Central Florida Real Estate Blog

Energy-Saving Tips

• Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when they are not in use.
• Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use.
• Turn computers and printers off at the power strip.
• Replace air filters regularly.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs).
• Keep fixtures, bulbs and shades clean.
• Consider three-way lamps and dimming switches to keep lighting at a minimum.
• Consider task lighting (desk or table lamps) instead of whole room lighting.
• Choose air conditioning units with thermostat controls and programmable timers.
• Open windows and shades during the evening when it's cooler.
• Use blinds, shades, and awnings to keep the heat out.
• Do not place lamps or TV sets near your air conditioning thermostat.
• Close off unoccupied rooms and shut their air conditioning vents.
• Use your microwave - it uses approximately two-thirds less energy than your stove.
• Use your dishwasher - it uses less water than washing dishes by hand.
• Let dishes air-dry to save even more!
• Check foods through the oven window, instead of opening the oven door.
• Match your pan/pot to the surface burner. A pan that fits the burner cooks better.
• Don’t use an entire washing machine cycle for only a few garments.
• Use cooler water in your washing machine.
• Use a hand iron sparingly, and don’t let it sit long in the on position.
• Switch off heating when you are out of the house.
• Close the fireplace damper after the fire is out.
• Do not use fireplaces while your central heating system is on.
• Wrap insulation around water heaters and long-run hot water pipes.
• Turn the water heater thermostat down to a minimum when you’re away for more than 2 days.

Water-Saving Tips

• Monitor your water bill for unusually high use.
• Do not leave water running when shaving or brushing your teeth.
• Do not leave water running when rinsing dishes.
• Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods.
• Do laundry and dishes during off-peak energy hours.
• Consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
• Install an ultra low-flow toilet - these use 1.6 gallons of water per flush vs. 3.5 gallons or more.
• Install low-flow aerators and showerheads.
• Collect water with a bucket while waiting for the shower to heat up, and use it later for other purposes.
• Shorten your shower by a minute or two.
• Know where your master water shut-off valve is located.
• Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet.
• Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
• Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets.
• Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
• For cold drinks, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water, instead of using tap water.
• Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, and then reuse it to water houseplants.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
• Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle.
• Soak pots and pans, instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
• At home, or even in a hotel, consider reusing your towels.
• When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
• Check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
• Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing, to prevent leaking or bursting.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk.
• Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered, instead of the house, sidewalk, or street.
• Water your lawn in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler, to minimize evaporation.
• Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
• Check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
• Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.
• When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
• Wash your car on the lawn, and you’ll water your lawn at the same time.
• Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
• Water plants only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.

These helpful tips are brought to you by Rock Springs Realty in Apopka, FLorida. As one of Central Florida's leading Real Estate Brokerages, we offer all forms of Residential, Commercial, and Investment Real Estate services. Our staff is dedicated to providing our clients with the finest customer service available in the industry today. Visit our corporate website at www.rockspringsrealty.net