Arizona homeowners can easily save money and increase the real estate market value of their residencies by simply sealing air leaks commonly found in many areas around the home. Sealing air leaks is one of the least costly (and least complicated) ways to begin or continue the process of “greening” a home. The task requires only a minimal investment of time and supplies, yet it yields a substantial payoff that can last many years. Sealing leaks keeps hot summer air out of circulation in the home and less air conditioner energy is needed to stay cool. Later on in the year when the cold winter air is also barred from entry, less heat is needed inside the home. This will save the homeowner money on electricity bills and will also make the home more attractive to buyers willing to pay more for an energy-efficient or green home.

To locate a leak, wait until there is wind activity outside, then hold a lit stick of incense up to any area in which a leak may occur such as doorways, windows, electrical outlets and switches. If the incense smoke moves in a horizontal, rather than vertical direction, a leak is present. Sealing windows with weather stripping and caulk will stop air leaks, as will the installation of foam gaskets behind outlet and light switch plates. And when air passes under closed doors because there is a space between the door bottom and the floor, a flexible sealing gasket can be attached to the door bottom. These really are easy fixes.

Your Tempe realtor and National Association of Realtors ® Green Designee, Patrick Walsh, is available to assist you with any step in the process of greening your home. The Tempe real estate market is warming up and if you are planning to sell, there is no time like the present to increase the energy efficiency and market value of your home through greening. Patrick Walsh can connect you with local green appliance, home improvement suppliers and contractors to help you get started on larger projects. Contact Patrick Walsh today at pwalsh@kw.com to let him know how he can be of service.

Further low-cost energy tips:

www.energysavers.gov

Oprah- Green Home Improvements

• What is the vendor’s location and proximity to the job site?
• Does the vendor have a certification or proven affiliation with a recognized green building organization?
• Is there a professional association for the trade? If so, is the vendor a member and active participant?
• What is the vendor’s knowledge and experience in working with green building issues?
• Are client references available?
• Has the vendor completed a green building project similar in size and scope? Are site visits or photographs available? Is client contact information available?
• Does the vendor recycle or reuse demolition or construction waste?
• Does the vendor have an area of green specialization?
• Does the vendor use a third-party organization to verify work?

If you do decide to work with a green vendor, I have posted the names and contact information of some local vendors on the Green Living page on my website.

Creating a green home can be an exciting and rewarding process, however is important to understand that you may need to make some compromises. You may come across a green vendor who offers bamboo flooring, but the product must first be shipped from China. Which is more important – the product that helps lessen your impact on the environment, or the fuel it will take to get the product here? Only you can answer that question.

For more information on green vendors, please visit the following Web sites:

• Patrick Walsh’s Green Living
• U.S. Green Building Council: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
• National Association of Home Builders