Jeff Rutt: Improving energy efficiency at home through technology

Jeff Rutt, founder and CEO of Keystone Custom Homes, understands that homeowners just want to enjoy the full value of their homes. They want to amplify the living experience in their houses while still feeling safe and comfortable. According to expert builders and remodelers, property owners can do so by making their homes energy efficient. With effective energy management systems installed in houses, homeowners can save money that they can use for other important living expenses.

Jeff Rutt Photo Credit: Jeff Rutt

With this said, the following are the home technologies that can make houses energy efficient:

• Preset lighting settings. Lighting can easily make up 10 to 20 percent of the total electrical usage of a home. For this reason, Jeff Rutt and other home building experts recommend the use of automated lighting systems. With a preset dimmer, which adjusts lightings to the homeowner’s needs based on the time of the day, electricity bills can be lowered. Using this kind of technology can also increase the life expectancy of light bulbs.

Jeff Rutt Photo Credit: Jeff Rutt

• Automated HVAC systems. With automated systems to manage heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) controls, a home can maintain a more energy-efficient temperature when the owners are not inside the house. Likewise, when the occupants are back, the HVAC settings can automatically revert to a more comfortable temperature. These systems can also be programmed to heat or cool only the areas most used by the occupants. By utilizing this technology, energy consumption can be lessened while still putting comfort as top priority.

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By carefully studying these home technologies and incorporating them in their properties, homeowners will finally be able to understand the real value of their “home sweet home.”  

For more information about Jeff Rutt and Keystone Custom Homes, visit www.keystonecustomhome.com.

Jeff Rutt: Knowing when to buy or rent a home

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Home builders like Jeff Rutt believe that a house is one of the most valuable investments a person can have. For most people, home ownership is a great achievement especially for the younger generations. However, financial experts agree that home ownership isn’t for everyone and that renting a home can sometimes be a more practical option.

For people to avoid the mistake of spending all of their savings on an impractical investment, they must first examine their lifestyle and needs to determine whether they should buy or rent a home.

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The New York Times has provided a buy-rent calculator for those who want to know which option would be less costly. For Jeff Rutt, buying a home is more practical especially if the homeowners are planning to stay in their home for the long term. As stated in The NY Times, homeowners can save over $1,700 each year when they choose to buy a house that they will live in for at least six years.

However, according to financial expert Suze Orman, buying a house comes with additional expenses such as property tax and homeowners insurance which, if added up, may be more costly than a month’s rent. Also, a new house requires new or additional furniture and appliances. If a person isn’t ready for these additional expenses, then renting may be the better option.

From Jeff Rutt

Aside from the additional expenses, people should look into their credit score before deciding whether to buy or rent a home. Financial experts agree that a high credit score can reduce the interest rate which is part of the mortgage.

By considering these things, people can be guided on when to invest in a home.
More information on Jeff Rutt and Keystone Custom Homes is available at www.keystonecustomhome.com.