Green Tips
Spring is a good time to look at how “green” your home is. Below are 5 easy tips to “green” your home. I’ve learned so much by representing 4114 New Hampshire Ave NW (www.petworthgreenbuilding.com) and I’m thrilled to share.
1. Reduce energy – insulate your attic! If you do nothing else, please be sure you have a significant amount of insulation in your attic. More heat (and cool in the summer) is lost through the attic than anywhere else in the house. Most homes I see in DC have no insulation in the attic whatsoever. You can either use a spray foam product like was used at 4114 New Hampshire, or even the traditional batting insulation. If you do it yourself it will only cost a couple hundred dollars and save you many hundreds over the course of a couple years.
2. Reduce storm water runoff and water consumption – install a rain barrel! For only a couple hundred dollars you can install a rain barrel at the end of your downspout. Rain barrels can store enough water to get you through some of our dry spells this summer. Not only will this pull your water bill down, but it will also reduce the amount of storm water runoff that flows into our drainage system and eventually into our rivers – carrying with it pollutants from the city.
3. Reduce water usage – install lower flow faucets. For less than about $500 you can install lower flow faucets in your bathrooms and kitchens. The faucets add air to the water stream which allows for sufficient pressure – but less water. You won’t even notice the difference!
4. Improve your air quality – install high quality air filters. Buy high quality pleated air filter and change it often. What is more important than the air you breathe? For only a few dollars more you can significantly upgrade your air filter but be sure to change it often. Dirty air filters significantly increase the work your system must perform which raises your bills.
5. Save your money (and water) – plant flowers and bushes that make sense in DC. The DC summers can be very hot and frequently dry. Planting inpatients on your roof deck for example will require daily watering and may not make sense. The best decision I made was to plant cactus on my roof deck which flower beautifully throughout the summer and I don’t have to worry about watering daily! Choose wisely based on the soil quality and exposure to the sun.
If you’d like more information about green building – or about buying or selling a home, please contact me at Brandon@BrandonGreen.com
Want more tips? Check out my guest appearance on a Green radio show:
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March 10th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Brandon,
All these tips are great. There’s another way to “green” your house and that is to choose an energy supplier that provides renewable energy to the grid. Viridian is not in DC yet because the distric is not deregulated but it is in Maryland. And Viridian is cheaper than Pepco. I’m working to get more agents to ask their sellers to switch to Viridian so that the listing can be promoted as a “green” house and stand out from the competition.
June 24th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
I have looked at eco-friendly alternatives, so far I have installed solar panels on my home but while looking for a electric car I find the cost doesnt justify it for me. While I am passionate about making green choices whenever possible it is up to people like you and I to spread awareness and let the companies know there is a demand. Your website looks popular and I think you can help influence society with your insight and eco tips. by the way I found your site by searching Green Tips | Brandon Green Companies and you were the first result. So I think your website is a good platform to discuss ideas that are thought provoking and influence your readers to go green. - Good luck with your site, you deserve it! Please continue to talk about more eco-tips, every idea helps us get closer day by day!