5 Tips on Saving Money on Your Heating or Cooling Bills
As a homeowner, you are always looking for ways to save money. Your heating and cooling bills can be a large part of your monthly expenses, so finding ways to reduce those costs can significantly impact your budget. Here are five tips to help you save money on your heating or cooling bills:
- Programmable Thermostat: Installing a programmable thermostat can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills by allowing you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can select the temperature to lower when you are asleep or out of the house and rise when you are home and awake.
- Seal Those Leaks: On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s energy consumption. All the minor leaks can be equivalent to leaving open a 3-foot-by-3-foot window. One way to reduce energy loss and save money on your heating or cooling bills is to weather-strip your doors and windows. This will help to keep the cool or warm air inside your home and prevent it from escaping. (Tip: Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save up to 20% on heating costs.)
- Change Your Air Filters Regularly: Another way to save money on your heating and cooling bills is to ensure your HVAC system is properly maintained. This means having it regularly serviced and changing the air filters as needed. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and make your system work harder, which uses more energy and drives up your costs.
- Utilize Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can help circulate the air in your home, making it feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can help you reduce your reliance on your heating and cooling system and save you money.
- Be Mindful of Your Lighting: In the winter, take advantage of natural daylight by opening blinds and curtains during the day. In the summer, do the opposite and close them to keep the heat out. And no matter what time of year it is, use energy-efficient lighting whenever possible. LEDs are a great example of how innovation and technology can make your life easier. They last 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs. (Tip: By switching five of your home’s most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs, it’s possible to save $75 on energy costs annually.)
By making a few upgrades to your home, you’ll save on your utility bills and improve your home’s energy efficiency. When you’re ready to sell your house, these key features will make it even more attractive to potential buyers. Contact me when you are ready to get together to discuss what buyers are looking for when it comes to energy efficiency options in our area.
Events this June in Phoenix, AZ
Are you looking for something fun to do this June in Phoenix, AZ? Check out our list of summer events! From star gazing to farmers markets, there’s sure to be something that interests you. So mark your calendar and enjoy everything our captivating city has to offer.
- Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market | Every Saturday
“At this local farmers market, expect to find local produce, grass fed meats, fresh eggs, baked breads and treats, jams and honey, peanut butter, flours and mixes, prepared foods, gluten free and vegan options, ready-to-eat meals, food trucks, local artisan wares and health and wellness products.” LEARN MORE. - Reptile Encounter Talk | Recurring weekly on Friday
“Join Assistant Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians Charlie DePuy as he introduces guests to some of Butterfly Wonderland’s most amazing and charismatic rainforest animal friends! Be amazed watching Bennie the Ball Python climb a rock wall and meet Draco, the most charming and charismatic Chinese Water Dragon! Special Q & A session for guests as well. FREE WITH ADMISSION.” LEARN MORE. - Stargazing at Adero Scottsdale Resort | Every Friday in June
“Come enjoy stargazing like you’ve never experienced before at ADERO Scottsdale, the only Autograph Collection destination in a certified Dark Sky Community. Every Friday night through the end of June, guests are invited to meet the Star Dudes, a group of local astronomers, as they guide the audience through laser-powered constellation tours using impressive high tech telescopes. For more information contact Guest Services at info@aderoscottsdale.com.” LEARN MORE. - Cars and Cowboys | June 19th
“Come out and bring the family, celebrate Father’s Day looking at cars (pre1980) and have fun at BE WILD. There will be vendors and music.” LEARN MORE. - Scottsdale Margarita Festival | June 11th
“This sacred mixture of tequila, triple sec, lime and many other flavors is championed across the nation as one of the tastiest beverages known to planet Earth. Let’s enjoy 20 of them (included with your ticket) at the Margarita Festival on June 11 at Wasted Grain.” LEARN MORE. - Salt River Tubing | Daily
“Salt River Tubing returns with its annual invitation to float, splash and enjoy the best natural water recreation in Maricopa County. Join thousands of fun-seekers for Arizona’s “floating picnic” on the Lower Salt River in Tonto National Forest — home to refreshing, mountain-stream waters, pristine views, local in habitants (wild horses) and more. Salt River Tubing is open daily, weather permitting. See website for rules and additional information.” LEARN MORE.
We hope you enjoy your June in Phoenix, AZ! If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the area, contact me today! I am licensed to help you with your home purchases in the Sedona – Verde Valley area, Prescott, and Phoenix.
Questions for Sellers to Ask Agents
The odds are the day will come when you need to speak to a real estate agent to help you sell your home. When that day comes, you want to be sure you have the knowledge you need to choose someone who has the background and skills to represent your interests, meet your needs, and make the process a positive experience.
Having rapport with your agent is essential. It is ideal for working with someone you like and who will communicate well with you. There is another effective way to sort the amateurs and the pros, and those are to look at the agent’s track record.
Here are some direct questions which will help you compare agent experience and performance:
- How many continuous years have you been in real estate?
- How many homes did you sell last year working as the seller’s agent?
- Of the homes you’ve sold in the past year, what was the average number of days the home was on the market from the initial listing date until the final accepted offer?
- Looking at your past 12 months of closed sales, what percentage has the final selling price been compared to the initial listing price?
- How much will you charge me to sell my home? What sort of marketing efforts does this cover?
- Do you have an assistant to help you sell homes?
- Does your company’s owner consider you to be one of the top producers in your office?
As a professional REALTOR®, my primary focus is customer service and satisfaction. I bring each real estate transaction to its ultimate success with integrity and professionalism. I am motivated to excel and serve all my clients with honesty and enthusiasm. Whether you are purchasing land, selling a home, or purchasing a new home, my role as your Realtor is to provide the most satisfactory service while utilizing my strong negotiating skills. Each step of your real estate transaction will have my thorough and complete attention.
As a 3rd generation Arizona native raised in Scottsdale, I have watched this excellent state change through the years. I was blessed to spend my childhood summers with my grandparents here in Prescott. Back in 1998, I fulfilled a lifelong dream and settled here. The Prescott Area is an extraordinary place to live, work, and raise your family. It is a premium location to retire to and relax in an exceptional combination of beauty, convenience, comfort, and peace.
It would be my pleasure to share my knowledge of the area and work with you to find the perfect match that you can call home or help you move to the next stage of your life selling your current home. Allow me the opportunity to listen to you, identify your real estate needs, and then assist you in realizing your real estate goals. My guarantee is your utmost satisfaction using my core principles of Honesty, Integrity, and Teamwork.