Dave Your Home Inspector

If saving some money doesn’t interest you, this post may be a waste of your time.  But, if you’re like me, any bit of cash I can spend on me instead of sending to Com-Ed or Nicor is definitely a bonus!

Since there is a fair amount of interest in saving not only cash, but energy, I have put together this list of ideas to help get you started.  The best thing about this list is it will cost you ZERO dollars.  You can save energy and money just by changing your habits!  Check it out!

Here is my top ten list of ‘Free’ Energy Saving Ideas:

1. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.  As simple as this idea sounds it can save a considerable amount of water.
2. Make use of natural light when possible.  Open the blinds and turn off the lights!   
3. Clean refrigerator coils.  Removing dirt and pet hair from the coils of your refrigerator make it run more efficiently and can actually extend the life. 
4. Reduce ‘Phantom Loads’ whenever possible.  Many electronic devices (T.V.’s, VCRs etc.) draw energy even when they are off.  Plug them into an outlet strip and turn off the power when not in use. 
5. Cook sensibly.  Use the right size lids on pots to reduce steam escaping into the conditioned air.  Use correct burners for the pot size.  Utilize toaster ovens & microwaves rather than turning on the conventional oven for small dishes.
6. Adjust your laundry habits.  Wash your clothes in cold or warm water and rinse them in cold water. Use a cold water detergent. 
7. Remove laundry from the dryer the first time it is dried!  Don’t waste energy by ‘fluffing’ the clothes several times. 
8. Take shorter showers.  Reducing the length and temperature of your showers can save a substantial amount of water and the energy required to heat it. 
9. Turn off the ‘Heated Dry’ on the dishwasher.  Let the dishes dry on their own.  You can also open the door to allow them to air dry.
10. Operate major appliances in off peak times.  It is less expensive and better for the environment to operate clothes dryers, pool filters and other large appliances in off peak hours.

There are obviously many more changes you can make to help save money while saving energy.  Please share your ideas with us so we can all save.  Feel free to post your ideas here or comment on the ideas I have already mentioned.

David Novalinski Sr.

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

This is probably the most common question we receive as home inspectors.  While price is important, it should not be the main decisive point in which you choose an inspector. Make sure you are comparing apples with apples while conducting your search.  

With that being said, the cost of a home inspection at About Your Home Inspection, Inc., starts at $250 with an average inspection costing $350.  As a rule of thumb, an average home is 3-4 bedrooms, and 2-3 bathrooms with 1500-2500 square feet of living space.  The exact cost is determined according to the specific conditions relevant to your home. 

 *Other unusual circumstances may influence the cost.*

To get an exact price on an inspection for your home call our office at 847-669-9040.