The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning and How to Do It Yourself

May 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

OMAHA, NEBRASKA-There are many areas of the house that people overlook when it comes to maintenance.

One is the proper maintenance of their dryer ducts and vents. Many homeowners think that part of the home is not important, but they couldn’t be more wrong.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2003 to 2006 there were 15,350 home fires reported to U.S. fire departments where clothes dryers and washing machines were the equipment involved in starting the fire. Dryers alone accounted for 92 percent of these fires and all the reported deaths.

Aside from the danger clogged dryer vents present, the buildup of lint can also significantly increase your energy consumption.

The good news is that dryer vent cleaning can be easily done on your own with little expense involved.  One of the ways to decrease your chance of fire is to clean out the lint trap inside the dryer after each load of laundry. If you so choose to perform routine maintenance on your dryer, don’t forget about the flexible duct, which is found between the dryer and the wall.

Signs of a clogged vent:

  •     Clothes, especially jeans and towels, take a long time to dry
  •     Clothes are wet, but hot at the end of a cycle
  •     The outside vent hood doesn’t move when the dryer is running
  •     The vent has not been cleaned in the last year
  •     Dryer shuts off before the timer
  •     Visible lint accumulates behind the dryer
  •     Burnt smell is evident in the laundry room
  •     The outside of the dryer gets very hot

If you suspect that you have a clogged vent or even if you don’t have any warning signs, but the vent has never been cleaned since you lived in the home, you should start your maintenance routine. Purchase a dryer vent brush kit, which can be found at many home and flooring stores. Vacuum attachments alone do not work as well because they do not agitate the lint to separate it from the duct and it is the physical agitation that is important.

Before you begin cleaning the vent, you should follow these steps:

•    Unplug the dryer from the wall or shut off the power at the fuse box
•    Remove hose from the back of the dryer and use your vacuum, plus your vent brush kit to thoroughly clean it. Check to make sure there are no holes or tears and vacuum any lint that has accumulated on the floor.
•    Inspect the outside vent for obstructions such as weeds, animals or insect nests.

Whether you choose to maintain your dryer yourself or you hire professional cleaning services Omaha  NE, it is important to remember that when it comes to the safety of your family, prevention is key. Cleaning out the lint vents and ducts in your dryer frequently can prevent hazardous clogs in the future.

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Five Tips for Maintaining an Efficient Kitchen Hood System in Your Home

May 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA – Preventive maintenance is critical to kitchen ranges and hoods, as they are responsible for removing the smoke, excess moisture and grease from your home while you are cooking.

Keeping your kitchen range hood vent working efficiently requires routine cleaning, especially if you cook often. Wiping down the outside of the hood will do nothing if you forget about the fan and filters on the inside.

Just by following these five simple steps, you could increase the lifespan of your kitchen hood system and also save you and your family from a potential house fire.

1.    Soak the filters in a degreaser, rinse them with water and run them through the dishwasher. The same applies for stainless steel filters. The activated charcoal filters in a circulating vent hood cannot be washed, so be sure to replace them annually, depending on how often you cook.

2.    Use a soft towel or sponge to clean the exterior and interior of your range with a nonabrasive grease remover. Avoid putting the cleaner on the light bulb or light socket. After the grease has been removed, wipe it all down again with a rag and warm, soapy water. If the hood is exceptionally dirty, make a paste out of baking soda and water. Using a wet cloth, scrub the grease off in circular motions.

3.    Make a mixture of water and degreaser and place the metal grease trap(s) from the range and allow them to soak. If the grease does not dissolve, take a brush and gently scrub both sides until the grease comes off.

4.    Remove the dirt and grease from the fan blades with a wet cloth and a degreaser.

5.    Contact a Range and hood cleaning Lancaster PA contractor to clean the vent leading from your  hood to the outside. This should be done annually, as grease builds up on the inside of the vent where you cannot reach it.

By following these simple steps and implementing a routine cleaning schedule, you can protect your home and your family from the hazards associated with built up grease in your hood system.

Find a reputable and insured contractor for your hood cleaning or installation project using TenList or get a jump on other projects by getting quotes for everything from countertop installation to chain link fence repair.

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Evaluate Potential DIY Costs and Risks Carefully

May 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

NEW IBERIA, LOUISIANA – Do-it-yourself home projects have become a popular movement as homeowners look to save money and simplify the home improvement process. However, sometimes DIY isn’t the best idea and it could even end up costing you far more than you budgeted.

Before starting any home improvement project, whether it’s as simple as a phone jack installation or as complicated as installing a frameless shower door, you need to look into the potential risks and costs before getting started.

First, you need to evaluate yourself as the DIY-er:

  • What experience (if any) do I have? Not all projects are as simple as they seem. While your desire may be strong, your lack of skills and experience can outweigh that. If you are not handy with a hammer, saw, paintbrush or measuring tape, it’s probably a good idea to call a contractor. After all, it will likely be harder to find laminate installers willing to fix your New Iberia, LA snafu than someone who will take on the project from the beginning.
  • Do you have the right tools? It’s generally not a wise financial decision to purchase a big-ticket power tool if you don’t plan on using it in the future.
  • Do you have the time? Home improvement projects can take weeks, not days. You need to weigh the inconvenience against the cost of hiring a professional.

Projects that you’ll want to consider hiring a contractor for:

Even if you possess the basic know-how to tackle some of these larger projects, a professional can still be helpful, even if he or she acts as a consultant or a subcontractor for electrical needs or other specialized tasks.

Next you need to weigh the potential health risks of DIY projects:

  • Toxins: If you are working with materials that give off toxic fumes, it is crucial to wear a filter that will keep the materials out of your airway.
  • Skin irritants: Dirt is one thing, but oil-based or solvent-based liquids can be a serious health hazard with lasting damage. Keep your hands protected by wearing rubber gloves and do not wash your hands with mineral spirits. Instead, wash them with peanut oil followed by soap.
  • Sight: The delicate surface of your eye can easily be scratched during a DIY project. No matter the project, it is always a good idea to wear safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles and dust.
  • Hearing: Hearing protection during home improvement projects is imperative as a preventive precaution. Earplugs should be worn when working with power tools and any other loud machinery.
  • Accidents: Falling off the ladder during a DIY project is a common injury, as is cutting yourself on drills and saws.

Other risks:

  • Poor quality work: The greatest risk of all is that you won’t do the project correctly. You could actually hurt the value of the home when it comes time to sell it because of your botched DIY handiwork.
  • Budget: It is essential to evaluate how much the material will cost to complete the job versus how much a contractor would charge to provide the materials and perform the job. Getting quotes from several contractors is the best way to compare prices. You may be surprised how little contractors charge because they can offer discounts due to their access to wholesale suppliers.

It is important to brush up on the project you are attempting, so start with a few Internet searches, as they can be a great source for information and tutorials. You should also look into permits and licenses that may be required for your project. These are usually determined by local state, city and government regulations and must be properly adhered to.

The average DIY-er will face setbacks, hidden costs and questions throughout their project and they will find their once-simple project isn’t so simple after all, especially if they’re inexperienced.

The best way to decide whether you are up to the task at hand is to break down the project step by step and consider each one in terms of your ability to accomplish them with no help. There may be some things you can complete without hesitation, but there is no shame in employing a professional to help you accomplish certain steps that you are not comfortable completing.

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DIY or Professional Closet Makeover Adds Value to Your Home

May 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

ROGERS, ARKANSAS – For many homeowners, our closets can begin to look like a chaotic mess over time with no distinct organization. This can result in clothes and other accessories getting hidden and overlooked.

When your closet becomes a disaster area, there is no time like the present to start planning the installation of a closet system. From simple to grand, there are closet systems to match every budget. You will be happy to know that while you can hire a closet carpenter to design your Rogers, Arkansas closet of your dreams, there are many DIY versions that offer the same features and benefits for half the price.

Aside from the obvious benefits of greater organization and less clutter, a well-designed closet can add value to a home or space. Potential homebuyers will take the organized closet space into consideration when making their final decision to purchase the home.

Before you head off to your local home improvement store, you need to first clean up and clear out your closet. Group similar items by size, purpose and color on a nearby floor. While sorting items, make separate piles for items you no longer want and would like to donate to charity. A general rule of thumb is that if you haven’t worn the item in two years, it’s time to part ways.

One thing to consider when renovating your closet is whether your home was built before 1978. Prior to 1978, there is a possibility of having lead paint on the walls, so it is important to purchase a lead paint testing kit to ensure you are safe. Plus, with years of wear and tear in such a small space, caulking holes and covering them with a fresh coat of paint can make a difference.

Once the closet is empty, you can begin planning your closet makeover by measuring it to determine hanging requirements and storage needs. You’ll want to utilize every inch of space by using storage containers on the floor, walls and behind the door. Think moveable or stackable drawer units for the floor, pegboards and hooks for the walls, and cabinets with shelving and hanging rods. For ceilings, use hooks and rods to hang items.

DIY kits sold at many home improvement stores are made of plastic coated wire or veneered particleboard. Take an inventory of your clothing items and accessories – do you have more things that hang? If so, how long are they? Do you have a lot of shoes? Do you have many items that need to be folded? How would you like to store smaller items like scarves, jewelry, purses and underwear? Draw a layout of your dream closet, include actual dimensions, and take it to the store with you.

Hanging units that include shelves overhead for storage are perfect for seasonal items, as they can be stored out of sight until they are needed. Shelving units have adjustable shelves that are ideal for folded items like sweaters, T-shirts, purses and hats. Using double closet rods – one over the other – is the best way to add more storage space to the closet. Measure the items you will put on the rods and then allow another 6 inches of clearance above and below each rod.

If your closet is also your dressing area, make it more functional by adding a mirror to the wall, behind the door, or if space allows, consider a floor-length mirror in a corner.

Once your closet unit is installed, place your items into the closet one at a time. Take the time to fold items, organize them by color or season and really give some thought to your shoe collection. Fill up wall shelving units first, then hanging units, and lastly, the portable units or drawers. This way you can make adequate use of space instead of shoving things into every nook and cranny.

It is important to note that many products sold in home improvement stores are designed for standard size closets and cannot be easily customized. There are situations where you can make the units work, but you can be left frustrated and back at square one if the units will not fit.

Because most closets are built customized to the space around it, working with a professional closet installation company is ideal, says the garage door opener installation provider. From reach-in to walk-in, you get the freedom to design exactly what works for you and your space, rather than trying to make an off-the-shelf unit fit.

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How To Incorporate Basic Design Elements Into Your Dream Landscape

April 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

CAPE CORAL, FLORDIA-Designing your dream yard-not to mention making it happen-is a big job, but learning fundamental design techniques can mean fewer mistakes and frustrations and a more beautiful finished result.

Take advantage of these time-tested guidelines to learn what you like and create a visually-appealing yard or garden well suited for Cape Coral homes:

Find A Style That You Gravitate Toward
Landscaping falls into two broad categories: formal and informal. Formal gardens are usually symmetrical with geometric shapes and a sculpted design full of straight lines, clipped plants and clearly-defined edges. The lines in flower beds, walkways and entryways are direct and forceful. Asymmetrical landscaping is considered informal and uses elements of varied weight and a lot of flowing, curved lines and edges that gently merge together. Plants’ natural contours are showcased.

Choose A Couple Unifying Elements
Whatever style of landscape you choose, repeating one or two elements throughout the space unifies the entire design. It could be a repeating shape, type or group of plants, lighting effect or decor element. The unifying piece may be the character of the element, meaning the height, size, texture or color scheme. Choosing a couple of elements to repeat is usually enough to achieve the cohesive look without straying into monotony.

Keep Things Simple
Even with a few unifying elements, landscaping experts recommend resisting the urge to plant a little of everything because it can result in a disjointed feel. Keeping the design simple by choosing two or three colors or several shades of one color and repeating them throughout the garden or landscape can be plenty once décor and hardscapes, such as boulders or pavers, are added to the mix. The textures, foliage and size of those colors can be varied though for a more professional feel.

Balance, Proportion And Transition
One thing to keep in mind when choosing the plants and décor is how the elements look when combined. The ultimate goal is to create a pleasing relationship among the three dimensions of length, breadth and depth or height. Keep the size of one object in proportion to those around it and try to scale focal points accordingly. Placing plants or decorative items that gradually descend in height is a better visual balance than planting something low and bushy right next to a large element in the garden like a statue, arbor or tree. Thinking in terms of foreground, mid-ground and background can also help when deciding how to arrange textures, forms, colors or sizes that gradually ascend or descend. When transitions are smooth, the finished look is balanced and well-proportioned.

Work Color Into Focal Points
Gradual transitions also refer to colors, which are a great way to direct your attention to a specific area of the garden. A bed of plants with multiple shades of one color is one way of moving to the next area of the garden, sort of beckoning the viewer to continue. Bright pops of color in a bed filled with cool colors immediately catches the eye and makes it a focal point. Many design experts use colors like blues, violets and greens to draw in the eye since cooler colors tend to recede into the landscape. Warmer colors-reds, oranges and yellows-have the opposite effect, jumping out at the viewer.

Make A Game Plan, Gather The Team
Once the style has been decided on and there is a plan in place to create a unified and balanced but colorful landscape, you can decide how to make the vision come to life. Getting a few friends or a small, independent landscaping company would be the most economical option for small projects like delivering and spreading mulch, outdoor carpet repair, helping out with planting, or installing lawn drainage or sprinkler systems. Some plans require adding a pool and spa, running new electrical lines for security lighting or outdoor kitchens and water focal points. Larger landscaping companies, often referred to as design or build firms, are the place to turn for that type of complex, comprehensive landscaping design. They have already built a network of subcontractors needed to complete the job, including surveillance camera contractors, electricians, Corian countertop installers and metalworking experts.

TenList’s free, no-obligation referral service can help locate local contractors and get quotes for projects of any size and get you on your way to the landscape of your dreams.

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How To Slash Energy Costs With One Simple Home Improvement

April 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI-If your family is anything like the typical U.S. family, you are probably spending close to $1,500 each year on energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy says that an average of 44 percent of that goes toward heating and cooling the home.

A good portion of a home’s conditioned air-some St. Louis, MO heating and air conditioning service and installation contractors say as much as 40 percent-is escaping through the attic, which is why they recommend adding insulation to create a continuous thermal barrier that minimizes heat flow through the ceiling. Just by taking certain steps, including adding insulation, homeowners can trim 10 to 50 percent off the energy bill.

What Is The Best Type of Insulation?
The best type of insulation depends on how much you need, where you are insulating, how much space there is available, how much you are willing to spend and many other factors.

Insulation comes in many forms and can be made from fiberglass, cellulose, polyicynene or expanded polystyrene. The most common type of insulation found in existing homes is usually the fiberglass blanket kind, which comes as batts or rolls. There are other types, including foam board or rigid foam, loose-fill, reflective systems and spray foam. Ultimately they all work the same way by limiting air movement.

Each kind has its benefits. For instance, blown-in insulation provides the best coverage, especially in hard-to-reach areas in attics and is usually better at in filling gaps than the kind that is rolled in between the ceiling joists. Qualified insulation contractors in St. Louis can recommend the type of insulation that will give you the best results for your situation.

Compare R-Values When Shopping
Keep in mind that the most important aspect of insulation is its R-Value. Look at that number when comparing quotes from contractors or brands and types of insulation. The R-Value is the measure of the insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it, which means the higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Areas with extreme temperatures usually require a higher level of protection. The DOE classifies the St. Louis area as Zone 4 where the recommended R-Value for insulation is R-38 to R-60. Whether the insulation is for new home construction or an upgrade to an existing structure, the benefits are substantial for the wallet and the indoor comfort. Moving up from R-30 to R-38 can change the home’s indoor temperature by five to eight degrees.

Insulation Cautions
Homes built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation, which can be a safety issue so take care before poking around or removing old insulation. It may not be necessary to remove old insulation though. In many cases the new materials can be applied over the old material, potentially saving money.

For insulation to do the best job of creating a thermal barrier it must be installed properly. You may not be able to tell if existing insulation is done properly, but many times heating and AC installation experts or your local utility company will do an inspection. For loose fill insulation, depth does not necessarily correspond to R-Value since installation methods vary, but insulation should not appear compressed, uneven or have visible gaps.

Find a trustworthy contractor for your insulation project using TenList or get started on other home renovation and repair projects by getting quotes for everything from TV repair professionals to hardwood flooring contractors.

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Polished Concrete Offers Fun, Functional Interior & Exterior Flooring Options

April 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA-When it comes time to choose flooring for any residential renovation project or new office space, the options can seem endless and overwhelming. Polished concrete flooring has become more popular and offers a lot of benefits, plus concrete is much like a blank slate, which lends itself to creating an aesthetic as unique as the owner.

What Is Polished Concrete All About
The concrete-existing or recently poured-is finished using an industrial polishing machine that uses progressively finer grits of diamond-infused segments or disks to grind the concrete down, much like the sandpaper used on wood. The process removes minor pits, blemishes, stains and light coatings from the floor until the desired degree of shine and smoothness is achieved.

In the past, it has been used in schools, warehouses, big-box retail stores and industrial buildings. However, the practice has been overlapping into commercial office building projects and residential renovations because of how many benefits it offers.

A Lot Of Options
Polished concrete finish is quite versatile. It can be installed for interior flooring and finishing basements in place of hardwood, tile or vinyl flooring or on exterior areas, including the garage, driveway, walkways, patios, steps and pool decks.

Polished concrete comes in every color available and can also incorporate decorative aspects, making each floor unique. Concrete polishing contractors offer many options: slip resistant, also known as brushed, smooth-troweled finish, shiny or even a simulated granite, slate, brick or cobblestone. That means when a pellet stove repair turns into a kitchen remodeling or the backyard patio project suddenly includes getting prices from fencing contractors, the flooring expert can match other materials for cohesive space.

Designs can be stenciled, etched or stamped into concrete and decorative borders can give flooring a unique touch. Colors or aggregates like stone, metal or glass can be added, which the grinding process will also smooth out.

Better For Environment
Traditionally, concrete slabs are covered with an additional material, such as glued on resilient flooring materials like vinyl composition tile, sheet vinyl and rubber or used as the base for carpeting or hardwood. Polished concrete eliminates the need for epoxies, polyurethanes, waxes, strippers and other caustic materials, many of which release volatile organic compounds that pollute indoor air quality. Fewer raw materials reduce environmental impact of renovations or new construction.

Withstands The Test Of Time
Compared to other flooring, polished concrete can be fairly low-maintenance, provided the general care is done properly. Professionals recommend using a dust mop followed by a non-abrasive applied with a soft-bristle brush and rinsing thoroughly after application. High traffic areas may need to be touched up periodically, but the overall life of the polished surface can be longer than 10 years. Also, polished concrete allows moisture vapor to escape and liquid to pool so it can be cleaned up easier.

Brighten Up A Space Without Increasing Energy Costs
The reflective surface of polished concrete maximizes the lighting in indoor spaces. An area with limited natural light is automatically brightened without increasing the energy bill. In fact, many people report decreased energy costs because the space needs less artificial lighting.

Find local contractors easier and faster by letting TenList do the heavy lifting of locating reputable contractors that can help them make dream flooring a reality. We have contractors from every field-antenna installation specialists to top-rated plumbers-waiting to help with the project.

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Pros and Cons of a Brick Paver Driveway

April 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

MCCLOUD, CALIFORNIA – If you’re tired of the same old thing when it comes to driveways, maybe it’s time to start thinking about renovating your driveway during your next home improvement project.

When it comes to driveway renovations, you will find there are a lot of options in terms of materials, especially pavers. While asphalt and concrete driveways are solid and long- lasting, brick pavers have many more advantages than other types of materials.

Brick pavers are made of either concrete or clay materials that are heat cured at temperatures above 2,000 degrees. This allows them to be strong and durable and avoids the expense and hassle of cracking or discoloring.

There are many shapes and colors available, as the Carlsbad, CA decorative glass door repair expert says, so depending on your preference you can either create a traditional brick driveway using squares or a more modern design to match the style and color of your home. You can even add a feature pattern inside your normal paving to give it more appeal.

Brick pavers also last a long time. Pavers “float” on a sand and/or gravel base, which allows water to easily run off and reduce water poring into your lawn. If a paver lifts or sinks, it is easy to remove it and its surrounding bricks to either address surface issues and/or replace the failed paver.

Virtually anyone can install a brick paver driveway, but it is often recommended that a professional perform the job because the driveway is dependent on a well-prepared base. Brick paving also doesn’t crack like other materials do when the temperature rapidly drops and rises.

They are also moveable, so if you would like to change the pattern, you can easily do so. Brick pavers are ideal for people who live in climates with moderate to heavy precipitation, as they are non-slip and skid resistant.

Pros

  • Adds curb appeal to your home
  • Saves watering and allows for proper drainage
  • Variety of colors and patterns
  • Easily replaceable

Cons

  • If not laid by a professional, pavers can easily be damaged when laid or edged incorrectly
  • Wash service must be performed twice a year to keep pavers clean
  • A few times a year, sand must be added in between cracks to keep pavers in place
  • Significantly higher cost than concrete driveways

Before having your new brick paver driveway laid, check with the city for codes in your area. Some neighborhoods have additional paver regulations on the type and color of pavers you are allowed to have installed.

If you plan on employing a concrete contractor, make sure you get several written quotes from reputable contractors who specialize in brick pavers before hiring someone for your McCloud, CA project. Always ask for references and be sure to call them to find out if they were satisfied with the work performed at their home.

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The Importance of Home Inspections for Buyers and Sellers

April 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE – One of the most critical steps of the home buying process is the inspection. Whether you’re buying or selling, a good home inspection by a reputable inspector can give you an overall condition of the property from roof to foundation.

Passing on having a home professionally inspected is not a wise financial decision. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make, so it is important to know the details behind the investment and whether you need to put any additional funds into the home once it’s yours. Even if the home is your dream home, not knowing that it will need every interior door replaced can cost you down the road.

When you buy a home, it’s important to remember you are buying all the home’s problems, too. Even short sale properties that are sold in “as is” condition should undergo an inspection. These properties have been neglected, so by having an inspection you will be able to assess the total cost of the home, including problems that need to be fixed.

If you are the seller, having an inspection done before you put your home on the market will help you avoid any surprises when potential buyers have the home inspected. After the inspection, you will be able to make repairs, use your own contractor and satisfy potential homebuyers by disclosing repairs that are needed or recently fixed. This will also protect you from liability of nondisclosure claims.

A home inspection is an independent property review by a licensed home inspector whom the potential homebuyers hire to give them a written, unbiased, property condition report.

Areas that the home inspector will address are:

No inspector is an expert at everything, so he or she may recommend an additional inspection by someone who is experienced in the area they are not familiar with, such as termites, septic systems or foundation repair in Kingsport, Tennessee. While the additional inspection will cost more, if they find something wrong, it could save you thousands.

Once you are aware of the issues with the home, you now have negotiating leverage. You can ask that the seller make the repairs in the inspection contingency. There are several ways to go about this – ask the seller to fix the issues, ask the seller to provide money for you to make the repairs or ask them to drop the price of the home to cover the cost of repairs.

It is up the seller on how to proceed and sometimes they will agree to fix some things but not others. In this case, you again have the leverage and can ask for additional repairs, a lower cost or you can walk away before any papers are signed.

Sometimes an inspection can give you a list of issues that will need to be addressed at a later date. This is great knowledge to have, as you can start saving for repairs without going into debt trying to fix something you weren’t prepared for.

The typical cost of a home inspection depends on the area you live in, the size of the home and the services the inspector is providing.

Having a home inspected before you enter into a mortgage will give you peace of mind. A home inspection is not something you should pass on, as its results can help you make your final decision on whether to purchase the home or keep looking for another.

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Make Your Home Greener With a Programmable Thermostat

April 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

WENATCHEE, WASHINGTON – There is a large movement in the United States to incorporate environmentally friendly products and green ideas into our home improvement projects.

While installing new dual pane windows and adding solar roof panels are great ways to be greener, they are not cost effective. Instead, replace your thermostat with a programmable one and see a return on your investment within one year.

Programmable thermostats are growing in popularity due to their energy saving benefits, improved comfort, convenience and cost savings. When used properly, this device can save homeowners approximately $180 annually, according to Energy Star.

This type of thermostat is ideal for residents who work outside the home during the day and have a varied schedule on the weekend. Many people base their thermostat schedule on their household’s occupancy patterns, with heating or cooling kicking in before you get up or get home from work.

Benefits

  • Money saving: They eliminate the need for you to manually adjust the thermostat when you are home or away. You can program the system based on your work or travel schedule without wasting money cooling or heating an empty home.
  • Air and heating system longevity: Programmable thermostats reduce the amount of wear on your HVAC system by permitting it to run less often, while keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. This can extend the life of your HVAC system and reduce the need for air and heating service companies to make repairs when you need the system the most.
  • Environment: These devices contain no mercury and are eco-friendly, which means by using less energy you are reducing greenhouse emissions associated with energy production.
  • Ease of use: They can store and repeat multiple daily settings, which users can manually override without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program.

Disadvantages

  • If you have a family member who stays home all day, it is nearly impossible to program the thermostat effectively.
  • If the device is battery operated instead of hardwired, it can be difficult to change the batteries.
  • The device cannot program your furnace fan.

The features of programmable thermostats vary greatly and are all based on price. Cheaper models (around $30) allow you to only set one weekday and create different programs for the weekends. The more expensive devices (up to $250) allow you to set a different heating or cooling schedule for every day of the week, which is preferred by most homeowners.

Programmable thermostats can be purchased online and at most home improvement stores. But before you shop, check with your local energy provider, as they may offer rebates on certain models.

If you are handy around the house, this Wenatchee Green home improvement project can take as little as ten minutes. However, if you discover your existing unit is connected to an electrical box or you have doubts about which wire goes where, hire a licensed electrician.

Be sure to read the directions thoroughly before programming your thermostat to get the most value out of your system. Aim to set it as low as you feel comfortable in the winter and as high as you feel comfortable in the summer – the lower or higher you go, the greater savings.

Even the most basic programmable thermostat will benefit your home, but if you do pay more for the additional features, it will pay for itself in two to three years. So before you start investing in insulation services or a tankless water heater, start with the most basic green projects, like installing Energy Star ceiling fans, florescent light bulbs and a programmable thermostat.

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