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Energy Saving Tips for Maryland Residents

energy-saving-tips

Implementing some of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and other expert’s energy saving tips below, Maryland residents can save big over time. With the money saved, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do some of these sooner

An Easy Path

Brrr. Use cold water in top loading washing machines and you can save money (up to $63+ a year) and save energy. Cold water formulated detergents like Tide, Gain, and 7th Generation get your clothes just as clean in cold water.

Who knew? A plasma TV left plugged in can cost big in a year – $159.76 big! Wow! So, it’s a money-saver to unplug your TV when not in use.

Cut it short. Low-flow showerheads can achieve substantial savings -between 25% – 60%! Taking short showers and bank the extra savings!

Little Changes Can Mean Big Savings

Bright Idea! CFLs last up to 10 times longer than incandescent and use 75% less electricity! This can save up to $65 over the lifetime of the light bulb.

Turn it down. Turning your water heater temperature to the warm setter of 120 degrees saves energy and is also safer for the family, reducing the risk of scalding.

Energy saving ideas and tips

Do the math. For 8 hours and turning your thermostat back 10% – 15% – you can save as much as 10% on your energy bill AND that’s can add up to a substantial annual savings.

Fawn over your fan. Ceiling and window fans provide not only added cooling and better circulation, but it allows you to raise the thermostat so you can cut down on air conditioning costs and save energy.

Lights out. With the average household dedicating 11% of its energy budget to lighting; turning off lights when not in use is definitely a bright idea! Wasted energy = wasted money.

Get the Whole Family on Board

Pump it up. Pump up your tires and pump up the gas mileage savings by 3% with properly inflated tires. Who knew?!

Fun and savings. Spend your savings on a different type of fun when you to unplug your gaming system when not in use. A game console left plugged in can cost roughly $25.73 a year.

Don’t forget about the laptop! Laptops cost too, when left plugged in – an estimated $15.90 annually.

Pass Along the Tips and the Savings

Dracula’s Summer. Since windows account for 10%-25% of your energy bill and during the summer your AC has to work hard to cool the hot air from those sunny windows – shut the curtains and the shades. Give your AC and your energy bill a place to rest. 😉

Keep it full. Not only will your family love you, but you will also save when you keep your fridge temperature between 37 and 40 degrees (F). AND … keep your refrigerator full because it allows less cold air to escape when the door is open.

By following just a few of these practical and simple energy saving tips, you can make your home run more efficiently and save money. Be sure to also schedule a yearly maintenance check on your heating and air so you keep your systems in tip-top, energy-efficient shape!

Consider as well, the O’Grady Companies now offers certified thermography services for both homes and businesses. This is a preventative maintenance procedure on your electrical panel that can detect problems and save you money!

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Thinking Basement Build-Out? Consult the Pros

basement-build-out

What’s the Goal of Your Basement Build-Out?

Dreaming of finishing your basement? Kids moving out or moving back home? Mancave? Or dreams of a home theatre? Whatever the idea, whatever the plan for your basement build-out, O’Grady Companies, can help bring your project to light!

Where to Start

Finding a reputable contractor and subcontractors is the first and most important step on your basement endeavor. Do your homework by asking family and friends if they know of anyone. If so, be sure to look online for them as well; checking their reviews, website, history and more. It would be prudent to speak with more than one entity and to get a written estimate from each.

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Interior wall framing basement build-out

Be sure the contractor yo hire has the skills to take on your vision and fits your budget before signing any contracts or committing. Select someone that you know is familiar with the proper permitting and zoning regulations in your city or town and, can bring in specialists to handle any electrical and necessary plumbing work.

“Lights – Lights – Action”

A typical basement build-out starts with framing and ends with the proper flooring. Electrical is central to your project and it must be done properly to start so you are safe and have the lighting you’ve dreamed of and desired. Not only lighting – it’s the set up for your heating and cooling, ceiling fans, your audio, and more!

Since it is a basement, don’t skimp on the lighting – you’re going to need it! Better to have too many, than too little – so have a good lighting plan in mind! Think ‘atmosphere’ and design your electrical plan – sketch it out and have fun with it! Consulting with a reputable, local electrician is a wise choice too. They can provide tips and little known facts that you would otherwise not know.

basement-remodel
Bright ideas for your basement

Take note in your home where your switch plates are and then walk the basement or buildout area and take the placement of switches in mind. Something to definitely think about ahead of time.

Independence … It’s a Good Thing

Give heavy thought to having a separate, dedicated circuit strictly for your electronics and exercise equipment. It’s just added security against electric overload.

“A Must … I Want”

Make a list of the absolute ‘must haves’ and then the ‘I’d really like’. Then you can more clearly decide on what you’re able and willing to spend. Only then should you move forward and commit to a contractor. Once you’ve decided what you’re willing to spend, talk to a contractor. 

Be aware that it’s somewhat typical to spend 15% to 20% of your home’s value on a basement build-out. Don’t spend more unless you have plans to stay in your home for more than five years.

Let’s talk ROI

What is the value a finished basement will provide you in the future? Will it help you rent or sell your home? If not, investing funds in other parts of your home or property might be a wiser way to go – an overall better investment.

A Real Plus!

Basement, even finished ones, don’t typically add square footage to your home for the appraisal sake; they can, however, have a significant impact on the marketability of your home. A truly finished basement, with all the bells and whistles, recoups nearly 70% of its cost in positive resale value – not to mention years of enjoyment for you and your family!