1. Energy-Saving Tips to save you $$$

2. Tips to Save Energy Today
Install programmable thermostats, dimmers and timers; compact fluorescent light bulbs with Energy Star® label
Air dry dishes instead of the dishwasher dry cycle
Plug home electronics into power strips to shut all off – including computers and monitors
Lower temperature to 120°F on hot water heater
Wash full loads of dishes and clothes
The cost of Energy Star® rated appliances yield long-term financial savings
Visit

5. Whole House Energy Audits
For a comprehensive assessment, contact your utility company or independent energy auditor
For more info, free tools and calculators visit
After identifying where your home loses energy, formulate a plan and assign priorities
Assess how much you spend on energy costs
Determine how long an investment in energy efficiency would pay for itself in cost savings
Info on tax credits available at

8. Evaluating Your Home’s Insulation
Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated
Adding more insulation substantially reduces utility bills and muffles outdoor noise
Insulation types include rolls, batts, blankets, loose fill – usually made of rock wool or fiberglass and rigid foam type
The best place to start adding insulation for the quickest and most effective results is the attic

14. Tips for Sealing Up Leaks
Calk and weather-strip doors and windows
Calk and seal areas where plumbing, ductwork and electrical wiring penetrates through walls, floors and soffits
Install foam gaskets behind outlets and switchplates; replace door bottoms and thresholds with pliable sealing gaskets
Close fireplace dampers; install kitchen vent covers when either are not in use
Evaluate replacement cost of energy efficient windows/skylights

16. Heating and Cooling Tips
Using programmable thermostats, set lower in the winter and higher in the summer
Clean or replace filters on heating system once a month; move furniture and drapes away from warm air vents and baseboards
Bleed trapped air from hot water radiators once or twice per season; install CO detectors
During heating season keep shades and drapes open on the south side of home; in cooling season, keep window coverings closed
Insulate ductwork in unconditioned spaces

19. Lighting
An average household dedicates 10% of its energy budget to lighting
Using new lighting technology can reduce energy use by 50-75%
(CFLs) Compact Fluorescent Lighting in fixtures lasts 6-12 times longer and each bulb will save $30+ electricity costs over it’s lifetime producing 75% less heat

22. Appliances
Appliances account for about 17% of a household’s energy consumption – refrigerators, washers and dryers top the list
Appliances have two types of price tags – purchase price and cost to operate
Refrigerators last about 14 years; clothes washers about 11 years; dishwashers about 10 years; room air conditioners about 9 years
Top rated energy-saving appliances can be researched at

25. $$$ Saving Tips for Kitchens
Use cold water for small amounts of water usage
When purchasing natural gas stoves/cooktops select electric ignitions – gas pilot lights burn continuously
Keep range top burners/reflectors clean to use less energy; match the size of pans to elements
Toaster ovens use 1/3-1/2 energy as oven; using microwave and pressure cookers save energy by substantially reducing cooking time
Use cold water and less water in clothes washers
Dry towels separately from lighter weight clothing and considering air drying whenever possible
Clean lint filter in dryer after every load

28. About Realty3
Realty3 is a large independent firm with a local presence and an International Network
Offices to serve you throughout the Central CT and CT Shoreline areas
Realty3 is a full service real estate firm with the following divisions:
Residential, Commercial, Foreclosure, International & US Relocation, Auction, Rentals, New Construction, Property Management
Our highly skilled professionals are ready to help you with any of your real estate needs