Green is a major trend – and we’re not just talking about repainting in Pantone’s Color of the Year. Over the past two decades, luxury homeowners have become increasingly aware of their carbon footprint. They’re looking to consume fewer resources and use safer materials at home.
Camelot is proud to feature a range of environmentally-friendly options in our luxury homes, from ENERGY STAR® appliances to desert xeriscaping that uses less water. Want to know how you can go even greener? Whether you’re trying to do your part for the earth, or just looking to save some green by reducing your energy usage, here are five easy ways to have a more eco-conscious home.
- Make Your Lightbulb Go Off: There’s an old myth that turning the lights on and off constantly will wear out your lightbulb faster. Thus, some homeowners left the lights constantly on. The truth: Your bulbs will burn out faster by leaving them constantly on. Plus, you’re wasting energy by keeping your home lit while no one’s there. If you’re looking to be more environmentally conscious, one easy (and inexpensive) change you can make is switching over to LED or CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs. Though slightly more expensive, they use one-third to one-fifth the amount of electricity as a standard bulb. Compare the differences in price and usage with an online energy use calculator.
- Program Your Thermostat: According to ENERGY STAR, programmable thermostats save the average homeowner around $180 per year – and likely much more for larger luxury homes. This savings isn’t just about money, it’s also about conserving energy and resources. By setting your Camelot home’s programmable thermostat to conserve energy while you’re away from home, you can lower your overall energy consumption.
- Change Your Filter: Air filters help to reduce natural contaminants in your home’s air. This is especially important in the Phoenix-Scottsdale metro area, where dusty, dry desert air and pollen can aggravate allergies. Valley residents also tend to run their air conditioning for at least half of the year. Maintaining your a/c system so it operates at peak condition can help save energy. Your Camelot home comes equipped with top-notch air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems to ensure a cool and comfortable interior. Manufacturers recommend changing your home’s air filters at least four times per year for top efficiency (or cleaning them, in the case of permanent filters). Washable permanent filters reduce waste; however, those with severe allergies may want to opt for the more hygienic disposable filters.
- Reduce Water Use: Water is a precious resource, especially here in the desert. Check to make sure your new home has water-reducing technologies such as aerated faucets and low-flow toilets. Shower with an eco-conscious showerhead, instead of bathing. Worried your dishwasher will eat up resources? According to National Geographic, homeowners use up to 35% less water with a dishwasher versus hand-washing. Plus, Camelot homes are equipped with energy efficient dishwashers for better energy efficiency.
- Clean with Green Products: We know you’ll want to keep your Camelot home sparkling like new. However, air pollutants found in certain household cleaners can be harmful to the environment. Basic household pantry items such as borax, vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice can be used to clean many of the surfaces in your new home. Opt for natural products such as these, or use commercially available “green cleaners” to disinfect parts of your home. The same goes if you arrange cleaning services in your home. Make sure that each cleaning product your service uses is environmentally friendly. Luckily, there are many eco-conscious cleaning services in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the surrounding metro area.
With a few simple adjustments, your home can be greener and more energy efficient. For information on the eco-friendly features of Camelot’s luxury homes – and the potential for “green” upgrades, contact us today. You can also visit our website for tips on maximizing your Camelot home’s energy savings.
