IS IT EASY BEING GREEN? 7 Simple Tips for Condo Owners to Help the Environment

What can a run-of-the-mill condo owner do to help the environment if he or she purchases from a developer or a prior owner? Clearly, mounting a windmill on the balcony or paneling the deck with solar cells isn’t the answer for urban living, as your homeowner’s association would most likely frown upon such solutions. However, there are several easy things that you can do that will minimize your ecological footprint and help the environment.

• Replace as many existing bulbs as possible with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Just replacing one 100-watt incandescent bulb, will save $30 in energy costs, as they last approximately ten times longer and use less energy.
• Select Energy Star appliances. According to the Energy Star website, the average home spends approximately $1900 every year on energy costs due to appliance usage alone. If you have an appliance allowance from the builder or seller, research the costs of your Energy Star appliances of choice.
• Turn down your thermostat and get a programmable one. You can set a programmable thermostat lower than might otherwise be comfortable while you are at work or on vacation. Setting your house temperature at 18 degrees during the summer and approximately 20 or higher in the winter while you are at home will reduce the usage of your heater and central air.
• Turn down your water heater’s temperature. Setting your water heater to 50 degrees gives you hot water, saves you money, and saves energy.
• Install a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans circulate air, improving the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. In loft-style condos with big open living spaces, heat can rise to the ceiling, causing a noticeable difference in temperature between upstairs on the loft level and downstairs.
• If you decorate your home or condo for the holidays, use LED lights, or Light Emitting Diodes.  They can last up to 100,000 hours and use 99% less energy. Turn LEDs off when you are away, just as you would your kitchen lights, and don’t leave them on all night.
• Conserve water. Simple efforts like brushing your teeth without the water running, filling up your kitchen sink and washing your dishes all at once, running full loads of laundry, and installing water-conserving showerheads go a long way to reducing water usage. You can save five gallons a minute or more using these strategies.

 If you employ all of these tips, you will not only feel satisfied that you are doing something to help the environment, but you will reap the rewards of your efforts when those diminished monthly bills come.