Becker Properties

The Premier Independent Brokerage.

  • for sale
    • all listings
    • exclusive listings
    • community guides
  • buy
    • property search
    • engage us
    • community guides
    • relocating
      • top agent search
      • moving guide
      • utilities
      • fifty texas facts
      • texas state parks
    • financing
  • sell
    • engage us
    • relocating
      • top agent search
      • moving guide
  • rent
    • engage us
    • search rentals
    • newest listings
    • apartment locating
    • property management
    • tenant login
    • apply now
  • team
    • our agents
    • testimonials
    • join BP
  • about
    • contact
    • core values
    • recognition
    • culture
    • reviews
    • blog
  • call now

Making Your Home Energy Efficient

October 15, 2012 by Philip Becker

Have you ever had that experience when you got one of your monthly bills; water, electricity, etc. you open it, and the amount is way more than you expected? It’s shocking and a little discouraging! You wonder what in the world went wrong, and why is this basic necessity eating up so much of my paycheck, and is there anything I can do to lower this fee?

Today, we are going to be looking at a few areas in your home that you can make more efficient, and this in turn can drastically lower your energy or other monthly bills. Many of us haven’t taken the time to really consider what is costing us so much on these bills, and a few quick fixes, or home modifications can make a big difference. This not only helps to protect your checkbook, but creating an energy efficient home also helps the environment, and your entire community as a whole. Let’s get going!

 Most of us use thousands of gallons of water every single month. Unfortunately, in a place like San Antonio water can become very rare. Sometimes we go months without significant rainfall to replenish our lakes, rivers, streams, and aquifers. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you are always using water in the most efficient way possible.

 

  1. This first one is rather obvious, but I think it’s definitely worth throwing out there. You should regularly check for leaks. This doesn’t just mean checking under your sink to make sure all the pipes and connectors are firmly together. A slow dripping leak from an inconspicuous location can get very expensive and waste tons of water.
  2. Only water your lawn when it needs to be watered, and during water efficient times of the day (or night). Even before water restrictions are passed be aware of when you are watering your lawn. Doing so in the middle of a hot Texas day isn’t the best idea. Early mornings or late nights are the best times and will facilitate the largest amount of water being absorbed by the ground before it gets evaporated. Also, if you have an automatic system make sure you check this frequently so the programming doesn’t get messed up and you end up watering way more frequently than you realized.
  3. Installing low flow showerheads is another easy way to decrease the amount of water you use when you shower.
  4. Make sure you only run your dishwasher when it’s full; and fill up your sinks to wash your dishes instead of letting the water just run.

Some of these things may not seem like a big deal, but when you add their effects together it can be very dramatic.

 

Now let’s look briefly at a few ways you can reduce the amount of electricity you use:

  1. Turn off lights and other electric items when they aren’t in use. When you leave for work in the morning run around your house and make sure those lights and fans are all turned off.
  2. Use power strips and actually unplug items from the wall when they aren’t in use. Some televisions, computers, and other appliances continue to use small amounts of energy even when they are turned off. Unplugging them completely from the wall makes sure this isn’t happening.
  3. Update and maintain your appliances. Companies are constantly striving to make products that are more energy efficient. Updating, and at the very least maintaining your appliances ensures that they are running at the highest level of efficiency.
  4. In San Antonio a large cost of your energy bill is because of your air conditioner. Many of us are running these almost 24/7 in the hotter summer months. Doing things like putting curtains on your windows, installing more fans, adding insulation to your attic, and making sure there aren’t any gaps around your doors and windows can help you not run your AC quite as much and still keep you cool. Also remember to have your system serviced and maintained regularly. Change your air filters regularly; remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

 

It wouldn’t be hard to write a book about being energy efficient, but if you at least do the things detailed above it will reduce your costs and most definitely save you money. As you browse homes or rentals make sure you are considering what their energy costs will be, and whether you are comfortable with these charges. It’s something most people don’t think about, but considering these things now will make sure you aren’t surprised later on down the road.

 

 

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: becker properties, cps energy, energy bills, energy efficient, green homes, real estate, sa home, san antonio, save money, texas

About Philip Becker

Becker Properties was founded in 2009 by Philip Becker. When Philip opened shop he quickly became involved with the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®. He believes each buyer, seller, or renter should experience the same high level of professionalism and service. Philip focuses on educating clients so they not only accomplish their goals, but also gain better knowledge of the buying or selling process.

Quick Search

Register or Sign In

25 Newest For Sale

  • $259,700 13618 BELL DR
    San Antonio, TX
  • $428,900 2281 Windswept Way
    New Braunfels, TX
  • $105,000 107 FAUST AVE
    San Antonio, TX
  • $440,000 12530 Ponder Ranch
    San Antonio, TX
  • $299,900 14036 Flint Path
    San Antonio, TX
  • $115,000 7715 Quail Hill
    San Antonio, TX
  • $449,000 508 FREEMONT
    Spring Branch, TX
  • $449,000 1063 Sleepy Hollow
    Spring Branch, TX
  • $299,500 11710 Oakbrooke Hill
    San Antonio, TX
  • $385,000 1939 ESPLANADE
    New Braunfels, TX
  • $1,125,637 1002 Cloudhawk
    San Antonio, TX
  • $432,000 8915 HIGHLAND STAR
    San Antonio, TX
  • $350,000 3107 Arroyo Pass
    San Antonio, TX
  • $624,900 228 Covenant Trail
    Helotes, TX
  • $303,100 13927 LITTLE LEAF DR
    San Antonio, TX
  • $310,000 5954 Larkspur Valley
    San Antonio, TX
  • $524,999 122 PULLMAN RD
    La Vernia, TX
  • $273,888 5402 Rambowllette Dr
    San Antonio, TX
  • $235,000 511 FUTURE DR
    San Antonio, TX
  • $333,049 6902 Pail Place
    San Antonio, TX
  • $256,999 7211 Plow Run
    San Antonio, TX
  • $273,999 13910 Mulch Court
    San Antonio, TX
  • $1,200,000 4911 Hunters Cove
    St Hedwig, TX
  • $248,999 13907 Jersey Cow
    San Antonio, TX
  • $895,000 9352 FM 1303
    Floresville, TX
13618 BELL DR
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 13618 BELL DR, San Antonio, TX 78217 (MLS # 1675751)
$259,700
Lot Size
6,534 sqft

Home Size
1,256 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

2281 Windswept Way
New Braunfels, TX
Photo of 2281 Windswept Way, New Braunfels, TX 78132 (MLS # 1675750)
$428,900
Lot Size
4,923 sqft

Home Size
1,396 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

107 FAUST AVE
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 107 FAUST AVE, San Antonio, TX 78237 (MLS # 1675749)
$105,000
Lot Size
5,750 sqft

Home Size
1,272 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
1 Bath

12530 Ponder Ranch
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 12530 Ponder Ranch, San Antonio, TX 78245 (MLS # 1675747)
$440,000
Lot Size
7,841 sqft

Home Size
2,797 sqft

Beds
4 Beds

Baths
3 Baths

14036 Flint Path
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 14036 Flint Path, San Antonio, TX 78253 (MLS # 1675746)
$299,900
Lot Size
4,661 sqft

Home Size
1,489 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

7715 Quail Hill
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 7715 Quail Hill, San Antonio, TX 78239 (MLS # 1675745)
$115,000
Lot Size
4,356 sqft

Home Size
1,166 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

508 FREEMONT
Spring Branch, TX
Photo of 508 FREEMONT, Spring Branch, TX 78070 (MLS # 1675743)
$449,000
Lot Size
10,063 sqft

Home Size
2,097 sqft

Beds
N/A

Baths
N/A

1063 Sleepy Hollow
Spring Branch, TX
Photo of 1063 Sleepy Hollow, Spring Branch, TX 78070 (MLS # 1675742)
$449,000
Lot Size
10,019 sqft

Home Size
N/A

Beds
N/A

Baths
N/A

11710 Oakbrooke Hill
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 11710 Oakbrooke Hill, San Antonio, TX 78254 (MLS # 1675739)
$299,500
Lot Size
6,578 sqft

Home Size
2,620 sqft

Beds
4 Beds

Baths
3 Baths

1939 ESPLANADE
New Braunfels, TX
Photo of 1939 ESPLANADE, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (MLS # 1675738)
$385,000
Lot Size
6,534 sqft

Home Size
1,936 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

1002 Cloudhawk
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 1002 Cloudhawk, San Antonio, TX 78260 (MLS # 1675737)
$1,125,637
Lot Size
29,926 sqft

Home Size
3,425 sqft

Beds
4 Beds

Baths
5 Baths

8915 HIGHLAND STAR
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 8915 HIGHLAND STAR, San Antonio, TX 78254 (MLS # 1675730)
$432,000
Lot Size
6,970 sqft

Home Size
2,411 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

3107 Arroyo Pass
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 3107 Arroyo Pass, San Antonio, TX 78259 (MLS # 1675728)
$350,000
Lot Size
7,014 sqft

Home Size
2,120 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
3 Baths

228 Covenant Trail
Helotes, TX
Photo of 228 Covenant Trail, Helotes, TX 78023 (MLS # 1675724)
$624,900
Lot Size
33,542 sqft

Home Size
2,785 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

13927 LITTLE LEAF DR
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 13927 LITTLE LEAF DR, San Antonio, TX 78247 (MLS # 1675723)
$303,100
Lot Size
8,277 sqft

Home Size
1,657 sqft

Beds
4 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

5954 Larkspur Valley
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 5954 Larkspur Valley, San Antonio, TX 78218 (MLS # 1675718)
$310,000
Lot Size
6,055 sqft

Home Size
1,778 sqft

Beds
4 Beds

Baths
3 Baths

122 PULLMAN RD
La Vernia, TX
Photo of 122 PULLMAN RD, La Vernia, TX 78121 (MLS # 1675717)
$524,999
Lot Size
1.52 ac

Home Size
1,800 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

5402 Rambowllette Dr
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 5402 Rambowllette Dr, San Antonio, TX 78247 (MLS # 1675714)
$273,888
Lot Size
8,712 sqft

Home Size
1,536 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

511 FUTURE DR
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 511 FUTURE DR, San Antonio, TX 78213 (MLS # 1675711)
$235,000
Lot Size
7,580 sqft

Home Size
1,304 sqft

Beds
4 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

6902 Pail Place
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 6902 Pail Place, San Antonio, TX 78252 (MLS # 1675710)
$333,049
Lot Size
4,792 sqft

Home Size
1,910 sqft

Beds
4 Beds

Baths
3 Baths

7211 Plow Run
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 7211 Plow Run, San Antonio, TX 78252 (MLS # 1675708)
$256,999
Lot Size
4,792 sqft

Home Size
1,440 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

13910 Mulch Court
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 13910 Mulch Court, San Antonio, TX 78252 (MLS # 1675706)
$273,999
Lot Size
4,792 sqft

Home Size
1,440 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

4911 Hunters Cove
St Hedwig, TX
Photo of 4911 Hunters Cove, St Hedwig, TX 78152 (MLS # 1675705)
$1,200,000
Lot Size
24,612 sqft

Home Size
4,607 sqft

Beds
5 Beds

Baths
4 Baths

13907 Jersey Cow
San Antonio, TX
Photo of 13907 Jersey Cow, San Antonio, TX 78252 (MLS # 1675702)
$248,999
Lot Size
4,792 sqft

Home Size
1,266 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

9352 FM 1303
Floresville, TX
Photo of 9352 FM 1303, Floresville, TX 78114 (MLS # 1675701)
$895,000
Lot Size
39.64 ac

Home Size
2,343 sqft

Beds
3 Beds

Baths
2 Baths

  • 13618 BELL DR
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 13618 BELL DR, San Antonio, TX 78217 (MLS # 1675751)
    $259,700
    Lot Size
    6,534 sqft

    Home Size
    1,256 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 2281 Windswept Way
    New Braunfels, TX
    Photo of 2281 Windswept Way, New Braunfels, TX 78132 (MLS # 1675750)
    $428,900
    Lot Size
    4,923 sqft

    Home Size
    1,396 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 107 FAUST AVE
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 107 FAUST AVE, San Antonio, TX 78237 (MLS # 1675749)
    $105,000
    Lot Size
    5,750 sqft

    Home Size
    1,272 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    1 Bath

  • 12530 Ponder Ranch
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 12530 Ponder Ranch, San Antonio, TX 78245 (MLS # 1675747)
    $440,000
    Lot Size
    7,841 sqft

    Home Size
    2,797 sqft

    Beds
    4 Beds

    Baths
    3 Baths

  • 14036 Flint Path
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 14036 Flint Path, San Antonio, TX 78253 (MLS # 1675746)
    $299,900
    Lot Size
    4,661 sqft

    Home Size
    1,489 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 7715 Quail Hill
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 7715 Quail Hill, San Antonio, TX 78239 (MLS # 1675745)
    $115,000
    Lot Size
    4,356 sqft

    Home Size
    1,166 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 508 FREEMONT
    Spring Branch, TX
    Photo of 508 FREEMONT, Spring Branch, TX 78070 (MLS # 1675743)
    $449,000
    Lot Size
    10,063 sqft

    Home Size
    2,097 sqft

    Beds
    N/A

    Baths
    N/A

  • 1063 Sleepy Hollow
    Spring Branch, TX
    Photo of 1063 Sleepy Hollow, Spring Branch, TX 78070 (MLS # 1675742)
    $449,000
    Lot Size
    10,019 sqft

    Home Size
    N/A

    Beds
    N/A

    Baths
    N/A

  • 11710 Oakbrooke Hill
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 11710 Oakbrooke Hill, San Antonio, TX 78254 (MLS # 1675739)
    $299,500
    Lot Size
    6,578 sqft

    Home Size
    2,620 sqft

    Beds
    4 Beds

    Baths
    3 Baths

  • 1939 ESPLANADE
    New Braunfels, TX
    Photo of 1939 ESPLANADE, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (MLS # 1675738)
    $385,000
    Lot Size
    6,534 sqft

    Home Size
    1,936 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 1002 Cloudhawk
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 1002 Cloudhawk, San Antonio, TX 78260 (MLS # 1675737)
    $1,125,637
    Lot Size
    29,926 sqft

    Home Size
    3,425 sqft

    Beds
    4 Beds

    Baths
    5 Baths

  • 8915 HIGHLAND STAR
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 8915 HIGHLAND STAR, San Antonio, TX 78254 (MLS # 1675730)
    $432,000
    Lot Size
    6,970 sqft

    Home Size
    2,411 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 3107 Arroyo Pass
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 3107 Arroyo Pass, San Antonio, TX 78259 (MLS # 1675728)
    $350,000
    Lot Size
    7,014 sqft

    Home Size
    2,120 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    3 Baths

  • 228 Covenant Trail
    Helotes, TX
    Photo of 228 Covenant Trail, Helotes, TX 78023 (MLS # 1675724)
    $624,900
    Lot Size
    33,542 sqft

    Home Size
    2,785 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 13927 LITTLE LEAF DR
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 13927 LITTLE LEAF DR, San Antonio, TX 78247 (MLS # 1675723)
    $303,100
    Lot Size
    8,277 sqft

    Home Size
    1,657 sqft

    Beds
    4 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 5954 Larkspur Valley
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 5954 Larkspur Valley, San Antonio, TX 78218 (MLS # 1675718)
    $310,000
    Lot Size
    6,055 sqft

    Home Size
    1,778 sqft

    Beds
    4 Beds

    Baths
    3 Baths

  • 122 PULLMAN RD
    La Vernia, TX
    Photo of 122 PULLMAN RD, La Vernia, TX 78121 (MLS # 1675717)
    $524,999
    Lot Size
    1.52 ac

    Home Size
    1,800 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 5402 Rambowllette Dr
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 5402 Rambowllette Dr, San Antonio, TX 78247 (MLS # 1675714)
    $273,888
    Lot Size
    8,712 sqft

    Home Size
    1,536 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 511 FUTURE DR
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 511 FUTURE DR, San Antonio, TX 78213 (MLS # 1675711)
    $235,000
    Lot Size
    7,580 sqft

    Home Size
    1,304 sqft

    Beds
    4 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 6902 Pail Place
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 6902 Pail Place, San Antonio, TX 78252 (MLS # 1675710)
    $333,049
    Lot Size
    4,792 sqft

    Home Size
    1,910 sqft

    Beds
    4 Beds

    Baths
    3 Baths

  • 7211 Plow Run
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 7211 Plow Run, San Antonio, TX 78252 (MLS # 1675708)
    $256,999
    Lot Size
    4,792 sqft

    Home Size
    1,440 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 13910 Mulch Court
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 13910 Mulch Court, San Antonio, TX 78252 (MLS # 1675706)
    $273,999
    Lot Size
    4,792 sqft

    Home Size
    1,440 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 4911 Hunters Cove
    St Hedwig, TX
    Photo of 4911 Hunters Cove, St Hedwig, TX 78152 (MLS # 1675705)
    $1,200,000
    Lot Size
    24,612 sqft

    Home Size
    4,607 sqft

    Beds
    5 Beds

    Baths
    4 Baths

  • 13907 Jersey Cow
    San Antonio, TX
    Photo of 13907 Jersey Cow, San Antonio, TX 78252 (MLS # 1675702)
    $248,999
    Lot Size
    4,792 sqft

    Home Size
    1,266 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

  • 9352 FM 1303
    Floresville, TX
    Photo of 9352 FM 1303, Floresville, TX 78114 (MLS # 1675701)
    $895,000
    Lot Size
    39.64 ac

    Home Size
    2,343 sqft

    Beds
    3 Beds

    Baths
    2 Baths

Previous Next
 

watch, like, follow.

 watch  like us  tweet us

San Antonio real estate information provided by Becker Properties, LLC. We don't assume any liability or responsibility for the operation or content of linked resources, nor for any interpretations, comments, graphics, or opinions contained therein. All information deemed reliable, but not verified or guaranteed. Becker Properties is a licensed real estate brokerage in the State of Texas and supporter of Fair Housing law.


© 2009-2023 · Becker Properties, LLC · 210.920.2727 · 4462 Lockhill Selma Rd Suite 101, Shavano Park, TX 78249 · Privacy · Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice · Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services · Tenant Login