Search!
Classic Search
Get email alertsl
Search Help
Tips & Trends
Earth Day Home Tips
Posted by Dream Realty on Wednesday, April 27th, 2011 at 9:19pm.
Earth-Friendly Houses
Last Friday was Earth Day - yet another "new" holiday, but one which gives us a moment to reflect on what we can do to help our planet and maybe save some of our own green. Zero energy homes are far and few between, but here are some eco-friendly options worthy of consideration whether you are buying or selling a home in Dallas Real Estate market.
Reduce your energy consumption
No one will argue that it gets hot in Texas! As summer approaches thoughts drift to 100+ days and the sound of our constantly running air-conditioners. All is not lost as technology has provided us with some options to reduce that skyrocketing energy bill. Think of it this way - the easier you make it on your a/c units to cool the house, the less of your cash they will take. Having the most efficient a/c units, making sure your windows and doors are energy efficient and sealed properly, reducing the heat that moves from the attic to your home, and using solar technology to generate more power are all viable options available to you right now.
Air Conditioners
Have a high seer (efficiency rating)
Make sure they are serviced regularly
Use the thermostat programs to avoid usage when no one is home
Keep the Attic Cool
Is there a radiant barrier to repel the sun's heat
Are there sufficient soffits to let cool air in
Are there ample attic vents
Are there solar attic vents which use the sun's energy to pull the hot air out
Is there sufficient attic insulation
Windows and Doors
Do you have energy efficient double-paned windows
Does air escape around your windows or doors
Do you have heat repellent coverings on your west-facing windows
Do you have glass in your west-facing doors
Solar Panels
Believe it or not - people really do have these systems on their Dallas homes in North Texas. They are built to withstand minor hail and are considered part of the home once installed, thus covered by the home insurance policy. If you have a sunny roof along the west or south side, call a local installer to understand the costs. Don't forget that Uncle Sam has provided some tax incentives.
Don't waste water
Water is a significantly scarce resource in North Texas and Dallas Real Estate area and as such, it is becoming increasingly common for municipalities to restrict and penalize residents due to their water consumption. Here are some ideas to help you reduce your impact on the environment and keep your first-rate curb appeal.
Gray Water is the term referred to water inside the home that comes from using sinks, bath, shower, washers. There are several systems from simple to advanced that allow the homeowner to recycle this water either toward the landscape or even toward the toilet systems.
Tank-less Water Heaters are an alternative to the traditional, large tank water heaters of our parents' era. These tank-less systems heat the water on demand typically much faster than their predecessors and do not "run out" - an advantage when everyone needs to shower at once! They take very little space which of course everyone appreciates and usually there are federal and local tax incentives to apply.
Rain Gauge Sprinklers are fast becoming a very popular item to have and some of the local municipalities are giving incentives for their installations. These systems sense when we have had rain and modulate the sprinkler system accordingly. This is a very handy tool to have whether you are frequently away from home or just forget to turn the automatic sprinklers off (and of course back on again) after a big rain.
Remember that Earth day is more than just a date on the calendar but a philosophy that we should be mindful of our natural resources. While this may take a backseat to the many challenges facing us these days, the fact that most of these options actually put money back in your pocket is a great reason to start going "GREEN".
This article is proudly presented by the Dream Realty Blog. Dream Realty is a Dallas area real estate company.
Blog Tags
Print
ShareBe the first to comment on this blog entry!
