Energy Crisis- Part 2
Posted 06/10/2011 by Dennis Crook
The average cost of heating a home for the winter in 2008 was $1000-$2500, depending on the size of the structure. However, for homes that use heating oil or propane, the winter energy bill can be nearly double the average. And there seems to be no end in sight to the rising energy costs. In fact, energy costs have increased by an average of 2 to 2.5% annually over the past 50 years. You may be one of the lucky ones who had managed to pay this winter’s heating bills. However, just how far can you stretch your budget next winter? Now is the time to take stock of your home’s energy […]
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Energy Crisis- Part 1
Posted 06/08/2011 by Dennis Crook
“For nearly 16 million American families the struggle to heat their home this winter will hit the crisis point in early summer.” According to a 2008 report on CNN’s Lou Dobbs Report, 15.5 million people were at least 30 days behind on their heating bills. While most utility companies are prohibited from shutting off energy in the winter months, the beginning of warm weather means many of those families will now have their utility shut off. The problem is no longer seen just in low income families. With record energy prices, unemployment or underemployment, the problem is creeping into working and middle class families. These are people who have always paid their bills […]
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Appraisal Value of Energy Star Homes
Posted 05/24/2011 by Dennis Crook
With soaring energy costs in the country, the question is being asked more and more if the energy efficiency of a home should be taken into consideration in the appraisal process? The answer is yes. As energy costs rise, the value of a home that is more energy efficient than an average, conventionally built home should receive a higher valuation. And that is just where the industry is beginning to turn, as fewer people can afford to pay two mortgages—one to the bank and one to the utility company. Energy Star Homes The Energy Star program for homes is a government based organization, dedicated to helping consumers save money and the environment. The […]
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If I go green do I use cloth, plastic or paper bags?
Posted 05/22/2011 by Dennis Crook
How did a movement start to ban the use of recyclable plastic bags, replacing them with cloth or paper instead? Is it because people are too lazy to bring plastic bags to a recycling center? Is the cost of recycling a plastic bag higher than making a new bag out of recycled plastic? The winner between the powers of political correctness verses the powers of lobbyists with a bias often times determines why one thing is deemed better than it is. If we all became vegetarian over night what would we do with all the cows? If everyone was eating cows meat what would happen to the competitive price of prime beef cuts? […]
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