The Real Estate Avenue: July 2015

When I was a little girl I can remember my mom saying " If your not in your room turn the light off!" Another famous one " Stop coming in and out the air is on!" At the time I just thought it was just what mothers say. My friends would get scolded for the same thing. It truly wasn't a big deal. Fast forward a few years and I can distinctly remember saying the same thing to my own two. You learn very quickly about energy and how you use it or lose can make a big impact on your purse strings. With rising food prices and gas prices we must be more conscious about saving the money we make.

Lets start with one of the biggest energy wasters the washer/dryer. Instead of washing a small load wait until there is a full load to throw in. Never wash on the hot cycle your clothes will be just as clean in the warm or cold water rinse. If it is a warm day why not let the sun kiss those clothes dry.

The dishwasher is another big ticket item. When you have to use the dishwasher make sure its full. Instead of a costly heated dry allow them to air dry.
Change the filters, change the filters, change the filters, I can stress that enough. Clogged filters make it harder for any machine or motor to work. The harder that machine or motor has to work the more energy it pulls to do it. Not only does a dirty filter cause the motor to work hard it may also cause a system break down. A repair bill is never inexpensive even with a home warranty there is still a service see.
Keep your Ac between 70-75 in the summer. This will keep the house comfortable without breaking the bank.
If you don't have a tankless water heater consider getting one. This type of water heater saves energy by producing hot water only when its needed. Instead of the traditional unit that keeps the water in the tank heated.
Invest in a heat pump. A heat pumps saves energy because it does not produce heat it moves it around to where its needed.A heat pump is also powered by electricity.

A few other tips -

* use compact fluorescent bulbs
* install low flow shower heads

*caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows
*install storm windows over single pane windows.
*use ceiling fans instead of the AC
* fix those leaky faucets
*Choose a refrigerator/freezer with automatic moisture control
*Shut down home computers when not in use or put them on sleep mode

Make small changes and build over time believe me your wallet will thank you. Don't forget to drop a dime or two in the pig.