Going Green

Going Green Will
Save Your Green!

By Emily Holden

Cooling a home during a Louisiana summer scorches the pocket book almost as much as it damages the environment. As a result, Baton Rouge realtors find energy efficiency is becoming a top priority among their buyers.

“Clients definitely are considering energy efficiency,” said Janie Fowler, REMAX certified residential specialist. “More and more buyers are discovering that energy efficient homes are not only less expensive to own and maintain, they are friendlier to the environment.”

Becky Selig, Homekey Real Estate Group agent, said she has seen a noticeable increase in the number of buyers interested in energy efficiency.

“However, it does not prevent a buyer from purchasing a home if they like the look of it or the location,” Selig said. She said most buyers are willing to update older homes to make them “greener.”

Personal Interest
Lindsay Pendleton, Prime Locations Realty agent, said she took a personal interest in energy efficiency when she started looking for a new house for herself.

“I wanted to know the same things and learn the same things – how to get utility bills down,” Pendleton said. She said she has found that most people have not caught on to the environmental friendliness trend, though almost all very concerned about rising utility costs.

Fowler recommends professional inspections before any home sale.

“In newer homes, the builders should have written commitments that the home was built to be energy efficient,” Fowler said.

Professional Inspections
Jeff Sympson, Custom Solutions Real Estate Group agent and property manager, also suggests a professional inspection.

“It’s a few dollars that can save [buyers] a much bigger expense down the line,” Sympson said.

Fowler suggests buyers request recent utility bills to get an idea of typical energy costs.

Pendleton said house design is directly related to efficiency. Foundation walls and slab should be as well insulated as living area walls. Buyers should avoid homes with attached garages because heat can travel into the home through adjoining walls.

Install Drapes
The most efficient window materials are fiberglass, wood and vinyl, Pendleton said. Metal should be avoided because it is a heat conductor. She suggests installing drapes that limit the transfer of sunlight because a house loses about 25 percent of its heat through windows. Drapes will also keep heat out in the summer.

Fowler said buyers should be sure the furnace and air conditioning systems work well and that the attic insulation and hatch are sufficient.

Pendleton said air conditioning units should be placed in shaded areas so they do not overheat. Air conditioning filters should be changed every thirty days, according to Pendleton. She said owners should apply regular maintenance to their units to keep them running efficiently and to avoid expensive breakdowns.

Sympson said some buyers choose to purchase and remodel an older home rather than buy a newer, more efficient home.

“It also depends on their options,” Sympson said. “If they’re in a price range where they have flexibility, of course they’re going to look for homes that are going to save them money down the line.”

New Homes More Efficient
Selig said new homes are more efficient than older homes because of changes to state building codes.

“Builders are driven by consumer demand, which motivates them to provide more energy efficient essentials to save the home buyer money,” Selig said.

Sympson said the best upgrade to consider is installing a higher efficiency air conditioning unit. He suggests replacing aluminum window material with vinyl material. He said vinyl windows are cost effective for home owners who plan to stay in a home for an extended period and are a valuable selling point.

“Things can be done without opening up walls and so forth,” Sympson said. He said plumbing in older homes can be replaced with low flow fixtures to cut back on water use.

Simple Tips
Pendleton said there are some simple tips home owners can follow to save money and be environmentally friendly. She said they should start by using energy efficient appliances. She said any appliance that is older than ten years is probably not efficient.

Pendleton said she often falls asleep while watching TV. She said it is best to use the sleep mode setting. She suggests turning off the computer, rather than leaving it on standby.

Pendleton said the air conditioner should be set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. She said she prefers to use a programmable thermostat when she is out of the house.

“Just a few degrees different in a setting on a thermostat can save you quite a bit,” Sympson said.

Fowler suggests using fluorescent lighting, having ceiling fans in each room, insulating and sealing air ducts and keeping the fireplace damper closed.

“With the costs of gas, oil, etc., rising, builders, home owners and home buyers all share the same interest in creating a more efficient ‘green’ environment,” Selig said. “Current homeowners placing their homes on the market are also proud to advertise the changes they have made to help the buyer save money on their home.”