Find Out Where your Energy Dollars are Going - Home Energy Audits

Everyone’s talking about energy efficiency these days – how to save on energy costs while preserving the environment.  But do you really know why you spend what you do on energy?  One way to find out is to have a home energy audit performed.  A home energy audit is a great way to gather and analyze information to determine where you can save money on your energy costs.

A home energy audit is performed using infrared cameras, surface thermometers, furnace efficiency meters and other specialized equipment.  A thorough examination of the home, inside and out, is completed by technicians.  If the homeowner knows of any problem areas (hot spots, drafty areas, etc.) these can be looked at in more detail to determine the cause. 

Additionally, the auditor will want to know how many people live in the home, what the occupants’ energy habits are (when are thermostats turned up or down, when are people home or at work, etc.) and what the actual monthly energy costs are.  Once all of this information is compiled and analyzed, the audit can provide recommendations for improvements and areas where savings can be recognized.

The audit should also provide information about potential tax rebates for making energy efficiency improvements and a projection on how much the homeowner will save in energy costs.  An energy audit is a great first step to leading a more energy efficient lifestyle.

Benefits of Water Conditioning Systems

Living in the desert presents some unique challenges when it comes to our water supply.  Water in Arizona contains large amounts hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium, resulting in water that is two to three times harder than water in other parts of the country.  Hard water is a problem for a number of reasons, but mostly because it is “hard” on appliances, systems, our bodies and our wallets.  The minerals found in hard water can form a build-up that causes problems in water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, coffee makers, humidifiers and the plumbing throughout your home.

Hard water also reduces the effectiveness of detergents and other cleaning products.  You spend more money on these products because you’ve got to use more to get the job done.  Hard water can also leave residue and soap scum behind when you are cleaning.  It can also etch glassware and result in spots and streaks, as well as shortening the life of your clothing when washed in hard water.  Additionally, hard water is hard on our skin and hair as it doesn’t rinse as cleanly and can be harsh and drying.

The solution to the hard water problem is to use a water conditioning system that removes the hard minerals from your water system.  These systems filter the water supply through a resin softening medium.  Salt is used to revitalize the system periodically, so a continuous supply of soft, conditioned water is available in your home.

Futuristic Home Heating and Cooling Technology – Nest Thermostat

According to the EPA, using a programmable thermostat can save homeowners and residents 5% - 15% a year on your heating and cooling bill.  They recommend setting your thermostat at 68°F when you are awake and at home, and programming a 10° to 15° setback for at least 8 hours.  The same strategy would apply for cooling your home in the summer, by keeping the thermostat at 78° when you are home and awake, and using a warmer setting while at work or asleep.

Sounds easy, right?  In a series of surveys done by researchers at University of California, it was discovered that 90% of programmable thermostats are rarely or never programmed.  Photographs of participants’ thermostats that were collected revealed that 50% of the respondents had set their thermostats on “long term hold” and 20% of the units displayed the wrong time.  Since many programmable thermostats don’t seem to be user-friendly, even homeowners who have the opportunity to save on energy bills are not using technology to their advantage.

Startup company Nest Labs wants to change that with their newly unveiled Nest thermostat, which can actually program itself. Users can adjust the thermostat manually as they normally do, and within one week the Nest unit will learn the patterns and program itself to raise and lower temperatures automatically.  It can even recognize that the house is empty during vacation times and go into energy saving mode.  Of course, the Nest can be programmed by the user as well, and if you practice good energy saving habits, Nest will pick up on them.

This year may be the time to take energy savings seriously and get a little help from a smart thermostat.

Retractable Screens - Convenience and Beauty

Arizona sun is a force to be reckoned with – not only does it cause glare, but it can raise energy costs and fade carpets and furnishings.  A great solution for homeowners, especially those who don’t want to sacrifice views, is retractable shades.  They can block up to 98% of solar heat rays, cut energy costs by up to 30% and provide glare-free shade that can be controlled with the touch of a button.  Retractable shades come in a variety of fabric and trim colors to match your home, and are custom-fitted.

There are a variety of retractable shade options for homeowners to choose from.  Interior or exterior clutch shades are easily lowered and raised manually with a chain pull system.  Heavy duty manual shades use a crank operation.  Motorized shades come with a choice of motors, all designed to provide quiet and smooth operation.  The motors can be hardwired and operated from wall switches for the ultimate in convenience.  Some models also come with remote controls and wireless wall switch options.

If you’re a homeowner looking to shade your home or patio in style while lowering energy costs and carbon footprint, consider retractable screens or shades.  You’ll be able to keep the house light and bright in winter, enjoy unrestricted views, and provide protection for your home.

Bathroom Painting - What You Need to Know

Painting a bathroom is a little different from painting other rooms in your home.  Bathrooms are subject to moisture, as well as residue on the walls from soap and products like deodorant, hair spray or perfumes.  Because of the high levels of moisture, specially formulated bathroom paint should be used, but before you get to applying the paint, it’s important to clean the walls to remove any residues that would prevent the paint from adhering properly.

You’ll want to remove switch plates, towel bars, toilet paper holder and spring-fitted shower curtain rod.  It will be easier to paint behind the toilet if you also remove the tank cover.  Next, use a good quality, paintable caulk for bathrooms.  Look for places that could use fresh caulk around the tub or shower enclosure, where the countertop and vanity cabinet meet the wall, and along baseboards.

Darker colors can be intense in bathrooms, since they are generally smaller rooms.  Also, you’ll need to allow darker colors longer to cure, because steam and moisture can cause darker colors to run in spots and create an uneven look.  Look for a durable paint with a satin or gloss finish that can be wiped down and is recommended for bathrooms.

Home Office Tips from Gale Steves

The New Year may bring changes in career or the option of telecommuting, since more and more of us are working from home these days.  Or, if you are already working from home, you may want to reorganize and improve your home office space.  Gale Steves offers the following things to think about as you plan your new space.

You’ll want to give consideration to storage space – Do you need to keep files locked away? Do you need to be able to leave active projects out in the open?  Does your office space do double duty as family or guest room space when not in use?  If you are a neat person you may do fine with using your office space for other functions; otherwise, you may need a space where you can close the door behind you.

Steves suggests that if you are self employed you will need to create space for creativity and have a fashionable office with light and noise control.  If your home office is more of a family communications center for catching up on work, bills or email, it can be more centrally located and not a dedicated space.
The former editor-in-chief of Home magazine, Steves specializes in making homes more livable through her concept of Right-Sizing, which helps make the most of smaller spaces.

What is the NFRC?

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) was formed in 1989 as an independent agency that rates fenestration energy performance.  So what exactly is fenestration?  NFRC defines it as “products that fill openings in a building envelope, including windows, doors, skylights and curtain walls designed to permit the passage of air, light, vehicles or people.”  The agency allows consumers to compare the performance of various products accurately and evaluate their effectiveness for a particular project.

The NFRC has developed a uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, etc.  This allows architects and builders, along with homeowners, to easily compare products and decide which is best for their project.  Through NFRC ratings, building and government officials can determine if products meet building codes. 

Over 500 manufacturers participate in the NFRC rating program, which gives them a consistent and accurate way to show the energy benefits of over 1.67 million products, as well as giving consumers a way to compare products fairly.  So, the next time you are considering using energy efficient fenestration, take a look at the NFRC rating on the products, or visit the NFRC website for a wealth of information.