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Low-Cost Ideas to Get You to Turn Green

The NAR's core course for the Green Designation includes many ways to address a property's "green" potential - many of them are high cost items such as installing energy efficient windows, purchasing ENERGY STAR appliances, and having solar photovoltaic panels installed on the roof.

But there are many low-cost ways to increase a property's green potential (including your own home):

Paint with low or no-VOC paint
Weatherstrip and caulk doors and windows
Insulate an older model hot water heater
Lower the hot water heater temperature to 120 degrees
Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
Use CFC light bulbs - they last over 5 years!
Recycle aluminum
Collect rainwater to water your plants
Install a programmable thermostat (I'm embarrassed to say I had one and didn't even know it!)

I'd also recommend an energy assessment. My local utilities provider (Tampa Electric) came to my home and inspected everything from the attic to the weatherstripping and then recommended ways I can lower my energy bill -
and the assessment was free. Plus he gave me an 8-pack of CFC light bulbs!

Peggy Edwards, REALTOR, GREEN DESIGNATION
Coldwell Banker
Tampa, FL
(813) 787-2923
www.PeggyEdwards.com

Green Designation

Posted by Peggy Edwards, REALTOR®, Green Designation, Tampa, FL on 11/30/2008 01:19 PM

Comments (8)

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Originally posted at: Living and Working in Citrus Park: Low-Cost Ideas to Get You to Turn Green

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8 Comments on Low-Cost Ideas to Get You to Turn Green

NOV

Hey, Peggy. Thanks for sharing all the great tips. Take Care, Jim

Thanks Peggy. The more we remind others of how easy and inexpensive it is to make some "green" adjustments, the more people will begin to get the message. It's amazing how much we all waste by not making a few simple conversions, repairs, or upgrades.

Good points! Even simple and inexpensive choices make a HUGE difference.

Jim, thanks for your comment.

John, we are a wasteful society, aren't we? These are easy, almost effortless ways to help the planet and your wallet!

Li, yes they do! Thanks for reading.

Peggy- Great ideas. I have a whole playlist of videos on my YouTube site about Green Design for Your Home. These could help people who are looking to totally "green" their home. Great post!

I have heard of the low voc paint....I am in the process now of finding someplace that sells it.....I think it's a great idea

Ilyce, I'm off to check out your playlist - thanks!

Hi Konnie, Sherwin Williams has a whole line of "green" paint. Their Duration Home line is low-VOC and their Harmony line is actually no-VOC I believe. Good luck with the search!

DEC

In England the government has introduced mandatory energy assessments</a. to help people realise how much energy they are using. The majority of the waste can be stopped using easy and cheap methods.

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