It's the cool time of year once again. As we await a winter weather storm - the biggest of our Fall season I began thinking of all the things I could do to keep my home warm - warmer this winter.
With the ever rising cost of Gas and Electricity I would like to use less - yet be WARM!!
Many of my neighbors use a wood burner in their fireplace to help heat their homes. I have chosen to not do that due to the fact that I have asthma. The WORST thing for my breathing (and for anyone with respiratory issues) is inhaling polluted air. As I walk outdoors and smell the remnants of the wood burning at this time of year - I try to steer clear - I stay away from any smoke I can possibly stay away from.
With that said, I will do other things to help with fuel efficiency.
First check the weatherstripping on the doors. Worn out or missing weatherstripping is easy to fix. Gaps around doors or windows allow cold air to waste energy. After checking all doors, including patio doors and windows - if there are any areas that need to be repaired you can find the items you need at your local hardware store. If you cannot do the work yourself contact a qualified weatherization contractor or handyman. If you need a referral, feel free to contact me.
Check Insulation levels. Is there insulation in your attic? Is it blown in or rolled in and does it cover all areas? Blown in insulation can "move" around - are there bare areas? If there are you are losing some heat from that area. The biggest loss of heat can be from the area in your basement where the walls of your home meet the floor. There is a space that should be insulated. If you have no insulation there - it is a good place to start in increasing the weatherization of your home.
Are there any exterior air penetrations? Walk around your home and inspect all areas. Is the caulk in good condition? Are there any gaps? Gaps provide a place for air to penetrate. Gaps near the foundation can bring in unwanted cold air AND pests - mice, insects, etc. who want to find a warm place for the winter.
Check your furnace filter. One of the biggest losses of fuel efficiency can be your furnace running in good condition. If the air filter is dirty, less air gets through and the furnace works "harder" to give you warmth. Spend a few dollars to save many more. If you haven't had your furnace tuned up by a HVAC contractor in the last 24 months, this would be a good time to do so. Keeping the furnace in good working condition can save many dollars in fuel costs yearly and saves you from replacing the appliance before it's time.
Clean and service fireplaces and woodstoves. Make sure that you fireplace (gas, wood or pellet) and stoves are clean and operating efficiently. Check door gaskets, blower operations, the flue, thermostats and all other components. If you're not sure what to look for or how to do any cleaning and/or repairs, check with a qualified fireplace shop or chimney sweep.
Add Outlet Gaskets. Do you feel any cold air coming in through the electrical outlets? If so, you can install - or have installed, gaskets to help stop air infiltration. These are available at home centers and hardware stores. Be sure to turn off the electricity before removing the outlet cover and installing the gaskets.
Upgrade your thermostat. A programmable thermostat can save hundreds of dollars yearly in your bill. Program the temperature to a lower setting for late nights (while you are sleeping) and during the day when you won't be home. I set mine back to 60 at night and in the morning it automatically goes back to 70 degrees. I sleep better at night, don't have to worry about being "cold" in the morning and save money too!
Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the batteries and make suure these work. THEY COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE AND THAT OF YOUR LOVED ONES!
If you need a referral to qualified contractors, feel free to contact me.
If you'd like to receive my monthly newletter with Homeowner Tips, contact me.
Information provided by April Hayden-Munson Your Real Estate Expert
For help with selling a home.
Call me for help before Foreclosure.
For help with buying a home.
Your neighborhood expert is here to help.
You can find great local Milwaukee Wisconsin area real estateinformation on Localism.com April Hayden-Munson Realtor, Southeastern Wisconsin is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business.
The deadline is quickly approaching for Wisconsin consumers for adding OR RENEWING their numbers on the do not call list! Sunday, December 1st is the deadline. You need to re-register every 2 years!!
Customers must renew their registration every 2 years. To sign up, call (866) 966-2255. You can also register online.
Two years goes by quickly, be sure you've signed up. It's ok to sign up a second time to be certain!
This website and telephone number enable you to put your home and mobile phone numbers on the do not call list.
Information provided by April Hayden-Munson Your Real Estate Expert
For help with selling a home.
Call me for help before Foreclosure.
For help with buying a home.
Your neighborhood expert is here to help.
You can find great local Milwaukee Wisconsin area real estateinformation on Localism.com April Hayden-Munson Realtor, Southeastern Wisconsin is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business.
It's that time of year again. Be careful where you park. Some streets are posted with 2 inch parking restrictions and some with 4.
To see what the restrictions are in your area go to The Milwaukee Public Works parking website.
To call for further information, the Parking Information Desk is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone number is (414) 286-8350.
Don't get stuck with a towing ticket! Watch the rules.
Information provided by April Hayden-Munson Your Real Estate Expert
For help with selling a home.
Call me for help before Foreclosure.
For help with buying a home.
Your neighborhood expert is here to help.
You can find great local Milwaukee Wisconsin area real estateinformation on Localism.com April Hayden-Munson Realtor, Southeastern Wisconsin is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business.
It's hard to believe it's time to think SPRING!!
It's time to register for the Elmbrook Little League 2009 season. For Brookfield and Elmgrove children, Competitive Baseball for area youths ages 6 to 15.
Online Registrationfor the Elmbrook Little League begins December 1st.
Visit their website or call Nancy Shea at 262-827-0937 with any questions.
Information provided by April Hayden-Munson Your Real Estate Expert
For help with selling a home.
Call me for help before Foreclosure.
For help with buying a home.
Your neighborhood expert is here to help.
You can find great local Milwaukee Wisconsin area real estateinformation on Localism.com April Hayden-Munson Realtor, Southeastern Wisconsin is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business.
Cookie and Treat sale is on From noon to 3 pm at Associated Bank in Menomonee Falls on Sunday November 30. Enjoy the Menomonee Falls Village Centre Christmas Walk and stop in at Associated bank to get some candies, cookies or treats. Visit local businesses while you are out and about! The bank is located at N88 W16554 Main St.
Wine and cheese tasting from 7 to 9 pm on December 4th is being held at John Harbor's Main Street Coffee House. If you haven't had a chance to check out the goodies at John Harbor's, please stop in. Located at N88 W15421 Main St in Menomonee Falls. Listen to Live music by The Long and Short of It. stop by to show your support---- the Admission is a new toy or a canned good to be given to the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry and needy families.
Information provided by April Hayden-Munson Your Real Estate Expert
For help with selling a home.
Call me for help before Foreclosure.
For help with buying a home.
Your neighborhood expert is here to help.
You can find great local Milwaukee Wisconsin area real estateinformation on Localism.com April Hayden-Munson Realtor, Southeastern Wisconsin is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business.
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With nearly $300 Million in personal sales April has been an outstanding leader in real estate for 20+ years. Contact April to help you buy or sell in the Milwaukee area, she gets the job done!
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