George L. Duarte

Mortgage Loans Fremont California Horizon Financial Associates

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Ways That You Can Go Greener On Your Home Improvement

September 7, 2023 by George Duarte

Ways That You Can Go Greener On Your Home ImprovementMaking your home improvement projects more environmentally friendly is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet. Here are some ways you can go greener on your home improvement projects:

  • Use eco-friendly materials: Consider using materials that are made from sustainable and renewable resources such as bamboo, cork, or recycled materials. These materials not only have a lower impact on the environment but can also add a unique touch to your home.
  • Choose energy-efficient appliances and fixtures: When choosing appliances and fixtures for your home improvement project, look for those that are Energy Star rated. These appliances and fixtures are designed to be more energy-efficient, which can save you money on your utility bills in the long run.
  • Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you reduce your energy usage by allowing you to set temperatures for different times of the day. This way, you can adjust your home’s temperature based on when you are home or away.
  • Incorporate natural light: Adding skylights, larger windows, or light tunnels can help bring natural light into your home, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
  • Choose low-VOC paints and finishes: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be harmful to the environment and your health. When choosing paints and finishes for your home improvement project, look for low-VOC options.
  • Implement water-saving measures: Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to conserve water and reduce your water usage.
  • Select materials that are locally sourced: Choosing materials that are locally sourced can help reduce the environmental impact of transportation and support local businesses. Look for materials that are produced within a 500-mile radius of your home.
  • Recycle and repurpose: Instead of throwing away old materials and fixtures, try to recycle or repurpose them. This can help reduce waste and save money on your project.

By implementing these green home improvement practices, you can reduce your impact on the environment while also improving your home’s energy efficiency and overall sustainability.

Filed Under: Around The Home Tagged With: Aroundthe Home, Eco Friendly, Go Green

4 Top Sustainable Home Trends

August 9, 2018 by George Duarte

4 Top Sustainable Home TrendsThe emergence of sustainable energy and products have solidified the go-green movement. Solar energy and electric cars are just the tip of the iceberg.

The impact of products on the environment has become a significant measure about their value. Those same principles are also being applied to homes. Smart homes and energy efficiency have a direct correlation to home values and listing prices. That’s why homeowners and home builders alike have an eye toward sustainable trends. These are some of the top-ranked home trends.

1: Durability Matters

After the catastrophic weather that damaged and destroyed homes in Florida and the Gulf states, “resiliency” has emerged as a key sustainability term. Contractors and home designers are including materials that stand up to extreme weather. These materials also consider toxicity levels, with the most non-toxic being among the more favorable. The storms will come, but how properties resist them and impact the environment afterwards are important sustainability trends.

2: Natural Light Keeps Trending

The use of sustainable solar energy has prompted many to go directly to the source. Large skylights and windows allow natural light to warm homes and reduce the need for electric lighting. Natural light also helps stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder during shorter winter days. Simply put, incorporating natural light resources is a trend that builds off of solar energy thinking.

3: Water Filtration Systems

It’s no secret that municipal water supplies have been compromised on occasion. This trend that started ramping up in 2017 continues to have legs as homeowners are securing water purity. In terms of sustainability, homeowners with water filtration systems have been utilizing them as a method to reduce the amount of bottled waters they purchase. Above and beyond the cost-saving benefits, the reduction in unsustainable plastics is helping to protect the environment.

4: Electric-Only Homes

The high carbon emissions from fossil fuels has motivated environmentally conscious Americans to turn to wind and solar. These days, improved energy storage from high-capacity lithium batteries has opened the door for homes to go all-electric. This appears to be an emerging trend that could pick up additional steam as energy storage technology moves forward. Electric-only homes could be a major step in allowing average homeowners to get off the grid. This trend is not only sustainable for the environment, it lessens the monthly impact on wallets.

Living in the technology era means that change can occur rapidly, and green-friendly homeowners may want to stay up to date on the latest sustainable home trends. They could improve home values going forward.

Whether you are in the market for an eco-friendly home or want to make improvements to your existing home, contact your trusted mortgage professional to explore all of your financing options.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Eco Friendly, Green Living, Real Estate

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George L. Duarte

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Call 510.377.9059
Fremont, CA

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