15 WAYS TO CONSERVE ENERGY THIS WINTER AND BEYOND

By Ken Urman, Realtor

We live in an area noted for its concern about energy conservation and the health of our natural world. To help you conserve, here is a list of 15 things you can do this winter to make your home more energy efficient. Some of these tips are both inexpensive and easy to do. Others

involve some cost and may require a professional. All of these improvements will make your home more energy -efficient for the long run, and some will qualify for rebates or tax credits.

According to Puget Sound Energy (PSE), a typical household in our area will use about 40 percent more kilowatts per month compared to summer averages. Did you know that you can call PSE for a free “HomePrint™ Assessment?” A qualified specialist will create an overview of your energy use and make recommendations for how you can reduce consumption. You will also get immediate installation of up to 20 high-efficiency LED light bulbs and up to two high-performance showerheads. The specialist will also provide information about available product rebates, contractor referrals and weatherization assistance.

Here’s the list:

1.        Replace exterior and garage doors with insulated doors.

2.       Wrap your water heater with an insulating blanket.

3.       Caulk cracks and holes around window and door frames.

4.       Add a layer of insulation in your attic.

5.       Add a layer of insulation and plastic in the crawlspace under your house to keep out cold and dampness.

6.       Upgrade to high-efficiency UV blocking windows for year-round savings.

7.       If your home is built on a concrete slab, install radiant heating in the floors, especially in bathrooms.

8.       Seal and insulate openings where wires, cables and pipes enter the house.

9.       Upgrade to a newer/more efficient furnace or heat pump (Replacing a standard electric furnace with an energy efficient ductless heat pump could save up to $1,000).

10.   Replace a water heater with instant water heaters at points of use (to save water and electricity).

11.   Add doors to your fireplace and close them when the fireplace is not in use.

12.   Cover holes around switches and outlets to block cold air (kits are available at hardware and home improvements stores.

13.   Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances.

14.   Install a re-circulating heater on your bathtub water supply (save water and electricity).

15.   Install vent-free gas logs in your fireplace for more efficient heating and to prevent loss of heat up the chimney.

If you need the names of some reliable contractors, give me a call.

How Much Do You Know About Washington?

By Ken Urman, Realtor-Broker

Are you a new resident of the State of Washington? Are you a long-time resident with a desire to learn more about the people, history, natural resources, and economy of the state? Are you considering a move to Washington? To answer your questions and introduce you to everything Washington, the office of Kim Wyman, Secretary of State, has created a beautiful and informative booklet entitled, “Simply Washington.”

The Average Washingtonian

Who are we as Washingtonians? Included in the “Simply Washington” booklet is the following portrait of the average Washingtonian:

“The 2010 census shows the population of Washington state is 6,724,540. In 2014, Washington’s population was estimated to be 6,968,200. The population has increased more than 14 percent since the last census, in 2000. The population is split evenly between males and females. The average Washingtonian is about 37 years old, and the average household earns an average of $55,628 a year. The average family size is three people. Those who work spend about 25 minutes commuting to or from their place of work. About 30 percent of Washingtonians are currently enrolled in school and just fewer than 50 percent of Washingtonians have a college degree, the highest percentage in the nation. “

Stay Tuned for More Information

I am delighted to offer the digital edition of this booklet on my website. You can click here to download. During the next few months, I’ll be sharing excerpts and images from the booklet on my social media pages and here, in my blog. There will always be a link that will take you to my download page.

In the booklet’s introduction, Ms. Wyman wrote, “We’ll offer some glimpses of the scenic wonders, the endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, the amazing diversity of a well-educated workforce, and the history and heritage of a proud people, including our First Citizens.” For example, did you know that Washington is the most trade-dependent state in the country? Follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest to find out how much you already know and learn something new about the great state of Washington.

I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the state of Washington and that you will join me on a journey of discovery during the next weeks and months. This is a wonderful resource, and I hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to download your complimentary copy of the booklet here.