Look for Green to Save Green

When you’re looking for a home, it’s easy to focus on the big stuff – how many bathrooms and bedrooms, what’s the neighborhood like, etc.? But don’t forget that a green home saves more than the environment – it saves money, too.

Here are a few green home items to look for:

1. Does the home have energy efficient windows? Look at window frames, insulated glass material and glass spacers, and check if they’re properly installed.

2. Is there a place in the yard for a compost pile to reduce the home’s trash output?

3. Are there trees at key locations the create shade, beat the summer heat and reduce cooling costs?

4. Are there low-flow faucets and showerheads to help reduce water usage?

5. Is the home drafty? Drafts indicated poor insulation and can cause high heating and cooling bills.

6. Can lighting fixtures use energy-efficient bulbs without looking awkward (such as in some ceiling fixtures). Energy-efficient bulbs can use two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last 10 times as long.

7. Are there Energy Star qualified appliances? Energy Star washers and dryers can reduce energy bills by an average of $50 a year. Qualified washers can reduce yearly water usage by up to 7,000 gallons.

These may not seem like “big picture” qualities to look for in a home, but they add up to significant savings for your wallet and the environment. Give The Newlywed Real Estate Agent a call @ 832-647-1769.