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Over the Fence Monthly Real Estate Newsletter 7/2013

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Re-Max Excalibur  Teresa Image

Teresa Atkinson 

Residential Relocation Specialist 

480-235-7522

8510 E Shea Rd, Ste 100  

Scottsdale, AZ 85260   

 


Teresa@TheAtkinsonGroup.com

 

Providing Value Beyond Expectations


 

In This Issue...

 

 

 

Maintaining Your Air Conditioner  

   

Simple Tips for Saving Water this Summer  

 

Refrigeration Tips to Keep Your Cold Food Cold   

 

No-cook Strawberry Ice Cream

 

Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

 

It's easy to take your air conditioner for granted until it stops working on a miserably hot day. If possible, have an air conditioning contractor inspect your unit before you start using it each summer. Regular maintenance will not only help spot potential problems, but will also increase the life and energy efficiency of your unit.

 

What You Can Do

  

* Clean up around your air conditioner. Outdoor condenser coils can become dirty and blocked, which makes your unit work harder and increases your cooling bill. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Allow for adequate air flow to your unit by cleaning the area around the condenser coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet.

* Change your air filter regularly. Check your unit's air filter once a month and clean or replace filters as necessary. Keeping the filter clean can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5 percent to 15 percent.  

 

 

Energy Saving Tips Let Your AC Work Smarter Not Harder

 

* Thermostat placement. Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary. Make sure your thermostat isn't placed in the light of a sunny window.

 

* Thermostat Abuse. Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense. Install a programmable thermostat so you can automatically reduce the temperatures during low-occupancy hours.

 

U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

 

Simple Tips for Saving Water this Summer

There are lots of things you can do in your own home to reduce water use and get more from less. Check out these few simple water saving tips you can use right away.  

In the bathroom-where over half of all water use inside a home takes place:

* Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth.

* Showers use less water than baths, as long as you keep an eye on how long you've been lathering up!  

In the kitchen-whip up a batch of big water savings:

* Plug up the sink or use a wash basin if washing dishes by hand.

* Use a dishwasher; and when you do, make sure it's fully loaded!

* While you're at it, scrape that plate instead of rinsing before loading it into the dishwasher.

* Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.

* Thaw in the refrigerator overnight rather than using a running tap of hot water.

* Add food wastes to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal.  

Outdoor savings-drop that hose and keep it covered:

* Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing off.

* Wash the car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.

* If you have a pool, use a cover to reduce evaporation when pool is not being used.

 

For more information visit: www.epa.gov/watersense

 

Refrigeration Tips to Keep Your Cold Food Cold    

* Like other appliances that heat and cool, refrigerators are big energy users. If your refrigerator door does not shut tightly, check the door seal to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced. A door leak allows cool air to escape, forcing your refrigerator to use more energy to keep food cold.  


* Cleaning the condenser coils found in the back or bottom of the refrigerator will maximize its efficiency. A brush or vacuum can be used. Be sure to unplug the refrigerator before you start cleaning.  

* When purchasing a new refrigerator consider a high efficiency model. Compare yellow EnergyGuide labels and choose the unit that uses the least amount of electricity.    

 

* A freezer's efficiency is increased by keeping its compartment full. Be careful not to block the fan that allows cold air to circulate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repair, Replace, Relax with Fidelity National Home Warranty (FNHW) (FNHW). A home warranty from FNHW provides both the home buyer and seller with "peace of mind" when it comes to repairs and/or replacement of a home's major systems and appliances. FNHW prides itself on superior customer service, including quick response time and efficient solutions for homeowners' problems and needs.

This is not intended as a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another agent. These materials contain information and articles obtained from third parties. FNHW does not endorse the recommendations of any third party nor guarantee the information provided is complete or correct.

For Service Call 1-800-308-1420
EHO & Realtor Combined

 

The Atkinson Group | 480-235-7522 | teresa@theatkinsongroup.com | http://www.theatkinsongroup.com
8510 E Shea
#100
Scottsdale, AZ 85260