What will you do when you decide to move? Are you prepared to pick a home you fall in love with or will you be thinking about how eco-friendly it is? When you start looking for a home there are some simple things to look for if you want to go green. Review these tips so they’re fresh in your mind before you start the hunt for an eco-friendly home!
Location, Location, Location
Don’t make the mistake of buying a home in the middle of nowhere because you think living in a ‘natural’ area is eco-friendly. What will you do when you need to grab something from the store? When you live in town you may be able to walk or ride your bike to stores. If you live far away from a shopping district you’ll need to jump in your car all the time. Also consider what public transit options are available in the neighborhood.
Consider Downsizing
If you want to look after the environment you can start with evaluating how much space you really need. If you’re living somewhere with extra bedrooms you might want to consider downsizing to a smaller home. A home twice as big as you need could double the amount of power you use. The average percentage might be a little lower, but why maintain a huge home when you don’t really need the extra space?
Efficient HVAC systems
A lot of old homes can stand the test of time and they’re beautifully built, but the major appliances may need to be replaced. The heating and cooling system is the first thing you should check because old, inefficient systems will guzzle up energy. Other energy hogs include gaps around windows/doors and old appliances like washers, dryers and dishwashers. Hopefully you can find an older home with updated systems, but if not you might need to think about replacing these relics once you move in.
Insulation
Air can pass through the smallest hole imaginable. If your home isn’t well-insulated, the heated or cooled air will pass straight out of any gaps it can find. This means your central heating and cooling system will have to work harder to provide the same enjoyable climate.
Check Out the Landscaping
You may be looking for curb appeal, but lots of turf grass also means lots of mowing and maintenance. Instead, pick a lot that has lots of trees and raised flower beds instead of a wide expanse of grass. Trees can cool your home in the summer, help absorb stormwater runoff and are an all-around eco-friendly all-star. Raised flower beds prevent soil erosion and encourage water infiltration.
Good luck with your home search and hopefully you find that green home to fall in love with.
Leslie Kramer is a freelance blogger who currently writes for Commercial Space.