go green – Cooper Realty Associates

Go Green To Save Green

Aside from your mortgage, utility costs generally account for the largest portion of the monthly bills you pay thanks to your home. However, there are several things you can do to lessen the blow a bit. The first is to take advantage of energy-efficient light bulbs. Yes, they cost a bit more up front, but you can save a significant amount of money over the course of a year by replacing just one incandescent bulb, so imagine how much you can save if you swap out all of your bulbs! Additionally, if any of your faucets, pipes, or toilets are leaking, fix it and save yourself a bundle. Often times these types of leaks are an easy fix such as swapping out a washer, replacing a flapper, or tightening a valve. Sometimes they require more extensive work, but even then it is best to do the work, even if you have to call in a professional for help. Changing out your shower heads for low-flow counterparts can help save water too. Changing and/or cleaning your furnace filters will also save energy in your home. Lastly, don’t forget to be sure all of your doors and windows are well-sealed and your home is well-insulated.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Energy Efficient Projects For Your Home

Going green is trendy and good for the environment, but it can also be overwhelming. There are many projects you can do to make your home more environmentally friendly, starting with your insulation. Installing energy-efficient insulation will help maintain a uniform and comfortable temperature in your home, lowering your utility bills. Installing a high-efficiency water means using 10-50% less energy than a standard water heater. If your appliances need replacing, choosing Energy Star rated versions will conserve both water and electricity. Replacing windows and doors with energy efficient versions will prevent air leaks and improve insulation, saving energy and lowering your bills. Adding solar panels to your home is, perhaps, the greenest choice in the long run, but with the most up-front cost. All of these improvements mean more green in your wallet and in the environment.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

5 Homemade Cleaning Solutions to Try

Wanting to go green with your cleaning products? Try these well rated solutions:

1. All Purpose Cleaner. With gloves on, mix 1 tsp. washing soda, 2 tsp. borax, 2 Tbsp. white vinegar, 2 ½ cups hot water, 5 drops lavender essential oil & 7 drops of lemon essential oil in a 32-oz spray bottle. Shake well, add ¼ cup liquid castile soap & shake again. Once mixed, use as you would any multi-purpose pray.

2. Glass Cleaner. With gloves on, mix 3 cups water, 2 Tbsp. rubbing alcohol, and ¼ cup white vinegar into a 32-oz spray bottle and shake well. Add ½ Tbsp. liquid castile soap and shake again. Spray onto windows and wipe clean with newspaper.

3. Furniture Polish. With gloves on, mix 2 Tbsp. olive oil, ¼ cup white vinegar, and ¼ tsp lemon oil or fresh lemon juice in an 8-oz squirt bottle and shake well. Make sure it is very well mixed. Squirt polish onto a microfiber cloth and polish wood furniture with the grain. Remove excess polish with a clean microfiber cloth.

4. Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Pour ½ cup baking soda into the toilet bowl. Follow with 10 drops of tea-tree essential oil. Follow oil with ½ cup white vinegar. Let sit and bubble for 10 minutes then scrub with a toilet brush and flush.

5. Laundry Soap. With gloves on, mix ½ cup washing soda, ½ cup borax, and 1 bar of lavender castile soap (grated), ¼ cup baking soda, and 15 drops of lemon essential oil in a tightly lidded 24-oz plastic container. Cover, shake well, and use 3 Tbsp detergent per load. This detergent is HE friendly, but don’t use too much.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Green Your Home Without Spending Too Much Green

Green home improvements continue to be a trendy topic when talking about real estate. Since yesterday was Earth Day I thought I’d highlight a few easy ways you can go green on the cheap….

Green home improvements continue to be a trendy topic when talking about real estate. Since yesterday was Earth Day I thought I’d highlight a few easy ways you can go green on the cheap.

Cleaning Products
With a little white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, liquid soap, tea tree oil, glycerin, and empty bottles you can make your own green, non-toxic cleaning products. These products are better for your home, the environment, and your wallet!

Insulation
Improving the insulation in your home means less drafts, which in turn means less money spent to heat or cool your home. There are simple, inexpensive ways to add insulation to your home too, such as plugging your outlets with outlet protectors, using rope caulk around the perimeter of windows, and using foam insulating pads to plug air leaks elsewhere.

Dust Your Light Bulbs
Clean bulbs emit more light than dirty ones, plus dirty bulbs burn up faster and need to be replaced more often.

Be Aware Of Your Energy Output
If you are going to do laundry, make sure you’ve got a full load. If you are planning to turn on the oven, do your baking for whole week at the same time. Don’t run the dishwasher half empty. Use your appliances wisely, and if it doesn’t need to stay plugged in (like a fridge or freezer), unplug it when it’s not in use. To make it easier, plug electronics like a tv, dvd player, gaming system, etc. into one power strip and turn the power strip on and off as needed.

Of course, if you really want to go green you can always upgrade to eco-friendly appliances or add solar panels to your home, but these are not exactly easy on the wallet!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!