| It helps if you can find a "green" realtor, someone | | | | learned to depend on solar and propane which is |
| who thinks like you and knows which listed houses | | | | much cleaner than coal-fueled electric plants. |
| in the area you are looking have "green appeal." | | | | Some really serious tree-huggers have installed |
| Green Energy is Possible | | | | the own bio-powered generators at their homes. |
| When you look at homes, how much energy it | | | | These you would probably have to install yourself. |
| takes to live there comfortably is an important | | | | Make Sure that Green Landscaping is in Place |
| factor. Square footage plays a big part in energy | | | | This varies so much from one climate to another. |
| efficiency; the bigger the house the more energy | | | | Generally speaking though, large trees near the |
| it will take to heat and cool it. Next look at the | | | | home are great for providing shade in the |
| windows, are they double-paned. Windows can be | | | | summer. In the colder climates as they lose their |
| a huge source of energy loss. Look for energy | | | | leaves more light gets through to give more light |
| star appliances. If there is more warm weather | | | | and warmth. In the dryer parts of the country, |
| than cool weather the air ducts should be high. | | | | look for homes that feature natural landscaping |
| Likewise, in a cool climate the ductwork should be | | | | which use little water to maintain. Look for low |
| low. Also, you should not be able to feel any | | | | water trees to increase the amount of shade. |
| drafts around doors. Of course, insulation is | | | | Although, older homes tend to have citrus, these |
| extremely important, if the owner can document | | | | trees take a lot of water to keep healthy. |
| the insulation installed that will help. If insulation is | | | | Look at the Outdoor Space |
| the only thing lacking, you can have it installed to | | | | Perhaps you are hoping to have your own organic |
| up the energy efficiency. | | | | garden. Make sure there is enough sunny area for |
| Look for Alternative Energy Sources | | | | your garden and compost pile. Check if there is an |
| More and more homes feature alternative energy | | | | HOA that regulates what you have in your back |
| as the primary or supplemental source. In the | | | | yard. Some HOAs in Arizona will not let you hand |
| Sunbelt states, some homes are using solar to | | | | up your clothes in the back yard (a huge energy |
| power everything from water heaters and pool | | | | savings.) |
| heaters to whole house energy sources. Some | | | | I am sure that you can add to this list. Often |
| home owners are even able to sell energy back | | | | buying an older home and renovating and recycling |
| to the electric company. Those living off grid have | | | | can be the greenest option. |