What is energy efficiency? [Video]

Energy efficiency is a vital part of the home, but why? What exactly is energy efficiency and why is it so important?

Energy efficiency is the ability to perform the same tasks without using a large amount of energy, in effect, using less than before.

Many confuse energy efficiency with energy conservation. Conserving energy can be explained as turning off a light, while efficiency would be more like changing the light bulb out for a new, LED bulb. 

By replacing bulbs or other appliances that are known to waste energy, money spent on utility bills can be saved, as well as reducing the amount of created greenhouse gases.

Investing in energy-efficient changes in your home will reduce your carbon footprint over time. Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections today to learn more.

Better energy efficiency practices not only create a more sustainable environment, but can also decrease monthly home bills as well. In order to reduce home costs, consider the following three changes.

Take a look at the overall home structure. If your home has drafty windows, holes in piping or gaps in the foundation, heated or cool air will be lost. Fill these openings as soon as they are found.

Next, be sure your home has adequate, safe insulation which will also aid in efficiency.

Finally, unplug any appliances that are not regularly used, as they will waste a lot of energy over time.

Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections to learn more. 

Do you have a well in your backyard? If the answer is yes, when was the last time it was inspected? 

The National Ground Water Association recommends well owners test their water annually. But for what? Some wells can become contaminated with bacteria, nitrates and other local contaminants over time. 

What are some sure signs a check should be conducted as soon as possible?

If there is any change in taste, odor or appearance of the water, have the well tested right away. A test should also be performed if the water is contaminated by outside flood waters or if the cap is removed.

Other signs include family members suffering from recurring gastrointestinal illnesses, as well as a history of well water contamination.

Schedule a water test with Alban Inspections today to learn more.

Homeowners are aware of the many energy efficient changes that can be made in the home, but how should they choose between all the options out there? Keep the following three tips in mind to maximize the benefits of the changes you make.

 For starters, go with a visible change. Invest in a home energy monitor, easy controlled thermostat or even something as simple as electric power strips. As these changes are clear to see, your family will be more likely to remember to use them.

 Consider switching to an Energy Star appliance for maximum efficiency and lower monthly bills. Created with the environment and your wallet in mind, these are a great step toward change. 

Finally, make changes that increase comfort, such as installing an AC or a better furnace.

How much money does the average household spend on lighting?

According to the Maryland Energy Administration, 11 percent of a home energy budget goes toward lighting alone. Conserving energy is as simple as flipping a switch or setting a timer to shut off the lights when you’re not using them.

How else can energy be better used in the home?

When it comes to laundry and dishes, top-loading washing machines that use cold water save an average of $63 a year, in addition to energy. When washing clothes or dishes, be sure to load the machine properly and use cool water if possible.

Finally, if you’re not using it, unplug it! Leaving items plugged in wastes energy, and wasted energy is wasted money.

Learn more on our website. 

If you’re just entering the home market for the first time, or are a seasoned veteran, there are some tips to keep in mind for a better buying process. As the 2016 housing forecast has been touted as especially healthy in the coming months, taking action now could be your best decision of the new year. 

 For starters, strive to be the early bird. As many potential buyers have indicated they will be purchasing during the spring and summer, taking charge now can be the difference between buyout wars and rising prices.

Also, consider a new home instead. With new home numbers rising by 16 percent already, this may be the best choice for you and your family.

 Finally, compare mortgage prices carefully for the best deal possible.

To learn more, visit our website today.

Keep your home warm and comfortable this winter without breaking the bank. 

Start better energy practices with a close look at your thermostat. If you’re going to be away for the weekend, you don’t need to blast the heat in an empty house. Turn it down when it’s convenient for you, but remember to turn it back up too!

Be sure to load your dishwasher completely before turning it on. Running the washer at maximum capacity can improve the efficiency of the appliance by up to 80 percent.

Finally, consider bundling up. Wearing layers in the home will make you more comfortable and keep the heat down.

Find more tips from Alban Inspections on our website.

2016 is projected as the year of the home sale. How can you sell your home faster than the competition?

For starters, price the home correctly. Based on location, nearby amenities and upgrades to the property, be sure the price is competitive, but fair for buyers. As the market becomes tighter, price will always be the number one factor when it comes to an actual sale.

Remember, staging is everything. Be sure each room is clean and allows potential buyers to imagine themselves starting a new life there. 

Finally, target a range of buyers. Catering to one generation or another will stunt the sale. Instead, showcase the home for anyone who may be interested.

Visit our website to learn more.

Home performance in terms of energy efficiency is a critical part of keeping utility bills and preventable emissions as low as possible. It’s often characterized by three simple ideas: comfort, health and efficiency.

By maintaining and enacting efficient changes, the comfort and health of your home’s residents can improve. Often, issues in the home related to efficiency, such as temperature and insulation, can foster conditions that lead to serious medical risks. These instances include the development of mold, prolonged moisture buildup or a backup of dangerous chemicals within the HVAC system.

By investing in your home’s performance, comfort and health can be improved while enhancing efficiency at the same time. 

Schedule a consultation with Alban Inspections today to learn more.

A home’s foundation and encompassing walls are two of the most common places where homeowners find mold hiding. Mold is deceptive, growing in nooks and crannies, often hidden behind drywalls and insulation. It’s also known to grow behind wallpaper, eating the glue that holds the paper to the wall.

Some of the most common signs of mold within walls include cracked or peeling paint, discoloration and outward bulging. Seeing small mold spores can also be an indication that there is a bigger mold colony growing out of sight, affecting the health of the residents. 

An invasive inspection may be the only way to determine if there is mold in your home.

Schedule a consultation with Alban Inspections to learn more or visit our website.