Archwood Properties

Since we already learned a few tips on how to save energy in our living room, the same can be done in the kitchen. 

Much like the TV is to your living space, the refrigerator is the energy hog of the kitchen.  Take a minute to evaluate your thermostat settings.  The refrigerator should be set between 37-40 degrees F and the freezer between 0-5 degrees F.  Maintaining a stable temperature can decrease this appliance’s energy consumption by 25%.  Also, cleaning the coils on the bottom or in the back of the fridge every 6 months will prevent the unit to work as hard to direct cold air.  Sure, the ice make is incredibly convenient, but is it necessary? No.  To save 15-20% of consumed energy, switch off that automatic ice maker and fill up some good ‘ole fashioned ice trays.  Finally, do you have an extra fridge for cold drinks and freezer storage?  If you can consolidate into one primary unit and disconnect your ‘beer fridge’ as many call it, you’ll save tons of energy.  Typically, these bonus fridges are older models that constantly run and burn energy. 

You can save money with your stove/oven too.  We all know that even after you’ve turned a burner off, if you touch it, it’s HOT!  Put that residual heat to good use and turn off your stove or oven a few minutes before the recommended cook time.  As long as your food is involved in the cool down, it will continue to cook.   When you are using your stove, make sure the burner matches the pan.  If you’re using a small pot on a large burner, you can just see the money slipping out of your wallet, for no good reason.

One last energy waster in the kitchen is your dishwasher.  The majority of energy used is to heat the water, but no matter how new and sophisticated our appliance may be, it will still use the same amount of power and water regardless of how full it is.  By only running a cycle when it is full will save you money on both electric and water bills.  Growing up, I was told not to put big items in the dishwasher and I abide by that rule.  Hand washing pots, pans, baking sheets, chopping boards, mixing bowls, etc. is just in my nature.  Turns out, it takes 1/3 less water and power to wash those items in the dishwasher than it does by hand, due to the amount of water required and heating that water.  As long as your racks are full, go ahead and run that baby!

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com 

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Since a family’s living area is a high-traffic, high-volume space that is probably used more than any other room in the house, next to the kitchen, it’s easy to waste money while enjoying the amenities. 

If you’re in the market for a new TV, take the time to evaluate the cost difference between  a plasma and LCD screen.  Plasma’s take much more power to operate and those energy costs are nearly 6 times what it costs to run an LCD screen.  Sure, LCD screens are a bit more expensive, but multiply approximately $42 savings a year by the number of years you estimate having a TV and see if that outweighs the additional cost of purchasing an LCD over a plasma screen.  If it does, spend pennies now and save dollars later. 

You can also save money by unplugging those unused electronics, lamps and appliances in the living room.  Just because they aren’t turned on doesn’t mean they aren’t sucking out power.  For those items, group them together on a power strip so it’s easy to turn them all off with one click of a button.  Of course, many of us rely on our digital cable boxes and DVR’s to continuously download data so we can’t unplug those, but a smart power strip will allow you to completely turn off your tv while leaving the recording device plugged in.

When you’re shopping for new electronics, make sure to look at the Energy Star rated selection.  These items will save anywhere from 6-75% of required energy.  If you just can’t live without that plasma tv, there is even an Energy Star version. 

Even though this isnt’ necessarily helping your electric bill, it is helping your wallet, and most importantly our environment.  Transition your remote control, video game system and any other battery-required device to rechargeable batteries.  They are more expensive than disposable batteries, but for every single rechargeable you use, you save 500 batteries from entering our waste system. 

Finally, since you’re in your living room so much, your lights are probably constantly on and sucking out power like no tomorrow.  Change out your incandescent bulbs for compact florescant ones. 

You always see those ads, Work from home, Make money from your living room, Your career from your couch… Well, these tips aren’t one of those gimmicks.  Seriously, put more cash in your pocket from living area.  All it takes is a few small changes.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com 

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It’s quite a debate to decide if you’re appropriately insured for your property and personal possessions.  In the event of a devastating loss, you don’t want to have a policy that won’t assist in getting you back to your routine lifestyle, but on the other hand, you don’t want to throw money away in policy premiums each year if you won’t need it all.  How do you get just the right amount of coverage?

Most agent recommend opting for  replacement cost coverage rather than cash value coverage.  This way, the insurance company will cover the expenses of replacing damaging property, rather than just giving you the value of the loss.  If you have a to rebuild a home due to a fire, a cash value policy will only give you enough money to reimburse you for your 10 year old windows, roof or doors.  The replacement policy understands that while your property may have depreciated and you’ve gotten great use of it, it will still take money out of your pocket to pay today’s prices.  One thing to remember with replacement coverage is to get a policy big enough to cover the entire rebuild of your house, purchase of furnishings and personal property and the land value of your property.  Market value will sell you short of where you need to be in the event of a complete loss. 

Additionally, another oversight is the construction costs of rebuilding.  Sure you may have factored in the supply costs of every single item in your home, light switches and all, but did you remember to factor in how much you have to pay someone to do the work?  If you have a recently purchased home, you know a round-about figure to give your insurance agent when decided on a policy, but if it’s an older home, get a few bids from local builders before nailing down a policy. 

Adjusting your policy as things change within your home is another crucial aspect.  If you do a remodeling project that is 5% of the homes value, or $5,000 (whichever is less) adjust your policy to cover your upgrades.  I mean, you aren’t putting money in the house for nothing, right?  Adjustments can be in terms of added personal property too.  If you have more expensive furniture, clothing or jewelry, make sure your policy covers that as well. The amount of additional coverage will literally only cost you pennies on the dollar in premiums compared to what it actually costs to replace. 

Any loss can be devastating and a long-lasting headache, but having complete coverage will at least minimize your chaos. 

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com 

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It’s a no-brainer that we use our heating/cooling system the most in the summer and winter, therefore the best time to have routine checks done is during the fall and spring seasons.  These evaluations, plus other maintenance tips will help keep your system running effectively and efficiently.

The fall check-up should include cleaning the furnace blower, burners and heat exchanger, while in the spring, condenser coils should be cleaned, refrigerant charge should be checked and the wiring inspected. Additionally, you can pour a cup of bleach down the air conditioner condensate drain to prevent buildup of mold and algae.  Also in the spring, wash and dry filters and vacuum condenser coils on any window units.

Monthly maintenance includes changing out the air filters.  If you don’t have a shedding pet, you can probably stretch that out two extra months. Once a month, it’s recommended to inspect insulation on refrigerant lines leading into your house.  It’s also important to make sure that there is about two feet of clearance around your outdoor units and heat pumps.  Debris and shrub growth needs to be kept clean around this area.  

More regularly, you need to make sure to keep the actual unit itself clean.  Any leaves, grass clippings, or debris that is piled on top of the unit needs to be brushed off each time you’re outside doing your yard. 

I know, you’re probably thinking “Great! One more chore to add to the list…” but these few maintanence routines will definitely save you time and money in the longrun. 

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com 

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The time is still right for buyers. With the home prices remaining steady and the stabilizing economgy, it’s not just a good time to buy a house…it’s one of the best times to buy.

1. Low mortgage rates serve as an equity shock absorber. When buyers borrow at today’s record-low rates, they start building equity as soon as they close. That means they have a little give to absorb a few ups and downs as the still-recovering housing market gains traction.

2. Houses are in move-in condition. Homeowners have continued to spend on maintenance and repairs.   Homeowners who have been holding back, kept their houses in good shape while they waited. As those houses enter the market, they are in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.

3. Terrific houses are coming on the market. Foreclosures are finally starting to clear the system—and this is just the opportunity that owners of many desirable properties have been waiting for.

4. Appraisal regulations are finally aligned with market realities. Fannie Mae has adjusted its appraisal guidelines, giving appraisers more flexibility to set values that reflect the current market. This ensures that today’s deals will make it over the finish line.

5. Plenty of programs. Homes are more affordable than they have been for years, but communities have stuck by “workforce housing” programs that encourage middle-class families to buy houses. Buyers who qualify can get a big boost by combining one of these programs with today’s low mortgage rates.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com 

www.archwoodproperties.com