VIDEO: Weatherize Your Home for Energy Savings Sun 12/28/08 11:04:35 am DO IT YOURSELF
Richard Reynolds of Handyman Network offers tips on how to increase your energy savings this winter.
Learn How To Winterize Home Handyman Tips Energy Saving Winter Cold Weatherize Your Home
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How to Cut Heating and Cooling
Costs without Cutting Comfort SAVE MONEY & STAY ON BUDGET
(ARA) --
Heating and cooling systems account for 56 percent of energy used in a typical
home, making it the largest energy expense for most households, according to the
U.S. Department of Energy. Making smarter decisions about your heating,
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help you save money on your
monthly utility bills.
American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning
has developed several tips for cutting your heating and cooling costs without
cutting comfort.
Install a programmable thermostat.
Controlling energy costs starts with
your thermostat. During winter months, you can save nearly 3 percent of heating
costs for each degree your thermostat is lowered. In the summer, cooling costs
are cut up to 6 percent per each degree you raise the thermostat. A programmable
thermostat will automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day, ensuring
greater energy efficiency and enhanced comfort. Some thermostat models even
allow homeowners to pre-program desired temperatures for specific times of day.
You can save costs by easily adjusting the heating and cooling settings for when
times when you’re waking up, leaving for work, sleeping or going on vacation.
Upgrade to variable speed heating or cooling.
Depending on your comfort needs and where you live, you can choose from
a variable speed furnace or air handler. Both work with the outdoor unit to
ensure the greatest energy efficiency and consistent comfort throughout your
home. "Variable speed" refers to how a furnace or air handler's indoor blower
motor runs. A two-stage, variable speed furnace or air handler operates at an
energy-saving lower speed and a higher speed, when needed, for more consistent
air circulation. With steadier, variable speeds, these indoor units don’t have
to turn on and off as frequently, which reduces temperature swings and may help
to lower your heating bills.
Consider a hybrid system.
Hybrid HVAC systems bring together two different fuel sources,
typically a gas furnace and an electric heat pump, for more efficient heating
and cooling. A hybrid system is calibrated to automatically switch between the
furnace and heat pump depending on which offers the most economical power for
your heating or cooling needs at any given time. Cost savings can be
significant. In fact, American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s
Heritage Hybrid comfort system can deliver up to 50 percent savings over a
comparable 10-year old system.
Check your filter every
month.
It is especially important to check your filter during
heavier usage periods such as winter and summer and, at a minimum, change the
filter every three months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the
system work harder to keep you warm or cool -- wasting energy. A clean filter
will also prevent dust and dirt buildup in your system. Some programmable
thermostats will even remind you when to check your filters.
Get
the best energy efficiency ratings.
Your heating and cooling
system's components should have the highest possible energy efficiency ratings.
The higher the rating, the more efficient the product and lower your energy
bills can be. Make sure your components meet the following minimums:
*
Furnaces: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 80 or higher
* Heat pumps: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings of 7 or
higher
* Air conditioners: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
ratings of 13 or higher
By following these few easy tips, you and your
family can cut energy costs and enjoy cleaner and more comfortable air all year
long. For more information on how to cut your home’s energy costs without
sacrificing comfort or to locate an independent American Standard Heating &
Air Conditioning dealer near you, visit www.americanstandardair.com.
Courtesy of
ARAcontent
VIDEO: Tax Benefits of Owning a
Home. - Win WIn From Home Purchase - Wed 01/23/08 08:12:24 pm
One of the many
benefits of owning your own home is taking advantage of more
deductions on your tax returns. For the majority of homeowners, this
mainly includes deducting interest expense and property tax each
year. For the home used for businesses or investments, the tax rules
become more challenging. ...
VIDEO: A Look Into The Future of MH
Communities - Totally Green Proposed - Sun 05/04/08 02:36:06 pm
Totally Green
Alberta is a newly proposed Manufactured and Modular Homes community
near Calgary, Alberta. This project is an environmentally
responsible affordable living initiative, offering country living,
wind and solar powered energy, recycling and waste management, water
recycling ... http://mfdhousing.com/portal/stories.php3?nid=6043
Manufactured Housing Site Preparation
& Installation
TWO
HOUR DVD VIDEO SEMINAR
We are proud to offer the most effective way ever to learn about
the step by step process involved in properly installing a manufactured
home; A great five-part video series with George Porter, the
industry's most respected installation specialist.
Mr. Porter leads you through a two hour viewing experience
that will prepare you for the numerous operations and complexities
involved in the installation of the modern manufactured home.
Video #1 - Site Preparation & Foundations
This 30-minute video takes you through the basics of soil types for
preparing your site with adequate drainage. You will also learn how to
determine size of footings needed to hold the weight of your home.
If you want to enjoy your home for years to come the foundation must be
set on a properly prepared surface. With this video you will know exactly
what will be required when it comes to preparing the ground for your homes
installation.
Video #2 - Home Installation
In this video you will preview what will take place once your home has
been delivered to your site. You will see how a home is rolled onto a
concrete foundation and installed properly. You will learn how to be sure
your home is level and how inspect for a tight seal at the marriage lines
between sections.
Video #3 - Exterior Trim-Out
This lesson demonstrates the correct method for finishing exterior
end-walls with vinyl siding. Also featured is the best method for
connecting the electrical and water between the homes sections. Other
topics covered are:
installing the drainage system
gas connections
air conditioning installation
This video will provide everything you need to know about the finish
operations on, under and around the outside of your home.
Video #4 - Interior Trim-Out
Learn how to interconnect the "marriage line" between your homes
sections. See the best way to trim out the and interior walls. You'll
learn the basics from methods for taping and texturing sheet rock walls.
to how they will install interior doors and moldings. Correct carpet
fitting cutting and seaming are discussed. along with installing ceiling
fans and much much more.
Video #5 - Final Inspection
This walk-through will show you how to inspect your home and what to
look for. This is an important step making sure everything has been done
properly. In this video you will learn how to do a thorough inspection
from top to bottom. Areas covered are: siding, windows, marriage line,
kitchen cabinets, interior doors, gas connections, appliances and much
more. This video is an invaluable tool for making sure your home has been
set-up properly. If there is a problem or something needs to be repaired
this is the time to point it out and write it down. By understanding the
walk-through process and following a simple method for inspecting your
home you will not overlook any aspect of home construction. This will
ensure everything has been inspected and properly installed before you
move into your new home.
After viewing all five videos you will have what it takes to
tackle your site preparation with confidence and peace of mind. Even if
you're not planning on doing the work yourself, this information will help
you understand the entire process. This will give you an edge when
choosing sub-contractors and help you make sure the site preparation is
done properly.
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We are proud to offer the most effective way ever to learn about
the step by step process involved in properly installing a manufactured
home; A great five-part video series with George Porter, the
industry's most respected installation specialist.
Mr. Porter leads you through a two hour viewing experience
that will prepare you for the numerous operations and complexities
involved in the installation of the modern manufactured home.
Video #3 - Exterior Trim-Out
Video #4 - Interior Trim-Out
After viewing all five videos you will have what it takes to
tackle your site preparation with confidence and peace of mind. Even if
you're not planning on doing the work yourself, this information will help
you understand the entire process. This will give you an edge when
choosing sub-contractors and help you make sure the site preparation is
done properly.
