Ready for Spring? 7 Small Household Tasks Make Big Impact

1) CHANGE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR BULBS

BC Hydro says that if the average household replaced all its incandescent bulbs with CFLs, it would save 830 kWh a year, which comes to around $60. BC Hydro's CFL Fact Sheet says that replacing one incandescent bulb with a CFL will save $52 in electricity over the life of the bulb. BC Hydro says that 80% of British Columbians are already realizing 600 gigawatt hours of electricity savings per year, the equivalent energy consumption of more than 50,000 homes.

2) PRUNE AND MULTCH

Prune dead branches, trim back overgrown shrubbery and remove any obstructive plantings. Spread musch or bark around trees, shrubs, and flowers for a weed-free, well kept look.

3) CLEAR GUTTERS

This can save you a lot of money on repair costs. Inspect your downspouts and gutters just before the spring rains start to be sure they are clear of leaves, tree limbs and other debris that might cause problems later on. Clogging usually occurs at the elbow in a drainage system, where the downspout connects to the gutter. Since this elbow is relatively easy to remove, take it off and inspect for clogging.

4) BLOW OUT PILOT LIGHTS IN GAS FIREPLACES

This is a spring cleaning tip that will save you money! By blowing our the pilot lights in your gas fireplaces, you'll be saving money on your gas/electricity bills! My husband and I noticed a big difference in our bill amounts after we blew out the pilot lights. Plus,even if you aren't using the fireplace the pilot light still puts off a bit of heat, so save yourself some money and A/C by just blowing them out! They are easy to re-light in winter when you need them.

5) POWERWASH YOUR HOUSE, DECK AND DRIVEWAY

Winter can leave a lot of your home covered in gunk. Dirt, debris, mold, moss and who knows what else always seems to adhere itself to your deck, driveway, the outside of your gutters and even the siding of your house. Rent a powerwasher on a nice day and go to town on any place that could use a good wash down. The results will be stunning and an instant face lift! Take this time to wash your cars, too. Might as well!

6) PLANT FLOWERS AND SEASONALLY APPROPRIATE VEGETABLES AND HERBS

One of my favorite things about getting your home ready for spring is all of the beautiful flowers and foliage! Plant some seeds or store-bought blooms in pots inside and out or in flowerbeds for an instantly cheery look. If you love fresh veggies, fruits, and herbs, consider sowing some in planter boxes in your garden! Check the web for when to plant what and by the end of summer you'll be eating your very own homegrown salads!

7) GIVE YOUR DOOR SOME LOVE

Restore the luster of your door by polishing the hinges and knobs with polish. Paint or stain the door with a color that stands out, yet also compliments the trim and the siding. Put out a clean, new welcome mat - and make sure the doorbell works.
Need new house windows or doors? Give our professionals a call today. We serve Vancouver and all of the lower mainland, BC. 604-585-2020

Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 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 energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, 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    

Contact Us to Book Your Free In-Home – No Obligation- Consultation 604-585-2020

Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.

 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

Home Windows Replacements Vancouver BC Blog

4 Important Considerations when Thinking about Replacing your House Windows

1. Evaluate if it's time for replacement windows

How do you know when it is time to replace your windows?

Do your windows leak? Are there gaps between the window and sash or the sash and frame? Are they difficult to open or close? Have you noticed your energy bills going up, but not your energy rate? Do your windows feel exceptionally drafty? Is there condensation or mold between the panes of glass in your windows?If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you are paying far more for heating in your home than you need to. It is time to consider your energy efficient window options, like vinyl windows replacements from House Smart Home Improvements.

2. Choose the type of windows you want

Windows are one part of your home that can be seen from both the inside and outside. Therefore, they should complement the exterior architecture of your home as well as your interior décor. Some choices for window varieties include: double-hung, bay, bow, sliding and casement.
Choosing replacement windows that compliment your home is a great way to improve curb appeal and possibly add value to your home.

3. Choose Energy Star Vinyl Windows

Up to 70 percent of energy is lost through windows or doors, and 90 percent of that heat escapes through glass. If you feel your monthly utility bills are too high and it’s time for replacement windows, choose Energy Star Vinyl Windows. The Energy Star label ensures that you are getting the most energy efficient windows on the market today. Replacing old windows with Energy Star qualified windows drastically lowers household energy bills. They are an excellent long-term investment in comfort and value for your family and your home. 

4) Energy Star Windows are Low-E Windows

Since heat easily passes through clear glass, one way to reduce heat loss through the glass is to coat the window with a very thin, transparent layer.  This low-emissivity coating, called Low-E, reduces the amount of radiant heat and ultraviolet rays that pass through the window, resulting in a reduction in sun damage and fading to objects, and energy economy.  This Low-E coating is usually applied on the surface of one of the panes nearest the trapped air space.

A window coated with Low-E has the approximately the same insulating value as an uncoated triple glazed window; Low-E improves the value from R-2 to R-3 to R-4 depending on the coating type.

Low-E coatings are available in two types: northern or hard-coat, which maximizes solar heat gains and reduces heat loss at night, or southern or soft-coat, which reduces solar heat gain and heat loss at night.  House Smart Home Improvements is professionally qualified to assess and determine which type of Low-E window is best for your home.

Advantages
Low-E windows will return on their investment in a reasonably short period of time, as well as provide a reduction in energy bills for years.  There is increased personal comfort near windows, a reduction in the furniture and window treatment fading, and in mildew and deterioration of the window frame.

Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 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 energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, 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    

Contact Us to Book Your Free In-Home – No Obligation- Consultation 604-585-2020

Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.

 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

Carbon Footprints Shrink with Vinyl Windows by Energy Star

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Installing Energy-Star Vinyl House Windows can Significantly decrease your Carbon Footprint

What is a Carbon Footprint?

Your personal carbon footprint measures the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions caused by your activities. It includes CO2 emissions from such things as driving your car or flying in a plane, the manufacture and distribution of the products you buy, and turning on the lights in your home. A carbon footprint is usually measured in pounds or tons of CO2per year.

Home energy use accounts for about one-quarter of your carbon footprint, but this can vary depending on the kinds of energy sources available to power your home. ENERGY STAR calculates carbon savings for ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights based on the mix of fuels in a region and the estimated energy use for a typical home.

Save Money — and More. Choose ENERGY STAR Certified Products.

Installing ENERGY STAR certified vinyl windows, doors, and skylights lowers energy bills and saves you money. With more efficient windows, you also use less energy, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

By having  ENERGY STAR certified vinyl windows, doors, and skylights installed by professionals like House Smart Home Improvements, you can shrink energy bills — and carbon footprints — by an average of 12 percent nationwide, compared to non-certified products.

But  ENERGY STAR products do more than just lower energy bills — they deliver comfort that other products just can’t match.

PROTECTION FROM WINTER CHILLS

On cold winter nights, do you avoid seats near the window? The cold, inside surface of an inefficient window pulls heat away from your body, so you can feel chilly in a sweater with the thermostat at 70 degrees. With ENERGY STAR certified windows, the interior glass stays warmer, so you can enjoy your window seat even when the temperature outside dips well below freezing. Put an end to cold drafts and overheated spaces. ENERGY STAR certified vinyl windows, doors, and skylights keep your home’s temperature consistently comfortable. Even your loveseat right by the window can be cozy with ENERGY STAR.

SHIELDING FROM SUMMER HEAT

Do some of your rooms feel like a sauna in the summer? A standard double-pane window allows approximately 75 percent of the sun’s heat into your home. With ENERGY STAR certified vinyl windows you can stay cool all summer long. Most ENERGY STAR certified windows reduce the “heat gain” into your home more than typical windows do, without reducing the visible light. You get the light you need without the uncomfortable heat.

Protect Your Valuables

Drapes, wood floors, a favorite photograph: all these things can fade or discolor after repeated exposure to direct sunlight. Whether their value is monetary or sentimental, you want to protect your belongings from fading and discoloring.

ENERGY STAR certified vinyl windows have coatings that keep out the summer heat and act like sunscreen for your house, protecting your valuables from harmful, fading ultraviolet light without noticeably reducing visible light. These special coatings reduce fading by up to 75 percent.

source: https://www.energystar.gov/products/building_products/residential_windows_doors_and_skylights/benefits

Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 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 energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, 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    

Contact Us to Book Your Free In-Home – No Obligation- Consultation 604-585-2020

Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.

 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

How to Clean Your Windows the Environmentally Friendly Way

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Take care of  your new energy efficient vinyl windows from House Smart Home Improvements,
Use all natural cleaning solutions made easily from ingredients you have around the home.
Here is a simple recipe for an all natural cleaner:

GLASS CLEANER

Ingredients
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration)
• 1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil, which gives the solution a lovely smell (optional)

How to use: Combine ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Spray on a paper towel or soft cloth first, then on the glass. Hint: Don't clean windows on a hot, sunny day because the solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks.

    

Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 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 energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, 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    

Contact Us to Book Your Free In-Home – No Obligation- Consultation 604-585-2020

Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.

 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com

Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z66

Prevent More Heat from Escaping in Winter - Seal Exhaust Vents

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

EXHAUST VENTS ALLOW HEAT TO ESCAPE

Exterior vents, such as those for a clothes dryer or a whole-house fan, allow heated air to escape to the outdoors, while letting cold outside air in.

HOW TO SEAL EXHAUST VENTS:
Invest about $20 dollars in a dryer vent seal, which consists of an elbow pipe topped with a plastic cap and shuttle. When the dryer is in use, the floating shuttle beneath the hood rises to let warm air, lint, and moisture escape. When not in use, the shuttle drops down to seal the hole and prevent drafts.

 WHOLE HOUSE FAN INSULATION:

For a whole-house fan, construct a simple box-shaped cover out of rigid foam insulation (use foil-type duct tape for the seams) to enclose the fan during cold months, when it's not in use. From inside the house, fit the cover over the fan, and secure it to the frame with adhesive-backed Velcro strips.

Just remember to remove the cover before you switch on the fan come spring. This kind of DIY cover can also help insulate in-wall or window air-conditioning units that are left in year-round.



THE PAYOFF:

Vent sealing can prevent 4 percent of your home's heated air from escaping.

Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 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 energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, 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    

Contact Us to Book Your Free In-Home – No Obligation- Consultation 604-585-2020

Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.

 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

Why Vinyl House Windows? Vancouver BC

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Why Vinyl House Windows?

There are numerous advantages to vinyl windows, whether in a new home or as replacements in older homes. They are a popular and economical alternative to aluminum, wood, and fiberglass, because they are energy efficient, easy to install, and effortless to maintain.

Superb Insulation Qualities

One of the well-known advantages of windows made with vinyl is their superb degree of insulation. When compared with aluminum window frames, vinyl keeps in heat during winter but seals your rooms from heat during summer. Vinyl windows are made from a plastic called polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC. This material has a high R-value, which is a numerical way of assessing the amount of insulation a material provides.

Reduced Energy Costs

An advantageous side effect of quality insulation is reduced energy 
costs through heaters, air conditioners, and fans. Even if you spend money to replace your existing windows with vinyl, you can likely make up this cost in energy bills in a few years. When paired with double-paned glass, the costs could be significant. The windows are even recyclable for those who are concerned about the environmental impact of construction waste.
Breadth of selection and ease of installation constitute other advantages of vinyl windows. PVC can be molded and colored to any style for a personalized look, but windows also come in designs that appeal to many people. They are inexpensive to manufacture and install, since they fit into the existing spaces for your windows without changing your walls.

Style Style Style

Some vinyl window designs include shiny, matte, or faux wood-grain finishes. You can choose how many panes your windows have, how they open, the width of the sill or trim, and their locking mechanism. For people with particular tastes, vinyl windows offer the advantages of customized requests.

House Smart Home Improvements offers casement windows, double hung, awning, bay and bow, tilt and slide, and more.

Durability and Longevity

Amazingly, vinyl windows require practically no maintenance once installed. Their durable surfaces are already stained, finished, and sealed, so you never need to sand, paint, or touch them up. They resist dirt, stains, mold, scratches, and dents. The exterior casing won't fade or wear under ultraviolet sunlight. This means these windows will last far longer than aluminum or wood

Right Now Save $100 per Vinyl Energy Star Window Installed by House Smart Home Improvements. Call Us Now for Details:

604-585-2020

Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 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 energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, 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    

Contact Us to Book Your Free In-Home – No Obligation- Consultation 604-585-2020

Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.

 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

High Efficiency Furnace Installed by House Smart Home Improvements in Vancouver BC

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

 

Right Now receive a 96% High Efficiency Furnace installed by the professionals at House Smart Home Improvements
for only $3295  and start enjoying the benefits of lower heating bills and a more comfortably heated home. 

Call us Today for a free in-home consultation
604-585-2020

There is an expense to buying a new furnace, but one that can result not only in reduced operating costs, but also in long term savings. Energy-efficient equipment may even pay for itself in only a few years. In addition to the financial benefits, a new furnace installation can also make your home healthier and more comfortable.
House Smart Home Improvements is experienced in assessing the critical factors involved in upgrading your furnace. Considerations such as overall household performance, lifestyle, number of occupants, their age, the climate and insulation levels of the house, all impact furnace performance.
Right now you can improve the comfort of your home and save money with our efficient and courteous professionals.

Call Us Today for a Free In-Home Consultation: 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 energy efficient furnaces, vinyl siding or Hardie siding, 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    

Contact Us to Book Your Free In-Home – No Obligation- Consultation 604-585-2020

Areas of Service Include:

Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Delta, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, and more.

 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6