2011 New Year’s Resolutions for Southern New Hampshire Home Owners

Most people make New Year’s resolutions to improve themselves.  This year, consider making a few New Year’s Resolutions to improve your Southern New Hampshire home.  Here are 6 ideas to choose from:

   1. Renovate.  Choose one project you really want to do, and get it done this year.  Add on a deck, make minor kitchen renovations or install a new bathroom floor.

   2. Practice home safety.  Practice fire safety by ensuring your smoke alarms work and holding fire drills. Prevent poisoning by keeping cleaners, medications and beauty products in a place where children can’t reach them and using child safety locks.  Avoid falls by having bright lights over stairs and steps and on landings. Also, keep stairs clear of clutter.

   3. Test for radon.  Radon is a significant contaminant that affects indoor air quality worldwide. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Even if you live in an area that typically doesn’t have radon problems, the US EPA recommends testing your home for radon because testing is the only way to know your Southern New Hampshire home's radon levels.

   4. Do one thing to go green.  Change to Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL), install a low-flow shower head, use green cleaning products or start recycling.

   5. Check water quality. Drinking water quality varies from location to location in New Hampshire, depending on the condition of the source water from which it is drawn and the treatment it receives. Every community water supplier must provide an annual report to its customers. Read your report to find out what your water contains. 

Private wells and homes drawing water from other sources such as lakes and rivers are not regulated. If your drinking water does not come from a public water system, you alone are responsible for assuring that it is safe. Routine water testing is essential.

   6. Reduce your utility bills.  Review your electric and gas expenses for the previous 12 months and make a plan to reduce them. There are many ways to save on energy bills:  increase your insulation, weather strip windows and doors, purchase energy efficient appliances, install energy efficient windows and adjust home temperatures.

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How to Go Green in Your Southern New Hampshire Home this Holiday Season

Start a new holiday tradition:  Give the environment a holiday gift this year by going green.  Here are six green traditions you can begin at your Southern New Hampshire home:

1.    Use LED lighting.  Save energy and protect the environment by using LED lights.  LED lighting is 90 to 95% more efficient than non-LED lights. 

2.    Decorate organically.  Use seasonal fruits as decoration, which you can eat afterwards, or are at least biodegradable. Pomegranates and oranges are good choices. Use organic holiday decorations such as grapevine wreaths, eucalyptus, fresh pine and pine cones.

3.    Give environmental gifts.  Help others go green by giving environmentally focused gifts.   People who brown bag lunch would enjoy a reusable lunch bag, homeowners could use energy-saving compact fluorescent lights or a compost bin, commuters might like a reusable travel coffee mug, and both women and men might appreciate a reusable razor.  For a truly green gift, consider donating to a charitable organization in that person's name. (Make sure it's one you know they would like supporting!)

4.    Wrap with cloth.  Fabric makes a beautiful presentation when used to wrap a gift.  The average bolt of cotton fabric is 42” to 45” wide, and many seasonal fabrics are very reasonably priced.  These decorative wraps can be used year after year.

5.    Recycle electronics.  Donate or recycle your old electronic components and dispose of batteries responsibly. 

6.    Buy a living tree.  Buy a living tree that will grow in your area and can be kept in a pot outdoors until your ground thaws.  Then plant the tree in your yard.  It’s a gift that keeps on giving! 

If implementing all six green traditions in your Southern New Hampshire home feels overwhelming, start with just one this year and add a new one each year.

I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Holiday!

3 Tips for Buying an Eco-friendly Home for Sale in Southern New Hampshire

Buyers are becoming more concerned about their personal environment, from eco-friendly carpeting to energy efficient appliances. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly home for sale in Southern NH, but aren’t sure how to find it, here are a few tips on what to look for:

   1. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) – Although the number is growing, only a few builders are employing eco-friendly practices during construction. However, those that do can qualify for the EPA Indoor airPlus designation. These homes are designed for better IAQ, which means a healthier home for you. Rest assured, if a builder meets this designation they’ll tell you about it. However, just in case – ask!

   2. Energy Efficient – If it qualifies for the EPA Indoor airPlus designation, the Southern New Hampshire new construction will also be energy efficient. However, if you’re not looking at a newly built home, look for those homes that are Energy Star efficient. According to the Energy Star website, “These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.”

   3. Eco-friendly – Energy Star and EPA qualifications aside, you can also find homes in which the seller has made eco-friendly changes that will help you even though they may not meet the guidelines for qualifications. For instance, solar paneling, wind turbines and geothermal heating aren’t covered by the EPA or Energy Star qualifications by themselves, but they’re eco-friendly and can lower your utilities.

An eco-friendly home for sale in Southern New Hampshire may be hard to find, but the numbers are growing. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly home, I can help. Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Cool Your Southern New Hampshire Home for Less This Summer

We’re all trying to live greener lives, but nothing zaps your energy or your will to live greener in your Southern New Hampshire home like summer heat.

The summer heat can also assault your wallet.  In fact, you can easily watch your utility bill double during the summer months.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to cool your Southern New Hampshire home for less money and less impact on the environment this summer. Here’s how:

1.    Prep your home. Turn off heat-generating lights and appliances.  Don't use your oven. In the afternoon, close your windows and outside doors and keep window coverings drawn. At other times, use fans to create a cross breeze.

2.    Raise your thermostat. When you’re not home, raise the thermostat to 80 degrees. Lower it two or three degrees when you are home and use ceiling fans to keep rooms cool. Moving your thermostat from 75 to 80 will lower your consumption by 15%. Your Southern New Hampshire home will still feel comfortable, and you will notice significant savings on your next utility bill.

3.    Take a look at your windows. You’d be surprised to find out how much heat enters your home from old, single pane windows. Newer energy efficient windows with double panes block more heat and keep more cool air inside. If you can’t afford new windows now, at least cover the ones you have with heavy curtains or shades to keep out heat.

4.    Check for leaks. Leaky duct work and poorly sealed doors can let as much cool air out of your home as an open window. Walk around your home checking under your doors and around your windows to feel for escaping air. Hire a professional to check your air conditioning system for you. Take the time to have duct leaks repaired and seal air leaks.

5.    Dress appropriately. There’s no reason to keep your home so cold that you have to wear extra layers of clothing when you’re inside. Wear light, loose fitting clothing. You’ll be more comfortable in slightly warmer temperatures. Keep light throw blankets handy for anyone who easily gets cold under a ceiling fan.

Implementing even one or two of these tips in your home can save you money and help the environment.

Want to buy an energy efficient home?  I can help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com to learn more.

3 Reasons to Have Your Southern New Hampshire Home Built With Sustainable Design

Some potential homeowners just don’t want a pre-lived in Southern New Hampshire home. They’d rather have their house built to their own specifications. They want a home that fits their needs exactly. If this is you, don’t worry; we understand. However, if you want to build a new home, take a good look at the future before you decide on a design.

The Future of Design
Thinking of the future might bring ideas of fantastic scientific miracles like smart houses that vacuum themselves. While building your Southern New Hampshire home, also consider using sustainable design. Here are just a few reasons why sustainable design is a great idea:

1.    Government mandates and incentives – Under the current administration, sustainable design is a big thing. In fact, many cities are passing mandates and offering incentives that encourage green building. In places such as Austin, Houston, Seattle and Portland, sustainable design is no longer a trend; it’s standard practice. Before having your home built, check into the homeowners’ incentives for green building.

2.    Cost of sustainable design – While sustainable design may be a little more costly than standard home building, don’t just assume that it is. Check with green building contractors as well as standard contractors and compare pricing. Keep in mind that the cost of the design is usually paid back with greatly reduced utility bills. Also, remember that it may be easier and cheaper to build a sustainable home rather than remodel one to be green later.

3.    Resale value – Although you may not ever want to move from your home once it’s built, you never know what will happen in the future. A sustainable design can up the resale value of the home by as much as 15%.

Between the government incentives, the cost savings and the resale value, your Southern New Hampshire home with a sustainable design may end up being the best investment you ever made!

If you’re looking for a green home or a contractor to build one, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Buying or Selling Green Southern New Hampshire Real Estate

“Going green” can mean something as simple as using recyclable paper bags from the grocery store to something as complex as buying green Southern New Hampshire real estate.  A greener world is a dream for many people. Even without promotions pushing consumers towards healthier choices and better living, a shift in consumer minds has begun.

What does this have to do with Southern New Hampshire real estate? Simply this:  If you’re a buyer trying to find a green or energy-efficient home, you may be surprised to learn that you could run into some difficulty.  And, if you’re selling your green home, you may not get the results you expect.

The Problem with Green
Energy-efficient and green homes are still a fairly new market. In fact, it’s still considered a niche market. This not only affects prices; it also affects appraisals.

Green Sellers
If you own a green home and are now trying to sell it, you and the appraiser may have a fight on your hands. For example, new regulations passed down over the past year say that loan originators can’t ask for appraisers experienced in green building evaluation. What this means is that you may very well get an appraiser who knows nothing about the value of green homes or green home improvements.

As well, some appraisers base their evaluations on foreclosed homes in the area.  Depending on how hard hit the area has been by defaults, this could severely affect your appraisal.

Even if the appraiser understands green building and wants to give a fair home appraisal, they may not be able to assign full value for the green enhancements, because the market won’t support it. In other words, you may not get back what you put into the home when you sell it.

Green Buyers
Somehow, buying a green home has become as difficult as selling one. Sometimes, the issues don’t make sense in light of the difficulties sellers may have. For instance, the seller may have to take a cut in price when they sell. However, strangely enough, the buyer may end up having to pay more for a green home.

Often (and, again, because many don’t appreciate the value of a green home) the appraisal will come in for less than the home is actually worth. This means that the bank, which has agreed to pay a certain percent for financing, will only cover the percentage based on the appraisal. This leaves the buyer having to make a larger down payment than they might otherwise.

If you’re looking for green Southern New Hampshire real estate or trying to sell your green home, have your real estate agent negotiate for you before throwing up your hands. Remember that buyers and sellers both have issues with green homes. Be willing to discuss and negotiate so everyone walks away happy.

If you’re trying to find an environmentally friendly home or have one you’d like to sell, I can help you avoid these problems. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.

Live Green and Save Cash on Large Appliances & Systems for Your Southern New Hampshire Home

If you’re in need of a large appliance or major system for your Southern New Hampshire home, you may want to buy now to save cash.  The U.S. government is giving you good reasons to buy energy-efficient products through its Energy Star designation.  Thirty-six states have launched programs to distribute almost $300 million in rebates to consumers who buy energy-efficient appliances/systems.

The federally-funded programs are similar to the hotly debated cash-for-clunkers auto rebate program of 2009. Rebates differ by state and product but typically run between $50 to $500.

To qualify for rebates, consumers must buy Energy Star appliances or systems, which meet or beat energy standards.  These standards are set by the federal government and are up to 30 percent more efficient than non-Energy Star products.

Should you buy new appliance or system for your Southern New Hampshire home now?  Say yes if:

• You need a new appliance/system anyway.
• You’re tired of throwing away money every time you operate inefficient appliances or systems.
• You want a good deal on a new appliance/system.
• You want to help the environment by going green and saving energy.

The New Hampshire program, which begins April 19th for everything except solar water heaters, covers the following items:

• Gas storage water heaters
• Gas tankless water heaters
• Solar water heaters
• Gas furnaces
• Oil furnaces
• Gas boilers
• Oil boilers
• Indoor boiler reset controls (with the replacement of an existing boiler)

For the specific rules and amount you’ll save, go to Energy Savers.

Want to save even more?  You may also be eligible for rebates offered by manufacturers, local utilities and retailers.  Home Depot, Lowe’s and Sears are all planning special promotions in certain states to coincide with the federal rebate program.

Research the stores’ promotions before you buy.  To find a list of retailers of Energy Star qualified products in your area and the categories of products they carry, use the Energy Star Store Locator.

Since rebates for Energy Star qualified (or higher) appliances & systems are generally being given on a first-come, first-served basis, and because funding is limited, you might want to act fast before the available cash is gone.

If you’d like to buy a new Southern New Hampshire home that already has Energy Star qualified appliances and systems, I can help.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Benefits of a Green Southern New Hampshire Home

If you’re thinking of building a new Southern New Hampshire home, you should consider incorporating some green building practices or materials into your plans. Green building designs can include anything from using recycled materials to installing a rainwater collection system outside your home.

Here are just a few reasons why a green home is better for your health, your bank account and the environment:

·     Better health. Surprisingly, indoor air pollution from toxic materials and cleaning products is usually far worse than outdoor air pollution. This aggravates conditions like asthma and allergies. Green homes tend to have better ventilation and fewer problems with mold and mildew. A simple switch to toxin-free building materials and cleaning products makes everyone breathe easier inside your Southern New Hampshire home.

·     Lower cost. It’s true that building a green home will cost more upfront. However, the difference is probably not as great as you think. Green building materials are more available and less expensive than they used to be because more people are using them. You have to look at more than just the cost of the home, though. A green home will consume up to 40% less energy and up to 50% less water than a standard home. This means you will save money on your utility bill each month.

·     More environmentally friendly. Green homes use less energy which helps us reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy sources.  Plumbing, environmentally-friendly bathroom fixtures and water-conserving irrigation systems lower water consumption and help protect our water resources. Most green building materials are made with recycled products and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills.

You can build a green Southern New Hampshire home that’s ideal for your family. To help you get the best price and terms for your new home, call me before you visit the new home building sites.   Even better, call me today to find out how I can help you save money when building a new home.  You can reach me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

What Does It Mean To Go Green in Your Southern New Hampshire Home Construction?

Working to have a safe Southern New Hampshire home environment is important to everyone.  We want our children to have safe water, clean air, fresh food and a healthy earth for their future.

One area where you might consider decreasing your impact on the environment is in your own home construction.  There are several ways you can have a safe and clean green home construction.

·    Find a “green” builder to help with your Southern New Hampshire home.  Search the Internet for professional green builders.  It takes a special contractor to coordinate the elements of home building to ensure maximum energy savings.  Buying green materials is just one step toward having a green home.  To achieve ultimate efficiency, the different structural parts of plumbing, electricity, gas lines, and framework need to be coordinated.

·    Buy green materials from different vendors.  Shop around to ensure you are getting the best deal.  One vendor may sell stone at an exceptional price, but his timber may be overpriced.  Natural supplies can be in short availability in some areas.  Natural builders and vendors are working together to build a greener home construction industry, but it is still a business.  It is your responsibility as the homeowner to make sure that you are getting the best deal.

·    Continue the "green" theme with your home decorations and furnishings.  The construction of your green home saves resources and energy.  You can reduce your impact on the environment even further by using energy saving appliances, eco-friendly interior paint, and sustainable wood flooring in your home.
Building your Southern New Hampshire home using green construction is a great start to a cleaner, brighter future. 

I can help you learn more about green home construction options.  Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.  

10 Ideas to Save Money and Make Your Southern New Hampshire Home Greener

Saving money and going green are both hot topics right now.  So, I'm sure you've already heard the tips to turn off water while brushing your teeth, turn off TVs and computers and swap out old light bulbs for the new energy-saving versions. 


Here are 10 new ideas to help you save money and make your Southern New Hampshire home greener.

1.     Swap stuff.  There are hundreds of online sites where you can get furniture, books, CDs, DVDs and even a place to stay for free by swapping stuff with other people.  And, I'm not just talking about Craigslist.  Two of the most popular and easy to use swap sites are Paperbackswap.com and SwapaDVD.com.
  
2.    Recycle your cell phone.  According to the EPA, if the 100 million cell phones no longer being used by Americans were recycled, enough energy would be saved to power more than 18,500 homes for a year.  Give your cell phone back to its manufacturer or donate your cell phone to charity.
  
3.     Recycle other electronics.  Keep old TVs out of landfills by taking them to a safe e-cycling facility.  Return iPods to Apple for recycling or sell them for parts.  Take e-waste to stores like Best Buy and Staples that have recycling programs.  You'll save money by not having to pay to dispose of the electronics.
  
4.     Wait until May to buy a new TV.  New government standards take effect May 1, 2010. Energy Star-labeled televisions will be at least 40% more efficient than comparable models -- a significant savings.
  
5.     Eat foods that are in season.  It's healthier, less expensive and better for the environment.  Oh, and one more big plus:  the food tastes so much better!
  
6.     Install a water filter. Bottled water isn't any healthier than tap water, and all that plastic waste is terrible for the environment. It's also expensive!  If you use a water filter in your Southern New Hampshire home, you can get great-tasting, clean water while reducing your waste and saving money.
  
7.     Turn down your water heater. You won’t notice the temperature change, but your water heater won’t work as hard and won’t use as much energy. 
  
8.     Plant a vegetable garden.  If you don’t have the space to plant a garden, plant a tree or put some plants outside. Find vegetables and plants that grow well in your area for the best results.  Ask your local garden center for that information.
  
9.     Use green cleaners. There’s no reason to use harsh chemicals to clean your home. Use biodegradable cleaners that are safe for the environment or make your own green cleaners.  Use old towels and T-shirts instead of disposable wipes and paper towels to cut down on waste and save money.

10.     Check your insulation. Adding insulation to your home will cost money initially, but if you have minimal insulation now, you'll quickly recoup the install cost plus more by saving long term on your heating and cooling bills. Skeptical? Start out by insulating your attic and keeping track of your energy savings.  It averages out to about $116 a year in savings.

Want more tips to save money and make your Southern New Hampshire home greener?  Subscribe to my blog now.  It's free and easy.

Green Building Still Running High for Southern New Hampshire Homes

At the beginning of 2008, it was predicted that green national and Southern New Hampshire homes would not only become a steady trend, but would also become the nationwide norm. As the home building industry struggled with economic upheaval, the building of green homes was one sector that kept growing.

Energy Star Designations
As of December, 2009, over 1 million homes have received the EPA's Energy Star designation since the program’s inception in 1995. Despite the many foreclosures, the glutted housing market and drowning homeowners, 75,000 more homes gained the Energy Star designation in 2009, raising the numbers to 1,024,200.

In 2007, 12% of single-family homes in the U.S. were Energy Star homes. In 2008, the numbers had reached 17%. Although the reports have yet to come in for 2009, there’s no doubt the numbers are increasing.

Two Other Green Home Certifications
Energy Star isn’t the only one with a green program; the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) also has a green home certification program. The number of participating homes is small (3,050 by the end of ’09), but noteworthy.

The National Association of Home Builders Research Center (NAHB) provides the National Green Building Certification, with over 500 participants.

The need for green national and Southern New Hampshire homes is, admittedly, consumer driven. Homebuyers want energy efficient homes - whether those homes are newly constructed or remodeled – and are willing to pay for them. Yes, the cost is higher, but most expect to make back the money spent on the house through future energy savings.

As we move forward in 2010, keep green in mind because energy efficient Southern New Hampshire homes are in high demand. If you’re trying to sell your home and can’t get it off the market, consider renovation towards a greener world.

If you’re trying to sell your home or find a green home to buy, I can help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com.

Cost for New Construction Homes in Southern New Hampshire May Rise

Not too long ago the “Greening of America” was just an idea.  Now, it’s a government mandate.  The latest requirements for new construction may just cause the cost of new homes for sale in Southern New Hampshire and around the nation to rise.

In December, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new stormwater management requirements for new construction.  These new requirements have the National Home Builder’s Association (NAHB) up in arms. In a news release posted on the NAHB website, the Chairman said the new housing regulations are unrealistic, "a standard that no builder, anywhere, can consistently expect to achieve – and EPA’s own studies show it’s not the answer to reducing pollutants in our nation’s waters...".

It all comes down to stormwater. When it rains, water hits the ground and seeps into it. In most cases, that water is absorbed and filtered by the ground, and then replenishes the world’s water supply. Not so in developed areas, where pavement and roofing, among other man-made surfaces, prevent the water from being absorbed.

The remaining water becomes runoff, which, according to the EPA, damages the infrastructure of surrounding development, causes downstream flooding and bank erosion. In addition, the water carries pollutants, which are carried into streams and water supplies. The new regulations have set stricter limits on pollutants in stormwater from construction sites, as well as requiring that the stormwater has little to no soil or sediment in it.

While less pollution is a fantastic idea, NAHB says something is missing – such as understanding soil differences. Certain types of soil absorb water better, reducing the amount of run off, while other types of soil produce a naturally high amount of sediment. The cost for homebuilders to meet these regulations can be expensive – an expense that will be passed on to those looking for newly built homes for sale in Southern New Hampshire.

The EPA has done some wonderful things for environmental protection, such as the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), that already affect construction costs. However, for new homes being constructed in Southern New Hampshire, this new stormwater requirement may end up not only being impossible to keep but impossible to pay for.

If you’re looking for greener new home construction (either in a new development or on a pre-existing lot), I can help.  Browse properties on my mls search or contact me at 603-821-1134 or dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

How to Make the Kitchen in Your Southern New Hampshire Home More Energy Efficient

The kitchen in your Southern New Hampshire home offers multiple ways to improve energy efficiency.  It can be challenging to have versatility, style, comfort and design while still being energy efficient.  The good news is that small changes can be easy to make, without breaking your redecorating budget.

·    Use the appropriate cooking utensils in your kitchen.  Most electric stoves are equipped with two small burners and two large ones.  Make sure that you are using your small pans on the small burners, and large pans on the larger burners.  Using a small pan on a large burner wastes energy, adds heat to kitchen, and may cause the handles to warp on the pans if they become too hot.  Place lids on your pots and pans when they are on the stove, this will conserve the heat and decrease the workload on your cooling system.
·    Repair dripping sink faucets in the kitchen.  You can repair or replace the faucet in your Southern New Hampshire home inexpensively.  A few drips on a constant basis adds up to gallons of wasted water.  Fixing a leaky faucet can substantially decrease the amount of water you use.
·    Run the dishwasher only when it’s full.  There are several ways to save energy with the dishwasher.  Make sure that the appliance itself is energy efficient.  Next, scrape the dishes before you load them.  This may allow you to set the wash cycle to a light or normal wash, instead of a heavy wash cycle.  Set the drying cycle to air dry.  Air-dry cycles decrease the amount of heat the appliance creates.  These tips will save a lot of water and energy.

It's easier than you may think to update the kitchen in your Southern New Hampshire home using green appliances and energy-saving methods.  Depending on what you buy, you may also qualify for a federal tax credit for energy efficiency.

Want to buy an energy-efficient home?  Contact me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

Keep Your Southern New Hampshire Home Clean the Green Way

Lots of people think about ways to save the environment in a physical manner such as changing light bulbs from incandescent to florescent and recycling, but many drop the ball when it comes to cleaning their Southern New Hampshire home. Keeping your home clean in a way that is healthy to you, your family, and the environment just takes a little extra thought and soon becomes second nature.

Danger, Danger

Get rid of any products under your sink, in your bathroom, or your cleaning closet that have danger cautions.  If they are bad for you, they are probably bad for the environment too, and why have such hazardous materials in your Southern New Hampshire home?

Labels that have cautions such as poison, hazard, and danger on them are not only bad to have around small children, the toxins leak into the air when you use them causing health problems for your family. They also leech into the environment when you use them and are hazardous for the environment.

Re-usable and Natural

Buy mop heads and sponges made from natural materials that are bio-degradable and replenishable. Check for recycled materials labels on paper towels, toilet paper, and other disposable objects so that you know those products are making the best use of production materials.

Conserve

Use as little water as possible when doing dishes by turning off the faucet while you are washing and only using running water when you are ready to rinse. Don't just think about conservation when cleaning your home. Turn off the faucet while you are brushing your teeth as well for extra savings. Remove your shoes or put a rug by the entry doors of your home to help cut down the need to wash floors.

Bring in the Green

Bring nature into your Southern New Hampshire home in the form of hanging and potted plants. In addition to converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, plants can remove other harmful chemicals from the air, providing you with cleaner, healthier air.

Want to buy a clean, green home?  Let me help.  Contact me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

How Do I Update My Southern New Hampshire Home to Make It Greener?

There are many different ways to update your Southern New Hampshire home to make it more eco-friendly.

 •    In your Southern NH home, install ceiling fans and thermal windows.  Ceiling fans are low energy, cost effective ways of cooling your home without using the air conditioning.  Thermal windows offer insulation from outside heat and cold. 
•    Use foam caulking around any cable lines or cords leading to an exterior wall.  This will provide insulation against temperature changes.
•    In the winter (or in climates that are cool year round), use the natural sunlight during the day.  Opening the drapes and allowing the sun to come in decreases the amount of energy needed to light and heat your home.  Closing the drapes at night adds another layer of insulation against temperature changes.
•    Installing motion sensors on your light fixtures may help to decrease energy usage as well.  The lights will shut off automatically when not in use. 
•    Use a power strip that has an on/off switch.  These power strips can be used for video games, stereos, DVD players, and other items that are not in use on a constant basis.  Turning off the switch when they are not in use saves energy. 

If you'd like to buy an eco-friendly home, I can help.  Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.