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  Abigail Herl-Hilliard

Abigail Herl-Hilliard, Sponsorship Chair 

Member Connect News

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Green Homebuying Tips

With energy bills skyrocketing, demand for environmentally friendly "green" homes has grown. Smart homebuyers know that energy-efficient homes cost less to maintain, and they often provide a more comfortable and healthy living space. But before house-hunting, potential buyers should learn what to look for and ask the right questions, says Kara Saul Rinaldi, executive director of the National Home Performance Council (NHPC). "It's hard to be a green homebuyer. While we can see solar panels, the vital energy-efficiency information about a home is often hidden behind walls, in ducts, or behind dusty systems," says Rinaldi. The NHPC suggests buyers ask the following questions when house-hunting:

• What is the R-value of the attic insulation? The higher the R-value, the more insulated the home.
• Is there any insulation within the walls? Many older homes do not have proper insulation.
• Are windows double-paned? Are they low-e coated or Energy Star rated? Poor-quality windows lose up to one-third of a home's heat during the winter months. The Energy Star rating indicates that the windows are highly efficient for your region.
• What is the U-factor of the windows? Look for a U-factor of 0.35 or lower, which reflects the insulation of the entire window, not just the glass.
• Has the home had an energy audit, or received a HERS rating? These resources can reveal the level of energy efficiency of the home and how much it will cost to heat and cool the home.
• What are the utility bills? A spacious home may be perfect for a growing family, but the energy bills might ruin the monthly budget.

Even if you know what to look for in a green home, a qualified CRS REALTOR® can help you find the answers that will help you make a smart energy choice

PLEASE NOTE: The images featured in the Your Home newsletter may only be used within the context of the original article. These images may not be reproduced or republished elsewhere outside of this newsletter format. CRS Members are free to re-use the text of the articles contained in this newsletter, however.

MOLD: PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Mold is a common occurrence in homes, but it can potentially cause health problems as well as damage to structures and surfaces if it is not controlled. Mold begins growing indoors when spores come in contact with wet surfaces or substances. Once established, mold can be very difficult to remove successfully - so prevention is the key.

Mold cannot grow in the absence of moisture. Moisture can take the form of leaks, spills, condensation, and humidity, so controlling sources of moisture is the most important step in mold prevention. Here are some ways homeowners can avoid creating conditions in which mold will thrive:

Be alert for signs of leaks in supply and waste lines for bathrooms, kitchens, utility sinks, and laundry areas. Have any leaks fixed and dry the area thoroughly.

• Check the condition of grout and tile on shower walls, floors, and around bathtubs. Repair damaged grout, and seal it to prevent mold from being absorbed.
• Increase ventilation to the outside by using exhaust fans, and be sure the attic is properly ventilated.
• Regularly empty and clean drain pans and hoses for air conditioning units and dehumidifiers.
• Check for roof leaks that allow water to enter attic spaces or build up under roof shingles. Even a small amount of moisture can cause big problems down the road.
• If possible, lower the overall humidity in the home to decrease condensation and create a less mold-friendly environment.

Places that tend to stay damp, such as showers, may be more difficult to keep entirely free of mold but it can be minimized. Diligent cleaning, opening a window or regularly using a ventilation fan are often enough to keep mold at bay.

Once mold has become established in the home it can be difficult to eradicate. Depending on the location and severity of the mold problem, a homeowner may need to engage a professional certified in mold remediation to remove it. A qualified professional will also take preventive measures to lessen the likelihood of recurrences.

 Article courtesy of Pillar To Post Home Inspection - www.pillartopost.com

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