Details count in this changing real estate market. Sellers are looking for every advantage
they can get in order to appeal to savvy home buyers, while potential home owners are
looking for the best value and potential for their money. One element that is gaining
steam is eco-friendly or “green” living. Besides the growing societal importance there
are the additional benefits of cost savings on utilities and tax credits (consult your tax
advisor).
There are a number of renovations that sellers or new homeowners can make to help
improve their homes efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. Following is a list of
ten improvements that will get you well on your way to a greener lifestyle:

1.    Add additional insulation to your attic and seal up any potential leaks around
windows. This will reduce the heat transmission into and out-of your home and help to
regulate the air-conditioned temperature.
2. Plant trees. The shade from a tree also helps to regulate and maintain a comfortable
temperature, as well as reducing carbon dioxide in the air.
3.    Freshen up your rooms with low VOC paints. These paints do not off-gas after
installation and help to maintain indoor air health.
4.    Install compact fluorescent light bulbs in light fixtures. These fixtures last many times
longer than traditional bulbs and use much less energy.
5.    Install ENERGY STAR appliances. These appliances have been tested an approved
for improved energy consumption.
6.    Replace old faucetry and fixtures with modern low-flow fixtures. New low-flow
fixtures now do better job maintaining good water pressure.
7.    Install a tankless water heater that requires less energy than traditional models.
8.    Install a new energy efficient HVAC system with a digital thermostat and clean out all
HVAC ducts to eliminate dust and allergens from your air, maintaining good indoor air
quality.
9.    Look for low U value windows when replacing old windows. The U factor measures
the insulating value of a window.
10.    Replace old decking with composite decking made from recycled plastic. It requires
low maintenance and will look great much longer than traditional decking.

You can take your upgrades even farther with an eco-friendly interior design project. A
designer studied in eco-friendly design will help you furnish and decorate your home
using healthy, eco-friendly products.
For more information on eco-friendly design go to www.ambidesignstudio.com where
you can read articles in the press section or ask questions through the contact page.