Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

In tighter financial times, finding ways to trim expenses on your North Woodward home in Oakland County, Michigan, can give you a little more cushion for those unexpected expenses (my daughter dented my new car!) or small indulgences that make life a little bit better (gourmet coffee – delicious!).

Here are a few tips on how to keep your electric bill down, and make your North Woodward home a haven of energy conservation and economy.

• Unplug – In this age of charging everything from cell phones to laptops, it’s easy to look around and realize that you have many, many appliance plugged in that don’t need to be.
• Insulate with your window coverings – You want to do all that you can to keep the heat in your home and not leaking out into the wider world. Heavy drapes that are hung close to the window are a great way to make sure of this. Open them during the day to make the most of the natural heat from the sun and then close them at night to keep the heat trapped inside.
• Switch to Compact Fluorescent Lamps – The initial investment in the bulbs is more expensive, but they last longer and save on the electric bill by using 75% less energy. As your old bulbs burn out, make the switch, and see your electric bill drop.
• Keep your freezer full – It takes less energy to keep a full freezer cold than an empty one. You can choose to make this an excuse to keep more ice cream on hand, or just put in some extra containers of water in the freezer for ice blocks. The good news is that if a thunderstorm knocks out your electricity, those big blocks of ice might keep your ice cream safe.
• Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances – These appliances are designed to be more energy efficient, saving you money over the long haul.

The more aware of your energy consumption you are, the more you will remember to turn off that light switch and unplug the toaster when it’s not in use. Little actions add up!

If you’re considering buying or selling one of the North Woodward Homes, I can help. Give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney Lee Morof 
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

In September, the days start to get noticeably shorter; with winter looming on the horizon, you may be pondering the uptick in your North Woodward home’s natural gas bill with some dread.  Here are a few tips on how to keep that bill as low as possible, so you can enjoy the coming season in financial comfort.

• Clear and clean – A yearly inspection of your furnace and boiler can keep them running at peak efficiency. Be sure to clean or replace filters on a regular schedule.
• Insulate – One of the best ways to save on energy costs is to keep your home well-insulated. It keeps the warm air inside during the winter and the cool air in during the summer.  Consider putting more insulation in the attic and caulk or replace any drafting doors or windows.
• Use a programmable thermostat – If you keep a regular schedule, you can turn down the heat in your North Woodward home when you’re at work, and have it automatically warm up just as you are returning home. When you go on vacation, be sure to adjust the programmable thermostat settings.
• Stay out of hot water – Keep an eye on your hot water usage. A shorter shower with a lower-flow showerhead can save you money. Wrap an insulation blanket around the hot water heater to lower your bill even more.
• Air dry freshness – Avoid that energy hog gas dryer and air dry your clothes for fresh air goodness.

Small changes can add up to more than pocket change on your North Woodward home’s natural gas bill.  Conserve and save!

If you’re looking for information on buying or selling a home, give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney Lee Morof 
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com