These days, more people than ever are asking what they can do in their daily lives to help our environment and the planet that we call home. While recycling and walking instead of driving are a good start, you can also make a big difference by being smart about where you live. Get a rental with plenty of eco-friendly amenities and you will help the planet and save money in the process. As a seasoned national realtor, Ric Davis knows how important it is for you to find the property that is perfect for you and the world, so we have some tips for what you should look for
in your next eco-friendly rental.
Scope Out Your Options
If you are serious about finding a sustainable home then you need to go to the cities that you are interested in and research homes, apartments, and condos in the area, and find those that offer the environmentally-friendly aspects that you desire. You can hire a realtor and mention to them what you would like to see in your future house then they will use that information during their search.
When you find the perfect property then you will also want to be smart about how you move, and the best way to do so is to research moving companies in your area, which you can do by searching for the “best moving companies” on your favorite search engine. Then look at customer reviews and get price quotes and choose the best option. Before you commit, ensure that the movers complete an inspection of your home so they can provide the correct cost. The act of moving in itself can be good for the environment if you find a company that actively tries to reduce fuel usage by taking shorter routes and drives an electric vehicle.
Eco-Friendly Features
While you are searching for a sustainable property, you should look for upgrades that are designed to reduce unnecessary waste. For instance, a good property will have LED lighting that is often brighter and lasts longer than traditional bulbs. You should also keep an eye out for properties that have low-flow faucets and shower heads which waste less water but still keep
you clean.
A major addition that can make a big difference is the use of solar panels on the roof of the property. The use of traditional electricity requires the burning of fossil fuels and those dangerous pollutants are what lead to global warming. Solar panels drastically cut down on energy usage by fostering the power of the sun and while there may be some extensive costs up front after they are installed, you will see a drastic reduction in your electric bill.
In addition to having eco-friendly updates, a house can be sustainable if it is properly maintained. The biggest culprit as far as energy waste is when windows and doors are not sealed as they allow energy to leak out of your home. Windows should be maintained on a regular basis with caulk, and if they still are not doing the job, then they should be replaced.
Smart Thermostat
Another way that many households waste electricity is by running their air conditioning at the wrong temperature. Energy Star recommends keeping your AC temp at 78-degrees during the summer so your family can remain comfortable and safe. However, when everyone is out of the home at work or school, then you don’t need the air conditioning blasting, so it can be set as high as 85-degrees.
It can be difficult to remember to constantly change the temp, so the best idea is to install a smart thermostat that you can program to change automatically. If the home you are renting does not have this tech, then ask to have it installed.
In the end, we can all do our part to help the environment, and finding an eco-friendly rental is a great start. If you need help finding your next property then contact Ric Davis at 424-284-9402.