Monthly Archives: April 2011

The Benefits of Solar Panels

We’ve all heard about solar panels and yet far too few people actually take the plunge and have them installed. They think that it’ll be too expensive or that it won’t be worth it, and for some these panels still have an air of science fiction around them. If you need a bit more convincing, here are just a few benefits of having solar panels in your home.

•    They can reduce your carbon footprint. This is easily one of the biggest advantages – solar power can help look after the environment by reducing the amount of fossil fuels that you use, drastically cutting your level of carbon emissions.
•    You’ll save money on your energy bills. With energy bills being on the rise we’re all looking for ways to save some cash, and if you opt for solar electricity you’ll soon see a huge reduction in your heating and water bills.
•    You can become self-sufficient. Because you’re not relying on energy companies for fuel you can become totally self-sufficient, living off the energy that your panels help to create.
•    They’re easy to install and use. There’s a common misconception that installing these panels will be incredibly expensive and time-consuming and that adjusting to them will be difficult, but that doesn’t have to be the case. With the right help and advice it can be cost-effective and very simple to arrange, and if you need that help you need to come to us.

As you can see, solar panels offer a range of benefits for both you as well as the environment, and if you want to see for yourself make sure to come to us and we’ll gladly fill you in.

Baking Foil Energy Saving Tip

How to use baking foil to save energy & reduce your heating bills with a money saving tip from ASDA.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Greening Your Home to Add Buyer Appeal

It is a sign of the times that the desire for home buyers to be able to find homes that are ecologically friendly is growing all the time. This can be a key point to take note of when you are looking to prepare your home for sale and can help you save money while you’re waiting for it to sell.

One easy thing that can help to make your home more eco-friendly is by getting rid of drafts in your home. A poorly sealed envelope costs home owners a lot of extra cash in heating bills every month so take the time to investigate your home and detect any drafty areas and seal them. Depending on the age of your home you will possibly need to replace the weather stripping around the doors and windows. Older homes may require the addition of insulating seals under the switch plates on outside walls as well.

While you would think that new homes would be insulated to a level where they would be classified as “green”, this isn’t always the case. The minimum standards of insulation that are required in new construction aren’t the same levels that are required for a green designation unfortunately. Most homes will require additional insulation in the attic at least to make up the difference.

Another easy area to add a green appeal to a home is with the appliances; while appliances aren’t cheap to replace, it is easy to find Energy Star appliances to install in your home. If the appliances have an Energy Star insignia on the front of them then it’s even better. It’s one thing to tell prospective buyers that your shiny new appliances are energy efficient; it’s another thing if they can see that for themselves.

If you have a little bit more time to invest into your project, you might want to look at replacing some of the flooring in your home with a greener option, particularly if your home has carpeting in the living areas. There are many good options for green flooring, including: ceramic tile, slate, hardwood, bamboo, and linoleum flooring. The option that will work best for you will depend on what kind of budget that you have for flooring and what area of the house that you’re looking to cover. Hardwood floors work in most any room of the home except basements or sometimes bathrooms. Tile and slate are hardy, but can be cold to the touch and are brittle. Take the time to do some research with someone at your local flooring supply store to determine which option would work best for you.

These are not all the different ways that you can add “green appeal” to your home when you’re looking to sell it, but they are a good start. If you want to strive for a green designation for your home then talk to an expert at your local home improvement store or talk to your realtor for more information.

A Blueprint for Saving Green at Home [1 of 7]

The first of six workshops in Rogers Park, Chicago, IL about Home Energy Efficiency. Date: Monday, 28 March 2011 A discussion where we consider the importance of home weatherization for mitigating air pollution and climate change. Learn how to do an home energy audit. Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30 PM United Church of Rogers Park 1545 West Morse Avenue Please go to savinggreentogether.blogspot.com for more information.
Video Rating: 0 / 5

How Thrifty Waterproofing Is Essential For Your Home


With regards to taking care of houses, one company has been widely recognized all over New Jersey as the top provider for all waterproof solutions. In each home there will always be at one point wherein a family will experience sudden leaks from ceilings or molds from walls, this is however should never be taken lightly. If you happen to have no idea as to what these mildews and molds from damp spaces can do to your body, then what you need to know about it is that is very hazardous to your health. When inhaled frequently, it can literally damage your internal organs overtime, but you can avoid all the trouble if you seek help from thrifty waterproofing.

Thrifty waterproofing is a company that specializes in providing every family’s home the outmost protection from rain water or any source of water that penetrates the concrete and wood of the house. Their top of the line service is tested and guaranteed effective in solving all your problems with leaks, crawlspaces and so much more. If you happen to be in a very tight position regarding finances, you don’t have to worry as they can fully accommodate and provide you their services for a fraction of the cost.

The best part about thrifty waterproofing is that even if you pay their services for a very low price, the quality and result is not at all jeopardized. It is because they make it sure that they do their promise, and that they follow their motto “Why Pay More?” So if you think that your house needs a complete renovation or a makeover then don’t prolong the situation and end up suffering in the future.

Look Inside the Green Energy Home Of the Future

Today we look at what a typical home design might be in our near future. The shell or structure of our new home will be made of dense Styrofoam that are 12 inches thick blocks that interlock like a jig saw puzzle, giving the home strength and stability. Covered with special space age sheeting, our home will be well protected because; the special siding warms in the winter-time and cools in the heat of summer.

Our contractors are busy installing our alternative energy systems; starting with the plumbing system, our water comes from a well deep in the ground that will bring us fresh spring water. Our well pump will be powered by one of our many solar systems that charge battery banks to store our electricity in case of dark days and nights. Along with the water we have installed a solar hot water collection system which will use a special insulated hot water tank to store the water which has been heated for free by the sun.

We check on our electrician that is busy installing our solar photovoltaic panels which when completed will face the south capturing the power of the sun, producing our electricity to charge are many storage batteries. By installing energy efficient light bulbs, we can light our house in a normal fashion. We use infrared technology with sensors installed in every room so that when someone walks into the room during night time or low light conditions the lights will come on, and when that person leaves the room after a predetermined amount of time our lights go off.

We have also decided to install a wind turbine to help keep our electrical system fully charged even during night time or dark periods of no sun. Our electrician is installing electronic monitoring to run our system without maintenance. Considering that we have eliminated our electric bill completely, the only cost we have is the initial cost of solar and wind system. Considering, the average U.S. household in 2008 used 920 kilowatt-hours per month, at an average of .12 cents per kilowatt, would be 0 a month for electricity alone. Say that we live in our new home 30 years that is ,600 dollars just for electricity! And now we pay zero!

Your probably thinking, well I need my computer and my cable TV, but that is what is great about technology, you install a satellite dish combining your TV and high speed internet, and you still have the wonderful conveniences of the modern day lifestyle.

Last but still very important is our new waste system. We have installed a totally self sufficient state of green energy automatic sewage and waste compost system that takes human waste and recycles it into useful compost. The compost is held for use on your organic garden.

We are so thankful to our energy friendly people who helped us build our totally off grid home.

This may sound like science fiction, but these concepts are all available today, not in the future. Sure you will pay more today than when people realize that green energy is the future. The old adage is about supply and demand, as more and more alternative energy homes are built the prices for solar, wind, and other sources will begin to drop so that all of us can afford off grid living.

 

7 Simple Ways To Go & Live Green

1. Alter Your cleansing Products.
While selecting cleaners for the household seek to avert products that are not eco favorable.

2. Run your dishwashing machine only if full
Utilising a dishwashing machine cleanses the dishes best and economises energy and time. It is generally presumed that washing dishes by hand economises hot water. Nevertheless, washing dishes by hand a few times a day could be much more costly than running an energy-efficient dishwashing machine. You will be able to consume less energy with an energy-efficient dishwashing machine while properly used and when only engaging it with full loads.

3. While laundering clothes
Laundering apparel in cold water economizes energy and saves the colors in your clothing. Contrary to dishwashers, clothes automatic washers do not need a minimal temperature for best cleansing. Consequently, you are able to apply either cold or warm water for most washing.

4. Washing detergent
Laundry products comprise of chemicals and perfumes that could induce skin discomfort and are not eco-friendly. As an alternative utilise chemical free products that are good for you and the environment.

5. Grass cutting choices
Reel lawn mowers are better for the environment. Reel mowers call for no fuel to function and they create no emissions. Electric lawn mowers are accessible for little yards. They’re air superior friendly, quite and do not bring about pollution.

6. Seek the ENERGY STAR® label
Did you acknowledge that the median home spends approximately ,900 on energy costs each year? Change to appliances that have gained the Energy Star, and you will be able to save $ eighty a yearr in energy costs, while helping to save the environment. Think about replacing your aged model refrigerator, particularly if older than ten years, with an Energy Star
Icebox.

7. Power Down
Employ power strips for home electronics and switch off power strips while equipment isn’t used.
Even once electronic devices are switched off, they consume energy. Save over a thousand lbs of carbon dioxide and 6 Each year. After switching off a computer, power proceeds to flow to peripheral devices such as printers and digital scanners. The Smart strip power strip stops the energy from being lost.

Energy efficient clothes washers deliver money and energy savings

Energy efficient clothes washers deliver money and energy savings

      -Brian Paterson, VP and CEO New Buffalo Impact

Are you washing your home energy budget down the drain?  Well, the solution to that could be as simple as replacing your old clothes washer with a new ENERGY STAR qualified one!

ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use half the amount of water of standard washers, saving between 8,000 – 11,000 gallons of water per year. They are also cheaper to operate and use up to 30% less energy than standard models.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if your washer is over 10 years old, replacing it with a new ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer can save you up to 5 per year on your energy bill.

Technological innovations of ENERGY STAR clothes washers provide a homeowner not only with money and energy savings, but also with superior performance.

ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers are available in either front-load or re-designed top-load models.

When buying a clothes washer from a retailer, request an ENERGY STAR qualified model to ensure that you will realize the greatest savings.

There are other ways to decrease your “clothes washing energy expense and usage” other than purchasing a new washer. Here are some suggestions.

Wash in cold water. Water heating consumes about 90% of the energy it takes to operate a clothes washer.
Unless you’re dealing with oily stains, washing in cold water will generally do a good job of cleaning. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut energy use in half.
Fill it up. Clothes washers use about the same amount of energy regardless of the size of the load, so run full loads whenever possible. Be careful not to overload, however. Both overloading and under loading wastes energy and decreases the efficiency of your washer.
Air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer not only saves energy, but also helps them last longer.
Avoid the sanitary cycle. This super hot cycle, available on some models, uses significantly more energy.  
Activate the high spin speed option. If your clothes washer has spin options, choose a high spin speed or the extended spin option to reduce the amount of remaining moisture in your clothes after washing. This decreases the amount of time it takes to dry your clothes.
Leave the door open after use. Front-loading washers use airtight seals to prevent water from leaking while the machine is in use. When the machine is not in use, this seal can trap moisture in the machine and lead to mold. Leave the door ajar for an hour or two after use to allow moisture to evaporate. Make sure children do not climb into the machine while the door is open.

Paterson’s company, Tonawanda NY based New Buffalo Impact, not only conducts a comprehensive home energy audit, and performs the necessary home energy improvement work including supplying and installing of high efficiency appliances when connected to an approved scope of home energy improvement work. For more details contact NBI at inquiry@newbuffaloimpact.com, or call (716) 881-1477.

NBI also works with homeowners to identify, and use, various financial assistance programs.  More information on New Buffalo Impact is available online at www.newbuffaloimpact.com , or by e-mailing inquiry@newbuffaloimpact.com

Improve Your Home with your Garden.

Many people are fanatical about redecorating the rooms in their house every couple of years. In the current climate, where conservation and recycling is becoming more and more of an issue it may be time to re-assess old habits. Wall paper was a feature of Victorian homes and it became so again in the 70′s when the large geometric prints were all the rage, but these bold prints tend to date quickly making constant redecoration a necessity. In hotter climates the houses tend to be painted rather than papered, which makes frequent redecorating less of an issue. Changing the appearance of a room is far easier, as it relies more on the accessories used than the wall covering. Placing plants and flowers in a room will improve the atmosphere and look of a room as well as being uplifting and adding points of interest. Plain walls will help to accentuate any flower arrangements placed in the room.

Many of these accessories can be given as gifts. Families always seem to struggle with mothers day ideas, the most common gifts being flower arrangements. If your mother lives in another town being able to organise flower deliveries can be an invaluable service. Plants in decorative plant pots can also be included with any flower deliveries and make a beautiful natural decorative accessory in a room. Many of these living plants can then be planted out in the garden once they have been hardened off and continue to bloom and provide pleasure there.

Chrysanthemum plants once they bloom again can be used in flower arrangements for the house. Even very simple arrangements can make a dramatic statement in the right setting. Orchids are another popular choice, not only because they are exotic but because they are so beautiful. Placed in the right spot in the house, usually the kitchen and possibly also the bathroom and adequately fed the plants flourish flower for many years. Potted or live Christmas trees are an option for the true eco friendly consumer and they are quite happy to spend most of the year out in the garden and be brought inside for the festive season. Potted ornamental trees can be used to accentuate a hallway or conservatory. Bonsai trees make a good talking point as well as being decorative.

When looking for mothers day ideas, be prepared to consider alternatives to the traditional type of gift, mothers appreciate a thoughtful gift far more than one that is purchased in a hurry. Getting your flowers delivered will be an extra special touch and put some shine on the occasion.

How to Find Quality Baby Crib For Your Baby

Baby crib sheets are obligatory for added protection and comfort to your babies. Discovering one of the best baby crib sheets to your baby ought to definitely be one among your priorities. In trying to find baby cribs, one ought to contemplate the dimensions, type and the quality. You’ve gotten plenty of choices to choose from that provides great offers of baby crib sheets. You should not fear so much on the place to seek out them as a result of there are a variety of companies that provide them. One such company is Cymax Shops (babycribstation.com). This firm specializes in the production of child crib sheets and by the title itself, with different baby stuffs as well. Their merchandise had already been proven of high quality they usually have been of service to individuals for a very long time now.

Cymax Shops is a family owned business. Due to the quality of their merchandise, which includes Da Vinci cribs, they had gained respect from folks and so, they are nonetheless standing sturdy until now. They provide top quality products that have been accepted and preferred by many people. Cymax Shops additionally offer convenient methods of buying processes for people. For example, they now have on-line companies that enable one to purchase over the internet. This is not solely effort less but also, it is fast. With their web site also, you would browse different types of child crib sheets and compare costs at the similar time. Moreover, you may additionally find other baby stuffs and check out the newest designs and promos.

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