Go Green, Save Green

You don’t have to build from scratch to have a greener home. These quick and easy home fixes will shrink your consumption and your monthly bills.
RATE IT. Look for Energy Star-rated products. This government program helps people make energy-efficient choices, which can lead to savings of up to a third of energy costs.
SWITCH THE LIGHTS. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs. Replace them in highly used fixtures such as porch lights, bathroom vanities and office lamps.
GO WITH THE FLOW. Use low-flow showerheads and consider installing low-flow toilets to reduce water usage and save on water-heating costs.
PLUG IN, TURN OFF. Use a power strip for your home office or home entertainment center. Even in standby mode, consumer electronics — which account for 15 percent of household electricity — use a little juice, so turn the power strip off when you can.
COOL IT. Turn the water temperature for your washing machine or dishwasher down to 120º F to cut water-heating energy consumption.
SEAL IT. Search for hidden air leaks in your attic, basement or crawl space, and seal them with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping. Home sealing can be an inexpensive way to cut energy consumption by up to 10 percent.
Source:www.energystar.gov, www.eere.energy.gov

This months joke:

Question:What did the birthday balloon say to the pin?

Home Alone

Spring break should be a relaxing time, especially if you’re planning to go on vacation. But preparing your home for your departure can be stressful. Whether you’re leaving home for a week or a month, you can rest easy with these tips for keeping your home safe while you’re away:
• Arrange for someone to do seasonal maintenance, such as mowing, raking or snow removal.
• Have mail or packages picked up by a friend, forwarded or held by the post office.
• Stop newspaper deliveries and ask a neighbor to pick up freebie newspapers and circulars.
• Lower your telephone ringer (and answering machine volume) and never leave an outgoing message that says you’re away.
• Use timers to turn lights off and on at the appropriate times. Compensate for having lights on when no one’s home by turning off other appliances that are often left on, such as DVD players, computers and microwaves. Also consider connecting a radio to a timer.
• Leave blinds open in their usual position.
• If you live in a cold climate, keep the heat on just enough so that the pipes don’t freeze.
• Ask neighbors to park their car in your driveway.
• If you leave your car in the driveway, be sure to remove the garage-door opener from plain view.
• Double-check all doors and window locks.
• Tell a trusted friend or neighbor where you’ll be.
Source:ravelocity.com; Tripso.com; Insurance Information Institute

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Fast Facts >> >> >> >> >>

Dirt and dust build-up on exterior light bulbs can cause light loss of up to 40 percent.
Source:GELighting.com

Spring Cleaning Tip

Think of Benjamin Franklin when you “spring forward” on March 14th. Many credit a humorous essay he wrote in 1784 as a source of the idea for Daylight Saving Time.
Source:www.realsimple.com

Cut the finger off an old rubber glove and slide it over the handle of long-handled tools and brooms. This prevents them from slipping when you prop them against a wall while working.
Source:HGTV.com

Two out of three U.S. adults have changed their cooking and eating habits because of the economy; 51 percent eat dinner at home more often and 37 percent have strict shopping budgets.
Source:Whole Foods Market’s annual Food Shopping Trends Tracker survey

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March favorite links:

March, 2010 Bizarre and Unique Holidays

Use This Moving Truck for FREE      

RE/MAX Town & Country Realty has a moving truck (pictured above) that our clients can use FREE for their local (inside the Metro-Orlando area) moves. When Risa helps you buy or sell a home, just let her know that you would like to use the RE/MAX Moving Truck. Then Ray, the Moving Truck Coordinator, will coordinate your reservation to use the truck for a 24 hour period and outline all of the details for the truck’s use. Tell Risa early on in your transaction that you’d like to use the truck to make sure that you can reserve the best time for your move! We’re glad to be able to offer this additional service to our clients. Risa Saltman wants to help make your moving process as smooth, enjoyable and efficient as possible.

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