Way back in 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated in the US on April 22nd. Since then, the day has evolved into International Mother Earth Day by a consensus resolution of the United Nations, and is celebrated in more than 192 countries on that date each year. Here are some tips for Northern Virginia homeowners to help you incorporate Earth Day principles into your everyday life.
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). According to a Department of Energy estimate, by swapping just a quarter of the incandescent bulbs in your home for CFLs, you can save up to 50% on your lighting bill each year. To save more, turn off lights in any room where you’ll be gone for more than five minutes. Of course, Mother Nature provides the best lighting. Open blinds or curtains during the day, and close them at night to conserve even more.
Wash clothes in cold water. This can cut up to 50% off the energy required to heat the wash water. By doing laundry only when you have a full load, you’ll save even more. When it’s time to replace your washing machine, opt for a front-loading unit. They use up to 50% less energy than top-loaders. Only run your dishwasher when it’s full, too, and scraping dishes rather than rinsing them will conserve water. Showers are the biggest hot water users in your home, so installing an energy-efficient showerhead will conserve both water and the energy it takes to heat it.
Identify phantom electricity drains. Walk through a dark room, and look for the little green and red lights shining or blinking at you. They’ll most likely be on items such as computers, cell phone chargers, video game consoles, etc. If you don’t need to use the device, turn it off or unplug it. If the light is shining, it’s using electricity.
We’re fortunate to live in such a great region with a wide range of both natural features and human activity. There is literally something for everyone here in Northern Virginia. When you’re ready to move forward with real estate plans, we’re here to help. At JC Advantage, we offer you the best of local knowledge and professional experience. Stop by our office at 8245 Boone Blvd, Suite 410 in Vienna, or give us a call at 703-442-0007. To contact me directly, simply email me at conor@jcadvantage.com.
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