When it comes to sustainable living and environmental conservation, everyone has a little part to play. With an eco-friendlier home, you can save water, save energy, save money and ultimately save the environment. All these without compromising beauty or quality. Here are a few ideas on making your home a little eco-friendlier that you may want to try out this year.
- Change the Lighting. Whenever possible, lower energy uses by using natural sunlight, especially during the day. Install skylights in rooms that have no windows so more sunlight gets in. Remember to turn off the lights as you exit a room. And for maximum impact, replace all electrical bulbs with LED lights. They use less energy than regular bulbs and also last longer, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
- Use water efficient shower heads and faucets. They will save you a lot of money in both water and heating bills because they reduce the amount of hot water you will use every day. Limit the time you spend in the bath too. Use the shower every day and save the bathtub for when you really need it. You can also save water by fixing water leaks in pipes and faucets or appliances like the heater and washing machine as soon as you notice them.
- Update your electrical appliances to energy efficient models. Using old appliances in your home because they still work might not necessarily be saving money because the newer models of common appliances like dishwashers and microwave ovens are designed to use less energy. Larger appliances will help you save even more money.
- Save energy on your laundry. Do your laundry with cold water instead of hot water. Wait for a full load of clothes before you decide to use the washing machine to save on water and energy. Where possible such as during the summer months, skip the dryer and dry your clothes on a line outside. They dry just as well.
- Invest in solar panels. If it’s well within your budget, you might consider investing in solar panels. Although you may think the initial outlay a bit expensive, you will be able to save money in the long term and probably make some by generating electricity for others. Several local and state governments give credits for installing solar panels, find out if you are eligible from your neighborhood association.
Some eco-friendly ideas can significantly increase the value of your home. Talk to your real estate professional about the best options for your area and budget.
About the Author
Judy Szablak
With over 30 years in the industry, Realtor Judy Szablak has been on national television for her real estate expertise on the HGTV Network, featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio "Morning Living” , NPR radio as an expert real estate panelist, It’s Relevant News channel, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal for her in depth knowledge of Fairfield County Connecticut real estate.
She was also on the local NPR radio station (WSHU) as a Fairfield County CT real estate expert. Judy has provided multiple online respected news sources with her real estate expertise including The Daily Easton, The Daily Weston, The Daily Fairfield, The Daily Stamford and The Daily Greenwich, as well as in print in the New York Post. She is a weekly Real Estate Columnist for WestportNow.com, another real estate column "Real Estate With Judy” is syndicated through Hearst CT Media Online and seen in The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Stamford Advocate, The Greenwich Time, The Hour, Fairfield Citizen, Westport News, Darien News, New Canaan News and the Wilton Villager.
Judy is also the author of the book, The Art of Buying or Selling a Home, available at all major book retailers. Additionally, Judy has been nationally recognized in a number of national real estate trade magazines, some with distribution to over 1 million members. She was featured in Real Estate Today as early as 1994 for her commitment to, and implementation of technology in real estate. Judy appeared in the Certified Residential Specialist Magazine, as she provided advice on marketing strategies and ethics in the article titled "Marketing Makeovers.”
Judy was also featured in REALTOR® Magazine, regarding image enhancement for Realtors. She was again featured in REALTOR® Magazine, in an article on "Achieving Flow” and operating at optimal peak performance. In another article in the same publication, Judy offered guidance to fellow real estate professionals as she explored the topic of implementing and maintaining personal websites. She has appeared in The Council of Residential Specialists Magazine, which featured her ideas regarding technology. Additionally, Judy authored an article on marketing and technology for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Online Magazine. On two occasions, in 2015 and 2017, she appeared as a featured agent in Top Agent Magazine. I have a few other websites- www.TheCtrealtyBlog.com www.CtHomesAndRealEstate.com www.BestWestportHomes.com www.ThePetitePowerhouse.com www,SzablakConsulting.com
