Main Site Events

Heat Up Your Holiday Parties - Thursday, December 08, 2011

Hosting a holiday party this month?

If so, here's some good news—you can turn the thermostat down without worrying about your company being uncomfortable, even if they won't be wearing their best Christmas sweaters! Each guest in your home is actually the equivalent of a 175-watt heater! So dial the thermostat down a few degrees, and bring on the holiday cheer!

Deck the Halls...with LED Lights! - Thursday, December 01, 2011

If you’re looking to upgrade your holiday decorations and lower your utility bills, there’s no better choice than LED lights. Here’s why:

LEDs use 75 to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs, which can save you some serious money over the course of the entire holiday season!
LEDs are cool to the touch, so you can breathe a little easier when small children are about. This also greatly reduces your risk of having a home fire caused by holiday decorations.
You’ll probably never need to buy another string of lights again! Storing, untangling, hanging and removing strings of lights can be stressful – on you and the lights. But LED bulbs are free of any moving elements, so they’ll be far more durable over the years.
No burnt-out bulbs! A good-quality set of LED lights will last about 25,000 hours – that’s ten times the lifespan of incandescent bulbs!
LEDs come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and varieties, so you’ll be sure to find just what you’re looking for.

Get Your Gutters Ready for Winter - Thursday, November 24, 2011

Now's the time to get your gutters ready for the upcoming winter weather!

Clean your gutters thoroughly, removing any debris. Then, give them a good rinse to check for clogs. As they rinse, take an extra precaution—be sure that the water is emptied at least ten feet from your house's foundation.

Getting the gutters ready for winter is a simple task that can save you big potential problems—clogs in the gutter can lead to ice dams, which can force water underneath your roof and into your home.

Use Your Ceiling Fan Year-Round - Thursday, October 27, 2011

Most folks think ceiling fans are only there to provide a breeze in the summer, but these can actually be used year-round.

Nope, it's not a Halloween prank! Just set your ceiling fan into its "reverse" position—the fan will push down and circulate that warm air as it collects near the ceiling.

Lower the Curtain on Winter Drafts - Thursday, October 20, 2011

Feeling a draft near the windows in your home?

Invest in a pair of heavy drapes to help protect against cold air sneaking in. Now that's style and function in one!

An added bonus: you can also use these drapes in the summer to help keep the excess heat out!

Winterize Your Windows and Doors - Thursday, September 22, 2011

Whether this September is an Indian Summer or an early autumn, one thing's for sure—winter weather is on its way. Take advantage of these seasonable days to prepare for what lies ahead!

One easy way to winterize your home is by installing storm windows and doors. These will provide extra warmth and much more protection than window screens, especially if your home has old, single-pane windows.

Looking for an alternative to storm windows?

Pick up a window insulator kit. Windows can be sealed with protective plastic sheeting, which sticks to the window with the help of double-sided tape and a hair dryer. This is a great option for windows of irregular or custom sizes, and the temporary coating can be peeled right off in the spring. Window insulator kits are an inexpensive and effective way to keep the heat in and the cold out!

Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat - Thursday, September 15, 2011

Have you considered replacing your thermostat with a programmable one?

Programmable thermostats make it easy to regulate your home's temperature—and they can cut your utility bills by about $200 each year!

Caulk This Way - Thursday, September 08, 2011

If there was a 14" by 14" hole in the wall of your home, wouldn't you fix it? Of course—just imagine the draft that would let in!

Now consider this: the average home (even when well-insulated) contains enough cracks, leaks, and gaps between building materials to add up to a hole 14" square! Late summer or early fall (i.e., now) is the best time to winterize your home—so roll up your sleeves and get out that caulk, or you may have to pay for it (literally!) when the winter chill comes.

Close the Curtain on Excess Heat - Thursday, August 18, 2011

Do certain rooms of your home get lots of sunlight?

Invest in a pair of heavy drapes, and keep them shut during the day. They'll help keep your home cool by blocking out the sunlight!

If curtains aren't your style, consider sun-controlling window film, which can also keep the glare off of your exterior windows.

Beat the Heat With Your Ceiling Fan - Thursday, August 11, 2011

Has your air conditioner been working overtime lately?

Maybe it's time to give the AC a break! Switch it off or turn it down, and take advantage of your ceiling fan. Just be sure the fan is set in the "forward" direction to circulate cool air throughout the room.

Monthly Maintenance for Your Air Conditioner - Thursday, August 04, 2011

Start this month off right by checking your air conditioner's filter.

Inspecting the air conditioner's filter is a task that should be done every other month, or every month during times of heavy usage. A clean filter will help your unit run more efficiently, and will cut down on the amount of dust and bacteria that are filtered into your home's air.

If your air conditioning unit uses a washable filter, remove and scrub the filter with a mild detergent. Rinse it well and let dry completely before re-installing the filter.
If your air conditioning unit uses a disposable filter, inspect the filter and replace as necessary.

What to Look For When You Need a New Fan - Thursday, July 28, 2011

As the dog days of summer drag on, many people find that their homes or offices could use a new or an additional fan.

If you find yourself shopping for a fan, what should you look for? It's simple—compare labels to choose the most energy efficient model. Your wallet will thank you!

Brighten Your Backyard With Solar Lights - Thursday, July 21, 2011

Do your outdoor parties or summer barbeques last into the night? If so, you can cut back on your electricity costs by using solar lights instead!

Solar lights are available in all the classic outdoor-lighting styles, including lanterns and torches. Solar lights are inexpensive and widely available, and they're easy to install—no extension cord needed! Just set them up in a sunny spot, and the sun will do the rest of the work!

An added bonus: your solar lighting is sure to be a great conversation piece at your next outdoor party!

Keep Cool, and Keep Your Cash! - Thursday, July 14, 2011

It's hot outside, but that doesn't mean your wallet has to sweat!

A great way to lower your electricity costs in the summer is to alternate your use of air conditioners and portable fans. Turn the air conditioner off after the room reaches a comfortable temperature, and then turn on the fan.

Monthly Maintenance for Your Air Conditioner - Thursday, July 07, 2011

Start this month off right by checking your air conditioner's filter.

If your air conditioning unit uses a washable filter, remove and scrub the filter with a mild detergent. Rinse it well and let dry completely before re-installing the filter.
If your air conditioning unit uses a disposable filter, inspect the filter and replace as necessary.

Room Air Conditioners 101 - Thursday, June 23, 2011

As the summer warms up, no doubt you'll soon be reaching for your air conditioner's "ON" switch! Here are some great tips to make the most of room air conditioners throughout the next few months.

Install room air conditioners on the north side of your home, to avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight. You can cut down on your AC's electricity usage by up to 10% just by placing it in the shade rather than the sun!
If you must install a unit in a sunny spot, try planting trees or shrubs nearby to shade it.
If there are already trees or shrubs near your air conditioner, or if you'll be planting some, be sure these won't block the unit's air flow.

And when it's time to look for a new air conditioner...

Consider an Energy Star unit for maximum efficiency and lower costs.
Consider the size of the room you'll be cooling—getting a unit that's too big or too small can waste energy.

Shut the Door on Wasted Cooling Costs - Thursday, June 16, 2011

Are you cooling much more space in your home than you actually use?

If your house has central air conditioning, here's a quick way to cut back on energy usage and utility costs. Just block the vents in any unoccupied rooms to achieve maximum efficiency. Make sure the doors of those rooms are shut, too!

Don't Trick Your Thermostat - Thursday, June 09, 2011

Your utility bills are probably high enough as it is...

Don't let a tricked thermostat cost you extra!

Check the area around your air conditioning thermostat to be sure it's free from any nearby appliances, such as lamps or televisions. The warmth generated by these can confuse your thermostat, causing it to run longer or harder than it actually needs to—and causing you to pay more in cooling costs than you need to!

Monthly Maintenance for Your Air Conditioner - Thursday, June 02, 2011

Start this month off right by checking your air conditioner's filter.

If your air conditioning unit uses a washable filter, remove and scrub the filter with a mild detergent. Rinse it well and let dry completely before re-installing the filter.
If your air conditioning unit uses a disposable filter, inspect the filter and replace as necessary.

Keep the Summer Heat at Bay With a Properly Sealed Home - Thursday, May 19, 2011

Still haven't sealed those air leaks or installed that insulation?

Make it part of your spring cleaning plan!

Don't get fooled thinking of sealing leaks and installing insulation as tasks that can wait 'til wintertime. A properly sealed and insulated home will keep you comfortable all year round—including in the summer, as cool air will stay inside and the heat will be kept out!

Freshen Your Laundry, Naturally! - Thursday, May 12, 2011

Spring is in the air! And if you love the fresh scent of spring air, why not take advantage of it?

Give your clothes dryer a break and hang your clothes out to dry. Install a clothes line in your back yard, or invest in a sturdy outdoor clothes drying rack. You'll save energy, save money, and freshen your laundry—naturally!

Get Your Air Conditioner in Top Condition! - Thursday, May 05, 2011

Now is the perfect time to make sure your air conditioners are in tip-top shape--don't wait until it's sweltering outside to deal with any potential problems!

Unplug and uncover each room air conditioner, and give it a thorough inspection:

If the unit has a washable filter, remove the filter and wash it with a mild detergent. Rinse well, and allow the filter to dry completely before re-installing it.
If the unit has a disposable filter, replace the filter as necessary.
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the unit's evaporator and condenser coils.
Check the unit's drain port(s) for any clogs, and use a wire to clean them out.

The necessary steps will vary depending on the air conditioner model you own. The owner's manual is a great place to start—it will help you understand the internal workings of your unit, as well as what maintenance is required and how often. Some maintenance steps can be simple to perform, but if you don't feel comfortable doing them yourself, contact a professional contractor.