“Halloween is only a few weeks away so it’s time to start making sure your ready. In addition decorating and getting enough candy, be sure to make sure your home is safe for all the little Trick-or-Treaters.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Like clearing your walkway so tiny tots (and their parents) don’t stumble. Read
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Copyright 2017 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
“Ready to add a little something different to your Kitchen that won’t break the bank? Try adding a colorful backsplash. In most cases you can even do it yourself!”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
“Now that the temperatures outside are finally starting to fall, it’s time to think about how to control the temperature inside, along with costs. It’s not always as simple as you might think.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Turn on the heater or turn off the A/C? As summer becomes fall, temperatures fluctuate from hot to cold. Use these tips to keep heating and cooling costs in check!
Whether you choose to describe it as being “up and down” or as “running hot and cold,” as a homeowner, you know that autumn weather can be unpredictable. Autumn temperatures that veer between extremes can make keeping your home comfortable a real challenge. As the season’s warm days turn into cool nights, how do you avoid running back and forth to adjust your thermostat — or even switching back and forth between your air conditioning and heating systems? Here are some tips to help when switching from cooling to heating as the seasons change.
Of course, you can help protect your budget from home repair and replacement costs with an American Home Shield® Home Warranty Plan. We have options for every budget, and you can even choose from several flexible plans.
Originally Published by American Home Shield
“There are so many different types of Basement designs today. When it comes to the right flooring, you need to match what you choose, to how you are going to use it. Take a few minutes to understand the advantages of each of the styles of flooring you can choose from today.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Keeping your basement dry and free of condensation is key to installing the basement flooring of your choice. Read
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Copyright 2017 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
“Labor Day has come and gone and now Summer is officially over. It’s time to start getting your home ready for the Fall. Here are some great tips on what to do around your home, inside and out.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
“Who doesn’t love gadgets, especially those that can save you money!”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Who doesn’t love products that can save us money and time? Here are five of our favorite money-saving gadgets:
(Source)
It seems like battery chargers were big when they first came out but, over time, it seems the energy died down and everyone stopped talking about them. Not us. We think they’re incredibly convenient, and they can potentially save you a lot of cash — especially if you find yourself constantly changing out the batteries in your kids’ favorite toys and devices. In fact, one user wrote about saving more than $75 each year with rechargeable batteries! Besides, who wants to make additional trips to the store for replacements when you can renew the batteries that you already have at home for free?
When it comes to money-saving health gadgets, you can’t go wrong with a self-cleaning electric shaver, especially if you’re a regular groomer. Although the initial investment may end up setting you back a couple hundred dollars, it should only take you about eight months to break even and start seeing the savings. Likewise, the thought of not having to buy disposable razors and shaving cream on a weekly basis anymore — and you still get a fresh shave — should make you a true believer.
Want to save money but consider yourself too lazy to even turn the lights off when you leave the room? No problem. Just install motion-sensing light switches. They’re some of the greatest energy-saving products because you literally don’t have to lift a finger to use them (after the initial installation, that is). They sense when you come in and go out of the room, turning the lights on and off for you, and typically reducing your energy consumption by 35–45 percent. Never worry about tripping over furniture in a dark room again!
We know how it feels. You’re so proud of yourself for going to the grocery store and picking out all those fresh fruits and vegetables. Then, you “accidentally” let them sit in the fridge a little longer than you intended and they’re suddenly wilted and rotten after only a few days. Cut down on the wasted food and money — up to $600 for a family of four! — by simply tossing a freshness extender ball in your crisper drawer. It works by absorbing the ethylene gases in your fridge, which tell the produce to continue ripening. And it lasts for up to three months, keeping your produce fresher longer.
Perhaps one of the top energy-saving devices around, learning thermostats go beyond your typical temperature programming. They learn your habits after only a few days of adjusting the temperature yourself and then take the reins, adjusting the temperature accordingly for you. Don’t worry; you still have full control over the units. It’s just incredibly convenient not having to worry about adjusting the thermostat all the time — and saving between $131 and $145 a year, on average, while you’re at it. In fact, learning thermostats actually go beyond merely keeping your house comfortable. They can sense when no one is home (thus, refraining from heating or cooling the air for no reason) and determine how you can use your heating and air conditioning units more efficiently, as well.
Originally Published by American Home Sheild
“It’s amazing all the choices you have today when picking out Patio Stones. A Patio can be a great addition for outdoor living, and may not cost as much as you might think. Especially, if you want to do it yourself. It also, enhances your homes appeal if you’re looking to sell in the future.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
So you can create some hardscaping that’s uniquely yours Read
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Copyright 2017 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
“Tired of your current bathroom, but not sure what you want to do, or how much it will cost? Here’s an article that will explain what you should expect to pay, and just might inspire you!”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
“If your A/C Unit was manufactured before 2004, you’re still using Freon. And if you’ve had a repair where you needed to add Freon, you know how expensive it’s gotten. Here’s a great article that explains why it’s so expensive now and how to start using the newer cheaper refrigerant.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
You may or may not have heard of R22 refrigerant, but the phasing out of this refrigerant may affect you and the way you stay cool this spring and summer. Before the topic heats up, here are some fast facts to answer some common questions about R22 refrigerant:
Answer: Isn’t R22 the robot from the big sci-fi mega movie? No, not R2-D2. Actually, R22 is a refrigerant gas. Refrigerant gas is what an air conditioner uses to produce cool air. R22 refrigerant was most commonly used in air conditioning units up until 2015.
Answer: The decision to ban the use of R22 refrigerant came from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), by phasing out all production of virgin hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-22. Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to eliminate different types of R22refrigerant in specific phases, making R22 refrigerant much harder to source. The production of R22 refrigerant was dramatically reduced in 2014 and will continue to reduce each year. Production and consumption of R22 refrigerant will be totally phased out by 2020.
Answer: Turn it into a decorative lawn ornament? No. you don’t have to go that far. You can still have your A/C unit serviced with R22 refrigerant if available, but the cost per pound is high and will continue to increase. Another option is to replace R22 refrigerant with an alternative EPA approved HFC refrigerant. The cost for alternative refrigerants is much less, but it does require labor to fully evacuate the R22 refrigerant and replace with the alternative refrigerant and may require the replacement of some parts. Or, you could take the plunge and get a new, modern, energy-efficient A/C unit. Most of the components of such systems last on average 10-15 years, even when they are well maintained. A new A/C system can help lower your energy bills, too.
Answer: The short answer is, “Probably, yes.”
The alternative refrigerant costs much less than R22 refrigerant, but it does require flushing the system of existing refrigerant prior to charging your system with the alternative refrigerant you choose to use in place of R22 refrigerant. R407C is approved by the EPA for use as alternative to R22 refrigerant. Most manufacturers’ warranties on an existing systems will not be affected, depending upon the alternative refrigerant used in place of R22 refrigerant.
Originally Published by American Home Shield
“You want to make your yard look nice so you start planting flowers and bushes and then you realize it doesn’t look like the magazines you’ve been reading. Check this article out to see if you doing some of these.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Before you rush into planting your dream yard, keep a few tips in mind. Read
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Copyright 2017 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®