You’re just one day away from a more energy and cost-efficient home

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Ask yourself three questions:

Was your home built before 1980?
Do you have high energy bills?
Is your house cold or drafty?

If you answered “yes” to even one of the above questions, it’s time to climb up into your attic and check the insulation before the cold winter sets in.

The attic is one of the easiest and most important areas of the home to insulate. According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), Read More...

A Little Preventive Maintenance

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Tackle a few of these easy maintenance projects this weekend and you'll have a safer, more energy-efficient home year 'round.

Add another layer of attic insulation
Heat rises. And since the majority of homes built before 1980 are under-insulated, it rises through the ceiling, past the roof and into the atmosphere because of a lack of insulation in the attic. As a general rule, if you have less than 12 inches of attic insulation, you probably need more.

Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

You might assume your sore throat, itchy eyes, headache or fatigue are the signs of yet another cold. But they could also be the symptoms of something more serious: indoor air pollution. In fact, the American College of Allergists says that half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air.

Air pollution is not just a problem that occurs outdoors. A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed that indoor pollutants can be twRead More...

Is Your Roof Past its Peak?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Harsh storms, ice dams, heavy rains and high winds can take a serious toll on your roof. It’s a good idea to be on the lookout for trouble. Taking steps now to give your roof a thorough check-up can help catch minor problems before they become larger, more expensive ones.

Here is a checklist of warning signs that indicate a troubled roof:

Ceiling spots
Water spots on the ceiling are often caused by leaks in the roof. There arRead More...

Give Your Home an Exterior Facelift

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Here are a few ideas that can help you create an attractive exterior.
Curb Appeal

Remember the exterior of a home begins at the curb, not at the front door. Walkways, benches, landscaping, dramatic lighting and driveway embellishments set the tone for a home’s exterior and interior. Don’t forget that decorative millwork such as pediments, scalloped trim and artificial stone products can create a whole new look from - Victorian charm to a natural eRead More...

A New Window to the World!

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Before you go shopping for the “right” window, it pays to do your homework. Decide why you want new windows, learn what features to look for in windows, and how the right glass can save you money.

Do I need energy-efficient windows?
Energy efficient windows may help minimize energy bills and maximize indoor comfort. Double-and triple-pane glass offers important benefits: indoor temperatures stay more comfortable and outdoor noise is reduced. TodaRead More...

I’ll Huff and I’ll Puff and Blow Your House Down

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

During the hurricane season, homeowners in the Gulf and Mid-Atlantic states are at high risk of severe structural damage from the high winds and rain associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. Here are a few ideas to help protect your home.
Here are some tips to help protect your home before a storm hits:

Disconnect and remove your exterior antenna.
Resecure loose or damaged shingles, and seals around flashings, chimneys and vents.
Fix or reRead More...

It’s a Heat Wave!

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

It’s hot. It’s really hot, especially during the long summer months.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Heat Wave

Hang drapes or blinds to help keep direct sunlight out and keep the room cool.
Check your air-conditioning unit to make sure it works properly, and clear away debris from the unit.
Remove storm windows and reinstall window screens.
Add anRead More...

Can’t I Get a Little Peace and Quiet?

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Increased noise in homes means more stress and less sleep for American homeowners, according to a recent noise control survey sponsored by Owens Corning. Some 20 percent of homeowners and renters say noise adversely affects their lives.

Nearly 30 percent of respondents of the survey said they would invest in products to make their home quieter, with 62 percent spending $499 or less and 38 percent spending more than $500 to reduce the noise permanently.

Is Your Home Energy Smart?

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Walk through your home and circle the descriptions below that best fit your house. Then calculate your home’s energy-efficiency rating.

Attic Insulation
Test: Use a ruler to measure how much insulation you have in the attic area. ·6 inches or less (2 pts.) ·7 to 11 inches (4 pts.) ·12 inches or more (6 pts.) Tip: Improving your home’s insulation is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to reduce energy usage. If you have less Read More...

More Room for Living™

Administrator — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:58:56 +0100

Are you looking to add-on a playroom for your kids or a home office for yourself? If you are, your unfinished basement might be the answer to your problem. Ask yourself the following questions to help decide if a finished basement is right for you;

Do you need extra room in the house for your growing family, for the upcoming holidays or the return of a colRead More...

Blog entries