Go Green: 5 Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs

Go Green: 5 Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs

Implementing energy-saving measures in your home will reduce your utility usage and costs. Every bit you save has a far wider impact, however. You'll also lessen your consumption of the Earth's natural resources and eliminate a portion of the air, water and soil pollution that occurs in the process. Start with five methods to cut your energy costs and create an impact.

1. Change Your Light Bulbs

While lighting may not be your biggest drain on electricity in the home, it accounts for approximately 10 percent of your electricity bill,  By switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to compact florescent lights (CFLs), you can save electricity for every bulb replaced.  That can be a significant savings when you multiply it by the number of bulbs you use. Look for CFLs displaying the Energy Star logo for best results.

Tip: Install motion sensor switches in rooms where family members often forget to turn off the lights.

2. Perform Regular HVAC Maintenance

Up to half of the energy used in your home goes to your heating and air systems, depending on where you live and the condition of your home. Short of buying a new HVAC system with a better energy rating or fueled with an alternative energy source such as a heat pump – which requires a large upfront investment – proper maintenance will help your furnace or air conditioner use less energy. Clogged air filters force the system to strain and run more, driving up energy use and leading to more frequent breakdowns and repairs. Change your filters at least every three months or sooner if needed. If it looks dirty, it's time. Also, hire a qualified HVAC repair technician to give your system an inspection and "tune up" at least once a year to maintain efficiency and proper operation.
Tip: Install a programmable thermostat to regulate home temperatures. Lower the temperature whenever you will be gone more than a few hours.

3. Seal and Insulate Your Duct work

An efficient furnace, good insulation and thermostat temperature settings only go so far to save you money. If your HVAC air ducts leak, you could be losing 20 percent or more of your heated or cooled air – you might as well leave a window open all year round! Not to mention that leaky ductwork can circulate fumes and gasses, such as carbon monoxide. This can lead to poor indoor air quality, aggravated health problems or worse. Sealing and insulating your ducts is the solution. Use mastic (a glue-like sealant) and metal-backed foil tape to seal each joint and seam. Afterward, wrap the ducts with special insulation designed for duct work.
Tip – Insulate water pipes, especially the hot water, with pipe insulation for greater energy savings and comfort.

4. Stop Air Leaks

Where is air invading and escaping from your home? Prime problem areas include around electrical outlets and light switches, door and window frames, entry points where cables and lines of any type run into the house through the walls or floor, and surrounding wall- or window-mounted air conditioning units. Also check around gas lines or pipes, fireplaces, attic access doors or hatches, and around any vent or fan. Outside the home, use caulk to seal corners in the siding and wherever two materials meet, such as around water faucets and dryer or stove vents, chimney-to-roof joints and the foundation top. Inside, weatherstripping, caulk and expanding foam insulation can work wonders.
Tip – Don't stop here. Take a look at your insulation and determine if it's degraded and needs replacement or if it's adequate to reach your area's minimum R-values.

5. Unplug It!

Perhaps 10 percent of your energy cost goes to "energy vampires" or "ghosts" that steal your electricity. These are appliances and items that use power even when they aren't actually on and working. Think of anything with a clock, timer, LED light or digital display. Even your phone charger keeps pumping electricity long after the phone is full if you leave it plugged in. To stop this useless drain, turn off non essentials when you're done with them. Consider using power strips to plug in items and simply turn off the strip when you're finished.

Tip – Look for the Energy Star label, which indicates energy efficiency, when purchasing home appliances large and small.

Every little bit helps when saving energy that leads to saving money!

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com

Should You Skip the Home Inspection for a Better Deal?

Should You Skip the Home Inspection for a Better Deal?

When real estate markets are moving quickly, sellers sometimes become uncompromising. Why make concessions if your home is leading the neighborhood's Ms. Popularity contest? This may lead buyers, caught in the frenzy of a bidding war, to become reckless, yielding one of the most important aspects of the purchase process: the home inspection.

What an Inspection Won't Do

We don't buy homes frequently, so the process can be a bit confusing. The home inspection is one of the most commonly misunderstood processes in the real estate transaction.
Just as a home appraisal won't tell you that the furnace is about to go kaput, a home inspection won't tell you what the home is worth. These are two different processes, initiated by two different parties. The appraisal is bank-ordered. The lender uses the appraisal to ensure that the home is worth what you've promised to pay for it.
While a large home inspector training institute likes to claim that the inspection is "all-encompassing," it is far from that. That's not to diminish the value of the process – it is extremely important. But it can't tell you, for instance, what might be growing or breeding behind the walls or if there is a dangerous radon level in the home.
The home inspection is also not a guarantee that the home will be in the same condition when you take possession as it was when the inspection was performed.
The typical investigation by a home inspector is a visual one. He or she will look at the home's roof, structure and major systems, such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC and ventilation. If an inspector can't see an area for whatever reason – access is blocked by the owner's belongings or it's locked – he can't investigate it and therefore won't include it in the report.

What a Home Inspection Provides

Since a home is such a huge investment, it only makes sense to be concerned about its condition. A home inspection may just save you thousands of dollars. More than anything else, a home inspection by a licensed professional provides peace of mind.
The inspector will run the heating and cooling system and investigate the water heater. While in most cases an inspector doesn't have access to the heat exchanger in the furnace, he can tell you the condition of the filter. He has no way of knowing the condition of the wiring behind the walls, but he can test the system for shorts.
The best home inspectors will recommend further inspection by an appropriate contractor. For instance, if he feels there may be a structural problem, he may recommend that you contact an engineer.

Should You Waive the Inspection Contingency?

In a multiple-offer situation, a buyer who waives the inspection contingency is most likely going to prevail. What seller wouldn't relish the thought of a quicker close and fewer headaches, not to mention saving a ton of money if something happens to be wrong with the house?
But, by the same token, cash-strapped buyers need to know if the house they are about to buy has bad wiring, a leaky roof, a heating system on its last legs or anything else that may cost thousands of dollars to repair.
Buying a home without having it professionally inspected is the same as buying it as-is. If you've ever purchased a used car from a private party, you understand that you may be buying someone else's headaches. Even knowing that, the feeling that you may end up on the side of the road with a broken-down car is hard to shake.
Transfer that feeling to what will probably be the largest investment you make in your lifetime, and it's easy to understand why the home inspection has become a routine and vital part of the home-purchase process.

A home inspector can't possibly tell you everything that might be wrong with the home you're about to purchase, but you will be reassured that the major systems are in good working order. And that peace-of-mind is something you should never compromise on.

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com

Tips for Decorating Small Spaces

City dwellers, college students, retirees and many others often choose to live in condos, apartments, lofts, or small homes. The key to maximizing these living quarters is to take advantage of the space that is available, making it functional while utilizing the right décor to create a roomier, airy feel. Here are some tips for decorating small spaces, wherever your small space might be.

Choosing a Color Palette

Choosing the proper color scheme is absolutely critical to small interior décor. Although obviously still a matter of personal preference, it's best to go with light colors throughout. It's not uncommon to see an entire space painted white or in shades of neutrals as these colors tend to create a much roomier feel. Other cool colors such as light shades of blue or gray can also establish this effect. Bolder color can be added in décor items or even as an accent wall. In cases where bolder wall color is utilized, an abundance of natural light should be present in order to maintain that larger, roomy feel.
A lighter palette should also be considered when choosing flooring, cabinetry and even furniture. Lighter stains of wood, painted wood or tile and carpet selections help to further enhance the feel of a larger space.

Let the Light In

Natural light is the absolute best way to establish the feel of a much larger, airier room.
Select window treatments such as blinds or sheers that easily open and close, welcoming in the sun during daylight hours but maintaining privacy at night. Hang your curtain rods high and choose curtains that hang to the floor. This creates the feel of a taller space.

Take Advantage of a Small Kitchen Space

Keep it open and light. Incorporate a breakfast bar with stools that tuck underneath neatly. Work space and paths to the refrigerator, sink and stove should remain unobstructed and easily accessible. Consider stacking appliances if possible. A pull-out pantry and cabinetry with pull-out drawers can be useful when space is at a premium. To ensure you're taking full advantage of all cabinet and storage space, transfer large or bulky store-bought items to airtight containers or canisters for stacking. Consider a pot rack to further save on cabinet space and maintain a functional working space. Counter top items should be kept to a minimum.

Decorating Any Small Space: Function First!

Furniture, wall décor and storage capabilities are all critical considerations when decorating a small space.
Choose furniture that serves a dual purpose. A large trunk or something comparable can be used for a coffee table and will provide precious storage space. Consider tables with leafs that can be stored and used when you plan for company. Tables with benches also make a great option and utilize minimal space.
Built-in dressers are another great space-saving option, as are daybeds or even Murphy beds for studio spaces or in rooms that may serve a dual purpose.
Keep wall décor to a minimum! Consider a few large pieces of art, but add mirrors without question. They create an illusion of a larger space by adding dimension and also aid in the dispersion of natural light throughout your space, further enhancing a roomier feel.
Incorporate shelving whenever possible, utilizing your vertical wall space. Add decorative baskets under benches, coffee or end tables, and even under beds to maximize storage space and keep your small space tidy.


Decorating a small space can be somewhat challenging, but by keeping these tips in mind when decorating your studio, apartment or multipurpose room, you will create a much larger feel.

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct 519-495-1541
Email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com

The Informed Buyer/Seller