Helena Talbot’s blog – How To Create A More Environmentally Friendly Home

Everyone is looking for a way to save on their energy bills.  Implementing some environmentally friendly systems in your home will get you well on your way to being "green."  Here are several tips to help get you started.

1.  Have you ever considered a tankless water heater?  A tankless water heater is basically a water heater without a tank.  It heats the water on demand by running the water over hot coils.  This means  you won't have to heat your 50 gallon water heater for 24 hours every day, which will save you huge amounts of money on your utility bill.

2.  Many homeowners are now opting for "green" flooring.  Green flooring comes in many different styles and is made with different types of material.  For example:  bamboo, concrete, cork, etc.  

3.  Why not have some solar panels installed on your roof?  Doing this could pay you back in spades.  Many utility companies will offer a rebate when you have them installed.  In addition, if you have electricity left over, your power company may even give you a credit on your bill for the electricity you sent back to them.

4.   Installing a "cool roof" is another great "green" option.  They're usually white or have a light color to them and they reflect infrared rays.  Therefore, in that way, a cool roof can lower your utility bill, because your air conditioner will not have to run as much.  This may not be an option for everyone, especially if you live in an area that stays cold most of the time.   In that case you may want to stick with a darker colored roof that will absorb the heat from the sun.  

5.  Perform an energy audit.  Look for any air leaks and seal them.  Check your attic's insulation and vapor barrier.  Then inspect your HVAC system.  Also, replacing any old appliances with new Energy Star rated appliances can also help reduce your utility bill.  Here's a resource you can use for performing your energy audit:   http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audits.

6.  Most traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds, also known as VOC's.  When choosing a paint, look for paints that state that they're "low VOC."  You spend a lot of time in your home and exposing you and your family to VOC's for a long periods of time could create a multitude of health problems.  

If you're interested in buying  a home that's environmentally friendly, talk to your realtor to request a list of available homes in your area which meet that criteria.  Your realtor would be happy to help you will all your real estate needs. 

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.