In regards to your home, most money-saving ideas cost money to implement. Over time, most homeowners come to accept this inevitable fact of home ownership. That being said, there are some things that are relatively inexpensive that you can do to save money. The best part of them is that the cost can be recovered very quickly, which leaves you almost no excuse not to implement them. One of these ways is to install programmable thermostats. Whether you live in a cold-weather state like New York and need your heat on most of the year, or you live in a warm-weather state, such as Georgia and cannot live without air-conditioning, pre-setting your indoor temperatures will save you a lot of money!

Installing programmable thermostats can cost anywhere from $50 to $150. This investment allows you to set your heating and cooling to fluctuate at a desired controlled temperature throughout the day and night. For instance, when you sleep you can lower your heat dramatically and have it programmed to turn up on your waking hour. Don’t forget to shop around and compare prices and deals at our Cartersville area Home Depot or Lowe’s, as many utility companies offer rebates on high-tech thermostats. 

For more information about calculating energy costs see the http://www.energy.gov/georgia.htm.

Most people purchase window treatments, such as heavy drapes, blinds or shutters to complete the look they want to establish on the inside of their home. But curtains, drapes, blinds and shutters are also a wonderful investment that will help keep energy costs down, whether you are heating or cooling your home. Attic insulation is also one of the best ways a homeowner can reduce the amount of energy they are paying for in their home, whether it is for heating or cooling. Without proper insulation it will escape via the roof. Expect to pay between $500 and $700 to insulate a 2,000-square foot home. According to experts, insulation can save you up to 25% on heating and cooling costs. Don’t forget to seal air leaks in your home. By simply filling in gaps around your windows and doors and sealing ducts, you can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling bill. Last but not least, always replace or clean your air filters. By doing this small task each season you can save 7% in electricity costs per year. For more energy saving tips, check out http://www.georgiapower.com/residential/homeSavingTips.asp.

Energy Tips to Help Put Money Back Into Your Pocket

Most showerheads use twice the water needed for a thorough, enjoyable shower. By installing low-flow shower heads and faucets it not only reduces the amount of money you will spend on water, it only take a few minutes to install and will also reduce the amount of money that you will spend on the electricity or gas that heats your water. Most faucet aerators will cost you about two dollars, and most low-flow shower heads cost around thirty dollars. By using these devices you will be able to re-coup these costs within one year of use. Plus, many utility companies offer their customers rebates for using these devices.  Check our local Cartersville water departments for more information. Some states have initiated laws that require water-saving toilets and showerheads be installed in new construction.

The best way to save money on your energy bills is to turn off lights that are not in use.  Another simply way is converting standard incandescent light bulbs to highly efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs. Since a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) will last six to twelve times longer and use up to 75% less energy than a regular bulb will, experts calculate that the purchase of one three dollar CFL will be re-payed in energy costs within three months of use.

If you’d like to get more natural light into your home, consider some of the basic daylighting materials and techniques available. Also, visit your local Cartersville area hardware stores, they provide you with even more helpful tips to put money in your pocket.  A few simple light-enhancing techniques can make nearly any home sparkle with tons of natural light.

Get The Job Done in Only A Few Short Steps…. 

For many people it seems too overwhelming a task to go through their belongings and furniture with the goal of getting rid of some of it. Unfortunately when moving to a smaller house, it often becomes absolutely necessary to do this. Here are some ways to make the process more manageable.

• Plan Ahead – Don’t wait to start clearing old items until a family has agreed to purchase the home you have had on the market. This could leave you with as little as a couple of weeks to sort through decades of belongings. Start going through your things and getting rid of stuff a month or two before you even put your home on the market. Not only will this give you ample time to decide what you really cherish and want to keep, but it will make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
• Include the entire family – Certain objects and possessions mean different things to different family members. Holding onto an old piano that no one ever plays, only means more moving cost and excess unwanted furniture in your new home.
• Photos – Give yourself plenty of time for the task of digitizing all of your family’s photos. Since they are one of our most valued possessions, why not take them out of those giant boxes, scan them and make a CD? This will cut down on a tremendous amount of clutter and it will keep family memories safe forever.
• Shedding basement objects first- Many people put things away in their basements, attics and sheds assuming that someday they may find a need for it again. Seriously consider which items you can live without and start getting rid of them by donating them to your local area shelter or having a yard sale.
• “First Point of Entry” – The buyer first impression is critical, and shapes their impression through the entire showing process. Clean, paint and eliminate carpet stains, and dirty spots through out the house. Each room should be sparsely furnished to appear larger and lighter. Be wary of too many personal items and photographs thay may be distracting for buyers. Open window blinds and leave on table lamps for pleasant lighting.
• Front Yard – Make sure the yard is mowed and edged, remove toys, junk piles, empty flower pots, etc. Declutter flower beds, trim or remove overgrown shrubs, remove dead plants or trees.

Let The Mullinax Team give you more great ideas on getting your home sold in todays market. Visit us at www.mullinaxteam.com for more information.