Steamboat Real Estate Home Search and Blog

Being Earth-friendly is becoming more important to buyers, especially here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Here are some ways you can be “green” when you are choosing a home to buy:

• Buy a home located close to public transportation and walk, ride your bike, or take the bus.
• Look for one that has energy efficient windows
• Tint your windows with a virtually-indetectible film to keep the sun out in the summer and the heat inside in the winter.
• Use low-VOC paint. Regular paint can release toxic emissions years after it goes on your wall increasing indoor air pollution. Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints are healthier to your home and the environment.
• Use solar panels to capture the Colorado sunshine.
• Buy a water- and energy-efficient washer and dryer to replace your water-hogging top loader.
• Capture rain water to use for watering plants.

According to a cost-benefit study by Capital E, an energy-efficiency consultant based in Washington, a new home with “green” features typically costs 2% more than a conventional home.

A growing segment of the population chooses to drive hybrids and eat locally grown foods as a way of preserving Earth’s resources. Adding “green” features to your home is another way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.