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

Heat Pump Rebate from BC Hydro - 800 Dollars

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

HEAT PUMP REBATE

House Smart Home Improvements is keeping you on top of the rebates and incentives available to you, to help you save money on home upgrades for energy efficiency.

Right now, BC Hydro is offering a rebate of $800 on select ductless air-source heat pumps, and House Smart Home Improvements is your licensed contractor for a professional installation of a new heat pump in your home.

If you’re looking to upgrade your electric heating system, a heat pump can be more efficient than a traditional electric furnace or baseboard heater. Unlike other heating and cooling systems, which convert fuel or electricity directly into heat, a heat pump moves heat from one place to another, in the same way as an air conditioner. In fact, a heat pump can be used as an air conditioner in summer.

In Addition, You May Also Qualify for an Extra $750 When Making three or more upgrades to your home. 

House Smart Home Improvements can show you how to apply for your $800 heat pump rebate, and/or show you how you can qualify for your $750 upgrades rebate, during your free in-home visit from one of our friendly qualified professionals.

Important deadlines

• Eligible upgrades must be installed between April 22, 2014 and March 31, 2016
• Post-upgrade home energy audit must be completed by March 31, 2016
• Applications must be received by April 30, 2016

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 Does a Heat Pump Work?

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Why is a Heat Pump a Good Idea?

If you're looking for ways to cut your heating bill, consider that heating and cooling account for about half of your home energy use. Also, the easiest way to take a bite out of that part of your bill is with an energy-efficient heat pump.

A heat pump is the most efficient heating machine on the market. For every dollar of electricity you put into a heat pump, you get back $2 to $4 of heat. That's energy efficiency! Plus, a heat pump also acts as a central air conditioner in summer, giving you year-round comfort.

How much do heat pumps really save?

That varies by family, of course, but if you are using an electric furnace, you should be able to save between one-half and one-third on your heating costs. You could switch to another fuel and lower your heating costs; however, you would not have the comfort of air conditioning during summer months.

How does a heat pump work?

Instead of making heat, a heat pump extracts it from the outside. Your refrigerator is a good example of a one-way heat pump. It removes heat from the air inside the refrigerator and moves it to the coils on the outside (back or bottom) of the refrigerator.

Have you ever felt the warm air that blows out from under your refrigerator when it's running? A heat pump uses this same principle-extracting heat from the air and moving it to where it's needed.

An air-to-air heat pump extracts heat from outside air. And amazingly, even in winter the air holds heat, even when the outside temperature gets down to zero degrees F.

A ground-source heat pump removes heat from the ground, which stays about 55 degrees F year-round. Loops of flexible pipe are buried in trenches four to six feet underground. The pipe is filled with a liquid that absorbs heat from the ground and transfers it inside.

Ground-source heat pumps typically cost more to install than air-to-air heat pumps, but they are the most efficient heating choice because of their heat source-the earth itself. But ground-source heat pumps make the most sense to use in colder temperature areas.

Air source heat pumps increase energy efficiency in areas where the winter low temperatures rarely drop below -18C, such as the lower mainland of British Columbia.

Are Heat Pumps Really That Efficient?

Since a heat pump only moves heat from the outdoors into your home, rather than creating heat by burning a fuel, it can operate at efficiencies of over 100%. A typical heat pump we install is rated at about 400% efficiency at 8oC. This means that about 4 watts of heat are created for every watt of electricity it consumes, and this can mean big savings on utility bills. BC Hydro estimated that a heat pump will reduce heating costs by 57% when upgrading from a standard efficiency (65%) furnace.

 

If I buy a heat pump, do I still need an air conditioner?

No! One of the biggest advantages to a heat pump is that it becomes an air conditioner in summer. Instead of moving the heat inside, it reverses operation and collects the heat from inside the house and moves it outside. All you need to do is change the settings on your thermostat.

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: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

Protect Yourself from Burglars While Away

written and posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Home burglaries happen most during July and August, not surprisingly the same months as people pack up and go on holidays. Here is a handy guide for protecting your home and belongings while you are away.

1) Set timers on interior lights: You want to appear at all costs as if you are home...and setting interior lights to come on at certain times in the evening will go a long way in creating this impression. You may also want to program outdoor lighting to come on at certain intervals.

2) Forget facebook: Never let friends on Facebook or Twitter know you are away by posting pictures and information about your whereabouts.You really can't be 100% sure that it is only your friends who see this. Best not to leave any possible way that your being away can leak out to the wrong person.

3) Lock away valuables: Do you have a safety deposit box? or even a safe with a combination lock at home? These are the places to put your valuables such as jewlery, and important documents.

4) Set your thermostat: Programmable thermostats are perfect for automatically adjusting your heat and air conditioning while you are away. 

5) Insulate your pipes: Do you live in a really cold area? You should consider insulating your pipes to ensure they don't freeze while you are away. You will want to make sure you set your thermostat to 55 degrees or higher.

6) Turn on the sound: Connect an old, analog type television or radio (modern, electronic ones come on in standby mode -- not in playing mode), or burglar deterrent CD recordings with a schedule-able player with timers.

7) Arrange for pickup: Have a trusted neighbor or relative/ friend close by? Have them pick up your mail, and keep an eye on your house from time to time.

8) Arrange for yard work to be done: This could be as easy as a neighbor's son that you pay to mow and water your lawn and plants, and trim your yard while away.

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: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

Downsizing Creates Freedom from 'Stuff'

written and posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Thinking of Downsizing?

 Moving into a more affordable space,... or just feeling the need for having less 'stuff'? You might be asking yourself, do I own this stuff or does it own me? Where did it all come from and why did I think I needed it?
Or maybe you have grown very attached to things and have a hard time thinking of letting them go. Even as you feel strongly that it is time to re-create your space to have it make more sense for your world today, letting go of stuff is sometimes not easy and not just because of the work involved.

Here are some tips to get you going:

1) MENTALLY PREPARE

 

Getting rid of things can be an emotional endeavor. But try to ponder the freedom you will have when you don't have to continuously dust, organize, and move around your stuff. You will have more room for what you really use, wear and need. You will be able to put your hand on what you want without constantly looking for it amongst the stuff you don't really use. Yes freedom! You might find as you begin to purge, that you have more than one of the same things. You bought it again because you couldn't find the first one!

2) TAKE PICS AND POST THEM

Start by taking pictures of 
things in your home that you feel most comfortable parting with. Put ads in places like Craigslist to entice people that may be searching for those specific items. 

3) HAVE A MOVING SALE

Post information about your sale on line and include pictures of various items you have for sale in your ad to entice the public. Put out what you know you won't regret selling at first. If you don't mind people coming into your house, it can be a lot easier than having to put it outside and drag it in again for your next sale.

4) KICK IT TO THE CURB, OR GET A FREE PICK UP

Have a good will organization like Big Brothers pick up at your house a few days after your sale, so you can start giving away stuff that doesn't seem to interest anyone, like clothes you no longer wear, or grandma's fur coat.
Or just anything you would like to donate. Remember - 'Freedom'! If you live in Canada, there are bins you can put books into at places like the Superstore. 

5) REPEAT STEPS 2, 3, AND 4 IN A WEEK OR SO

This gives you more time to clean out more spaces, and get more brave at letting go of collectable things. Try to sell your most precious things, if you have to let them go, out of the advertising on craigslist etc. That way, you may receive more money for those items, as you will attract buyers who are actually in the market for those particular items.

6) ONE ROOM AT A TIME

Start working on one room at a time, with the goal to be clutter free. Think of if you were going to rent out your property, as a vacation home. How would it look if it were really to attract others? Give each room the most spacious feeling possible. Now that you are clutter free, maybe it is time to paint or redo the cabinets or floors. 

7) WHAT TO DO WITH ANY REMAINDERS

If you have some precious  items that didn't sell, you may want to consider consignment at some second hand or antique stores.

Good luck! Remember, the real beauty is outside in nature. Get out and enjoy it.

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: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

Organize Your Small Space and Put it to Good Use

Here We Have Some Great Visuals that might Inspire You!

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

 

A small organized bedroom keeps a child's room clean and simple.

Taking advantage of the bright yarn and other craft supplies this great room makes the storage art.

How clever! I love this closet turned into a kid's office.

 

 

 

 

Sophisticated storage. It's open and there's a lot on those shelves but it looks great.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out all the wall organization in this sophisticated townhouse.

Nicely labeled boxes  with adequate shelving improve the functionality of this small space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Do I Prune?

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Summer-Blooming Trees and Shrubs 

Plants that bloom in summer, such as potentilla, butterfly bush, and crape myrtle, produce their flowers on new growth from the current season. Prune them in winter while they're dormant, or in early spring just before they push out their new growth. You can even cut them all the way to the ground in late winter, and they'll still bloom that same summer.
Test Garden Tip: Save time by using a pole pruner with a rotating head to remove stems all the way to the base of the plant. That way, you don't have to bend over for each cut, saving not only time, but also wear and tear on your back!

Shrubs Without Showy Blooms

Cut back shrubs grown primarily for their foliage, such as barberry and burning bush, almost anytime except in late autumn. New growth that starts after late-season pruning won't harden off properly before winter. If you want to do major pruning, it's best to cut the shrub back when it is dormant in winter.

Clipped Hedges

Shrubs such as boxwood and privet are often sheared to form a hedge. To maintain a solid wall of green, shear the new growth frequently during the early part of the growing season. Keep the top narrower than the base so that the upper branches don't shade the lower ones. Stop shearing the hedge approximately six weeks before your area's average first frost.
Test Garden Tip: If you're growing a privacy hedge, reduce the amount of pruning maintenance needed by selecting shrubs that grow only as tall and wide as necessary to provide screening. Allow them to grow into their natural form, and little, if any, pruning will be required.

Deciduous Shade Trees

Prune shade trees such as oak, linden, and ash when they are dormant in winter. It's easiest to see the branching structure at this time of year, and you're less likely to spread diseases through the pruning wounds. As with non blooming shrubs, avoid pruning them late in summer.
Test Garden Tip: Trees that produce a heavy sap flow when pruned in winter -- maples, birches, elms, and dogwoods -- are known as "bleeders." The sap flow may be unsightly, but it doesn't harm the tree. To avoid the bleeding, you can wait until the leaves have fully expanded in summer.

 

 

 

 

 

Deciduous Fruit Trees

Apples (including crab apples), peaches, pears, plums, and cherries should be pruned in midwinter. Although winter pruning removes some of their flower buds, the goal in pruning fruit trees is to open up the tree to allow in more light for a better crop of fruit, rather than to get maximum bloom.
Dormant pruning is especially important for apples, pears, and crab apples because pruning wounds during the growing season expose the trees to a bacterial disease called fireblight.
Test Garden Tip: To control the spread of diseases while pruning, dip your pruning shears in rubbing alcohol or a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.

Broadleaf Evergreens

Most broadleaf evergreens, including holly, mahonia, and some types of magnolias, need little pruning. The best time to prune them is in early spring, just before they put on their growth spurt. You can do minor shaping and pruning at other times of year, too.
Test Garden Tip: Save on holiday decorations by snipping a few branches for winter holiday greenery.

Needle-Leaf Evergreens

Most trees and shrubs with needle like or scale like foliage (spruce, juniper, cypress, arborvitae, fir, yew, Douglas fir, and false cypress) are best pruned early in the growing season.
Avoid cutting back into wood that has no green needles; it may not sprout new growth. As with broad leaf evergreens, you can trim a few branch tips in midwinter to take some greenery indoors.

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: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6