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10 ways to cut energy costs in your home

By
Real Estate Agent with REAL ESTATE CENTRAL


Everyone that is searching for a home for sale in Northern Virginia or that currently owns a home, can always use a few tips to cut cost in their home. Today's tip will be cutting cost in energy. Enjoy!


10 WAYS TO CUT YOUR ENERGY BILL

1. One of the easiest ways to cut your heating and cooling bill is to make sure that your attic has 7 inches (R-22) or more (up to R-49) of fiber glass or rock wool insulation.

2. A simple step we often ignore—replace or clean your AC vents once a month.

3. Don't leave your bathroom ventilator running longer than necessary, as it can drain your entire house of cooled or heated air in about an hour!

4. During the summer keep your drapes closed in the heat of the day. In the winter keep the south facing window drapes open.

5. Make sure all windows are caulked and weather-stripped to save 10% off your H/AC bill.

6. White window shades or blinds will deflect the heat away from your house.

7. Lower hot water costs by installing low-flow shower heads and faucets.

8. Insulate your water heater and set its thermostat at 115o F.

9. You can cut up to 50% off your lighting costs by replacing 25% of the bulbs in your main-use areas with fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lights are more expensive but also last 6-10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

10. Plant trees ASAP. Well placed trees will not only lower your energy costs but will increase the curb-appeal of your home and make.

These are just a few of many tips that can help cut some of the cost of owning a home in Northern Virginia. If you are interested in more ways to save energy, here is a very useful read.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/13/earlyshow/living/home/main6479300.sht

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Comments (5)

Eric Crane -- Your Full Service, Discount Fee Realtor®
DPR Realty LLC - Gilbert, AZ
Greater Metro Phoenix Arizona

Hi, Bret... thanks for the energy saving tips.  It never hurts to save a few dollars and to pass along money savings ideas to clients.  Have a great weekend!

Aug 11, 2011 02:36 PM
Rose Mary Justice
Synergy Realty Pros - Dandridge, TN
Synergy Realty Pros

We can always use tips to save a little on energy.  It has been over 100 here more than a few times.  The hottest summer that I can ever remember. Thanks for the tips.

Aug 11, 2011 02:38 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

We can use all the help we can get to lower our bill.  Thanks for sharing these tips.

Aug 11, 2011 02:46 PM
Dan Edward Phillips
Dan Edward Phillips, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, CA - Eureka, CA
Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, CA

Good Event Bret, great list for home owners to follow to save energy.

Aug 11, 2011 05:24 PM
Bret Nida
REAL ESTATE CENTRAL - Charleston, WV

Thanks!  As we grow greener, then the list will grow longer for sure!

 

Aug 15, 2011 07:01 AM