Is Taking Longer Than A Month To Sell Consider The Cost Of Your Planned Renovations When Planning Your Offer
Have any questions? Contact Scott Rogers at 540-578-0102 or scott@funkhousergroup.com
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Nov 21, 2024 (unless otherwise noted).
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