Looking for ways to drop your thermostat without raising your energy bill? The goal is to minimize sources of heat and remove built-up heat from inside your home. Following money saving methods for cooling your home.

* When cool air is delivered to your rooms, it should move freely so arrange furniture and drapes so they don’t restrict airflow from registers.
* Circulate the air in the room by utilizing a whole-house fan or ceiling fans. Or, use the “fan only” setting on your heating/cooling thermostat. Constant air movement will make you feel comfortable in a room that is 2 or 3 degrees warmer than a still room. Raising your thermostat by one degree equates to a 2% savings on your energy bill.
* Keep drapes and shades closed, or install awnings over windows that face the sun. Also, consider installing inexpensive heat-reflecting film on windows. This will keep your house cooler and will reduce glare and ultraviolet rays that damage furniture and floors.
* Clean and replace the air filters in your furnace to increase efficiency.
* Install a programmable thermostat if your system doesn’t have one and learn to use it properly. Program the thermostat to increase a few degrees when you’re at work. Turn off the air conditioner while out of town.
* Since air conditioners work hard to remove moisture from the air, try to reduce humidity inside your home. Minimize washing and drying clothes, showering and cooking during the day, if possible. Turn on ventilating fans but be sure to turn them off when you’re finished so that they don’t extract cooled air unnecessarily from the house.
* Reduce losing cool air by weatherizing your home with caulk, weather stripping and insulation to cut back on the movement of air from inside to out and vice versa.
* Talk with an air conditioning contractor about installing dampers to restrict the flow of cooled air to rooms you rarely use. Also, close doors or registers in those rooms but ask a professional about this to be sure it won’t affect the efficiency of your system.
* Old equipment may be using far more energy than necessary to cool your home, so update your air conditioner if it’s old.
* Reduce the transfer of heat through the roof and walls by insulating your attic. This will give you the greatest comfort for the least amount of expense.
* Install a foil radiant barrier in the attic. Staple it to the underside of the roof rafters, allowing an air space between the foil and the roof sheathing. Place staples about 3 inches apart. Position seams between sheets of foil centered on the rafters and seal the seams with a bead of caulking compound. Plant trees, large bushes and vines to provide shade. Choose deciduous varieties if you want to allow the sunlight to warm the house during the winter. Be sure to plant them in places where they will not block breezes.
* Turn off incandescent lights and heat-generating appliances unless you absolutely need them. When it’s time to cook, opt for the barbecue instead of the oven and cook top.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life’s major events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you’ll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find home improvement tips and resources at http://homeimprovement.myguidesusa.com/

When it comes to deciding which is the best underfloor heating system, you have two alternatives to choose from: electrical and hydronic systems. Both are intended to provide your floors with a warming sensation, preventing the uncomfortable cold characteristic of some floor finishing’s.

Diy underfloor heating systems are the way to go for heating a home with an electric device that warms floors more evenly that underfloor heating, which is powered by an hydronic system, this is a system that requires water.

Hydronic heating systems have the inconvenient of providing heat that diminishes as the water travel further away from the boiler. However, underfloor heating systems only require about 65% to 85% electricity in comparison to Diy underfloor heating systems, powered 100% with electrical supply.

An electrical system is efficient in any environmental circumstance, including the same performance and efficiency at higher elevations, while traditional underfloor heating systems are less effective at any elevation higher that sea level.

Compared in costs, Diy underfloor heating systems does not require other maintenance that keep the power cord and heating cable in good conditions. While underfloor heating systems need annual maintenance and the change of filter to keep the water running smoothly, even though, electricity costs are dramatically increased by electrical systems.

Because the water circulates through the floor by means of tubing, pipes may require changing over time. In the case of water heating systems, the heat is produced by different devices that also could need additional maintenance, such as wood stoves, water heaters, heat pumps, solar collectors or on-demand water heaters.

Installation of heating systems also have pros and cons for each one. A diy underfloor heating system can be installed in any floor section, including a small one, because the heat is radiated from its location throughout all the floor. A typical underfloor heating system requires more localized floor space to disperse the heat concentrically

Whether you choose one system or another, both are easy to control but electric systems are more reliable, and the thermostat enables full access to heat control, while the temperature is harder to maintain when it comes to water underfloor heating systems.

Deciding on an underfloor heating system or a diy underfloor heating system depends on your need, cost you can afford and extension of floor that will be covered by the heating system. If you observe the manufacture’s indications and proper care, both systems are safe to use.

Natalie Aranda writes on home and gardening. When it comes to deciding which is the best underfloor heating system, you have two alternatives to choose from: electrical and hydronic systems. Both are intended to provide your floors with a warming sensation, preventing the uncomfortable cold characteristic of some floor finishing’s. A DIY underfloor heating system can be installed in any floor section, including a small one, because the heat is radiated from its location throughout all the floor.

Concrete, it’s practical, sturdy and has been used in the construction of buildings since the early Roman times. However, without a decorative or protective coating most concrete patios, driveways, walkways and garage floors are unattractive. In fact, more than likely, they’re stained, drab, dull, possibly, even ugly.

Today many homeowners and do-it-yourselfers are discovering, through the use of Top Secret Coatings concrete coatings, those gray, cold outdoor slabs can take on a unique, stylish look that not only reflects homeowners particular tastes but are non skid, add color and texture to a new or older home.

A porch or patio can be one of the most useful exterior areas of your home if covered with an attractive concrete coating, cleared of all excess junk and with a little thought given to landscaping the area. Unfortunately these spaces are all too often covered with bland concrete which as well as looking rather dull and dreary, may have developed cracks or become stained with moss, grease, oil etc over time. Restoring such areas to a place you would be proud to use for entertaining, outdoor dining or just relaxing may seem like a mighty big job. If the concrete is badly cracked and the surface uneven, generally there is no other choice than to rip it up and re-lay it. Here are a few thoughts to consider before moving forward with your plans to apply concrete coatings.

1. If your floor is inside the house, do a little checking before you decide to coat your floor. Is the concrete damp? Is there any ponding water? (If so, then you have a larger problem than an ugly floor!) Let the concrete dry thoroughly before painting (this may take a while during the wet seasons!)

2. Thoroughly clean the concrete with TS 695 Rynolite Etching Cleaner. If there is any grease on the floor you will want to remove it before painting or the paint may not adhere. To remove grease, put down cat litter to absorb the majority of oil, then scrub again with TS 695 Rynolite Etching Cleaner. Rinse well and wait until the floor is thoroughly dry.

3. Sand off any loose or peeling paint or other residue with a sander or 80 grit sandpaper. Vacuum or sweep up the residue. Then go over the floor with a tack cloth (a sticky cheesecloth available at any hardware or home improvement store).

4. Use a paintable cement filler to repair any cracks and holes and allow it to dry completely before moving forward.

5. Now to begin the painting process. You will want to brush the edges and roll the rest of the floor surface. Let each coat dry between 12 and 24 hours before recoating. Repeat the process with the second or third coats as directed.

Now you have applied Top Secret quality concrete coatings that are beautiful, colorful and durable!

Peter Harrett

http://www.topsecretcoatings.com

If you’ve noticed an increase in the prevalence of bamboo flooring advertisements then it’s for very good reason. You see, bamboo flooring hasn’t emerged as a popular alternative to other forms of floor coverings by accident. Consumers are being swayed to this natural and beautiful flooring type because it offers so many advantages over traditional types of floors.

Bamboo’s Many Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of course is it’s environmentally friendly and sustainable nature. Bamboo is a hardy plant and it’s ability to regenerate in less than a year has earnt it a lot of “brownie points” with consumers. It provides the strength of a hardwood floor and it’s added durable nature almost makes it a “no brainer” in today’s day and age as the first choice for floor shoppers.

Bamboo flooring has gained momentum because of it’s low maintainance requirements and this has a lot to do with it’s natural qualities. Staining becomes a thing of the past particularly when you take into account that bamboo color is basically dependent on the length of time it spends in the “processing barn.” Depending on how much traffic it has to endure, if the finish becomes worn and tired then a good sanding and re-finish is usually all that’s required but again, this all depends on the level of use the floor is subjected to. In a normal situation, this won’t be necessary for quite a few years.

Where To Shop

Shopping for bamboo flooring today becomes easier and easier. Once upon a time, consumers were usually required to rely on long distance browsing but today, more and more outlets have “jumped on the bamboo flooring bandwagon” and are offering consumers the opportunity to inspect this eco-friendly surface first hand. However, the internet still offers a great alternative to shoppers who haven’t got access to first hand inspection and browsing online offers a multitude of sites ready to fulfil your needs.

Concentrating on the higher ranked sites should provide less cause for concern but one of the golden rules for shopping online in this instance is to make sure you can contact the seller directly. Phone would definitely be preferable. In many instances, online outlets are able to point you towards some reference points such as consumers who have bought from them previously and are willing to act as referees.

The Cost Factor

The cost of bamboo flooring is usually well within the budgets of most. While some offers of as low as $2 per square are available from some wholesalers make sure you ask for a written warranty with clear details written into it. Ready to install bamboo floors can cost up to $10 per square with installation an extra cost. Depending on your handyman skills, then the latter may not be a factor with a pre-finished floor but might require the services of a qualified installer if unfinished.

If you follow some well laid guidelines on shopping for bamboo flooring then there is no reason why it shouldn’t provide you with many years of loyal service.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Read this guide now before buying bamboo wood flooring. Plus get the latest bamboo news and reviews at: http://www.bamboogalore.com

Looking for a Roofing Contractor? Find more about Gutters

Installing hardwood flooring is a very popular home improvement project. This is particularly true now that more and more people are learning that carpets can hide mildew, mold, pet dander, dust mites, and other tiny particles that can make trouble for allergy sufferers. Hardwood flooring is easy to keep clean, and there is no place for potential allergens to hide. Wood floors also have the added benefit of looking gorgeous.

Okay, okay, you’re probably already sold on hardwoods or you wouldn’t be reading this article. What you may be wondering now is what type of wood is best? Should you go with oak, or maple? A soft wood such as pine? Something more exotic such as teak? Or maybe you have considered bamboo flooring, which is actually a grass instead of a wood but that has many of the qualities of hardwoods.

The truth is that each type of wood I’ve mentioned can be used, and each has different characteristics, such as color, grain, and hardness. It may simply come down to what wood you think looks best. I’m going to give you the characteristics of some of the more popular choices in order to help you decide. Let’s get started:

Oak Flooring

Oak is very popular because it is a heavy and hard wood, which makes it quite durable. It can resist the wear and tear of an active family. This species is also handsome and comes in a range of colors, depending on whether you choose white oak or red oak.

Maple Flooring

For folks who want something a little lighter colored than oak, maple is a popular choice. It varies from a pale white to a reddish brown and has a uniform texture. Because it’s a very hard wood, it stands up well and resists scratches and dents.

Pine Flooring

Pine is actually a “softwood” so it is more susceptible to scratches, dings, and dents. However it is still enjoyed by homeowners who prefer the character of a worn floor. Since it was used widely in the 18th and 19th centuries, the wide knotty planks are popular in historic houses and log homes because they can create an authentic rustic feel. Pine is also less expensive than oak or maple.

Teak Flooring

Teak was once used predominantly outdoors because it is so resistant to insects, fungi, rot, and temperature shifts. Its handsome color, which can range from yellowish brown to a dark golden brown, is prompting homeowners to use it indoors now as well. Because of its natural resistance to dampness, it can be a good choice if you want hardwood floors in the kitchen or even the bathroom (though you still need to apply a good finish).

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is growing more popular among environmentally conscious homeowners, because it is an easily renewable resource (bamboo grows much more quickly than trees). As far as its characteristics, bamboo has a striped grain that makes it a little more exotic than wood. It also resists moisture well, a trait that makes it popular in humid climates where regular wood can be susceptible to warping.

As you can see, all of these woods have different traits, but they are all wonderful choices. It is hard to go wrong with hardwood flooring, and ultimately it is just a matter of choosing something that has physical properties that suit your needs and that has a color and grain that looks good in your home.

For more information (and pictures of some of the woods described here), check out the author’s web site for Different Hardwood Flooring Options. You may also want to read about Hardwood Floor Protection, an article that shows how to keep that wood looking good.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Electrical heating is clean, compared with forms of heating which involve combustion, e.g. gas, oil, coal, etc. There are no fumes or flues associated with it. It is usually cheaper and easier to install than other forms, either in a new build, or in an existing house. It can conveniently be used as ‘top up’ heating, where gas or other other central heating is used as the main form of heating. Many (but not all) electrical heaters are portable and respond quickly.
It is generally more expensive to run, although the relative costs compared with, say, gas depend on local conditions and costs at any particular time.

The running costs of electrical heaters will be high if the heater has no thermostat, and is left on for long periods, unless it is a low wattage heater. Thus only use a high power heater, without a thermostat, if it is just to be used to heat up a room for a short time, then switched off. Plug-in thermostats can be used to provide an external temperature control for the heater. Many heaters have ‘frost watch’ settings, which only switch the heater on if the temperature goes to freezing, making them a useful precaution against burst pipes.
Many heaters have built in timers allowing them to be switched on and off automatically at pre-set times. You will pay extra for this, and often it is cheaper to buy a 24 hour plug-in timer to use with the heater.

The main forms of electrical heaters are:

Underfloor Heating

This consists of electrical heating cables laid under floors. (Pipes containing hot water heated by gas, or another fuel, are another form of underfloor heating.) I would only consider this in a new build. The cost and disruption of installing underfloor heating in an existing property is considerable.

Storage Heaters

These are fairly large heaters, wall mounted, which use off peak (cheaper) electricity during the night, and store the heat to release it slowly during the day. Special wiring and off peak meters must be installed, and the electricity supplier must arrange for you to be put on an ‘off peak’ tariff. It is an option to consider if central heating is required and gas or other fuels are not available. It is probably the cheapest form of central heating to install, but can be expensive to run. It does not respond quickly to sudden changes in temperature. If there is a sudden cold spell during the day, it will not be until the following night that adjustments to the heating will take effect.

Fan Heaters

These are cheap, small, portable and heat up quickly. They are ideal for top-up heating. They can also be used, in summer, as fans only. The noise of the fan can be irritating though, and if this is a consideration, it is better to use convector heaters.

Convector Heaters

Again ideal for top up heating, but slightly slower, bigger and more expensive to buy than fan heaters. They can be floor standing or wall mounted. They are almost silent though, except for the fan operated ones, which don’t seem to have any advantage over the smaller and cheaper fan heaters.

Panel Heaters

These are very slim wall mounted heaters. They occupy a large wall area. They usually don’t have a thermostat, so are on all the time.

Oil Filled Radiators

These look like conventional central heating radiators. There are flat ones that can be wall mounted, and wider ones, on wheels, so that they can be moved to different rooms. They are slower to respond than fan or convector heaters, but some people prefer their lower temperature over a bigger area.

Tubular Heaters

These are tubes, varying in length from about 350mm to 2000mm (1′ to 6′). They are usually wall mounted. They are very low wattage (about 150W per metre) and don’t have a thermostat. They are normally used in greenhouses, animal cages, airing cupboards, behind fridges and freezers in outhouses where it gets too cold for the fridge to operate normally, etc.

Bathroom and Toilet Heaters

In a bathroom, the heater must either be operated by a pull cord switch, or externally, from another room. The latter would usually be a wall mounted panel heater (these can be supplied with towel rails to dry towels as well). The former could be a downflow fan heater or radiant heater, mounted on a wall near the ceiling, for which wiring would have to be installed, or heat/light unit, replacing the existing light fitting. 250W heat/light bulbs can also be put into an existing light unit (without using a shade), to give some heating.

Electric Fires

These can vary from the cheap radiant fires, or the more recent halogen heaters, to expensive coal, log or flame effect fires, often used as a focal point for a room. The latter commonly combine radiant and convection heating.

Other Electrical Heaters

Air curtains, plinth heaters, etc. usually employ natural or forced convection, designed to fit in a particular location, such as above a door or in a plinth. Ceramic and quartz heaters usually employ a mixture of radiant and convected heat, and are often more powerful than conventional domestic heaters, making them useful in industrial applications.

Barrie Newton B.Sc.
Owner of Rhyl Lightworks Co

http://www.thelightworks.net

or for electrical heaters see:
http://www.thelightworks.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=46&zenid=b4e0c75b59f1b431c37c068a884c8dd1 For plug-in thermostats see:

http://www.thelightworks.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=46&products_id=381

Ceiling fans don’t just serve to air out a stuffy, warm or smelly room. Ceiling fans also add a lot of charm and beauty to a themed room. At the same time, a ceiling fan can help you save on your electric bills. This is probably why more and more people are starting to get interested in fans. If you want one of these functional decorations, you might want to know how to install a ceiling fan. It might be easier than you think.

Check Your Skills

Before you think of learning how to install a ceiling fan you should first be 100% sure that you have the electrical aptitude for it. Some say that it is a simple do it yourself task but even so, things could go wrong. You should at least have some basic knowledge of electrical connections and wiring. You should also be knowledgeable about building codes which should determine fan height and other electrical wiring details. If you are not sure that you know the basics of installing a ceiling fan, then you should call an expert to do the job.

Choose the Fan

If you are sure that you can follow the basic steps to how to install a ceiling fan then you should proceed to choosing your fan. There are many ceiling fan designs now including those with lights. You have to check your circuit capacity though if you want to install a fan with lights since your circuit could overload. Be sure too to have a look at the diameter of the fan so that it is just right for the room.

It is advisable that you only attempt to mount a fan if you have an existing fixture at the center of the room. In some cases you only have to follow product do it yourself instructions on how to install a ceiling fan. Otherwise, you may need to call for help.

How To Install A Ceiling Fan

The guideline given here are basic and simplified instructions for ready to install ceiling fans. What you need to do at first is to switch off the power and then detach the existing ceiling fixture. The removal of the fixture will reveal the electrical box under. Check the box if it has sufficient support to hold a ceiling fan. There should be braces in between the joists to help support the weight of the fan.

The next thing that you have to do is to connect the mounting bracket to the workbox. You can make the attachment easier for you to do by using the bracket and hook to hold the pre assembled fan while you attach. Once the bracket is in place, connect like colored wires to each other with wire nuts. After the wiring is done, attach the canopy or cover of your fan.

The last thing you have to do is to install the blades and cover. The product manual may have specific instructions on this. Test the fan by turning on the power. If the fan doesn’t function or if it wobbles, you may have to check the parts and connections again.

Discover how to put in a Tommy Bahamas ceiling fan using a ceiling fan wiring diagram.

Solar power is currently the cheapest way energy available to mankind and is also an effective one. Different kinds of solar power panels are available in the market whose sole purpose is to convert this solar energy into usable electric energy. These systems use different kind of material, technology and components that make a different. Some systems are suitable for small house, some for complete dependency on these systems and some for partial dependency. Some of the common solar power panels available in the market are.

1. crystalline silicon
2. amorphous silicon
3. multi junction devices
4. hybrid combination
5. complete standalone
6. small standalone

All these systems have there advantages and disadvantage but the thing is which system you choose. You have to be careful in choosing these systems; the one that fulfils your requirement is the right one. One of the system the grid tie system connects you with the grid station and provides you two way electricity i.e. form your own solar power system and from the city electric station.

The main advantage of this system is that this allows you to reduce your utility bills as you sell back the excess amount of electricity produced. Another system is the complete stand alone which allows you complete independence from the local grid. These systems have two inverters that convert DC energy in AC power. If one of the inverter breaks down or need service, your second inverter will keep on providing energy. Another useful system is the hybrid connection. This system charges its backup battery and comes into effect in case of bad weather or when the sun is out. These systems are given preference over complete stand alone systems. These systems are also suitable for people living in cabins or at remote places. These systems also have generators with them, so in case you need more power the generators are activated and provide you the necessary power.

As does the solar systems differ so does the solar cells. Each have there advantages and disadvantage. The most common type of solar cell is the crystalline silicon. These cells are usually available for residential or small commercial use. They are efficient in producing energy but also are expensive. For outdoor purposes the tow most popular cells are the

1. Amorphous silicon: these cells are durable and life lasting but not very efficient in producing. For more power you need more of these panels and that mean more space. These systems provide you with more power in case of partial sunny day due to the number of cells mounted.
2. Multi junction: these systems provide you with more efficiency and more energy but are also expensive. This system can perform well in all light conditions. As theses panels are efficient that’s why they don’t take up much space. The only disadvantage of this system is that the power goes down much faster in partial sunny conditions.

Different kind of solar panels are for different purposes but choosing the right panel is the answer to your troubles.

Saving energy and lowering costs is Solar Power Panels attributes, get more Solar Energy information at http://powersolarsystem.com

Flat TV’s, contemporary art, remote controlled curtains, and all things modern can be found everywhere in a typical American home. They may be pleasing to own but too much of it can make your house too “modern” to look at and sometimes dull and boring.

You may remember the times when simple things were beautiful to look at. Today, many people are considering adding a touch of history in their homes. The warmth and homey look of a home isn’t found in modern appliances and fixtures. Even bathroom fixtures are now integrated with state-of-the-art technology. Home bathtubs are integrated with personal Jacuzzis with a large plasma TV and a floating remote control. These things can be great but it just lacks that classical, homey look that a home should have.

Whenever you visit your grand parent’s house, you will notice the inviting look of a simple yet very classic look inside their homes. No plasma television, no remote controlled curtains, simple kitchen fixtures and those great cookie jars. You may even notice that their bathroom is equipped with simple yet attractive fixtures.

Even the bathtub has its traditional look. If you want this in your own home, you may try and consider buying a clawfoot bathtub. A clawfoot bathtub is very popular for people who want to have that classic American look in their bathroom. It is very simple in design and very pleasing to look at.

There are different styles in a clawfoot bathtub. You should consider choosing one that will compliment your bathroom more. There are clawfoot bathtubs that are made from cast iron or acrylic. The style also varies from roll top, dual and dual slipper. You can also choose from different kinds of feet for your clawfoot bathtub like a ball & claw, lion paw, imperial pedestal and skirt.

Choosing what kind of clawfoot bathtub you want for your home is up to you. Basically, here are the things you should know about the two different kinds of materials used in the clawfoot bathtub.

If you are a strict traditionalist and want a clawfoot bathtub to have that original look, you may want to consider having a cast iron clawfoot bathtub. These bathtubs can be painted and repainted to match the décor in your bathroom. Cast iron clawfoot bathtubs are heavy and are not suited for people with bathrooms in the second floor of their house. And, since it is metal, it will not retain heat too long. One advantage of cast iron clawfoot bathtubs is that it can last a long time.

On the other hand, the acrylic clawfoot tubs are light weight and are easier to move and install. It is also perfect for upper story baths because of its weight. Acrylic clawfoot bathtubs are good insulators that can keep your water warm longer.

One disadvantage of acrylic is that it will break down if strong cleaning chemicals are used, like acetate.

You can also install different kinds of faucets for your clawfoot bathtub. Try experimenting or think about what designs you want your faucets to be in your clawfoot bathtub.

If you want your home to have that classical touch, you can start redecorating it in your bathroom. Having a clawfoot bathtub installed in your bathroom can have a pleasing effect with the things around it. With a clawfoot bathtub, you will surely have an enjoyable and relaxing experience while you are bathing.

Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of Clawfoot Bathtubs where you will find further tips to spruce up your bathtub.