Ten Easy Ways to Green Your Virginia Beach, VA Real Estate
Posted by Dennis Blackmore in Main category, tags: Real Estate, va, Virginia BeachReal Estate, the weather, and utility costs are hot in Virginia Beach, VA.
Are utilities sucking up too much of your monthly home budget? While we see many energy improvements in new construction real estate there are ways we can all lessen the burden of utility shock.
There really are some simple things we all can do to save and “green up” our Virginia Beach real estate.
Better Homes and Gardens has a great pamphlet on living green in your home. Let’s look at items you can do now for your real estate investment without breaking the budget:
1. You have heard it before. Switch to Compact Flourescent Lights (CFL’s). They consume 75% less electricity and last 10 x longer. Help offset the kids never turning the lights off.
2. You know what you are paying for and not using? TV’s, cell phone chargers, pritners, anything with LED’s draw energy even when not in use. Put them on a power strip and flip the switch to the off position when not needed.
3. Recycle your home and office electronics.The EPA says consumers threw out 5.5 billion pounds of electronics in 2005 and only about 12.5% was recovered for recycling. In this age of buying new computers every 2-3 years, old machinery adds up fast. Do you have an old cell phone? Go to www.greenphone.com for offers.
4. Audit your real estate energy usage. Ask Dominion Power for a list of names. Conduct your due diligence when selecting a company. It costs money up front but may end up saving you 30 percent on utilility bills in Virginia Beach and elsewhere.
5. Support local farmers and growers like at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market. Food in the store has probably travelled many miles and consumed much fossil fuel. Visit Department of Agriculture for more information.
6. Fix your toilets and sink drips. They are iritating and could save you up to 200 gallons a day of water. If considering Virginia Beach new construction real estate make sure your builder uses a reputable plumbing contractor that has a good track record of non problems after home possession.
7. We often talk about Virginia Beach real estate and curb appeal. With curb appeal we think of great landscaping, lawns, many colors, and nice attributes on the home. However, you need to keep your lawn cut to 2 1/2 or 3 inches tall and leave the clippings which promote nitrogen and slow weed growth. You can help the Chesapeake Bay by not fertilizing so often.
8. Are you thinking about remodeling and replacing appliances? If so, make sure the replacement applicances are Energy Star. They use less electricity and could save you up to $570.00 per year.
9. Fill up the washing machine and do not waste water, power, and money. Use cold water and a short cycle.
10. Use your critters and bugs to your advantage. They can help control bad insects and keep garden healthy. Read the pest control guide.
PS: Who has the best energy designed home - President Bush or Vice President Al Gore?
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