Tuesday, July 29, 2014

5 More Ways to Save Money at Home

Posted by: Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements


1) Use your laptop. It runs on batteries, which use 80 percent less electricity than a desktop computer.
Cost: Being vigilant about unplugging the battery charger once your computer is juiced so it doesn't sap unnecessary energy.
Savings: $30 per year off your electric bill.
Bonus: You can relax on the sofa while perusing coupon sites.



2) Get your chimney swept in the summer for an off-season price.
Cost: Just a little forethought.
Savings: $50 per flue.
Bonus: Get the job done at your convenience because sweeps' schedules are wide open.






3) Replace central-air-conditioning filters every month during the summer to keep air flowing freely through the ducts and reduce strain on the blower motor.
Cost: About $11 for three filters.
Savings: $40 or more on cooling costs.
Bonus: New filters keep dust and mold from collecting on condenser coils, extending the equipment's life. 




4) Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. It's probably set at 140 degrees F to shorten the wait time for a steamy shower. But 120 or even 110 degrees is plenty hot.
Cost: A few minutes with a screwdriver in the utility room.
Savings: $30 or more per year on gas, oil, electricity, or propane.
Bonus: Your kids are less likely to scald themselves if the max water temperature is 120.







5) Insulate hot-water lines. Preformed foam tubes fit right around the pipes, thanks to a slit along their length.
Cost: 29 cents to 35 cents per foot of insulation, depending on pipe dimensions, at Energy Federation.
Savings: $50 per year on energy.
Bonus: Halving the wait for hot water to reach upstairs faucets.





 Click To LIKE Us on Facebook for Green Tips, Home Improvement Tips and Heads Up for Government Grants!
http://www.facebook.com/housesmarthomeimprovements

 

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. When it’s time to replace your windows, doors or  furnaces and heat pumps, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    


 House Smart Home Improvements
Phone: 604 945 1904 / Fax: 604 581 1985
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com


Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6 
604-945-1904 (office hours)  - 604-585-2020 (24-Hour)



Tuesday, July 1, 2014

How Do I Know if I Need New Windows?

Posted by: Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Six Signs You Need New Windows:



  1. Condensation between panes of glass
  2. Wood windows have rotten frames
  3. Drafts coming in through windows
  4. Bugs coming in through frames
  5. Windows that are broken or not functioning
  6. Leaking or moldy windows

 

 

Here are Some Different Styles of Windows

 


Casement


  • Have a crank out hardware mechanism to open and close the windows
  • One key feature to look for is a multi-point lock that will lock your window in multiple locations, ensuring a tight seal.

 

 

 

 

 

 Awning


  • Similar to casement, these windows have crank out hardware, but are hinged at the top
  • Often used in places where it’s difficult to push or pull open a window, for example, above a kitchen sink

 

 

 

 

 Bay


  • Come with a seat or walk-in option (you walk into the bay area)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bay/ Bow

  • Bow windows are similar to bay, but have softer angles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bow

  • These windows have sliders that are either vertically or horizontally placed
  • Two formats; single and double hung
  • Single hung:has a fixed sash on one side and an operating sash on the other
  • Double hung: two operating sashes
  • Often these windows lift out or tilt out for easy cleaning
 
 
 
 
 
Picture/Fixed Windows
  • Don’t open or operate
  • They come in many different formats
 
 
 
 
 
At House Smart Home Improvements, We Use Energy Star Windows! Energy Star Windows come in all styles, are of the highest quality, offering you the greatest comfort with less energy used.

ENERGY STAR® windows offer these benefits:


  • Double glazing with a sealed insulating glass unit, not only reducing energy costs, but also increasing comfort.
  • Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, which are like insulation and sunscreen on windows. This thin layer of transparent protection, applied in the gap between window glass panes, improves your family’s comfort by reducing the quantity of heat passing through the windows.
  • Inert gas, such as argon or krypton, sealed between windowpanes results in reduced heat transfer and minimized condensation, increasing the windows’ insulation U-value and energy efficiency.
  • Low conductivity spacer bars that prevent heat loss and minimize drafts.
  • Lower overall heat loss ratings (U-values), meaning greater comfort with less energy used. 
  • Heat transfer between the inside and outside of a home is slowed.
  • Heat reflection that keeps the sun out during summertime and keeps rooms from feeling drafty
    during the winter. 
  • Reduced fading of fabrics and wall coverings.
 Click To LIKE Us on Facebook for Green Tips, Home Improvement Tips and Heads Up for Government Grants!
    http://www.facebook.com/housesmarthomeimprovements

     

    House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. When it’s time to replace your windows, doors or  furnaces and heat pumps, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    


     House Smart Home Improvements
    Phone: 604 945 1904 / Fax: 604 581 1985
    Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com


    Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6 
    604-945-1904 (office hours)  - 604-585-2020 (24-Hour)