Our Environment

In this time of depressed real estate values it is important to find ways to increase home value and decrease your own energy costs. Remember that many prospective home buyers will look closely at your utility bills during the past year before making an offer.

Here are a few ways that you can increase your home’s energy efficiency and add value.

Decrease Your House’s Thermal Envelope
The thermal envelope includes the wall, floor, roof, windows, insulation, and weather stripping. In other words, anything that creates a barrier between you and the outside. Each of these elements affects the amount of energy used for heating and cooling. Improvements can include storm windows and doors, upgraded weather stripping, and proper insulation.

Decrease Energy Used by Appliances
This means using modern appliances whenever possible. Heating and cooling systems made over 10 years ago are over 40% less efficient than those made today. The same is true of washing and drying machines, dishwashers, and conventional ovens.

Utilize Natural and Fluorescent Lighting
Just replacing 25% of your incandescent lights with fluorescents can decrease your light bill by 50%. Look for areas in your house where a change in shutters or curtains will allow light in during day light hours. This will cut energy use considerably during the day and give your house a natural feel.

Eco living, saving money, and helping the environment go hand and hand.