If your house is on the market and sitting empty, that cost is important to watch so you don’t feel like you’re making a revision of the “Money Pit!”
You can turn off appliances but that’s not enough. Unplug them and put them away. They suck away at energy, costing you $$$. Besides that, a home shows so much better without those unsightly appliances. When a potential buyer is touring your home (whether you are living in it or not) you want it to look like a model home. Put away the toaster, blender, toaster grill, juicer, hair dryer, electric toothbrush, phone chargers, and maybe even the computer. You will de-clutter and save money on your utility bill, too. The buyer will be able to see the counter tops and the floor beneath a desk, instead of an electrical nest.
This isn't just for sellers. It's good for all of us. While we may not put every cord away routinely, we can conserve a bit more by unplugging (from the wall) the appliances. It stops the energy bleed.
It's also a good idea to get your heating/cooling system checked. I spent a whole lot of hundreds of dollars in Phoenix one summer with a poorly functioning HVAC system. Sure…a buyer’s home inspection will reveal issues but if you can start the energy-saving practices ahead of time, you'll be in good shape when buyers ask, "So, what's the average electric bill for this place?" A lower energy bill makes your home more attractive to a potential buyer.
Derived and summarized from www.realtytimes.com 1/6/2012
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