Austin Real Estate Blog

Austin’s Green Building Program has many suggestions for both homeowners and builders to keep the environment healthy. The group finds eco-friendly products and services and recommends their usage to residents. In some cases, the use of these energy efficient resources can earn a rebate from the City of Austin. There are more benefits than just that, however. Saving money is another benefit we love to see.

One of the most wasted resources we have is water. Without realizing it, thousands of gallons are lost every day by leaving the water running or not fixing leaky faucets. Inefficient irrigation systems also use more water than necessary for lawns. The Green Building Program has several suggestions that will decrease water usage, and therefore spending. Always check appliances for energy efficiency and water usage before purchasing. Switch to low flow toilets and showers that reduce usage. Front loading washing machines use less water and less energy than top loading machines. If you must have a dishwasher, look for one that uses a no-heat drying option, as it will also decrease energy usage.

Small changes in daily life can also help conserve water. Fix any leaky faucets and whenever possible check the pipes in the home as well. Use your water bill as a means to determine if there are any problems. If you notice a jump in usage, check it out. Use a rainwater catchment irrigation system for lawn care. This will bring rain down from your roof to water the lawn, as opposed to using sprinklers. Being eco-friendly usually also means saving money.