You may not know it, but if you are still in the PP&L electric generation program after deregulation, you have a good option to potentially discount your bill. It’s called the “Time Of Use” option and you can see it at the PP&L website here: http://www.pplelectric.com/time-of-use/option/

The way it works is by breaking up the day into “peak” and “off-peak” time brackets. This is obviously not a new concept but can be effective if your usage is primarily outside of peak times, which are 1-6pm this summer. How do you find out? Great Question!

PP&L also has a VERY handy “Energy Analyzer” available to users once you create a login profile on their site. You can view and download your hourly usage for any time period. I did this and created a spreadsheet to compare the two programs and found I would have saved an average of 16% over my current “flat” rate of 9.205 cents per KWH.

Switching to the “Time Of Use” rate plan was one click and an “enroll” click to do. I would suggest that if you are with PP&L it may be worth looking at your bill – you may see a way to “find” energy cost savings right at your fingertips!

Any questions – love to hear them at jeff@yourlancasterhome.com.

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(c) 2011 Jeff Geoghan

In November the Department of Energy (USDOE) released a long-anticipated pilot program for formal testing in ten locales across the U.S. The program is entitled “Home Energy Score” and it signals the official dawn of a new era of energy awareness in the real estate industry.

Some of you may still remember the dawn of the era of home inspections in the 1970’s, as homebuyers and real estate agents began hiring contractors to verify the condition of homes prior to purchase.  The increasing public awareness of potential home defects and the desire for liability management by the real estate industry caused the spontaneous creation of an entire class of business – the home inspector.  Today, few can imagine entering into a purchase agreement without the benefit of a home inspection.

For the past ten years, another industry has been quietly gathering steam – the home energy auditor.  With the increasing public awareness of the economic and environmental ramifications of poorly-performing buildings, these auditors are finding a friendly reception by government and educated homeowners.  The primary tools in the home energy auditor’s toolbox are the HERS (Home Energy Rating Score) evaluative software and the boots-on-the-ground diagnostic equipment to analyze the home’s relative weak points.  Here in Central PA there are already several established companies offering energy audits.

With the advent of a national home energy scoring tool, I believe this industry will come into its own.  My prediction is that we will see the inclusion of home energy audits and energy scores into the real estate transaction within five years – maybe 3.  And, just as home inspections inevitably burgeoned and become a bargaining chip for buyers, I envision the home energy score to also become a point of negotiations over price and repairs.

Change is inevitable.  Remember the fuel economy stickers on cars?  No one debates anymore (if they ever did) whether they are a good thing or not – a prospective auto buyer wouldn’t have it any other way.  With the USDOE’s full rollout of the Home Energy Score a reality coming this summer, expect to see energy labels on homes within just a few years and energy efficiency components added to the real estate purchase process.  And within a few more years homebuyers will wonder how people did without for so long…

If you are building or renovating a home to high-performance/green principles, or have already done so, I would appreciate hearing about it at jgeoghan@lancasterpagreenhomes.com.

Today I stopped in at Fresco Green Building Supplies along Manheim Pike near Lancaster, PA (right off the route 30 exit at Commerce Drive) to chat with Rick Frescatore, one of the owners of the store.

Fresco Green has been in business at the Commerce Drive location for a little over a year, and Rick & his team have been updating and tweaking their product lineup in response to demand and customer feedback. Their basic mission is to provide alternative products (and ideas) that focus on sustainability, quality & economy.

Most homebuyers and remodelers don’t have access to good information about the alternatives that are already in the marketplace that promote healthy indoor and outdoor environments. Rick’s passion is reaching both pros and owners with this message, and the store has been a great vehicle for that. Fresco hosts teaching events, demonstrations and organizational events to that end.

If you’re interested in looking at, touching and talking about your options for wall, ceiling and floor coverings, new materials and technology be sure to stop in at the store. You can learn more at http://www.frescogreen.com and email their team direct at showroom@frescogreen.com

Thanks for watching! Please take a moment to subscribe here at http://tv.yourlancasterhome.com and pop over to our facebook page to “like” it at http://www.facebook.com/lancasterhomes

Choose Jeff Geoghan for you next home sale or purchase in Lancaster! Thanks.

(c) 2011 Jeff Geoghan

Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loans are fast, simple financing for your customers who are installing energy efficient HVAC, Insulation, Windows and other measures, with even lower rates for whole house improvements. Interest rates as low as 2.99% (0.99% in southeastern PA through EnergyWorks)

Keystone HELP Geothermal Loans offer even lower rates and special incentives for the installation of qualifying geothermal heat pump systems.

Please visit keystonehelp.com for full details

Today I give a few pointers about the need to control dampness in and around homes in Lancaster City. Was at a home inspection where dampness from a common alleyway had apparently infiltrated into the living room and the finished basement.

Given the fact that there isn’t much green space (none in some locations) to route rain runoff to, and uneven concrete surfaces in the older urban environment, it’s critical to be aware of where the water is going to around your Lancaster City PA home.

Especially important areas to watch are the common walkways between city homes. Some are at the main level and some actually step down to the basement level and back up again to the backyard. These areas don’t get much sunlight and can stay damp or even puddled long after a rain. These areas and poor downspout routing are the major troublemakers,

So, if you have a Lancaster City home be sure to watch your water runoff and try to avoid damp areas or water up against your foundation.

Questions? Email me at jeff@yourlancasterhome.com.
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(c) 2011 Jeff Geoghan

The ReStore is about 11 years old and has a wide variety of items for sale, from tile to paint to entire kitchens and outdoor landscaping materials. The store depends on a steady stream of donations so don’t be shy if you’re doing work and have items to give, or if you’re a business with extra product, either “firsts” or “seconds”. For a list of suggested items to donate to the ReStore check this web page: http://www.lancasterhabitatrestore.org/index.php?pID=3

The best part is that your donations and purchase monies all go to help provide homes and a stable family life for our fellow Lancastrians. Kate’s passion for the outreach was awesome and she would like to show us some of the work Lancaster Habitat For Humanity is doing right now in 2011 – so stay tuned for a follow-up episode!

If you would like more information please visit http://www.lancasterhabitatrestore.com or find them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lancrestore . As always you can email me with any real estate or home questions at jeff@yourlancasterhomecom.

(c) 2011 Jeff Geoghan

• Learn from experts with the Penn State School of Urban Forestry and the Lancaster County Conservation District
• Learn about the positive impacts of trees in capturing storm water and conserving energy
• Find out how to plant and care for native trees and identify varieties that are right for your property
• Tour the Alley garden where workshop participants can see a functioning urban garden and learn about the vision and impact it can have in the community
• Help plant several shrubs at the Alley garden to gain first-hand experience
• Finally, select a native tree or shrub of your choice to take home and plant on your property

Saturday April 2, 9:00am – 11:00am
Eastern Market and The Alley Garden
308 E. King St.

To register for this workshop contact Fritz Schroeder at fritz@livelancaster.org, 669-5990

Still available at subsidized prices, while supplies last !!

LIVE Green in conjunction with The Lancaster County Conservation District’s Watershed specialist Mathew W. Kofroth invite City residents to a workshop on the nature and impact of urban storm water pollution. Learn how to install and use your rain barrel along with other actions you can undertake around your home.

Environmental Benefits
Rain barrels offer multiple impacts and benefits to both the homeowner & municipalities’ infrastructure. Using rain barrels will help:
• Divert water from the municipal storm drain system
• Provide oxygenated, un-chlorinated water which is ideal for plants
• Direct overflow water where it will have the most beneficial impact.

Thursday April 7
Patio at Penn Stone
190 Ross St
6-8pm

Rain barrel’s are available to City residents for a subsidized price of between $30-50. please email Fritz Schroeder, fritz@livelancaster.org or visit our website www.livegreenlancaster.org for more details or to register for the workshop.

Joe points out that a physical inspection for problems is important, although you shouldn’t expose yourself to danger by climbing around icy or wet roofs. Either the homeowner or a professional roofer can examine the surfaces, joints and eaves including gutters & downspouts. Look for gaps, breaks or signs of leakage.

In the urban areas, flat roofs are particularly at risk for spring problems. Joe comments that it was 70 a few days ago and 0 this morning – some extreme temperature ranges. If you get a water leak the damage can mount quickly, so be attentive to catch problems before they develop.

Contact Joe Heidler for all your roofing needs (residential and commercial) at http://www.heidler.com. Al always you can reach me at jeff@yourlancasterhome.com
(c) 2011 Jeff Geoghan

Today I was in downtown Lancaster City, PA with a local interior designer named Heather Hough. We talked about designing for small spaces and rooms, something quite common in urban settings and in townhome communities.

Heather shared Three tips of hers for getting started with small spaces:

1) Think functionality – take the time to look at your spaces from a living perspective. What activities will be performed here, or there in a room? Breaking up a large open space into smaller workable spaces may be necessary.

2) Choose furnishings that complement the design idea – look for multipurpose items that can perform different tasks while looking good. An example would be using an ottoman with storage inside rather than a coffee table in the living space.

3) Don’t be afraid to decorate – use color (Heather’s a big fan of color as a style cue) and natural light in addition to textures to set off each space. Beware differing sheens, however as they tend to distract the eye. Have fun!

Heather is passionate about design and would love your comments here or at hdesignr@gmail.com to schedule a consultation. If you like our show please subscribe…as always comments welcome.

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Today I’m with Scott Pusey of EverydayGreen, a Pennsylvania energy efficiency expert who talks about “home energy audits” – what they are and how they can help homeowners save money, particularly during remodels and retrofits. Scott and I talk at a home in Lititz, PA that was remodeled following the recommendations from his energy audit that is expected to reduce the energy costs by over 50%, all while increasing the square footage by 700.

Home energy audits in Lancaster & elsewhere in central PA follow the guidelines set by BPI (Buildiing Performance Institute) if the auditor is certified through that group, that Scott recommends. The audit consists of 3 phases:

1) Analysis of utility billing and usage to spot trends
2) 4-hour onsite inspection and measurements
3) Written report with specific recommendations and outcomes

Scott details each of these steps and gives helpful tips on what to look for with a home energy audit. You can reach out to Scott at scott@everydaygreendc.com with specific audit questions, or myself at jeff@yourlancasterhome.com for any real estate question.

Visit our homepage for Lancaster PA Real Estate
(c) 2011 Jeff Geoghan