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Green tips to save energy in your Raleigh area home (part two)

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with RE/MAX Preferred Associates

 

I'll continue our list of green tips to save energy in your home. If you missed last week's tips, please look at my post from 2/24/09. With the recent cold weather that hit the Triangle, we could all benefit from saving some money on our heating bills. With that in mind, you may want to read the tip about thermostats from last week.

 

5. Insulation - If you are paying a lot for your energy bill, you may need insulation especially if you live in an older home. The recommended areas to insulate are attic, floors, walls and crawl space or basement. There are a few green products on the market including non-toxic foam sprays and insulation made from recycled jeans. 

 

6. Air Leaks - Look for drafts around windows, doors and pipes. Once you find the air leak, you can caulk it or use weatherstripping.

 

7. Heating - If you need to replace your heating system in the near future, look for one with the Energy Star logo. Keep filters and air ducts clean. Make sure vents are not blocked by furniture or drapes.

 

While some of these projects are DIY, you may need to consult with a contractor. For referrals on reputable contractors in the Triangle area, contact your local real estate agent. For non-toxic products, check with home improvement stores that specialize in green building supplies.

 

Please join me next week for the third in a series. As we are getting closer to spring, I will share some energy efficient cooling tips.

  

Ryan Jacques
Going Green Builders LLC - Brevard, NC

Good info,  I wish you were in the Transylvania County area.  We have very few green realtors!  -RJ

Apr 02, 2009 02:46 AM
Grayson Hodge
RE/MAX Preferred Associates - Raleigh, NC

Thanks, Mr. Jacques.  We're getting more and more in our area and more and more interest from builders as well as the public.  It's exciting and it feels good.  G

Apr 02, 2009 07:12 AM