Showing posts with label housing costs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label housing costs. Show all posts

Jul 5, 2008

Why is my electric bill high?

If you are a Florida Power customer you might be asking that question in the months ahead.

The Florida Public Service Commission approved Florida Power & Light Company request to increase their customer’s electric costs to offset unanticipated fuel costs. Reports are that the increase will be approximately 8%.

The FPL news release does offer the following ways to reduce your electricity usage.


  • Cool your home at 78 degrees or warmer with the thermostat fan switch on “auto.” For additional savings, raise your thermostat to 82 degrees or warmer when you’re away from home.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically and maximize your energy savings.
  • Clean or replace your air conditioner’s filter monthly to trim your cooling costs.
  • Turn off your ceiling fan when you leave the room. A fan that runs constantly can cost up to $7 a month depending on size and age.
  • Avoid pre-rinsing dishes before putting in dishwasher. It can save nearly $6 a month.
  • Limit the time you run your pool pump to six hours a day in summer and four a day in winter.
  • Adjust the water level on your washing machine to match the load size, especially when using hot water. Always use a cold rinse.
  • Clean the lint filter in your dryer before every load to dry your clothes faster and save money.
  • Use the auto sensor function on your dryer, if you have one, to conserve energy by not over-drying your clothes.

Related Florida real estate views:

Central Florida gas station now offers E85 ethanol

Orlando home search going green

Florida biologist saves bear from drowning

- Greg Staker, Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255

May 29, 2008

Worried about gas prices? Buy a house close to everything.

Rising gas prices are on the minds of every driving American. Auto dealers are offering gas incentives to those who purchase their cars. Each day it seems as if the price of gas jumped another 10 cents or more. So how can buying a home help you combat rising fuel prices?

Well for starters you could buy a home, “close to everything”. Imagine not having to drive very far to get anywhere. According to today’s MLS statistics, there are over 500 homes listed in Central Florida that the listing agent describes the home as being “close to everything”. Maybe you do not need to be close to everything but would like to be “close to shopping”. You are in luck, there are over 1000 homes listed described as being “close to shopping”. Still in school or have children in school? 428 homes are being offered that are “close to schools”. 201 homes are being sold that are “close to downtown.

Regardless of what you need to be close to, we can help you find just the right house that fits your need. Saving on gasoline costs is another of the reasons why buying a home today might be a good idea for some.


Related Florida real estate views:

University of Central Florida turns vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel

Central Florida gas station now offers E85 ethanol

Orlando gas prices


- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255