Green Real Estate

Green, or “high performance homes” are by definition more energy efficient than the typical home. But few homes, if any, are sufficiently Green to have a “zero carbon footprint.” Green is a matter of degree. Whether you are interested in improving the energy efficiency of your current home to reduce operating costs or are anxious to buy another home where these energy-efficient improvements are already in place, I have the training and expertise to help you accomplish your goal.

A high performance home starts with its envelope–the walls and roof enclosing the living space. Is it sufficiently air-tight to prevent the free flow of air between the interior and exterior of the home? When you turn on the heating system in the winter or the air conditioner in the summer, are you heating and cooling the outdoors as well as the living space? Does the external air pour into the house through gaps in doors and windows or an open chimney flue? Is the home insulation sufficient? These questions can be answered by a home energy audit.

Additionally, are the kitchen appliances, hot water heater, heating and air conditioning units, and clothes washer and dryer as energy efficient as they could be? If you have a gas stove, is it properly vented to prevent the release of toxic pollutants into the home?

Do you want to install solar panels on your existing home or find a newer home with the panels already installed? If so, you’ll need to decide whether renting the panels from an installation company or buying them makes more sense for you. I’ll recommend companies for both options and walk you through the economics so that you can make an informed decision.

Getting to a truly Green home is a journey, not a destination. It’s a process that begins with the desire to help the environment by being an energy-conscious consumer. Call or email me today to learn more about how I can put my expertise to work for you.