10 Principles on How to Save Energy!

Posted by: Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

 A Large Amount of the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the World Comes from Domestic Energy Use.


To reduce our impact on the environment, we must think about the lifestyle changes we can make, using a little technology where necessary. Small changes can make a big difference, so here are our top 10 ways to save energy, helping the environment, along with your pocketbook.


1) Switch off.

Always switch off lights when you leave a room. Turn off and unplug computers, games, consoles, mobile phone chargers, etc. when not in use. Do not leave them on standby!

Also, turn off taps when you are not using them. While you are brushing your teeth or washing your car, turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing.









2) Turn it Down

Turn your thermostat down. Reducing your room temperature by 1 degree could cut your heating bills by 10 percent. If you are still feeling cold, then put on an extra jumper! Reduce temperatures in any unused rooms to a minimum. If you have a programmer, set your heating and hot water to come on only when required rather than all the time.






3) Insulate / Draft Proof

Install wall and loft / attic insulation and draft proof your home. Install weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows and fix drafts from doors, windows, letterboxes, keyholes, etc. Close curtains to keep heat in at night. Put an insulating jacket around your hot water tank.







4) Watch Your Washing

Fill up your washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher: one full load uses less energy than two half loads. Use cooler settings to wash your clothes and dishes. Modern washing powders work just as well at lower temperatures and most clothes can be washed successfully at 30 degrees C. Whenever you can, turn off your tumble dryer and hang your clothes outside to dry.





5) Boil Only What You Need

Only boil as much water as you need in a kettle. Jug kettles tend to be more efficient. Cover pans when boiling water to speed up the process and reduce heat wastage.











6) Use Energy Efficient Appliances

Consider energy efficient models when you next have to change or buy a home appliance. Consider installing a tankless water heater, they heat water on demand so no stored water needs to be continuously heated. Avoid products that come with excess packaging especially molded plastic and other products that can't be recycled.







7) Use Energy Saving Light Bulbs

They last 10 times longer than regular bulbs. Using more energy efficient light bulbs reduces the amount of energy used by the light bulbs, saving you A LOT on your electric bill in the long run. The LED method of producing light loses far less energy to heat than do other lighting technologies.









8) Stop Drips and Use Less Water

Fix leaky taps and make sure they are fully turned off. Have a shower instead of a bath and try to stick to 5 minutes in the shower. Having a shower not only saves on water but it saves on the energy used to heat the water.










9) Use the Natural Resources

Let the sun be your guide. In winter or during cooler weather during the day open drapes and blinds to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home and close them at night to avoid any chill from the cold windows. In summer or during warm weather, close drapes or blinds to keep it cooler.





10) Think Quirky!

Utilize ceiling fans. Running fans in reverse very slowly in the winter will circulate warm air down around a room. Check the arrangement of your furniture over vents or a baseboard radiator, which decrease the efficiency of the units.

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

4 GREAT TIPS ON HOME MAINTENANCE TO SAVE COSTLY REPAIRS

Posted by: Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements
 

 Routine maintenance can extend the life of your home's major components and prevent expensive and time-consuming repairs in the future.

Something as simple as sweeping debris off your roof once a year can help prevent moisture from building up. Moisture can break down your roofing material and cause an expensive leak. Or how about preventing your pipes from freezing by covering them inexpensively?
In this week's article, we give you 4 preventive home maintenance measures to help save you money:

AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE

Clearing vegetation from around your air conditioner to prolong the life of the unit.One of the easiest ways to keep your coils clean is to keep the area around your air conditioning unit clean. Dirt, leaves, branches and anything else that happens to blow by the air conditioner can cause the coils to get dirty. Regular cleaning around the unit will go a long way towards keeping the coils clean. This is a great chore for a young teen to do, not a something critical, but if done regularly will prevent a lot of the buildup of dirt and debris on the coil. Also regular activity around the air conditioner will also prevent mice snakes and other pests from wanting to nest there. Here is a good article showing you how to do this: http://voices.yahoo.com/cleaning-air-conditioner-coils-5855896.html

PATCH CRACKS, COVER PIPES 

Check vents in the attic for cracks and rips and patch them with foil tape to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and take the load off of your air handler. Seal gaps around pipes, recessed lighting, and ducts into the attic might help prevent future damming and lower your heating and cooling bills. Cover pipes with inexpensive insulation to prevent freezing in winter. Here are some instructions: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-insulate-pipes/index.html 

CHECK YOUR ROOF

 

Roofs are the most vulnerable to water infiltration, given their exposure to the elements and the laws of gravity. On a sunny day, use binoculars to spot cracked, curled, or missing shingles, which are signs that the roof is near its end of life. Also check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys, and the rubber boots around vents for cracks.Check for loose roof shingles and secure them with roof cement.

Siding is also susceptible to leaks, especially where it meets windows and doors. A $5 tube of caulk might save you thousands of dollars in structural repairs. If you live in a cold climate, check the siding under the roof eaves for water stains, which could be a sign of ice damming.

WATER HEATER MAINTENANCE

A water heater is one of the most important and yet nearly invisible items in one's home. Most of us don't even pay attention to our water heaters until they start making funny popping noises or there's water all over the floor next to it or they quit working completely. Taking care of your water heater now by draining the water and its sediment can add to a longer life for your water heater. Ideally, a water heater should be drained once every year. This may need to be either a longer or shorter period of time though, depending on just how much sediment is in your water.

What is sediment? Simply put, sediment is anything solid that has not dissolved in your water. This can be sand, grit, rust or mineral deposits. Most wells or city water companies are going to have at least some sediment which will eventually end up in your water heater. Once inside your water heater, the sediment sinks to the bottom of the water heater tank. Here the sediment can build up over a period years and eventually clog up the tank or take up so much room that there is hardly any room for the water to enter and be heated. This is why a water heater should be flushed regularly, to prevent the build-up of sediment.
You don't need to be a professional plumber to drain your hot water heater. It is a DIY task that anyone can do. There is however, one very important thing you need to know before you decide to drain your water heater; do you know how to re-light the pilot light? If you have never had to light the pilot light on your water heater, then have someone teach you how and then practice until you can do it. Otherwise, call a professional plumber to drain your water heater for you.
As long as you can re-light the pilot light on your hot water heater, you are ready to start the process of draining it. This article will detail all the steps needed for you to drain your hot water heater by yourself.

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.

 

Get Your Home Ready for Spring!

Posted by: Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Spring is right around the corner, and for most home owners it’s an exciting time to get your home ready. In the winter time, many portions of your home are neglected or aren’t used as often because of home owners staying inside their homes. From the interiors of your home to the exterior, getting your home ready for spring will ensure you’ll be ready to enjoy the warmer weather once it hits. Space out your maintenance tips and by time spring is here, you will be able to enjoy the season!

Start on your exterior: The outside of your home has taken more wear and tear from the harsh winter, than the interior so start here. Walk around your home and examine caulking around windows and doors, as well as open windows and doors and look at weather stripping. Replace old or cracking caulk and replace weather stripping. Do you need new energy-efficient vinyl windows for your home? If your windows have aged or if you have aluminum window frames, it may be a good time to upgrade. For a limited time if you live in the lower mainland of BC you can save 100 dollars per window installed back in government rebates. See more HERE or at: House Smart Home Improvements.com 



Landscaping tips: While it may not be time for you to start planting flowers and watering your lawn, it isn’t too early to ensure you will have ready your garden hoses, walkways, and adjacent areas to your landscaping. Replace cracked or old garden hoses, and rake away leaves, tree limbs and debris from sidewalks, plant beds and surrounding areas. If you no longer have snow in your area, now is a good time to start planning out your spring landscaping ideas and lawn care maintenance regimen. Pressure wash concrete and paver areas that have become dirty and power wash vinyl siding, brick walls and vertical surfaces on your home if need be. 


Check your interior systems: The fall and spring are the two most important times to review your home’s major HVAC – heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems. Right before the harsh climatic changes are going to occur. Ensure air filters have been replaced or cleaned and stock up on new air filters if you use disposable one. Check your air conditioner before the summer to ensure it is in good working order. If you need to have a service person look at it now, it will be a lot less expensive than 3 months from now.

 
Interior spring cleaning: By now your windows – inside and out could use a cleaning. You will be surprised how much you can see out your windows, once they are cleaned. Spring is also a good time to have new windows installed, if need be. Clean off ceiling fans, and clean out fireplaces from use over the winter. Test your emergency systems in your home: home alarm, smoke fire alarm, fire extinguisher, and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working properly. Most home owners forget to test these regularly; fall and spring maintenance time is a perfect opportunity to ensure they’re in good working order.

 Preparing your home for the spring is rewarding now, and 3 months from now! Your home goes through changes as it ages, and climatic conditions change. Spring maintenance is a good idea for everyone, and even more important if you’re considering putting your home on the market soon. Home buyers want to ensure that all systems have been well attended and taken care of before buying a home. If you’re concerned you will miss something, hire a professional home inspector – they will cover the entire home from top to bottom. What are you waiting for? Get started, the warm weather is on its way!

This article from http://www.freshome.com


 

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.

 

Replace Your Water Heater Program Extended Through December 2014!

Posted by Sound Marketing on behalf of House Smart Home Improvements
from Fortis BC

This great Fortis BC Rebate Program has now been extended through 2014!!
Replace your aging water heater with a qualifying natural gas ENERGY STAR model and you could save on energy costs, plus you’ll be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000.

Not sure which water heater is right for you?

House Smart Home Improvements offers
FREE In-Home Consultations!

Call House Smart Home Improvements Today at 604-585-2020 

 

 

Why ENERGY STAR?

Heating water typically takes between 20 per cent and 35 per cent of your home’s total energy use. So it makes sense to install the most efficient model you can afford. Natural gas water heater efficiency is usually measured by an energy factor (EF) rating. The higher the EF rating, the more efficient the water heater. To qualify as ENERGY STAR, gas-fired water heaters must achieve a minimum 0.67EF rating.

 

Keep the tank, add some savings

ENERGY STAR non-condensing storage tank models have an EF between 0.67 and 0.70 making them more efficient than standard storage tank models (typically between 0.50 and 0.62 EF) operating in many homes today. As these models aren’t as efficient as tankless and/or condensing technology, their price point is more affordable.
Some model numbers are similar, however, efficiency ratings may differ. Please check our qualifying water heater list prior to making your purchase. Note: the John Wood model JW850S40ES is 0.62EF and is not on our qualifying list. The John Wood model JW850S40ES2 is 0.68EF and is on our qualifying list.

 

Go tankless to boost efficiency

ENERGY STAR tankless models have an EF between 0.82 and 0.99, making them much more efficient than standard natural gas storage tanks typically found in homes today. They also take up much less space, freeing up valuable square footage.
Tankless models don’t store hot water, so they may not be able to meet many simultaneous demands like a storage tank can. Before deciding if you want to go tankless, consider the ways you use hot water at home, including appliances, faucets and the number of people using hot water at any given time.

 

Tankless not for you?

Consider a hybrid or condensing storage tank. Hybrids offer the best features of a tankless model with the added convenience of a small storage tank. Condensing storage tanks provide all the benefits of a traditional gas-fired storage tank, but at a much higher efficiency. You won't find an energy factor if you choose one of these technologies, but you will find a thermal efficiency (TE) rating. Rebate qualifying condensing storage tanks and hybrid water heaters will not have an ENERGY STAR® label at this time (both technologies are currently under review to be eligible for the ENERGY STAR label).

 

 

Available rebates

Water heater type​	​Efficiency rating*	​Rebate
Storage tank​	​0.67 - 0.69 EF	​$200
Non-condensing tankless​	0.82 - 0.89 EF​	$400​
Condensing tankless​	0.90 - 0.99 EF​	$500​
Condensing hybrid ​	90 - 99% TE ​	$500​
Condensing storage tank​	90 - 99% TE /.80 EF**​	$1,000​

*Ef - energy factor; TE = thermal efficiency
**Residential-grade condensing storage tank water heaters

 

Still not sure?

Deciding which technology is right for you can be tough. It’s a balance between how much you want to spend and how much you hope to save over time. You’ll likely pay more for a water heater with a higher EF or TE rating, but your utility costs should be lower.

 

How to apply

1. Review the terms and conditions on the reverse side of the application form.
2. Purchase a qualifying water heater and have it installed by a gas contractor registered with the BC Safety Authority (BCSA) such as House Smart Home Improvements.
3. Complete your application form and include a copy of the invoice showing details of all work performed, the purchase date, make and model number and the installation permit number.
4. Submit the completed and signed application with the invoice to:
   
   ENERGY STAR Water Heater Program
   FortisBC
   PO Box 9090
   Surrey, BC  V3T 5W4
5. If you qualify, we’ll mail you the rebate. Please allow a minimum of 90 days to process.

Deadlines

• 0.67 EF, tankless, hybrid and condensing storage tank water heaters must be purchased between January 31, 2014 and December 31, 2014.
• Applications must be submitted within 60 days of purchase.

Questions?

Call House Smart Home Improvements Today at 604-585-2020
Not sure which water heater is right for you? We offer FREE In-Home Consultations!

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

Is it Time to Replace Your Windows?

Posted by Sound Marketing on behalf of House Smart Home Improvements

Is it Time to Replace Your Windows?

There are probably sexier ways to spend your home improvement money -- on a shiny new bathroom or a glamorous kitchen remodel with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops, for example. But there are few things as rewarding as replacing your windows and front door, which can yield a variety of benefits, from lowered utility bills to better soundproofing and greater curb appeal.

There are obvious reasons to replace windows: the wooden frames are rotting or the glass is broken or fogged, transforming your charming historic home into an eyesore that sets neighbors’ tongues wagging. But there are other reasons for replacement that might not be as readily apparent -- or as galling to the neighbors.

For instance, single-pane glass windows, which are present in most homes built before the mid-1990s, are hugely energy inefficient and allow heating and cooling dollars to fly out the window and noise to cascade in. At House Smart Home Improvements serving Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, the majority of customers are switching from single pane to double pane glass to gain more energy efficiency in their homes.

House Smart Home Improvements provides ENERGY STAR® labelled windows. Energy Star windows can reduce condensation and outside noise, reduce heating costs, and increase comfort by regulating temperature in hot and cold seasons

Thanks to advances in technology, today’s ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights offer greater savings than ever before. Replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows lowers household energy bills by 7-15 percent. Lower energy consumption also reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and shrinks a house’s carbon footprint.

ENERGY STAR® windows can reduce condensation and outside noise, reduce heating costs, protect from sun damage and fading, and increase comfort by regulating temperature in hot and cold seasons.

They are an excellent long-term investment in comfort and value for your family and your home. Call House Smart Home Improvements today to find out more. We offer free in-home consultations. 604-585-2020.

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

Good Bathroom Lighting

Posted by Sound Marketing on behalf of House Smart Home Improvements

Lighting the Bathroom

 

Sconces above and beside a vanity mirror assure appropriate light for daily tasks. Place sconces near face height for the most flattering illumination and the fewest shadows. While task lighting is the most important type in a bathroom, pay attention to the other layers as well. Bathrooms with well-placed accent lighting can be more welcoming, and an overhead light on a dimmer switch is easier on the eyes during late-night or early-morning visits.

 A Well-Lit Bath

A bathroom needs to look and feel different from day to night. In the morning, bright white light awakens and refreshes; while at night, a soft light can provide a spa-light mood or dimmed light can accommodate a late-night visit. In this bath, ample natural light supplements the overhead and task lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. Mirrors keep the light moving throughout the space.

Bathroom Vanity Lighting Fixtures

 

Make your mornings bright by adding a beautiful light fixture above your bathroom vanity. In addition to serving as a decorative element that brings style to the space, these fixtures provide proper lighting for important grooming tasks such as shaving or putting on makeup.

Whether you're building a new home, gutting an existing bathroom, or just looking for an inexpensive way to update your space, you can find a vanity light fixture that's perfectly suited to your needs. They are available in a nearly endless variety of styles, sizes, and price points.

When choosing vanity fixtures, first assess how much light you need. Bathrooms without natural light from a window are likely to need more or brighter vanity lights. In most cases, a vanity fixture alone can't provide enough overall light for an entire bathroom. They are best used in conjunction with recessed or other overhead lighting.

Next, consider what size of fixture will look best in your space. When buying a bar-style or multiple-light fixture, a good rule of thumb is to pick one that's no wider than the vanity cabinet (it is OK, however, if the fixture is wider than the mirror). Long vanities might require multiple fixtures, and double sinks look best with a separate fixture over each. Sconces can be hung on both sides of a mirror if there isn't room above for a light. Or, they can be paired with bar fixtures to provide more light and prevent shadows on the sides of your face.

The vanity fixture you purchase should also coordinate with the decorating style of the bathroom or adjoining rooms. Select a finish that coordinates with other fixtures in the home. Popular choices include chrome, brushed nickel, antique brass, and oil-rubbed bronze.

When it comes to providing proper lighting, a fixture is only as good as the bulbs you use. A very bright light first thing in the morning can shock the system. Choose lower-wattage bulbs to prevent the glare of harsh light; dimmer switches can also be used to help control brightness. For the most flattering light, choose coated or frosted bulbs and select fixtures with frosted-glass covers rather than bare bulbs.

Whatever vanity fixture you choose, be sure it is designed for use in the bathroom. This will ensure it is waterproof and safe for the space.

From Kathy Barnes ... Better Homes and Gardens 

 

 

 

This Blog brought to you by: House Smart Home Improvements -

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. We do it the job right. 604-585-2020

Do I Need a Bathroom Fan?

Posted by Sound Marketing on behalf of House Smart Home Improvements

Bathroom Exhaust Fans are Hugely Important....

When you have a hot shower or bath this generates large amounts of excess steam and moisture, generally you will notice the mirror fogging up straight away! This steam and moisture will also collect on the walls and ceiling. If there is no means of this excess moisture escaping you will most certainly experience a build up of mold and mildew, which will have adverse effects on your bathroom, both visually and potentially structurally. Moisture will swell and rot wood, peel paint and wallpaper from your walls and slowly deteriorate plaster or wallboard. It will get behind tiles and begin to loosen them – basically inadequate ventilation spells the beginning of the end for your nice shiny bathroom!

Can't I just Open a Window to Ventilate my Bathroom?

 No for a couple of reasons: firstly a open window will not provide the same level of air circulation as an exhaust fan. Secondly, its not always convenient to have a window open in the bathroom! You will be glad you have your exhaust fan on those cold winter mornings for example, or even on those rainy days! Not to mention the privacy issues (not ideal in a bathroom). By mechanically pulling air from the bathroom you will noticeably reduce the humidity level, therefore alleviating all of the problems mentioned in the above paragraph.

 

 

 

How to Pick the Appropriate Exhaust Fan:

 The primary concern is to ensure the fan is appropriately sized for your room. A tiny little toilet will require a much smaller capacity fan than a multi cubicle bathroom for example. The basic steps required in picking out the correct exhaust fan are:

• Determine what variant of exhaust is required and how it will be mounted (eg wall, ceiling, window etc)
  Calculate the area being exhausted in meters (Length x Width x Height). This will give you a figure in m3 (cubic meters).
• Multiply this with the number of air-changes required (8 for a subfloor/meeting area, 13-15 for a bathroom/toilet, 15+ for smoke exhaust). If you like to have long, hot showers or are concerned about steaming up the bathroom then please use a figure of 20 – 30 air changes per hour.
• Determine whether to duct directly into the roof space, duct out through the roof or through a wall/eve. Most exhaust fans are ductable and in an ideal world you would have all exhausted air going straight outside via an external wall vent or roof cowl for example.

Need a Bathroom Fan Professionally Installed?

Call the Friendly Professionals at House Smart Home Improvements Today at 604- 585-2020

 

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. We do it the job right. 604-585-2020