Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

August 4, 2008

How to Make Your Homes and Condos in Arlington VA Energy Efficient

Filed under: Condos in Arlington VA — Fairfax County VA Real Estate Agent @ 11:47 am

Energy efficient homes and condos in Arlington VA will do more than help protect the environment. It can also save you money on your utility bill. With a few minor changes, you can make your home or condo more energy efficient:

  1. In the living room. You may be surprised to find out how much air escapes from your home or condos in Arlington VA through your windows and doors. Install new, double pane windows designed to keep your precious heated and cooled air inside your home. Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.
  2. In the bathroom. Solar water heaters work just as well as their traditional counterparts, but they use a completely renewable energy source that won’t affect your utility bill. Dual-flush toilets use half the amount of water as standard toilets and help protect our water resources.
  3. In the kitchen. Unplug appliances when you’re not using them and remind everyone to close the refrigerator door. In the summer, use your microwave and outdoor grill for cooking so you don’t heat the entire house just to cook dinner. Likewise, cook and bake indoors as much as possible during the winter.
  4. In your laundry/utility room. Hang your clothes out to dry. Why spend money to dry your clothes inside when you can do it for free outside? Install a clothesline outside or set up a drying rack on your patio. Your clothes will smell fresher, your home will be cooler, and you will save money on your utility bill.
  5. In the air. Keep your thermostat set between 75 and 80 in the summer and below 68 in the winter. This can reduce your energy consumption by 15% and results in big savings. Dress appropriately for the weather and use your ceiling fans.
  6. In the yard. Set up containers around your yard to collect rainwater, and use it to water plants around your yard. Landscape with plants native to your area so you won’t have to water them as frequently.

Green homes and condos in Arlington VA are better for your health and for the environment. Looking for a home or condos in Arlington VA?  Let me help you find your next home. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or drop me an email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com and let me know what you think about making your home or condo a “green” one.

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939

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