True Tips on Greening Your Sarasota Real Estate
Greening your home is one of the smartest and most responsible projects a homeowner can pursue.
If you're staying in your home for the foreseeable future, greening reduces monthly water and power bills. If you're selling or just thinking about selling, greening significantly increases a home resale value. Going GREEN doesn't have to be expensive. The techniques that do require up-front spending pay for themselves quickly. Here are some quick and cost-efficient ways to make your Sarasota Real Estate greener and more valuable:
Lighting:
To cut energy consumption, motion-sensor switches in bathrooms and closets automatically turn lights on and off as people come and go. Motion-sensor switches are easy to install, and they usually cost under $20 from hardware and home-improvement retailers.
Ceiling fans:
Ceiling fans are the perfect replacement for air conditioning in many rooms and open areas. A ceiling fan uses far less energy than an air conditioner, is easy to install, and cools comfortably. Ceiling fan installation is always a great project for the do-it-yourself home improvement buff.
Water conservation:
Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. Low-flow faucets reduce water usage by as much as 50 percent; low-flow toilets conserve water and save Americans millions of dollars annually. Repairing leaky faucets is imperative; one leaky faucet can waste as much as 10 gallons of water each week.
Paint:
If you're painting your home before selling or just painting because it's time again to paint, be sure to use paints with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Its not significantly more costly, but it can be a huge draw to buyers. Some buyers are especially sensitive and cant even consider homes without non-VOC paint. Paint retailers can help you find the non-VOC paint that's right for your home.
Thermostats:
Programmable thermostats automatically adjust temperature settings, saving you energy while you're away or asleep. With conscientious use, a programmable thermostat can save about $150 year in energy costs. Programmable thermostats are more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats, and they contain no mercury.
Window treatments:
Tinted glass or window film can dramatically reduce energy costs, especially if you have a lot of windows facing east or west. This isn't a do-it-yourself job; hire a professional. Costs for glass, films, and installations fluctuate, so get several bids and find an installer you trust.
Landscaping:
Landscaping close to the pool lets you water plants with water that splashes out and runs off from the pool. If you add trees and shrubs close to the pool, you can create a wind break that decreases water evaporation. But don't block sunlight into your pool; it creates natural solar energy.
Home buyers are more particular now than ever, so any advantage you have can help. And greening your home is more than just profitable. Helping the environment helps everyone, and it makes you feel good too.
For more information on owning a green home in Sarasota contact an Exclusive Buyer Agent at True Sarasota Real Estate.
