Today most home buyers will want to consider the efficienty of heating and cooling their home due to the high cost or energy and especially home heating fuel.  One of the advantages of living in the Orange, Durham and Chatham County areas is that here in North Carolina, we typically don’t experience extreme cold weather.  In fact, our cooling costs should be just as much a consideration as heating since we experience long hot summers.

Here are some tips, many from the current Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation  “Pipeline” newsletter, one of the power companies in the area based in Hillsborough, North Carolina.  Besides the “usual” suggestions you’ve probably heard before, there are some new ideas and intesting statistics:

1) Typically 44% of your utility bill is for heating and cooling costs

2) Clean or replace your return duct filter and any other filters once a month or more if necessary (extra dirt, pet hair, etc)

3) Use your bath, kitchen and any other ventilation fans only as long as needed– it only takes 1 hour for these fans to suck the warm or cool air from your home!

4) A well insulated home’s greatest energy loss is usually through its windows; when using your heat, keep drapes, shades and blinds open on the south (sun) side of the house during the day; keep drapes, shades and blinds closed at night to help insulate the cold air outside

5) When using your air conditioning, use your drapes, shades and blinds to close out solar heat generated by the sun

6) Choose energy efficient equipment and appliances - those “energy cost” labels really do matter!

When purchasing a home, Great Triangle Homes- The Shuping Advantage Team at Keller Williams Realty will assist you in getting all the information you need to help you make a wise decision.  We’ll even help you find a passive or active solar house if you like.  Right now we are offering a large passive solar home on 2 acres in Chapel Hill, 7217 Crescent Ridge.  You can view pictures of this and our other area listings at www.GreatTriangleHomes.com.