Kerry Veach

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s time to start thinking about holiday decorations.  Whether you celebrate Chanukah, Kwanza, or Christmas – lights will probably be a large part of your festive theme.  Here are some tips to help you save energy this holiday season:

• LED lights use 90% less electricity than traditional Christmas lights.
• Trees and decorations that are fiber optic are far more eco-friendly than the “real” thing. In fact, many of these units use a single light bulb in the base to illuminate the entire decoration.
• Don’t turn your lights on until it’s dark…besides, you want to actually see them don’t you?
• Take advantage of all this extra lighting by limiting the amount of time other house lights are on.  If your tree is so bright it lights up the entire living room, then why bother using the household lamps and lighting fixtures.
• Throwing a holiday party?  Turn the thermostat down while the oven is working and guests are crowding your home.
• And while you’re playing the role of party chef, maximize efficiency by baking mulitple dishes in your oven at the same time.  In fact, you might not even need the oven for everything.  If you have a toaster oven or similar electric heating device (like a hot plate) use those when/if possible.

For more home improvement and energy saving tips, visit the Veach View Blog by Kerry Veach.  Kerry is a Destin, FL Realtor and Real Estate Broker with 22 years of experience assisting thousands in the exciting process of buying and/or selling a home.   He is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX Platinum Club, and the RE/MAX® 100% CLUB.  In 2011, he earned the RE/Max Lifetime Achievement Award.

If you would like to buy a home in Destin, FL or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  With over 1,000 closings and thousands of satisfied clients, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Due to the location, Destin, FL homes are some of the most desirable in the nation.  However, there are unique challenges homes is a warm climate face with respect to indoor air quality.

Newer homes, especially, are built to be air tight.  This is great for not allowing cool air to escape, but the problem is moisture can’t escape either.  As the moisture becomes trapped in the home, mold grows – and we all know what kind of a hazard mold poses.

John Jordan of Jordan Air Enterprises Inc. – 2012 recipient of the “Finest on the Emerald Coast” award in Heating & Air Conditioning/Home Repair – offers a couple of solutions to control indoor moisture.

“I’m familiar with the challenges that this area faces with indoor environment control. Gaining control over rampant indoor moisture is a passion of mine,” he said. “In the South, we deal with high humidity.”  He goes on to explain one possible solution:  “It is central dehumidification just like your air conditioner.  It drains automatically, and you’re not tied to emptying the bucket. It is tied to the existing drain system.”

The humidity inside of Destin, FL homes becomes particularly high in the fall, winter, and spring seasons because air conditioning units generally don’t run long enough to completely dry the air.  For homeowners who are out of their homes for the majority of the day, he recommends the Ecobee thermostat system.  This systems gives homeowners the ability to monitor temperature levels and adjust settings from a smart phone, tablet, laptop, etc.  This system will also send an email alert if it detects a problem.

For more home improvement and energy saving tips, visit the Veach View Blog by Kerry Veach.  Kerry is a Destin, FL Realtor and Real Estate Broker with 22 years of experience assisting thousands in the exciting process of buying and/or selling a home.   He is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX Platinum Club, and the RE/MAX® 100% CLUB.  In 2011, he earned the RE/Max Lifetime Achievement Award.

If you would like to buy a home in Destin, FL or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  With over 1,000 closings and thousands of satisfied clients, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If your parents were anything like mine, then you grew up in a home conscious of energy conservation.  These messages were embedded into our brains via simple four-word phrases, such as “Stop cooling the neighborhood!”, “Quit running the water!”, and “Turn off the lights!”

While the first two are still good practices, the last one might need an upgrade.  As counter intuitive as it may feel, certain light bulbs conserve more energy by being left on.

When your parents were concerned about saving electricity (and money), it was because incandescent lighting was (and is) highly inefficient.  90 percent of energy is emitted as heat, leaving only 10 percent for light.  Halogen lighting is a little more efficient than this, but not nearly as good as CFL’s and LED’s.

Compact Fluorescent Lighting has far more advanced technology than its predecessors.  You can generally extend the life of a CFL bulb by leaving it on, as opposed to simply using it less.  This is because CFL’s use more energy to power up, so just leave the light on if you plan to leave a room for less than fifteen minutes.

Light Emitting Diodes have a completely different set of rules.  These bulbs are unaffected by the number of times switched on and off.  They also reach maximum power almost instantly, unlike other bulbs which have some degree of delay.  However, the lighting capability of LED’s are not as effective as CFL’s.

To get more energy (and money) saving tips, make sure you check the Veach View Blog frequently.  And as always, if you or anyone you know would like to buy real estate in Destin, FL, or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach online or call him directly at 1.800.879.0309.

With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Destin, FL homeowners can always benefit from ways to save electricity, and one area of opportunity for huge savings is in a home office.  If you have a home office, then where you are saving on gas you could be losing on electricity if you don’t have an ENERGY-STAR computer and/or laptop.

ENERGY-STAR equipment uses up to 65 percent less power than older equipment.  In addition to purchasing energy efficient computers, it’s also advisable that you plug these units into a power strip so they can be turned off easily.  Otherwise, they will continue drawing current and wasting electricity (known as “vampire” loads).

One outdated notion is that leaving your desktop computer on is better for the machine, making it last longer.  This was true years ago with larger mainframe computers, but it is not at all the case now.  You can, however, adjust your computer’s power management settings on the cpu and monitor to use less energy while the unit is running.

If you’ll be in the market for a new purchase soon, look at laptops instead of desktop units.  Desktops use considerably more electricity than laptops, and the mobile feature of the laptop means that you are running on battery power instead of your home’s electrical current.  Here’s a helpful tip:  It’s recommended that you only plug your laptop in to charge the battery – not only will this save energy, it will also extend the life of your battery.

Make sure you check the Veach View Blog frequently to get more energy (and money) saving tips.  And as always, if you or anyone you know would like to buy real estate in Destin, FL, or sell a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach online or call him directly at 1.800.879.0309.

With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The traditional method of heating water involves a large storage tank that requires a great deal of electricity to be kept warm.  Tankless Water Heaters – also called Instantaneous or Demand Water Heaters – only heat water as needed which eliminates the need for a storage tank.

These units have gained increased popularity as Destin, FL homeowners look for ways to save electricity and reduce utility bills.  Other applications for Tankless Water Heaters include use with:

• Remote BBQ or outdoor sink
• Poolhouse or pool shower
• Remote bathrooms or hot tubs
• Solar water heating systems
• Dishwashers and sanitation

A Tankless Water Heater can save Destin, FL homeowners 27 – 50 percent on water heating costs.  If you plan to purchase an Electric Tankless Water Heater, you’ll need to consider the following electrical requirements:

• Voltage
• Amperage
• Circuit Breaker

Next, you’ll need to consider size and location.  These factors can be discussed with the manufacturer you are purchasing from and/or the contractor that will perform the installation.  Note: proper installation is critical to the proper operation of these units, so do not attempt on your own unless you are a professional.

Make sure you check the Veach View Blog frequently to get more energy related news and money saving tips.  And as always, if you or anyone you know would like to buy a home in Destin, Florida or sell a home in Destin, Florida contact Kerry Veach online or call 1.800.879.0309. With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

When it comes to energy efficiency through solar power, Destin, FL homes have a huge advantage.  Being in a sunny climate year round offers many more opportunities than are available in other parts of the country.  One of these opportunities is a solar water heater.

On average, a solar water heater will cut your water heating bills down by 50 – 80%.  If you’re planning on refinancing, include the price of a solar water heater in a new 30-year mortgage.  This will usually amount to between $13 and $20 per month. In addition, the federal income tax deduction for mortgage interest attributable to the solar system reduces that by about $3–$5 per month.

Now, you’re probably wondering about cost.  Not surprisingly, a solar water heater is more expensive than a conventional water heater.  However, as you just read, the savings far outweigh the additional upfront expense.  The unit itself will run just over $1,000 (depending on size, model, etc.)

If you want to estimate how much the unit will save you, you’ll need to know:  1. The system’s solar energy factor (SEF) and 2.  The auxiliary tank fuel type (gas or electric) and costs (your local utility can provide current rates).  Once you have that information, plug those numbers into the following equation:

With a gas auxiliary tank system:

You need to know the unit cost of fuel by Btu (British thermal unit) or therm. (1 therm = 100,000 Btu)

365 × 41,045/SEF × Fuel Cost (Btu) = estimated annual cost of operation

OR

365 × 0.4105/SEF × Fuel Cost (therm) = estimated annual operating cost

Example: Assuming the SEF is 1.1 and the gas costs $1.10/therm

365 × 0.4105/1.1 × $1.10 = $149.83

With an electric auxiliary tank system:

You need to know or convert the unit cost of electricity by kilowatt-hour (kWh).

365 × 12.03/SEF × Electricity Cost (kWh)= estimated annual operating cost

Example: Assuming the SEF is 2.0 and the electricity costs $0.08/kWh

365 X 12.03/2.0 X $0.08 = $175.64

Make sure you check the Veach View Blog frequently to get more energy (and money) saving tips.  And as always, if you or anyone you know is interested in buying real estate in Destin, FL, or selling a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach online or call him directly at 1.800.879.0309.

With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Last week, I wrote about the benefits of landscape shading for Destin, FL homes.  This week, I’m going to focus on cool roofs.

Satisfying both meanings of the word “cool”, these roofs combine hip with energy efficiency.  A cool roof reflects the sunlight and absorbs less heat – also known as solar reflectance and thermal emittance.  They may be constructed out of a highly reflective paint, sheet covering, or highly reflective tiles or shingles.  Cool roofs average temperatures that are about 50 degrees less than that of standard or dark colored roofs.

If the difference in temperature isn’t enough to entice you, then consider these benefits as well:

• Since your air conditioning unit won’t have to work quite as hard as it would with a standard roof, you can expect reduced electricity bills.
• If many houses in the same neighborhood have cool roofs, you can expect fewer power outages during peak times due to a lower electricity demand.
• Areas outdoors (such as a patio) that are shaded by the roof, but not air conditioned, will be cooler than they would be with a standard roof.
• Since your roof isn’t taking the quite the beating it was before you upgraded, you can expect the service life of your roof to last longer.
• Because you are using less electricity, you will be contributing to a reduction in power plant emissions such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and mercury.

To learn more about cool roofs, download Guidelines for Selecting Cool Roofs from the EERE Building Technologies Program.

Make sure you check the Veach View Blog frequently to get more energy (and money) saving tips.  And as always, if you or anyone you know is interested in buying real estate in Destin, FL, or selling a home in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach online or call him directly at 1.800.879.0309.

With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The heat is here, and so is the time to begin thinking about ways to keep your home cool.  Besides cranking the AC to full blast and paying exorbitant electric bills, there are some other ways to help keep your home cool.  One thing homeowners can do to keep their Destin Beach homes cool is known as “landscape shading”.  This requires more effort than the simple press of a button (or push of a lever) on a thermostat, but I believe it is well worth it.

I’m sure you don’t need to be told how simply stepping into some shade on a hot day can make a huge difference.  Your home, of course, is no different.  Landscape shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 9° F (5°C).  And because cool air settles near the ground, air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25°F (14°C) cooler than air temperatures above nearby blacktop.

Not only is landscape shading a great way to cool your home, it’s also beautiful.  The process can be a little tricky since it requires that you analyze where and when the sun hits the hardest in your yard.  However, once you know that, you can move onto the next step:  figuring out which types of trees and shrubs you will plant.

At this point, it would probably be wise to consult a professional landscaping company (unless, of course, you have a pretty reliable green thumb yourself).  You’ll need to select the right type of tree for Florida climate, as well as a tree that will cover the areas you want shaded.  For example, you may want shade over your home during the hottest time of day, while leaving the pool area exposed.

Done correctly, landscape shading will lower your cooling bill and add beautifully customized curb appeal to your Destin Beach home.

If you or anyone you know is interested in searching for homes in Destin Beach, contact Kerry Veach.  Kerry is an experienced Realtor who can help you buy or sell a home in Destin, FL.  With over 1,000 closings and a full-time real estate team, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Now that June is here, we are entering our hottest season.  AC units will be cranked at full blast, and Destin Beach homeowners will be looking for ways to save money without compromising efficiency.  Here’s a list of things homeowners can do that will make cooling Destin Beach homes a breeze.

Change Your Air Filter Frequently

It’s good practice to check your air filter once a month and change it at least once a quarter.  In the months June – August, when your AC unit is working overtime, you may need to change your filter monthly.  If the filter is dirty, it will slow down air flow and make the unit work harder to keep your home cool.  You also need clean filters to prevent dust from building up in the system, which could lead to costly maintenance repairs down the road.

 Tune Your HVAC Yearly

Speaking of maintenance, don’t neglect your HVAC system.  Just like your car needs regular oil changes, your HVAC needs the occasional tune-up to prevent it from breaking down suddenly – and that’s the last thing you want to happen on a 100 degree scorcher!

Seal Your Ducts

By simply sealing and insulating your cooling ducts, you can improve efficiency by as much as 20 percent!  Focus first on any obvious energy wasters, like your garage.  Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts.  After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer.  Next, look for ducts you can access from any cooled parts of the home.  Learn more about duct sealing here.

Energy Star

If you’ve had your HVAC for 10 years or more and/or you feel it may be time for a replacement, why not purchase a new Energy Star unit?  An Energy Star unit could potentially shave up to $200 off your annual cooling bill!  However, make sure you’ve completed step 3 before installing a new unit – otherwise, your new and efficient system will be pretty inefficient.

If you are interested in searching for homes in Destin, FL, contact Kerry Veach.  Kerry is an experienced Realtor who can help you buy or sell Destin, FL real estate.  With over 1,000 closings and a full-time real estate team, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As many sun-seeking folks head down to vacation at an Emerald Coast home, gas mileage (and prices) might become a concern for those taking to the road.  No worries though.  I’ve created a handy list of ways you can conserve gas and money during your trip.

1. Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned

By simply maintaining your vehicle correctly, you can save anywhere from 4 percent (for repairing minor emission issues) to 40 percent!

1. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

You’ve probably heard this one before and for good reason.  By simply pumping up those tires, you can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.  It might not be much if you’re driving only a few miles, but it adds up for those serious road trips.

1. Use Your Vehicle’s Recommended Motor Oil Grade

Improve your gas mileage 1-2 percent by using your manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.  Even better, use motor oil labeled “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol.

1. Replace Your Air Filter

This may not directly affect your gas mileage on newer cars, but it does affect your vehicle’s overall performance.  This quick and inexpensive change can improve your acceleration time by 6-10 percent.  If you have an older car with a carbureted engine, this can improve your gas mileage by 2-6 percent.

1. Cruise Control

Since most road trips involve lots of highway miles, give your foot a rest and set your cruise control.  Doing so will not only prevent excessive gas guzzling, but also foot cramping.

1. Avoid Excessive Idling

Contrary to popular belief, you do not use more gas starting your car than idling.  So, if you’re taking a pit stop for the kids’ potty break, turn the engine off.  This will save gas in the long-run, since idling can use up to a half-gallon of fuel per hour.

1. Drive Sensibly

Aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway.  You can also assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.31 per gallon for gas.

1. Don’t Over Pack

A loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent, while 100 pounds in the trunk reduces it by 1-2 percent.

1. Plan

While it might be difficult to follow it to a tee, mapping out your pit stops and breaks will make your trip more efficient.  Driving around aimlessly while you search for a place to eat is a waste of time, gas, and money.

1. Have a Blast!

OK, this one doesn’t save you any gas, but it sure saves stress!  And while you’re visiting the beautiful Emerald Coast, contact Kerry Veach to see some Emerald Coast homes.  With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Don’t forget to check the Veach View Blog frequently to get more energy related news and money saving tips.

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net