Austin Property Talk

Simple Home Energy Audit

RISMEDIA, June 16, 2010--(MCT)--For many homeowners, electricity use is highest during the summer — that means steeper energy bills are just around the corner.

But a lot of the energy you're paying for is squandered through air leaks around doors and windows, or through cable boxes and appliances that sap energy when no one is around. Before you shell out the cash for a professional home-energy audit, however, here are some do-it-yourself ways to measure — and then curb — your energy use. 

MEASURE IT
The average household will spend about $2,140 on residential energy consumption in 2010, according to the Washington-based Alliance to Save Energy. What's running up that bill? A home power monitor is one way to find out, said Tom Simchak, a research associate at the Alliance to Save Energy.

CURB IT — AND SAVE
Whether or not you decide to shell out for energy measurement devices, you can save money on your utility bill with some simple steps to reduce your home's energy use.

A smart strip, for instance, eliminates vampire energy — the energy devices consume when they're switched off. Smart strips, which retail for about $30, plug into the wall and also work as surge protectors. The strip's sensor cuts the power to devices plugged into it when they're switched off.

LITTLE THINGS HELP
Some other low-cost or free energy-saving moves:

• Put thicker curtains around windows in summer (including in an unfinished attic) to keep out the sun.
• Regularly dust off the coils under your refrigerator so it doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool.
• Install low-flow faucets (with an aerator so the water doesn't just trickle out).
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with more-efficient fluorescent or LED ones.
• Consider checking out Microsoft-Hohm.com. The website details the average energy use of homes nationwide.

Simchak said these energy-saving steps don't require technical know-how. "I haven't done anything a normal person can't do," he said. "It takes a little time and effort. But with all these products available, regular folks can do them just fine."

Read the Entire Article:  Simple Tools to Do a Home Energy Audit and Save.

Summer Lawn Care Tips

When Kristin and I moved into our new house over two years ago, we had to work fervently to bring the lawn up to speed.  Lots of bags of dirt, mulch etc. . . . If the high temperatures weren't enough, we were dealing with hap-haphazardly laid sod by the builder's landscaper.  I have since found everything from large pieces of brick to huge metal rods in the dirt our yard was built upon (another story, different day).  However, after two springs and summers and a lot of sweat equity, we were able to turn the yard into a very nice looking spread. We take pride in the appearance of our landscaping.

This Spring due to crazy temperature fluctuations including actual snow accumulation, a portion of our grass decided to call it quits.  About a fourth of our backyard (the area that has struggled since day one) did not come back this year.  

Having faith that it would eventually turn around, I gave it a few months to make some progress until finally giving into the realization that it wasn't happening.  I recently removed all of the dead grass and spread new dirt in preparation for laying some new sod (whenever I get around to it).  It looks better and some of the areas have responded and started to grow again.  But, I'm having to deal with something that I haven't had to worry about in the past - persistent weeds.  When the grass isn't healthy they seem to take over and can be unrelenting.   

I recently came across a great website with all kinds of articles about lawn care and maintenance.  From How to Have a Weed Free Lawn to the cause of Brown Spots to Summer Lawn Care tips, it is full of good information. 

Memorial Day Weekend = Tax Free Appliance Sales

If you're in the market for a new refrigerator, dishwasher or other appliance, shopping Memorial Day weekend will save you money.

During Memorial Day weekend, Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales and use taxes on purchases of certain energy efficient products. The 2010 Energy Star sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 29, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 31 (Memorial Day).

You must purchase an appliance that's received the Energy Star rating. Those products not only reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, they'll also save you money in the long run. Qualifying products will display the Energy Star logo, which may appear on the appliance, the packaging or the Energy Guide label. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Earning the Energy Star means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by these two federal agencies.

 

There is no limit on the number of qualifying items one can purchase during this sales tax holiday, and an exemption certificate is not required.

"Americans saved somewhat in the neighborhood of $16 billion in their utility bills and reduced gas emissions by the equivalent of 27 million automobiles," Ronnie Volkening of the Texas Retailers Association said. "That's the results up to now and in the year 2007."

The following items will be tax-free:
-- Air conditioners priced under $6,000 (room and central units)
-- Clothes washers (but not clothes dryers*)
-- Ceiling fans
-- Dehumidifiers
-- Dishwashers
-- Light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent)
-- Programmable thermostats
-- Refrigerators (less than $2,000)

Read this for More Information