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Dawn Crocker

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5 tips to reduce your Winter energy bill woes!

11-02-10
Dawn Crocker

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling

account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home,

making it the largest energy expense for most homes. Take these steps

to reduce your energy costs during the cool winter months!

1. Program your thermostat. Installing and using your programmable

thermostat could save you up to $180 every year in energy costs.

2. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your

heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent - and sometimes

much more.

3. Check all gas (or oil) connections, gas pressure, burner combustion

and heat exchanger. Improperly operating gas (or oil) connections are a

fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or

cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation. Either can

cause the equipment to operate less safely and efficiently.

4. Install Energy Star Appliances: Not only does investing in new

appliances efficiently warm your home in the winter and cool it in the

summer, you stand to save more in the long run says the

Environmental Protection Agency. After installing, file for an energy

tax credit!

5. Conduct an Energy Assessment on your home: The ENERGY STAR

Home Advisor can provide you with recommended home improvement

projects to increase energy efficiency and comfort in the area where you

live.

Source: www.energystar.gov http://www.energystar.gov/homeadvisor

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Why Buy a Home?

11-01-10
Dawn Crocker

You may have asked yourself this question, why buy a home? It is a justified question considering the horror stories out there about the real estate market crashing, foreclosures, and many people upside down in value on their home.

But with all that being said there are many reasons why buying a home is a good thing. First of all we should all recognize the importance of homeownership to the nation's economy. But let's look at some advantages for you:

1. Tax advantages-homeownership provides an excellent tax shelter.

2. Freedom-owning your own homes gives you more freedom and opportunity to create a living environment exactly how you want it.

3. Stability & Security-you are in control instead of the landlord

4. Interest Rates-are at an all time low.

5. Inventory-there are many homes choices out there.

6.Value-this is the time of great deals.

Let's face it, you've got to live somewhere so stop paying your landlords mortgage and start building for your future. Achieving the American Dream of homeownership is certainly a worthwhile goal.

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