The sustainable real estate agent: Sammi Cook-Kuehn shares what to keep in mind when looking for an energy efficient home
March 26, 2018
Sammi Cook-Kuehn, a real estate agent focused on energy efficient properties, is always looking to learn more and promote sustainable and environmentally friendly living. That’s what brought Sammi to a CUB energy consultation with our outreach director, Carmen Carruthers, in January. It turned into a great opportunity for us to share information on home energy use.
We at CUB were able to inform Sammi about some options around the house that save energy and money such as the utility A/C cycling program, the benefits of smart thermostats, and to be sure to use smart strips or unplug electronics combat vampire use from your devices.
For CUB, it was also a great opportunity to learn more about energy considerations people should have when looking at, or moving into, a new home. Energy use is not the first thing on many people’s minds when looking for a new home. That is, unless Sammi is your realtor.
Everyone should be focused on making their homes more sustainable and more energy efficient, according to Sammi. CUB is in full agreement. Not only is making your home more energy efficient great for the environment, it is also great for your pocketbook.
Sammi shared a list of important energy related considerations for people just moving in to a new home:
- Get an energy audit. Audits are great opportunities to get a more in-depth information on how to make your home more energy efficient.
- Keep energy intensive appliances in mind when purchasing a new home. Many appliances generate heat and can factor in to the temperature of the house.
- Make sure your home is well insulated so you are not wasting energy.
- Switch to LED light bulbs. These bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent light bulbs and can last over 15 years.
- Take a look at your windows and doors. These are key areas where energy can escape. Use weather stripping or caulking to keep the heat in.