Cutting Carbon Footprints with DIY Construction

Wintertime can make for great memories and awesome parties despite dropping temperatures and unpredictable winter weather. After New Years Eve, people escape the cold by hibernating into the warmth of their homes while dreading the amount they have to pay in heating and energy bills.  People also begin to make their resolutions to get healthier, save more money and spend less. Aside from cutting up credit cards and paying off debt, going green is also a great way to save money. By investing in greener appliances and replacing old fixtures and windows, a homeowner can reduce overall household costs and save more money in the long run.

Recycling and reusing more often is a great place to start, but bigger savings are possible when home improvements are made to replace energy draining appliances and upgrade less expensive items such as toilets and faucets. Before making any home improvements, it is a good idea to see where your house currently stands with an energy efficiency audit. On EnergyStar.gov, there is a checklist called the energy saver yardstick that helps homeowners determine how green their house based on location and a years worth of energy bills (gas, water, heat, etc). There are also auditors available through local energy companies that can come out and do an energy assessment on a homeowner's property. Once an assessment has been made, a homeowner can embark on the home improvements necessary to make their property more energy friendly. 

A good place to start when making your house green would be with the heating and central air system in your house. According to an info graphic about heating costs on Energy.gov, space heating is the largest energy expense in the average U.S. household. So upgrading the heating system would make a big difference in overall household costs and lower energy bills significantly during the winter. Before making such a large purchase, try to make minor fixes that cost less. For example, seal spaces that allow air to seep through and replace old doors and windows to keep the cold air out during the winter and keeps the heat out during the warmer months. 

Water is also a big household expense and takes up a large portion of household bills. Frequent water usage for laundry cycles, cooking and bathing definitely add up when the bills are due. However, the home improvements that can be made to conserve more water cost less to upgrade or replace. HouseLogic.com reports that high efficiency toilets save more money by reducing how much water is used during each flush cycle. Another growing trend is the waterless toilet. Instead of flushing traditionally into a city water system, waste is disposed of or reused by the owner. While this can sound unsettling, avid gardeners may enjoy not having to spend money on compost by using what is left to decompose. Swapping out old leaky faucets and shower fixtures can also help conserve water by controlling how much water cycles through the fixture during each use and providing auto shut off features that are specific to how much an individual wants to conserve. Using less hot water during laundry cycles and taking shorter showers will also save money in terms of water usage. High efficiency water heaters also allow homeowners to save money by using less energy to heat up hot water. They also have a longer life expectancy whereas traditional water heaters are more vulnerable to the elements and have a lesser life expectancy.

Updating a home to be more green can very costly, but there is a huge gain to be had during tax season for replacing energy wasting appliances with more efficient ones. Not only are there federal tax credits for investing in greener home improvements but there are state rebates that can be granted for homeowners in the DMV area. For information about which tax rebates are available, go to Energy.gov's and select your state underneath the savings and rebates banner on the right hand side.

Looking for a realtor that can help you find the perfect home that will help you find the perfect eco friendly property? As the top 1% in the nation, we can help you find the home with all high efficiency upgrades that can help you shrink your carbon footprint and lead a more eco friendly lifestyle. I am licensed in Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. with a focus on selling homes in the Chevy Chase and Bethesda area. We also work with the subdivisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda and White Hill Condominiums.

Contact us today!

Mynor Herrera
Keller Williams Capitol Properties
License 611201
301-437-1622
For Sale By Agent/Broker