I have just started my Eco-Broker designation . . . in part a result of my recent acknowledgement that it's time this girl get back to more mindful day to day living! I have to admit that in the hurley-burley fast flying real estate market of recent years I got a bit away from myself.
With our nation's oil and gas worries, and my recognition of local environmental changes, I've decided that working toward the Eco-Broker designation would be time well spent. And I have to tell you, I've learned some interesting things in just two days! So I'm here to share:
First of all, did you know that nearly half of an average home's total energy bill goes toward space heating or cooling?
And, do you believe that by setting your furnace or air conditioner back while you are away it will just make them work harder to catch up when you return home and dial the thermostat back up? Evidently that is a very common misconception (One that I have to admit I bought into!). Years of research has proved this idea wrong. The facts are these:
- By dialing back the thermostat (or up for A/C) 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours you can save 5 to 15% a year on your heating or cooling bill.
- Your savings are roughly 1% for each degree if the setback is 8 hours or longer.
- The percentage of savings from the setback is greater in milder climates.
- A programmable thermostat can pay for itself in energy saved within 4 years.
This born again eco-girl has just scratched the surface of important information that we can use ourselves and share with our clients. I promise to let you know what Ah-Ha moments I have as I continue my Eco-Broker designation journey!
NOW if we can get more ECO Builders. As agents know what would make a home Eco Friendly and having an Eco Friendly house available is another thing
Also, if your house is well sealed against thermal leaks, you reduce the turnover of fresh air and render the interior far more polluted than outside. If your house is tightly built or the renovation sealed the leaks, you need to open your windows occasionally to freshen the interior air and reduce the level of pollutants. That way, you get the best of both worlds, the eco-friendly and the fresh air friendly.
Also, personally speaking, I find the compact florescent bulbs not as bright as the incandescent bulbs and aren't as good for reading the fine print on those counteroffers.
Heath - I understand where you are coming from regarding the Eco-Broker designation. Currently I have only three designations, a master's degree, a Broker's license and my Certified Residential Specialist designation. However, we all have to keep up with what's happening in the world and our markets and I respect anyone who chooses to learn.
Eric - You're so right! Right now our Parade of Homes is going on and the Dream Home this year is a Green Home, so perhaps more builders are paying attention . . . even in this tough market.
Richard - Very good point about the air turnover. When we lived in Europe we complained about the house not being well sealed and the architect/owner gave us a very detailed explanation of European building methods and beliefs about air exchange. Seems they feel the air exchange is much more important than the energy savings. We have gone with florescent bulbs throughout my home and I did have some trouble getting used to them at first. Now I don't notice the difference.
We offer a home energy audit to our customers that is paid for by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas and will really save money on wasted energy costs. They do the whole duct sealing thing and I had it done on my home with amazing results. Check to see if your state offers something similar!
Robin: I have been interested in the Eco-Broker thing for a while as well. Austin is a very green-conscious market as well so I may take the plunge here shortly. Let me know how it works out for you!
Thanks! Steve