ReCasa Financial Blog
As winter approaches, it is important to consider weatherizing your properties, whether your primary residence or an investment property . Below are some tips and tricks for saving money by lower energy usage and protecting the property.
- Caulk around windows and weather-strip doors to keep cold air out
- Remove window air conditioners, keep doors and windows shut tightly and add draft guards
- Switch ceiling fans into winter mode
- Turn off and unplug unused electronics
- Adjust your thermostat for when you are home rather than for when you are away (it’s better to adjust the thermostat than to turn it off completely)
- Never fall below 50 degrees in the house – If you do, water pipes have a chance of freezing
- Check furnaces and fire places to make sure they are clean and working properly
- Open blinds and curtains on sunny days to let light in and heat the room
- Replace your summer linens with winter ones – heavy curtains and thick sheets and comforters
- Repair water leaks throughout the house
- Set hot water heater to between 120 and 140 degrees
- Keep refrigerator coils and freezer coils clean
- Use dimmers or single lights instead of multiple lights in one room
- Use compact fluorescent bulbs as they use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer
What other tips and tricks can you add to this list?
Many municipal utility companies offer free or low-cost energy audits. If your provider offers this, take advance of it and make sure your home is ready for the winter!
Be sure to share these energy-saving tips your tenants and assist them in making the necessary moves. It is also a good way to inspect the working order of the mechanicals in your investment properties.
The post Tips and Tricks to Save Money and Energy This Winter first appeared on ReCasa Financial Group.
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