Green Investments Yield More Than Savings (Part III) 

      By now, everyone should be well aware of the crisis surrounding the climate.  How many commercials do you see on the average day offering tips on how you can help reverse the impending doom?   How many times have you ignored that same commercial or changed the channel?  Sure, some of the images and theories seem completely outlandish, but maybe you should keep an open mind.  Did you know that energy efficient homes have a higher resale value?

      If you are planning on selling, you can increase your home's value by making a few modifications.  Even if you aren't quite ready to locate, you can still save some green by following a few tips.

• Make the switch before you flip the switch.  Use florescent lighting to cut your personal greenhouse gas emissions and save up to 50% on your lighting bill.  Florescent bulbs also lasts longer than regular incandescent bulbs, which means you again save money by not having to purchase replacement bulbs as often.
• Choose to use energy star appliances.  When compared with other appliances, energy star appliances consumed up to 50% less energy and saved Americans $14 billion last year on utility bills.
• Install a programmable thermostat, and set the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.  Even if you don't quite want to set it to 68 degrees, most people saved an average of three percent for every degree they lowered their thermostat.

Eric Anderson, Team Leader
Keller Williams Realty - Fayetteville
mailto:EricAndersonNC@kw.com