Green Living: Summer Energy Saving Tips

Image Via: Fabrizia Frezza Architecture & Interiors

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Use Your Home Appliances Wisely

Appliances are meant to make your life easy and a correct and wise use of appliances can even bring the energy bills down. Use the dishwasher to wash dishes, it uses less water than washing the dishes by hand. The key here is to run full loads and air dry the dishes. Similarly, make proper use of your microwave, try and cook in it. The subsequent bills will be lesser than the stove. Likewise, when using a washing machine run full loads and dry the clothes in the sun rather than using a dryer.

Image Via: Classic Homeworks

Green Living By Minimizing Energy Wastage

One should habitually turn off appliances, fans and lights when not in use. It is also a good idea to unplug appliances and chargers when not in use as they keep on drawing energy from the source if not unplugged. Computers and printers must also be switched off right at the source.

Replace The Necessary Equipment

Dirty air-conditioner filters restrict the flow of cool air and unnecessarily burden the machine with more load. You will need to run the air-conditioner longer which will in turn generate a higher bill. Regular cleaning of air-conditioner filters results in effective running of the machine and one should habitually clean filters at least once a month.

Image Via:Rill Architects

Smart Buys For Summer Energy Savings

Whole house fans are very effective in summers as they draw in cool air and throw out hot air. You can easily install one in your attic and have them working in the early mornings and late evenings when the air outside is cooler. An old air-conditioner is also a big energy consumer and it is worth the effort to exchange it for a new, energy rated one. Talking of energy rated appliances, a star rated refrigerator is also going to save you big time. Awnings, patio covers and strategically placed plants on the outsides can help keep the insides of your home cool, reducing the need for artificial cooling. Solar control window films are also very effective in summers.

Image Via: Tim Cuppett Architects

Have The Ducts Sealed And Get On The Solar Energy

Leaking ducts and pipes are responsible for half the energy loss in a household. It is worth the effort to have a qualified person check and repair leaky ducts by sealing them. Having your ducts checked periodically for leaks can keep this problem at bay. Summers also present a lot of scope for using solar energy. You can use your sloping roofs to install solar panels and harness solar energy to run your basic electric appliances and light fixtures.

Image Via: Birdseye Design

Green living is more or less a way of life now. Homeowners are trying their best to conserve energy and bring down energy costs. Using these tips and tricks is sure to help them in a positive way. Do share with us what green practices you adopt at home to save energy and how effective they have been in your daily routine. Waiting to hear from you.

Click here for more Green Living Ideas on Stagetecture!

]]> https://stagetecture.com/green-living-summer-energy-saving-tips/feed/ 0 76336 https://stagetecture.com/creative-feng-shui-tips-for-your-living-room/ https://stagetecture.com/creative-feng-shui-tips-for-your-living-room/#respond Tue, 07 May 2013 11:00:19 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=47898 Entry #2388, May 6, 2013

Whether you live in a mansion or a small apartment, there are some rules you need to follow to tap into the positive energy. Feng Shui can elevate your living room interiors and help you build a peaceful retreat. As you implement this Chinese version of Vastu, you will experience the positive “chi” flowing through your living area, further improving your overall quality of life. We point you some Feng Shui tips to effectively treat your living room.

Image via: Marie Burgos

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Circular Seating Arrangement

The living room is an area where the family members interact with each other. A closed gathering space in a circular fashion offers a smooth path to seating and encourages conversation. Feng Shui insists that people sitting in the living area, at all times, should have a clear view of the main door. So, position your sofas and chairs in such a way that they face the door.

Keep it Clutter Free

Feng Shui is about even and constant flow of energy, and clutter can block its path. Create time to clean up your environment. Distribute unwanted items to friends and family, or, donate them to charity. Clutter free living room will bring in fresh air full of harmony and serenity.

Living Things

Image via: Erin Hoopes

Green plants and flower arrangements help to create a pleasant atmosphere. Representing the earth and wood elements, the green and brown color adds a healthy and restorative ambiance to your living room.

Reflective Pieces

Place a large mirror in the living room to make it look spacious and spread light to eliminate any dark corners. However, it’s important to note that the mirror should not be placed opposite the living room door as this will reflect back the chi (energy). According to Feng Shui, mirrors inspire clarity of thought and self-awareness.

Image via: Murphy & Co. Design

Emotional Objects

Decorate your living room walls with family photos, but Feng shui expert suggests that collection must include pictures of all the family members in the house. Moreover, only photographs that reflect joy and happiness should be displayed.

Feng Shui is known to bring luck and prosperity to homes. People associate it with things like crystals and Buddha statues. But, in reality it’s just about creating a little sense of flow and balance.

For more home interiors ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Making a difference in your summer heating bill will be a great help on your budget. The savings may not be a drastic amount but a little percentage of reduction from heating bill is more than enough. It is a great help not only for our budget but also for the environment.

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The desire to cutback  on your heating consumption needs to be taken seriously. Whether you are saving on using less air conditioning, turning off lights in your home or spending ore time outdoors, there is always more you can do. The efforts to save on heating/cooling bill are very possible without compromising comfort and convenience. Here are a few ideas to green your summer heating bill:

Videos to help you save energy this summer:

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Seal all possible air leaks

One of the main reasons for why our heating or cooling appliances work so hard to attain the thermostat setting is the presence of leaks. The temperature outside your home that goes through the leaks will make these appliances operate over time.  To do this, you have to ensure that fireplace flue is closed when not in use. You may also install door sweeps for added isolation.

Take control of your appliance thermostat

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your bill is through thermostat control. The majority of heating and cooling appliances today are pre-installed with programmable thermostat. You have to take advantage of this feature. For best results, heat registers should be closed in places that are rarely used. Adding pop-up heat deflectors is also a great option.

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Insulate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ducts.

This option requires a skilled professional to handle the job. You will certainly get more than what you paid for in considering this saving tip. If you are on tight budget, you may start with your attic since this is quite easy yet you can notice the results right away. Consider hiring an air conditioning professional to audit your energy usage or contact your local utility company for more details.

With these simple yet effective ways, you can spend your money for other necessities instead of just paying for your heating bills.

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Colors add inspiration to your kitchen. It has an effect on the overall ambiance of your kitchen. With proper color variations, positive disposition and vibes are enhanced. Here are tips on how to add inspiring colors to your kitchen:

Image via: Vintage and Chic Blog

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Color Ideas

• Decorating the walls and ceilings splashed in related shades of blue can form a cohesive and balanced look in a kitchen since the color blue stirs up feelings of calmness, tranquility, and serenity in a room. Light shade of blue can also make the kitchen light and airy. You can also go coastal effect by painting different shades of blue, the floor, cabinets and walls.
• Green, on the other hand, makes the kitchen warm, natural, refreshing, and relaxing. And one can have fun by using different shades of green to add a twist or combining it with other colors.

Image via: Flickr

• A kitchen can be enhanced with décor in warm and cheery shades of yellow. It also brightens things up as it is a sunny choice that creates warmth and lends a vigorous feel to any space. Yellow as well produces a warm and welcoming feeling. It gives cozy and pleasing mood. But not all colors can be easily used to paint a kitchen interior.
• If you want something exotic then pink and purple colors can be considered to highlight decor in a kitchen. Like, walls can be kept white and energize the room with bright pink décor. Or choose a bright, hot pink to make emphasize a statement.

Image via: Desdemventana

• White paint is one of the most popular choices and used as backdrop to put emphasis on accessories. This color is commonly used not only in the kitchen but in most of the areas of the house as it is doable and can be easily played and paired with different colors. With white colors, dramatic effect can be fashioned through the lights. Bright white, as well, creates more space and airy feeling. Use white as your base for the entire room then colorful fabric and accessories pops against a white background.

Feel free to mix and match colors according to how your liking. Color can be inspiring in your kitchen and it can help you and your family enjoy using the heart of the home!

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

One of the areas at home that utilizes the bigger amount of energy and water consumption is our kitchen. It is where you prepare the food, wash dishes and other related activities. These household tasks require electrical appliances and water supply for completion.

The household chores in your kitchen are necessary in everyday routine. Since you cannot do away with energy and water consumption, the best thing you can do is to maximize the utilization of energy and water in order to save money for bills.

Image via: Kitchen.Pinterest

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Here are helpful tips to save energy and water in your kitchen:

Invest in energy efficient appliances/fixtures

There are many energy efficient appliances on the market for your kitchen and plumbing fixtures for your bathroom and kitchen. Before shopping do your homework to know what to look for. Low flow faucets and shower heads, refrigerators that use less energy, and dishwashers that use less water are all helpful ways to save you money and the Earth’s resources.

Appliances and plumbing checked

Make sure that all electrical circuitry and water valve connections are in good working condition.

If you do not have the tools and equipment to do this, hire experts to check your energy and water connection. This will provide an assessment in your electrical connections whether they are still functional or not. This will also ensure electrical safety at home. For water connections, unattended leaks will surely add a substantial amount of money deflected in your bill.

Post a reminder

Energy and water conservation will not be successful without the cooperation of all members at home. Post reminders near the faucet, electrical outlet and other sources of energy and water. You can stick on laminated reminders stating energy and water consumption. For instance, you may have “Unplug After Use” or “Use Glass When Brushing Your Teeth”.

Image via: kitchen-furniture

Get your family involved

Discuss energy and water conservation with all members in the family.

You may have this discussion during meal time or in family bonding. Feel free to inform them about the current energy and water consumption and its corresponding amount. Ensure that all members of the family express their thoughts about energy and water conservation.

Bear in mind that energy and water conservation is not only for saving money but for the sake of the environment.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Creating your own energy is both good for the environment, and for your long term finances! Reducing your reliance on the national grid and ‘paid for’ services also creates an overwhelming sense of well being. Sustainable energy is not only a financial investment, but an investment for the prolonged future of our planet.

Below you will find a number of energy creating solutions that are environmentally friendly and perfect for home installations.

Image via: Tiktock2u

Solar Photovoltaic Panels

Solar energy systems are an extremely clean and effective way to produce your own electricity. Solar photovoltaic panels capture the suns light, converting it in to usable electricity. This can be used within your home to power appliances, or stored for later use. Unused energy can often be sold back to the national grid, helping to pay off the initial investment for the solar panels even sooner! There are also numerous government incentives to make the installation of solar panels an even more attractive prospect.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are another clean and effective way to create energy for your home; they use the power of the wind to spin the turbine, which is connected to an electricity generator. Small scale systems, called “microwind” turbines, are perfect for those looking for a more low key solution. They supply enough energy to help power the lights and appliances of a typical home. This reduces the costs of your electricity bill, as well as making you applicable for the government incentives and subsidies of installing renewable energy in your home. Similarly to the solar photovoltaic panels, unused energy can either be stored for later use, or sold back to the national grid.

Image via: Household Wind Turbines

Wood Stoves

Wood stoves have been used for centuries to heat homes, and they are experiencing a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The contemporary name for a wood powered stove is a “biomass” system, but the principles are the same as they always were. The stove burns logs or pellets, and can even be integrated with a boiler to heat water. Biomass systems are extremely effective at heating homes and water, thus saving substantial amounts on heating bills.

Image via: Stovax

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Using pipes buried in your home’s garden, ground source heat pumps extract naturally occurring heat from the earth. Heat taken from the buried pipes is used to heat radiators and underfloor heating (if your home has it installed). When combined with a biomass system, you may be able to eliminate traditional heating bills altogether!

Although all of the above systems require relatively high initial investments, the costs of renewable energy are constantly being lowered. When combined with government incentives, reduced energy bills, and the opportunity to sell unused energy, the installation of renewable energy sources is an extremely attractive prospect, both for those looking to save money, and those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Evergreen PV specialize in MCS Approved Solar Panels; these meet government requirements for eligibility in to their feed-in tariff, meaning home owners who install MCS approved solar panels receive a cash back incentive. For more information, you can visit their website: Evergreen PV

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

With rising energy costs, green initiatives and homeowners becoming more conscious about their homes, ensuring that your home has the proper insulation can be forgotten. Today, my Guest Blogger gives tips to choose the right insulation for your home.

It’s important to make sure you have the proper amount of insulation in your home. With adequate insulation, your home will be more energy efficient, letting you see huge reductions in energy costs! Call Installed Building Products to learn more about insulation savings today.

Image courtesy of Homes Result

Types of Insulation

Some types of insulation are more energy efficient than others, but no matter what type of insulation you use, you should see increased energy efficiency and lower energy bills!

The main types of insulation are:

Fiberglass insulation – fiberglass insulation is used in many, many homes (more than 75%!) and is available as blown-in/loose-fill or rolls and batts. Fiberglass insulation is often used when small gaps, leaks and crevices (especially in attics) need to be filled.

Foam insulation – when it comes to stopping air infiltration, foam insulation is some of the  best stuff you can get! Foam insulation can be sprayed, injected, poured or foamed-in-place. It completely fills cracks and gaps in your ceilings and walls to stop any air leaking in or escaping out.

Cellulose insulation – cellulose insulation is considered one of the most environmentally friendly types of insulation, made mostly of recycled materials. Cellulose insulation is also good at reducing outside noises.

Radiant barrier insulation – used mostly in attics, radiant barrier is installed to help your home reflect, rather than absorb, the sun’s energy and, therefore, increase your home’s energy efficiency.

Insulation Savings

Did you know that heating and cooling account for up to 70% of the energy used in many homes in this country? Did you also know that inadequate insulation and air infiltration are the leading causes of wasted energy in most homes? By insulating your home and stopping air leakage, you are increasing your energy efficiency and reducing your energy costs – a true win-win!

A professional home insulation company can help you determine where you need to insulate or where your home doesn’t have enough insulation, but to give you an idea, it’s generally a good idea to insulate:

• Attic ceiling and walls
• Basement ceiling and walls
• Crawl spaces (if you have any)
• Any gaps, leaks or cracks
• Exterior walls (especially in cold or hot and sunny climates)

How Insulation Saves You Money

Insulation stops air leaking in and escaping out of your home, which can cause your energy bills to increase. It also keeps your home more comfortable – warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Plus, for those of you who are watching your carbon footprint, you can rest assured you are helping the environment; with the right amount of insulation, you’re keeping heat in your home longer and aren’t burning as much fossil fuel.

For more information on insulation savings or to schedule a free home insulation assessment, call or contact Installed Building Products today!

For more home improvement ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

We are midway through the summer and the heat is unbearable! Depending on where you live, the heat may be approaching the worst of the summer, or you may have hotter days yet to come.  Along with rising temperatures are rising energy bills to try and cool your home.

Last summer, I featured this article on how to save energy in the summer months, and I figured its time to repost it, after all… who doesn’t want to save money during the hottest time of the year?

Original Entry #211, July 13, 2010

With record breaking heat in some areas of the United States, and just being darn hot everywhere – how can you even think about saving energy in your home? Low Impact Living has 8 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money this Summer.

1. Keep your home at an eco-conscious temperature. 78 degrees is plenty cool in the house. Turn down the AC and get a programmable thermostat so you’re only cooling the house when you really need to.

2. Work with the sun to keep your house cool. Close all shutters and blinds during the day to keep the sun out– then open windows at night to cool the house and feel the breeze (if you have any!).

3. Let the air dry your dishes and clothes. The dryer and dish washer use a lot of energy– and the air does the drying job just as well. Plus your clothes will last longer. See some great clothes-drying racks here.

4. Take shorter showers and do not take baths. Hot water heating is one of the major uses of energy in any home. Showers are the way to go– and keep ’em short. Baths use much more water and heat than do baths (unless you’re taking 30 minute showers!).

You can also look into solar hot water.

5. Ditch the beer fridge. It’s amazing how many homes have two refrigerators. Please do not use more than one fridge. And if you have an old model, get a newer Energy Star model.

6. Use ceiling fans rather than A/C. They are much more energy/-efficient and you can get very reasonably priced Energy Star models.

7. Get solar screens for your windows. These screens cut 75% of the heat coming through your windows, but don’t impact your visibility. They are really great energy savers. See solar screens here.

8. Spend one night each week in candlelight. It’s romantic, fun and inspires new conversation. If you’ve got kids, how about turning off the TV one night and playing a board game by candlelight? Clue would be particularly spooky!

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy D.I.Y. Saturday at Stagetecture! How are you making it through the harsh winter? For most of us we are trying to cut our energy bills down, and keep our homes warmer, right? As we continue “How to Make your Home Life Easier” month, I will show you easy ways to make your home more energy efficient.

Many of these tips are in this great energy tips video from the Massachusetts Government Energy Department. You will see home owners taking easy steps to get their home to be more energy efficient. There is also good tips for how to go about assessing what your home needs for energy efficiency from Energy Savers.gov.

You Tube Video: Saving Money with Energy Efficiency

Tips for Do it Yourself Energy Saving Tips:

1.) Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Assessments

You can easily conduct a do-it-yourself home energy assessment (also known as a home energy audit). With a simple but diligent walk-through, you can spot many problems in any type of house. When assessing your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you found. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades.

Locating Air Leaks

First, make a list of obvious air leaks (drafts). The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5% to 30% per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward. Check for indoor air leaks, such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring and at junctures of the walls and ceiling. Check to see if air can flow through these places:

• Electrical outlets
• Switch plates
• Window frames
• Baseboards
• Weather stripping around doors
• Fireplace dampers
• Attic hatches
• Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners.

Also look for gaps around pipes and wires, electrical outlets, foundation seals, and mail slots. Check to see if the caulking and weather stripping are applied properly, leaving no gaps or cracks, and are in good condition.

Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. See if you can rattle them, since movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. You can usually seal these leaks by caulking or weather stripping them. Check the storm windows to see if they fit and are not broken. You may also wish to consider replacing your old windows and doors with newer, high-performance ones. If new factory-made doors or windows are too costly, you can install low-cost plastic sheets over the windows.

For more energy efficiency tips and information on determining if you have air leaks, advice for insulation, heating and cooling equipment – click here.

2.) Reducing Your Electricity Use

There are many ways you can reduce electricity use in your home and help reduce your energy bills. Also, if you’re interested in using a small renewable energy system to make your own electricity, reducing your electricity loads will help make your system more cost effective.

You can reduce electricity use in your home by focusing on where and how you use electricity in these areas:

• Appliances and electronics

  Purchase energy-efficient products and operate them efficiently.

• Lighting

  Purchase energy-efficient products, operate them efficiently, and incorporate more daylighting into your home using energy-efficient windows and skylights.

• Electric space heating and cooling

  Purchase energy-efficient electric systems and operate them efficiently. Incorporate passive solar design concepts into your home, which include using energy-efficient windows. Properly insulate and air seal your home. Select an energy-efficient heating system that doesn’t use electricity.

• Electric water heating

  Purchase an energy-efficient electric water heater and operate it efficiently. Or select an energy-efficient water heater that doesn’t use electricity

3.) Insulation and Air Sealing

You can reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs through proper insulation and air sealing techniques. These techniques will also make your home more comfortable.

Any air sealing efforts will complement your insulation efforts, and vice versa. Proper moisture control and ventilation strategies will improve the effectiveness of air sealing and insulation, and vice versa.

Therefore, a home’s energy efficiency depends on a balance between all of these elements:

• Air sealing
• Insulation
• Moisture control
• Ventilation.

A proper balance between all of these elements will also result in a more comfortable, healthier home environment.

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Best of 2010 – #4

“How do I Save Energy? It’s so Hot this Summer”

We continue with the Best of 2010 on Stagetecture. From December 27 – December 31st I am counting down the top 5 blog posts on Stagetecture. These are based on the posts that received the most views from you, my readers.

In the heat of the summer, the number one item on everyone’s mind is saving energy! This post came in #4 this year, when the entire world was trying to cool off from the heat AND save energy at the same time. Whether it is summer or winter, these same energy efficiency ideas can be helpful!

——————————————-

Original Entry #211, July 13, 2010

With record breaking heat in some areas of the United States, and just being darn hot everywhere – how can you even think about saving energy in your home? Low Impact Living has 8 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money this Summer.

1.  Keep your home at an eco-conscious temperature.  78 degrees is plenty cool in the house.  Turn down the AC and get a programmable thermostat so you’re only cooling the house when you really need to.

2. Work with the sun to keep your house cool.  Close all shutters and blinds during the day to keep the sun out– then open windows at night to cool the house and feel the breeze (if you have any!).

3.  Let the air dry your dishes and clothes. The dryer and dish washer use a lot of energy– and the air does the drying job just as well.  Plus your clothes will last longer.  See some great clothes-drying racks here.

4.  Take shorter showers and do not take baths.  Hot water heating is one of the major uses of energy in any home.  Showers are the way to go– and keep ’em short. Baths use much more water and heat than do baths (unless you’re taking 30 minute showers!).

You can also look into solar hot water.

5. Ditch the beer fridge. It’s amazing how many homes have two refrigerators.  Please do not use more than one fridge.  And if you have an old model, get a newer Energy Star model.

6.  Use ceiling fans rather than A/C.  They are much more energy/-efficient and you can get very reasonably priced Energy Star models.

7.  Get solar screens for your windows. These screens cut 75% of the heat coming through your windows, but don’t impact your visibility. They are really great energy savers.  See solar screens here.

8.  Spend one night each week in candlelight. It’s romantic, fun and inspires new conversation. If you’ve got kids, how about turning off the TV one night and playing a board game by candlelight? Clue would be particularly spooky!

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.