How to Save on Utilities at Your Property in Scotts Valley

If you own property in Scotts Valley, you're lucky to be living in a temperate area, so you're already saving on heating bills. Every little bit adds up though, so we've collected some nifty ideas that you can use to reduce your utility bills for your property in Scotts Valley, and anywhere else for that matter. Here goes - our top saving tips for utilities:

• Use energy saver or compact fluorescent bulbs instead of regular light bulbs. These use a fraction of the energy of regular bulbs, and last around ten times longer!

• Make sure your water heater is set to around one hundred and ten degrees. That's hot enough for most things, and you'll save a bundle.

• Consider insulating your water heater. These units have thermostats, so when the temperature drops, they automatically begin heating again, using power. Insulating it will keep it hotter for longer, saving you money.

• You could also have a timer fitted, to switch your water heater off automatically, when you're not home, and back on before you return from work.

• Buy an old fashioned clothes drying rack, and use that instead of the dryer. Dryer's use enormous amounts of power, and you'll be amazed how much you save. Only use the dryer for emergencies.

• Use the microwave where possible, which uses far less power than the stove. Boil vegetables, or par cook foods in the microwave before continuing with conventional methods. You could also cook rice, pasta or potatoes in the microwave.

• When it comes to water, and power, only doing full loads of laundry, or dishes, in the washer or dishwasher, will save you a bundle in both.

• Check your plumbing regularly. A leaky faucet or pipe will cost you a fortune over time, so get yours checked, and fix any leaks.

• This may sound odd, but placing a brick in your toilet cistern will actually save you money. The brick displaces water, meaning each flush will use less. If you have recently bought or sold your property in Scotts Valley or Santa Cruz County, you would already have a low flow toilet, if you don't and have an old toilet, then the result could save you money.

• Don't use hot water to wash clothes. Rather opt for warm or cold water, and you'll save on electricity.

• Choose to shower over bathing, and install a flow restricting shower head. This is something that almost all of today's codes require at the time of sale. That way, you should save a whole lot of money on water, and the power required to heat it.

So, there you have it. Easy ways to save money on your utility bills for your property in Scotts Valley, without even feeling it.
Despite the economic downturn, using these, and other simple money saving tips will help you save more money, and give you more money for the important things in life. Or spend a little time and money on figuring out how you can save, and using those ideas on your property in Scotts Valley, then put the money you save aside, and use it for something you really want. Maybe a new item of furniture? Or a short weekend getaway?

Whatever you use it for, saving money on your property in Scotts Valley's utility bills will give you more to spend on what you really want to spend money on.

You can read more about the author, Gregg Rio, and other subjects at his websites propertyinsantacruz.com, and cacoastalhome.com.

Gregg Rio is an experienced Santa Cruz real estate broker. If you want to search for Santa Cruz Scotts Valley Homes or find out where the most energy efficient homes in Santa Cruz are, go to PropertyInSantaCruz.com and find yourself a great home located in a valley surrounded by the Santa Cruz Mountains.