MAKING IT EASY TO BE GREEN THIS FALL

The rising interest in eco-friendly living has homeowners paying a premium to turn their property a shade of green. The good news is that these adjustments to get your home running more efficiently before winter’s long nights and cold temperatures can put some green back into your pocketbook, as well as enhance the perception of your home in the long run.

 “Earth-friendly products and techniques that reduce the cost of maintaining a home are strong selling points for homebuyers today,” said Jerry White, executive vice president of Coldwell Banker King Thompson. “Displaying home improvements that reduce energy expenses can set you apart from the competition, not to mention the immediate benefits for your family’s budget.”

Here are some simple solutions to reduce energy consumption:

• Don’t let warmth slip through the cracks. Homeowners can save significant amounts on utilities by installing insulation, sealing cracks and tightening windows. Some home sources estimate that heat loss through windows can account for up to 35 percent of your heating bill.
• Lighten your energy load. Replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs lowers your energy bill and cuts down on trips to the store. Programmable thermostats also make it easier to conserve. Families can shave 5 percent off energy bills for every degree a thermostat is lowered below 70 in the winter.
• Wrap it up. Hot water pipes lose heat when they pass through unheated areas. Insulating your pipes can keep temperatures consistent for energy efficiency. Pre-formed pipe insulation sleeves offer a simple solution.

Across Ohio, Coldwell Banker King Thompson and Coldwell Banker West Shell have 21 offices and over 1300 sales associates serving central Ohio, greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana. The companies are part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, operates Realogy’s company-owned real estate brokerage offices. For more information, please visit www.kingthompson.com.