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gpinspections · 5 years ago

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Tips To Save Money & Energy

10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home

Most people don’t know how easy it is to make their homes run on less energy, and, we want to change that.

Drastic reductions in heating, cooling and electricity costs can be accomplished through very simple changes, most of which homeowners can do themselves. Of course, for homeowners who want to take advantage of the most up-to-date knowledge and systems in home energy efficiency, InterNACHI energy auditors can perform in-depth testing to find the best energy solutions for your particular home.

Why make your home more energy efficient? Here are a few good reasons:

Federal, state, utility and local jurisdictions' financial incentives, such as tax breaks, are very advantageous for homeowners in most parts of the U.S.

It saves money. It costs less to power a home that has been converted to be more energy-efficient.

It increases the comfort level indoors.

It reduces our impact on climate change. Many scientists now believe that excessive energy consumption contributes significantly to global warming.

It reduces pollution. Conventional power production introduces pollutants that find their way into the air, soil and water supplies.

1. Find better ways to heat and cool your house.

As much as half of the energy used in homes goes toward heating and cooling. The following are a few ways that energy bills can be reduced through adjustments to the heating and cooling systems:

Install a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans can be used in place of air conditioners, which require a large amount of energy.

Periodically replace air filters in air conditioners and heaters.

Set thermostats to an appropriate temperature. Specifically, they should be turned down at night and when no one is home. In most homes, about 2% of the heating bill will be saved for each degree that the thermostat is lowered for at least eight hours each day. Turning down the thermostat from 75° F to 70° F, for example, saves about 10% on heating costs.

Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat saves money by allowing heating and cooling appliances to be automatically turned down during times that no one is home and at night. Programmable thermostats contain no mercury and, in some climate zones, can save up to $150 per year in energy costs.

Install a wood stove or a pellet stove. These are more efficient sources of heat than furnaces.

At night, curtains drawn over windows will better insulate the room.

2. Install a tankless water heater.

Demand-type water heaters (tankless or instantaneous) provide hot water only as it is needed. They don't produce the standby energy losses associated with traditional storage water heaters, which will save on energy costs. Tankless water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. A gas burner or an electric element heats the water. As a result, demand water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. You don't need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water.

3. Replace incandescent lights.

The average household dedicates 11% of its energy budget to lighting. Traditional incandescent lights convert approximately only 10% of the energy they consume into light, while the rest becomes heat. The use of new lighting technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), can reduce the energy use required by lighting by 50% to 75%. Advances in lighting controls offer further energy savings by reducing the amount of time that lights are on but not being used. Here are some facts about CFLs and LEDs:

CFLs use 75% less energy and last about 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

LEDs last even longer than CFLs and consume less energy.

LEDs have no moving parts and, unlike CFLs, they contain no mercury.

4. Seal and insulate your home.

Sealing and insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy-efficient, and you can do it yourself. A tightly sealed home can improve comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility bills. An InterNACHI energy auditor can assess leakage in the building envelope and recommend fixes that will dramatically increase comfort and energy savings.

The following are some common places where leakage may occur:

electrical receptacles/outlets;

mail slots;

around pipes and wires;

wall- or window-mounted air conditioners;

attic hatches;

fireplace dampers;

inadequate weatherstripping around doors;

baseboards;

window frames; and

switch plates.

Because hot air rises, air leaks are most likely to occur in the attic. Homeowners can perform a variety of repairs and maintenance to their attics that save them money on cooling and heating, such as:

Plug the large holes. Locations in the attic where leakage is most likely to be the greatest are where walls meet the attic floor, behind and under attic knee walls, and in dropped-ceiling areas.

Seal the small holes. You can easily do this by looking for areas where the insulation is darkened. Darkened insulation is a result of dusty interior air being filtered by insulation before leaking through small holes in the building envelope. In cold weather, you may see frosty areas in the insulation caused by warm, moist air condensing and then freezing as it hits the cold attic air. In warmer weather, you’ll find water staining in these same areas. Use expanding foam or caulk to seal the openings around plumbing vent pipes and electrical wires. Cover the areas with insulation after the caulk is dry.

Seal up the attic access panel with weatherstripping. You can cut a piece of fiberglass or rigid foamboard insulation in the same size as the attic hatch and glue it to the back of the attic access panel. If you have pull-down attic stairs or an attic door, these should be sealed in a similar manner.

5. Install efficient showerheads and toilets.

The following systems can be installed to conserve water usage in homes:

low-flow showerheads. They are available in different flow rates, and some have a pause button which shuts off the water while the bather lathers up;

low-flow toilets. Toilets consume 30% to 40% of the total water used in homes, making them the biggest water users. Replacing an older 3.5-gallon toilet with a modern, low-flow 1.6-gallon toilet can reduce usage an average of 2 gallons-per-flush (GPF), saving 12,000 gallons of water per year. Low-flow toilets usually have "1.6 GPF" marked on the bowl behind the seat or inside the tank;

vacuum-assist toilets. This type of toilet has a vacuum chamber that uses a siphon action to suck air from the trap beneath the bowl, allowing it to quickly fill with water to clear waste. Vacuum-assist toilets are relatively quiet; and

dual-flush toilets. Dual-flush toilets have been used in Europe and Australia for years and are now gaining in popularity in the U.S. Dual-flush toilets let you choose between a 1-gallon (or less) flush for liquid waste, and a 1.6-gallon flush for solid waste. Dual-flush 1.6-GPF toilets reduce water consumption by an additional 30%.

6. Use appliances and electronics responsibly.

Appliances and electronics account for about 20% of household energy bills in a typical U.S. home. The following are tips that will reduce the required energy of electronics and appliances:

Refrigerators and freezers should not be located near the stove, dishwasher or heat vents, or exposed to direct sunlight. Exposure to warm areas will force them to use more energy to remain cool.

Computers should be shut off when not in use. If unattended computers must be left on, their monitors should be shut off. According to some studies, computers account for approximately 3% of all energy consumption in the United States.

Use efficient ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and electronics. These devices, approved by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Program, include TVs, home theater systems, DVD players, CD players, receivers, speakers, and more. According to the EPA, if just 10% of homes used energy-efficient appliances, it would reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 1.7 million acres of trees.

Chargers, such as those used for laptops and cell phones, consume energy when they are plugged in. When they are not connected to electronics, chargers should be unplugged.

Laptop computers consume considerably less electricity than desktop computers.

7. Install daylighting as an alternative to electrical lighting.

Daylighting is the practice of using natural light to illuminate the home's interior. It can be achieved using the following approaches:

skylights. It’s important that they be double-pane or they may not be cost-effective. Flashing skylights correctly is key to avoiding leaks;

light shelves. Light shelves are passive devices designed to bounce light deep into a building. They may be interior or exterior. Light shelves can introduce light into a space up to 2½ times the distance from the floor to the top of the window, and advanced light shelves may introduce four times that amount;

clerestory windows. Clerestory windows are short, wide windows set high on the wall. Protected from the summer sun by the roof overhang, they allow winter sun to shine through for natural lighting and warmth; and

light tubes. Light tubes use a special lens designed to amplify low-level light and reduce light intensity from the midday sun. Sunlight is channeled through a tube coated with a highly reflective material, and then enters the living space through a diffuser designed to distribute light evenly.

8. Insulate windows and doors.

About one-third of the home's total heat loss usually occurs through windows and doors. The following are ways to reduce energy lost through windows and doors:

Seal all window edges and cracks with rope caulk. This is the cheapest and simplest option.

Windows can be weatherstripped with a special lining that is inserted between the window and the frame. For doors, apply weatherstripping around the whole perimeter to ensure a tight seal when they're closed. Install quality door sweeps on the bottom of the doors, if they aren't already in place.

Install storm windows at windows with only single panes. A removable glass frame can be installed over an existing window.

If existing windows have rotted or damaged wood, cracked glass, missing putty, poorly fitting sashes, or locks that don't work, they should be repaired or replaced.

9. Cook smart.

An enormous amount of energy is wasted while cooking. The following recommendations and statistics illustrate less wasteful ways of cooking:

Convection ovens are more efficient that conventional ovens. They use fans to force hot air to circulate more evenly, thereby allowing food to be cooked at a lower temperature. Convection ovens use approximately 20% less electricity than conventional ovens.

Microwave ovens consume approximately 80% less energy than conventional ovens.

Pans should be placed on the matching size heating element or flame.

Using lids on pots and pans will heat food more quickly than cooking in uncovered pots and pans.

Pressure cookers reduce cooking time dramatically.

When using conventional ovens, food should be placed on the top rack. The top rack is hotter and will cook food faster.

10. Change the way you do laundry.

Do not use the medium setting on your washer. Wait until you have a full load of clothes, as the medium setting saves less than half of the water and energy used for a full load.

Avoid using high-temperature settings when clothes are not very soiled. Water that is 140° F uses far more energy than 103° F for the warm-water setting, but 140° F isn’t that much more effective for getting clothes clean.

Clean the lint trap every time before you use the dryer. Not only is excess lint a fire hazard, but it will prolong the amount of time required for your clothes to dry.

If possible, air-dry your clothes on lines and racks.

Spin-dry or wring clothes out before putting them into a dryer.

Homeowners who take the initiative to make these changes usually discover that the energy savings are more than worth the effort. InterNACHI home inspectors can make this process much easier because they can perform a more comprehensive assessment of energy-savings potential than the average homeowner can.

#energy saving tips home inspector home inspections

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olivia86 · 3 years ago

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Why Barndominiums Are Exploding in Popularity

Barndominiums are on the rise in popularity due to their affordability, space, functionality and style. This is great news for people who want to live in more than just a standard house but don't have the budget of an average-sized home or they need extra room.

The barndominium or barn house is both functional and attractive with many different finishes that you can choose from - think metal roofs, cedar siding, stone accents and so much more! It's easy to see why everyone loves this new trend in housing developments.

Why Barndominiums Are Exploding in Popularity

Today we're going to talk about a unique and popular home style, the Barndominium. Barndominiums are typically one- to two-story facilities in which prefabricated modules like those used in pole barns, but with much more customization and accuracy in measurement and welding, are used to construct residential homes.

They can be built in less time than it takes to frame conventional homes because they come fully finished - except for the flooring - and many already have utilities such as plumbing, heating, and electrical systems installed.

The article is largely correct (though modern prefabs are not "typically" constructed with modules) but included elements that demonstrate no expertise on the subject matter at hand. A few examples:

- "the barndominium is often one or two stories tall" -- it can be any height, sometimes up to three stories tall. This sentence makes the reader believe that all barndominiums are two stories tall. The fact of the matter is, in our experience at least half are not.

Who Are These Barndominiums For?

The barndominium was created as a low-cost alternative to pre-fabricated metal barns and sheds. It has since evolved into a popular option among those looking for an affordable custom modular home .

People who go with this type of building often want something different than what everyone else has, such as one built to their specific measurements or exterior style. They also like knowing they can pay for it in monthly installments instead of having to make a large up-front payment. You can get more information from the barndominium ideas in detail.

Who Designs the Barndominium?

Developer and manufacturer William Lyon Homes is now offering barndominiums as factory-built homes in some of its developments. Typically, however, homebuyers will work with a local contractor to design their own modular house. This can be done on a computer or by hand. It would then be mailed to the manufacturer for construction. Each unit is made to meet or exceed building codes and comes with features like thermal insulation and solar panels (for those living off the grid).

How Expensive Are These Homes?

Barndominiums typically cost less than $100,000. However, they could cost more depending on their size and interior amenities. For example, you might have to pay more for extras like hardwood floors, tile countertops, dual-pane windows, and an attached garage.

Are Barndominiums Customizable?

Yes. You can choose your preferred exterior style or ask the manufacturer to apply that of a home in the neighborhood you want to live in. Otherwise, barndominiums can be built with almost any interior and exterior features if you're willing and able to pay extra for them . For example, they could include:

- vaulted ceilings.

- more than one bathroom.

- manufactured stone fireplace inserts (fireplaces on wheels).

- home entertainment systems such as TV monitors mounted on walls or cabinets both inside and outside near decks. They would expand outward from their hidden compartment in the house when it's time to play. Additionally, they could be equipped with speakers for outdoor entertainment, such as by a pool. A cabinet can even be installed over the door opening to further hide them when they're not in use.

- higher end kitchen appliances like an ice maker or winemaker's refrigerator if you plan on using your barndominium for home brewing or winemaking (a residential ice machine is typically used for this).

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember with these prefabricated homes is that they offer a new way of living in the country, and can meet many needs for a variety of lifestyles. If you're interested in learning more about Barndominiums or have any questions at all, don't hesitate to reach out! We love hearing from our readers and are always happy to help!

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outofsightmountingsblog · 2 years ago

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Buy TV Wall Mount online at best prices in USA

Choose from over-standard motorized ceiling lift mechanisms to conceal TVs, projectors, and speakers overhead. With these drop-down brackets, you can lower any TV from the ceiling or take it to the next level of luxury with multi-function ceiling TV drop-down mounts that allow the screen to flip down, extend or swivel in any direction desired.

best tv mount above fireplace

Are you bored of that old TV look which is kept on a table with lots of wire connections, giving your living room or drawing that ugly look? So, today we are going to talk about the same product, which is unique and wonderful for everyone.

fireplace mantel mount

An LCD wall mount tv brackets will free up space in the living room or family/TV room by allowing the homeowner to mount their LCD television on the wall, in addition to offering a home theatre experience. These brackets keep the television close to the wall for a sleek and stylish look with no wires or brackets showing the most models.

Buying an Ultra Flush Mount is perfect for all brands and styles of LDC televisions and folds flush to the wall for virtual invisibility, so the television looks integrated into the wall as well as a photographer in a frame. Hide-a-Mount is the only solution on the market today that mounts a large flat-screen TV truly flush against your wall, chimney, or bookcase and offers the ability to lower the TV to a comfortable viewing height. Wires and brackets are fully concealed; nothing to detract from custom cabinetry or fireplace design.

Multi-function ceiling TV drop down brackets lower any TV from the ceiling or take it to the next level of luxury with multi-function ceiling TV drop-down mounts that allow the screen to flip down, extend or swivel in any direction desired.

Many of them choose flush wall mount brackets that come with interlocking hanger brackets, which are great for securing vanity cases, wall units, and mirrors to the wall. Hide-a-Mount’s patent-pending two-piece bracket, with its recessed enclosure, will hold your large flat-screen TV flush against the wall. It looks almost like a painting and allows you to lower it out and over a mantel or cabinet shelf to a pleasurable viewing height.

tv mounting on fireplace

Hide-a-Mount brackets are uniquely designed for function plus visual appeal, and the bracket will allow the back of your large flat-screen TV to mount truly flush against the wall, hiding all wires and brackets inside its recessed enclosure, where you can buy various types of wall mounts. Visit our website: https://outofsightmounting.com/

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howyoutalktostrangers · 6 years ago

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So,

One of the stories in my novel manuscript is called “Doubting Thomas”.

I wrote this piece back while I was still an undergrad at UVic, and named the main character Spencer after my best friend and roommate. It was ultimately published in Island Writer, complete with illustrations.

Spencer is one of the most important people in my life, and he’s known me since I was a Bible-toting high school Christian. While many of us Tsawwassen kids were teenage evangelicals, he never bought into our religion — and he then watched, amused, as one-by-one we fell away from the church.

He’s one of the best people I’ve ever known, and I love him forever.

This story has changed a bit over the years, and the main character is now named Eddie Bishop (father of Joel Bishop from “Post-funeral”), but the main thrust of the narrative is completely intact. It follows an isolated widower as he contemplates suicide following the death of his wife.

I’ve published the new version below. I hope you like it.

The Literary Goon

Doubting Thomas

by Will Johnson

EDDIE BISHOP watches the frozen lake beyond the trees. He listens to the quiet moan of the wind while he sucks on a skinny brown cigar. He barely tastes it. It’s a bright afternoon and sunlight reflects off the snow. Every now and then he spots a cross-country skier in the distance, a tiny dark figure carving a line through the slush, just to prove he’s not quite alone.

Every day for the last month he’s spent the afternoon sitting in his deck chair, sometimes shin-deep in snow. The cold prickles his cheeks and bits of frost get stuck in his thin grey beard. Each time he tries to last a little bit longer before retreating back to the fireplace. He sees how long he can sit still without flinching or moving. He suppresses the urge to wipe the back of his hand across his face, to itch behind his knee or scratch his neck. It’s not quite punishment. He likes to think of it as self-discipline.

This is just sensation.

Most mornings he chops wood behind the cabin. He’s surprised by how quickly it disappears once he tosses it in the fireplace. Back in the city he never thought about heat, never worried about the temperature of his house. He likes shovelling the walk, filling the birdfeeder, making sure to turn off the water pipes each night. Without these chores he’s not sure how he would fill each day. He dreads the half-hour trips to the grocery store each week, the sudden rush of music and excited conversation whenever he walks through the sliding glass doors. There are so many colours. Children run up and down the aisles, people brush by him to reach for the cereal, the checkout girls always want to talk to him. Sometimes he idles in the parking lot for twenty minutes before he heads inside. Often he drives back to the cabin without even getting out of the car.

While he sits on the deck, his cigar smouldering close to his ungloved fingers, a small squirrel scampers along the railing and tentatively approaches the birdfeeder. Seeds are scattered around it, pock-marking the snow. Eddie loves to watch the birds swoop down and peck at the cracked corn, at the sunflower seeds and the dried up bits of fruit. He wishes he knew how to tell them apart, how to tell whether he’s looking at a chickadee or a sparrow or a cardinal, but he doesn’t. He’s got a rifle resting against the arm of his chair, and as the squirrel slowly nudges closer to the feeder he stubs out his cigar, lifts it out of the snow and raises it to his shoulder. The tiny animal is only three, maybe four feet away. He looks down the long barrel, through the scope, and aims the gun at its neck. He rests his finger on the trigger, but doesn’t apply any pressure yet. The squirrel begins to nibble.

He’s never taken time to look at a squirrel before. Not this closely. To examine the delicate hairs on its tiny grey face, to look at the way its glazed black eyes blink. He thinks about the cartoons he used to watch as a kid. As it begins to eat he tries to see what kind of teeth it has, whether or not they’re over-sized buckteeth like he remembers from TV. It has a long, curled tail with a white blemish at the tip. Eddie wonders how many years it’s been alive, wonders if it’s an old squirrel or a young squirrel. Does it live far away? Or maybe it has a home in his yard. He has no way to know.

Just be here.

Eddie knows that every moment is inexplicably linked to the next, that there’s no way to stop or even slow time. If he pulls the trigger the squirrel will burst into a cloud of singed fur and leave nothing but spatters of blood. There would be no way to take that back. In this moment he has the power to end this creature’s life. It has no idea what he’s thinking, no idea that he could evaporate it at any moment. All it knows is the taste of sunflower seed, the satisfying crack as it chews. All it knows is this moment, right now. Eddie watches the crumbs spill from the squirrel’s mouth, watches it cup its food in its small grey paws. It is so beautiful that for a moment he forgets where he is, what he’s doing. He just watches.

***

Not long after his wife Jolene was diagnosed with leukemia, Eddie took a month-long leave of absence from his company, Solomon Development Ltd., and renovated their living room. He punched out one wall, stripped the carpet and sold their furniture. He put in laminate flooring and an enormous window overlooking their backyard. He mounted speakers in the corners and bought all the yoga paraphernalia he could find—mats and blocks and incense and little figurines. By the time he wheeled her into the house, after her first round of chemotherapy, her yoga studio was done.

When she first saw it, Jolene sat with her wrinkled hands in her lap for a long moment. Then she began to cry. Eddie kneeled in front of her and looked into her eyes. He stroked her arms and held her bald head and kissed the moist trails running down her cheeks.

***

Eddie is hauling a load of firewood around the side of the cabin when he spots a man tromping down his driveway. He drops the wood beside the door and watches as the figure slogs through the snow. The guy is broad-shouldered, with a curly brown beard and a toque pulled low over his eyes. His winter jacket makes him look like a husky bear walking upright.

“Mornin’,” the guy says.

Eddie mumbles a response under his breath. He has to fight the urge to retreat, to slam the door in this guy’s face and refuse to come outside. It’s been weeks since he’s spoken to anyone.

Remember to breathe.

“Is this a bad time?” the guy asks.

Eddie shrugs.

“Listen, I don’t mean to bother you. I just got a call from Cody and he asked me if I’d swing by.”

Eddie can see the guys’ breath. He watches the cloud swirl then dissipate in the air. After a moment he realizes he has to say something, that they’ve been standing there silent. He pulls out his cigar pack, knocks one into his hand, and raises it to his lips. He holds out the pack, but his visitor shakes his head.

“Listen, I’m Tom. We live just up the road and we’ve known Cody for probably fifteen years. He says you two work together?”

Eddie nods. “One of my partners.”

“Well, I know it’s not my business. But he told me about what happened, told me you were going to be up here for a while, and I thought maybe you’d like to come over for dinner sometime.”

Eddie exhales. “Okay.”

Tom rustles around in his coat for a moment, then pulls out a piece of paper. “I wrote down a few numbers there. That’s my office number down in Kamloops. I also put down our home number and my cell phone. You need anything, don’t hesitate to call.”

Eddie pulls off his glove and takes the piece of paper.

“It’s Eddie, right?”

He nods.

“Well, I’ve got to get my daughter off to school here, but we’d love to hear from you anytime. We’re just about five minutes away, whatever you need.”

Eddie watches Tom slog away. He blinks at the creaking trees and the soft mist drifting down from their branches. For a moment he wonders if he just imagined the whole interaction, if maybe he’s starting to invent things. But then he looks down at the note in his hand, and there it is. He folds it twice and tucks it carefully into his wallet.

***

Each morning while Eddie drank his coffee in the kitchen, Jolene would sit meditating in her yoga studio. He could hear the otherworldly music through the wall. Sometimes he would creep into the hallway and watch her silhouetted against the window, her long shadow cast along the floor by the rising sun. She sat with her hands open on her legs, her eyes closed, facing the ceiling.

One day he unrolled a mat beside her, and she talked him through her process. It was like learning a new language. He wasn’t used to feeling the throb of blood in his neck, of listening to each breath. It made him uncomfortable. When Jolene wasn’t paying attention he would open his eyes and watch her chest rise and fall. He wanted to touch her, to gather her up in his arms.

“The divine in me recognizes the divine in you,” Jolene said. “And bows to it.”

***

Eddie’s small car is struggling up the hill from town, spraying a tidal wave of grey water in either direction, when he spots a teenage girl sitting on a stump on the side of the road. He notices her bare, pink-splotchy legs. It’s drizzling rain and she’s lifted her flimsy rain jacket over her head. When she sees him approaching she jumps up and waves her arms.

All you have is this moment.

“Shit,” he whispers.

He knows he can’t leave her there, so before he’s had time to really think about it he’s pulled over. She grabs a backpack from the ground and excitedly tiptoes through the snow towards him.

“Omigod, thank you for stopping,” she says, the door pinging as she holds it open. “I thought I was going to die.”

She sinks into the passenger seat, relieved. Eddie studies her face from the rearview mirror as she settles, stuffing her bag down at her feet. There’s a swath of irritated looking pimples along her hairline, and she’s wearing neon blue eye shadow.

“You’re that guy up the road,” she says. “You live in Mr. Solomon’s cabin.”

Eddie nods.

“My Dad told me about you.”

“Okay.”

“I’m like two minutes up the road. Like I was almost there but then my boyfriend was being a fucking dick and yeah, you can just take a left at Peak.”

Eddie shifts into drive.

“I’m Evelyn,” she says.

“Eddie.”

Eddie notices how far her skirt has bunched up on her legs as she leans over and starts fiddling with the radio. Her legs are goose-pimply. She looks Korean, or maybe Japanese. He cracks the window to get some air.

“I don’t know why my parents can’t just live in town like normal people,” she says in a sing-song whine. “The radio stations are all crackly. What do you listen to, like what type of music?”

He shrugs.

Eddie is relieved, a few moments later, when he pulls into Evelyn’s driveway. They pass under a wrought-iron gate, follow a long curve along an impressively landscaped rock wall, and then reach a small turn-around with overhanging cedar trees. The entranceway to the house, after a steep stone staircase, boasts a giant oak door framed by imposing pillars. On the second floor is a wrap-around verandah that faces the snowy forest.

“Thanks,” Evelyn chirps, but before Eddie can pull away Tom has appeared at the top of the steps. He’s wearing sweatpants and slippers, but he comes running down the steps to greet him. Spencer reluctantly rolls down his window.

“You can make it up and down the hill in this little thing?” Tom says. “Now how could I guess you’re from the big city, huh?”

He leans into the window a little too close, then clasps his hand on Eddie’s shoulder. Eddie holds his breath. “I see you’ve met my daughter.”

“Yup.”

“I’m glad you swung by, actually. I was going to come by and invite you to church on Sunday. Have you seen St. Luke’s Anglican, down in town? It’s kitty-corner to the Superstore there?”

Evelyn stands behind her father expectantly. She rolls her eyes.

“I’m not really…”

“Listen, I’m not trying to pressure you or anything. I just think, in a time like this, faith can be a real healing and positive force in your life. And it would be a nice way to meet some of the folks from around town. I’m the Rector and Evelyn here, she volunteers with the youth group. We’d really love to see you there.”

Eddie doesn’t know what to say.

“How about this? It’s at 9:30 but I need to be there a little early to set up. Why don’t we swing by and pick you up around 8:45?”

Eddie looks at Evelyn, then back at Tom. He really wants to swat away the hand on his shoulder, but he forces a smile. “Sure, okay,” he says.

“Super,” Tom says. “We’ll see you on Sunday.”

***

Whenever the nurses came to visit Jolene, Eddie hated how helpless he felt. His wife was getting thinner, the skin around her ears and along her fingers was starting to crust and flake off, and her eyes were always bloodshot and half-closed. But he savoured the times he could run her a bath, undress her carefully, then carry her to the tub and sink her into the steaming water. Most days he kneeled down beside the tub and softly massaged her arms, her shoulders, her legs. Every now and then he would climb in with her.

One day, while he sat with her slumped in his arms, he felt her start to lose consciousness. He trailed his finger along the soft, wet flesh of her skull down to her ear, and then he began to cry. Just a few tears at first, but then full sobs until he choked for air. Jolene woke up and twisted in his arms. She looked into his eyes.

“Don’t think about it,” she whispered. “We have this moment, and that’s all we need.”

Eddie couldn’t speak.

“Just be here with me,” she said. “Just be here.”

***

Eddie lifts the Common Book of Prayer, a small green hymnal, out of the pew in front of him. Everyone around him is standing up, so he rises too. He can’t believe he’s here. Evelyn has wedged herself beside him, and beside that her mother Miriam sits in a puffy purple dress. Miriam is an enormous white woman with a swath of black hair elaborately ornamented with flowers. Her face is doughy and bulges out in strange places, so her eyes almost seem like they’ll sink down and disappear behind her cheekbones. She reeks like lavender.

At the front of the church, Tom is standing in front of the congregation in flowing white robes.

“The Lord be with you,” he bellows.

“And also with you,” the congregation responds.

“Lift up your hearts.”

“We lift them to the Lord.”

Evelyn keeps glancing in his direction. She helps him flip to the right page in the hymnal, then smiles mischievously at him. Miriam taps her on the shoulder and Evelyn quickly straightens up.

“Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.”

“It is right to give our thanks and praise.”

Eddie decides to stay behind while the rest of the sanctuary empties into the aisle. They line up before the altar for Communion and take turns sinking to their knees at the railing. Tom swishes across the stage, plunking a small tuft of bread into each pair of cupped hands. Volunteer women follow him and offer a sip of red wine from bright golden chalices.

Later in the service Evelyn searches through her purse for an eyeliner pencil, and when Miriam isn’t looking she quickly jots down a note in the church bulletin and slips it into his lap.

Don’t need to be forgiven for your sins? it says.

Eddie folds the bulletin and tucks it into the inside pocket of his coat. Evelyn huffs theatrically, then starts kicking the pew in front of her. At the front of the church Tom is strutting from one side of the pulpit to the other, sweeping his long robed arms through the air. Miriam pokes Evelyn again, and she stops.

At the end of the service Eddie stands in the cold parking lot, watching well-dressed families head back to their minivans and trucks. They’re not far from the highway, and he watches people rumble by from Vancouver on their way to the ski hills. He takes long drags from his cigar and tries to stop his hands from shaking. He feels like he might vomit.

***

Jolene passed away less than six months after her diagnosis, and suddenly Eddie found himself inundated with strangers asking him questions. There were funeral arrangements, life insurance policies, paperwork he had to sign and places he needed to be. Her family swept into town and moved into his house for a few weeks and they wouldn’t leave him alone. Every morning he was ushered out of bed, encouraged to shower, shuttled around from place to place.

“So a traditional Catholic funeral, then?” the funeral director asked. Jolene’s sisters and her mother sat on either side of him.

Jolene had been a Buddhist for nearly a decade, though she never attended a temple or declared her faith to anyone. She just stockpiled on books and attended meetings with her yoga friends. Eddie didn’t understand her religion, but he knew she wasn’t Catholic.

“I think Jolene wanted to be cremated,” he mumbled.

Her family started to chatter angrily, but he couldn’t listen. It was always the same with them. Jolene was gone and nothing they could do would make any difference to her. Their moment was dead. Her mother started crying, and while one sister hugged her the other one shot Eddie a dirty look.

Eddie sighed. “I can just wait outside.”

***

Eddie is struggling down the driveway with two bags of groceries when he spots Evelyn sitting beside his front door like a lost animal, and as he gets closer he realizes she is crying. Her jeans are soaked and she’s pulled the strings of her hoodie until it’s tight around her face.

“Hi,” he says.

“Oh hi, sorry. I like, didn’t know if it would be okay but I don’t want to go home and I thought maybe I could crash here for a couple hours?”

Eddie hesitates. For nearly two weeks he’s successfully avoided Tom and his family. A few times he hid in his bedroom and pretended he wasn’t home while someone pounded on the front door. At the grocery store he spotted Miriam across the produce section, and he simply left his basket on top of a pile of apples and jogged out to his car.

“You look cold,” he says.

Once inside Evelyn tosses off her coat and drapes it over the back of the couch. She skips around the room, spinning in circles to check everything out. She opens and closes the doors to both the bedrooms. She leans down to inspect his wood stove. She laughs.

“This place is tiny,” she says.

“My partner just uses it as a summer cabin.”

Eddie starts loading the groceries into the fridge, and hears Evelyn rattling around. When he turns around she’s loading firewood into the stove and searching around for newspaper, kindling and a lighter. The fire had died while he was at the store.

“It’s fucking freezing in here,” she says.

For half an hour Eddie finds different ways to put a locked door between himself and the teenage girl lounging in his living room, first sitting on the toilet of his bathroom to have a smoke and then sitting on his bed and looking out the window. But finally he can’t come up with any more excuses, so he pads into the living room and sits down across from her. She’s reading an entertainment magazine.

“Do you like movies?” she asks.

“Not really.”

“I heard your wife died.”

“Yes, she did.”

Evelyn puts down her magazine on the coffee table and looks him in the eyes until he glances away. She scratches a large red blemish by her nose, searches for a distraction, then dances across the room to the large window overlooking the lake.

“That’s a pretty view,” she says.

Eddie shrugs.

“Do you want to smoke a joint with me?”

All you have is now.

Eddie sighs and picks absentmindedly at some fluff on his pants. He hasn’t smoked cannabis for nearly twenty-five years; probably not since before he met Jolene. He thinks about his younger self, and feels like he doesn’t even know that person anymore. He looks up at Evelyn.

“Sure,” he says. “Okay.”

***

Once the funeral was over Eddie had the house to himself again, but he couldn’t bring himself to sleep in the bedroom. Instead he set up a cot in the yoga studio and went to sleep listening to Jolene’s music. For years he had been skeptical of her new religion—her obsession with mindfulness, the moment, meditation. He hadn’t necessarily doubted her, but he wondered if her new faith was just a phase. Now that she was gone he found himself obsessing over her books. He watched her yoga DVDs and tried unsuccessfully to do the poses. He could hear Jolene’s voice in his head.

All you have is this moment.

He extended his leave of absence from work, and pretty soon he barely left the house. He couldn’t escape from his mind. One day Cody came by and they drank coffee at the island in his kitchen. They shrugged a lot and couldn’t find much to say. He brought a casserole his wife Melissa made, and it sat covered in Saran Wrap between them.

“Eddie,” Cody said, after a moment of silence. “I’ve been thinking. I got this cabin up in Kamloops. It’s out of the way. We thought you might like to stay there for a while, clear your head, you know. We’re all concerned about you.”

“Right,” he said.

Cody pushed some keys across the counter, along with a map. “Take some time, okay? And take care of yourself.”

***

Eddie listens to the rhythmic crunch of the snow as he tromps into the grey evening mist. In the distance a seemingly endless forest of evergreens reaches up the mountainside, but for kilometres in front of them there is nothing but ice and a thin layer of fresh snow. He drags the barrel of his rifle along the ground, leaving a meandering trail behind him. The setting sun casts long shadows in front of them—his silhouette enormous compared to Evelyn’s. She skips beside him, humming under her breath.

“Where are we going?” she asks.

He shrugs.

Eddie thinks about things that haven’t crossed his mind in years. He thinks about his parents, who have been dead for decades. He thinks about his first car, and the time he crashed it as a teenager. He vaguely thinks he can hear music, and long-forgotten lyrics are suddenly right there. But mostly he thinks about Jolene, about the way her hair used to get caught in her sunglasses, the way she bit her lip when she cried, and the vacation they took to Mexico a few years after they were married. He thinks about their five sons and feels warm.

“Did you know I’m from Burma?” Evelyn asks.

Eddie stops and looks at her. For a moment he’d forgotten she was even there.

“I was in an orphanage until I was three, and then my parents adopted me while they worked as missionaries. Sometimes I try really hard to remember what it’s like, but all I can remember are certain smells or certain songs. Like this one lullaby the nannies used to sing to me.”

Eddie doesn’t say anything. The whistling silence around them is epic.

“I’m going back there one day,” she says. “Once I graduate from high school I’m going to go visit, and maybe even live there. I mean, I’m grateful for everything my parents have done for me, but most of the time I feel like I don’t belong here.”

The darkness creeps in around them.

“I think you belong here,” Eddie says.

Evelyn gapes at him for a moment, then looks at her feet. They start walking again. Eddie reaches into his jacket and pulls out a flashlight. When he shines it directly ahead it catches the flakes of snow and makes them momentarily glow.

“What do you think of my Dad?” Evelyn asks after a few minutes.

Eddie thinks about it. “He seems like a good person.”

“But you’re not a Christian?” she asks.

“No,” he says. “I don’t think so.”

“Me neither,” she says. “I made the decision like months ago.”

Evelyn sighs. She kicks up tufts of snow with each step. Then she breaks into a jog and screams. She flails her arms and spins around and laughs until she falls in a heap. Eddie watches her, bemused, then catches up and shines his flashlight down at her prone body.

All you have is now.

“I’m really high,” she says.

Eddie struggles to sit, huffing a little, then sinks down beside her. There’s a series of sharp cracks, and he instinctively shifts to one side, but the ice is solid beneath them. He laughs to himself.

“The ice is crazy thick,” Evelyn says. “Don’t even worry.”

They sit there without speaking and night descends. Mournful loons sing to the darkness, their voices echoing across the ice. The breeze layers frost on their jackets, in their hair, and on their faces. He can’t understand what’s changed in his mind, but suddenly everything around him seems exactly as it should be. Just be here. Evelyn’s breathing slows until she’s whistling gently by his side. Eddie stands up and looks at the stars. He raises his gun to his shoulder and looks through his scope at each one. They’re magical. He thinks about the distance between him and the universe. He swoops the barrel down until he can see the lights coming from his cabin’s windows, bright spots in the blackness. He points the gun at the shadowy silhouettes of the mountains, and then finally back into the black eternity above his head. Evelyn sits up, startled with the first bang. Then she walks up behind him and watches as he fires shot after shot into the night sky.

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jessicaphyllislange · 4 years ago

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Do-It-Yourself Playhouse

A playhouse resembles a cute miniature version of an extremely simplified home and, like each home, it can be customized in all kinds of ways and may even receive improvements and extensions. This can prove to be a very fun weekend job which both the children and the parents can enjoy. Have a look at a few of the ideas we discovered and make a list of your favorite features so that you can then include them on your own playhouse plans.

It is so cute and little and in precisely the exact same time chic and contemporary. It's windows, a planter box, and a slightly angled roof and the inside is wonderful too. Of course, all of the small details, furnishings, and accessories are personal for this project so that you'll have to produce your own means of customizing the playhouse as you’ve built it. You will get the plans and much more details on jenwoodhouse.

Before you begin planning and constructing your playhouse, you want to determine where you are going to place it. Also, how are you going to be using it? It's not only the kids that would discover this type of structure adorable and functional but the adults also. By way of instance, this may be an ideal reading nook. Put it in the backyard under a tree and place within a few bookshelves and a cozy chair or pouf. So far as the playhouse plans are involved, you can get all you will need to know on vintage revivals.

Yes, we know we said that playhouses are small and simplified models or home but there is a limit to how small or easy such a project can or should get. Take this princess playhouse plans featured on Instructables. This playhouse has a lot of cool features such as vintage light fixtures, stained glass windows, bookshelves, a TV, speakers on the ceiling, a telephone, a doorbell, gutters, laminate flooring, and even a faux fireplace.

A playhouse, much like a normal home, may be extended and may include extra features such as, by way of instance, a slide, a swing, or a rock-climbing wall. With all these additional features, this becomes a real playground. Evidently, the plans would not be simple and you would need loads of space for the job but it can all be achieved without any issues.

If you wish to take things farther, perhaps some strategies for a playhouse fort would interest you. It's the ideal backyard project assuming you have space, resources, and time for it. Obviously you will need to begin with the framework and then to create the bridge. On Instructables, you may get the playhouse plans and details about every step of the project.

It can be quite fun to select a theme for your playhouse plans and to design the arrangement based on that. A cool example is that the pirate ship playhouse featured on Instructables. Perhaps the design in its early stages is not actually very suggestive but as soon as you personalize the playhouse with all the features and details, it starts to take shape.

Playhouses can be eco friendly also and there is actually a lot of things you may borrow from projects involving real residences and homes. It has a green roof that really makes it stand out from other outside playhouse projects and additionally, it looks super charming as a result of its wooden construction and in particular that lovely little porch with tree columns.

Talking of eco-friendly playhouse plans, have a look at this example from Instructables. The playhouse features a solar panel on its roof. Well, the panel does not really supply energy for the playhouse itself. It just so happens that the playhouse's roof was the ideal surface to mount this on but you get the idea. If your playhouse plans include any electrical features, this can really work out great.

An indoor playhouse may be the only alternative if the backyard is totally out of the question but there is a issue here. There is not much space for a playhouse, particularly in case you would like to spend the bedroom where the bed occupies a whole lot of space already. Perhaps you can work with this and get the most out of the situation by building the playhouse around the mattress. It is an ingenious idea that comes from Ikea hackers.

It is kind of like a playhouse and it does not in fact have to be constructed in a tree, although the name indicates that. Sure, using a giant tree in the backyard with strong and big branches able to support and hold anything would be quite cool but if that is not the case you could just elevate the playhouse.

#playhouse #play #kids #backyard #house

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garagedoorshampshire · 6 years ago

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51 Modern Fireplace Designs To Fill Your Home With Style And Warmth

If you want your home to feel cozy, elegant, chic, or all of the above, then a fireplace is what you need. Fireplaces are no longer just a way to heat your home, but rather a poignant design choice that sets the tone of a room. We have come a long way from traditional wood burning fireplaces and today there are more options than ever. From plug and play electric to easy start natural gas to clean-burning bio-ethanol. The possibilities are endless! So, whether you are looking to have a romantic get together beside a few glowing embers or yearning to enjoy a book in front of a roaring flame, there is a fireplace for that and we’ve found it for you!

$63BUY IT Modern Tabletop Ethanol Fireplace: Fashionably wedged between two panes of glass may be a bit nontraditional for a fire, but it does make for a stunningly modern fireplace. This ethanol fireplace can sit directly on your tabletop, is portable, and will cost you under $100.

$169BUY IT Small Round Table Top Ethanol Fireplace: This tabletop ethanol fireplace may be small, but it has big style. With a cylindrical glass enclosure fitted atop a steely base, this is one modern tidbit that will look fierce anywhere you put it. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

$86BUY IT Fuoco Small Tabletop Gel Fire Pit: A tiny fire pit that makes us want to break out some mini marshmallows! This gel fire bowl has a 2 hour burn time and is ideal for outdoor use.

$2596BUY IT Free-standing Bio Ethanol Fire place with Glass Sides: Get extra cozy with a freestanding, bio-ethanol fireplace. A modern glass enclosure encapsulates the flames of this beauty to create a fireplace that can be seen from all sides.

$70BUY IT Modern Portable Bio Ethanol Fireplace In Stainless Steel: Glass and stainless steel are the killer combo that create this portable, bio-ethanol fireplace. If stainless steel isn’t your style though, this model is also available in Black or White. A must-have for those who want to enjoy a fire without the commitment of a built-in.

$190BUY IT Tabletop Ethanol Fireplace: Portable, smokeless, odorless, non-toxic, non-polluting, and chic. What more can you ask for from your fireplace!? This tabletop, ethanol fireplace features real flames that provide both ambiance and warmth.

$90BUY IT PuraFlame Octavia Portable Electric Fireplace Heater: A portable, electric fireplace with style and purpose. Featuring a life-like flame effect and heater, this fireplace can heat up to 400 sq. feet. A great addition to the cottage or trailer for the cooler evenings or seasons. Available in Red, White, and Black (shown).

$298BUY IT Freestanding Ventless Ethanol Fireplace: This fashion forward fireplace has a streamlined and sleek design that will appeal to contemporary and modern homes. It can burn for around 5 hours and puts out 6,000 BTUs of heat.

$723BUY IT Dual Flame Modern Minimalist Bio Ethanol Fireplace: Two is better than one. This dual flame fireplace has a minimalist design, but that doesn’t mean it will just fade into the background. A fireplace like this, with its thick black surround and double flame, is sure to get noticed in whichever room you put it. A burn time of 5-9 hours and 6,000 BTUs per burner.

$597BUY IT Dual Flame Wall Hanging Modern Fireplace: If you have a lack of table or floor space, then a wall hanging fireplace is an amazing option. This dual flame fireplace is completely vent free, making it perfect for any contemporary or modern home. Burn time of 4-6 hours, 12,000 BTUs.

$249BUY IT Wall Mounted Bio-Ethanol Fireplace: The wall sconce gets a modern makeover with this wall mounted, bio-ethanol fireplace. This design is a beautiful way to add luxury and warmth to any indoor wall. With this model you can also adjust the flame strength and height.

$699BUY IT Modern Wall Hanging Electric Fireplace: If you don’t like the idea of an actual fire in your home, then an LED fireplace like this one is what you need. The LEDs of this model create a realistic flame (adjustable to multiple colors), while the heater throws off heat. A great way to create the experience of a fire, without the hazards.

$146BUY IT 36 Inch Wall Mount Electric Fireplace: An affordable, electric fireplace that will infuse any room with warmth and elegance. This fireplace features two heat modes, wall mounting accessories, a removable floor stand, and adjustable flame brightness. Plus, the flame effect can be used without the heater, making it ideal for any season.

$170BUY IT Wall Mount Fireplace With LED Glow & Remote: Add a splash of warmth and color with this modern, electric fireplace. It comes with a remote, so you can control it right from your bed or couch!

$900BUY IT Modern Wall Hanging Fireplace: A modern fireplace that takes a vertical approach to stand out from the crowd. Scaling up the wall, this fireplace is ideal for smaller rooms. It heats up to 200 sq. feet with a maximum of 5,500 BTUs.

$123BUY IT Curved Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace: A curved glass front gives this wall mounted fireplace the modern aesthetic that so many homes crave. Measuring 20.5” H x 25.6” W x 4.5” D, it is especially great for smaller rooms.

$260BUY IT Long Wall Mount Electric Fireplace With Crystal And Remote: Long and lean, this crystal rock fireplace comes with a remote and tons of modern appeal. Build it into a wall, like seen above, for a look that is irrefutably elegant and chic. Comes in 3 sizes.

$1024BUY IT Narrow Bezel Electric Fireplace Insert: An electric fireplace is exactly what your TV wall needs. This narrow fireplace features clean lines, a remote, realistic flame, sleep timer, and a controllable thermostat.

$1660BUY IT Wall Mounted Floating Electric Fireplace: If you love the aesthetic of floating shelves, then you are going to adore this fireplace. No heavy construction required. Just mount and plug!

$330BUY IT Modern Wall Hanging Fireplace With Thick Black Frame: Make your fireplace stand out with a thick black frame. This modern, wall hanging fireplace is a surefire to create a statement. Also available with a White finish.

$239BUY IT TV Console Table With Electric Fireplace: A TV console with a slight twist. If you lack the room for a fireplace, then a fireplace TV console could be the perfect solution. This one features 2 storage cabinets and is available in Black, White, Cherry, Distressed Gray Oak, and Gray (shown).

$1660BUY IT Modern TV Stand With Long Inbuilt Fireplace: Another TV stand with a built-in fireplace. This ultra-modern design features open shelving, hidden cabinets, and built-in speakers! Also available in Black.

$332BUY IT Modern Electric Fireplace Insert with Remote Control:. With life-like logs, a brick motif backing, and glass front, this fireplace is modern meets classic. Embody the look and feel of a traditional fireplace without all the hassles of wood, cleaning, and fire risk. Available in 3 sizes.

$260BUY IT Electric Fireplace For Recessed Wall Mounting: Make your fireplace modern and low-maintenance with this wall mounted fireplace. It requires no gas, special venting, or chimney. It is available in 3 sizes and even features an auto over-heat protection switch for safety.

$80BUY IT Bio Ethanol Fireplace Burner Insert: Insert a bit of of modern fun into any design with a fireplace burner. Marked for both indoor and outdoor use, this bio-ethanol burner has the ability to warm any room up to 550 sq. feet.

$2499BUY IT Modern 3 Sided Electric Fireplace: A 3 sided fireplace that can be used indoors, outdoors, even in bathrooms. Comes with a remote and the ability to change the flame to a multitude of colors. Heats 400 -500 sq. feet.

$1400BUY IT Modern Novelty Fireplace: A contemporary twist on the traditional bonfire. This unusual fireplace has a central burner that runs on bio-ethanol.

$3999BUY IT Vauni Cupola Fireplace: A wall mounted fireplace that is hard to miss! The curvaceous allure of the Vauni Cupola Fireplace will complement both traditional and modern interiors. Available in 7 colors.

$2899BUY IT Vani Globe Free Standing Fireplace: Setting the design world on fire is this free standing globe fireplace. The Globe will help infuse any room with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Available in 7 colors with multiple liner choices.

$2590BUY IT Small Modern Freestanding Square Fireplace: A striking modern fireplace that feels like a work of art with its floating burner and bottom display shelf. Powered with clean-burning, eco-friendly bio-ethanol.

$2800BUY IT Malm Fireplace: Used in iconic, modern spaces worldwide, the Malm freestanding fireplace is pretty much a celebrity in the world of fireplaces. Unlike traditional, wood-burning stoves, this one gives you a clear view of the fire from a variety of angles. It is available in White, Stainless Steel, or Black (shown).

$24000BUY IT Filiofocus Ceiling Mounted Fireplace From Focus: Go big or go home! This ceiling mounted fireplace is available with both a wood burning or gas fuel option.

UnknownBUY IT Elements 4 Room Divider Fireplace: A see-through fireplace that is perfect for dividing walls. By utilizing the E-Save Control System, this fireplace can save up to 45% on fuel consumption. Plus, you can gear the aesthetic of this fireplace towards your design preferences by picking between logs, crystals or pebbles for the bottom.

$1800BUY IT Eco-Feu Paramount Room Divider Fireplace: A fireplace that can be enjoyed from an array of angles. The multiple finished sides of this fireplace make it well-suited for either free-standing placement on the floor or as an insert at the end of a dividing wall (shown). Also available in Matte Black.

$4700BUY IT Stainless Steel Finish Double Sided Wall Mounted Fireplace: With this double sided fireplace you will never have to sacrifice style for warmth! This sleek piece runs on bio-ethanol and puts out a whopping 33500 BTUs.

From $5276BUY IT Large Room Divider Fireplaces: Enjoy the fire from either side with this stunning wall available in 7 sizes. The glass panes of this peninsula wall will keep your floor plan airy and flowing, all while providing the division that you need.

$1700BUY IT Ceiling Mounting Bio-Ethanol Fireplace: A modern fireplace that is space efficient and stylish. This ceiling mounted bio-ethanol fireplace is available in two sizes.

$12705BUY IT Suspended Rotating Fireplace: This suspended fireplace will be a minimalist showpiece whether you hang it outdoors or indoors. This design is uniquely rotatable, giving the user the ability to direct heat towards or away from any area. Also available in a White finish.

$280BUY IT Propane Outdoor Firepit: Bring the party outdoors with this propane powered fire pit. The perfect place for intimate gatherings, good conversations, and maybe a few marshmallows. Includes a cover, as well as a handle for easy transportation.

$1700BUY IT Rectangular Modern Concrete Fire Pit Table: This cozy, contemporary fireplace is a must have for those cool nights on the patio. Enjoy as glass of wine or gaze up at the stars while enjoying the warmth of a crackling fire. This fire pit table is made with stained concrete and includes crystals that come in multiple colors.

$3692BUY IT Large Modern Outdoor Concrete Fireplace : The reinforced concrete of this outdoor fireplace is durable and long-lasting with a stain resistant finish. The perfect piece to add a bit of elegance and warmth (literally!) to your patio setup. Available in 3 finishes with a bio-ethanol or natural gas burner.

$796BUY IT Round Bowl Shaped Fireplace: With a bowl of snacks, a bowl of punch, and this bowl of fire, you have yourself an outdoor party! An attractive and functional addition to outdoor living, this fire bowl features a durable, concrete build available in 2 sizes and multiple finishes.

$1650BUY IT Modern Urban Outdoor Fireplace: Bring some color to the backyard with this urban, metal fireplace. Available in multiple colors, including Maraschino, Azure, Avocado and Tangerine (shown).

$170BUY IT Natural Stone Gas Fire Pit for Backyard Or Patio: No more gathering wood for that outdoor fire! Keep it simple and stylish with this natural stone gas fire pit. With the turn of a knob you can have a fire blazing and s’mores cooking!

$160BUY IT Personalized Fireplace Grate: Already have a fireplace, but want to give it some extra pizzazz? Get you family name up in lights with this metal grate. Custom made with your family name from recycled metal.

$2550BUY IT Horses Fire Pit: We all know you shouldn’t horse around near fire, but there are exceptions! This unique horse fire pit is a work of art that horse lovers won’t want to miss. It is a hand cut piece that is available in 2 sizes.

$2175BUY IT Forest Fire Pit: The only time you will be excited to have a forest fire in your backyard! This sculptural fire pit is handmade, so it is guaranteed to be unique. Available in two sizes.

$2095BUY IT Rising Phoenix Shaped Fire Pit: Symbolizing strength and rebirth, this Phoenix rising fire pit is a true conversation piece. Available in 3 sizes and includes a lifetime warranty.

$2125BUY IT Angel Fire Pit: A unique memorial piece for your backyard. A reminder of lost loved ones and guardian angels in the form of a fire pit. Designed and created by the unbelievably talented artist, Melissa Crisp.

$2795BUY IT Dragon Fire Pit: An illusion of dragon’s breath sets this fire pit ablaze with a dance of shadow and light. This piece is handmade using American steel and offers free shipping within the United States.

From $415BUY IT More Cool Firepits: Tons of other sculptural fire pits are available! With over 25 designs, there is a unique fire pit for every backyard.

Recommended Reading: Detailed Guide & Inspiration For Designing A Rustic Living Room

Beautiful Fireplaces

Classic Italian Fireplaces from Savio Firmino

Fireplace Mantels and Surrounds

Creative Fireplace Designs

This Gorgeous Home Is A Nature Loving Bookworm's Paradise

Bookshelves As Room Focus

from Interior Design Ideas http://www.home-designing.com/buy-modern-ethanol-gas-electric-fireplace-design-ideas-for-sale-online

#Interior Design Ideas

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tammybatemanrealtors-blog · 6 years ago

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4026 Norfolk Street Houston, TX 77027 4-5 Bed(s) 🛏 4 Full Bath(s)🛁 5,272 Building Sqft. 🖼 7,200 Lot Sqft. 🌳 Single-Family Immaculately serviced, like-new fabulous contemporary in prime location inside the Loop! Move in ready, this home features an open floor plan with high ceilings, walls of windows for natural light dressed with custom window coverings, wood floors. Chef's dream kitchen with gas cooktop, stainless appliances, SubZero refrigerator open to den with stone fireplace, mounted TV with sound system. Grand master suite on first floor with custom black out shades, luxurious master bath with star lighting. Oversized master closet with packing station and washer & dryer. One additional bedroom suite down, also serves as a study with built-ins. Media room with seating, custom speakers. Generous sized game room with pool table and wall mounted TV. Second utility room to service the additional three bedrooms up. Walk-in attic floored storage, "safe" closet. Unbelievable closets and storage. ARE YOU HOME YET? Tammy Bateman : 713.557.5007 #HoustonRealEstate #Montrose #insidetheloop #downtown #dreamhome #realestatefollowers #realtors #interiordesign #professionals #landscapephotography #landscape #landscaping #luxurylistings #luxuryrealestate #realestate #residential #Texas #houstonrealty #htownhomes #photographer #photography #TammyBateman #HoustonRealtors #TammyBatemanRealtors #realtorfollow #houstonrealestate #realtors #houstonmarket #luxuryrealestate #houstonrealtor #photooftheday #justlisted (at Houston, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpQ0C9WnWmj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1wlsk4kpd42in

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datawiresolutions · 6 years ago

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Best Contemporary Smart Homes, Silver and Bronze, Less Than $150,000

Silver Award: Past & Present Blend Perfectly in Meticulous Remodel

Dubbed the “historic and modern D.C. row home” project by systems integrator Atlantic Control Technologies, this remodel somehow manages to tread modern flair by Robert Gurney Architects that also preserves elements of the 250-year-old structure — with smart home technology needing to walk that same line.

“These two competing factors gave the installation certain challenges. The system installed had to be minimal. In truth, because of the building’s historical status, at times it was impossible to lawfully alter it in any way,” says ACT operations manager Jan Eden of the home, built by a former mayor of Georgetown in the 1700s.

Photography by Adam Elnagdy

Relying on a mix of modern but minimal products and systems like LG displays, Sony and Screen Innovations projection, Sonance and Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers, Sonos music streaming and RTI controls, ACT managed to achieve the delicate balancing act for integrating whole-house technology and even delivering a dedicated theater room.

The aesthetic influence from the architect led to the small-aperture style Sonance speakers, for instance, but special consideration had to be given to space them correctly for proper coverage while also dealing with 15-foot-high ceilings, notes Eden. That meant integrating unobtrusive subwoofers as well for enough low-frequency support.

Another challenge, according to ACT, was limiting controls to two master touchscreens and five secondary, non-touchscreen universal remotes. This necessitated well thought-out programming to maximize the tech potential from the fewest components, but the owners now have the intuitive and simplified system they envisioned, reports Eden.

Systems & Equipment

RTI controls

LG displays

Sony projector

Screen Innovations projection screen

Sonance, Bowers & Wilkins, Sonos, Leon speakers

Sonos whole-house music

Bronze Award: Tech Melds into Modern Flair, Widespread Woodwork

The architecture of the old South might call to mind expansive porches, tall pillars, grand foyers and staircases and more … and not so much ultra-modern style exterior and furnishings, which made the opportunity to work on this project particularly exciting, notes Mozaic Audio Video Integration CEO Michael Johnson.

But that also meant ensuring the technology did not interrupt the aesthetic flair either, so it required Mozaic to work closely with builder Alexander Modern Homes, woodworker McVantage Exotic Hardwoods and interior designer Riverworks Design Studio to integrate the latest A/V and automation with minimal footprint, says Johnson.

“There is absolutely beautiful exotic woodwork throughout,” he says. “One of our primary challenges was the installation of a surround-sound experience in the living room area all incorporated with a custom-fabricated one-of-a-kind wood fireplace and ceiling.” Mozaic leaned on Leon Speakers to integrate a custom soundbar into the space, along with Stealth Acoustics Invisible speakers and in-wall subwoofer from Sonance to complement a flush-mounted Sony TV.

Photography by Tommy Daspit

The integrator enlisted Stealth’s Invisible models in the foyer, dining room, kitchen and master bath, while other secondary music zones included smaller Sonance in-ceiling speakers that could closely mimic the size and layout of the can lighting, Johnson explains. Meanwhile, the builder aided Mozaic in properly placing wiring for TVs in “floating” fireplaces on the back porch and in the master bedroom. All aspects of the tech systems are centralized from the rack and controllable via the Savant App or Pro Remote.

Systems & Equipment

Savant controls

Lutron lighting control

Leon, Stealth Acoustics, Sonance speakers

Sony TVs

Luma surveillance cameras

Araknis network

Strong mounts and rack

WattBox surge protection

The post Best Contemporary Smart Homes, Silver and Bronze, Less Than $150,000 appeared first on Electronic House.

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yesterdaysdreams · 7 years ago

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Mandi’s Fireplace and Media Center Makeover

Last June, I moved into a basic suburban home straight out of your favorite ’80s teen movie in every way. Okay, so someone did us the favor of removing tired wallpaper and painting everything tan and brown. But we loved how much the peculiar floor plan exactly fit our particular needs, and I was really taken with this grand living room. It didn’t exactly look like a grand space when we moved in, but I saw its potential for the fireplace of my dreams, and was enamored with the tall ceilings complete with skylights and weird sofit-clad nooks on the walls. (You can see the plan of our first floor in this blog post.)

The living room has finally undergone its transformation, and I’m so excited to share the process with you! We now have a bright space with a beautiful stone fireplace that accentuates the high ceilings. Below the fireplace is a long hearth, worthy of any mid-century masterpiece, but still fitting in with our ’80s home. We aren’t shy about the fact that we watch TV, and I decided to show it in all its glory, since this is the family room in our home and hey, our family likes movie nights, and sometimes movie days!

When I first drew out the plans for the fireplace wall makeover, I had planned to build shelves above the TV, as well as the shelf you can see below it. I wanted to wait until our TV was installed to see how the space would feel, and was surprised that I felt it was perfect without shelves above the TV. Maybe that will change someday, but we are building a shelving wall in our study, so I can’t imagine that we would need any more book storage. I do like how minimal it feels, allowing other areas of the room to shine, like the gorgeous stone fireplace!

From the moment I first saw this space, I knew it needed a stone fireplace that went all the way up to the ceiling. Since there was already brick in place, we opted to use a stone veneer, rather than demo the brick or waste square footage by using large stones. In fact, after doing quite a bit of research, I settled on using manufactured stone, called Cultured Stone by Boral. It looks like real stone, but it is 1/4 of the weight of full-thickness stone, and since it is a veneer, it is not as thick either. You can purchase corner pieces to achieve the look of a thick fireplace, but since our plan was to do some drywall work next to the stone, we didn’t end up using corner pieces. I selected the Old Country Fieldstone in the Summit Peak colorway, and used a sanded grout with a wide mortar set. I was thinking I’d like to use an overgrout style, but my husband vetoed me and we met halfway. Check out the dramatic before and after below!

Above is a cellphone picture of me in my excitement after the first day of Boral stone installation. I had considered doing this project myself, and know that I could’ve (hear me roar). But since we were taking on so much work elsewhere in our home, I decided to hire someone to do the work, and I’m so glad we did! My friend Jeremy Miller did a great job. He added a moisture barrier and metal lathe to the drywall section of the wall above the old brick fireplace, and then covered everything with a coat of mortar. It took him two days to place the stone and fill it in with sanded grout. We chose a white grout, which when mixed with the sand makes an off-white color. I liked the contrast and also wanted it to tie in with the hearth and walls around it.

But let’s take a step back to when we first got the keys to our house! I had made all of the plans for the space while waiting for our mortgage to close, so I confidently began demo in the living room on the very first day of homeownership! Out came the carpet and baseboards, down came the mantle, and out came the old cabinets. I had originally planned to remove the platform inside of this media center nook, but when I pulled up the carpet, I saw that the platform beneath was actually the subfloor that went under the walls, not a platform that was built onto the subfloor. Then I pulled up the subfloor to discover plumbing pipes, electrical conduits, and vacuflo tubes going through the space. My plan was foiled! The platform had to stay.After an afternoon of frustration with The Platform That Came To Stay, I came up with a plan B I liked even better than plan A! I decided to embrace the platform and build it out on the front to meet the depth of the hearth. I decided to create a mid-century style hearth that extended all the way from one wall to the other, to be covered in concrete for a sleek, minimal look that would tie in with the floors and walls, allowing the Boral stone fireplace to take center stage. (More like stage left, but you get the idea …)

After we built out the platform, we covered it with sheets of Wonderboard that we screwed into place with Rock-On screws, and then I prepped the area for a couple of coats of Ardex Feather Finish in white. Prepping simply involved putting fiberglass joint tape between boards and where the Wonderboard met the brick of the fireplace. This step prevents the concrete feather finish from cracking as the structure shifts with house settling and temperature/humidity changes that affect the wood structure below it.

Ardex feather finish is a material typically used as a floor leveler or to repair subfloors before laying the finished flooring material. But it’s become a trendy finish for countertop refinishing and other home DIY projects with a modern flair. The technique I used on the hearth is actually the same process that was used in the old ABM studio house countertops to cover the formica countertops. On the left side of the fireplace, I was smoothing the Ardex over Wonderboard. On the right side, I was smooshing it into the spaces of the brick.

Ardex is a lot of trial and error, but I learned to only work with small batches at a time, because it sets up quickly and becomes very difficult to smooth out. After about 30 minutes, I went back and scraped off any majorly uneven areas, such as the globbyness around the front ledge of the hearth. I absolutely couldn’t get photos of this because I was working along and also working against the clock with the Ardex.

White Ardex is very difficult to find in my experience, but you can order it some places online. I would try calling around in your area to see if you can buy it locally to save on shipping costs. I didn’t have any luck here in Canton, Ohio.

Now for the nook where this very ’80s midwestern media cabinet used to reside. Of course, some of us older folks remember when TVs used to be monstrosities. In fact, until I graduated high school, my family had one of those huge cabinet televisions that was an actual piece of furniture with a dial on the front. A DIAL. When I designed the new space for our flat-screen TV, I knew I wouldn’t need the depth required for an older television, but ironically, I wanted enough room for my turntable and receiver. So my dad (who has done all of my drywall work for me—thanks, Dad!) moved forward the back wall so I had just enough space to build a shelf for my vintage record equipment and a shelf for my speakers and albums.

After the drywalling was complete, I built supports for the chunky nook-style shelving using 2x3s, as shown below. I attached the supports to the rear wall and side walls after making sure there was enough room to comfortably fit my records, and of course making sure the shelf support was level.After the supports were anchored into the wall, I attached the front 2×3 and covered the supports with 1/4″ plywood. I planned out the support size so that the 1/4″ plywood would make the front of the shelves flush with the drywall around it. After nailing on the plywood, I did a lot of sanding to compensate for any unevenness in the plywood, then I primed, wet sanded, and painted the shelves to match the walls.

I had planned to take more process photos of the shelf-building when I built the upper shelves, but since I decided not to do upper shelves, I don’t have as many photos as I would’ve like to have shared. Feel free to ask me any questions about this process in the comments at the end of this post!

Because we will be using a 2″ sound bar mounted to our TV (situated at the bottom of the TV) and a wireless subwoofer, I decided to keep my record player on its own speaker system. I actually bought “new” vintage speakers that perfectly fit in with my record shelf, and have drilled holes in my shelf to connect all of the wires out of site. Also, since we built the wall that the TV and shelves are on, I added electrical outlets behind my turntable and receiver, as well as behind the television. And when I said I added, I mean Dad added. (Thanks again, Dad!)

So there she is! I finished up the hearth just in time to decorate for Christmas. I’ll be sharing more of the before and after of this space very soon! Check out the list below to find out where everything is from, and stay tuned for the full reveal! – Mandi

Living Room Materials and Product Sources:

Wall paint: Benjamin Moore’s Super White Fireplace stone: Boral Cultured Stone Old Country Fieldstone in Summit Peak Wall tile: Home Depot Flooring: Lumber Liquidators engineered bamboo White Ardex: eBay Rug: Lulu & Georgia White Chairs: 1st Dibs Coffee Table: Chairish Sofa: Welles sectional from Joybird White side table: LexMod Vase, floor lamp, and art are all vintage.

Credits // Author and Photography: Mandi Johnson. Photos edited with A Color Story Desktop.

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showcaserealty · 7 years ago

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2006 Summey Ave Charlotte NC 28205 | Charlotte Home for Sale

Comfort and luxury merge in this newly constructed home in Charlotte

Bright and airy, this richly furnished home for sale in Charlotte is the perfect merge of comfortable living with a luxury lifestyle.

Built in 2016, this home offers 3,100 square feet of gorgeous floor space. It features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a 2 car garage, a perfect haven for those who are seeking refuge from the city noise.

This two-story home boasts of nothing but the best amenities and modern conveniences. An energy efficient home, it has foam insulation in the attic and g-insulated windows. With 2-8.5 tons 13 SEER HVAC, it meets the air conditioner efficiency standards.

It also has a slab foundation on top of 6' deep concrete caissons. In this home, the ceilings are high and the rooms are large! The builder spared no expense for this home.

Residing here means enjoying a vibrant luxurious lifestyle, meeting new people, and having the best time of your life.

If you have always dreamed of living in a stunning and spacious home where you can entertain, this is the home you’ve been looking for.

Every convenience is minutes away from this home.

This home is located in the suburbs of Charlotte City. Set in a developing community that enjoys proximity to uptown, this home is only a minute away from Monroe Rd, where you can find many businesses and several restaurants.

There are also several parks close by, like Sharon Memorial Park only two minutes away.

Admire the details and craftsmanship that went into this home.

Oak hardwood floors greet you as you step into the wide foyer of this entrance to this custom built home. This flooring extends throughout all the main areas of this home.

Double bead cove crown molding 7 ⅞” in size, custom applied panel molding and base molding grace the walls and ceiling of this foyer. Done in neutral tones, the walls make a perfect setting for any wall decor.

The restoration hardware chandelier which hangs from the ceiling enhances the elegant appeal of the foyer.

A formal dining room with view of the front lawn

The formal dining room presents a perfect contrast of white ceiling and walls and dark oak hardwood floors, giving it a modern elegant vibe.

Custom panel moldings on the walls enhance this dining room’s charm. Large windows with casings let in plenty of natural light and present a lovely front yard view.

This room comes with a wired chandelier. All you need is a dining table set and a vase of flowers to make this dining area magazine worthy.

A great room with a sophisticated appeal

The hallway from the entrance takes you directly into this Charlotte home for sale’s family room, which radiates with light and a welcome atmosphere. The best way to describe it, despite its size, is cozy. It shares a huge space with the kitchen, located on the other end.

You’ll love how the 7 ⅞” double bead crown molding makes this room look more dimensional.

There is a modern fireplace on the center wall panel, providing warmth and giving the room a “cool” but sophisticated appeal. It also has a french door which opens to a backyard patio.

The interplay of light and contrast of colors are a perfect setting for your favorite couch. This room is the best spot for entertaining family and friends, and the fireplace makes a great conversation starter.

The gourmet kitchen of your dreams awaits in this home.

The luxury kitchen that you’ve been dreaming of is in this home!

Your inner chef will be thrilled by this kitchen’s impressive features.

Aside from the oak hardwood floors, custom milled door, window casings and crown molding, it also features custom cabinets with soft close door drawers, marble countertops, a large kitchen island with a sink, a 36” Dual System Range Self cleaning Bertazzoni oven, a 36” refrigerator with french doors and a bottom freezer drawer, and other stainless steel appliances.

Restoration Hardware lights are over the island. You also get to choose the final backsplash.

This is one impressive kitchen you can fill with the aroma of your loved one’s favorite foods.

A second floor balcony

Up the stairs, the second level landing has a balcony. It features continuous oak handrail with hand turned wood pickets on the stairwell.

Oak hardwood graces the floors leading to the bedrooms.

Let the master bathroom be your place of sanctuary

A truly exceptional feature of this home is it has two master bedrooms!

The master suite on the main floor features dark oak hardwood floors, large windows, and recessed lighting. It is pre-wired for a wall mounted TV.

There is a large walk-in closet with custom MDF. You get to choose the final design for the shelving and chrome rods.

The master bathroom on the main floor features Marble Carrara floors, Calcutta Gold with 3” backsplash, a Kohler faucet, a Kohler showerhead, and floor-to-ceiling Carrera marble in the shower.

On the second level, the master suite is expansive and bright.

It is also prewired for a wall-mounted TV. There is also an amazing walk-in closet with custom MDF shelving and chrome rod.

You also have a full bathroom with marble floors, a well-lighted vanity counter, an 8” glass entry shower doors with corner shelving, Carrara Gold marble in floor to ceiling shower and a Kohler Tea for Two Jetted Massage Tub awaits you in the master bathroom.

A possible recreation room

This Charlotte home has a bonus room which you can turn into a recreation room, a media room or a study, depending on your need.

If you turn it into a media room, you don’t need to go far to get the best movie experience.

Bright and well-spaced, this room offers plenty of potentials.

Enjoy the best outdoor entertainment on this home’s covered patio

Open the french door in the great room and step out onto a large covered patio that opens to the backyard.

Here, you have the best outdoor spot for relaxing, entertaining and fun.

With marble travertine floors, pre-wired for future speakers, and beautiful open vista, this spot is perfect for parties and gatherings.

Furnish it with great outdoor chairs and a table, and you have a great spot for al fresco dining anytime.

Still in awe? This is a dream home, one that anyone would be proud to own, and it can be yours for the starting bid of $675,000.

Want to know more details about this home? Visit www.ShowcaseRealty.net for more info.

Call me, Nancy Braun, (704) 997-3794. As Charlotte’s premier real estate agent, I can help you find the best home.

#HomesForSaleInCharlotteNC #CharlotteNCHomesForSale #HomesForSaleInCharlotte #CharlotteHomeForSale #HomesInCharlotteNC #CharlotteNCHomes #HomesInCharlotte #NancyBraun

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jackiestrips · 8 years ago

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10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home

by Nick Gromicko, Ben Gromicko, and Kenton Shepard, Larry Strawson aka YEG Inspections

10 Façons Simples de Limiter Votre Consommation énergétique chez Vous

Las 10 maneras fáciles de reducir el consumo de energía en su casa

Most people don’t know how easy it is to make their homes run on less energy, and here at InterNACHI, we want to change that.

Why make your home more energy efficient? Here are a few good reasons:

Federal, state, utility and local jurisdictions' financial incentives, such as tax breaks, are very advantageous for homeowners in most parts of the U.S.

It saves money. It costs less to power a home that has been converted to be more energy-efficient.

It increases the comfort level indoors.

It reduces our impact on climate change. Many scientists now believe that excessive energy consumption contributes significantly to global warming.

It reduces pollution. Conventional power production introduces pollutants that find their way into the air, soil and water supplies.

1. Find better ways to heat and cool your house.

As much as half of the energy used in homes goes toward heating and cooling. The following are a few ways that energy bills can be reduced through adjustments to the heating and cooling systems:

Install a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans can be used in place of air conditioners, which require a large amount of energy.

Periodically replace air filters in air conditioners and heaters.

Install a wood stove or a pellet stove. These are more efficient sources of heat than furnaces.

At night, curtains drawn over windows will better insulate the room.

2. Install a tankless water heater.

3. Replace incandescent lights.

CFLs use 75% less energy and last about 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

LEDs last even longer than CFLs and consume less energy.

LEDs have no moving parts and, unlike CFLs, they contain no mercury.

4. Seal and insulate your home.

The following are some common places where leakage may occur:

electrical receptacles/outlets;

mail slots;

around pipes and wires;

wall- or window-mounted air conditioners;

attic hatches;

fireplace dampers;

inadequate weatherstripping around doors;

baseboards;

window frames; and

switch plates.

Plug the large holes. Locations in the attic where leakage is most likely to be the greatest are where walls meet the attic floor, behind and under attic knee walls, and in dropped-ceiling areas.

5. Install efficient showerheads and toilets.

The following systems can be installed to conserve water usage in homes:

low-flow showerheads. They are available in different flow rates, and some have a pause button which shuts off the water while the bather lathers up;

6. Use appliances and electronics responsibly.

Appliances and electronics account for about 20% of household energy bills in a typical U.S. home. The following are tips that will reduce the required energy of electronics and appliances:

Refrigerators and freezers should not be located near the stove, dishwasher or heat vents, or exposed to direct sunlight. Exposure to warm areas will force them to use more energy to remain cool.

Chargers, such as those used for laptops and cell phones, consume energy when they are plugged in. When they are not connected to electronics, chargers should be unplugged.

Laptop computers consume considerably less electricity than desktop computers.

7. Install daylighting as an alternative to electrical lighting.

Daylighting is the practice of using natural light to illuminate the home's interior. It can be achieved using the following approaches:

skylights. It’s important that they be double-pane or they may not be cost-effective. Flashing skylights correctly is key to avoiding leaks;

8. Insulate windows and doors.

About one-third of the home's total heat loss usually occurs through windows and doors. The following are ways to reduce energy lost through windows and doors:

Seal all window edges and cracks with rope caulk. This is the cheapest and simplest option.

Install storm windows at windows with only single panes. A removable glass frame can be installed over an existing window.

If existing windows have rotted or damaged wood, cracked glass, missing putty, poorly fitting sashes, or locks that don't work, they should be repaired or replaced.

9. Cook smart.

An enormous amount of energy is wasted while cooking. The following recommendations and statistics illustrate less wasteful ways of cooking:

Microwave ovens consume approximately 80% less energy than conventional ovens.

Pans should be placed on the matching size heating element or flame.

Using lids on pots and pans will heat food more quickly than cooking in uncovered pots and pans.

Pressure cookers reduce cooking time dramatically.

When using conventional ovens, food should be placed on the top rack. The top rack is hotter and will cook food faster.

10. Change the way you do laundry.

Do not use the medium setting on your washer. Wait until you have a full load of clothes, as the medium setting saves less than half of the water and energy used for a full load.

Clean the lint trap every time before you use the dryer. Not only is excess lint a fire hazard, but it will prolong the amount of time required for your clothes to dry.

If possible, air-dry your clothes on lines and racks.

Spin-dry or wring clothes out before putting them into a dryer.

Find an InterNACHI Home Energy Inspector in your neighborhood.

youtube

https://yeginspections.ca

#yeg inspections #energy audit #yeginspections.ca

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