Renton Real Estate Blog … Are you ready for winter

Are you ready for winter? Here are some tips from some experts. How does your "GETTING ENERGY READY FOR WINTER " schedule stack up? As every one knows, energy prices are on the rise across the nation. As a result, heating costs will consume an increasingly larger portion of a household's energy budget. That's why it's important to check your home to insure that your heating dollars aren't being wasted. When cold weather approaches, use this checklist of simple ways to make your home more comfortable and keep those escalating energy bills at bay. Check for Leaks Weatherstripping and caulking is probably the least expensive, simplest, most effective way to cut down on energy waste in the winter. Improperly sealed homes can waste 10 to 15 percent of the homeowner's heating dollars. Take these steps: Check around doors and windows for leaks and drafts. Add weather-stripping and caulk any holes you see that allow heat to escape. Make sure doors seal properly. If your windows leak really badly, consider replacing them with newer, more efficient ones. Keep in mind, however, that replacing windows can be expensive - it could take you quite awhile to recover your costs from the energy savings alone. But new windows also provide other benefits, such as improved appearance and comfort. Every duct, wire or pipe that penetrates the wall or ceiling or floor has the potential to waste energy. Plumbing vents can be especially bad, since they begin below the floor and go all the way through the roof. Seal them all with caulking or weather-stripping. Electric wall plugs and switches can allow cold air in. Purchase simple-to-install, pre-cut foam gaskets that fit behind the switch plate and effectively prevent leaks. Don't forget to close the damper on your fireplace. Of course the damper needs to be open if a fire is burning; but if the damper is open when you're not using the fireplace, your chimney functions as a large open window that draws warm air out of the room and creates a draft. Close that damper - it's an effective energy-saving tip that costs you nothing! Examine your house's heating ducts for leaks. Think of your ductwork as huge hoses, bringing hot air instead of water into your house. Mostly out of sight, ducts can leak for years without you knowing it. They can become torn or crushed and flattened. Old duct tape - the worse thing to use to seal ductwork, by the way - will dry up and fall away over time, allowing junctions and splices to open, spilling heated air into your attic or under the house. It's wasteful. There's something for everyone in Renton. And here at the Renton Real Estate Blog it is our effort to keep you up to date, informed not only what is happening in Renton Real Estate but also in the community. To see the latest news and announcements about exciting events and Real Estate opportunities in the City, have a look here If you search Google for Renton Real Estate you will find many blog and other web sites that bring out the interesting facts, not only about Renton Real Estate blog, but about the community and it'd unique features. For example... Discover the magic of Renton and enjoy the convenient, spectacular location, outstanding value, hometown hospitality, and business-friendly environment. Nestled on the south shore of beautiful Lake Washington, Renton is centrally located in the heart of the Puget Sound area - just 10 minutes from SeaTac International Airport, Seattle and Bellevue. Renton also offers terrific views of the Olympics, the Cascades and Mount Rainier. Get the best of the Northwest, without high prices, hassle, traffic and expensive parking! Come visit us Lonnie Snyder REALTOR® Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound Phone: 206-406-2710 Email: Snyder@KW.com Website Blogsite: Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington's Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.