Look for green to save green

When you’re looking for a home, it’s easy to focus on the big stuff – how many bathrooms and bedrooms, what’s the neighborhood like, etc.? But don’t forget that a green home saves more than the environment – it saves money too.

Here are a few green home items to look for:

·       Does the home have energy efficient windows? Look at window frames, insulated glass material and glass spacers, and check if they’re properly installed.

·       Is there a place in the yard for a compost pile to reduce the home’s trash output?

·       Are there trees at key locations that create shade, beat the summer heat and reduce cooling costs?

·       Are there low-flow faucets and showerheads to help reduce water usage?

·       Is the home drafty? Drafts indicate poor insulation and can cause high heating and cooling bills.

·       Can lighting fixtures use energy-efficient bulbs without looking awkward (such as in some ceiling fixtures). Energy-efficient bulbs can use two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last ten times longer.

·       Are there Energy Star qualified appliances? Energy Star washers and dryers can reduce energy bills by an average of $50 a year. Qualified washers can reduce yearly water usage by up to 7,000 gallons.

These may not seem like “big picture” items to look for in a home, but they add up to significant savings for your wallet and the environment.

Contact mortgage help today by visiting mortgagehelp.com or call our offices at:

888.684.9111

www.mortgagehelp.com

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