Save Energy, Save Money - Energy Saving Tips for your Home

Thermal Imaging shows how energy efficient your home is

Becoming more energy efficient isn't just for those of us who want to save the environment. Being energy efficient can really help your wallet. Maintaining your house is a big investment, and your energy bills can be among your greatest monthly expenses. When we waste energy in our homes, we are throwing away money that could be used for other things. But there are many things you can do in your home that will reduce energy usage. An energy-efficient home will keep your family comfortable while saving you money.

Whether it's something as big as installing solar panels, or something as small as turning off the lights, when you cut back on how much energy you use, you save money. Some energy-efficient changes are one-time investments...others are things you can do every day! Even if you only implement two or three of these changes you will be saving energy, money, and Mother Nature too.

Some steps are simple to take. Others require more effort and investment, but promise big savings over the years. Those savings will typically pay for the cost of improvements and put money back in your pocket. Your home may also be more attractive to buyers when you sell.

HEATING

The majority of us have centrally heated homes and the way most systems are regulated is by the use of a thermostat. Install a programmable thermostat to lower utility bills and manage your heating and cooling systems efficiently. Set the times and temperatures to match your schedule. By turning down your thermostat just one degree you could save money on your gas bill and really wouldn’t notice any difference in the warmth of your home.  

Dress warmly when indoors. Lower your thermostat by two degrees. You could save as much as four percent on your heating bill. Turn off heat in unused rooms and shut the doors. If you go on vacation for a while, turn the heat down to save energy. Keep the heat in the house by closing the curtains. Believe it or not, even this can make a difference. Install a furnace alarm. 

This will tell you when to change filters. Just changing dirty filters on your furnace could save you five percent on your heating bill. Adding a humidifier to your heating system lets you turn the thermostat down and be comfortable at lower temperatures. Aquariums and houseplants add humidity, too.

Change the direction of airflow on your ceiling fan. For those cold, winter months, the blades should operate in a clockwise direction, helping to push the warm air from the ceiling down into the room. In the summer, the blades should operate in a counter clockwise direction as a way of creating a nice, gentle wind.

Check to see that windows and doors are closed when heating or cooling your home.

INSULATION

Heat escapes from different parts of a building, rising through the roof, going through glass windows and even simply radiating through walls. If you don’t have a well insulated home you will more than likely be wasting energy through heat loss. Check doors for proper insulation. Place your hand against a door from the inside. If it feels cooler than the inside walls, it might be time to install a door that’s better insulated.

Adding new or additional insulation to your ceilings, attic and walls will prevent cold drafts and air leaks to keep warm air inside during the freezing winter (or in summer keeps the cool air from A/C inside your home).

Your windows are a major source of heat loss in a home. Replace Aluminum Frames. Aluminum window frames let heat transfer very easily. Vinyl frames are much more resistant to heat transfer. Double or triple paned argon gas-filled windows are great for keeping the heat in and the cold out. While you may not think that tinted windows on the front of your house looks very attractive, you can always do it to the back windows. It's surprising how much unwanted heat and cold you can keep out by having tinted windows.

Open the blinds and let some sun in. Lighting your house with sunlight is 100% FREE!

Don’t lose heated air up your chimney! The chimney acts like an open window. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.

STANDBY

Most people think that standby mode is an energy saving way to use various types of equipment ranging from TVs to computers. In essence it does cut down on energy use but standby modes still use power to keep a device ‘ticking over’ so that it is ready for when you want to use it again. It’s just as easy to simply turn things off when they are not in use.  

SHOWERS

Having a shower instead of a bath means you will use on average about half the amount of water. Not only is water a precious resource in many parts of the world but heating it adds cost to your energy bills so the less you use, the more you save. So, take short showers instead of baths and use low-flow showerheads for additional energy savings. It will pay for itself in no time.

MAINTENANCE

Having equipment that is working to its maximum levels can result in more efficient energy usage. A boiler may need Heat Exchange Repair or radiators may simply need to be bled of excess air occasionally for things to run at optimal levels.

AIR CONDITIONING

Increase your air conditioner temperature by one degree. Believe it or not, it could mean significant savings over the long run. When it’s cool outside, open the windows and turn off the air. If you’re going to be away from your home for a long time, say, on vacation or a long weekend, turn the temperature up. Or better yet, turn the air conditioning unit off. Replace air filters every month. Clogged filters mean your A/C works harder. Buy the proper-sized equipment to meet your family’s needs. An oversized A/C unit will waste energy.

HOT WATER

Check your hot water temperature. 140° is sufficient for washing dishes and clothes. Insulate your water heater and its pipes. Your water will stay hotter longer. Avoid washing dishes in hot running water. Fill the sink halfway, and then scrub away. Repair dripping hot water taps immediately. Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.

LAUNDRY

Wash full loads. You’ll use the machine less, save time and save energy. Wash at a lower temperature. Use the spin cycle, and then hang dry your clothes and sheets. Use your dryer for consecutive loads. The built-up heat means less energy spent. Air dry clothes.

COOKING

Microwaves use substantially less energy than ovens. Use one when cooking and reheating items.

FRIDGE AND FREEZER

Defrost your fridge regularly. When ice builds up, your freezer uses more electricity. If it frosts up again quickly, check that the door seals are strong and intact. Keep your fridge at least three quarters full for maximum efficiency.

LIGHTNING

Use energy-saving lightbulbs that can last up to ten times longer than a normal bulb and use significantly less energy. A single 20- to 25-watt energy-saving bulb provides as much light as a 100-watt ordinary bulb.

INSTALL MOTION SENSORS ON EXTERNAL LIGHTS

Use only one bulb for light fittings with more than one lightbulb or replace additional bulbs with a lower wattage version.

ADD SOLAR PANELS

Adding solar panels to your house can help you cut down on energy costs by helping you produce a little bit of your own electricity.

When buying or building a new house, you should consider your energy efficiency options early in the process.

Try these easy, low-cost or no-cost energy saving tips and see how easy it is to save energy and money. Having an energy efficient home may also be more attractive to buyers when you sell. 

If you are thinking about selling your property now or in the near future, please contact me for a free consultation. I can provide you with exceptional services and market your home, condo or commercial building to its fullest potential. I have been selling both residential and commercial real estate in Durham Region for over 20 years. So contact me today! 

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

24% of Canadians relying on their homes for retirement income

According to a new research, almost one quarter of Canadians say they are looking to their homes as the primary source of retirement income.

The survey found 24 per cent of those polled planned to use their homes as their main retirement income. Another 17 per cent indicated they didn't know if their home equity would serve as their primary income source. 59 per cent said they disagree.

“The fact is that many people don’t have access to pension plans at work,” Kevin Dougherty, president of Sun Life Financial Canada, said. Many also do not have significant personal savings, making home equity more attractive, he added.

But real estate is a volatile asset class and can’t be counted on to sustain high values forever, Mr. Dougherty cautioned.

“It is really quite striking how fast home equity can disappear. One needs to really think through whether that strategy will work and whether it will be enough.”

Canadians also appear to have abandoned the idea of early retirement.

The survey found only 28 per cent of Canadians expect to be fully retired by age 66. Twice as many Canadians (56 per cent) say they expect to work beyond the normal retirement age of 65, with two-thirds of them reporting they'll need to work. The survey was conducted by Ipsos Reid using online interviews with 3,005 working Canadians between 30 and 65 years of age, from Ipsos‘ online panel.

The survey is accurate to within plus or minus 2 percentage points had all Canadian adults been polled.

(Source: The Globe and Mail, click here to read the article - 24% of Canadians see their homes as main source of retirement income)


Do you want to learn about local market conditions or do you want to get insight into prices for real estate in Whitby, Brooklin, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Courtice and Bowmanville? Please contact me today! 

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

Check the status certificate before buying or selling a condominium

When buying or selling a re-sale condominium, the most important document in the deal is the status certificate. It answers important questions that matter to most buyers, such as:

• Do I own the parking or locker unit?
• Are pets permitted in the building?
• When is the pool open for swimming?
• How much money is in the reserve fund to look after future repairs?
• Are there any special assessments being charged because there is not enough money to pay for needed repairs right now?
• Is anyone suing the condominium and is there enough insurance to pay for it? For example, someone slipped on the ice that was not properly cleared
• Who is the property manager, providing guidance to the board of directors?

Most condominium deals are conditional upon the buyer's lawyer being satisfied after reviewing all of the condominium documents, including the status certificate, the declaration, by laws, rules, most recent budget and reserve fund study completed by the condominium corporation. Even though lawyers are not accountants or engineers, they are asked to provide an opinion to the buyers as to the financial well being of the building.

In general, townhouse condominiums do not require as large a reserve fund as a highrise condominium, because they will not have as many future repair requirements, other than the repair or replacement of the roof. The unit owners are responsible for everything inside their units. It is thus important for everyone buying a townhouse to also include a condition for a home inspection, to check everything inside the home before you commit to buy.

Sellers, find out what your status certificate will say before you put your unit up for sale.

Buyers, ask what is in the status certificate because this will form the basis of your continued enjoyment of your home after closing.

Click here to read the full article in The Globe and Mail: Why a condo’s status certificate is important

More information about the status certificate: Condo Information Centre 

Purchasing or selling real estate is a complex process and every element of the transaction is best handled by an experienced professional. Don’t take chances, go with proven results and experience. As the top producing agent in my brokerage (approx.. 160 agents) last year and with 24 years of full-time local service in Whitby, Brooklin, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Courtice and Bowmanville, I can make your purchase or selling worry-free.

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

Tips for selling your home in winter

Selling your home in winter doesn't necessarily mean it's harder to sell. There are actually lots of advantages to selling during the cooler months. For one thing sellers can take a little more time to consider offers, and with fewer homes on the market, there’s less competition. In fact, winter is a great time for showing off a cosy and friendly home.

Staging is the keyword, the concept of showing your house at its best. If you do it right, you can really make your house stand out.

Start with the exterior

That means keeping walkways and driveways free of ice and snow. Regularly salt or shovel the driveway and sidewalks before every showing. It is easy accessible, safe and looks well maintained. If a visitor slips and gets hurt, you could be liable. Having plant urns with festive greenery on the front porch present a welcoming entry.

Make a good first impression

Once a prospective buyer comes inside, remember that you may have only 10 to 15 minutes to make a lasting impression. If you're showing your house during the winter, warm it up to make it welcoming. Buyers who come in and aren't comfortable won't stay long. You can also turn on the gas fireplace, if you have one to give the house a cozy touch.

Give your house a nice smell

Everybody likes good-smelling homes. So light a fragrant candle or place bowls of potpourri in the main rooms. Popular scents: chocolate-chip cookies, apple pie, apple cider or anything with vanilla or cinnamon. But don't overdo it. Clean the house, air it out and replace drapes, carpets or rugs before you show it, if there is bad smell on them.

Protect the floors

To protect your floors, put down rubber mats by the door for snowy boots; buy a few pairs of comfy one-size-fits-all slippers from a department or discount store for visitors to wear while they view your home. Many buyers like that because it indicates  that you are proud of your home and you want to keep it clean.

Natural light

Try to show your house during the daylight hours. Make the most of the light you do have. Have the curtains and blinds cleaned and open them as wide as possible during daytime showings. Before you show the house, turn on all the lights.

Clean the windows

Buyers act on the first impression. Dirty windows make it look like the home hasn't been well-maintained.

Create a little atmosphere

To create a little atmosphere, you can turn the radio on. But only on a low level so that you barely hear it in the background. This also might keep people around a little longer and look a little longer.

Welcome your buyers with some treats

Even if you're not actually going to be present, greet your buyers with some treats. For example, have a plate of cookies for your guests or some chilled bottles of water.

Choose a real estate agent you can trust

As you think about selling your property, you may realize that you face many choices. Whether you are selling your first property or if you have previous experience, you should set high standards when selecting the person who will represent you.

For over twenty years as a sales representative in Durham Region, I have worked hard to serve my clients and to represent them in a professional manner. So, please contact me for a free consultation. During this meeting you can and get to know me better. You can ask questions and discover how I can help you. I am confident you will discover that I am an honest professional who can provide you with exceptional services and market your home to its fullest potential.  To get started, please contact me today!

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400 
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

Housing report: Economists Cautiously Optimistic as Home Prices Rise

Teranet-National Bank house price index rose by 0.4 per cent from December, beating analysts’ expectations...

Today 'The Globe and Mail' reports that Canadian home prices rose by more than economists expected in January, reaching a new high.

The 0.4-per-cent increase from December marked the strongest jump in prices during the month of January since 2010, according to data from the Teranet-National Bank house price index. The gain compares to an increase of less than 0.1 per cent during December, while home prices had ticked down in November.

The country’s home prices are being closely watched as international experts continue to debate the degree to which the housing market is overvalued.

The federal government has taken numerous steps to cool the market in recent years, in an attempt to steer it towards a so-called “soft landing” in which it gradually loses some steam while avoiding a crash. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty tightened the rules for mortgage insurance in July of 2012, making it somewhat harder for many consumers to get a mortgage, and both he and the central bank appear to be more comfortable with the state of the market now than they were then. A number of economists are also confident that a soft landing is being achieved.

This week’s federal budget noted that “the government continues to implement measures to increase market discipline in residential lending and reduce taxpayer exposure to the housing sector.” Mr. Flaherty has cut the amount of portfolio, or bulk, insurance that Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. can sell this year to $9-billion from $11-billion. The Crown corporation will be allowed to guarantee up to $80-billion worth of National Housing Act mortgage backed securities this year, down $5-billion from the prior year’s limit, and up to $40-billion of Canada Mortgage Bonds, a $10-billion reduction from the prior year’s limit.

The tightening of the mortgage market rules has impacted home sales, but economists continue to be surprised by the degree to which prices are holding up.

“While regional differences exist, Canada’s housing market generally continues to hold firm,” Krishen Rangasamy, an economist at National Bank, wrote in a research note.

Read the full article in The Globe and Mail.


Locally within Whitby and Brooklin, January is off to a quick start. There is high demand for homes priced below $400,000. Most Ajax, Whitby and Brooklin town houses and detached homes in this price range are sold with multiple offers. For more information about the housing market in Durham Region, please contact me. If you are an existing homeowner and are thinking about a move, I can tell you what your house or condo is worth in today’s marketplace.

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

Housing starts slow in 2014

Here are the hightlights from last week's TD-Economics report:

• Employment in Canada rebounded by 29,000 net jobs in January, with all the job gains concentrated in full-time positions. The unemployment rate decreased to 7.0% from 7.2%.
• Canada’s trade deficit came in at $1.7 billion in December, widening from the downwardly revised Novem­ber deficit of $1.5 billion. Imports (+1.2%) advanced at a faster rate than exports (+0.9%). The 2013Q4 readings suggest that net exports will likely be a drag on real GDP growth in the fourth quarter.
• The Canadian dollar appreciated by almost one U.S. cent this week, after falling below 90 U.S. cents last week for the first time since August 2009. The Canadian dollar is expected to hit 85 cents U.S. by mid 2014.

Housing starts are likely to have begun 2014 on a shakier footing, with the headline figure forecast to slip to 178k annualized units in January. A portion of this weakness can be attributed to the combination of inclement weather and colder-than normal temperatures across much of the coun­try. There also appears to be a more fundamental cooling in construction activity in keeping with the steady decline in residential building permits. Multiple unit projects have been particularly affected and are at risk of falling below 100k annualized units. Single unit starts could also slow towards a 55k unit pace. In smoothing through the monthly volatility the January forecast would cut the six-month mov­ing average to 190k. While still ahead of demographically-supported levels, the trend in starts is forecast to slow over the course of the year and will place more pressure on net exports to support the next leg of the recovery in the Ca­nadian economy. 

->To read the full report, click here. 

You may also be interested in this article: Housing starts slow out of the gate in January

For information about the housing market of Durham Region, please contact me or visit my website.

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

15 Fabulous Houseplants for Improving Indoor Air Quality

Often people do not understand why they feel sick on a regular basis and why we develop symptoms that worsen over time. We hardly know that inside our house, various toxins are present at any time. For example, projects like installing new carpet and painting walls can release chemicals that pollute indoor air.

In the late 80's, scientists at NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) have discovered that there are various houseplants that keep our household air clean and pure and balance indoor humidity. Not only do these plants absorb pollutants, they also scrub harmful gases out of the air and help fight pollution.

For the best results, you should put as many plants as you can care for in the rooms you use most. That means you'll want at least two plants (in 10- to 12-inch pots) per 100 square feet of space; if you're in the middle of major renovations, aim for more plants. Be sure not to overwater, as too much soil moisture can lead to mold growth.

Let's have a look at the 15 best living air purifiers:

Aloe (Aloe vera)
This easy-to-grow, sun-loving succulent helps clear formaldehyde and benzene, which can be found in chemical cleaning products, and when the amount of harmful chemicals in the air becomes excessive, the plants' leaves will display brown spots. Beyond its air-clearing abilities, the gel inside an aloe plant can help heal cuts and burns.

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants are decorative, easy to grow, and also make the NASA list of the best air-purifying plants. Spider plants are effective at fighting pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries. Even if you tend to neglect houseplants, you’ll have a hard time killing this resilient plant. 

Gerber daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
This bright, flowering plant is effective at removing trichloroethylene, which you may bring home with your dry cleaning. It’s also good for filtering out the benzene that comes with inks. Add one to your laundry room or bedroom — presuming you can give it lots of light. 

Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii')
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant is one of the best for filtering out formaldehyde, which is common in cleaning products, toilet paper, tissues and personal care products. Put one in your bathroom — it’ll thrive with low light and steamy humid conditions while helping filter out air pollutants. Snake plants don't need much light or water to survive, so they're an easy choice for any corner of your home. The plant absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during the night (while most plants do during the day), so add one to your bedroom for a clean-air boost. 

Golden pothos (Scindapsus aures)
The Golden Pothos makes the NASA list for its ability to clear formaldehyde from the air. This fast-growing vine will create a cascade of green from a hanging basket. Consider it for your garage since car exhaust is filled with formaldehyde. (Bonus: Golden pothos, also know as devil’s ivy, stays green even when kept in the dark.) 

Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
The colorful flowers of a mum can do a lot more than brighten a home office or living room; the blooms also help filter out benzene, which is commonly found in glue, paint, plastics and detergent. This plant loves bright light, and to encourage buds to open, you’ll need to find a spot near an open window with direct sunlight.

Red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
This beautiful, vibrant plant can grow to be ceiling-height, making it a great plant for decorating and filling up space. The red edges of this easy dracaena bring a pop of color. This plant is best for removing xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde, which can be introduced to indoor air through lacquers, varnishes and gasoline. Grows best in sunlight. 

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
A ficus in your living room can help filter out pollutants that typically accompany carpeting and furniture such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Caring for a ficus can be tricky, but once you get the watering and light conditions right, they will last a long time. 

Azalea (Rhododendron simsii)
Bring this beautiful flowering shrub into your home to combat formaldehyde from sources such as plywood or foam insulation. Because azaleas do best in cool areas around 60 to 65 degrees, they’re a good option for improving indoor air in your basement if you can find a bright spot. 

English ivy (Hedera helix)
NASA scientists listed the English Ivy as the number one best air-filtering houseplant, as it is the most effective plant when it comes to absorbing formaldehyde. It's also incredibly easy to grow and adaptable. Grow in moderate temperatures and medium sunlight. 

Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii')
Combat pollutants associated with varnishes and oils with this dracaena. The Warneckii grows inside easily, even without direct sunlight. With striped leaves forming clusters atop a thin stem, this houseplant can be striking, especially if it reaches its potential height of 12 feet. 

Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema Crispum 'Deborah')
This easy-to-care-for plant can help filter out a variety of air pollutants and begins to remove more toxins as time and exposure continues. Even with low light, it will produce blooms and red berries. 

Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
The attractive bamboo palm, also known as the reed palm, thrives in shady indoor spaces and often produces flowers and small berries. It tops the list of plants best for filtering out both benzene and trichloroethylene. They’re also a good choice for placing around furniture that could be off-gassing formaldehyde. 

Heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron oxycardium)
The heart-shaped philodendron is a popular plant choice for indoor areas, as they're easy to care for and can grow decorative vines. This climbing vine plant isn’t a good option if you have kids or pets — it's toxic when eaten, but it's a workhorse for removing all kinds of VOCs. Philodendrons are particularly good at battling formaldehyde from sources like particleboard. They can also last for many years when properly cared for. Grow with moderate water and some sunlight and they'll be fine. 

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
The beautiful peace lily plant is a wonderful low-maintenance flower to keep in the home. Peace lilies do well in shade and cooler temperatures, and they can reduce the levels of a number of toxins in the air. It topped NASA’s list for removing all three of most common VOCs — formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. It can also combat toluene and xylene. 

So, get rid of any fake, silk plants—they only collect dust—and harness the environment's natural ability to clean itself! 

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400 
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

Toronto’s home prices are outpacing family incomes

Locally (in Durham Region) sales are down, a lack of inventory and cold weather is slowing sales and buyer activity. But once better weather arrives, supply will likely increase, creating balance. 

Today an article by Michael Babad in The Globe and Mail reports that Toronto home sales edged down in January, but prices surged, again throwing up red flags.

Sales fell 2.2 per cent from a year earlier to 4,135 as new listings fell 16.6 per cent, the Toronto Real Estate Board said Wednesday. 

The average selling price, in turn, surged more than 9 per cent to $526,528. The so-called benchmark price climbed 7.1 per cent from a year earlier. 

“Looking forward, it is possible that strong price growth, and therefore an increase in home equity, will act as a trigger for more households to list their homes for sale,” said the group’s president, Dianne Usher, projecting price increases again this year. 

“This is especially the case for households whose lifestyles are changing, including those with an expanding family looking for a larger home or empty nesters looking to downsize,” she said in the group’s monthly report.

Read the full article HERE!

To learn more about local market conditions, or insight into prices for real estate in Whitby, Brooklin, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Courtice and Bowmanville, please contact me and/or visit my website.

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca