Archive for June 5th, 2011

Don’t Just Upgrade, GREENgrade!

Posted on June 5, 2011. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Improvement Ideas, Orange County Home Improvement, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: Orange County Real Estate |

Alright, you’re thinking about upgrading your home. But along with those new faucets, fresh paint, and vinyl tiles, did you ever consider all the eco-friendly improvements that will add pizzazz to your property and boost the health and well being of our planet? These days, the possibilities for GREENgrading your home are virtually limitless. The choices fall into three budget categories.  Here are a few suggestions from each category –

LOW COST

• Use CFC or LED light bulbs – Far more energy efficient than conventional bulbs
• Insulate hot water heater – Can reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45%
• Install motion sensors in offices and other common use area conference rooms to turn off lights when not in use
• Install water efficient restroom fixtures – Reduces water use and saves you big bucks
• Provide recycle bins

MEDIUM COST

• Tune up HVAC – Improves both efficiency and comfort
• Replace hardwood flooring with bamboo or cork floors – Will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
• Insulate attic and other areas
• Buy recycled office products and equipment
• Provide on-site bike room to encourage environmentally friendly commuting

HIGH COST

• Buy ENERGY STAR appliances – Lower utility bills, better performance, and greater durability.
• Replace roof with reusable/recyclable materials
• Replace cabinets with sustainably harvested wood and low-VOC finishes – This type of wood comes from a certified wood harvesting site, not an unsustainably logged region, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Low VOC substances have less odor and impact on air quality.
• Implement super energy efficient transformers – Reduces energy use and CO2 emissions.
• Implement on-site water reclamation system – Save water and money on water bills.

Those are just a few of the GREENgrading options you can take advantage of. Hopefully you have some of your own eco-friendly tips. We’d love to hear about them. Just fire off your ideas below. Or tweet @weeksteam with #green.

And be sure to reach out to us if you have any questions. You can connect with our green team at 949.338.7408 or  angie@askangie.com,  @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.