Keeping the Real Estate Cool
Kathy Riggs July 10th, 2010
Just a few months ago we were declaring we would not complain about the heat if it ever warmed up. If you are reading this from some distance understand Kinston had a very cold winter 2010. Now we are racing to break the record for a very hot summer.
Which brings up the question how are we going to combat this sweltering heat?
There are many simple ways to make your house feel cooler this summer. And if you are house hunting be on the lookout for proper insulation in attics, deciduous trees planted near the air conditioner (but not too close) and rooms with ceiling fans.
Proper insulation can cut cooling costs by 10 percent. If the seller of a home you are considering has planted deciduous trees on the south and west side of the house, the trees will shade the house in the summer and allow sunlight to warm the house in cooler seasons. If your home or the house you are considering doesn’t have shrubbery on the south and west sides, a trip to the garden section of your home improvement store may be in order.
Ceiling fans are another simple way to help prevent you from losing your cool in the hot summer. Whenever air is moving you will feel cooler. The most energy-grabbing fan will cost less than $10 a month to run if is operates10 to 12 hours a day. Make sure the fan is set for summer forcing the air downward and don’t forget to change it when the weather turns cooler. A note to the house hunters – ceiling fans are fixtures and if not exempted on the seller’s listing contract they should remain intact.
Looking for the best reason to get yourself out of the kitchen and your husband to light up the grill? Cooking uses a lot of energy and adds to the heat and the humidity in the house therefore making it hotter. (Ladies, you already knew that didn’t you!) So close the kitchen and send the chef outdoors.
Although today’s decorating trend is lighter and brighter, if you live in an older home keep drapes closed during the hottest part of the day. Also, remember to minimize household chores such as washing and drying clothes in the middle of the day and remember not to place televisions and lamps close to your thermostat. The thermostat will be fooled, causing the unit to work harder.
on the lighter side…
Real Estate Lingo Definitions: “A Maintenance Free House” Translation: There hasn’t been any maintenance in 10 years.
SHAMELESS PLUGS
Call me at 252-939-2432 or email me at kriggs@kathyriggs.com for more information about a downtown property I have listed. Once the flagship of revitalization in the Herritage Street area of Kinston, this property is waiting for a new owner to bring it up to its full potential
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