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Know What The #1 Energy Efficiency Killer For Your Home Is?

Reblogger Sally K. & David L. Hanson
Real Estate Agent with EXP Realty 414-525-0563 57026-90 Broker

  Energy efficiency is a concern for every home owner...and Dorie wisely points out areas that need to be investigated....thank you Dorie from all the folks who benefited with every energy dollar saved.

Original content by Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Energy

Know what the #1 Energy Efficiency Killer for Your Home is?
It's your failure to change your heating and cooling filters on a regular basis!

It's July and for many of us in Texas we are beginning to experience the hottest temperatures of the year!  The U.S. Department of Energy encourages us to make sure our homes are energy efficient. Check out this great energy savers booklet provided:
                                          www.eere.energy.gov

Here are 12 items that commonly cause loss of heat and air to check in your home:

1. Dirty filters
2. Dropped ceiling
3. Recessed light
4. Attic entrance
5. Sill plates
6. Water and furnace flues
7. All ducts
8. Door frames
9. Chimney flashing
10. Window frames
11. Electrical outlets/switches
12. Plumbing/utility access

With remediation of any or all of these items a significant savings could be realized.

Owning a home means you need to be aware of proper maintenance in order to keep your home running as energy efficient as possible.  Forming a whole house efficiency plan is a must.  You need to obtain advice from a professional so you can make smart choices to maximize energy efficiency and save the most of your hard earned dollars.

To find the right contractor try the following:

hammer Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations
hammer Look in the yellow pages or on the internet for LOCAL companies
hammer Look for licensed insured contractors
hammer Get 3 detailed written bids
hammer Ask for references and check them out
hammer Check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints
hammer Check out Austin Energy for an Austin Energy Audit
hammer Check with your local Realtor for references

Austin prides itself on implementing measures to rank in the top cities for a "green environment."  Take advantage of all the programs available to you to save big money long term.

I live, work and play in Austin and am here to help you in all  your home ownership needs.  Call me if I can be of assistance at 512-346-1799 or email me at dillard@reloaustin.com



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Dorie in   bluebonnetAustin

Posted by

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, CSS, e-Pro,ILHM, REDS


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Anonymous
Ruby Clifton

As the energy costs are rising day in day out, it becomes all the more important to save and conserve this valuable resource, by whatever means. Afterall it is our only insurance for tomorrow.

Jul 05, 2010 12:35 AM
#1
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Good point Ruby.....insurance and assurance...an obligation we have to the environment and ourselves.

Jul 05, 2010 12:38 AM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents

Just a simple tip, yet many homeowners either fail to recognize it, or are lazy to change it out!

Jul 05, 2010 12:38 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

You bet Loreena sometimes the simple things are the ones that escape us...like the energy dollars flying out the window !

Jul 05, 2010 12:42 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great repost...I still have my original furnace and windows and know one of these days I should just replace them!!!

Jul 05, 2010 01:32 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

  We hear you....it doesn't develop top of mind awareness when it's not broken....:)

Jul 05, 2010 01:39 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

I don't think she means that a dirty filter causes a loss of heat and air conditioning, but a reduction in their efficiency.  It is surprising to see chimney flashing on that list!  I will have to think about that one and how it applies!

Jul 05, 2010 09:42 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

we will listen to you Jay

Jul 05, 2010 10:10 AM
William Collins
ERA Queen City Realty - Scotch Plains, NJ
Property and Asset Management

Sally & David, Thanks for the repost. This is timeless information. Unfortunately, too many homeowners never give attention to this items until they have a costly energy bill.

Jul 05, 2010 01:36 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

True enough...now is the time...any time to conserve energy and save money...!

Jul 05, 2010 02:29 PM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Living in Wisconsin one can never be energy conscience enough

Jul 05, 2010 04:48 PM