In this age of high-end sustainable renovations, high-profile LEED certifications, and the seemingly never-ending marketing of the next popular Energy Star kitchen or home appliance, it sometimes feels like you need to spend a lot of money in order to cut back on energy use. However, like many things in life, small changes can add up to a big difference, and some of the most important adjustments you can make in your home are downright cheap.
If you’re thinking of buying a new home, or are looking for ways to improve your home to make it attractive to the Portland Real Estate market, energy-friendly changes can make a big difference. Did you know that adding more insulation to your attic and spraying expandable foam insulation where your home meets its foundation can lead to valuable energy credits on your electricity and gas bills? Here are some more inexpensive tips to use less energy in your home:
Invest in a programmable thermostat: This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your energy bill. Programmable thermostats make it easy to reduce energy by switching to pre-programmed settings to regulate your home’s temperature depending on the season, or when you and your family are asleep or away from the house. You could save up to $180 on your annual energy bills by making small changes to the way you heat and cool your home, while staying comfortable year-round. Click here for resources on where to buy and how to program your thermostat for maximum energy savings.
Replace your bulbs: Energy Experts say that in about two years, you won’t be able to buy traditional incandescent light bulbs, as the government is phasing them out in favor of newer energy-friendly alternatives. Plan ahead and switch to LED bulbs. These bulbs use much less electricity and last much longer than traditional bulbs, saving you money over time, and give off soft white light, unlike the harsh LED lights of yesteryear.
Check doors and windows for weather stripping: Openings around your doors and windows let cool air out and hot air in during warmer months, and the opposite during cooler months, sapping your home of temperature control and requiring more energy to maintain the temperature you want. You can cut your energy bills up to 30 percent simply by making sure the gaps around your homes windows and doors are sealed using weather stripping.
Fire up the grill: Using your gas or electric oven does more than use energy. As any home cook knows, a hot oven on a hot day makes the entire house much warmer, which taxes your air conditioner and makes it unbearable to spend quality time in the kitchen. Now that summer is here, try planning ahead and using a slow cooker to have dinner ready and waiting for you after work, or head outside and grill! For extra earth-friendly grilling, choose charcoal that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and is produced locally from sustainable sources.
Real estate agents are focusing more and more on the potential energy benefits of the homes they are representing, so if you need tips on how to make the most of your home’s energy uses in order to successfully sell your property, or if you’re looking for a Portland home that has been remodeled for smart energy use and sustainability, contact the McDonald Group Real Estate agents today.
