Mold Q&A: Understanding Mold In Your Home

Author: Maye Teasdale
Source: isnare.com

*How does mold enter a home?

Molds usually enter a home through spores that pass through open doorways, ventilation, windows, heating and air conditioning systems that have outdoor air intakes. The mold spores also attach themselves to humans, animals, shoes, clothing, bags and other objects that are capable of carrying spores.

When spores reach a place of moisture, especially those places where there is excessive moisture, they will attach and grow themselves. This will serve as their breeding ground. Molds usually grow in moisture rich places and those that are quite cold. The most common places where molds grow are in roofs, pipes, walls and plant pipes.

* How does mold grow?

Molds grow in different ways. Molds have tiny spores and these tiny spores have the capabilities of reproducing themselves through sexual and asexual reproduction. In sexual reproduction of mold, spores need another spore for them to reproduce. In asexual reproduction of mold, a single spore can reproduce by itself without requiring another spore.

Mold spores can reproduce themselves anywhere. They can grow and reproduce in soil, roof, and pots and even in air. Molds grow rapidly in places that have excessive moisture and have quite dim lightings.

* What kinds of health problems could there be if there is mold in my house?

Mold exposure may cause cold-like symptoms like watery eyes, sore throat, wheezing and dizziness. Allergic reaction to mold is common. It triggers asthma attacks. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs.

Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, potentially toxic substances that are dangerous to the human body.

* On what kinds of surfaces can mold grow?

Molds never choose the surface where to grow and breed; rather, they survive as long as a surface has excessive moisture. Moisture seeps through concrete walls and floors, wood and plastics and other materials that will cause dampness resulting in molds on walls, floors, carpeting and others.

The bathroom is the most susceptible place for mold growth because it is always damp. Soap scum, shower walls, ceramic tile and fiberglass are all possible surfaces for mold growth.

Basement and laundry rooms are also common for mold growth. The kitchen is also a possible site for mold.

There is no required surface for mold. Any surfaces are susceptible to mold growth if moisture is present.

* How can I reduce the humidity in my home?

Reducing the humidity at home can be done in many ways. There are simple ways that are effective in reducing the dampness at home which is the main reason of mold growth.

The following are three effective simple ways of reducing humidity at home.

• Remove standing water.
• Dry out your home.
• Remove wet materials.

And also insulate your home properly.

Home Improvement

Author: TEJ PAL
Source: isnare.com

Home improvement can be defined as modifying the existing structure of one’s home by making additions and making changes. Mostly a professional technician is recruited however, sometimes; the home improvements is done on a non-professional and an amateur basis by the homeowner.

As mentioned above, there are two ways of going about the process of home improvement. The first id the professional and the second is the do it your self (DIY) method. In the professional method you could hire a general contractor to be in charge of the whole home improvement project. On the other hand you could do away with the contractor and ‘do it yourself (DIY). You will need to hire the plumbers, electricians, roofers etc yourself.

There are endless types of work s in home improvements that you could do. To begin with the walls could be wall papered, or painted. Wood paneling can also be installed on it. New flooring, such as linoleum, hardwood flooring, and tiling can be installed. The kitchen and bathroom sink, cabinets, and pipes can be replaced with new ones. The electrical and plumbing systems could be upgraded. As also the heating and the air conditioning systems.

Similarly other home improvements projects that could be undertaken are the tearing and replacement of the roof, repairing the foundation and the chimney if required, waterproofing the basements etc. these are only a few of the home improvement projects mentioned here.

Home improvements are remodeling projects undertaken by homeowners to improve their home not only aesthetically or as living quarters but as an investment. They expect to get the returns on their investment when they sell their house. According to sources, home improvements, home improvements are a major investment exercise by American homeowners.

Home improvements projects are many. You can undertake the remodeling of any aspect of your house. Be it you kitchen, bathroom, or your whole house. Home improvement can be technically defined as changing the existing structure of a person’s house either using the same footprint or by making additions. There are two ways in which you can do home improvement. Mostly a professional contractor is hired for these purposes, however, sometimes; the homeowners themselves attempt smaller scale easy projects.

In the professional method, you recruit a general contractor, who is responsible for the whole project involving home improvement. On the other hand if you attempt to do it yourself (DIY) you will need to deal directly with the contractor and the technicians.

There a lot of home improvement you could do. For the walls, they could be papered or papered or wood paneled. The flooring could be made new by installing linoleum, hard wood and tiling… the kitchen fixtures and hard ware such as sinks, cabinets, and pipes can be replaced. If you have some electrical systems and pipes that have become outdated, it’s time to tick them off in your home improvement check list .you could work in a similar way with the other aspects of the home improvement such as the upgrading the air conditioning and heating systems.

Finding The Best Motor Homes For Sale

Author: Jo Williams
Source: isnare.com

There are some things you need to know before buying motor homes. Motor homes or motorized recreational vehicles (RVs) come in different classes. Two of those classes are usually confused with each other, those being class A and class C motor homes. It’s essential to look at the physical appearance of the motor home in order to determine whether it is class A or class C. Class A motor homes resemble a bus design with a flat or vertical front end and large windows while hand class C motor homes have a truck cab with an over-cab bed, in some ways resembling a camper.

Considered to be top of the line, Class A motor homes measure at about 24 feet or 7.3 meters and can be as long as 40 feet or 12 meters. Their weight can range between 15,000 to 30,000 pounds or 6,804 to 13, 608 kg; the undercarriage may be custom or a 3 to 10 ton truck chassis. Class A motor homes come with each of the luxury amenities you can fathom like a kitchen, a bathroom with shower and a tub, and sometimes a separate bedroom at the back depending o the floor plan of the truck. They also have heating and air conditioning, hot and cold running water, 100-125 volt electrical system, a dinette or living room area complete with couch and recliners, closets and an entertainment center. This is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, some of these motor homes can be more elaborate than homes themselves.

Class A motor homes are usually utilized by famous bands especially when they are in tour. There are also some rich families that own Class A motor homes for vacation and travel. A Class A motor home is perfect for those who can afford its high cost. Most Class A motor homes have all leather interior, a wet bar, big screen TVs, an advanced sound system and other high technology that may not be available to lower income families.

Depending on the model and the floor plan a class A RV can accommodate up to 8 people. But all of this luxury comes at a price. New, lower-end models are sold at up to $50,000 US dollars while larger and much nicer class A RVs can even cost more than any house in many states coming in at about $300,000+. Class A RVs are really very expensive; in fact even used class A RV can still be sold for $30,000-$40,000. If you prefer luxury lines, you may start saving about $325,000 up to over $1 million if you prefer the cr่me de la cr่me of all RVs.

Last but not least are Class C motor homes. Class C motor homes can also come in very luxurious models or more economical ones depending on your budget. They are much lighter in weight, ranging only from 10,000 to 15,000 pounds and generally run from just under 20 to 44 feet in length. They are constructed on cutaway chassis depending on the model. The cab is usually similar to that of the truck with a bunk above plus a rear bedroom. Just like the class A, Class C motor homes have all the amenities of home including kitchen, bathroom, dinette, heating and air conditioning system, and an entertainment center for additional cost.

Dinettes are not always present in class C motor homes and if ever there is one included, it usually converts into a double bed. If a dinette is not present, two captain chairs are available instead. Sometimes, the motor homes contain a couch and chairs instead of captain chairs. The couch may also be turned into a sleeper couch.

Because of the overcab bed, a Class C motor home can sleep more than a comparable Class A motor home, accommodating up to 10 people are accommodated. The cost of class C motor homes ranges from $50,000 to $170,000.

The common features of Class A and Class C motor homes are their slide-out wherein with a simple touch of a button the wall of the living room expands outwards to extend the living space by several inches.

Another type of motor home is the Class B which is usually referred to as van conversion. Class B motor homes look like pop-top camper vans and are self contained but cramped compared to their big motor home counterparts. The advantage of purchasing a Class B motor home is in terms of handling and size that is if you don’t want spacious motor home. They are usually promoted as a place to sleep more than what is deemed comfortable by most people. The class B motor home can also be used as a second car. Its price ranges from $38,000 to $75,000.

Motor homes are great for camping, road trips, or just simply living in style. If you are interested in purchasing a motor home, it is definitely wise to take time to do some comparison shopping and research as these motor homes can prove to be very expensive.

Making Your Home Energy Efficient Adds Up To Big Savings

Author: Michael Clem
Source: isnare.com

Government statistics report that conserving energy costs in the home can save a household several hundred, even several thousand, dollars per year on their utility bills. Replacing your older appliances and elements of your home’s structure, such as older windows and doors, with more energy-efficient alternatives, such as products that meet ENERGY STAR guidelines, is an important step to maximizing the amount of money you can save.

ENERGY STAR is a government program that identifies products – including appliances, home electronics, and home improvement products – that meet energy efficiency guidelines that exceed the minimum federal standards, as determined by the U.S. Department of Energy. You can identify a product that meets the organization’s guidelines by looking for the signature blue ENERGY STAR logo.

The ENERGY STAR program began as a voluntary labeling tool to “identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” It started with the labeling of computers and monitors and more than a decade later, has expanded to identify all types of products used in homes and offices that conserve energy. The result: Consumers and businesses have saved billions of dollars since the program began – $12 billion in 2005 alone.

Energy-efficient appliances – such as refrigerators and freezers, clothing washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and window air conditioning units – can cut consumer utility bills in half when compared with standard models. And home improvement products with an ENERGY STAR rating – such as vinyl replacement windows, doors, skylights and siding – help to better maintain your home’s temperature control, cutting heating and cooling costs anywhere from $20 to $400 per year.

If you’ve been searching for a product in any one of the more than 40 categories rated by ENERGY STAR, you may have come across the organization’s blue logo. That seal of approval indicates that the item can perform as well as, or better than, comparable products, but save you more money than if you purchased a less energy-efficient option.

A refrigerator meeting ENERGY STAR’s energy conservation guidelines today: Uses 40% less energy than models sold in 2001, saves its owner 15% in energy costs when compared with other models (freezers save 10%) and compact models, with volumes less than 7.75 square feet, save 20%. A washing machine that meets ENERGY STAR guidelines: Saves its owner up to $110 per year, requires 50% less energy than standard washing machines, uses up to 50% less water and has more efficient spinning cycles to reduce drying time.

Energy-efficient appliances provide an obvious cost savings for a household’s energy expenses. And other products that meet ENERGY STAR standards, such as vinyl replacement windows, doors, skylights and siding, make a significant contribution to keeping those costs down as well. Replacing your existing windows and siding with newer, better designed vinyl replacement windows and insulated siding can quadruple the insulation value of your home and save an average of 30% on your utility bills.

In addition to saving money, vinyl replacement windows with this rating create a more comfortable living environment by eliminating drafts, blocking heat, Offering protection from sun damage and reducing interior condensation on windows. In the winter, energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows keep the interior glass warmer for better temperature control. And the warmer the window, the less interior condensation that, over time, can damage your window sill and paint job, and encourage mold growth.

In the summer, these windows also block 45 to 70% of the sun’s heat and provide “sunscreen” to your home by blocking ultraviolet light that can reduce fading up to 75% without compromising visible light.

Whether you are looking to add to the beauty of your home and lower your energy bills by installing vinyl replacement windows, or you want to make a smart decision when choosing your next dishwasher or window air conditioning unit, products that meet ENERGY STAR guidelines offer an economical alternative that leaves more money in your pocket.

15 Great Tips For Affective Spring Cleaning

Author: Amy Nutt
Source: isnare.com

Spring cleaning is, perhaps, one of the most dreaded quests most people embark on each year. It’s a time to throw away old, unwanted items, organize those you are planning to use, and give your entire home a thorough cleaning. Because of all it entails, the prospect can be daunting, but there are useful hints you can follow that will make it a little easier to tackle. Below are 15 useful tips that will help you get started.

Begin cleaning from top to bottom. Start by cleaning the ceiling fans and light fixtures, then move on to windows, furniture, and carpets.

Wash your windows both inside and out. Vacuum or wash the draperies or window treatments as well.

Wash blankets, throw rugs, and bed covers. When doing so, try to set aside some time just for this purpose. This will give the task continuity.

Move furniture and vacuum beneath and around it. This can prove to be a tedious task, but you’ll be happy you did it.

If your clothing is located all together in one closet, sort the winter clothes from the summer ones. Set aside any clothes you would like to discard or give away. This is the perfect time to do so.

Check all downspouts and clean them accordingly. This is important, as it can reduce the chances of unwanted clogs or other problems from occurring.

Arrange to have your air conditioning system inspected. Spring is the best time to do this, because the hot weather has not yet taken hold. Also check and clean air filters and vents.

Check and replace smoke detector batteries. This should actually be done ever six months, so you might set a schedule to help you remember to do it.

Drain any sediment from your hot water heater. This will help keep it in good working condition.

Before using any cleaning products, carefully read the directions to find out what it can and can’t be used with, and how to properly use it. Failure to do so can result in a mess or possible injury in some cases, so this detail should be given the proper attention.

When cleaning vertical surfaces, start from the bottom and work your way up, overlapping as you go. Use a circular motion as you clean. This will help prevent streak marks.

Before using an abrasive cleaning product, be sure it is suitable for the surface you are cleaning. These products are good for removing food particles and other hard-to-remove soils, but misusing them can actually damage the surface. You will find directions on the bottle or can, as well as information about the various surfaces a particular product can and can’t clean.

Clean microwave spills as they occur. Otherwise, they may get baked on, which will make them much harder to remove.

Use a small foam paintbrush to clean small spaces between cabinets or under appliances. This will enable you to get to the hard-to-reach areas without leaving dirt particles behind.

Save money on paper towels by using washable, lint-free cloths. They are easy to clean when you are finished, and you will have less trash to empty at the end of your cleaning spree.

How To Keep Flies Out Of Your Home

Author: Fiona McVitie
Source: isnare.com

During the summer, flying insects indoors can be a nightmare. Keeping them out can seem impossible however, without closing all your windows and doors and suffering interminable heat. These are some tips for keeping flies out of your home or business, without the need for expensive fly traps or noisy fly killers.

The water method

Fill a clear plastic bag of water and hang it over the doorway or window. The idea is that as light refracts through the bag, it creates a large reflection of the fly. The fly, seeing a huge creature in its way, won’t go through the opening.

Putting a penny in the bag of water is also meant to be effective. The theory goes that the fly sees the bag and penny as much like a spider and its web, and so is scared away. Putting tinfoil in the bag is also said to work.

Bubble wrap is said to be an alternative to this method, as it has the same effect on the fly’s vision. You see variations on this method in houses and businesses all over the world so it must work!

The basil method

Put a pot of sweet basil near your door, it’s a natural fly repellent and can also be used in cooking so it’s useful too! Lavender is also meant to repel flies, and it smells great.

Catching flies

If you find that flies congregate on your windowsills, put a glass of water containing a few drops of dishwashing soap on them. The flies will be attracted to the water and then get stuck. It doesn’t stop the flies coming in, but it’s a good way to make sure you don’t have dead ones lying all around the window frames.

Sticky tape is also great for catching flying insects although it can be unsightly. Hanging it right next to windows and doors will make sure that the flies don’t get very far.

Install an air door

Air doors are installed above doorways and work by pushing a curtain of air out of the room. Flies won’t be able to enter, and what’s more, it’s great air conditioning on a hot day. They can be quite costly however and are more appropriate for business premises.

Fly screens

Beaded fly screens are highly effective at keeping flies outside, and they’re decorative too. You can also get screens for your windows so every entrance is protected. Chain screens perform the same function and are widely used by butchers and other business establishments.

Prevention

Remember, you might actually be inviting flies into your home without realising! Make sure that you clean up all pet mess from your outside areas, empty your bins regularly and don’t leave food lying around on counters or surfaces. Don’t have standing water near your entryways, such as a water butt. All of these things are great attractors of flies and other pests. Also make sure to turn off unnecessary lights as light attracts flying insects. If you keep a clean home with nothing for pests to feed on, you should find that you have less of a problem!

Who Knew Home Landscaping For Energy Conservation Had This Effect?

Author: Sintilia Miecevole
Source: isnare.com

If you have been thinking about how you would like to cut your home energy costs, you might want to take a second look at your home landscaping. This is an area you may not have even thought of. Did you know energy-efficient home landscaping can reduce your household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling by as much as 25 percent.!That’s staggering, isn’t it? Proper placement of trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and hedges lets you modify the microclimate around your home to maximize shade during the summer and reduce wind chill during the winter. Energy-efficient home landscaping is one of the best investments you can make, because aside from its potential to increase the resale value of your property, it can generate enough savings to return your initial investment in less than eight years. It is not surprising then that more homeowners than ever are implementing energy-conserving home landscaping ideas on their property. So where can we begin with this exciting new landscaping adventure? I hope the following information will be of help to you.

Develop a Home Landscaping Plan for Energy Efficiency
There are countless home landscaping strategies for energy conservation, but not all of them may be appropriate for your property and climate zone. Before you plant those evergreens in your backyard, make an assessment of the comfort and energy shortcomings of your current home landscaping. Things like the property’s microclimate, house location, and the presence of surrounding structures will influence your energy-efficient home landscaping plan. Microclimate is the climate immediately surrounding your home, and along with the regional climate, it helps determine which plants and trees will thrive and provide the best energy-saving benefit to your home landscaping. Your home’s location affects your dwelling’s exposure to the sun, wind, and water, consequently shaping your home landscaping needs. Nearby buildings, walls, trees, and bodies of water can produce significant climatic effects that would impact your home landscaping strategies. A thorough analysis of your property’s features enables you to devise an energy-efficient home landscaping scheme that addresses your needs and goals.

Landscape to Maximize Shade
Properly planned home landscaping can reduce your air-conditioning costs in the summer by providing shade from the hot morning and afternoon sun. Deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves in winter) provide shade in the summer when its leaves are in full bloom and warm the home in winter by letting low-angle winter sun filter through its bare branches. Home landscaping that maximizes shade can reduce temperature inside the home by as much as 8 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Would you think of shading your air-conditioner through home landscaping because that increases the unit’s efficiency. In addition, shading the ground and pavement with trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants reduces surrounding air temperatures. Other heat-reducing home landscaping ideas include building a trellis for climbing vines to shade a patio and planting a row of shrubs to shade a driveway.

Landscaspe for Wind Protection
Home landscaping to divert the flow of cold winds helps cut down your home heating costs in the winter. Trees, shrubs, bushes, walls, and fences make effective windbreaks for winter-protected home landscaping. You can achieve adequate wind protection through home landscaping by planting evergreen trees and shrubs along the north and northwest areas of your property. Windbreaks can decrease wind speed for a distance as much as 30 times its height, although maximum wind protection occurs at a distance of two to five times the mature height of windbreaks. For optimal wind protection, make sure that the foliage density on the windward side of your property is 60 percent. A well-designed home landscaping provides energy savings year-round. Enjoy the warmth of the winter sun by not planting evergreens too close to the south side of your home. Shrubs, bushes and vines planted close to your house create dead air spaces that insulate your home in both winter and summer.

I hope this article has been of help to you in creating landscaping for energy conservation. Reducing my household energy consumption by a possible 25% has motivated me to start looking around my yard.

Hot Weather Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe

Author: Kelly Marshall -
Source: articledashboard.com

Dogs, like people, feel the heat so it is their human companion’s job to ensure that they are safe and comfortable in any extreme weather. Our pets are valued and loved members of the family for which we are responsible. If we live in a hot climate or during the summer months, we need to keep our pets safe from the heat. Here are some tips on how to do this.

Dogs, just like their human companions, can become sunburned which is uncomfortable for them and can lead to damaged skin or skin cancer. Use a sun block that is at least SPF 15 on their sun-sensitive areas such as ears and nose and dogs with short hair and exposed or fair skin. Apply this at least fifteen minutes or more before your pet goes outside, as this makes the sun block more effective. This is extremely important during the high sun times, which are between ten a.m. and four p.m. Speak to your vet if the sun block contains zinc oxide, as some experts feel you should not use this on dogs. If your pet does get sun burned, giving them an oatmeal bath or using aloe vera products sometimes helps but always contact your veterinarian.

We have all read in the newspaper about pets left alone in a car during hot weather. People mistakenly believe that parking in the shade or leaving the windows down will prevent the inside of the car from heating up. Unfortunately, many people have learned too late that this is just not true. Never leave your pet in a parked car, as within minutes the inside temperature can reach over a hundred degrees, even in balmy weather. In an emergency only where you must leave your pet in the car for a few minutes you should:

ทLeave the car air conditioner running

ทMake sure you can see your car so you know it is still running

ทPut the emergency brake on

ทMake sure the dog cannot reach the car controls

ทLock the doors but take an extra key with you

ทLeave fresh, cool water out for the dog

If you ever do see a dog or pet trapped inside a car on a hot day, immediately contact the local police, humane society and if in a shopping mall or store, the store or mall management.

Never let your dog out to play during the hottest times of day, which is usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take them for walks or out to play in the early, cool hours of the morning or in the late evening. They can suffer overexertion or heat stroke, so exercise and heat do not go well together. Make sure there is always cool, fresh water available. If your dog is not afraid of you spraying them, carry a spray bottle full of water to use on the dogs paws or head if they get a little too warm. Here are a few more tips:

ทConcrete, asphalt and other surfaces get extremely hot and can burn your pet’s feet

ทOverweight, elderly, longhaired and large dogs feel the heat quickly

ทMake sure there is a non-tip water bowl with fresh water and shade available at all times

ทDogs with medical problems such as lung, heart or other conditions and kept inside with air-conditioning

Always remember that you need to keep your dog safe, happy and healthy.

Who Knew Home Landscaping For Energy Conservation Had This Effect?

Author: Sintilia Miecevole -
Source: articledashboard.com

If you have been thinking about how you would like to cut your home energy costs, you might want to take a second look at your home landscaping. This is an area you may not have even thought of. Did you know energy-efficient home landscaping can reduce your household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling by as much as 25 percent.!That’s staggering, isn’t it? Proper placement of trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and hedges lets you modify the microclimate around your home to maximize shade during the summer and reduce wind chill during the winter. Energy-efficient home landscaping is one of the best investments you can make, because aside from its potential to increase the resale value of your property, it can generate enough savings to return your initial investment in less than eight years. It is not surprising then that more homeowners than ever are implementing energy-conserving home landscaping ideas on their property. So where can we begin with this exciting new landscaping adventure? I hope the following information will be of help to you.

Develop a Home Landscaping Plan for Energy Efficiency
There are countless home landscaping strategies for energy conservation, but not all of them may be appropriate for your property and climate zone. Before you plant those evergreens in your backyard, make an assessment of the comfort and energy shortcomings of your current home landscaping. Things like the property’s microclimate, house location, and the presence of surrounding structures will influence your energy-efficient home landscaping plan. Microclimate is the climate immediately surrounding your home, and along with the regional climate, it helps determine which plants and trees will thrive and provide the best energy-saving benefit to your home landscaping. Your home’s location affects your dwelling’s exposure to the sun, wind, and water, consequently shaping your home landscaping needs. Nearby buildings, walls, trees, and bodies of water can produce significant climatic effects that would impact your home landscaping strategies. A thorough analysis of your property’s features enables you to devise an energy-efficient home landscaping scheme that addresses your needs and goals.

Landscape to Maximize Shade
Properly planned home landscaping can reduce your air-conditioning costs in the summer by providing shade from the hot morning and afternoon sun. Deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves in winter) provide shade in the summer when its leaves are in full bloom and warm the home in winter by letting low-angle winter sun filter through its bare branches. Home landscaping that maximizes shade can reduce temperature inside the home by as much as 8 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Would you think of shading your air-conditioner through home landscaping because that increases the unit’s efficiency. In addition, shading the ground and pavement with trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants reduces surrounding air temperatures. Other heat-reducing home landscaping ideas include building a trellis for climbing vines to shade a patio and planting a row of shrubs to shade a driveway.

Landscaspe for Wind Protection
Home landscaping to divert the flow of cold winds helps cut down your home heating costs in the winter. Trees, shrubs, bushes, walls, and fences make effective windbreaks for winter-protected home landscaping. You can achieve adequate wind protection through home landscaping by planting evergreen trees and shrubs along the north and northwest areas of your property. Windbreaks can decrease wind speed for a distance as much as 30 times its height, although maximum wind protection occurs at a distance of two to five times the mature height of windbreaks. For optimal wind protection, make sure that the foliage density on the windward side of your property is 60 percent. A well-designed home landscaping provides energy savings year-round. Enjoy the warmth of the winter sun by not planting evergreens too close to the south side of your home. Shrubs, bushes and vines planted close to your house create dead air spaces that insulate your home in both winter and summer.

I hope this article has been of help to you in creating landscaping for energy conservation. Reducing my household energy consumption by a possible 25% has motivated me to start looking around my yard.

Designs For All Tastes

Author: Wendy Mitchell
Source: articledashboard.com

Mini, flashy, colorful, sleek. In today’s world, design is everything. Consider the cellular phone. Just a few years ago, cell phones were a lot larger and not nearly as flashy, colorful or sleek. The same is true with computers, cars and even your air conditioner.

Yes, your air conditioner. Just as important to homeowners but probably not as obvious are the innovative changes occurring in the world of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC). HVAC manufacturers are not only working to improve the internal components and increase efficiencies of systems, but some companies are also flexing their creative muscles with design. For example, the Yorkฎ brand of Johnson Controls now offers three different HVAC system styles to meet almost every homeowner’s needs.

Loyal alumni and sports fans can select condensing unit panels bearing the logos of more than 77 different colleges and universities. The logos are applied to painted, customized panels that replace the standard condensing-unit panels on the York Affinity™ series of air conditioners and heat pumps, so homeowners can proudly display their school spirit.

For those who aren’t such die-hard sports fans but want to add a little color, the York Affinity series offers condensing-unit panels in a choice of seven colors–standard Champagne, Terra-Cotta, Jet Black, Stone, Bermuda, Chocolate or Gunmetal. These stylish HVAC units are intended to complement homes, landscaping and lifestyles.

For homeowners who don’t want to draw any attention to their HVAC system, there’s the all-new Affinity concealment unit. The exterior of this system is created with a special camouflage-like painting technique, so every inch of the unit is covered, helping it blend into the surrounding landscape.