The benefits of Vinyl Windows

The benefits of Vinyl windows are:

• Vinyl windows cheaper than others, saving money.
  
• Keep away from insect attack, and
  
• Easy and Quick Installation

At Window-Max, we know and understand the advantages of the vinyl windows. According to the latest research windows that are manufactured from Vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are the most widespread material used today and vinyl windows also make the largest market in the Window business.

It doesn’t matter whether you need estetic reasons, energy efficiency, costs, or ease of maintenance, vinyl windows are surely your best choice. Vinyl windows are famous for being inexpensive, durable, and very energy efficient. It’s important to mention that vinyl windows are your great investment. You can be absolutely sure you make a correct decision choosing vinyl windows for your home as well as your budget.

What are vinyl windows? Vinyl windows are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it’s a product that has many benefits. The first to mention is that vinyl windows are almost maintenance free. As well, you can get them in any color you prefer and the color goes through the whole material, so dings and scratches are almost impossible to see. The vinyl windows mean they never need attention as they never rot, corrode, warp, rust, or need painting. The vinyl combination greatly reduces heat, cold, and noise transfer while giving you year-round comfort and performance. Regardless the age your vinyl windows, will always look great!

What is more all vinyl windows are Highly Energy Efficient. These windows are strong and provide very good energy savings due to high R-values that means they are resistant to heat flow. There are many good reasons for installing vinyl windows in your home. You can count on the following benefits from your vinyl windows:

• High Energy efficiency to save you money
• No need in Painting or Staining
• Extremely Durable and Long Lasting
• Economical
• Easily Customized
• Offered in a wide range of Styles
• Easy and Quick Installation

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Safety and Recovery Tips

Before a Flood Threatens

• Find out if you live in a flood prone area. If you are new to the area ask neighbors, your local public works, planning and zoning, or emergency management organizations about local flood history.

• If you live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency building materials like plywood, lumber, nails, hammers, saw, plastic sheeting, shovels, plastic bags, and sandbags.

• Consider raising or otherwise protecting your water heater, air conditioning equipment, electric panel, furnace, and other important appliances if they are likely to be flooded.
  

• Plan and practice alternative evacuation routes. Consult with emergency managers if you are unsure of flood evacuation routes. Your plan should include the safest route to where you plan to ride out the storm. public shelters, evacuation routes out of the area.

• Have emergency supplies on hand:

1. First aid kit and essential medications ♥ Canned foods, manual can opener, cooking equipment
2. Other emergency foods
3. At least 3 gallons of water per person for 3 days
4. Bleach or purification tablets for water purification and disinfecting
5. Protective clothing, raingear, and bedding or sleeping bags
6. Battery operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
7. Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members
8. Personal hygiene items
9. Cash and credit cards

• Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated during a flood disaster because of work, school, etc., choose a long distance relative or friend who can serve as the family contact. Make sure everyone knows the name, address and phone number of the emergency contact person.

• Include written instructions in your emergency kit for how to turn off electricity, gas, and water authorities advise you to do so. Teach adult family members how to shut off utilities. Teach children how to call 911, police and fire, and which radio station to tune to for emergency management.

• Give serious consideration to purchasing flood insurance. Keep insurance policies and contact information where you can find it in a hurry and take it with you. Keep an up to date inventory of household contents and prized possessions, including brand and model descriptions, serial numbers, purchase prices, etc.

• Prepare an inventory of household items, including valuables, vital records and irreplaceable keepsakes you will want to take with you.
• Safeguard Important Papers. Among the papers you may want to store at home in a water-proof, fire-proof locked box or take with you are:

• Family advisors' names and addresses

• Educational, employment and health records
• Copies of birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, investment records
• Driver license numbers, income tax returns, current bank balances, loan payment books
• Guarantees and warranties, appliance manuals, rental property records
  
• Household inventory, safe-deposit records, copy of a list of valuable papers and their locations.
• Other important documents you may want to store in a safe-deposit box
  include:
  

1. Property records, deeds, titles and/or leases
2. Copies of wills, birth/death and marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption or custody papers, citizenship papers, passports, military service records
3. Lists of insurance policies, automobile bills of sale and titles, social security cards
4. Government savings bonds, religious records, retirement papers, copyrights and patents
   
5. Household inventory (and/or videotape of home contents).
   

As a last resort, store important papers in sealed plastic bags in a secure area. Double bagging may further reduce the risk of water damage.

When a Flood Threatens
When a "Flood Watch" is issued:

• Listen to local radio or TV stations for weather information, advisories, and advice.
• Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, garbage cans, potted plants, etc., indoors.
• Move furniture and valuables to higher floors or elevate them as best you can. If you can't elevate furniture, place baggies around their legs.
  
• Top off your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued or you decide to leave. (Don't expect to be able to purchase gas at the last minute)
• Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated. Consult your home improvement store about ways to plug the drains of your tubs and sinks so they won't allow water to escape or become contaminated if water backs up in pipes.

When a "Flood Warning" is issued:

• Continue to monitor local TV and radio stations for storm developments.
• Be alert to signs of flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
• If it looks like evacuation will become necessary collect your emergency kit items.
  
• If instructed by authorities, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and in the house and close the main gas valve.
  
• Join with neighbors and volunteers to put sandbags or other protection in place.
• Listen for evacuation instructions. Follow recommended evacuation routes - shortcuts may be blocked.
• Do not drive over flooded roads (you may not be able to see abrupt drop offs in water depths and/or your vehicle could float into trouble). If your car stalls out escape to high ground immediately unless it is too dangerous to do so. As a last resort escape to the top of the vehicle and wait for assistance.

Returning to a Flood Damaged Home Can Be Dangerous

Be wary of downed power lines in floodwaters. In addition, floodwaters can turn your house into one gigantic live wire. In extreme cases, just touching the house could cause electrocution.

Shorted out wires may not be the only safety problem you encounter. Gas leaks, slippery mud covered floors and stairs, and loose water soaked ceilings/plaster are common bobby traps.

Some important safety tips:

• Take your time...fatigue and impatience can put you at risk
• Check for structural damage to see if it is safe to enter
  
• Don't enter the flooded house until you are sure the main electrical service is disconnected and cannot be turned on. Don't cross damp floors to shut off power at the fuse box
  
• Gas should be turned off outside, preferably by the utility company
• Gas lines should be turned off at the tank or meter... and let the house air out to remove gas fumes...and don't smoke or use any open flames that might cause an explosion
• Be careful of slippery surfaces...falls are a common post-disaster hazard
• Be alert for snakes, insects, and other animals that have been displaced and have chosen your house for higher ground.

Safely Cleaning a Flood-Damaged Home

Remove all water as soon as possible from your home. Also remove carpeting and other furnishings that are water soaked. Once water is removed, begin removing moisture that has been absorbed by wood and other materials. Consider using fans and dehumidifiers to speed the drying process. Shut windows and doors if you use dehumidifiers. If you experienced severe flooding, consider hiring a professional water removal contractor.

Surce

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Cream kitchen

Cream kitchen cabinets keep this small room light and bright, and accessories are kept to a minimum to avoid a cluttered look. Wooden surfaces and floors have rustic appeal and keep the look warm and inviting. Collapsible chairs are a good idea in small spaces as they can be folded away when not in use.


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How To Save Money On Your Winter Heating Bill

It is a no-brainer that of all seasons, winter is the most unfriendly on electrical bills. From day to night most homes turn on their heating devices for comfort, which reflects a tremendous amount, or at least an additional 3% on your billing statement.

This increase on winter heating bills is quite normal, but it doesn't hurt too if we hope for the best roll back on our billing statements.

Primarily, conservation and increased efficiency are popular methods to save up. There are numerous ways on how to slash your electric bill for the season, here are some tips on how to save money on your winter heating bill graciously provided by an Ohio-based HVAC company.

Properly Set Your Thermostat.
Setting your thermostat at the lowest -- but still comfortable -- winter setting can help lower your electric meter bill. The typical setting for your thermostat should be, at least, set at 68 degrees. Remember that when your heating device is on, your operating costs increase between 3% to 8% for every degree your thermostat is raised. Some home owners schedule their thermostat for a specific time depending on their need.

Tune Your Heating System Every Year.
Studies show that having an annual service done (to check up) on your heating system is one way to minimize your winter heating bill. In doing so, you can spend an average of 30% less each month on your billing statements because of its increased efficiency. Another reason why you should also have your heating system checked and maintained is to avoid heating system breakdowns and repairs, which, if neglected, will result to more costs in your budget.

Keep Your Air Filter Clean.
Aside from annual checks on your heating system, you must also frequently look out on your furnace's air filter. Filters trap dirt, which causes allergies. There are various types of air filters available for your heating system from hypo-allergenic filters to hybrid filters.

Close Your Doors and Windows.
The main point why you have a heating system at home is to comfort you in the cold; so why freely open your windows, doors -- or even garage doors? Closed windows and doors traps the heat emitted by your furnace giving you warmth for the cold days.

Furnace's Vents And Grilles Should Be Unobstructed.
Arranging your furniture and drapings can reduce heating load on your furnace, and make sure that there are no obstruction at all output vents and intake grilles of your heating system specially textiles or fabrics that can easily be ignited by too much heat.

Avoid excessive usage of exhaust fans.
Kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans are used for limited reasons and limited time, but not to exhaust the heat emitted by your furnace. Leaving exhaust fans turned on not only consumes your electrical load but it makes the furnace's heat doesn't do its job.

Controlling sunlight inside your home.
The sun's rays provide natural heat, so on daytime, let the sunshine inside your home. Open window shades (curtains) or remove awnings. After doing so, you can adjust the thermostat setting to compliment the natural heat of the sun reflected inside your home.

Keep heat-generating appliance away from the furnace.
Lamps, televisions, stereos, and other equipment that generates heat should be as far as possible to your furnace. These appliances can affect the setting of your thermostat and can create heat overload, which may trigger your smoke detecting device.

Have a secured, airtight house.
To fully experience the heat from your system, you can: add insulation to your walls or at the attic; seal cracks from walls, doors or ceilings; use storm doors and windows; or use insulated doors and windows.

Be informed with energy regulations at your state.
For your information: Washington D.C. has announced a new tax savings for home owners by upgrading your furnace, heat pump or water heater and you could receive a tax incentive of up to $500. Nothing beats a well-informed citizen. You may visit your state's website, or call someone about existing or new regulations on efficient energy solutions for homes.

Prepare for the weather.
Knowing what to expect in the winter season is significant. Just before winter hits: prepare! Invest in proper insulation and “weatherization” products. Caulk or seal all seams, cracks or openings you see in your house. You can increase the comfort in your home without shedding too much on your budget.

Fireplaces.
Traditional, open chimneys allow cold airs to come inside your house. You can add a feature on your fireplace by replacing a closing mechanism which you can operate when the fire is burned out. But do remember that fireplaces can help you warm down momentarily as compared to a heating system built and centralized in your home.

No matter what kind of heating brand you have, you can save money on your winter heating bill and increase your comfort from the cold by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment, installing insulation or air sealing around your house, proper thermostat settings and following the tips mentioned above.

Source : Jenny Wolkowitz

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home safety checklist

Please take the following home safety audit to determine how many safety products are needed in your home and where to install them.

Room-By-Room Safety Audit

How would you like to go on a tour of your own home -- a tour unlike any other you may have taken and one that may present your familiar surroundings in a new and important light? Well, now's the time. The tour outlined here has just one purpose: to help you look at each major room of your home and learn how to make it safer for every member of your family. We've listed all recommendations for the safety features and equipment each room should ideally contain.

Entries
• Deadbolt locks and heavy-duty strike plates.
• Outdoor security lighting that is timer or motion-detector controlled.

Living, Dining, and Family Rooms
• A carbon monoxide alarm on every level where your family spends time.
• Safety plugs on unused outlets.
• Window treatments free of dangling cords if small children are present.
• Programmable timers to turn lamps on and off when you're away.
• Extension cords placed safely away from areas where they could be stepped on or tripped over.
• Outlet surge protectors for audio, video, and computer equipment.
• Windows kept free of furniture if small children are present.

Kitchen
• A smoke alarm with silence button.
• A fire extinguisher.
• Scatter rugs that have nonslip backings or that are attached with pads or double-faced tape.
• Childproof safety latches on cabinets that contain cleaning materials.
• Electrical outlets that are fitted with ground-fault circuit interrupters.
• Individual shut-off valves for each gas appliance.
• Short, heavy-duty extension cords for appliances.
• A range hood or vent kept free of built-up grease.
• Radios, televisions and small electric appliances located safely away from the sink.
• A list of emergency numbers located prominently near the phone.

Baths
• An up-to-date first-aid kit.
• Anti-scald shower/tub water controls.
• Grab bars within easy reach in each tub and shower stall.
• Shatter-resistant faucet parts with no sharp edges.
• A night light.
• Childproof safety latches on cabinets containing dangerous materials.
• An electrical outlet positioned away from water fixtures and fitted with a ground-fault circuit interrupter.

Furnace Room
• A smoke alarm.
• A carbon monoxide alarm at least 15 - 20 feet from furnace.
• A fire extinguisher.

Bedrooms
• A smoke alarm in every bedroom and main hallway.
• A carbon monoxide alarm in or near each bedroom.
• A night light.
• A fire-escape ladder (if bedrooms are above main levels).
• A fire extinguisher.
• A list of emergency numbers posted near any telephones.
• The control center for your home security system.
• A rechargeable flashlight.

Garage
• A smoke alarm or heat alarm.
• A fire extinguisher.
• A first-aid kit.
• Well-maintained tools/equipment.
• Electrical outlets equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters.
• A telephone for summoning emergency help.

Where To Place Safety Products:
Smoke Alarms: One in every bedroom, and at least one on every level of the home.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: One on every level of the home and one in each sleeping area.
Fire Extinguishers: One on every level of the home, and one each in the kitchen and garage.

Source : firstalert.com

As complementary for above article I have notice how to use Fire Extinguishers? Make sure to read the Instruction manual. Be focus to the base of the fire not the flames. Keep your distance in safe.


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Living Room Improvements on a Budget

The living room is usually one of the most used rooms in any household. As a central location in which the family gather, or a spot for entertaining guests, it's often a real focal point. Given its standing, it comes as no surprise that many of us like the thought of improving the living room.

In some senses, the room really has a dual role. For relaxed days and nights, it should be somewhere that has a welcoming, cosy atmosphere. When we have visitors in the home it should be a place where they enjoy spending time and will remember. This all sounds well and good, but is it possible to achieve without spending a lot of money.

Fortunately, there are improvements that you can make that needn't cost as much as you might think. The clear is often to have a clear plan and then to act upon it. Your starting point might be to think about the look that you're trying to achieve - think about other people's houses and the impressions that they have made.

Next, you'll need to think about how to achieve the look, while not spending more than you want to. The key is to think about shortcuts that you can make to achieve an improvement at a reduced cost.

Take the sofa, for example. You could spend a lot of money on a new sofa, enabling you to gain a great new look in the room. But this is an expensive option - could a similar look be achieved by the clever use of a throw and cushions?

One of the cheapest ways of creating a new stylish look is, of course, to paint the room. With paint prices remaining relatively cheap, this is an extremely cost effective way of giving your living room a great new look.

Although you might imagine that paint would be more restrictive, in a fashion sense, than making use of wallpaper, it is possible to produce some great effects that can make a real impact. If you're stuck for inspiration then you might take a look at some of the great feature walls that often figure in interior design magazines.

So what other options are open to you if you're looking to make improvements on a budget? As mentioned above, the most obvious item of furniture that home owners often look to upgrade is to sofa. There are likely to be other, smaller items of furniture that could be replaced and that will still have a significant impact though.

You might, for instance, look to use coffee tables and television stands as a way of changing the look of the room.

Lighting is another important aspect in terms of style and is frequently overlooked. Changing the lighting in a room can be a good way to alter the style and mood. The best news here is that it's also a relatively cheap change to make. Take a look at budget home stores to get some great ideas.

Some people like to create a real central focus in the living room. If you'd like to do the same then you might consider splashing out on a special picture, mirror or maybe something like an electric fire suite, which can create a real impression.

With intelligent use of creativity, you can get a great look on a budget.


Source : Keith Barret

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Reduce Hot Water Use for Energy Savings

You can lower your water heating costs by using and wasting less hot water in your home. To conserve hot water, you can fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, and purchase an energy-efficient dishwasher and clothes washer.

Lower Water Heating Temperature for Energy Savings

You can reduce your water heating costs by simply lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater. For each 10ºF reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3%–5% in energy costs.

Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households usually only require them set at 120ºF. Water heated at 140ºF also poses a safety hazard—scalding. However, if you have a dishwasher without a booster heater, it may require a water temperature within a range of 130ºF to 140ºF for optimum cleaning.

Reducing your water temperature to 120ºF also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. This helps your water heater last longer and operate at its maximum efficiency.

Consult your water heater owner's manual for instructions on how to operate the thermostat. You can find a thermostat dial for a gas storage water heater near the bottom of the tank on the gas valve. Electric water heaters, on the other hand, may have thermostats positioned behind screw-on plates or panels. As a safety precaution, shut off the electricity to the water heater before removing/opening the panels. Keep in mind that an electric water heater may have two thermostats—one each for the upper and lower heating elements.

Mark the beginning temperature and the adjusted temperature on the thermostat dial for future reference. After turning it down, check the water temperature with a thermometer at the tap farthest from the water heater. Thermostat dials are often inaccurate. Several adjustments may be necessary before you get the right temperature.

If you plan to be away from home for at least 3 days, turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting or completely turn off the water heater. To turn off an electric water heater, switch off the circuit breaker to it. For a gas water heater, make sure you know how to safely relight the pilot light before turning it off.


Insulate Your Water Heater Tank for Energy Savings

Unless your water heater's storage tank already has a high R-value of insulation (at least R-24), adding insulation to it can reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45%. This will save you around 4%–9% in water heating costs.

If you don't know your water heater tank's R-value, touch it. A tank that's warm to the touch needs additional insulation.
Insulating your storage water heater tank is fairly simple and inexpensive, and it will pay for itself in about a year. You can find pre-cut jackets or blankets available from around $10–$20. Choose one with an insulating value of at least R-8. Some utilities sell them at low prices, offer rebates, and even install them at a low or no cost.

Insulating an Electric Water Heater Tank

You can probably install an insulating pre-cut jacket or blanket on your electric water heater tank yourself. Read and follow the directions carefully. Leave the thermostat access panel(s) uncovered. Don't set the thermostat above 130ºF on electric water heater with an insulating jacket or blanket—the wiring may overheat.

Insulate Hot Water Pipes for Energy Savings

Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature 2ºF–4ºF hotter than uninsulated pipes can deliver, allowing for a lower water temperature setting. You also won't have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on a faucet or showerhead, which helps conserve water.

Insulate all accessible hot water pipes, especially within 3 feet of the water heater. It's also a good idea to insulate the cold water inlet pipes for the first 3 feet.

Use quality pipe insulation wrap, or neatly tape strips of fiberglass insulation around the pipes. Pipe sleeves made with polyethylene or neoprene foam are the most commonly used insulation. Match the pipe sleeve's inside diameter to the pipe's outside diameter for a snug fit. Place the pipe sleeve so the seam will be face down on the pipe. Tape, wire, or clamp (with a cable tie ) it every foot or two to secure it to the pipe. If you use tape, some recommend using acrylic tape instead of duct tape.

On gas water heaters, keep insulation at least 6 inches from the flue. If pipes are within 8 inches of the flue, your safest choice is to use fiberglass pipe-wrap (at least 1-inch thick) without a facing. You can use either wire or aluminum foil tape to secure it to the pipe.

Install Heat Traps on a Water Heater Tank for Energy Savings

If your storage water heater doesn't have heat traps, you can save energy by adding them to your water heating system. They can save you around $15–$30 on your water heating bill by preventing convective heat losses through the inlet and outlet pipes.

Heat traps—valves or loops of pipe—allow water to flow into the water heater tank but prevent unwanted hot-water flow out of the tank. The valves have balls inside that either float or sink into a seat, which stops convection. These specially designed valves come in pairs. The valves are designed differently for use in either the hot or cold water line.

A pair of heat traps costs only around $30. However, unless you can properly solder a pipe joint, heat traps require professional installation by a qualified plumbing and heating contractor. Therefore, heat traps are most cost effective if they're installed at the same time as the water heater. Today, many new storage water heaters have factory-installed heat traps or have them available as an option.

Install a Timer and Use Off-Peak Power for Electric Water Heaters

If you have an electric water heater, you can save an additional 5%–12% of energy by installing a timer that turns it off at night when you don't use hot water and/or during your utility's peak demand times.

You can install a timer yourself. They can cost $60 or more, but they can pay for themselves in about 1 year. Timers are most cost effective if you don't want to install a heat trap and insulate your water heater tank and pipes. Timers aren't as cost effective or useful on gas water heaters because of their pilot lights.

Contact your utility to see if it offers a demand management program. Some utilities offer "time of use" electricity rates that vary according to the demand on their system. They charge higher rates during "on-peak"<>

Drain-Water Heat Recovery

Any hot water that goes down the drain carries away energy with it. That's typically 80–90% of the energy used to heat water in a home. Drain-water (or grey water) heat recovery systems capture this energy to preheat cold water entering the water heater or going to other water fixtures

Source : http://apps1.eere.energy
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