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Tips on how to save on energy costs

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Industry Observer with Retired

Tips on how to save on energy costs


This blog was provided by our friends at Olde Key Title.

According to the article titled “Big & small ways to save on energy costs”, written by Patricia Mertz Esswein and published in the Washington Beacon, “[y]ou can’t do much about how much energy costs, but you can control how much of it you use.”  You can start with a home energy audit.  You could try a do-it-yourself home energy audit, such as Energy Star’s Home Energy Yardstick (www.energystar.gov).  Or, you could hire an energy auditor who will come to your home and run a multitude of tests that measure the efficiency of your heating, AC, and other equipment.  These audits typically take three to four hours and can cost between $250 and $600.  Additionally, Pepco offers a free one-hour home examination; Pepco customers can go to http://homeenergysavings.pepco.com/quick-home-energy-check-up-program to learn more.  “Pepco also offers a more comprehensive audit for $100.” 

“The Department of Energy estimates that the average U.S. household pays a hefty $1,900 annually in utility bills.”  In fact, you can start to decrease the amount of your utility bills by using a programmable thermostat.  In the summertime, for example, every degree you set your AC above 72 degrees will save you 3% to 5%.  Also, make sure to replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents for energy savings too!  “For a listing of financial incentives to save energy, visit http://www.dsireusa.org.”

Posted on ActiveRain as a community service.  Character counts in Gaithersburg.

Petunia, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_3040

Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera.

Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

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Posted by

Roy Kelley, Retired, Former Associate Broker, RE/MAX Realty Group

Gaithersburg, Maryland  

Show All Comments
Anita Clark
Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055 - Warner Robins, GA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Roy: Every little bit of energy we save helps the planet and puts a few shiny coins back in our pockets.

Aug 18, 2012 09:53 PM
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Elite - Lititz, PA
Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - 717.413.0744

Roy, I love to find ways to save money and especially with utilities. This is a valuable service in helping clients understand how they can do that. Have a great day!

Cal

Aug 18, 2012 10:09 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Roy, Saving some $$$ and conserving our energy are important factors, and the programmable thermostat is a terrific way to start saving...

Aug 18, 2012 11:14 PM
Myrna Ziller
Guarantee Flex Office Fig Garden Village - Fresno, CA
National Association Of Realtors ( N.A.R.)

ROY:

**Wonderful blog on Conserving Energy.** Thanks For Sharing.  I loved the photo of the flower with the butterfly, that you just posted on my older Bullet Train blog.  Congratulations on your recent wedding anniversary.  God Bless You Both.  Myrna :) :) :)

Aug 18, 2012 11:40 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Good Morning Roy,  it all adds up, the less we use the more there will be there for down the road for others to use.   Have a great Sunday!

Aug 19, 2012 12:03 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Roy,

Great advice on energy bill saving.  I grew up with a father who always said, "Turn off the lights, we are not a museum?"  I still think of that everytime I turn off the lights.  LOL  Happy Sunday to you and Delores. A

Aug 19, 2012 01:18 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Wonderful post Roy. If people only knew how easy it is to save money and resources. An energy audit is a great reaity check.

Hope you're having a beautiful weekend in Maryland. D

Aug 19, 2012 01:40 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Good Morning Roy, I have to say i had one and it was eye opening where heat was flowing out to the great outdoors. Have a great Sunday

Aug 19, 2012 01:57 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Roy -- I love the message --- we can control how we use the energy --- so true!   It's always nice to be able find some new ways to save a few $$$.   

Aug 19, 2012 02:06 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

It is always good to receive your comments.  Real estate professionals should be recommending energy audits for their past clients.

Have an outstanding week and be sure to have your camera in hand to capture the special moments.

This photograph was posted on my Imagination board on Pinterest.  Please follow me on Pinterest and connect with me on Facebook and Flickr.


Clematis, Kentlands, Flowers IMG_3528 A

Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera.

Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Aug 19, 2012 02:19 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Roy, Saving energy is everyone's responsiblity. It helps protect our environment by conserving, saves dollars in the long run and makes us better citizens.

Aug 19, 2012 03:20 AM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Each and every one of us should make an effort to do everything possible to save energy. Sure, we benefit costwise, but is it was done by the masses, it would have a massive effect.

Aug 19, 2012 07:31 PM
Bob Miller
Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Ocala, FL
The Ocala Dream Team

Thanks Roy, we appreciate all the energy tips.  And it is good for the environment as well!

Sep 03, 2012 08:17 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks so much for your comments. Enjoy the remaining days of summer with your camera in hand.

Chrysanthemum Festival, Longwood Gardens IMG_0681

Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera.

Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Sep 03, 2012 08:24 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

It is sometimes a good practice to revisit old blogs and reblogs. We might even find some good ideas for current posts.

Sep 11, 2018 10:07 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Posted on my current Facebook timeline...

Petunia, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG_3040

Sep 11, 2018 10:09 AM
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