Unlock the Future of Home Shopping

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Brookfield Residential

Unlock the Future of Home Shopping with My Time Home Tours

Ask yourself, how would you like to find your new home?

Odds are you’d want the freedom to search on your own terms. To freely explore and discover your perfect fit without pressure. To be able to step inside on demand when you find a home your interested in. That’s exactly why we’ve pioneered My Time Home Tours: to reimagine the new home experience and put you in complete control.

Home Discovery Made Easy

Even if you’re ready to move, the reality is, life keeps moving ahead. There’s no way to hit pause on everything else. Whether you’re relocating states or moving up to more space in the same town, the hardest part of any decision can be fitting it into your busy schedule. But not anymore.

Since unveiling My Time Home Tours in the fall of 2018, more than a hundred home shoppers have used this tool to search for their new home. And it’s been used by home shoppers across the Mid-Atlantic region, from Annapolis, MD, to Winchester, VA. We’re proud to be the only builder to offer this innovative new program that allows you to tour already-built homes whenever works best for you. Before or after business hours. On your own. On your own time.

How It Works

We’ve built a new website dedicated to making access to My Time Home Tours as easy as possible. In as little as ten minutes, and four simple steps, you’ll be all set for your private tour.

Step #1: Tell Us What You’re Looking For

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Let us do the hard work for you. Select your price range, the location you’re looking to live and the base necessities you’ll need in your new home (number of beds and baths.) Submit your selections and you’ll instantly be provided with a collection of homes that fit your criteria.

Step #2: Select a Home to Tour

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Once you find a listing that you’re interested in, tap the button that reads “Schedule a Tour”. Next, confirm the terms & conditions and you’ll be transported to a new page showing all the available time slots from which you can schedule your My Time Home Tour.

Step #3: Confirm Your Tour

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Select your desired time slot. In order to confirm your appointment, you will need to set up an account. It’s as easy as filling in your name and contact info so we can send you the code that will unlock the door once you arrive to take your tour. Once registered, you’ll be able to simply log in for any future tours.

For the final confirmation, you’ll need to enter your credit card information. Don’t worry, the process is free of charge. You won’t be charged a cent! It’s just the final step of our verification process that will allow you to step inside a completed home without supervision.

Step #4: Receive the Code to Unlock the Door

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Once you complete the verification process, you’ll be prompted one final time to confirm the time slot for your tour. Tap to proceed and you’ll immediately receive a code onscreen to unlock the home you’ve selected to tour. This code will also be sent to you via text message and an email. The lock is very easy to use, but you can reference the email for a detailed video walkthrough on how to enter the code if you run into any difficulties.

You’ll have a full hour to tour the home starting at the time you selected. The code you’ve received will only be operational during this time slot.

Let’s Get Started

Start Your Home Search

Ready to begin your home search? Head to our My Time Home Tours site to get started today.

My Time Home Tours is just one feature of our new Empower program, a collection of six innovative tools revolutionizing the new home journey and giving you the power to take control of your new home experience. Learn more about Empower here.

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Set Yourself Up for Success with a New Home in the New Year

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Brookfield Residential

New Home in the New Year

Making a new year’s resolution is a great way to incentivize a positive change in your life. Whether it’s spending more time with family, increasing weekly exercise or improving money management, the promise and possibilities of a new year ahead can be a good motivator to stick with your resolution.

Resolution Success and Failure

But the truth is, according to U.S. News & World Report, 80% of new year’s resolutions aren’t followed through on. If we start off January 1with such good intentions, why do so many abandon their aspirational commitments in the first two weeks? The truth comes down to change. Like a muscle, some people have trained themselves to better adapt to change. But for most of us, change can be daunting and keeping the discipline to embrace a small change that affects your everyday routine can be the most difficult of all.

For those considering these deeper questions, we have the perfect solution. Make the move to a new home in the new year and you’ll have a brand new slate to start fresh, to reset your routines and to live your best life in an innovative home designed to empower your family to achieve.

Achieve Your Dreams with a New Home

With a wide selection of Move-In-Now Homes to choose from, you can find the perfect new home in your ideal location across the Mid-Atlantic region and be home soon — just in time to fulfill that resolution.  

You’ll be surprised at how much a change in your environment can help you embrace positive routines and achieve your new year’s resolution. Plus, features like the latest Smart Home technology innovations can help you live more efficient and productive. And the assurance of new construction means you won’t be burdened by the worries of maintenance that you might experience in an older resale home.

The start of 2019 is just days away. Have you made a resolution to live better in the new year? Find the right fit for your family with one of our Move-In-Now Homes and set yourself up for success.

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Use These 5 Easy Tips to Save Energy During the Holidays

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Brookfield Residential

Energy Saving During the Holidays

From lighting up your home’s decorations to making the most of your kitchen’s appliances for family dinners, the fun and excitement of the holiday season certainly find ways to add up on your monthly energy bill. Add in the cold winter weather, and this time of year can be quite costly if you’re not careful. Use these easy holiday energy tips to save money and conserve energy in your home throughout the season.

Update Your Holiday Lights

If you haven’t updated your holiday lights in the past decade or if you’ve been using hand-me-down decorations from a family member, it’s definitely a good idea to check if they are LEDs or the old-style incandescents.

On average, LED lights are 90% more energy efficient than the alternative. After 40 nights of lighting your house for the holiday, the energy savings related to using LED lights can translate to considerable savings. In addition, LED holiday lights last longer and are less likely to pose a fire risk than their incandescent counterparts.

Limit the Time Your Lights Are On

Done right, a holiday light display can be breathtaking to adults and kids alike. So much so, that it can be hard to turn off the magic. To be most efficient, however, it’s important to turn them off when there isn’t an audience to enjoy them.

Wait to turn on lights until the sun has set and then turn them off before bed. The best way to achieve this is to set your lights up on a timer, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting or heading outside in the cold every night.

Ensure Your Gifts Are ENERGY STAR-Certified

From high-tech gadgets to home appliances, there are sure to be plenty of electronic gifts circulating this holiday season. Do your part to help others live energy-efficient by ensuring that every electronic item you gift is ENERGY STAR-certified.

Prepare for Guests

If you know that you’ll have lots of friends and family coming and going during the holiday season, it’s a good idea to check the entryways of your home to ensure you’re doing the most to conserve valuable energy. Consider installing a storm door to keep as much heat as possible inside. Or simply tidy up the garage so that you can use that as a more casual entry. The garage will buffer some of the heat loss that would normally occur when guests enter through the front door.

If you have a lot of guests in your home at one time, feel free to turn down the thermostat a few degrees. With more people inside the home, body heat can actually have a substantial warming effect on room temperature.

Unplug for Holiday Travel

Going out of town for the holidays? Whether you’re visiting family in another city or heading abroad in search of sun and warmer temperatures, your trip provides an excellent opportunity to save energy in your home.

Unplug non-essential items before you leave. TVs, Bluetooth devices, printers, alarm clocks, phone chargers and more all use energy when they’re plugged into the wall. You should also turn down the heat a few degrees and open blinds to soak in as much sunlight as possible.

If you own a Brookfield Residential home with Smart Home technology, you’re in luck. Since you can control the heating remotely, you can turn down the heat while you’re away but also make sure it’s warm and toasty the moment you step foot back inside the door.

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Which of These Exciting New Year’s Eve Events Will You Attend?

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Brookfield Residential

New Year's Eve Celebrations

If you want to welcome in 2019 in style, the nation’s capital is brimming with exciting celebrations. From family-friendly events to next-level dance parties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Which of these 4 popular New Year’s Eve events most interests you?

First Night Alexandria

Multiple Locations  | 6:00pm

D.C.’s sister city on the Potomac will ring in the new year with hundreds of performers, kids activities and midnight fireworks. Get started at the Kids Karnival in Del Ray before heading into Old Town for a wide-ranging lineup of live music and before finishing the night with fireworks over the Potomac River.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Dinner Cruise

580 Water Street SW, DC  | 8:00pm-1:00am

Climb aboard the renowned Odyssey cruise ship and take to the water for a night to remember. Enjoy dinner, an open bar, live band entertainment and a champagne toast at midnight as you pass by the monuments along the Potomac and catch midnight fireworks from Old Town Alexandria.

The 17th Annual International Spy Gala

Washington Plaza Hotel  | 9:00pm

Transform into an international agent of espionage for this black-tie New Year’s Eve bash. This upscale affair features five international buffets, dessert stations, and a wide selection of timeless hits by top D.C. DJs and live bands. Enjoy mock casino gambling, themed souvenirs and much more. And you’ll certainly enjoy the open bar, regardless of how you like your martini prepared.

BIG NIGHT DC’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

The Gaylord National Resort & Hotel  | 9:00pm-3:00am

This is your ideal New Year’s Eve event for non-stop action, all night long. Ring in 2019 with over 9,000 other party goers at National Harbor’s Gaylord Resort. With more than fifteen themed party areas, five dance floors and a huge DJ and band lineup, this is New Year’s Eve on a scale you’ll only find at National Harbor.

 

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5 D.C.-Area Holiday Celebrations to Get You in the Spirit of the Season

Posted on November 28, 2018 by Brookfield Residential

Seasonal Holiday Celebrations

From Northern Virginia to Annapolis, there is a full host of exciting holiday events in and around the Nation’s capital to enjoy with friends and family. Find one close to you and get into the spirit of the season.

For the Capital Experience:

The 2018 National Christmas Tree Lighting
Washington, D.C. | November 28

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony draws thousands from across the country to see the massive Christmas tree raised outside the White House come alive with the spirit of the season. And although the opening ceremony is tonight, it’s only the start of three weeks of celebration and holiday music in the nation’s capital. The full schedule with be announced soon, so be sure to check in on the official website to plan your visit.

For a “Wild” Holiday Light Show:

ZooLights
Washington, D.C.  | Now – January 1

Visit the National Zoo after hours for a one-of-a-kind holiday light show. This popular annual event lights up the National Zoo with more than 500,000 festive holiday lights. Wish your favorite zoo animals happy holidays and enjoy a trackless holiday train tour of the zoo, live music, animated light displays, seasonal treats and much more! Admission is free.

For Historic, Small-Town Holiday Charm:

Leesburg’s Annual Christmas and Holiday Parade
Leesburg, VA  | December 8

Join Santa and his friends on King Street and take part in their journey through historic Leesburg. Stop in and warm up at the many shops and acclaimed restaurants along the way as your family enjoys all the magic of the holidays in one of Northern Virginia’s most charming towns.

For a Holiday Light Show on the Water:

Sandy Point State Park’s Lights on the Bay
Annapolis, MD  | Now – January 1

Grab family and friends and pile in the car for a trip out to the water’s edge. Arriving at Sandy Point State Park, enjoy a two-mile scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay and take in unique holiday light displays that speak to the history and culture of Annapolis along with much-beloved holiday classics. Admission is $15 per car.

For a New Look at a Holiday Classic:

ICE!® Featuring a Charlie Brown Christmas
National Harbor, MD  | Now – January 1

The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center’s signature holiday attraction is an indoor winter wonderland featuring over two million pounds of ice sculptures and displays. Watch Charlie Brown rediscover the meaning of Christmas as the beloved story unfolds through hand-carved ice sculptures. It also features four two-story-tall ice slides and a full ice sculpture nativity scene.

 

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4 New Home Owner’s Suite Designs Equipped for the Ultimate Holiday Escape

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Brookfield Residential

Owner’s Suite Designs for the Holidays

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, the excitement of the upcoming holiday season is impossible to ignore. It’s a time to enjoy the company of friends and family, to captivate your kids with the magic of the season and give gifts to those you love. But on top of already hectic daily routines, it can be hard to stay cool, calm and collected in order to savor the season for yourself.

That’s why you deserve an escape from it all. A place for a power nap, bubble bath or a hidden corner to wrap presents. A place to relax and get well rested. Take a look at some of our most popular owner’s suite designs that can help lighten the load and get inspired to make the most of the holiday season

The Fillmore at Avendale

The Fillmore Owner's Suite

If the opulent owner’s suite shown on the cover attracted your eye, then this is the design for you. The Fillmore stands out as one of our most popular home designs at Avendale, a family-friendly community in Bristow, VA. And the model’s owner’s suite is equally exceptional.

From the color palette of silver and powder grey to the elevated coffered ceiling, this owner’s suite is sure to soothe the senses and lift the weight from your shoulders. The adjacent sitting room is enclosed with three window-filled walls, welcoming in natural light and providing a perfect overlook to take in the winter wonderland outside after it snows.

The Annapolis at Admirals Square

The Annapolis Owner's Suite

Abscond to the third floor and your private oasis in this modern, high-style townhome in Annapolis. Open the shades to soak up some vitamin D from ample windows or close the shades and settle into bed. Plus, you’ll enjoy the spacious walk-in closet, where you can keep your favorite holiday sweater fresh for the season — as opposed to stuffed away in storage.

The Annapolis townhome design also offers an optional 4th level, which can feature a loft space and additional bedroom or a spacious rooftop terrace. While the rooftop terrace provides a wonderful outdoor space during the warmer months, you might not be quite as eager to head out there over the holidays — except possibly to catch New Year’s fireworks over Annapolis. Choose the loft, however, and you’ll have an additional retreat to relax and unwind or to set up a holiday gift workshop to wrap presents.  

The Kensington II at Potomac Shores

The Kensington II Owner's Suite

Similar to the Fillmore, the Kensington II at Potomac Shores provides a grandly spacious bedroom featuring a coffered ceiling. Instead of a sitting room, the Kensington II features an outdoor terrace to take in the beautiful scenery along the Potomac River. If you’re lucky, some seasonal snowfall will transform this terrace into a vista to look out over the winter landscape below.

The most spectacular part about this owner’s suite, though, is experienced when you step inside the owner’s spa bathroom. From the granite counters of the double vanity to the spacious walk-in shower, from the spa-style bath to the soothing powder blue color palette, this bathroom will provide all the pampering you could need during the busy holiday season.

The Cresswell at The Bluffs at Sleeter Lake

The Cresswell Owner's Suite

One of our newest, most-exciting neighborhoods, The Bluffs at Sleeter Lake in Round Hill, Virginia, offers the perfect setting for the holidays. Set in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offering multi-acre conservation homesites, this is a place where you can spread out and enjoy the beautiful Virginia countryside while still being convenient to business centers in Loudoun and Fairfax counties as well as D.C. Due to its western location closer to the mountains, it’s also where you’re most likely to wake up to a beautiful blanket of snow.

Inside, the Cresswell model’s owner’s suite is located on the main level, providing ultimate comfort and accessibility. Yet it’s also set off from the main, open-concept center of the house where you’ll find the kitchen and living areas, so you’ll still have plenty of privacy. A coffered ceiling, wall molding and stunning hardwood floors complete this owner’s suite with the finest finishes.

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Why Prince William and Loudoun Counties Have Become Northern Virginia’s Hottest New Home Destinations

Posted on November 14, 2018 by Brookfield Residential

Country Charm. City Close.

It’s true that the D.C. region has one of the hottest housing markets in the country. Home prices continue to rise as demand grows. In Northern Virginia, Fairfax County has been the place to settle for decades due to its close proximity to the city. But now, more and more families are looking further out for more space to spread out and to find more breathing room in their budget. And with improving commuter access from these locales to downtown D.C., these communities continue to boom in popularity.

What Home Shoppers Love About Loudoun County

With its county seat in the historic city of Leesburg, Loudoun County once primarily consisted of small farming communities, historic sites and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Today, the county runs the gamut, where the easternmost locations have transformed into family-friendly suburbs located just 30 miles from Washington, D.C., and western parts of the county consist mostly of farmlands, horse pastures and award-winning wineries.

It’s true that, since 2008, the county has been ranked first in the U.S. in median household income, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach for many first-time homebuyers in the area. Certain pockets of the county are home to grand multi-million dollar estates that skews this figure, but there are still plenty of affordable new homes. New home neighborhoods like Mayfair in Purcellville and Waterford Manor near Leesburg have become hotspots for home shoppers looking to spread their roots and raise their families in Northern Virginia.

Ultimately, this location has become such popular place for home shoppers because the county offers such an attractive mix of experiences. The comfort and convenience of the suburbs mix with the natural beauty of the Virginia countryside. For families with children, Loudoun County is also highly desired due to its ranking as the 3rd best school district in the state. And access into the city will only get better when the second phase of the Silver Metro Line is completed — connecting Dulles International Airport in Loudoun County with downtown D.C.

What Home Shoppers Love About Prince William County

Located to the south of Washington, D.C., Prince William County offers many of the same attractive lifestyle considerations as Loudoun County does in the western part of the region. This area has seen incredible growth in the past few decades and now mixes beautiful, open spaces with modern, suburban-friendly development with tons of options for shopping and entertainment.  

Prince William County also offers a variety of commuter options. With the I-95 corridor intersecting the county and the recent opening of I-95 express lanes, you’ll have a straight shot in and out of D.C. But more and more commuters are choosing to forego automobile traffic entirely and board the Virginia Railway Express commuter train that connects with the D.C. Metro.

Arguably, the best example of this attractive lifestyle can be enjoyed at the master-planned community of Potomac Shores. It combines the allure of the county’s beautiful natural spaces with resort-style amenities, retail and entertainment options along the Potomac River. The community will even be opening its own VRE Station in 2020, so residents heading into D.C. will be able to escape the Northern Virginia traffic gridlock entirely.

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Everything You Need to Know to Become a Homeowner

Posted on November 8, 2018 by Brookfield Residential

Achieve Homeownership and Own Your Future

As the holiday season approaches, the excitement grows. Shopping for gifts, planning holiday parties, enjoying the company of friends and family you only see a few times a year — for many, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

To balance out the excitement, the excess and the expenses of the holidays, it’s only right that this season also marks a time for reflection. We look back on our big wins of the past year and make plans to make the new year even better. And what better goal is there to set for yourself in the new year than moving beyond rent and investing in a home to call your own?

Why Should I Become a Homeowner?

Becoming a homeowner is not just a major social milestone, it’s a massive financial one, too. There is a wide range of benefits to homeownership, but the bottom line is that the right choice of a home can make for one of the best long-term investments.

In fact, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, U.S. homeowners, on average, saw a 6.94% per year increase on the value of real estate investments between 2012 and 2017. And while any return on an investment is subject to market trends, history shows us that real estate almost always appreciates if you take a long-term view.  

Nevertheless, to get the most bang for your buck, it truly is important to think long term. Buying a home does come with upfront costs you wouldn’t face with other investments, particularly closing costs. Most experts agree that you should plan to stay in your house at least five years to account for the upfront costs.

Ultimately, the benefits of being a homeowner are immediately clear when you can start building equity instead of throwing your hard-earned money away for rent each month. It’s not just a place to call your own, but a time-honored step in securing financial stability and accumulating wealth.

How Do I Set My Budget?

First and foremost, it’s essential to determine your financial health and whether you can afford this big next step. Fortunately for you, we can help make this first step smooth and simple by financing through our expert group of preferred lenders. As members of major regional and national financing networks, they can help you secure the most competitive rates available. And they can help you pre-qualify for financing so you can know your exact purchasing power before you even step inside that first home on your search.

Once you’ve made a budget, set aside funds for a down payment and received pre-approval for a mortgage, then you should begin thinking about the lifestyle you want and start exploring communities and homebuilders that have piqued your interest.

Where Should I Begin My Search?

Next, it’s time to start figuring out the location you want to call home. Home shopper interests vary across a wide range of priorities and lifestyle considerations, and it’s important to find a community that’s a right fit for your goals now and into the future. You might have a strong idea about where you want to live but it’s always a good idea to look across the region and compare different areas for price, cost-of-living and lifestyles. So shop around — we offer an extensive range of communities and home styles in Northern Virginia and Maryland.

During this point of your search is where you’ll need to define what factors and features are most important to you. Is a specific location most important? Or do you prioritize community amenities and a strong built-in social network? Is there a particular community feature that is an absolute must-have?

With a little research, you’ll find the perfect community is out there for you — a place that checks all the boxes and falls with your budget perimeters. And if you’ve taken the time to explore our wide selection of Brookfield Residential communities, you’ve likely already found it.

We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions or could use guidance on your journey to becoming a homeowner, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact a Brookfield Residential Sales Manager today. We’re here to help. Good luck and happy house hunting!

 

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5 New Home Kitchen Designs Equipped for the Ultimate Holiday Feast

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Brookfield Residential

Holiday Dinner Party Kitchen Designs

As the holiday season approaches, families everywhere start to planning to host their friends and relatives. From Thanksgiving dinners to New Year’s Eve parties, the kitchen is the natural gathering point — through initial food preparation and on to the moment your guests arrive.

Take a look at some of our most popular kitchen designs that are equipped to host parties — large and small — and get inspired to throw your ultimate holiday feast.

The Kensington II at Potomac Shores

The Kensington Kitchen Design
Filled with resort-style amenities and a situated in a scenic, wooded residential setting, Potomac Shores is a community that will have your relatives eager to visit your home for the holidays. And the Kensington II model provides the kitchen to make it go smoothly.

The state-of-the-art oven and gas cooktop will ensure your meal comes out the perfect temperature. The spacious quartz kitchen island allows as many cooks to help out in the kitchen as you need. And the open-concept layout makes it easy to add on as many table seatings and kids’ tables as required while relatives continue to file in for dinner. 

The Riverton at Snowden Bridge

The Riverton at Snowden Bridge

As we age, there comes a time when a family’s go-to host passes down their holiday duties to the next generation. This kitchen in the Riverton model at Snowden Bridge makes it easy for any eager host to put off passing the torch for another few years. Inside this home designed for main-level living, the kitchen is only ever a few steps away.

This kitchen’s open-concept design makes it easy to move around and set seating for as many family members as you plan to host. And the attractive hardwood flooring and stunning quartz countertops are also incredibly easy to clean, making the party aftermath a breeze.

The Fillmore II at Waterford Manor

The Fillmore II Kitchen Design

For the hardcore holiday chef only perfection is acceptable. And while we might caution them not to be too obsessive this season, we’ll send them to the Fillmore II model’s kitchen at Waterford Manor with our best wishes and their recipe book.

This chef’s kitchen features our most sought-after premium appliances and the finest finishes. From the stylish counter-to-ceiling backsplash to the extended island and farmhouse sink, the allure of this kitchen goes far beyond just utility.

The Fillmore at Wilson’s Grove

The Fillmore Kitchen Design

Nothing says holiday brunch quite like enjoying bloody mary’s, mimosas or eggnog with those closest to your heart. The Fillmore model’s kitchen at Wilson’s Grove provides a great space to host a party the night before and then settle down for an intimate holiday brunch the next morning. The beautiful breakfast nook is a particular favorite, featuring ample windows and an inviting farmhouse-style dining table.  

The Taylor at Mayfair

The Taylor Kitchen Design

The kitchen in the Taylor model at Mayfair is the perfect spot to host your next buffet-style dinner party or spread out hors-d’oeuvres on the kitchen island. This spacious, open-concept kitchen features stunningly high ceilings and a large bay window, ensuring your guests will never feel cramped. It creates a natural flow that encourages guests to circulate around the room and mix and mingle with the crowd.  

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5 Easy Ways to Maximize Energy Savings Through Winter

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Brookfield Residential

Save Energy During the Cold Winter Months Ahead
As the weather begins to turn, we find ourselves busy preparing for the often-hectic holiday season. Halloween is just the first day requiring elaborate home decorations, but Thanksgiving dinner parties and festive light displays are just around the corner.

So step away from carving your pumpkin for a moment. Get started on these five proactive steps to ensure you maximize your energy savings — even when ice, snow and freezing temperatures begin to assault your home. And by improving efficiency, you’ll have that much more money in your pocket to use for gifts during the holidays.

1. Close the Gap

It’s only natural for gaps to occasionally appear between door and window frames regardless of the age of your home. That’s because, as the temperature and moisture levels change outside, wooden materials will expand with the heat and contract with the cold. Whether it’s a window or door, all that expensive heat can slip through the cracks.

Check your home’s exterior doors and windows for cold air leaks. Sometimes it’s easy enough to feel the draft, but the simplest way to be sure is to move a lit candle around the door or window frame. If there is a draft, you’ll see the candle flame move toward you and the interior of your home.

Now that you’ve identified any drafts, install foam or solid weatherstripping to any problematic window or door frames. If you note strong drafts near a door’s lower edge, consider installing a door sweep or storm door. At the end of the day, closing any gaps where hot air can escape can translate to big energy savings.   

2. Replace Furnace Filters

Install a new furnace filter to ensure your system is running at its optimal energy efficiency. To determine the size and variety of filter you’ll need, consult your owner’s manual, or — if you didn’t receive one — search your furnace model serial number online to find one.

This is a simple, quick fix. Standard flat fiberglass filters can run as little as $1, while higher-tech, energy-efficient varieties run closer to $30. It’s also best practice to replace the filter monthly during the coldest winter months to maximize energy efficiency, which will, in turn, translate to energy savings on your utility bill.

3. Reverse Ceiling Fans for Winter

Did you know that you can save money on energy bills by simply switching ceiling fans from counter-clockwise to a clockwise rotation? This method requires that you run the fan on a slow setting, but it will effectively push the cold air to the ceiling and keep warmer air down lower where it can be enjoyed by your family. This easy solution can save you a couple degrees on your thermostat setting which will translate to direct cost savings when the monthly energy bill arrives.

4. Clean Your Gutters

It’s essential to clear your gutters of any debris after the leaves fall. If you don’t, water can be trapped against the house and cause damage that will hurt the energy efficiency of your home and could lead to even more immediate problems such as an ice dam or flooding.  

Grab a ladder, take proper safety precautions and get up on the roof to clear any debris in your gutters. It’s a straightforward chore that’s best to get out of the way as soon as the leaves finish falling. Wait, and it becomes all too easy to forget. As they say — out of sight, out of mind.

5. Turn off Exterior Faucets

Just like cleaning your gutters, turning off exterior faucets is more of a proactive measure to avoid disaster rather than a direct energy savings tip. But — if anything — that only makes it more important. If pipes freeze, they’ll likely burst as the water expands when it turns to ice, and that could lead to flooding and major issues.

Disconnect any outdoor hoses you might have and drain exterior faucets completely. If your home was built before 2000, it likely wasn’t constructed with frost-proof faucets. In that case, you’ll need to turn off the shut-off valve inside your home.

Or you could skip cold weather maintenance entirely and come home for holidays with one of our available Move-In-Now Homes. You’ll be ready for anything old man winter throws at you with the latest energy-efficient technologies and the assurance of a new home warranty.

 

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