April 22nd, 2008 2:51 PM by Brian Banak
Incorporating eco-friendly measures in homes has moved beyond installing energy efficient appliances and swapping out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescents - going green is giving home sellers a competitive advantage. Here are eight tips that outline how to make homes sustainable, energy- and cost-efficient now, and appealing to eco-conscious homebuyers.
1. A ray of light. Natural daylight can help keep the indoor climate comfortable during the winter months, allowing a homeowner to set the thermostat a bit lower. Alternatively, drawing shades during key daylight hours during the summer can help cut down on air conditioning needs.2. Green gardening. Planting native plants, vegetation and shade trees strategically around a yard can keep a home cool during the summer and block cold winds during the winter. And native vegetation will thrive in its preferred environment without requiring excess water. 3. Switch to green power. The use of renewable energy in a home, such as solar, wind, water or geothermal, greatly helps reduce pollution.4. Dial it back. Lowering the settings on water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry machines reduces the amount of energy required to maintain the temperature. 5. Re-use rain. Recycling rain water for gardening is another great way to conserve. 6. Less lawn does more. Eliminate as much of the lawn as possible and plant native bushes, flowers, etc.7. Turn old into new. Refurbish the home's existing materials when remodeling instead of buying new ones (cabinets, tiles, flooring). If brand new appliances are required, homeowners should make sure they are energy-efficient, and should consider donating their old appliances to be recycled or reused.8. Insulation is key. Insulating cold-water pipes will prevent them from dripping condensation, and insulating hot-water pipes will prevent costly heat loss and save on energy bills.