Benefits of Electrical Underfloor Heating
The principle advantage of electrical underfloor heating is that it is energy efficient. If installed in a room with adequate insulation, an electrical underfloor heating system can provide the same level of comfort as a traditional radiator system, but at an air temperature 3 or 5 degrees F lower. Traditional radiator systems heat the surrounding air, which rises to heat the space below the ceiling of a room first, whereas electrical underfloor heating systems heat the entire surface of the floor first. This creates a more comfortable temperature gradient, with an even distribution of heat and no hot or cold spots.

Not only that, but the increased efficiency of underfloor heating means that you can save anything up to 20% on your domestic fuel bills and, in turn, reduce your carbon footprint. Traditional radiator systems can also create convection currents in the air, which circulate dust and other allergens, so underfloor heating can be beneficial to sufferers of asthma and other respiratory ailments.

Of course, underfloor heating is also effectively invisible, so there are no unsightly radiators or pipes to interfere with the interior design of a room. Electrical underfloor heating is also cost effective and can be installed by a reasonably competent DIY enthusiast.

Floor Coverings
Underfloor heating obviously relies on thermal conduction, so materials with high thermal conductivity, such as natural stone, ceramic, etc. are ideal for use as floor coverings. That said, however, electrical underfloor heating cables, mats and films are available in a range of output wattages, to suit a range of environments and floor coverings. An area of high heat loss such as a conservatory may require an output of 150 or 200 W/m2 (”Watts per square meter”), but underfloor heating elements with lower outputs, suitable for installation beneath laminated wood, vinyl, carpet, etc., are also available. It is, of course, important to abide by manufacturers’ guidelines with regard to both heating elements and floor coverings.

For more information on heated under floors, please go to Hot Floors.

LIGHTING
1. Switch to compact fluorescent (CF) light bulbs.
CF bulbs (the little spiral bulbs that fit in standard light sockets) generally use only a quarter of the electricity it takes to power standard light bulbs. When the average home contains around 40 light bulbs, this can add up to some serious savings. CF bulbs are a bit more expensive, but they will last up to ten times as long, and will more than make up for their initial cost in savings. If you have light fixtures where the bulb is visible, there are CF bulbs that are designed to mimic the bulb shape of standard incandescents. There are also CF bulbs to replace your outdoor floodlights, so don’t stop at the inside of your home!

2. For holiday or other decorative lighting, consider LED lights.
LEDs consume only a trickle of electricity, so you can let your lawn or patio glow like the sun without panicking about the electric bill. LED lights cost a few more bucks than standard, high quality light strings, but if you plan on using them a lot, you will reap the benefits. As the popularity of LEDs grows, more and more options of color, size, and shape are available; many mimic standard light strings, others incorporate features like color changing.

3. Use automatic timers or sensors.
If you want the lights to be on when you come home, an automatic timer may be your answer. Plug a lamp into the timer, and set it to turn on just before you are due home. Outdoor timers can be used for any plug-in outdoor lighting (there are particularly good for holiday lights). Light and motion sensors, commonly found in floodlight fixtures, can turn on outdoor lights when the light senses motion or low light levels.

WATER, HOT OR OTHERWISE
Some of you country folk might be surprised to know that many people actually pay for their water. While the city folk may be jealous of your ability to use cold water with reckless abandon, everyone pays for making that cold water hot. The following are tips for conserving water of all temperatures:

1. Install low-flow shower heads and faucets.
Water saving shower heads are fairly inexpensive, and you probably won’t even notice all that water that is not hitting you on the head. Modern low-flow faucets will help you save even more money. All new toilets are water saving by law, but if you have an older model, fill a milk jug or soda bottle with water (don’t forget the cap) and put it in your tank. The bottle will take up space formerly occupied by water, thus saving you one milk jug’s worth of water every time you flush.

2. Turn your water heater down to the lowest acceptable temperature.
Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees. Many water heaters come from the factory preset higher. If you find you are running out of hot water, slowly adjust the temperature until you find the lowest one that suits your needs.

3. Stop watering that lawn!
Seriously, dead lawns are so in right now. Okay, okay. Maybe you can’t stop watering your lawn or garden, but you can help it need less water. For gardens, mixing a spongelike material like peat moss in with the dirt will help your soil retain water. Mulch can also help keep the soil from drying out. For lawns and gardens both, water them deeply but less often, and only during particularly hot or dry spells. Brief and frequent watering encourages shallow roots, which will actually make your plants weaker and easily killed by a single dry spell that coincides with your week of vacation.

4. Turn off the water when you aren’t using it.
We all turn off the water when we are completely done with it, but how many of us leave the water running while we shave or brush our teeth? If a family of four brushes their teeth for two minutes a day, twice a day, then the faucets are running for almost two extra hours each week.

5. Take showers instead of baths.
Showers use considerably less water than baths. Unless, of course, you take hour long showers. Try to keep your showers under ten minutes, and shave afterward in the sink.

6. Fill up the washing machine.
A load of laundry uses an average of 55 gallons of water. Add in extra rinse cycles, and it can use even more. Make the most of your water usage, and only wash full loads of laundry.

HEATING AND COOLING
1. Insulate your home.
For most people, this entails sealing the drafts around windows and doors, as well as providing adequate attic insulation and ventilation. In an older house, the heat loss from drafty windows can be equal to leaving a single window open all the time, so get yourself a tube of clear caulk and some weatherstripping and seal up those gaps! If your attic could use some extra insulation on the floor, add it, and make sure that you don’t block any vents along the eaves of the roof. Exhaust fans can help keep your attic cool and dry, as well as prolonging the life of your roof.

2. Install window film.
UV blocking window film can block a good portion of the UV rays and heat that come through your windows. While tinted versions are available, window film can also be completely clear. In the winter, window film can help retain heat.

3. Use a programmable thermostat.
Programmable thermostats are relatively inexpensive, and can save you lots of money. Set the heat lower during the night (you are sleeping, you won’t notice!) and during times when no one is home. Of course, keeping your house a few degrees cooler in winter and warmer in summer will help too.

4. Use ceiling fans during the summer.
Set the ceiling fan on “suck” instead of “blow”, and you will pull cool air up from the floor. Save your air conditioner for those truly unbearable days.

5. Consider installing a whole house fan.
Whole house fans are powerful fans installed in the attic hatchway. During the evening, when the temperature cools off, you can use them to quickly replace the hot, stale air in your home with fresh, cool night air. Just make sure your windows are open if you turn on the fan, or the suction can blow out your pilot lights and suck air the wrong way down your chimney!

OTHER TIPS
1. Adjust your fridge and freezer settings, and keep your fridge full.
Appliances that heat or cool generally draw the most power. For food safety, keep your fridge at least 40 degrees or cooler. If you keep your fridge full, it will have to work less to recool things when you open the door. (If you don’t feel like having a fridge full of food, use gallons of water.)

2. Dry your clothes outside during warmer weather.

Using some or all of these tips can help save you a considerable chunk of change on your utility bills. Invest that money wisely and buy yourself a sailboat when you retire! Or you could always blow it all on new shoes and fancy haircuts…

There are steps you can take to safeguard your money as well as conserve our water resources. The EPA’s Water Sense program educates consumers about the various conservation fixtures available on the market. All fixtures with the Water Sense label are endorsed by the EPA and are proven to effectively reduce water consumption without compromising performance.

Therefore, the same flush you’ve become accustomed to with a toilet that uses 3.5 to 7.0 gallons of water has the same impact as a Water Sense toilet that uses 1.28 gallons per flush. Other conservation steps include:

Fixing leaky faucet or toilet

Testing your fixtures for leaks (For your toilet – drop a little food coloring into the tank. If the color shows in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak)

Turning off the bathroom faucet while brushing your teeth can save you up to 8 gallons of water a day

To learn more about the EPA’s Water Sense program, visit WaterSense.

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1. Install a programmable thermostat.
2. Use “Smart Power Strips” to turn off power to electronics when not in use.
3. Turn off lights when you leave a room.
4. Install surge protectors on all electronics.
5. Install CFLs or LEDs wherever possible.
6. Buy only EnergyStar® appliances.
7. Change furnace filters at least every 90 days.
8. Create a budget and stick to it.
9. Use curtains and blinds to keep out drafts in winter and too much direct sun in summer.
10. Organize your basement and garage and sell unneeded items.
11. Analyze your cable TV and phone service for services that can be eliminated.
12. Dial back your thermostat 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer.
13. Use your computer to search for bargains in groceries, auto supplies, vitamins and other items.
14. Pay yourself first and set a minimum amount to be saved each pay period.
15. Cancel your land line phone and use your cell only.
16. Purchase food in bulk at warehouse clubs and split huge quantities with friends/relatives.
17. Forget the movie theater and rent movies from the “Redbox.”
18. Barter services or goods with others.
19. Use income tax software to do your taxes.
20. Insulate your water heater (unless the manufacturer says it’s not necessary).
21. Take your lunch to work at least 2 days a week.
22. Launder in cold water.
23. Enroll in your electric company’s energy saver program.
24. Buy generic.
25. Wash whole loads only in washing machines and dishwashers.

Reprinted by permission from TheHousingGuru.com

Some of these changes include:
The percentage of the cost of the upgrades allowable as tax credits has been raised from 10 to 30 percent.

Tax credits that were limited to specific dollar amounts have now been changed to 30 percent of the cost of the upgrades.

The maximum dollar amount for improvements per homeowner for the year has been raised from $500 to $1,500.

Items that are eligible for the tax break are:
Exterior windows, skylights, storm windows, and doors. These items must have a U factor (the ability of the product to prevent heat from escaping) of <= 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC (the amount of solar heat that a product allows in), of <= 0.30. Eligibility can vary based on features and by climate zone.

Metal or Asphalt Roofing. Must have an Energy Star rating to qualify. The roofing material must be expected to last at least five years or must come with a minimum 2-year warranty.

Insulation. Certain types of insulation qualify for the tax break; however, insulated siding does not qualify. The main function of the product must be to insulate, and the product must have at least a 5-year lifespan or come with a 2-year warranty.

Other items that may qualify within certain guidelines include:
– Central air conditioning and heat pumps
– Furnaces
– Hot water heaters or boilers
– Photovoltaic solar panels
– Wind energy systems

Specific efficiency levels must be met, so not all Energy Star items qualify for the tax break. Only those with higher energy efficiency ratings are eligible. The $1,500 maximum is cumulative for ALL improvements. So, if you install approved windows and a new water heater this year and 30 percent of the cost of both improvements is $1,700, you will only be able to claim a total of $1,500.

Strict regulations dictate which systems are eligible for the tax break. All items and/or systems must be installed between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, and must be in the homeowner’s principal residence to qualify. If you own commercial property, additional deductions are available for commercial buildings.

For specific information about all of the home improvement credits that are available, visit Energy Star and click the Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency button. Remember to save receipts and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement. For new windows, keep the Energy Star label. You will need these items when filing your taxes.

If you’re thinking about making some home improvements, the timing couldn’t be better. Contact your home improvement contractor for more information.

Green remodeling can potentially lower your energy consumption by 30 to 50%. Considering skyrocketing energy costs, this can result in significant savings. Plus, you’ll be helping conserve the Earth’s natural resources. If you’re considering renovations to your home, take some time to investigate green alternatives.

The principles of green remodeling take into consideration indoor air quality, energy conservation, resource conservation, reduced material waste, and the use of products that are better for the environment. Here are some options to consider if you want to go green:

Choose nontoxic paints and sealants. Toxic paint fumes can degrade indoor air quality. Look for eco-friendly paints that have no or low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Upgrade heating and air units to more energy efficient models. Consider alternatives to conventional heating and air conditioning that may work for you, including passive solar heating, geothermal heating and cooling, and condensing boilers.

Install energy efficient appliances. If you are making appliance purchases, check the efficiency ratings. The right choices can save you about $400 a year while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. For more information on understanding the Government Energy Star program, visit www.energystar.gov.

Buy natural flooring, and natural fiber rugs and fabrics. Products made from sustainable, renewable, or recyclable materials help conserve natural resources and will not contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Use local building materials and have any construction debris collected by a recycling company. Utilizing local building products reduces the cost to bring the product to you. Recycling construction waste keeps reusable materials out of our landfills.

Use roof shingles and tiles made from recycled material. The roofing industry offers a variety of environmentally friendly choices. Plus, these green roofing materials compare favorably with traditional roofing.

Upgrade the insulation of your home, water heater, and pipes. Select quality insulation and have it installed properly. Products that increase the “R” value of your home will save you money.

Replace your windows. Like appliances, windows have Energy Star ratings. Check these ratings to find the most energy efficient options.

Consider a tankless water heater. Some models can cut your water bill up to 50% and use less energy, plus they provide an endless supply of hot water. Keep in mind that a tankless water heater may cost more up front but will save you money over time.

Green remodeling doesn’t necessarily have to encompass your entire home at one time. You can implement green alternatives gradually to suit your project, budget, and needs. Ask your remodeling professional for more information about green alternatives during your next home renovation.

Bathroom spa makeovers generally start with a jetted tub. There are as many sizes and options available as there are personal preferences—one-person and two-person tubs, built-in neck support—the features are endless. Almost every feature can be adjusted by the user. You can bring pulsing water jet hydrotherapy directly to sore, aching muscles, or get a gentle caress with the millions of bubbles provided by an air bath. Some models include a heated liner that adds another source of relaxing warmth, while others contain adjustable underwater lighting systems that allow you to change the color and level of light to accompany your mood.

If you don’t have time for a full soak in a tub, relaxation options are even available for the shower. Steam showers have become quite popular in many bathroom spa makeovers. They can be equipped with multiple heads that direct steam or water spray at different levels and from multiple directions. A spray head mounted in the ceiling directly above the shower stall can give you the feeling of standing outdoors in a gentle, relaxing rain shower. Bathroom spa fixtures come in all different sizes, configurations, and finishes to suit any taste.

Water is unquestionably the main focus in a bathroom spa, but many different amenities can be included in the spa design to increase that pampered feeling. If your remodeling project includes a new floor, you may want to think about installing a radiant heat system beneath the new surface to keep the floor warm on cold winter mornings. Warm towels can be provided by either a towel warming drawer installed within an existing vanity or from hot air pumped through a towel bar.

Bathroom lighting tends to be bright to allow the maximum light for grooming and makeup application. Adding softer, indirect light on a different circuit can permit the light to be dimmed to the desired level.

The addition of bathroom electronics has become popular as well. Have them professionally installed to eliminate their potential exposure to water, and you can easily add ambient sound, music, Internet connectivity, or television viewing to your relaxation experience.

With careful consideration, any bathroom can be transformed into a relaxing oasis. Check with your remodeling contractor to explore options for creating your in-home spa.