Recent research suggests that by 2030 the UK and the USA could be entering a new “mini ice age”. This isn’t an ice age at all, but does mean that winters could be harsher and summers colder. This infographic guides you through the steps you need to take to make your life mini ice age proof!
If your monthly energy bills have begun to spiral out of control, then it is time to start searching for inefficiencies around your house. Here is a look at some of the most common reasons that utility bills will skyrocket and what you can do to stop it.
Families are often surprised to hear that vampire electronics could be costing them hundreds of dollars a year. This phrase is used to describe gadgets that consume a small amount of energy when they are plugged in but not being used. Connecting smaller devices to a power strip and then unplugging that single strip before heading to bed or leaving the house is a great way to solve this problem.
Appliances are an integral part of our life, but it is important that they are used correctly in order to avoid wasted energy. Two of the worst offenders are dishwashers and washing machines. Families should only run the dishwasher when it is completely full and keep it on the coldest settings whenever possible. The same can be said for washing machines that are often used to clean just a handful of clothes instead of being filled to the brim.
Setting your thermostat just a few degrees in the wrong direction or leaving it on when no one is home can cost you thousands of dollars per year. The first thing that a family should do is invest in a smart or programmable thermostat to have more control over their home’s temperature. When a family is home and awake, the thermostat should be set at 78°F during the summer and 68°F during the winter.
A home’s HVAC system is almost always the biggest energy hog, and these systems consume even more energy when they have not been recently serviced. Biannual service calls to Avery Heating & Air Conditioning or an HVAC provider near you will allow a technician to check for any damaged parts, change filters, lube moving parts, fill the coolants, check the accuracy of the thermostat, and give you an idea of when the system will need to be replaced.
Fixing just these four problems around your house could save you thousands of dollars on your energy bills every single year. In addition to saving some money, your family will also be reducing their carbon footprint and helping to protect the local and global environment.
Staying green by trying to save up on energy is not as difficult as it may sound. There are plenty ways of staying green while cutting costs and much hope exists when it comes to saving our planet in the near future, bit by bit. Walls are, as you know, the outer casing of a home. Protecting it from various weather conditions is not the only benefit the walls can provide.
A prime step towards being energy efficient, that which your walls are lined with, is the first thing to keep in mind. Depending on where your insulation will be placed and what type you’ve opted for, you can save up quite an amount of money. Sealing air leaks not only keeps you warmer, but prevents the constant need to get up and fiddle with your thermometer, thus making sure you remain green and keeping your pockets turned the right side in. Unfortunately, an often neglected factor, the Insulation is a key factor towards achieving and maintaining energy efficiency.
If walls are the outer shell of a building, siding is definitively the walls’ answer to human skin. The first line of defense from wind, rain and sun, how it’s applied has a direct influence on your house’s outer layer durability. Cladding systems that are energy efficient have a higher heat resistance, thus resulting in less energy spending. When it comes to protecting your walls (and on that note, your home), stone makes for an extremely durable type of exterior wall cladding. Requiring less energy to maintain the indoors temperature, siding and wall cladding are a great way to support energy efficiency. Therefore, it is of huge importance that you keep quality cladding in mind and reinforce your home’s first line of defense.
Not only will green walls make people turn their heads in interest, but are a fantastic way of staying energy efficient. Consisting of a frame, panels that are waterproof, irrigation systems and plants, this kind of your home’s outer shell is a great way to save up money, as well as energy. The frame is placed along the walls, making sure there’s air between them to avoid having to deal with moisture. Then, the panels are set up, as a means of holding the whole thing together. Green walls have a great deal to brag about. If you’ve covered your walls in green, you’ve chosen sustainability and durability. In addition to providing quality thermal and acoustic isolation, they work as natural air cleaners, even more so if you cover your home’s interior with them.
While staying green by keeping energy efficiency in mind may not come as a breeze after all, a bit more dedication and motivation are a low price to pay for all the benefits provided. Not only will your energy bill be kinder to you in the long term, but it’s a great and progressive
way to nurture a green consciousness in your mind. If you want to help raise global awareness and be that person that supports the trend of saving the Earth, one wall at the time, Think about keeping the last couple of paragraphs in mind.
The Sun emits billions of gigawatts of energy into space and we successfully fail to capture more of it to spare our home planet. The carbon footprint of every living person is constantly increasing, due to our dependence on fossil fuels. Nevertheless, those who are thinking about renovating their home can contribute to the world-saving process – go for solar solutions.
More Natural Light – Reduced Bills
When we say solar solutions, we refer to the energy coming from the sun in all its forms. For instance, if you add a window or two to your home, you could get more natural light and that way reduce the amount of electric energy you spend on a daily basis. Increasing the quantity of sunrays that enter your home will contribute to the level of positive energy in your home and make you behave in a green way.
Rooftop Sundrops
If you want to improve your manners in terms of ecology, you could take a bigger bite and install a skylight. Let’s face it – it is a demanding procedure, but it changes the whole perspective of your home. By letting the sunlight directly into your home from the rooftop, you can get a substantial amount of heat from there, even on winter days, thanks to the warm nature of sunrays. It could lead to reduced heating bills, as well.
Electric Window Openers
Although not a direct solar device, electric mechanisms for windows and shades can increase the quality of life. For instance, you can open them with a remote control from the comfort of your bed as soon as the sun pops up on the horizon. Then you can continue sleeping and the sunlight will start filling your room. In addition, installing a motor for opening/closing the already discussed skylight, controlled with a remote control, would be a real treat for every home owner. You will have more air and more money left in your pocket, thanks to the energy of the sun that you let into your home.
Thin Panels
We have all seen those thick, bulky panels that are usually placed on roofs. Thanks to innovations in this field, however, today thin panels, adaptable to many different areas are overtaking the market. Thanks to their light nature, they can be easily lifted and installed on roofs, but also on many other surfaces, like mobile homes, tents, even boats and grid-connected devices.
Future Craze
The market of alternative sources of energy is a pretty restless area. Innovations are being introduced at quite a fast pace and new 
products are even more focused on reducing the use of fossil fuels. In accordance with such an ecological policy, people will be able to use solar energy containers as their living spaces. It will be a win-win option – the carbon footprint will be reduced and old containers will be reused instead of being thrown away. What is more, those homes will be available in different sizes, depending on the number of containers.
Check Your Solar Potential
While it is true that solar power is one of the greenest forms of energy, it is not appropriate for every single climate and geographical area. The point of this kind of energy is spending less energy altogether. If you install solar panels or large windows and you don’t get enough energy from the Sun, the whole investment will be a failure. Go and check on this site launched by the US government the solar potential of your area.
As you can see, the environment is craving for a change. By using the existing forms of the natural powers, rather than producing energy, we can save the day and return this planet to its former state.
If you are like many homeowners, you may cringe as you open your energy bill each month. With the rising costs of energy in many areas coupled with the need to use energy throughout the home on a regular basis, you may regularly see your energy costs rising. In some cases, high energy bills can simply be burdensome, and in other cases, they may be unmanageable. The good news is that there are several home improvements that you can make that will help you to improve energy efficiency in your home and lower your energy costs throughout the year. When you are making plans to complete your next home improvement project, thing about these energy efficient ideas.
Your home’s insulation adds an important layer around the exterior of your home. While hidden from view, it is instrumental in keeping your climate-controlled air indoors and the external air out of your home. This has a dramatic impact on energy efficiency. Over time, some types of insulation can deteriorate or fall out of place inside the walls. Pests and rodents may also eat it, reducing its benefits. Updating your home’s insulation with quality materials will have a dramatic impact on energy efficiency in your home throughout the year.
While insulation keeps climate controlled air inside the home, the roof is also critical in this function. It also can radiate heat from the sun away from the home for an additional benefit. When the roof is not in quality condition, it is far less effective in this area. Restoring the roof can yield great results, and there are several quality materials that you can use such as metal, wood shingles and shakes. Repainting a roof with a reflective coating is also a great idea that can yield cost-effective results.
If you have a larger budget available to work with, you may consider installing solar panels on the roof of your home or in a large area of your yard that receives ample sunlight each day. Some homeowners will start with a small solar system to partially offset energy costs, and they may add onto the system over time. Others will install a full system that has the ability to produce all of the energy that the home uses on a regular basis.
Another smart idea is to update your home water heater. If you have an outdated hot water heater, there is a good chance that it is not as energy efficient as many of the newer models on the market today. This is a rather affordable upgrade to make, and some of these models may even help you to reduce water consumption as well. For example, a tankless water heater may help you to conserve both energy and water in some cases.
If your budget allows, replacing older appliances can result in a considerable reduction in your energy costs. The appliances that use the most energy in a home are typically the HVAC system and the clothes dryer. Therefore, if you only have a limited amount of funds available, consider updating these appliances first if they are older in age. Other appliances that may need to be replaced, if your budget permits, are the washing machine, the refrigerator and the dishwasher. You may also update your electronics, such as the television and other major energy consumptive items. The newest models on the market are generally designed to be highly energy efficient in comparison to previous models.
High energy bills can be a burden to deal with, but there are options available to help you lower energy costs. These ideas each can provide you with long-term results that equate to lower energy bills throughout the year and a more eco-friendly home. Consider moving forward with several ideas to begin seeing immediate results in your energy costs.
Try to picture all your family members taking back to back showers and then suddenly, you hear screams. Users from separate bathrooms hurriedly ask for your help – they run out of hot water all at the same time. Is it time for new hot water system installation?
If you’re planning to replace your old hot water storage tank or upgrade your water heater because the current system fails to meet your needs, then you’ve got to have some standards.
With so many hot water systems to choose from, narrowing your options to one that exactly meets your needs can be tough – but it’s possible. This post is a good starting point if you’re considering getting a new and cost-efficient hot water system.
Which Type of Hot Water System is best for Your Home?
While there are many renowned water heater brands around, they all fall conveniently into four types: storage tank, tankless, hybrid electric, and solar water heaters.
Sources: Rinnai, Energy.gov, Consumer Reports
Looking at the table above, the differences among the types of water heaters seem clear. But this oversimplification should not stop you from doing further research on other essential features.
Which hot water system features matter?
When deciding which type of water heater best suits your daily household needs, remember to look into these features:
1. Fuel source availability and cost
If you live in an old house or building, there is a high chance that you have a gas or electric storage-tank water heating system installed. It could really use an upgrade as this conventional type of water heater is inefficient, e.g. standby heat losses and constant heating even when there’s no demand for hot water. You may opt for hybrid or tank less types with cost-effective fuel options available in your area.
2. Warranty on the system, parts, and labor
Save on regular maintenance and emergency repairs by checking the warranties offered for each model and type of water heater. Most suppliers will provide you with warranty sheets (when you ask for them) so you can make a good comparison of each option.
3. Life expectancy of the model
According to Consumer Reports, tankless or instantaneous types of water heaters can last for 20 years – the longest among all types. Storage-tank types can last for about 10-15 years so the smart choice seems obvious.
4. Available space in your home
In the old times, most homes allot enough space for storage-tank water heaters. Now you have the option to get rid of tanks. Or you can go for a less space-greedy hybrid electric hot water system. When renovating, keep in mind how you will fit the new water heating equipment and fixtures.
5. Safety hazards
Some models can pose fire and contamination hazards. Be sure to discuss the potential risks and safety precautions you must take for every model and make of water heater.
Popular brands of water heaters have websites that provide complete specifications of each type and model of hot water system. For instance, you may browse the product pages of GE, Kenmore, Rheem, Whirlpool, or Rinnai prior to hitting the nearest trusted suppliers in your area. Or you can do the reverse: visit the nearest reputable local dealers of water heating equipment and ask for the pros and cons of each hot water system type and model.
If you’ve read this post until the very end, you have a pretty good idea of questions you should ask to find the best deal. For any questions or concerns, please let us know in the comment section.
Both gas and solid fuel fireplaces have their own distinct advantages over the other, but which one suits your needs? This infographic contains some of the main advantages associated with both gas and fuel fireplaces.
Source: http://www.livingstone.ie/
Home is where the heart is, and now thanks to home automation, it’s also where technology thrives. More people want smart home features that let them control their spaces while increasing energy efficiency and cutting waste. In fact, the smart home market is forecasted to hit $12.8 billion by 2017 in North America and Europe alone.
The rapid growth of smart home technology is closely connected to the large number of people who own mobile devices. Today 90 percent of American adults have a cellphone, 58 percent have a smartphone and 42 percent of own a tablet computer, according to the Pew Research Internet Project.
Wise water usage
More people are aware of their water footprint and are taking steps to control H2O usage in their homes. Low-flow toilets and shower heads in the bathrooms are a start, but technology is taking water usage and conservation to new levels. EcoWater Systems HydroLink Plus is an example of a water treatment system enhanced by Wi-Fi technology. The system softens and treats your water while monitoring water usage, letting you know when softener salt is needed and sends you alerts if potential issues are detected, such as a continuous water flow over a period of time or excess water usage above normal usage. This allows you to make adjustments to save money on utility bills, plus provides peace of mind that problems can be corrected before expensive repairs are required. This is on top of the inherent savings water softeners provide in hard water areas, reducing the amount of soap and cleaning agents needed and saving on energy bills. Also, if you choose, HydroLink Plus enabled systems can be programmed to send alerts and diagnostics to a local EcoWater dealer who can monitor the system and provide maintenance as needed. For more information, visit www.ecowater.com.
Heating and cooling control
Heating and cooling accounts for more than half of the energy used in a typical American home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s no wonder homeowners want tech-savvy solutions to cut bills. Programmable thermostats are affordable and readily available, and when used correctly, they can save homeowners up to $180 per year in energy costs. Some smart thermostats even allow temperature adjustments to be made remotely from smartphones while providing energy statistics to help you control costs. Zoned heating and cooling systems are also gaining traction, meaning that you can heat or cool certain parts of the home based on where you spend the most time.
Smart security systems
For years, home security alarms consisted of sensors that detected break-ins and responded with loud sirens. Today, security systems literally put a home’s safety and efficiency in the palm of your hand. Video cameras and alerts let you know when children arrive home from school or when packages are delivered. Fire alarms integrated into the system alert you of smoke, fires and the presence of carbon monoxide and other poisonous fumes.
We live in a digital age and homeowners are embracing smart home technology for everything from water treatment to home safety. The result? Homes are more efficient and secure, and homeowners are conserving natural resources while saving money on utility bills. Perhaps it’s time to hop on the bandwagon and consider intelligent home improvements? There are definitely benefits – and you’ll have the smartest home on the block.
There’s no better time than now to give your home the attention it deserves. Give it an annual checkup before cold weather arrives to help add comfort, save energy and cut home maintenance in the long-run.
When inspecting your home’s windows and doors, here’s what to check:
Inspect interior and exterior finishes: Over time, paint and stain can weather away. Flaking or peeling may mean that it’s time to refinish or replace the unit. When 
replacing windows or doors, consider factory prefinished wood or fiberglass options from Pella, or vinyl options that don’t need painting or staining, to save time and money.
Look for damaged exterior surfaces or signs of leaks: Check your sprinkler system to make sure it’s watering your lawn and landscape, not soaking your windows or doors. Cracked or deteriorated wood may be a sign of water penetration. Leaks can linger and affect interior walls, floors or ceilings, so look closely for discoloration or other moisture signs.
If you spot a problem, track its trail. For example, discolored trim around a window might actually be caused by moisture entering a ways away. With a leaky roof, water may run down inside the wall and appear at the window. Contact us for help in making home repairs.
Clear windowsills and tracks of dirt and debris: Sand, leaves, insects or pine needles stuck in weather-stripping can affect the performance of your windows and doors. Open the windows and clean the opening with a soft brush, like a dry paint brush or vacuum attachment. Do the same for sliding patio doors.
Try opening and closing: Open your windows and doors to make sure moving parts work, and units close properly. Replace worn or broken parts.
Inspect weather-stripping: Re-attach loose weather-stripping around windows or doors, and replace material that’s ripped or torn.
Replace or repair broken locks: If locks feel loose or don’t work smoothly, replace them. Keep windows and doors locked when not in use. Locks help hold doors and windows tightly, to lock out rain, wind, snow and insects.
Inspect weep and breather holes: Weep holes in the exterior of windows, allow excess moisture to escape, while breather holes allow air exchange within certain 
components. Clear blocked holes of dirt or debris with a wire or toothpick.
Check exterior sealants and caulk on and around windows and doors. Pay attention to areas susceptible to rain, water and extreme sunlight. Remove damaged material and reapply sealant.
Feel for signs of air leakage around the window or door: Improperly installed windows or doors can be drafty, decrease energy efficiency, and allow unwanted moisture into your home. To help save on utility bills and keep your home more comfortable year-round, replace drafty old, leaky windows with new, ENERGY STAR-qualified Pella windows installed properly.
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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!
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