Homeowners Guide to Going Green on a Budget

Homeowners Guide to Going Green on a Budget

All across the world, homeowners are going green.  As with any initiative, going green can range from small simple steps to full house retrofit.  There are many benefits of greening up your living space, including improving the indoor air quality, saving energy, reducing waste, and saving money on energy bills. 

When the whole green concept was first introduced many thought it was just a trend, but the research is out and going green does not only reduce energy use, but can also lead to a healthier environment  and can economically beneficial.  With energy bills on the rise going green can put some green back into your pocket- a trend that everyone should strive to achieve.

So how can going green save you money?  Going Green in Knoxville TN does not have to cost you a fortune.  Many green products are designed to be sustainable.  While in some case these products could be initially more expensive they will save money in the long run and reduce waste as they generally last longer.  In addition to saving time and money, these green additions could make your home much more valuable in the eyes of potential buyers- possibly giving you as a seller a serious market advantage.

 

 

According to the Green REsource Council of the National Association of REALTORS® website, "two thirds of consumers are paying attention to green homes and buildings and recognize the links between green living, cost savings, and healthy living."

Most people are aware that replacing all their current HVAC units and appliances with EnergyStar® rated equipment would reduce energy usage, however, not everyone has the budget to do so at this time.  If you are looking for greening up your home without dishing out the green try these simple and cost effective tune-ups.

• Receive a free energy conservation kit from TVA- simply visiting the TVA energy right website at http://www.energyright.com, take a free online energy audit and receive a complimentary energy conservation kit from TVA- includes foam gaskets for light switches and outlets, faucet aerators, CFL light bulbs, and air filter whistles.
• Check for leaks- a leaky house can cause a 5-30% increase in your energy bill. Replace any torn or tattered weather stripping, check your duct work for leaks, caulk around exterior of windows, seal and add weather stripping around pull down attic doors, and seal all holes around exterior of home (also will prevent against unwanted animal intruders).
• Install a programmable thermostat- turn down your heat in the winter and keep it warmer in the summer- avoid unnecessary heating and cooling when you are away from home.  Simple thermostat adjustments can result in instant savings.
• Add aerators to all your faucets- these are very inexpensive and can cut your annual household water consumption by 50%.
• Replace your air filter regularly.  Not only does a dirty air filter negatively affect your indoor air quality it also provides undo stress on your HVAC system and can lead to higher energy bills.  For about $3.50 (and free in the TVA free energy conservation kit) you can install an air filter whistle to help remind you of when it is time to change out your air filter. 

These simple steps are not only quick and easy to do, but are also low cost and should provide instant savings in your energy bills.  So what are you waiting for, take these easy steps to green up your home on a budget- your wallet, health, and potential buyers will thank you for it. 

If you are looking to buy a home in the Greater Knoxville TN area instantly search all homes for sale at www.MyKnoxvilleHomeSearch.com. If you are looking for a luxury home in Knoxville TN visit http://knoxvilleluxuryhomesellers.com.

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Visit Christine McInerney and Jennifer Halinkowski with Keller Williams Realty on-line at:
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Office: (865) 694-5904
Christine (865) 237-5289 and Jennifer (865) 621-3658
Mail to: McIn-Kowski@HomesForSaleKnoxville.com

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