How Going Green Can Save You Money and The Planet
Trying to have a sustainable home can feel so overwhelming. There’s so many different aspects to it, and so many different things to think of. And with four dogs and a toddler, I completely understand that going green can just feel like one more thing on an endless to-do list.
My best advice is to start small.
It’s so easy to think that we have to have it all perfect, or that we have to be getting everything right to really make a difference. But that’s just not true! Start with some small, easy changes that make your life and home a little more sustainable.
Don’t attempt to go green in a Day
It’s so important to make one small change at a time. So maybe make a plan to make one small change a month or every few months, whatever feels realistic for you!
With time, you’ll see the dividends in your home, and yourself, and in your bottom line.
Because going green is so beneficial for the planet, but it can also be super beneficial for your wallet! Home-buying without sustainability knowledge can be so damaging both to the Earth and your family. So, I wanna bridge that gap so you have the knowledge to make the best green choices. I know how my sustainability knowledge has helped homebuyers and real estate owners- especially when combined with my knowledge of construction, flipping, and real estate.
I remember starting in real estate when going green really wasn’t a thing. Nobody saw it as something that had a high return on investment or something to consider in a home. But I believed so deeply in going green, and I knew it had a really important power! Both for earth, and for our homes and families.
Do Your Research
Knowing the facts and doing your research can help you make the best decisions for your home, the planet, and your budget before you make the big moves towards a more sustainable home. Especially if you’re in the homebuying process!
A lot of more green and sustainable options for homes have become much more accessible in the last few years. Building a green home is not just for rich people anymore!
If you’re seeking some big sustainable changes for your home, one of the biggest ways that you can make a green difference in your home is through your energy. Some more sustainable sources of energy are solar panels, geothermal, and oil.
Solar
If you live somewhere sunny, solar panels may be a great option for a green or source of energy. Switching the solar panels can be as easy as hiring someone to put panels on your roof! I always recommend talking with a professional and letting them inspect your home for solar power compatibility. Plus, this option is definitely one of the more popular and well-developed forms of clean energy on the market right now.
Using the sun as a renewable source of energy can be a great option for making your home a little greener! Solar didn’t always used to be accessible, but now it’s much more accessible and affordable for the average person.
Geothermal
Geothermal may be an option for you if you live in a hot climate! But it has a chance of working well in a lot of different climates. Geothermal energy is using the renewable energy source of the earth’s heat to power your home. Studies have shown that using geothermal energy can reduce your carbon emissions up to 75%! Plus, it is extremely energy efficient when compared to other energy sources.
Always make sure to have someone come test and see if this is really a viable option for you. And the price can really vary depending on what they have to dig through to access geothermal energy on your property. I can’t recommend this to everyone, but it may work for some!
Oil
Oil can be a great heating option for colder climates, like New York and Connceticcut! Oil produces less carbon emissions than electricity-based heating systems. It can also be more cost-effective too.
Oil-heating can heat your home much faster than natural gas, and help your home hold heat- which uses less oil and a lower cost to you. Oil-heating units can also last twice as long as traditional units, creating less waste. Plus, oil burns cleaner and is much more energy efficient than other heating options.
However, oil can come with its own complications and may not be the best fit for your home or environment. Plus, oil isn’t intended to be used for all the energy needs of a home. It’s a good idea to get your home evaluated for the best way to switch to oil-based heating options.
As a mom, I've learned one of life's most valuable lessons: knowing when to offer guidance and when to let go. This delicate balance hasn't just made me a better parent—it's become the cornerstone of my approach as your Northern Westchester real estate agent.
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