Top 5 Trendy Bathroom Upgrades

June 20, 2014adminBathroom Remodeling, Energy Efficiency, Home Improvement Tipsbathroom remodeling, energy efficient, green living, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

Try These Budget Friendly Bathroom Upgrades For A Luxurious Bath!

No one ever said “trendy” translates to “cheap.” Yet when it comes to on-trend, luxury upgrades, you don’t have to spend like a diva to make your bathroom look and function like a designer’s dream. From skylights to shower seats, some of the hottest bathroom trends of 2014 are surprisingly affordable to accomplish.

Home website Houzz polled users and asked what bathroom upgrades they most desired. Many of the answers were both luxurious and affordable (like skylights and double-flush toilets). Others were downright easy, such as towel warmers and foot rests in the shower. Here are five hot bathroom improvement trends and some ideas for incorporating them into your home:

1. Skylights

Many Houzz respondents said they would like a skylight in their bathroom. They’re definitely on to something. In rooms where privacy is a concern, skylights can provide both natural light and ventilation without exposing your personal business to the neighbors. They’re both beautiful – endowing bathrooms with a major “wow” factor – and practical; Energy Star-qualified no-leak, solar-powered fresh-air skylights can help trim electricity costs by providing natural light and passively venting moist, warm air from the room. Install solar-powered skylights and blinds, and the cost of the products, as well as the installation, can qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

2. Lighted vanity mirror

In keeping with the lighting theme, 41 percent said they would like a lighted vanity mirror. Home improvement stores, design studios and online retailers carry a wide variety of options in shapes, sizes, styles and light sources (LED, CFL or incandescent) to suit virtually every taste. Because installing a lighted vanity mirror is a simple do-it-yourself job, it’s also a very low-cost improvement that has a big impact on a bathroom’s appearance and usability. With such a huge variety, it’s possible to find a mirror that will fit your budget, whether it’s less than $100 or more than $1,000.

3. Double-flush toilet

The ongoing trend of making homes greener may have helped inspire the 23 percent of Houzz fans who said they want a double-flush toilet. Dual-flush toilets allow you to use only the water you need to get the job done – less for liquid waste, more for solids – so they contribute to a home’s overall footprint and can help trim water bills. It’s possible to find dual-flush options for less than $250, so they’re a lower-cost upgrade to begin with. They’re even more cost-effective when installed by a savvy DIYer.

4. Towel warmers

Who doesn’t love the comforting warmth of a towel fresh out of the dryer? Towel warmers deliver that effect without the hassle and expense of running the dryer. Wall-mounted or free-standing, plug-in or hard-wired, all towel warmers work the same way; heated bars warm towels hung on the rack, providing a cozy, warm towel every time you bathe. Plug-in versions install easily, while hard-wired ones may require professional installation. Prices can range from less than $100 to more than $600, depending on the style and features you choose.

5. Shower foot rest

Clearly, this is one improvement that most benefits the women in a home, but 10 percent of those polled by Houzz said they wanted a foot rest in the shower. This one is such an economical improvement, you may wonder why anyone wouldn’t do it. Some suction-cup styles cost under $20. For a more refined look or enhanced sturdiness, it’s possible to find one that anchors into the wall through screws, or a style built into shower surrounds. If you’re redoing your shower stall, it’s the perfect time to add a stylish, sturdy foot rest.

Ready to transform your bath into a luxurious spa? Contact us today for a free estimate!

The window you choose makes a big difference [Infographic]

May 29, 2014adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Livingenergy efficient, green living, home improvement, home trends, window replacementLeave a comment

It’s Time To Replace Your Windows

Window are so much more than just the eyes of your home, they also play a major role in your home’s energy savings. Read on to learn how the type of windows you choose can save you money and energy season after season.

Ready to start saving money and help the environment? Contact us today to have your old windows replaced!

Water Heater Energy Saving Tips

May 25, 2014adminDIY Projects, Green Living, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, energy efficient, green livingLeave a comment

Did you know that your water heater is the second biggest energy hog in your home? It accounts for at least 14 to 18 percent of the total energy cost!

Fortunately, apart from the introduction of the highly efficient and economical gas hot water systems, there are several proven ways you can dramatically reduce your water heater energy consumption.

Listed below are some practical energy-saving tips to get you off to a good start.

Reduce hot water usage.

If there are 4 of you in the family and you shower for at least 5 minutes daily, you will end up consuming approximately 700 gallons of water per week. If you do the math, that’s already a 3-year supply of drinking water for one individual! Fortunately, there are other ways to reduce your water consumption apart from not staying in the shower for too long. For starters, you can look into installing faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads to help reduce your consumption by as much as 25 to 60 percent. As an added bonus, you can end up saving on your water bill, too! Furthermore, the simple installation of the aforementioned basic fixtures can help save up to 14,000 gallons of water annually.

Ensure exposed hot-water pipes are insulated.

When you insulate your hot water pipes, it will mean water will be 2 to 4 degrees warmer when it gets to the faucet. This spares you from having to wait for too long for it to heat up. On the brighter side, you will also end up saving water, energy and money. While oftentimes seen as a cost-effective DIY job, slipping self-sealing sleeves over your pipes can be time-consuming. However, it is deemed by many as a highly effective way to dramatically cut down your water heater energy consumption.

Keep your tanks sediment-free.

Build-up of sediment in the tank is one of the common reasons known to reduce water heater efficiency. That being said, it makes saving on energy difficult, if not impossible. Fortunately, keeping the tank free from sediment is straightforward and easy. Start by turning off the water and setting the burner to ‘pilot’. Then proceed by connecting a garden hose to the spigot located at the tank’s base. Start the water flowing by lifting the pressure-relief valve and turning off the spigot of the tank. Also, it is reassuring to know draining does not have to be done often. Once or twice annually will do the trick.

Reduce your tank’s thermostat

While it’s not common knowledge, you will end up saving at least 3 to 5 percent on your energy bill every time you turn your tank’s thermostat 10 degrees down. In most instances, water heaters have a preset setting of 140 degrees. Ideally, however, the recommended setting for most households is just 120 degrees. If you happen to own a water heater that does not come with a numbered gauge, the midway between the ‘low’ and ‘medium’ marks is often considered the ideal setting.

Undoubtedly, waging a war against water heater energy consumption can be tough. Fortunately, if you apply any or all of the abovementioned practical tips, then you have a higher chance of winning the battle.

Why invest in insulation during a renovation?

April 9, 2014adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, home remodelingenergy efficient, home improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tips1 Comment

Spray Foam Insulation or Traditional Insulation?

fiber insulation — Photo courtesy of Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association.

When it comes to enhancing the value and comfort of a home, most homeowners will opt to address the cosmetic features of a home when completing a renovation project. Yet, it’s often the things that homeowners don’t consider that can have the biggest impact on the value of a home.

Across the country, the cost of heating and cooling a home has sharply increased. The price of gas, oil and electricity has driven up the cost of living for many homeowners. With this in mind, more homeowners are seeking budget-friendly solutions that provide not only consistent performance over the long-term, but also help keep costs down.

Before beginning a home improvement project, homeowners should consider the whole building envelope rather than just the cosmetic features such as chrome fixtures or granite countertops. High-efficiency windows are an excellent investment for any home to help drive down excessive energy waste and high utility costs. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that traditional windows contribute as much as 10 percent of the total air escaping from a typical home, while improperly sealed doors can contribute 11 percent.

Investing in an effective insulation solution also can make a significant impact on reducing utility costs. Building experts suggest that homeowners completing a home improvement project should be as involved as possible in determining the best insulation type for their home. This means that homeowners should actively research the types of materials available and how well they perform over the long term. While building code requirements and standards were much more lax in the past, recent amendments to the building code mandates that homes must meet certain criteria for insulation levels, heating management and carbon emissions.

One insulation solution that can meet and exceed the newest building code requirements is spray foam insulation. As a modern insulation solution, the benefits of spray foam insulation can have a significant and positive impact on a home. Available in a variety of densities, spray foam insulation combats against air leakage and works well in all types of homes across the country, regardless of climate.

Traditional insulation materials are overly permeable allowing moisture and fluctuations in temperature to pass through the home’s envelope easily. Yet, spray foam insulation both air seals and insulates to keep allergens and irritants at bay and eliminates air leakage to keep the conditioned air inside without the HVAC system working overtime to compensate.

Spray foam insulation performs for the life of the property, ensuring that homeowners can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures year-round without overrunning their heating and cooling equipment. Insulation experts note that quality spray foam insulation can noticeably reduce heating and cooling costs, in some cases by up to 50 percent.

Contact Bruzzese Home Improvements for all your home renovation and home remodeling projects in Westchester, New York!

Decorating with light captures the fresh spirit of spring

March 25, 2014adminHome Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, home improvement, home trends, lighting, paintingLeave a comment

Tips To Bring More Light Into Your Home

Something about spring seems to inspire us to lavish attention on our homes. Whether enthusiastically cleaning or freshening decor, Americans seize spring as an opportunity to breathe new life into interior spaces. While painting and decluttering are great ways to revitalize home decor, for sheer spring-like impact it’s hard to beat decorating with light.

Incorporating light into interior design can go far beyond a few strategically placed, attractive lamps and some upgraded overhead lights. It’s possible to use both natural and artificial lighting to complement other decor and architectural elements, and to create a brighter, upbeat mood that’s perfect for warm weather. Not sure where to begin? Here are a few concepts to keep in mind as you begin decorating with light:

Natural beauty

There’s no debating the benefits of natural light for boosting mood. After dark, short winter days, spring brings abundant sunshine, and you can put all that natural light to work in your home. Boost daylighting by lightening up window treatments to admit as much sunshine as possible, choose fresh paint colors that interplay well with the direction from which light enters a room, and consider adding skylights to rooms that demand drama or where adding a window isn’t practical.

A relatively low cost home improvement that can be accomplished by a professional in a day or two or over a single weekend, adding a skylight not only enhances home decor, it delivers energy-saving benefits as well. Skylights can help reduce dependence on artificial lighting – saving money on electricity bills. And, if you choose an ENERGY STAR certified solar-powered, fresh-air skylight like those made by Velux America and add remote-controlled, solar-powered blinds, you can improve the skylight’s energy performance rating by as much as 45 percent while improving indoor air quality through the venting effect of open skylights (which close automatically in case of rain). -Solar-powered skylights and blinds qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as does the cost of installation. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

Lightening colors

Some hues absorb more light, making them appear darker which causes the room to look dark as well. Spring is a great time to lighten colors throughout the home, and not just wall colors. Fresh paint brightens any room, but to amplify the effect, choose lighter, less intense colors such as pastel yellows, peaches and soft blues.

Continue the color upgrade through key decorating elements such as upholstery fabric, accent rugs, window treatments and wall art. Choose colors that speak to you of spring, whether it’s an Easter egg pale purple, a cheerful sky blue or a bright grass green. Replace heavy winter drapes with translucent sheers that admit natural light and give rooms an airy, open feeling.

Upgrading other light sources

While you take steps to maximize the amount of natural light that enters you home, artificial lighting will always be needed, especially when spring showers darken the skies for a while. Choose light fixtures – including floor and table lamps – that continue the bright, easy atmosphere you’ve already created with color and natural light.

Keep in mind the importance of layering light with a mix of sources throughout a room, and choose lighting styles that fit the room’s purpose. For example, in kitchens where a lot of work gets done, overhead and under-counter lights provide the best illumination for cooking and other chores. In bedrooms, wall sconces and table lamps provide softer, more soothing light.

Don’t overlook energy efficiency when you’re revamping your artificial lighting. Spring is a great time to boost your home’s energy efficiency by replacing old, electricity-guzzling incandescent light bulbs with energy-sipping CFLs and LEDs. While these bulbs may cost more to purchase, you’ll save money over their usable life. Energy.gov says these bulbs use 25 to 80 percent less energy than incandescents, and can last three to 25 times longer.

Tips to stop drafts in your home

February 15, 2014adminDIY Projects, Energy Efficiency, Winter TipsDIY projects, energy efficient, winterLeave a comment

The Workbench Life: Baby Blogs

Draft Dodging

By Ron Marr for The Workbench Life

Mother Nature specializes in home invasions — in the form of cold winter air disrupting your cozy abode. Since climbing up a ladder in the freezing cold air is uncomfortable, use these tips to stop drafts from the inside (and lower your heating bills while you’re at it!) until the weather permits a full inspection.

Become Incensed
Before stopping the nor’easter in your living room, you must first find its point of entry. Identify these spots by turning on all household exhaust fans and lighting an incense stick. Hold the smoldering stick in front of door and window frames located on exterior walls, dryer and air conditioning vents, electric sockets and cable TV outlets. Check the pipe entries under the bathroom and kitchen sink, phone jacks and mail flaps. You’ve found a leak when the smoke is sucked outside or blows into the room.

Almost Free Warmth
A long-term and low-cost solution for drafts is to place peel-off, foam weather stripping (1/8 inch or smaller) around door and window frames. Also attach it under the door and where the window meets the sill. Weather stripping makes an excellent, draft-stopping gasket around the edges of electrical covers.

No-cost fixes are almost as effective. Stuff cracks around pipes with sheets of newspaper. Additionally, placing layers of plastic bags under the leading edge of a window and shutting the window tight stops a persistent breeze.

The Cover-up

Tape sheets of clear, heavy-duty plastic over windows or apply shrink-film to create a nearly impenetrable barrier. Shrink film kits are available in the $10 price range (a set usually covers one to three windows) and are easily removed when winter ends.

A similar cold-stopping effect can be produced via garbage bags and painter’s tape, so long as you don’t mind a dark room.

Ron Marr is a long-time woodworker and luthier whose work can be seen at marrsguitars.com. He is also a frequent contributor to The Workbench Life.

New Home Builders Offer Modern Remodeling Ideas

February 11, 2014adminArchitecture, home remodelingbathroom remodeling, energy efficient, green living, home remodeling, home trends, kitchen remodeling3 Comments

When you want a change in scenery, you don’t have to look for a new home builder. Modern home builders encourage you to give your current dwelling a mid-century-inspired makeover that simplifies the space and makes it more functional.

About Modern Home Design

Modern Kitchen and Open Floor Plan New Home Builders — Designed by Reworks Architecture

Modern homes are all about form and function. Modern home design refers to the time when the style was created in the 1920s to 1950s. The style uses clean lines, natural materials, acrylics and polished metals. Modern home builders construct this style of home with large windows, unadorned interiors, exposed beams, neutral colors and open spaces. The outdoor spaces also seamlessly transition inside.

Famous modern architects include:

Frank Lloyd Wright: Falling Water in Mill Run, Penn.
Frank Gehry: Guggenheim Museum in New York City
I.M. Pei: Glass pyramid entrance to the Le Grand Louvre museum in Paris, France

An Open Floor Plan

One of the quintessential aspects of a modern home is an open floor plan. For a home remodel, this may mean tearing down a non-load-bearing wall or a wall that doesn’t have essential elements in it, like plumbing or ductwork. Walls that homeowners commonly remove are the ones between a family room and living room, a kitchen and dining room, a hallway and den, or a kitchen and family room. The best walls to take down are those in the spaces that you’re willing to share.

Ideas for a Modern Kitchen

Cabinets: Reface or replace cabinets so they’re plain, smooth and flat. Forego the cabinet fixtures or use ones that are simple. Go with a neutral color. Feel free to use glass cabinet fronts or simply take the doors off the frames.
Kitchen islands: If you have the space, give yourself room to work and a place for friends to sit. Instead of having a range and cover, install a stainless steel cook top in the island and a matching free-standing range hood.
Layout: The look of a kitchen doesn’t mean anything if the layout doesn’t make your life simpler. Think about things like how easy it will be to get a heavy pot of water from the sink to the stove, where you want to store frequently used ingredients and if you want to eat in the kitchen.

Ideas for a Modern Bathroom

Glass shower enclosure: A clear glass shower enclosure will make the bathroom look bigger and give it a spa-like feel.
Designed by Reworks Architecture
Abundant lighting: A bathroom retreat shouldn’t feel like a cave. Use skylights, frosted windows, large mirrors, cove lighting coming out of cabinetry and shelves, and recessed lights.
Sinks: Consider free-standing sinks with the plumbing in the wall or in a sleek floating cabinet.
Toilets: There is no reason to have to look at a toilet tank. Modern bathrooms commonly just have a lid, seat and bowl; the tank is in the wall.

Modern Lighting Ideas

Modern homes love the sun. During a remodel, make it a point to maximize the natural light that comes into a space by enlarging windows, adding extra windows, installing a sliding door to the outside or adding a skylight. Then use lighting fixtures to functionally and artistically compliment nature.

Use pendant lights over dining tables or kitchen islands to add color or visual interest to a space. Large arching floor lamps double as art and task lighting over a couch, bed, desk, armchair or table are both modern and functional. Or, go more compact with a stylish arm lamp. Give the space a boost of light at night with recessed lights or track lights with a dimmer switch.

Modern Sustainable Living Elements

Modern home builders construct with the health of the environment in mind, and you can too. Here are some ways that you can update your home and help the planet:

Use sustainable, reclaimed or recyclable building materials.
Install products and appliances that save water and energy.
Shop for locally sourced products.
Tighten the building envelope of your home to save energy.
If appropriate, install solar technologies like rooftop solar panels or solar water heating systems.
Avoid products with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lead, PVC and mercury.

While it was born in the early 1900s, modern home designs have staying power that will remain popular and have powerful curb appeal well past the 21^st century.

Courtesy of George Hale, owner of H. Hudson Homes, a Portland new home builder that focuses on cutting-edge design and sustainability. When it comes to purchasing new modern homes, buyers can rely on H. Hudson Home’s wealth of expertise in construction and modern building practices.

How to Choose the Right Dehumidifier for Your Home

February 4, 2014adminDIY Projects, Safety, Winter TipsDIY projects, energy efficient, health, SafetyLeave a comment

Every home needs a little breathing space and a dehumidifier can be the ideal investment for homes that experience high moisture levels and its damaging effects.

High humidity can cause a number of concerns for both your home and your health. Damp, mould, mildew and condensation can all make a property an unpleasant place to live and work but, by using a dehumidifier, you can improve your home or business property’s atmosphere for good. Check out this buyer’s guide from leading dehumidification company, Airandwatercentre.com, and source the right dehumidifier for your property and your budget.

Know your dehumidifier models

There are three main types of dehumidifier available, each has its pros and cons, and may suit one property more than another. The refrigerant dehumidifier uses a similar method to your home refrigerator to condense the air and collect moisture. These are generally more useful in warmer months and tend not to be used all year round.

The desiccant dehumidifier actually absorbs water and can operate at much lower temperatures than the refrigerant dehumidifier. The peltier dehumidifiers are much more suited to commercial use due to their low capacity and high energy cost.

Determine your desired capacity

When it comes to finding the right type of dehumidifier for your property, getting the capacity correct is your first objective. There are many models on the market, all of which have varying capacities. These capacities are based on a term called ‘relative humidity’ or RH, which provides a projection on the amount of moisture a particular model can remove from the air.

The RH, however, is based on its operation in a room with very high humidity, so the amount of moisture extracted from a room with a medium to high humidity level may vary. Using a hygrometer to take a precise reading of your home humidity levels can quickly identify which capacity dehumidifier you require and can pinpoint rooms that need help ridding excess moisture and those that don’t.

Calculating CFM

The air flow volume of a dehumidifier can also determine whether it is a suitable size and type for your dehumidification needs. The air flow of a unit is measured using ‘cubic feet per minute’, also known a CFM, and can make or break the effectiveness of your battle against high humidity.

The size of the room determines how much air will have to pass through the dehumidifier, whilst higher humidity levels require the moisture to pass through the unit more often. By determining the percentage of humidity within the air (again using your hygrometer) and taking into account the size of your room in cubic feet, you can find the right capacity and air flow volume to fully dehumidify your home and get rooms back to the recommended 40% to 60% humidity level.

Choose an ‘all year round’ model

Many dehumidifiers can be used all year round, however protecting the internal components of an appliance in particularly cold weather can be tricky. Choose a model with built-in frost protection if you intend to use this in the winter and summer months. These defrost any cooling coils and keep your dehumidifier working in plummeting temperatures.

Automation and dehumidifier noise

Dehumidifiers aren’t the quietest home appliance and can often be a disruptive addition to any busy family home or office. Choosing a model with adjustable speed settings can minimise noise, whilst quieter dehumidifiers are available on the market. The majority of dehumidifiers also switch off automatically when the tank is at capacity, whilst a number of newer models give homeowners the option to switch on the appliance when humidity reaches a certain point courtesy of a built-in humidistat.

There are a number of dehumidifiers available, however with this essential guide we are certain you can buy with confidence on your upcoming shopping trip!

Go Green in 2014

December 9, 2013adminGreen Livingenergy efficient, green living, home trendsLeave a comment

With the economy going topsy-turvy, each household has to rethink its budget to be able to fit into the current economic scenario comfortably. The rising costs, increased expenses, and unsure jobs are the main reasons for the tensions and increased blood pressure for most of the people. With such a mindset, home improvement is the last thing you would want to think of. Add to this the growing environmental concerns, you might as well sit in your box forever. 2014 is the year when we need to start concentrating on budgeting and green living, owing to the fact that the economy and environment are both in dire emergency now. The home improvement tips for the year too center on being pocket-friendly and environment friendly. Here are a few home improvement tips that cater to both these criteria-

CFL Lights- You might have heard this before but is is well worth the repetition. CFL bulbs may cost you more for the moment but being energy efficient, they cut down on your electricity bills significantly. Also, they are more environment friendly than ordinary bulbs.

Neem as insect repellent- You can easily replace the expensive, chemical insect repellents with this all-natural solution. Either you can get neem capsules from the pharmacy to place them in the cupboards, or, if possible, you can simply use neem leaves to keep insects away.

Indoor plants- This is one of the simplest solutions to many problems. Indoor plants have great decorative value, they come in cheap, and they pose no threats to the environment. In fact, having the right indoor plants can keep away many diseases, can purify air, and can add to the general feel-good factor of the home.

Double-glazed windows- These may not be the cheapest option but they would definitely bring down your gas and electricity bills. You would recover from the cost of refurbishing your windows within a year, by saving the same amount from the utility bills.

Get a solar cooker- If you get enough sunlight, you shouldn’t miss on this. Solar cookers are easy to get now and the food cooked is equally delicious. The added benefit is that you don’t waste any gas!

Washer and dryer combo- Instead of having separate washer and dryer, try getting a combo. These are cheaper, they consume less energy, and you are saved from doing extra chores.

Plant trees that give shade in summers- If you are blessed with a nice front garden, make full use of it and plan carefully trees that would give you shade in the summers. This way in summers, you would spend less on the air conditioner bills.

Plant native plants- We all do love fancy flowers and ornamental plants. However, these are more costly to maintain and require more water. It is best to plant trees and plants that are native to your area. If you can manage, you can also plant various herbs and fruit or vegetable bearing plants.

Cleaning supplies- You’d be surprised to know that how efficient are baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice, when it comes to cleaning. You can easily switch a number of cleaning supplies with these. Not only are these cheaper, but they are absolutely harmless for your skin and the environment.

Along with these, you always have the basics to adhere to- switch of unused lights, use dimmers, close the taps properly, minimize loss of heat, shut down laptop at night etc. Rather than losing out heart because of the escalating prices, find alternative ways for home improvement. Weather it is energy consumption, household storage solutions, or going green, you’ll always find eco-friendly, economic ways.

Author Bio: Evelyn Kelly is a professional writer. She wants to share her professional experience with her audience. And she regularly write Guest post about Storage services and also cover various other topics related to home, interior decoration, and household storage etc. She loves to spend her time with family and friends.

4 Cheap Ways to Keep Your Home Warm

December 3, 2013adminEnergy Efficiency, Winter Tipsenergy efficient, home improvement, remodeling tips, winter4 Comments

In the coming cooler months, keeping your house warm can be an issue. Some houses are very expensive to heat because they may have flaws in the insulation, windows, or doors. By making a few small improvements you can keep your home several degrees warmer. As an added benefit, many of the tips below will also increase your energy efficiency and keep your energy bills low.

Insulate

Insulation is fairly cheap and easy to install. There are many areas in your home that could benefit from proper or added insulation. Some areas that often lack efficient insulation and allow heat to escape are:

Basement and Attics—By adding a layer of insulation to your basement and attic you will help the primary living areas of your home stay warm. Even if don’t you use your attic or basement on a daily basis, adding insulation will help keep heat from escaping the house. This will keep each room warmer longer, preventing you from having to keep the heat on constantly.

Pipes—The more your hot water heater has to work to keep your water warm the more energy you waste in escaped heat. To keep heat where it is needed most, and keep your water hotter for longer periods of time, insulate the pipes in your basement and underneath your home. This will also prevent outdoor pipes from freezing in the winter.

Fill the Gaps

Before winter begins, walk through your home both inside and outside to look for any cracks or gaps that may need to be filled. These areas could be allowing cold air in or letting the heat in your home escape. The location and size of the crack or gap is will determine the type of filler you will need to use to close it. Also take a look at your heating ducts to see if there are any cracks that can be covered with heavy-duty electrical tape.

Seal Drafty Windows and Doors

If you have drafty windows and doors, we recommend replacing them with new energy efficient ones. If you are not able to replace any windows or doors, you can seal them with weather stripping. If you have sealed your windows but your windowpanes are still allowing cold air in, purchase indoor window insulation. These kits allow you to apply a plastic coating to the interior of your windows that will help to keep warm air in and cold air out. All you will need is a kit, a step stool or ladder, scissors, and a hairdryer.

Service Your Heating Units

Another good thing to do before the winter season kicks off is have your heating units inspected and have any annual maintenance completed. This could be a water heater tune-up to make sure it is working at its full capacity. And you may need to change or clean your air filters to ensure that you don’t overwork your furnace and waste energy. If you are not able to service your units yourself you can hire an outside contractor for general maintenance and tune-ups.

Each of these heat saving ideas will help keep your home toasty and warm in the fall and winter months.

This article was written by Brandon Irving, a home contractor and freelance blogger with years of experience in the industry. He suggests contacting a professional, like the AC Man of Houston, for more project needs and questions.

We recommend replacing old drafty windows with new energy efficient windows. Give us a call for a free in home estimate to see how we can help you save money this winter and make your home more energy efficient! – Gary B.

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