More about EcoBroker

There are numerous ways to have a positive impact on the environment. As a Realtor and Certified EcoBroker®, I focus on providing both top-notch real estate service and advice that helps you
To get you started, here are ten things you can do today!
1.       Use cold water to wash your clothes. Clothes get just as clean and it reduces energy otherwise needed to heat water.
2.       Plant deciduous shade trees on the South side of your home. Shade in the summer will keep the house cooler while sunlight in the winter will warm your home from the outside. Both will help keep your home more comfortable year-round.
3.       Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulbs, saving energy with the flip of a switch!
4.       Time to update those light fixtures or appliances? Look for the Energy Star label. Using Energy Star light fixtures, in  conjunction with CFLs, make a serious dent in your energy usage... and bills!
5.       Consider a do-it-yourself energy audit (http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/db/zip.shtml) or a have a professional energy audit conducted. By learning where the leaks are in your home, you will be able to stop that flow of cold air in winter and hot air in summer. This  makes your home more comfortable and reduces energy bills through lower heating and cooling costs.
6.       Check and correct the temperature in your refrigerator. Refrigerators can use up to 20% of total electricity in your home. To keep your power bills low, use only as much energy as necessary. The refrigerator should be set between 38oF and 42oF. The freezer should be set between 0oF and 5oF.
7.       Seal and insulate your home to improve comfort and reduce heating and cooling bills. Add insulation and seal air leaks to get yourself started.
8.       Switch to a programmable thermostat which will automatically adjust the temperature of your home while you are away and while you are sleeping.
9.       Insulate your hot water heater. This simple fix will save on water heating costs almost immediately. Then when you need to replace your water heater, consider going tankless. These 'on-demand' systems have shown to be significantly more efficient and save money in the long run.
10.    Contact me today for a free CFL and Energy Savings Guide!  Start saving money and energy!  Send an email to bethany@vaecoagent.com asking for your CFL and Guide!