Posted by Jason Gettum on Thu, Sep 06, 2012 @ 12:00 PM
Save Money by Saving Energy
Many people are looking for ways to save money, and one of the best ways to do this is by reducing the amount of energy used in the home. There are simple tasks homeowners can easily accomplish so they can be on their way to saving money quickly.
A great deal of energy is lost through cracks and open areas around doors and windows. One of the easiest ways to save money on energy bills is to repair your home sash windows. Replacing rotted wood around the window provides a tighter seal so that less air is lost through this opening. Caulking is also easy and inexpensive to do, but can seal small cracks to make a home more energy-efficient.
Simply replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient ones can result in huge energy savings. These light bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs, so the savings can really add up over time. Since each light bulb can last up to five years, homeowners can save money on the cost of replacing these light bulbs as well.
Blackout blinds prevent light from entering a room, which helps it stay cooler during the summer. These blinds come in a variety of styles and colours, so they can be found to fit any decor. Some models have the capacity to be lowered from the top or raised from the bottom. Blinds such as these can be custom ordered to fit any window and are easy to install.
Solar panels afford people the opportunity to make their own energy. When installed on a rooftop, these panels capture sunlight during the day. After doing so, this energy is then stored in a battery until it is ready to be used. Although these panels can be expensive to install, they generally pay for themselves after the first five years. Seek the help of a solar panelling or roofing company in your local area, to ensure you get the best advice.
Large quantities of heat and energy is dissipated through the roof of your house and the installation of roof or loft insulation is a government recommended method of reducing energy bills.
People who are struggling with high energy bills can take comfort in the fact that there are plenty of ways to save money on electricity. By following a few simple ideas, consumers will reduce their energy bills while remaining more comfortable at the same time.
Example companies for advice & information:
http://www.repairasash.co.uk
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/your_energy_bill/index.html
Posted by Jason Gettum on Sat, Nov 12, 2011 @ 09:00 AM
Caulking is the first line of defense in keeping water from entering your home
Proper maintenance to the exterior of your Indianapolis area home is vital to maintaining its value and minimizing costly repair bills. Water is perhaps the #1 enemy of your home. Water has a sneaky way of finding the "nooks and crannies" of your home and once it gets in can cause major damage.
There are many modern construction materials used to keep water from entering your home: There are drainage planes, as they are called, that can keep water that gets behind siding or trim from entering. However, the first line of defense is usually caulking. Proper caulking should keep water from ever reaching the secondary means of drainage. It is important to routinely inspect the caulking on the outside of your house for deterioration. And, it's important to look for missing caulking.
The inspection and application of caulking is something that most homeowner's can accomplish. However, if your home is a 2-story, and you are uncomfortable on ladders, hire a local painting contractor. Be sure to look for problem areas around windows and doors, siding and trim and wherever a piece of wood or wood trim changes plane (changes direction). For example, the joint between your soffit and fascia or soffit and siding. Also, pay attention to where two pieces of wood or fiber cement siding butt together. These areas are normally caulked during initial installation, but caulk can deteriorate with changing weather conditions, etc.
If you find problems with your caulking, you can fix it yourself as mentioned above. Be sure to remove old caulking first before you re-caulk. Installating fresh caulk over old caulk is not a good idea. Also, make sure the cracks or gaps you are filling are clean of debris, dirt, etc to avoid adhesion issues. If you have any questions, ask a local painter or a local remodel contractor for answers. Another good source of information is your local paint supply store (ie Sherwin Williams, Porter-Paints, etc).
Looking for an Indianapolis area painter? Give us a call for a referral or check with your local Builder's Association and do research online at websites such as google and Angies List. Good Luck!
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