Turn your home into a green machine

One of the biggest trends in homebuilding today is building green and being eco-friendly. The American homebuyer is focused on environmentally ethical building materials, energy-efficient floor plans, and conserving natural resources. That’s great news for those buying a brand new home. Builders are doing things like providing double pane windows and extra insulation, but how can we take part in the trend of reduce reuse recycle in our existing abodes?

Going green in your home may seem like an overwhelming concept but don’t fret, it’s simpler than you think. Your lighting is an easy place to start. You can always swap your incandescent bulbs out for energy saving LED bulbs. Not only is this better for Mother Earth, it’s gentler on your wallet as well.

Another quick change you can make to be eco-conscious is to install a low flow showerhead. These work by injecting oxygen into the showerhead chamber to displace some of the water. Some of the better options actually provide increased water pressure while using as much as 70 percent less water than a standard showerhead.

Installing a whole house water filtration system has its benefits to be sure, but why not just screw a water filter on to your kitchen sink? According to Brita.com Americans used enough plastic bottles to circle the globe 190 times (EEK!) in 2008. Not only that, but one filter can replace up to 300 16.9 ounce bottles of water! So grab a chic ceramic thermos from Starbucks and fill it at your tap before commuting to work.

Here in Central Florida of course we are running our air conditioner units all year long; so make sure you don’t have any leaky ducts. According to the Federal Energy Star program, many households lose as much as 20 percent of its cooled air from leaks in their ducts. Any local air conditioner contractor can evaluate your home and help you eliminate problem leaks.

Probably the easiest way to save energy in your home is remembering to change your air filter. Depending on how hard it has to work (for example, with multiple pets in the home) you’ll want to change it anywhere from monthly to every 3 months.

The outside of your home has several opportunities for going green too. Adding mulch around your shrubs and plants helps prevent water evaporation. You can spruce up your home’s curb appeal with a few charming solar powered garden lights. And if you’re thinking about re-painting your home, remember “Light is Right.” A lighter exterior paint color helps conserve power, and keep your home’s interior temperature cool. Follow these simple steps and you are on your way to greening your home.

Looking for green options in your electronics, food and personal care items? Visit goodguide.com for all you green consumer needs. Happy Greening!

Christina Rordam is a local Realtor. Contact her at 407-928-8294 or ChristinaSellsOrlando.com