Cutting Down Your Energy Bill

Although I try to be "green" as possible, I am not always the best at energy conservation, especially when it comes to hot water. I love a long, hot shower in the morning and I do pay for it dearly every month.

Luckily there are a few things to help cut down on this waste without sacrificing.

Lower Your Water Heater Setting
If you lower your maximum temperature by 10 degrees you can save 3 to 5 percent in energy costs. A setting of 120 degrees works well in most homes.

Fix Leaks
Fixing leaks in your faucets, showerheads and pipes to significantly reduce hot water use.

Install Quality Water-Saving Showerheads and Faucet Aerators
This will add up to a water savings of 25 - 60 percent without sacrificing comfort or convenience. For maximum efficiency, select a showerhead with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute.

Insulate All Accessible Hot Water Pipes
This reduces heat loss and can raise the water temperature by 2 to 4 degrees.

We here at Karin Kay Properties try to keep out energy bills as low as possible. We only heat the building during business hours and keep the water heater turned down low.

Is Spring Already Showing in Kitsap?

It's hard to believe it is the middle of winter when your wool coat just feels too heavy on these sunny, mild days. I am not sure if this weather is due to El Nino or just dumb luck. Either way I am enjoying it. I am a California girl at heart and don't do well with the seasonal cold and gray.

Nature is also preparing for an early Spring. The daffodils bulbs are sprouting behind our building in Bremerton. I wouldn't be surpised if they bloomed next week!

Our camellias are also out. The picture above was taken right outside our building. These early-bloomers add a nice pop of color to the bleak landscape.