Showing posts with label LOWER ENERGY COST. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LOWER ENERGY COST. Show all posts
Apr 20, 2016
This Friday is Earth Day. While you may be overwhelmed with messages about appreciating our planet and becoming more environmentally friendly this week, we want to make sure the notion of the importance eco-consciousness lasts beyond April 22nd. Consider the simple tips below to help reduce energy consumption at home. These ideas are easy to adopt, and can help you save money and the planet. Try implementing them today and develop a more eco-friendly lifestyle for Earth Day and years to come.
Turn Off & Unplug
Did you know that items like TVs and computers continue to draw power even after they’ve been turned off? To help limit energy consumption, ensure that in addition to turning them off when they aren’t in use, you unplug these types of products. Is it a little cumbersome? Sure. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Not only will it help to reduce your energy bill, it also reduces the amount of energy your household wastes.
Know When to Use Major Appliances
Most energy providers will apply a discount or credit when you use major appliances during off-peak hours. Doing your laundry or dishes outside of peak hours (peak hours are usually right before and after work during the week, but check with your provider for specific times) means that you aren’t contributing to the grid getting overcrowded, and you’re able to save a bit of money. Now that’s what we call a win, win.
Timers are Your Friend
If you haven’t put your indoor and outdoor lights on timers, what are you waiting for? We understand that exterior and hallway lights help deter burglars and pests, and can make you feel more comfortable at home. What’s not comfortable, however, is having these lights on all night long. Reduce energy consumption without compromising on safety by putting your lights on a timer. You can set when they turn on and off, creating additional security for when you aren’t home.
Full Is Better
Doing a half load of laundry or running the dishwasher when it isn’t full can increase how often you’re using these appliances. Efficiency is important for major appliances. Wait until these items are full before using them. Does that mean you might have to do a couple dishes by hand if you run out of forks before the dishwasher is full? Yes. Will you sometimes have to wait longer than you want to wear your favorite top? Sure. But that sacrifice is worth it.
Tip: Always make sure you’re washing your clothes with cold water. Washing machines consume so much energy because the water has to be heated up. Washing in cold water greatly helps to reduce your energy consumption – plus, most laundry detergents are formulated for cold water.
Blind Leading the Blind
Using your blinds to block out the sun on hot days can significantly cool down the temperature in your home. Give your air conditioner a bit of a rest during the summer by strategically closing the blinds when the sun is shining. Similarly, help your furnace out by opening the blinds on sunny days in the winter.
Green Products
Eco-friendly products like light bulbs, windows, doors, and appliances, can all contribute to reducing your energy consumption and bills. So the next time you need to get a new light bulb, grab the energy efficient ones. They may be a little more expensive, but you’ll see a return on that investment. This is true of windows, doors, and major appliances as well, however these items need to be replaced less frequently. When it comes time to upgrade them, consider the environmentally friendly option (although it may be more expensive than the regular model).
We hope these tips help you and your family to live a little greener this Earth Day and all year long. Have some eco-friendly ideas you want to share with us? Tweet or Instagram your best advice to @HomeShows or share it with Home + Garden Events on Facebook. We love hearing from you!
Turn Off & Unplug
Did you know that items like TVs and computers continue to draw power even after they’ve been turned off? To help limit energy consumption, ensure that in addition to turning them off when they aren’t in use, you unplug these types of products. Is it a little cumbersome? Sure. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Not only will it help to reduce your energy bill, it also reduces the amount of energy your household wastes.
Know When to Use Major Appliances
Most energy providers will apply a discount or credit when you use major appliances during off-peak hours. Doing your laundry or dishes outside of peak hours (peak hours are usually right before and after work during the week, but check with your provider for specific times) means that you aren’t contributing to the grid getting overcrowded, and you’re able to save a bit of money. Now that’s what we call a win, win.
Timers are Your Friend
If you haven’t put your indoor and outdoor lights on timers, what are you waiting for? We understand that exterior and hallway lights help deter burglars and pests, and can make you feel more comfortable at home. What’s not comfortable, however, is having these lights on all night long. Reduce energy consumption without compromising on safety by putting your lights on a timer. You can set when they turn on and off, creating additional security for when you aren’t home.
Full Is Better
Doing a half load of laundry or running the dishwasher when it isn’t full can increase how often you’re using these appliances. Efficiency is important for major appliances. Wait until these items are full before using them. Does that mean you might have to do a couple dishes by hand if you run out of forks before the dishwasher is full? Yes. Will you sometimes have to wait longer than you want to wear your favorite top? Sure. But that sacrifice is worth it.
Tip: Always make sure you’re washing your clothes with cold water. Washing machines consume so much energy because the water has to be heated up. Washing in cold water greatly helps to reduce your energy consumption – plus, most laundry detergents are formulated for cold water.
Blind Leading the Blind
Using your blinds to block out the sun on hot days can significantly cool down the temperature in your home. Give your air conditioner a bit of a rest during the summer by strategically closing the blinds when the sun is shining. Similarly, help your furnace out by opening the blinds on sunny days in the winter.
Green Products
Eco-friendly products like light bulbs, windows, doors, and appliances, can all contribute to reducing your energy consumption and bills. So the next time you need to get a new light bulb, grab the energy efficient ones. They may be a little more expensive, but you’ll see a return on that investment. This is true of windows, doors, and major appliances as well, however these items need to be replaced less frequently. When it comes time to upgrade them, consider the environmentally friendly option (although it may be more expensive than the regular model).
We hope these tips help you and your family to live a little greener this Earth Day and all year long. Have some eco-friendly ideas you want to share with us? Tweet or Instagram your best advice to @HomeShows or share it with Home + Garden Events on Facebook. We love hearing from you!
Jan 4, 2016
Improving the energy efficiency of your
home can often seem like a costly undertaking, so Global Home Improvements, a local leader
and innovator in home renovations and improvements, shared five options homeowners
can consider when looking to bring the cost of energy bills down.
It’s
important to view these upgrades as long-term investments. Over time, the
amount of money you will save on utility bills will offset the costs of the
upgrades suggested below.
2. Attic Insulation: Because heat rises, over 40% of all heat loss is lost through the attic, so it’s important to make sure your attic is well insulated. Over the last 50 years, the building code standards have changed in regard to how much insulation should be used in an attic. Not only that, homes built before 1970 have outdated insulation that is much less efficient than insulation made today. Insulation will give you the highest return on investment (ROI) on your heating bills, because it is the most effective material for keeping heat in, and can be less expensive than other alternatives.
3. Insulated Siding: When looking to insulate, consider replacing your home’s siding - especially if it’s an older home. They now make foam insulated siding intended to improve energy efficiency. It will also give your home a more updated look enhancing the curb appeal. Insulated siding is a great option to look at because it is easier and much more cost efficient than insulating between your walls. You would have to rip into the wall and go into the rafters, which can become a major, burdensome project.
4. Metal Roofing: During the summer months, when trying to keep the heat out, a metal roof can be extremely effective. When the sun hits your home, it’s not just the heat, but also the radiation that makes your house hot, so the metal roof reflects the heat and radiation to keep your home cool. A metal roof can be especially effective in ranch homes or homes with a finished attic or cathedral ceilings.
5. Solar
panels: Solar panels can be a great way to improve
your carbon footprint and create a long-term investment for significant energy
savings. However, before you even considering solar, you should look into the
first four options, because it doesn't make sense to put solar on an
inefficient house. With solar panels,
you’re not offsetting 100% of your electricity – you’re offsetting about 50%,
so it’s important to first get your energy bill as low as possible. Make your
home air tight and as efficient as possible, then solar can really make an
impact.
With these energy-saving options, you not
only save and money and reduce waste, but your home is more comfortable to live
in, and there is less stress on your heating and air conditioning units helping
them to last longer.
Global Home Improvements will be at the Philly Home + Garden Show, January 15-17 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, in booth# 201
discussing these energy saving tips and more! Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook and bring a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!
GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.
Apr 21, 2015
Earth Day is this Wednesday - how will you be celebrating? For many, this holiday serves as a call to be more conscious of how their choices and lifestyle affect the environment. With this concept in mind, we came up with simple changes homeowners can make to their daily routine to lessen their impact on the planet. Here are some things you can try that are more earth-friendly than the alternative.
Not: Turning up your thermostat. Your furnace uses a lot of energy; why not get toasty under a chic and cozy blanket instead of upping the heat and your heating bill?
Not: Switching on more lights. Candles are a great source of light and can add a sense of warmth to any space. Light 'em up instead of your lights.
Not: Cellophane or aluminum foil. Reusable containers, like Tupperware, Rubbermaid, and mason jars, are great for storing leftovers, but you should also try using them to store other foods and produce that you'd normally wrap in plastic or aluminum. Create less waste while still keeping things fresh.
Not: Buying imported produce in grocery stores. A vegetable garden is not only a fun hobby, it yields delicious crops. Planes, trains, and trucks are all used to bring produces to your grocery store (especially if it's out of season). Think about all the fuel that takes. Help reduce emissions by eating locally when you can.
Not: Getting all your furniture brand new. Often times a little paint and elbow grease is all you need to give a piece of furniture a new lease on life. This is the ultimate form of recycling and it's a great way to get custom decor for your home.
We hope these minor changes help you and your family get a little greener this Earth Day. Are there other ways you'll be showing your appreciation for the planet? Tweet @HomeShows your Earth Day plans - we'd love to hear about them! Let's all work together to make this world a better place.
Try This, Not That
Try This: Blankets
Image via Apartment Therapy
Not: Turning up your thermostat. Your furnace uses a lot of energy; why not get toasty under a chic and cozy blanket instead of upping the heat and your heating bill?
Try This: Candles
Image via Planete Deco
Not: Switching on more lights. Candles are a great source of light and can add a sense of warmth to any space. Light 'em up instead of your lights.
Try This: Reusable Containers
Image via Skinny Secrets
Not: Cellophane or aluminum foil. Reusable containers, like Tupperware, Rubbermaid, and mason jars, are great for storing leftovers, but you should also try using them to store other foods and produce that you'd normally wrap in plastic or aluminum. Create less waste while still keeping things fresh.
Try This: Gardening
Image via Apartment Therapy
Not: Buying imported produce in grocery stores. A vegetable garden is not only a fun hobby, it yields delicious crops. Planes, trains, and trucks are all used to bring produces to your grocery store (especially if it's out of season). Think about all the fuel that takes. Help reduce emissions by eating locally when you can.
Try This: Upcycling
Not: Getting all your furniture brand new. Often times a little paint and elbow grease is all you need to give a piece of furniture a new lease on life. This is the ultimate form of recycling and it's a great way to get custom decor for your home.
We hope these minor changes help you and your family get a little greener this Earth Day. Are there other ways you'll be showing your appreciation for the planet? Tweet @HomeShows your Earth Day plans - we'd love to hear about them! Let's all work together to make this world a better place.
Nov 18, 2014
With the nights getting longer, the days colder, and snow on the horizon, there's no denying it: winter's on its way. While it doesn't technically arrive until next month there's already a pretty strong chill in the air. As energy prices continue to rise heating your home this winter could be very expensive. To help you cut costs, we've compiled a list of simple measures you can undertake to make your home more energy efficient. Spending less on your energy bills means you'll have more to put towards your heating costs. Check out our list below and start saving today.
1. Be smart about when you use your major appliances - Did you know there are peak times for energy consumption? A time is considered peak when there's consistently more energy being consumed during that period. It's more expensive to use energy at these times. For many areas peak times are on weekday mornings and early evenings. Using your major appliances in off peak times can go a long way on your energy bill. Be conscious of when you're running your dishwasher or doing a load of laundry.
2. Don't let the heat out - Seal your windows, doors, and any cracks in your foundation. It's harder to heat a home where cold air has a lot of entry points. Closing them up will keep the heat in and the cold out, and it also helps to protect against bugs and rodents.
3. Think first - Before you open the refrigerator think about what you'd like. Standing with the fridge door open for a few moments may not seem like a particularly wasteful or expensive habit, but it adds up. Pausing to decide what you'd like to eat before opening the fridge is a simple but effective way to reduce energy consumption.
4. Switch to energy efficient bulbs - Choosing the more energy efficient version of any appliance or system will help to lessen the energy usage in your home. That said, energy efficient appliances are expensive and it's not often that you have to replace these items. However, you do have to replace your light bulbs on a more frequent basis, and their energy efficient counterparts are available for a very reasonable price. If you're due to replace any of your major appliances definitely select an energy efficient model. If not, get energy efficient bulbs the next time you need them.
We've outlined some very straightforward and non-invasive actions you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Would you be interested in reading about more complex measures homeowners can try to make their properties even more efficient? Let us know below.
1. Be smart about when you use your major appliances - Did you know there are peak times for energy consumption? A time is considered peak when there's consistently more energy being consumed during that period. It's more expensive to use energy at these times. For many areas peak times are on weekday mornings and early evenings. Using your major appliances in off peak times can go a long way on your energy bill. Be conscious of when you're running your dishwasher or doing a load of laundry.
Image via House & Home
Consult your electric company to learn exactly when your area's peak times are.
2. Don't let the heat out - Seal your windows, doors, and any cracks in your foundation. It's harder to heat a home where cold air has a lot of entry points. Closing them up will keep the heat in and the cold out, and it also helps to protect against bugs and rodents.
Image via Apartment Therapy
3. Think first - Before you open the refrigerator think about what you'd like. Standing with the fridge door open for a few moments may not seem like a particularly wasteful or expensive habit, but it adds up. Pausing to decide what you'd like to eat before opening the fridge is a simple but effective way to reduce energy consumption.
Image via House & Home
4. Switch to energy efficient bulbs - Choosing the more energy efficient version of any appliance or system will help to lessen the energy usage in your home. That said, energy efficient appliances are expensive and it's not often that you have to replace these items. However, you do have to replace your light bulbs on a more frequent basis, and their energy efficient counterparts are available for a very reasonable price. If you're due to replace any of your major appliances definitely select an energy efficient model. If not, get energy efficient bulbs the next time you need them.
Image via NPR
We've outlined some very straightforward and non-invasive actions you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Would you be interested in reading about more complex measures homeowners can try to make their properties even more efficient? Let us know below.
Jul 25, 2013
EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT
You won't want to miss Advanced Film Solutions Inc. at our
2013 Orlando Home Show (Oct. 4-6)!
You can catch Advanced Film Solutions Inc. at our
2013 Orlando Home Show (Oct. 4-6) at the Orange County Convention Center!
2013 Orlando Home Show (Oct. 4-6)!
Get to know this fabulous exhibitor!
- Location:
- Orlando - Tampa - Sarasota
- Describe your product(s) or service(s):
- Solar and solar security window film coatings that lower energy costs, block UV and glare and provide home comfort.
- What are your best home or garden tips for this season?
- Cover west and east facing glass and you can anticipate 30% lower electric bills.
- What are your featured items this season?
- Our all season EnerLogic Films have created incredible buzz thanks to the winter and summer insulating benefits.
- What is the strangest client request you've ever received?
- Tint an alarm clock.
- Fun company fact:
- We have earned the Super Service Award for the last two years from Angie's List.
- Give them a call:
- Call Advanced Film Solutions Inc. today at (407) 843-9350!
You can catch Advanced Film Solutions Inc. at our
2013 Orlando Home Show (Oct. 4-6) at the Orange County Convention Center!
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