When searching with buyers for the “perfect home” (we all know that doesn’t exist), the focus is always placed on location and appearance. Rightly so, who doesn’t want to live in a home with great curb appeal, quartz countertops, cathedral ceilings and heated floors! But what happens after you move in and receive your first month of utility bills? Some can be shocking and put a real strain on monthly household incomes.
Ensuring Homeownership Affordability
As your Buyer Agent, it is my job to complete due diligence on any property you are interested in; to ensure you have the full picture. This includes requesting Monthly Utilities for the property so that you can love living in your new home, but most importantly, afford it!
What happens if you already live in your home sweet home but are faced with high winter heating bills? Here are 6 ways to lower your heating bill:
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Improve Insulation
Many older homes (and new) have lower insulation levels in attics, crawl spaces and ceiling joists than new Building Code. Hire a professional to check insulation levels and blow cellulose or lay bats of fiberglass to improve your insulation factors. Great Northern Insulation speaks of 5 Signs Your Home Needs Insulation.
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Service Equipment
Replace your furnace filter every 3 months (or more if you own pets) to ensure air quality. You can also have a Professional come in to check the efficiency of your unit, and examine ductwork for gaps. 20-40% of heating energy can be lost through holes.
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Doors & Windows
Newer windows will also have better efficiency levels and reduce heat loss. Check the outside of the windows to ensure caulking and seals are intact. If not, grab a caulking gun and go around the windows filling gaps.
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Check The Chimney
Have the chimney swept each year!
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Use Ceiling Fans
Do you think ceiling fans = summer? Wrong! They’re not just for summer. Most come with a reverse setting that pushes hot air down, warming up the room! A great addition for cathedral ceilings where hot air can get trapped.
Heating bills are substantial and can be a surprise for new homeowners who haven’t paid for utilities before. There is no getting around the monthly expense, but there are ways you can reduce it!
Apply these 6 Steps and Stay Cozy!
Thinking Of Buying A New Home?
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Find out why I might be the right fit for your buying journey.