10 Ways to Save on Utility Bills During the Summer Months

The summer heat is often the culprit behind jumps in electricity costs during the summer months, so do what you can now to conserve energy and avoid additional costs as the weather heats up. If you're looking to cut back on your spending throughout the summer, your utility bills are great places to start when making changes to your everyday life.



Here are 10 ways to save on utility bills during the summer months, adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle and avoid overspending on household expenses this year.

1. Switch Off the Lights When You Leave a Room – Turning off the lights when walking out of a room is a great way to curb your energy consumption in the summer.
2. Use Rain as a Free Water Source – Collecting rainwater in buckets during a storm is an active way to cut down on your water usage while taking care of your yard this season.
3. Close Your Blinds and Curtains During the Day – Keeping the heat out on bright, sunny days is an effective way to control your energy expenses this summer.
4. Keep Doors and Vents Shut – Closing off parts of your house where you don't spend much time is a convenient way to limit cooling costs while at home during the summer.
5. Spend Your Free Time Outside – Going out every day to embrace the warm weather and enjoy the great outdoors is a smart way to use less energy in the summertime.
6. Find Creative Ways to Cool Down – Drinking ice-cold beverages and taking cool showers are small ways to save money on utilities while making the most of the summer.
7. Put Wet Clothes Out on a Clothesline – Using the hot summer sun to dry your clothes after washing them is an effortless way to reduce utility bills and spend time outside.
8. Monitor the Temperature on Your Thermostat – Setting a default number for your air conditioning is a simple way to keep your energy bills from rising when it's hot outside.
9. Opt for Fans Instead of Air Conditioning – Circulating air throughout your home with fans is an economical way to cool down your living space while using less energy.
10. Unplug Electronics That Aren't Being Used – Pulling out their cords when you're not using your electronics and chargers is an easy way to limit your energy usage this summer.

These 10 ways to save on utility bills during the summer months will keep you from breaking the bank when the weather gets warmer this year. Whether you're focused on using less water, running your air conditioning on a lower setting or another method, it's possible to cut back on power usage and save money in the process. I hope these tips were helpful.  Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you or someone you know are thinking about buying or selling a home.

What Color Should You Paint Your Front Door?

Everyone agrees that curb appeal is essential. Not only do you want to enjoy the look of your own home, it's also the first thing potential homebuyers will see. Since your front door is often exposed to the elements, a fresh coat of paint every few years isn't a bad idea. What color do you choose, and what does your choice say about you? Here are some of the most popular choices.

Bold and Bright
If your homeowner's association allows it, don't be afraid to go bold with your front door color. Some popular colors today include orange, turquoise or teal, or even lime green. There are no limits when it comes to bright and bold.
These door colors are especially great in areas with less sunny weather. If you live in a high-rainfall area, a bright sunny color can give you a smile as you approach your home.


Classic Red
Did you know that there is an amazing history behind the color red on a front door? In some places, it meant that travelers were welcome. For others, like the historic town of Savannah, Georgia, a red door meant the house was owned free and clear with no mortgage. Red paint was more expensive, so if you didn't have a mortgage payment, you could afford it. Whatever it means to you, red is still an inviting color for a front door. It is classic, welcoming and vibrant enough to stand out.


Black or White
If you want something subtler, you can stick with basic black or clean white. Either is fine, especially if the rest of your house is painted in a bolder color like blue or red.
Black will give your front door more depth and can be a great choice for a solid white building, while a white door will stand out well against a darker-colored home. You can even go with an intermediate hue such as a shade of gray.


Rich Brown 
A brown door is most often solid wood. A stained wood door is a great statement, and you can make it any shade, from light to dark, to match your tastes.
Or, if you already have a painted door but want that rich brown look, select a brown that coordinates well with your house color. Browns can have a lot of undertones, so don't be afraid to try something fun.


What color should you paint your door if you're selling your home? Call me today.