You may reason that because you own an older home that there is nothing you can do to conserve energy. Everyone who decides to "go green" can make many small...

Real Estate - Going Green With an Older Home
By John R Roberts

You may reason that because you own an older home that there is nothing you can do to conserve energy. Everyone who decides to "go green" can make many small improvements around the house that will have a positive effect on our environment.

First of all, service your heating and air conditioning systems every year to keep them running efficiently and prevent small damages from turning into major costs down the road. A simple thing like changing an air conditioner filter or a furnace filter can save energy. A clogged filter hinders air flow which means the furnace or air conditioner has to work harder and longer than it should. Installing ceiling fans will push down the warmer air that is trapped near the ceiling in the winter.

In the summer, that same fan will draw the warmer air upwards, creating a breeze which makes you feel cooler. All you have to do is reverse the direction of the blade rotation. Of course, weather permitting, the most cost effective method of cooling or warming your home is to open the windows. A good pair of insulated drapes, closed to the summer sun and opened to the winter sun will allow you to better control the temperature of your house without using much energy.

Taking advantage of a programmable thermostat will give you the freedom to establish a daytime setting and a nighttime setting for your air conditioner or furnace. No more tossing and turning in bed because it is too hot to sleep. Energy efficient light bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulb, but they will quickly pay for themselves by a creating a reduction in energy costs. By doing these things you, too, are helping save our environment.

John is the author of Flat Fee MLS articles for Flat Fee Listing. You can find more information at Flat Fee Listing.

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