August 2nd, 2007
11:51 pm by Sandra F
Green appliances? There are no true green appliances. The idea that an appliances can be green or environmentally friendly is something of an oxymoron in my opinion. Appliances use electricity by definition. Using electricity is linked to the consumption of non-renewable resources and fossil fuels which is linked to the production of carbon dioxide or “greenhouse gas emissions”. So there are no true green appliances.
But what’s the alternative? Some (like the couple in A Year without Toilet Paper) have very admirably tried living a no ecological impact lifestyle. It’s a huge lifestyle change and even they haven’t been able to go without light bulbs and a stove. Most of us aren’t quite ready for that extreme just yet. So we turn to technology to produce appliances that allow us to maintain our lifestyles but with less of an impact on the planet. Long live green appliances (and toilet paper).
So what’s makes a green appliance, well, green?
- energy efficiency
- water efficiency
- recyclable components
The subject of green appliances is huge so I’ll only be covering energy efficiency in this article.
Energy Star - the universal symbol for energy efficient appliances
When buying a new appliance, look for the Energy Star label. The Energy Star program was introduced in 1992 by the US Environmental Protection Agency, as a way to promote energy efficient, environmentally friendly products and practices. Appliances that earn the Energy Star label have to meet and exceed stringent standards for energy efficiency.
Over time, the program has paid off in huge savings - both to consumers and to the environment.
In 2006, Americans saved $14 billion in utility bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 25 million cars by participating in Energy Star program. Put another way, if just one in 10 homes used an Energy Star appliance the environmental impact would be the same as planting 1.7 million new acres of trees (source: US Energy Star stats). Buying energy efficient appliances can and does make a huge difference to the environment.
Here is some info on the energy savings associated with the different types of Energy Star appliances.
Washing Machines
An Energy Star qualified washing machine uses 50% less energy than a standard washing machine. They also typically use less water and extract more water during the spin cycle to cut drying time and save wear and tear on your clothes.
Dehumidifiers
Buying an Energy Star rated dehumidifier will save 10-20% in energy costs over non-rated model.
Dishwashers
An Energy Star qualified dishwasher uses at least 41% less energy than the minimum standard. Like washing machines, they typically also use less water and less hot water in particular.
Refrigerators & Freezers
Energy Star rated refrigerators use 15% less energy than current standards and 40% less energy than similar models made in 2001. Freezers use 10-20% less energy, depending on design. The energy savings come from improved compressor technology, better insulation, and better thermostat control.
Room Air Conditioners
Energy Star rated air conditioners use at least 10% less energy than conventional models.
What about clothes dryers?
Some appliances don’t qualify for Energy Star like clothes dryers (they’re energy hogs) but you should still choose a more energy efficient model where you can.
Green appliances: the bottom line
Technological advances cost money so chances are green appliances will cost you more … but will save you money in operating costs (energy bills) over the life of the appliance, more than enough to make up for the initial cost.
Even better, you can sometimes get a rebate on your Energy Star purchase. Check out this page for rebates and incentives for Energy Star products available across Canada. Or you can search for special offers and rebates in the USA here.
All while helping to protect the environment. For more info, check out below.
Energy Star in the USA: http://www.energystar.gov/
Energy Star in Canada: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar/english/consumers/index.cfm
July 23rd, 2007
11:27 am by Sandra F
Which remodeling projects translate into higher resale values and give you a good return on your investment? 2 new news videos answer the question.
KSTP Video: Good Home Remodeling Investments
The most profitable home renovations are:
- Kitchen remodel - 73%
- Bathroom remodel - 73%
- A 2 story home addition - 73%
- Siding replacement - 81%
KSTP Video: Bad Home Remodeling Investments
The losers:
- Master Bedroom suite remodel - 62%
- Sunroom - 60%
- Home Office - 55%
Payback stats quoted in the videos are from the National Association of Realtors.
July 22nd, 2007
6:02 pm by Sandra F
Concrete vs. asphalt? For a no maintenance driveway with long life, the answer seems to be concrete.
An asphalt driveway is probably more attractive when brand new than concrete, but over its entire life, concrete wins out.
Also, there basically is no regular maintenance required for a concrete driveway. When a concrete driveway deteriorates from cracking or crumbling, it is generally caused by improper installation.
For the full explanation read For driveways, concrete is king from Ms. Builder.
July 14th, 2007
10:54 am by Sandra F
Do you want a more attractive kitchen? Do you go to the trouble of window shopping for a new kitchen, collecting numerous samples & brochures, but never seem to quite “get there”? Here is some insight into your potential “procrastination”:
“I don’t think you are describing procrastination so much as a form of paralysis caused by fear of making the wrong decisions,” says David Gray, owner of Kitchen Cabinet Expo in Rancho Cordova.
“A kitchen remodel is a major undertaking. When you consider all the choices, time, effort and money involved, it is not hard to understand why many people feel overwhelmed. I think the solution is to find the right professionals you can trust to listen to your needs and help you make the right choices, provide a good experience and do a good job,” he says.
Find more insights and answers to your remodeling jitters at the Sacramento Bee.
July 11th, 2007
12:05 pm by Sandra F
Who wants to admit their front door is an eyesore and the “ugliest door in America”? Quite a few people actually, which shouldn’t be surprising as the warts ‘n’ all reality makeover is now a staple of the home improvement industry. Therma-Tru Doors has just announced the winners of their Third Annual Ugliest Door in America Contest.
The grand prize winner is shown left, selected from over 200 entrants. To enter homeowners had to submit 2 photos and an essay explaining why their front door deserves to be named as the Ugliest Door in America; “worst in show” wins.
Judging was done by a team of 6 home improvement industry professionals including consultants from HGTV, Qualified Remodeler, the “On The House” radio show, and Home magazine.
The 2 winners will each receive a $3000 - $5000 front door makeover.
To see the winners and later the makeover results, visit www.myuglydoor.com.
July 9th, 2007
9:04 am by Sandra F
Eubiq (”electricity ubiquitous”) brings you something unique for your home: the movable electrical power outlet. Meet the Eubiq Power Track System, a sleek, elegantly designed electrical power outlet alternative that lets you “add, remove and reposition power outlets anytime anywhere - by just a simple twist”.
The Eubiq Power System gives you more convenience, flexibility, and choice. It eliminates the need for snaking electrical extension cords and having to move furniture to get to electrical power outlets. The system is available as 110V or 230V and in 2 prong, 3 prong or high capacity electrical outlets versions.
The electrical outlets (”power points”) are mounted on a track as shown above and right. Power points can be positioned anywhere on the track. You simply twist and pull to remove and push / twist to insert elsewhere. Power points are independent of each other. You can also add extra power points to an existing track. Special adapters are needed to actually plug in; adapters are available for Britain, Germany, India, Australia and Japan. The product will be available in North America once it gets UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approval later this year.
The Eubiq Power System is child safe. The track is designed to prevent the electrical parts from being touched. Stick your finger in, nothing happens. The power points have a “patented Grounded Sentry Shutter system that prevents users from touching the live wire parts”. The system has received ASTA BEAB Safety and Quality Product Certification in the UK as well as KTL Safety and Quality Product Certification; more safety certifications are sure to follow.
The Eubiq Power Track System will be available in various lengths and should retail for about $30 / ft. Each track system comes with 3 power points or electrical outlets.
Props: Sci Fi Tech Blog via Cool Gadgets.
Check out the Eubiq demo & website for more information. All photos are from Eubiq’s website.
July 3rd, 2007
10:18 pm by Sandra F
Looking for a showcase of real remodeling jobs with real budgets & real results (as opposed to those unlimited budget jobs we see on home and garden TV)? Reflecting current trends? With beautiful workmanship? In your area? Look no further than the Chrysalis Awards, a website dedicating to celebrating “the finest remodeling projects in the United States”. The awards for 2006 were just presented at the Southern Building Show.
The judges are editors and publishers from the Home & Garden industry: Better Homes & Gardens, Woman’s Day’s Home Remodeling & Makeovers, Southern Living Magazine and Sunset Magazine.
The judging criteria?
The projects are judged on design, use of materials, use of space and integration into the existing space. What makes these projects so relevant to you is that these judges apply their training to select project they want the public to see…just as they would do in their publications.
This makes it a little different from other industry awards which are typically awarded by trade associations. It’s very consumer oriented and attuned to what homeowners want to see.
Browse the Chrysalis Awards award winners index to find top renovators & remodelers (and design ideas) in your area.
Or check out our hire a home improvement contractor blog to see photos from award winners in the northeastern states.
Source: Qualified Remodeler via Kitchen & Bath Business.
June 28th, 2007
10:21 am by Sandra F
The Broan Humidity Sensing Fan is a home improvement innovation (and Hanley Wood Most Valuable Product and AHR Expo 2007 award winner) that can help protect your bathroom from mildew and mold. The fan can be configured to turn on automatically at preset humidity levels, reducing the opportunity for mold and mildew to grow. The fan’s auto shut off feature also helps save power and money. Hands free operation.
Details: Broan Humidity Sensing Fan Model QTXE110S product information.
June 25th, 2007
3:35 pm by Sandra F
Have a home theatre room that needs soundproofing? Want more privacy for (or from) mancave powertool experiments? Have kids with rock’n'roll dreams you can’t wait for them to outgrow? You can have it all and your peace and quiet too. The answer lies in using soundproof drywall where needed in your home.
Traditional soundproofing methods have been labor-intensive, lengthy processes requiring specialized knowledge. Soundproof drywall, such as QuietSolution’s QR-525 product is a significant leap forward in ease of use both for DIYers and home improvement / construction professionals. The benefits …
Ease of Use with Low Cost
QuietSolution soundproof drywall is “score, snap and hang” - no special training, tools or equipment required to install. Accessible for DIYers, an efficiency gain for professionals.
High Performance
A single layer of QuietRock QR-525 offers the same sound protection as 8 layers of standard drywall with a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of up to 72. QuietRock’s patented technology uses 3 layers of viscoelastic, ceramic and gypsum material but still manages to be “eco friendly” and fire-rated.
An Award Winner …
I’m thinking along the lines of QuietRock QR-525 soundproof drywall - a Hanley Wood Most Valuable Product award winner.
“Each of these products will make a strong impact on the way builders and remodelers do their job,” says Jean Dimeo, Editorial Director, ebuild and BUILDING PRODUCTS. “From improving efficiency to cost-savings, the winning products represent the best new products to enter the housing industry over the previous year.”
With High Profile Press
QuietSolution soundproof drywall has been featured on Holmes on Homes (video snip from QuietSolution website), the CBS Early Show, and HGTV’s I Want That.
Check it out. See complete QuietRock drywall product specs & information on the QR website.
June 21st, 2007
9:21 am by Sandra F
Metal roofs absorb 34% less heat than traditional asphalt shingles, according to a 1985 Florida Solar Energy Center study. This can translate into significant energy savings.
Most metal roofs reflect away more of the sun’s heat than do asphalt shingle roofs. This keeps the roofing materials cooler so less heat is radiated down through the ceilings to the living area. Also, the underside of the metal surface has lower emissivity than shingles, so even less heat radiates down to the ceiling below.
The final energy advantage is the metal is relatively thin and has a contour stamped into it to simulate other styles of shingles. This contour creates an air gap between most of the roofing and the roof sheathing below it. With a sloped roof, outdoor air naturally circulates up under the metal roof to keep it cooler.
- kansas.com
A metal roof may cost more initially but pays back in the long run even without the tax credit ( Metal roofs qualify for a $500 energy tax credit - use IRS form 5695).
Other benefits of a metal roof:
- long life / durability
- low maintenance
- fire retardant
- green benefit: can contain recycled material
- green benefit: can be installed over existing an existing roof, eliminating the need for your existing roof to go to a landfill
For more info read:
