5 Easy Ways for Homeowners to Reduce Their Energy Consumption

Once you've grown up, gotten your own place, and started paying the utility bills, you'll finally understand why your parents were always yelling at you to turn off the lights when you left a room and put on a sweater rather than bumping up the thermostat to produce more heat. Energy can be an expensive commodity, especially when you fail to pay attention to how much you're using (and wasting, for that matter). Plus, most energy creation still entails some amount of pollution and waste in the process. So if you're looking to do your part for the environment while simultaneously finding ways to reduce your monthly energy bill, here are just a few easy ways for homeowners like yourself to engage in energy conservation.

image:energy.gov

The best place to start is by taking a page from your parents' playbook - turn off electronics when they're not in use. If you leave a room, turn off the lights and the television. If you're done using your computer, don't just leave it idling; set it to hibernate or power it down completely. And program your thermostat to decrease demand by 10-15 degrees during long absences like the eight hours a day you spend at work, for example. You can even plug electronics into power strips that feature on/off switches so that you can put a stop to the phantom drain that occurs even when your electronic devices are powered down. These easy options may save you a little or a lot, but they're only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to reducing energy consumption.

Another great option is to start using energy-efficient products like those recommended by EnergyStar.gov. By spending just a little more on CFL bulbs, you can enjoy the long-term savings that come from a product that uses a third of the energy of incandescent bulbs and last ten times as long. It also fits in a standard socket so you won't have to upgrade your fixtures. And when it's time to replace your fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer, water heater, furnace and AC unit, or any other appliances in your home, go the extra mile to seek out products that bear the Energy Star label, certifying excellence where efficiency is concerned. You'll cut your consumption and your monthly utility bills in the process (some also conserve water).

Of course, you can take your efforts to the next level with a home energy audit. By hiring a professional technician to conduct an inspection and tests in your structure you can find areas of waste that include leaks and poor insulation, giving you the information you need to make your home more airtight and energy efficient. Just make sure you know how to fix poor indoor air quality that may result; any time you increase airtightness you might need to address ventilation issues, as well. There is no shortage of ways to reduce energy consumption on the home front, and new ones are popping up every day. So start by becoming aware of energy waste in your structure, as well as the steps you can take to reverse it. From there you can select the easy, effective, and efficient options that suit your home and your lifestyle.

5 Dust Allergy Management Tips for Homeowners

Dealing with dust can be a big problem, because dust is often composed of a number of other particles that can pollute the air inside your home. Dust can also cause your allergy symptoms to go off the charts. Dust is especially troublesome in the summer - when the heat causes things like dirt to go airborne and float throughout your home. But dirt is only one part of dust - it can also include pet dander, car exhaust, pollen, and even dead skin. What happens is that the dust floats through the air and then settles in your home - in your ductwork, floors and even on your bed. Dust activates your mucous membranes and you may start experiencing a runny nose, itchy and irritated eyes and coughing. Luckily, there are a lot of tips for dealing with dust. Here are five dust allergy management tips for homeowners.

image:en.wikipedia.org

 1.  Make sure that your home is cleaned and vacuumed. When it comes to dust, one of the most effective ways to remove visible particles is to vacuum and to remove clutter. Keeping your home tidy will also prevent dust, because the particles have a tendency to settle on items that haven't moved in a long time. So, be sure to throw out old items, clean your carpets and vacuum on a regular basis.

2.  Make sure to use a duster to get rid of hard to reach dust. If you have molding in your home or if you have stationary appliances that are out of reach, there is a good chance that there are a few layers of dust building up on these items. So, it is important to use a duster to remove these layers. When using a duster, make sure to use a facemask, because the dust could activate your allergy symptoms while you are cleaning.

3.   Make sure to use an air filter. Air filters and air purifiers can do a great job when it comes to removing dust and dander in the air. An air purifier uses a filter that captures the dust particles in the air - the air goes inside the unit and comes out clean through the vent. If you have a particularly pervasive issue with mold, you may want to install a whole-home air purifier.

4.  Make sure that you let the sunshine in. Dust also includes mold and mildew particles, which are live and ready to spread. So, it is important to let unfiltered sunshine throughout your home - sunshine has UV rays that will kill these mold and mildew particles. If you live next to a major thoroughfare, you may not want to leave your windows wide open, but you do want to leave the blinds open during the day.

5.  Make sure that you get your ductwork cleaned. It is also critical that you have your HVAC ductwork cleaned on an annual to bi-annual basis. Dust can build up in your ductwork - when you turn on your air conditioner or heater, it tends to spread throughout your home. So, be sure to have your ductwork professionally cleaned - you don't want to damage your ductwork or injure yourself by doing it yourself.

Melbourne Builders Share Tips for People Attempting A DIY Home Renovation

There are so many tutorials on how to effectively carry out a home renovation project these days, and a lot of people are encouraged to try the DIY route for home improvements and repairs because of how easy these tutorials make the process seem. If you’re one of these people considering a do-it-yourself home renovation, you must understand that the project will spring upon you some confusing situations that have never been featured in any of the tutorials you’ve seen on YouTube or those popular reality TV home makeover shows.

But if, despite these, you’re still sure that it’s the best option for you because of your budget considerations and whatnot, just be sure to take on the project well-informed. To help you get started the right way, here are some tips from trusted Melbourne builders that you can use for quality building solutions.

1. Don’t forget you live “here.” You need to make physical adjustments to still accommodate your home activities. If work will be done in the kitchen, for example, designate an alternative location for cooking as well as a place to temporarily move the stove, fridge and other kitchen essentials to.

2. Melbourne home renovations professionals also advise conducting adequate research to really save money. Visit hardware stores and online suppliers so you can prepare your budget well and identify how you can get more for what you’ll pay for. Also, in doing your homework, you can avoid any hidden costs and then decide on which items you might want to splurge on.

3.   Always listen to your inspector. They will not only help you secure the permits you need for the project but they can also help ensure that your project will be completed in the safest manner.

4.   For paint jobs, follow this process: prep properly (create a smooth dry wall), choose a paint finish (flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or high gloss), then select a colour.

5.   Set a time-table for the project to be completed but always expect delays. Like what was mentioned earlier, a DIY project can spring upon you some situations that you may not be prepared for; just adapt and don’t worry too much about extending another day or a couple more days for completion.

6. Identify some aspects of the project that are best done by professionals. Yes, it’s a DIY effort, but the idea here is you can avoid duplicate efforts and double expenses if you hire the professionals who are thoroughly knowledgeable and experienced in carrying out such tasks.

7.   Keep records and all copies of your permits and receipts. In doing this, you can find that specific tile design or paint colour you’ll need for future fixes, and have documentation for tax purposes.

About the author: Kenneth Lawrence is a homeowner. He loves to write anything about home improvement. He likewise shares some DIY home improvement tips. He continuously learns about the home improvement industry by reading books and visiting relevant sites like http://www.legionbuilding.com.au/. He shares what he learned through blogging.  

Unfinished Living Room

image:evolt.com

Something that has not been completed is not always bad. How about something that has not been completed can be better even beautifies your home? Yes, from many home designs, one of those is a home design with unfinished style.

Homes with unfinished interior design style like this are deliberately made as if there are some elements that have not been completed. One of the elements of the home that may be designed in the unfinished style is the wall of living room which left only whitewashed cement.

This design can eliminate the formal impression and give the relaxed impression since  living room is supposed to be designed as relaxed as possible; it may give you a place to eliminate the fatigue and chat with all members of your family.

However, to avoid this kind of room looks monotonous; you may put freshener elements such as green plants and mix colors on the interior of the unfinished living room. In addition, to keep away from dark and cluttered appearance, then the unfinished style living room can be made to widen and put stuff inside as little as possible. Another thing that you can get from this home design style is the room will feel cooler.