Become Greener

Going Green  As we spend more on groceries and gas, it has occurred to some of us that we need to save our pennies.  We are all looking at ways that we can save our planet and "become greener."  How many of us have looked at our own homes and how much energy we are using daily?   Here are some simple tips to go green on the inside!  

 

Lint  Of course you clean the lint trap out after every load of laundry, but how many times have you cleaned the hose that heads outside?  You will be amazed at how much is missed by the lint trap! This will improve air circulation, and cut down on drying time!  

 

Washed Up  Instead of using the hot or warm cycle on your washing machine, use the cold wash cycle.  This will save you $30-$40 a year, and over 3,400 gallons of water a year! There are multiple products available for cold water cycles. Also, instead of just washing partial loads, wait until you have a full machine!  

 

Sunny Side Up!  Most of us already have blinds, so let's use them!  To improve your heating and cooling efficiency, in the winter raise your blinds and let in the sunlight!  It will improve the warmth in your home.  In the summer lower your blinds on the West and South sides to give your Central Air a needed break.  This is the same with your fridge, if the sun beats in on it, close that blind and it will use less energy.  

 

Paint Your Home Green!  You don't even have to use green paint, but using eco-friendly or low emissions paint (available at most paint retailers) is an easy way to go green.  Voltaire Organic Compounds found in most paints are chemicals that are emitted into your home at low levels for years to come! The EPA estimates that the main source for VOC's is paints and lacquers.  

 

Check for leaks! Install weather stripping around doors, and caulk around cracks.  Also check duct work and make sure that any connections are installed properly and not leaking.    

 

Filter Up!  Set reminders in your e-mail or calendar on your cell phone t o remind yourself to change your filter when it expires.  Some companies even have websites that will send you an e-mail when filters need changing.   Also, try to find allergen reducing filters.  

 

Green Cleaning  There are a number of new products out to clean green, use these products to reduce the amount of harsh chemicals in your home and air you breathe.    All of these are simple steps that you can do to make your home "green."  There are thousands of ways to take bigger steps, such as adding solar panels, or purchasing energy star ppliances.  All of these small steps are marketable in the sale of your home, as we are all looking for ways to reduce our
"footprint."

 

Submitted by Brooke Crawford, Realtor with Old Dominion Realty