Arizona offers up some of the most dramatic landscapes anywhere, with everything from lush tropical plantings to towering saguaros and spectacular stone water features. Many of us should get a great deal of enjoyment out of our home landscapes at night, when the family is home and temperatures are pleasant. Here are some ways to improve the outdoor lighting in your landscape, to bring out your property’s potential.
Look around your landscape for highlights that you want to feature. You can choose to up-light or down-light various plants and trees. Consider the height of plantings, trees and hardscape features when you are choosing your outdoor lighting fixtures, as well as placement. Will you be spotlighting something from a distance, or incorporating low-profile fixtures into your planting areas?
Pathways, patios and other outdoor living areas should have appropriate lighting. You’ll need to provide enough light for people to get around and see where they’re going, without overdoing it and creating glare.
When you are designing your lighting plan, don’t forget the house itself. Many homes feature unique architectural elements and beautiful exterior finishes that can be highlighted, as well as providing general lighting for entryways, driveways, etc. Lighting your home can create an elegant and inviting look that increases curb appeal. Your exterior lighting is also an important security consideration. A dark property can not only be dangerous, but allows easier access for intruders.
There are a wide variety of outdoor fixtures to choose from, as well as outdoor lighting designers who can help you create the most effective ways to enhance your property with outdoor lighting.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Insulation in Arizona?
While family and friends battle snow drifts and icy blasts winter winds across the country, Arizona residents are enjoying some of the nation’s best weather. It’s easy at this time of year to forget the scorching heat of Arizona summers, and the toll the high temperatures take on our energy bills. Your home’s insulation (or lack of it) plays a key role in your utility costs.
The R-value of insulation measures resistance to heat flow, so insulation with a higher R-value provides more effective insulating power. APS recommends R-30 ceiling insulation and R-19 wall insulation for homes in the Phoenix area. There are several types of insulation that can be installed, including loose-fill or blown-in, batts or blankets. Having the insulation properly installed is crucial to effective insulating power. Air gaps can reduce the effectiveness of insulation by over 30%, and insulation that is compressed will also underperform.
The attic is the first place to start when investigating your home’s insulation. This is an area of the home where there are often deficiencies that can be corrected for energy savings that can be substantial. This is especially true in older Arizona homes. Just 5% missing attic insulation could result in R-value dropping by as much as 50%.
Having improvements made to your home’s insulation by a quality installer can be a great investment – both as an energy savings strategy, and as an investment in the proper care and maintenance of your home that will pay off when it’s time to sell your property.
The R-value of insulation measures resistance to heat flow, so insulation with a higher R-value provides more effective insulating power. APS recommends R-30 ceiling insulation and R-19 wall insulation for homes in the Phoenix area. There are several types of insulation that can be installed, including loose-fill or blown-in, batts or blankets. Having the insulation properly installed is crucial to effective insulating power. Air gaps can reduce the effectiveness of insulation by over 30%, and insulation that is compressed will also underperform.
The attic is the first place to start when investigating your home’s insulation. This is an area of the home where there are often deficiencies that can be corrected for energy savings that can be substantial. This is especially true in older Arizona homes. Just 5% missing attic insulation could result in R-value dropping by as much as 50%.
Having improvements made to your home’s insulation by a quality installer can be a great investment – both as an energy savings strategy, and as an investment in the proper care and maintenance of your home that will pay off when it’s time to sell your property.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Winter Home Maintenance Reminders
Although we’re well into winter conditions here in Arizona, it’s not too late to do some simple winter maintenance checks around the house. With the recent cold temperatures, you might want to check your outdoor water sources like hose bibs. You can pick up an inexpensive insulating cover to prevent freezing, or turn off the water supply to the outside fixture, and turn the fixture on to allow any water to drain. Drain and remove hoses as well, and store them inside for the remainder of the cold weather.
Remember to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. Even if you’ve had your heater serviced in preparation for the winter, check that your vents are open and unobstructed. If you have less frequently used rooms, you can partially close the vents to save energy and focus on heating your main living areas. And remember to change those air filters frequently to keep your HVAC system running efficiently.
Check fire extinguishers to make sure they are fully charged, and turn them upside down to loosen up the dry chemicals inside. If you have any concerns about your fire extinguishers or if they are older, you can have them professionally inspected.
Another area that benefits from a winter inspection is insulation in attics and crawl spaces. Check for sagging fiberglass insulation panels, which can leave spaces where cold air can enter the home. You can fix small gaps with duct tape, but larger sagging areas should be examined for potential moisture problems.
A few simple maintenance tasks should get you through the remainder of our short winter, and keep your home in top condition.
Remember to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. Even if you’ve had your heater serviced in preparation for the winter, check that your vents are open and unobstructed. If you have less frequently used rooms, you can partially close the vents to save energy and focus on heating your main living areas. And remember to change those air filters frequently to keep your HVAC system running efficiently.
Check fire extinguishers to make sure they are fully charged, and turn them upside down to loosen up the dry chemicals inside. If you have any concerns about your fire extinguishers or if they are older, you can have them professionally inspected.
Another area that benefits from a winter inspection is insulation in attics and crawl spaces. Check for sagging fiberglass insulation panels, which can leave spaces where cold air can enter the home. You can fix small gaps with duct tape, but larger sagging areas should be examined for potential moisture problems.
A few simple maintenance tasks should get you through the remainder of our short winter, and keep your home in top condition.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Fireplace Safety and Maintenance Tips
Most newer homes in Arizona have gas fireplaces, which are convenient, clean and easy to operate. Like any system in your home, your gas fireplace does require some simple maintenance. Always make sure the batteries in the carbon monoxide detector are fresh. You’ll also want to make sure vents are clean and unobstructed, as well as cleaning the fan and ensuring it is working properly. From an aesthetic viewpoint, keeping the glass on the fireplace clean and rearranging the glowing embers and logs for a natural appearance makes a big difference.
There are times when calling in a professional is the best route. If you smell gas, shut off the valve to the fireplace and have it checked out by a pro. If you have problems with your pilot light going out, that’s another good time to seek professional advice. After service, remember that the technician should do a gas leak and CO test for safety.
For wood burning fireplaces, periodic chimney inspections are a good idea. You’ll want to make sure the flue is working properly, that creosote hasn’t built up and that birds or other critters haven’t taken up residence. Age, weather and fireplace use can also take a toll on your chimney.
For safety as you use your fireplace, there are a number of items you’ll want to have on hand. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in the room with the fireplace. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand as well. Use a screen to keep stray sparks from landing on rugs or furniture. Periodically clean the ashes out of your fireplace with a shovel and dustpan. After enjoying the warmth of your fire, don’t leave a burning fireplace unattended. Make sure your fire is completely out before closing the flue so carbon monoxide or smoke doesn’t build up in the house.
There are times when calling in a professional is the best route. If you smell gas, shut off the valve to the fireplace and have it checked out by a pro. If you have problems with your pilot light going out, that’s another good time to seek professional advice. After service, remember that the technician should do a gas leak and CO test for safety.
For wood burning fireplaces, periodic chimney inspections are a good idea. You’ll want to make sure the flue is working properly, that creosote hasn’t built up and that birds or other critters haven’t taken up residence. Age, weather and fireplace use can also take a toll on your chimney.
For safety as you use your fireplace, there are a number of items you’ll want to have on hand. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in the room with the fireplace. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand as well. Use a screen to keep stray sparks from landing on rugs or furniture. Periodically clean the ashes out of your fireplace with a shovel and dustpan. After enjoying the warmth of your fire, don’t leave a burning fireplace unattended. Make sure your fire is completely out before closing the flue so carbon monoxide or smoke doesn’t build up in the house.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Frost and Your Plants
Depending on where you live in Maricopa County, you can expect frost from the end of November until as late as April in certain areas. The record low in Phoenix was set in 1913 at a frigid 16 ° F. Recent low temperatures have resulted in frost damage to plants in our area.
If your plants have already experienced frost damage the most important thing to remember – don’t prune them yet! Pruning may stimulate new growth which could be damaged by a later frost. Wait until danger of frost has passed and the plants have begun their spring growth.
To protect your plants from potential frost, keep them well-watered, and keeping the moisture level in your irrigation system as consistent as possible. Cover plants with cloth or paper (sheets, blankets or frost cloth). Keep plants cozy and fully covered with no gaps for warmth to escape. Don’t gather your covering around the base of the plant, but allow it to extend out to the ground at the drip line. This will trap the heat being radiated from the ground. When covering plants with sheets or blankets, remove the coverings daily so that the plant doesn’t break dormancy and start to actively grow too soon.
You can wrap the trunks of young citrus and other frost sensitive trees with multiple layers of weatherproof paper or cloth. Make sure your wrapping extends from the ground up to the lower limbs to protect the tree’s vital area.
The easiest ways to minimize frost damage to plants is to select frost tolerant plants, and to place frost sensitive plants in sheltered locations.
If your plants have already experienced frost damage the most important thing to remember – don’t prune them yet! Pruning may stimulate new growth which could be damaged by a later frost. Wait until danger of frost has passed and the plants have begun their spring growth.
To protect your plants from potential frost, keep them well-watered, and keeping the moisture level in your irrigation system as consistent as possible. Cover plants with cloth or paper (sheets, blankets or frost cloth). Keep plants cozy and fully covered with no gaps for warmth to escape. Don’t gather your covering around the base of the plant, but allow it to extend out to the ground at the drip line. This will trap the heat being radiated from the ground. When covering plants with sheets or blankets, remove the coverings daily so that the plant doesn’t break dormancy and start to actively grow too soon.
You can wrap the trunks of young citrus and other frost sensitive trees with multiple layers of weatherproof paper or cloth. Make sure your wrapping extends from the ground up to the lower limbs to protect the tree’s vital area.
The easiest ways to minimize frost damage to plants is to select frost tolerant plants, and to place frost sensitive plants in sheltered locations.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The New Year is a Great Time to Flush Your Hot Water Heater
Did you know that flushing your hot water heater annually is recommended maintenance and could save you some major headaches and water damage down the road? Many homeowners rely on their hot water heaters to perform day in and day out for years without considering that the heater might need some basic maintenance. Flushing the heater removes sediment and bacteria from your tank, which can lead to displaced hot water volume and excess wear and tear on the tank.
Flushing your hot water heater is a simple process that should take only an hour or two, once a year. Here are the steps to easy hot water heater maintenance:
1. Turn off electric heaters at the breaker box and turn gas heaters
to pilot setting.
2. Attach a hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the heater
and run the hose outside, away from the house. Remember the
water that will drain out is hot!
3. Shut off the cold water inlet valve at the top of the heater.
Before opening the drain valve, go inside and turn on one of
your hot water faucets and let it run. This will prevent a
vacuum from forming.
4. Open the drain valve and let the hot water out of the tank.
Once the tank has drained, open the inlet valve and add
more water to flush the tank.
5. Once the water coming out of the hose is clear, you can
close the drain valve and remove the hose, and turn off
the faucet in the house.
6. Allow the tank to fill again with clean water and then
turn your power or gas back on to heat up the water.
7. Once the water in the tank is heated up, it’s a good idea
to check the pressure release valve according to the
instructions.
This simple New Year’s maintenance job can save you on heating costs and save on costly repairs to your tank. Inspecting the tank yearly will also alert you to any rust or wear on the outside of the tank that might lead to problems.
Flushing your hot water heater is a simple process that should take only an hour or two, once a year. Here are the steps to easy hot water heater maintenance:
1. Turn off electric heaters at the breaker box and turn gas heaters
to pilot setting.
2. Attach a hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the heater
and run the hose outside, away from the house. Remember the
water that will drain out is hot!
3. Shut off the cold water inlet valve at the top of the heater.
Before opening the drain valve, go inside and turn on one of
your hot water faucets and let it run. This will prevent a
vacuum from forming.
4. Open the drain valve and let the hot water out of the tank.
Once the tank has drained, open the inlet valve and add
more water to flush the tank.
5. Once the water coming out of the hose is clear, you can
close the drain valve and remove the hose, and turn off
the faucet in the house.
6. Allow the tank to fill again with clean water and then
turn your power or gas back on to heat up the water.
7. Once the water in the tank is heated up, it’s a good idea
to check the pressure release valve according to the
instructions.
This simple New Year’s maintenance job can save you on heating costs and save on costly repairs to your tank. Inspecting the tank yearly will also alert you to any rust or wear on the outside of the tank that might lead to problems.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
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.
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.
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