The long Arizona summer is over, and now is a great time to take stock of ways to make cooling home improvements that will enhance daily summer living, reduce sun fading and damage to your home’s interior and cut energy costs. The place to make minor changes with major impact is your windows. Revolutionary products like solar shades can block up to 94% of the sun’s rays, while still maintaining your view. They keep the heat outside your home, reducing energy costs and fading in carpets and fabrics. These shades are completely retractable when they’re not needed, so you have the best of both worlds.
Another flexible option for keeping summer cooler is the addition of retractable awnings to your home. A retractable awning can add shady space to relax in outdoors, as well blocking the sun from your interior. Your interior temperature can be reduced by up to 15 degrees with the addition of an awning. When the sun moves, so does your awning – you can retract it to enjoy the great outdoors and unobstructed views.
For outdoor shade, consider sun and wind shades for your patio. These customized, retractable screens protect the patio from 90% of sun and wind, and come in hundreds of colors and patterns to enhance the look of your outdoor space. You can also add classic patio curtains for an elegant look. For a more permanent and sophisticated look, your space could benefit from a lattice patio cover made of durable and long-lasting aluminum. With a wood-grain texture and color finish to match your home, a patio cover provides additional shaded space for enjoying your backyard throughout the summer.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Time to Barbeque in Arizona
Arizona residents know that grilling is a year-round activity, and once the fall weather makes spending time outside a little more appealing, it’s a great time to consider enhancing the backyard with a new barbeque or more extensive outdoor kitchen. Holiday gatherings for a crowd and visiting family and friends throughout the winter and spring make an outdoor entertaining area a fantastic option for taking advantage of the wonderful Arizona climate.
Where to begin? A good place to start is deciding whether you prefer cooking with gas, charcoal, a wood-fired outdoor oven, or even an electric grill. Do you want a portable grill that you can relocate when needed, or are you looking for an equity boosting built-in grill or outdoor kitchen? Are you a Food-Network fan looking for a smoker, spit for roasts, or oven for pizzas? Do you want to incorporate a fridge, sink or prep table in your outdoor entertaining area or keep it simple? Clearly, the possibilities are endless.
A quality grill that has all of the features you’re looking for, from a spit attachment to extra burners, is an asset that can move with you, unlike other household appliances. On the other hand, a built-in barbeque area can add value to your home, making it more appealing to buyers when you are ready to move on. There are barbeques for every budget and skill level, so visiting retailers and browsing through home design magazines can help you decide on what features are most important to you. So grab a spatula and some of Bobby Flay’s best barbeque sauce and get ready to grill!
Where to begin? A good place to start is deciding whether you prefer cooking with gas, charcoal, a wood-fired outdoor oven, or even an electric grill. Do you want a portable grill that you can relocate when needed, or are you looking for an equity boosting built-in grill or outdoor kitchen? Are you a Food-Network fan looking for a smoker, spit for roasts, or oven for pizzas? Do you want to incorporate a fridge, sink or prep table in your outdoor entertaining area or keep it simple? Clearly, the possibilities are endless.
A quality grill that has all of the features you’re looking for, from a spit attachment to extra burners, is an asset that can move with you, unlike other household appliances. On the other hand, a built-in barbeque area can add value to your home, making it more appealing to buyers when you are ready to move on. There are barbeques for every budget and skill level, so visiting retailers and browsing through home design magazines can help you decide on what features are most important to you. So grab a spatula and some of Bobby Flay’s best barbeque sauce and get ready to grill!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The Stone Age – Granite in Your Kitchen
Update or customize your kitchen with granite countertops and you can expect lasting beauty and a great return on your investment. Building and design professionals consistently choose granite for luxury homes and custom remodeling projects. As a natural stone, granite possesses unique variations in color and markings that can make the countertops an exceptional and striking design element in any kitchen. From eye-catching mineral flecks to distinctive vein patterns and swirls of rich color, the characteristics of granite coordinate with cabinets, flooring and wall finishes creating the perfect, luxurious compliment to your kitchen design.
Historically marble and limestone were preferred by stone fabricators because they are softer and easier to work with. Granite is one of the hardest and most durable of the stone types, and advances in machinery and fabricating technologies have eliminated the difficulties in working with granite. Granite’s outstanding qualities led to the highest number of “excellent” ratings in a recent study of kitchen countertop materials, according to Consumer Reports.
In additional to fabricating advances, new granite resources continue to be located worldwide. Currently, approximately two-thirds of the granite used worldwide is quarried in China, India and Brazil, with granite quarries operating in dozens of other countries. Visit a reputable granite supplier and it’s likely you will have access to a plentiful supply of various colors and characteristics representing quarries around the world.
Once your project is completed and you are enjoying your new countertops, you can clean them with a neutral cleaner, stone soap or mild dishwashing detergent and warm water. Rinse the surface well and dry with a soft cloth. Don’t use scouring powders or “soft” scrubs that might scratch the surface. Your stone installer will let you know if you should apply a stone sealer and can recommend one that is non-toxic and safe in food preparation areas. It’s that easy.
Historically marble and limestone were preferred by stone fabricators because they are softer and easier to work with. Granite is one of the hardest and most durable of the stone types, and advances in machinery and fabricating technologies have eliminated the difficulties in working with granite. Granite’s outstanding qualities led to the highest number of “excellent” ratings in a recent study of kitchen countertop materials, according to Consumer Reports.
In additional to fabricating advances, new granite resources continue to be located worldwide. Currently, approximately two-thirds of the granite used worldwide is quarried in China, India and Brazil, with granite quarries operating in dozens of other countries. Visit a reputable granite supplier and it’s likely you will have access to a plentiful supply of various colors and characteristics representing quarries around the world.
Once your project is completed and you are enjoying your new countertops, you can clean them with a neutral cleaner, stone soap or mild dishwashing detergent and warm water. Rinse the surface well and dry with a soft cloth. Don’t use scouring powders or “soft” scrubs that might scratch the surface. Your stone installer will let you know if you should apply a stone sealer and can recommend one that is non-toxic and safe in food preparation areas. It’s that easy.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Desert Gardening
Gardening in the Valley of the Sun can be a challenge, especially to green thumbs transplanted from other parts of the country where gardening seasons, plants and conditions are very different from the desert environment. Luckily, there are many local resources for novice desert gardeners and those who just want to understand the basics of maintaining their yard throughout the year.
There are many knowledgeable landscape maintenance and design services in Arizona that can help plan and maintain your yard and planters, leaving you to enjoy your golf game or lounging poolside. However, for those who want to be more active gardeners, the first place to gather information and get a good look at a variety of desert plants is the Desert Botanical Garden. This 145 acre facility features over 50,000 plant displays in outdoor exhibits, and offers a variety of classes year-round for the casual to serious gardener.
Checking with your local municipality is another option. The City of Scottsdale, for example, is offering free workshops on plant selection, plant care and landscape makeovers this fall. Glendale also has landscaping and water conservation workshops on the calendar, and Gilbert’s schedule features “Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardens” as well as “Drip Irrigation Design and Install” workshops.
As you consider creating a desert-friendly yard or garden, you can also visit one of the beautiful Xeriscape Demonstration Gardens in the area. These gardens provide great examples of plant usage and plant combinations which are sure to generate ideas for transforming your own landscape. Also be on the lookout for the tenth annual “Real Gardens for Real People” garden tour coming up in 2011, sponsored by the University of Arizona’s Master Gardener Program. Visit their website for a wealth of desert gardening resources, from books to classes and other events.
Don’t be intimated by the desert landscape – it can be prickly, but by making the most of local resources you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful landscape in no time.
There are many knowledgeable landscape maintenance and design services in Arizona that can help plan and maintain your yard and planters, leaving you to enjoy your golf game or lounging poolside. However, for those who want to be more active gardeners, the first place to gather information and get a good look at a variety of desert plants is the Desert Botanical Garden. This 145 acre facility features over 50,000 plant displays in outdoor exhibits, and offers a variety of classes year-round for the casual to serious gardener.
Checking with your local municipality is another option. The City of Scottsdale, for example, is offering free workshops on plant selection, plant care and landscape makeovers this fall. Glendale also has landscaping and water conservation workshops on the calendar, and Gilbert’s schedule features “Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardens” as well as “Drip Irrigation Design and Install” workshops.
As you consider creating a desert-friendly yard or garden, you can also visit one of the beautiful Xeriscape Demonstration Gardens in the area. These gardens provide great examples of plant usage and plant combinations which are sure to generate ideas for transforming your own landscape. Also be on the lookout for the tenth annual “Real Gardens for Real People” garden tour coming up in 2011, sponsored by the University of Arizona’s Master Gardener Program. Visit their website for a wealth of desert gardening resources, from books to classes and other events.
Don’t be intimated by the desert landscape – it can be prickly, but by making the most of local resources you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful landscape in no time.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Don’t Let Energy Vampires Scare You
Here are some tips for reducing your electric usage and eliminating frightful electric bills.
Start off with energy-efficient appliances. If you are replacing an old appliance, look for the Energy Star label, which assures you the product saves energy, and also prevents pollution. Buy the appliance best-suited to your needs and the size of your household, instead of the biggest with the most features.
Changing some simple settings can help lower your bills. Twenty percent of your household electric costs can come from your refrigerator. Check the temperature inside your fridge and freezer and adjust the settings so that your fridge reads 37-40 degrees and your freezer reads 3 degrees. Also use the energy saver switch. Adjusting your hot water thermostat can also result in significant savings. Try setting it for 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees.
When cleaning up it pays to pay attention to settings as well. Use warm or cold water when doing laundry, instead of hot. When running the dishwasher, make sure you fill it completely and use the energy saver setting. Consider drying dishes the old fashioned way or just allowing them to air-dry without using the heated drying cycle, which can save up to 20% of your dishwasher’s electricity usage.
Pay attention to appliances and devices that are “turned off” but are standing by – chargers that are left plugged in, electronics with remote controls, and anything with a digital clock display. If you are not using these things, you may not give them another thought, but they are still drawing electricity constantly and can account for 5% of your electric bill.
Use these simple tricks for a treat on your next electric bill.
Start off with energy-efficient appliances. If you are replacing an old appliance, look for the Energy Star label, which assures you the product saves energy, and also prevents pollution. Buy the appliance best-suited to your needs and the size of your household, instead of the biggest with the most features.
Changing some simple settings can help lower your bills. Twenty percent of your household electric costs can come from your refrigerator. Check the temperature inside your fridge and freezer and adjust the settings so that your fridge reads 37-40 degrees and your freezer reads 3 degrees. Also use the energy saver switch. Adjusting your hot water thermostat can also result in significant savings. Try setting it for 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees.
When cleaning up it pays to pay attention to settings as well. Use warm or cold water when doing laundry, instead of hot. When running the dishwasher, make sure you fill it completely and use the energy saver setting. Consider drying dishes the old fashioned way or just allowing them to air-dry without using the heated drying cycle, which can save up to 20% of your dishwasher’s electricity usage.
Pay attention to appliances and devices that are “turned off” but are standing by – chargers that are left plugged in, electronics with remote controls, and anything with a digital clock display. If you are not using these things, you may not give them another thought, but they are still drawing electricity constantly and can account for 5% of your electric bill.
Use these simple tricks for a treat on your next electric bill.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Solar Power Basics
You are probably seeing more and more solar panels on homes and businesses as the sustainability movement gathers steam and the government offers more tax incentives for making “green” improvements to properties. If you’ve considered making the switch to solar power, here are some of the benefits.
Solar power obviously comes from the sun, which is a renewable resource. Although not every day is sunny, the sun is not going to stop producing light. Other energy sources require harvesting of fossil fuels or plant or animal matter that will eventually be depleted. Solar power doesn’t emit any greenhouse gases or other pollution, and there is no risk of harming the environment while acquiring the energy from the sun, as opposed to fuels like oil that require dredging and may spill with disastrous results.
Ongoing solar power is free. Once your system is in place, there is no additional cost to power your home or business. Most solar panels are long lasting and require little maintenance. Solar panels are generally a good investment, with varying time-frames for ROI. As interest in solar power grows, a solar power system can add resale value to a home, since lower energy bills are appealing to everyone and “green” improvements are becoming more desirable.
Solar power technology is continually improving, and costs continue to drop. If you aren’t ready to commit to roof panels and the larger expense of powering your whole home with sunlight, you can also opt to power your hot water heater or pool heater with solar power, or use smaller solar power devices for solar “space heating”. www.SolarPower.org is a great place to learn more about solar power and stay up on the latest developments in the industry.
Solar power obviously comes from the sun, which is a renewable resource. Although not every day is sunny, the sun is not going to stop producing light. Other energy sources require harvesting of fossil fuels or plant or animal matter that will eventually be depleted. Solar power doesn’t emit any greenhouse gases or other pollution, and there is no risk of harming the environment while acquiring the energy from the sun, as opposed to fuels like oil that require dredging and may spill with disastrous results.
Ongoing solar power is free. Once your system is in place, there is no additional cost to power your home or business. Most solar panels are long lasting and require little maintenance. Solar panels are generally a good investment, with varying time-frames for ROI. As interest in solar power grows, a solar power system can add resale value to a home, since lower energy bills are appealing to everyone and “green” improvements are becoming more desirable.
Solar power technology is continually improving, and costs continue to drop. If you aren’t ready to commit to roof panels and the larger expense of powering your whole home with sunlight, you can also opt to power your hot water heater or pool heater with solar power, or use smaller solar power devices for solar “space heating”. www.SolarPower.org is a great place to learn more about solar power and stay up on the latest developments in the industry.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Bedbugs are REAL!
Bedbugs are all over the news these days, because apparently bedbugs are all over everything these days. The rise in bedbug infestations is credited to increased travel, more immigration and the fact that the hardy bugs are tough to eliminate. Bedbugs can live for as long as a year without feeding, and their food of choice is human blood. They hide in seams, cracks and crevices and are expert at hitching rides in suitcases, briefcases, gym bags, purses or on your clothes. This allows them to spread from hotels to homes to schools and offices.
These little brown bugs cannot be stopped by pesticides alone. In a span of about 4 months, just two bedbugs can produce over 300 bugs and lay an additional 1,000 eggs. They like dark places, and like to feed in the dark.
If you’re getting itchy bites, or see evidence of bedbugs you should call a pest control professional. In addition to any chemical treatments, you’ll need to take some other measures to eliminate these pesky parasites. You’ll need to seal your mattress and pillows with a zippered cover to trap bugs and nymphs and prevent them from feeding. Wash linens and be sure to dry them in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Vacuuming can help, although the eggs are hard to remove. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a Ziploc bag and dispose of it outside. Sticky tape or glue boards can be used around your bed to catch the bugs, and allow you to see if they are still moving around.
Remember to check your room if you are traveling, and even be on the lookout for bedbugs in the office or gym. An infestation can easily be transported back to your home from one of these places.
These little brown bugs cannot be stopped by pesticides alone. In a span of about 4 months, just two bedbugs can produce over 300 bugs and lay an additional 1,000 eggs. They like dark places, and like to feed in the dark.
If you’re getting itchy bites, or see evidence of bedbugs you should call a pest control professional. In addition to any chemical treatments, you’ll need to take some other measures to eliminate these pesky parasites. You’ll need to seal your mattress and pillows with a zippered cover to trap bugs and nymphs and prevent them from feeding. Wash linens and be sure to dry them in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Vacuuming can help, although the eggs are hard to remove. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a Ziploc bag and dispose of it outside. Sticky tape or glue boards can be used around your bed to catch the bugs, and allow you to see if they are still moving around.
Remember to check your room if you are traveling, and even be on the lookout for bedbugs in the office or gym. An infestation can easily be transported back to your home from one of these places.
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