2018 is starting off with a chill! We have seen some of the coldest weather starting off in the new year and now it is the time to think about tips and tricks to lower your home energy cost. Not only in the winter, but summer time is also a time to focus on steps that will deliver lower bills such as managing or upgrading your thermostat, checking and sealing any air leaks around windows and under doors, and changing your HVAC filter every month. These tips and more will help keep your home efficient and deliver lower energy bills throughout the year.

Heating
•Check your HVAC filter every single month and replace it with a new one as soon as it starts to get dirty.
•Check to see if you have an "ECO" or "Auto" setting as this may help you save money, too.
•Adjust your thermostat temperature so you are comfortable, but don't overdo it. Pay attention to the actual temperature number and try and lower it at least a few degrees. This minimal amount could save you 3-5 percent on your energy bill for each degree you lower your thermostat. Also, reduce your temperature setting at night when you are under your comforter and also adjust it when you are away from the home.
•For those of you running a heat pump, it's important to keep debris, leaves, grass, snow away from the unit and keep the unit free from any and all obstructions from the compressor coils.
•As a precaution, never turn a heat pump to the “emergency" heat setting at the thermostat, unless the unit is not functioning properly. This will turn off the energy-efficiency of your heat pump unit. 

Around the house
•Infiltration of leaky air can account for almost 1/2 of wasted heating costs in a home. Make sure you seal all areas around windows, doors, vents, soffits, etc. 
•Close off vent registers in rooms not being used and in uninsulated garages, porches, or attic storage rooms.
•Contact an insulation professional to verify you have proper levels of insulation in your ceilings and walls. Proper insulation can save hundreds of dollars on an annual basis. 
•Make sure doors and windows are securely closed.
•Never put heat sources or lights/lamps near your thermostat.
•Try and keep blinds, shades and draperies open on sunny days but close them on cloudy days and at night. 
•Regularly keep A/C vents cleaned using a vacuum or broom to clean so you have unobstructed air flow.

Fireplaces
•Always check the flue to make sure it is unobstructed and keep the damper closed when not in use.
•Install doors over the fireplace opening to reduce drafts and heat loss through the chimney.

Attics and crawl spaces
•Check the levels of insulation in your attic to make sure it is sufficient. Also, if you have ductwork in the attic or garage, be sure it is covered with at least 6 inches of insulation. Check seams and seals on all ductwork for damage and air loss. 
•Check all crawl spaces that include air vents in the walls. Be sure to close the vents and seal with insulation from the inside during the winter. 
•Basement walls and crawl spaces should be well insulated. If your basement or crawl space is not heated/cooled, then make sure the floor between the cold area and the living space is also insulated.

Contact your local power provider who can also provide you with additional energy saving tips. Lastly, most energy providers offer audit and evaluation services to assist with additional strategies to conserve and reduce energy costs. 

Provided by Joe Bornstein, Broker/Owner of Rock Springs Realty. Working with Buyers and Sellers throughout the Apopka, Orlando and all of Central Florida markets.

If you or anyone you know is looking to Sell or Buy a home anywhere in Apopka, Orlando or the Central Florida area, please follow the links below for either an INSTANT Home Value & Market report or a FREE MLS Search of All Homes For Sale on the local MLS System. For more information or a no-obligation consultation, contact Joe Bornstein, Broker, Rock Springs Realty, Cell# 407-252-8092 or Toll Free# 877-333-2811 or joe@rockspringsrealty.com 

Follow this link to do a FREE Search of All Homes For Sale On the MLS:
https://www.rockspringsrealty.com/search/advanced_search 

Curious to what your home is worth? Click this link for an INSTANT Home Value & Local Market Report: 
https://www.rockspringsrealty.com/cma/property-valuation 

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