Monthly Archives: January 2016

First Time Homeowners: How To Keep Your Cooling Costs Down In The Summer

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If you are a first-time homeowner, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. One crucial consideration is your cooling costs during the summer months. Cooling costs can be very expensive, and so purchasing your first home. If you know a few tips for keeping your cooling costs down in the summer, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars each year.

Replace Old Air Conditioners

If the central air conditioning unit in your new home is worn, you may want to consider replacing it.

Older units are much less energy efficient than newer models. While replacing an old unit can be expensive, it can pay for itself in the money that you would save on cooling costs over the first few years. If you are using older window units, replacing them can save you a great deal of money as well.

Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Most people who are considering switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs do so to save money on their lighting costs. What you may not know, is that switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs can also save on your cooling costs. Unlike incandescent light bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs don’t give off any heat.

Clean or Change AC Filters Each Month

It is important that you clean or change your AC filters every month. Dirty filters can cause your cooling costs to rise 7 percent or more when it is hot outside. If you have a central air conditioning unit, you would need to change the central AC furnace filters each month during the summer. If you have window units, there is a removable filter that should be rinsed out each month.

Seal Up AC Ducts

If you purchased a home that was built in the last ten years, the duct work is likely well sealed. If your home is older, however, 40 percent of the money that you spend on cooling costs could be leaking through the gaps in the duct joints. Rather than coming out the vents to cool down the house, the leaked air would be trapped in the attic, basement, or in a crawl space. When you move into your home, you should have a professional come to inspect the unit and the duct work.

Plant Greenery Around the Windows

If you are planning to have your yard landscaped after you move into your home, you should consider planting shrubs or trees close to the windows on the sunny side of the home. These plants will keep the sun from heating up the house, reducing your cooling costs.

There are several things that you should do after you have purchased your first home. After you have contacted Pizano Insurance for a homeowner’s insurance policy, you should make sure that the home is ready for the cooling season.

 

 

Tips for Drivers during Minnesota’s Winters

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For those who live in Wayzata, it’s a longer drive into the heart of the big city of Minneapolis for work on a regular basis, especially when it’s cold and icy outside. The combination of distance and inclement weather can lead to a real gas expenditure, which can be hurtful to the pocketbook. Below are some tips on how to reduce using as much gas on that drive, or any long drive for that matter, despite the rough winter driving conditions.

DRIVE A VEHICLE GOOD ON SNOW AND ICE

Since a good portion of the year will be spent driving in snow and ice in Minnesota, especially on the commute between Wayzata and Minneapolis, a vehicle that is good on snow and ice is critical. This is primarily important because it will reduce the time you have to put chains on your tires and drive at a slow speed, lowering your gas mileage tremendously.

TRY NOT TO USE THE HEAT OR THE A/C

If you really want to save money on gas, put on a few extra layers in the winter and don’t use the heat in the car. Heaters in automobiles use a lot of gas to run, especially at full blast. So cut the heat expenditure, add another couple of layers when you get dressed in the morning and save on the gas.

BUY A FUEL EFFICIENT CAR

While they may not be best for driving in snow and ice throughout the year, a fuel efficient car like a hybrid will double your gas mileage instantaneously, meaning you’re saving money every time you drive, no matter what season it is. Of course, you’ll have other expenditures like insuring this car with at least the minimum insurance in Minnesota, which includes no-fault insurance, liability insurance and uninsured motorist insurance. Check with a company like Pizano Insurance, who serves the greater Wayzata area for the very best rates.