How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Property
If you're looking for a new place to call home, consider renting. A rental apartment or house requires minimal commitment, which can be preferable if you're transitioning to a new city you're still trying to figure out. An environmentally-friendly rental property has many perks, from minimizing your carbon footprint to reducing utilities costs.
Consider locationS with the
environment in mind
As you browse neighborhoods, do your research. What's the area like? Are there green spaces you can enjoy? Is the school district good? You likely want a place that's nearby desirable amenities, like grocery stores, farmer's markets, and gyms. Moving.com provides tips for researching neighborhoods before you move, like talking to locals in the area.
Being near public transportation is another asset worth looking for, especially if you're eco-conscious. You can reduce reliance on your car and cut the amount of fossil fuels you use. For individuals who are concerned about global warming, this is a big boon. According to KCATA, a single person can reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 20 pounds per day simply by switching from a car to public transport for a 20-mile commute.
Know what to look for
Once you've narrowed down the location, you can start honing in on the details you want in an environmentally friendly property. Begin with the major home systems, like heating and cooling. Elements that improve HVAC efficiency include Energy Star appliances and insulation in areas like the attic and crawl space. This is especially important for colder northeastern locations like Connecticut.
Also, consider water usage for the property. Low-flow showerheads and toilets can reduce water use significantly. Some properties may have alternative water sources, like a rain barrel for flushing the toilet or a well for fresh drinking water. A well has the added benefit of reducing your reliance on the municipal water supply.
When looking for an eco-friendly property, also consider the exterior. For example, a place with a garden can be a major asset. You can establish your own vegetable garden, grow produce, and minimize visits to the grocery store where produce is often trucked or flown in from far away, contributing significantly to carbon emissions.
upgrades to enhance environmental friendliness
Once the property has been purchased or rented, there are additional steps you can take to save money while making it eco-friendly. The good news is that certain improvements can also boost your appraisal value if you have bought. Installing solar panels is a great way to accomplish this. For such a project, be sure to factor in the cost based on the homes' usage needs for budgeting purposes. Solar panels vary in price depending on wattage, averaging $.70 to $1.50 per watt, which puts the typical cost per panel at $175 to $375.
Lighting is another one major point. You can establish smart habits by always turning the lights off when you leave the room. You can further reduce energy costs related to lighting by switching to LED bulbs. Making this transition has the added benefit of reducing how much power you use and saving you money. Switching just one bulb can save you up to $20 in annual energy costs.
Also take steps to reduce heat usage. You might caulk windows to reduce drafts, for example, or draw the curtains to keep heat in. Installing a smart thermostat is another great idea. You can control your heating remotely via your phone this way, ensuring you don't have the heat on when it's not needed.
If you're moving to a new home, consider renting instead of buying. This gives you the freedom to search for an eco-friendly space that matches your lifestyle.
Article Written & Submitted by Kristin Louis of parentingwithkris.com
