Summertime and the Living Is Expensive

Summer is here and so are the rising temperatures.  With the heat comes the rising costs of keeping your home cool and comfortable, but, there are ways that you can make your home more energy efficient and thus keep your money in your own pocket.  One of the best things you can do in preparation of the summer months is to change out your light bulbs.  I know, you’re thinking light bulbs, how is that going to help with the heat?  But by switching to compact fluorescent lights (CFL) or light emitting diodes (LED) from the traditional incandescent bulbs, you will save lots of money in the long run.  They cost a little more than regular bulbs but they use less energy and run a 1000 times longer.  The other added benefit, less heat is emitted from these bulbs, and less heat means less work for your air conditioner and lower energy costs.  Also, make sure your ceilings fans are in working order or install them if you don’t have them.  Fans help to circulate the air so will keep your house cooler in the long run.  The more air circulation again means less need for air conditioning and again lowers your energy bills.  Are you seeing a trend yet?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, the big spender of summer, your air conditioner.  Whether you have central air, one of those old window units, or one of the new portable AC units, it is probable that you will turn it on at least once during the summer.  The best thing to do is make sure that it is in top working order.  The less efficient your air conditioner is the more expensive it is to run, so make sure all filters have been changed on a regular basis and your unit has been serviced.  If you have central air,  it is also a great idea to turn your temperature up during the day but never turn it off completely.  When you turn it off, it then had to work extra hard to cool the house back down when you get home.  One of the best ideas is to install a programmable thermostat so that it can automatically turn the temperature down to ideal levels 30 to 45 minutes before you get home.  Summer is here so why not save some money now so you can use it for something better, say a week in Hawaii.  

In Drought, Xeriscape

While some parts of the country have had an abundance of precipitation, typically in the form of winter snow, some of us are suffering from one of the harshest droughts in history.  In some states, strict restrictions on water have been imposed and there are pretty steep fines for those who refuse to follow the new rules.  Where I live, we are limited to watering our yards to only three days a week and only certain days depending on the number of your street address.  Some other cities have limited their residents to only two or even one day a week.  The less water that there is to use for your yard, the more likely your yard will start to look a little tired.  Whether you are trying to sell your home or just want to keep your home and yard looking good, what do you do when water is in short supply?  Try Xeriscaping. 

Xeriscaping is a form of gardening that focuses on plants and practices that can be maintained with low water levels.  When most people think about xeriscaping, they picture the serene looks of the southwest with pebbles and cacti.  And while, that may appeal to some people, xeriscaping is really a whole philosophy that uses native, drought resistant plants and arranges them in extremely efficient, water-saving ways.  There are just as many beautiful flowering plants, trees, and even some grasses that are easy to incorporate into your yard that require little water and are full of vivid color that would impress any gardening enthusiast.  Your yard is the first impression anyone sees of your home, so why not put your best foot forward.  Besides saving water and time maintaining your yard, xeriscaping will also save you money in the long run.  Visit your local nursery or home gardening center and take a look at what they offer in local drought resistant plants.  You would be surprised how just by making a few simple changes; you can drastically lessen your water consumption and give your tired yard the boost it needs.  So, when in drought, xeriscape.  

Beaches, Bikinis, and Burglars, Oh My!

The warm weather is here and it will officially be summer in just about a blink of the eye.  In some places, the kids are already out of school and in others they will be on summer vacation very shortly.  This is the time of backyard barbecues and pool parties and it is also the biggest time of the year for families to go on vacation.  You’re already packing your bags and planning all the great adventures that await you.  But, while you may be ready to head off for fun in the sun, is your home ready?  There is nothing worse than going on a fabulous vacation only to have your bliss ruined by finding your home was broken into while you were gone.  You are off making treasured memories while your treasures at home are going up in smoke in a house fire.  Before you board that plane and ride off for vacation, make sure you and your home are protected. 

First and foremost, the safest way to make sure your home is protected is to make it seem like someone is home.  Leave lights, a radio, or a television set on a timer so that your home appears to have the same light, sound, and movement as when you are home.  Also, nothing says nobody’s home more than when the mail or newspapers pile up, so make arrangements for someone to pick up for you or have your service held while you are away.  It is also best to have a friend swing by and just keep an eye on the place and to alert your alarm company while you are gone.  To prevent the possibility of fires, make sure appliances not being used on timers are unplugged and always keep important documents and valuables in a fireproof safe just in case.  Probably one of the best ways to protect your home is to not advertise that you are away, especially on social media.  You may trust your friends but what about that random friend of a friend of a friend that just read that post that your house is empty.  Who knows who will see your post, so the best thing to do is to not talk about your vacation until you get back and share all the photos.  Now that your home is ready for vacation, pack your bags, have fun, and remember, what happens on vacation stays on vacation.