Ideas for energy savings

by Laurel Grandle, REALTOR

Extreme weather, hot or cold, drive utility consumption up. Small adjustments can conserve energy and save you money.

The average household's energy dollars go mainly to heating (35% in winter) and cooling (20% in summer); water heating can also be a large portion of the monthly bill (20% year round). I've been told that "wraping" your water heater with a thermal blanket, available at Home Depot or Lowe's, saves more on your utility bill the first year that the wrap costs! And it's so easy I did my own!

Set your thermostate on savings...try 78 degrees in summer and 65 degrees in winter. You can save one percent on your energy bill for every degree you raise your thermostat during summer or for every degree you lower it in the winter according to research conducted by The University of Tennessee. Don't pay to heat or cool an empty home. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate heat or air-conditioning when you are away for long periods of time.

Change your clothes! Wear extra layers in winter and thinner, loose-fitting breathable fabrics in summer.

Check your home for leaks...seal any leaks around doors and windows. Keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use and add insulation around walls, floors and ceilings.

Check the energy consumption of any product before you purchase. Get the most energy0efficient heating or cooling system you can afford. Reduce or eliminate the use of gas logs, gas grills or other non-essential gas appliances.

During the spring and summer, you don't need to use your home irrigations system every day. Experts at The University of Tennessee Extension Office recommend watering your lawn and landsaping plants no more than twice a week under normal conditions. Established grass and landscape plants typically need 3/4" to 1" of water each week during the growing season of March through October.

Water consumption inside the home can also be reduced: Be sure your home does not have a water leak. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used; if the meter reading id different, you have a leak.

Check faucets for leaks. Fix leaky faucets by replacing washers. Faucets that drip at a rate of one drop per second cause a loss of 2,700 gallons of water per year! I just had several faucets replaced and refurbished in my own home. I have DELTA and they are guaranteed for life, so it didn't cause me anything. I took a digital photo of my leaky faucets and cracked kitchen water dispensor and e-mailed them to DELTA and right away they sent me replacements.

Use your washers to full capacity. Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded and set the water level for the size load you are washing.

Don't use water to defrost. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use your microwave's defrost setting. Insulate your water pipes. Install a doilet dam or displacement devicve in the tank, such as a bag, bottle or painted brick, to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Make sure the device does not interfere with the operating parts.

Shower efficiently. Take a quick shower instead of a bath and save an average of 20 gallons of water each time. Don't let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or shaving and save more than 5 gallons per day.

Consider replacing old plumbing fixtures with low-flow models and save hundreds of gallons per month. Need a GOOD plumber? Give me a call for a recommendation based on professional and personal experience!

Regardless of the season, there are various simple changes you can make in your home that can help0 conserve energy and save you money.

visit my web site: http://www.LaurelGrandle.com. Together we can make your dreams come true!

Laurel Grandle sells homes throughout the East TN Area, including Knoxville, Karns, Farragut, Halls, Powell, Loudon County, Knox County. She specializes in Lake homes, Luxury homes, Historic homes, New Constructionand is an expert at matching buyers with the right house, regardless of the area or price range, she has over 25 years of experience and has helped thousands of clients with their real estate needs.

Here is what some of her clients have said about her recently, “Laurel has an unlimited amount of patience. My family has very specific needs and she understood them and worked with us until we found the perfect home at the right price. I don’t think anyone else would have done that for us and we’ll always be thankful we found her and worked with her. She’s wonderful!” Margo

“Laurel has accommodated us on many occasions very quickly, as our schedules change all the time. She was always understanding of the time and date changes and she helped us find a great house.” Williams

“Thank you! It's wonderful having you as our agent and we both think you're a terrific person. Bob was right when he said we'd love you.” Joe

“Laurel really knows the area and the market. She didn’t waste any time…she showed us what we ask for in the location we wanted and made the whole move a very good experience for our family”. Robert

“Before we wrote an offer, Laurel did a detailed market analysis for us and discussed it with us so we understood what a fair price would be. She went over the entire contract in detail and clarified everything for us. We purchased with confidence and we’d never use anyone else IF we ever decide to sell!” Anne

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