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8 Ways To Make Your Property More Energy Efficient

By Salman Zafar | August 12, 2022 - 3:11 pm |August 12, 2022 Energy Efficiency, Green, Home Improvements

There are many ways to make your property more energy efficient regardless of your budget. If you have more money to spend, then you can invest in some renovation work that will help you to reduce energy expenses. However, suppose your budget is on the lower side. In that case, you can purchase some features that are small and inexpensive but can have a massive impact on your final bill. But keep in mind that you should carry out extensive research for each energy-saving solution you would like to try. That will help you to determine what your final savings will be and which solutions are not ideal for your property.

1. Get A Quality Roof That Will Keep All The Heat Inside

A quality roof is a key to every safe and energy-efficient property. Companies such as ClearAmber Shop offer roofing sheets made of various materials, such as corrugated roofing sheets or plastic roof sheets that will help you to keep all the heat inside the building. As a result, there will not be any heat leaking outside, and you will stop cold air from flowing inside.

Like this, heating will need a shorter time to make the interior warm, and you will use much less gas or electricity, depending on the radiators you have. Cutting down your gas and electricity usage will make the building more efficient and lower your energy bills at the same time.

2. Close Off Any Gaps In The Construction

Filling any gaps in your construction, also called draught proofing, will stop any cold air from flowing into the building. You can find these gaps anywhere around windows, doors, exposed piping, fittings, floorboards or loft hatches. You should also pay attention to any cracks in the walls. However, there are several easy ways how you can fix the issue. You can use silicone sealant to hold water away. Or there are other options such as self-adhesive foam strips, flexible fillers or shaped rubber or plastic.

For any larger gaps, you should consider trying expanding polyurethane foam which expands while drying and then sets hard. This way, you will be able to have the heating on for a shorter time during the colder months and save on energy expenses.

3. Use Smart Meter To Stay On Track With Your Electricity Usage

Having a smart meter will allow you to see how much electricity you use in real-time. This way, you will be able to identify your weaknesses. From there, you can plan what you will do to make your home more energy efficient. The smart meter will also allow you to set a timer for your heating. This way, the heating will be on only for a specific part of the day.

During the colder months, it can be tempting to leave the heating on for a bit longer. However, if you push turning the heating off further and further, you will need to pay more than you would like to. The timer will help you to make sure that you do not have your heating on for too long. Regulating the time will allow you to control your energy usage, and you will save money on your bills.

4. Wall Insulation Can Help You Cut Your Energy Bills In The Long Run

Wall insulation can be a costly procedure. However, it will become a worthwhile investment in the long run. Of course, the overall price depends on whether you want to have cavity, internal or external wall insulation. Then, you need to take into account the size of the property, as each type of wall insulation has a different price per square meter.

Each insulation has a different process and finish. However, they all have one purpose in common. They help you to ensure that there is no heat escaping through the walls and keep your energy usage balanced. This way, your building will be more energy efficient and will allow you to save the expenses on the bills every year.

5. Keep Your Home Warm With Floor Insulation

Just like with walls, many homes have problems with heat escaping from the room through the floor. There are different kinds of floor insulation, and you need to know which floor you have in order to pick the right solution for your property. You usually do not need to put floor insulation into rooms that are located upstairs.

But suppose a room is located above a space that is not heated, like, for example, a garage. In that case, you should consider floor insulation as a solution to make the building more energy efficient. You also need to remember that your building may have more than one type of flooring. Then, you will need to inquire about more kinds of floor insulation.

6. Consider If Solar Panels Are The Right Solution For You

It is no secret that solar panels are expensive and require a lot of space. However, if you have the financial means and enough space, then they will become one of the most effective features on your way to a more energy-efficient building. You should also carry out extensive research in order to find out if solar panels are a suitable solution for your building.

If your research brings good news, then you will be able to generate your own renewable electricity. But there is one more obstacle that could ruin your plans for solar panel installation. If the building is in an area that is often covered in the shade, then it would not be the best investment for your property.

7. Include Energy Efficient Fittings In Your Property

Including energy-efficient fittings in your property can be a more affordable way to reduce your energy usage. For instance, you can place LED light bulbs throughout the property. Like this, you will save a significant amount of electricity, and they last up to 10 times longer than regular light bulbs. You can also invest in water-saving shower heads. These features regulate the amount of water you are using and can help you to cut down your expenses.

For the same purpose, you should consider purchasing low-flow taps that will help you to reduce the water usage in sinks. On top of that, you can also invest in low-flush toilets that will help you to regulate the flow of water even further. Such solutions can be affordable and easy to install. This way, you will reduce your energy usage significantly and stay within your budget.

8. Switch Off Devices When You Are Not Using Them

By switching off devices when you are not using them, you can save around £55 a year. In the long run, this can become a significant amount of money that you could use on some of the different needs of your property. You can turn the devices off at the plug. These days, most modern appliances are set in a way that will not upset their programming if turned off.

To make your job easier, you can also get a smart plug that will help you to turn off the devices all at once. Suppose you are not sure about any of your appliances and their settings. In that case, we recommend you check the manufacturer’s manual and follow the instructions.

3 Things to Consider When Using Drum Heaters

By Salman Zafar | August 7, 2022 - 9:38 pm |August 8, 2022 Energy Efficiency, Home Improvements, Industrial Equipment

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For people in the colder parts of the world, temperatures can become an issue. Sometimes, you might need to keep your liquids, water or fuel at the normal room temperature. The main use of drum heaters is that they work as storages that keep their content at a certain temperature.

Barrel heaters are especially needed if their content loses its nature and benefits due to a drop or a rise in the temperature. Barrel heater is a cheap solution for maintaining high energy without paying for its cost, in addition you are reducing the pollution since the energy is being recycled within the system. So, what do you need to consider when you are using drum heaters? That is what we are going to tackle.

1. Harsh weather

Harsh environmental conditions, especially the low temperature of the cold months, might push the need to use a heater for your drums to avoid causing them any damages to keep them in ultimate condition.

Buying good drum heater jackets will keep you away from breaking the bank just to save your desired content. They don’t only keep your drums at the required temperature, they also save and lower the viscosity of the fluids so you wouldn’t need to replace them as often and more importantly, they protect them from freezing in harsh cold environment conditions.

2. Energy saving

Electrical insulated heating jackets offer more protection from cold or freezing due to the extra layer of insulation they have. With heat loss kept at minimum, the heating jackets offer more energy saving options which make their power consumption drop automatically, this also translates to cost of operation drop. What’s even more positive about these jackets is that they are normally designed to cover the whole containers, thus you are more likely to be saved from any energy loss.

Using some types of barrel heaters that do not cover the whole drum might waste energy as they naturally get hot. Due to thermodynamics basics, the heat will start dissipating from the higher-temperature surface to the cold atmosphere. That is why when using the right type of heater for your needs, make sure that it will cover the whole container you have so you don’t waste any energy.

3. Saving space = saving energy

An extra step to save money and time is to place your drums in a closed space. Open spaces make it harder to maintain your drums at desired temperatures. Putting your drums and barrels in an enclosed space will ensure that no energy is wasted to the atmosphere and manage heat escape.

Choose the one that works best for you

When you are first buying the heater, it is always a good step to buy one that is flexible. Drum heaters are really simple on the design side, however, using one that does not fit may create more of a problem than it solves. Buying a good drum heater that is adjustable or can fit any type of container you have, is always a smart idea to save you from the headache and wasting your money.

5 Unique Features of Engineered Wood Floors

By Salman Zafar | August 4, 2022 - 9:31 pm |August 4, 2022 Green, Home Improvements

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Choosing the best flooring for your dream home is not an easy task. There are a wide variety of flooring options available in the market, and it is sometimes frustrating to select the right type of flooring. Engineered wood flooring is a cost-effective and eco-friendly flooring option to add a touch of elegance to your new home. Read more about the unique features of engineered wood flooring below:

1. Engineered wood is eco-friendly

With increasing focus on green lifestyle, homeowners are looking for eco-friendly hard flooring to make their homes truly green and environmentally-friendly. The appearance of engineered wood flooring is almost the same as that of solid wood flooring but the manufacturing processes are quite different.

Engineered wood flooring is made up of a thin veneer on top of a less-expensive plywood. This distinctive style of manufacturing not only helps in conservation of natural wood, but also makes the flooring both cheaper and stronger. A new industry trend is to replace plywood with recycled wood fiber mixed with stone dust which provides additional dimensional stability.

2. Ease in installation

Engineered wood flooring offers installation advantage as it is easier and cost-effective to install than traditional hardwood floors. The wide range of engineered wood floor installation methods include stapling or nailing, fold-and-lock, or glue. The ease in installation makes it ideal for both DIY and professional installation.

Engineered wood floors are milled with tongue and groove (T&G) construction in which the planks are fitted together, like puzzle pieces, with each row held down by the row next to it. Tongue and groove milling allow the floors to be stapled or nailed down, glued, and sometimes floated. The versatility of engineered wood can be gauged from the fact that it can be directly installed over a concrete subfloor or on top of old hardwood floors.

3. Better resistance to moisture

Engineered wood is more capable of fighting moisture than conventional wood floors, primarily due to its dimensional stability which prevents warps and other deformities when it comes into contact with water. The relatively stable structure of engineered wood is provided by the cross-wise layers of plywood fibers which is in contrast to parallel fibers of hardwood.

The moisture-resistant nature of engineered floors makes it well-suited for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and basements. The ability to withstand moisture means engineered wood is more durable than conventional hardwood floors.

4. More resistant to temperature changes

Compared to traditional hardwood floors, engineered wood floors have better capabilities to resist temperature changes. The multiple-ply plank design facilitates its expansion without compromising on its structural strength and stability.

The hardwood and plywood layers are bonded together under heat and pressure which negates the natural tendency of hardwoods to expand, contract, warp, or cup when exposed to temperature changes in certain areas, like utility rooms.

5. Amazing range of styles, grades and finishes

Engineered wood floors can adapt to your lifestyle as well as your budget. It is available in a wide array of styles, like oak and maple, and diverse range of multiple finishes including matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. You have the option to go for cost-efficient tough, lacquered floor or to choose the top-quality oiled version. You also have the liberty to choose a rustic or a time worn appearance, depending on your preferences.

Conclusion

Engineered wood floors is a cost-efficient, durable, versatile and eco-friendly alternative to traditional flooring options, like hardwood, laminate and parquet flooring. Its ability to withstand moisture and temperature changes makes it well-suited for all kinds of residential and commercial buildings.

The easy installation and hassle-free maintenance of engineered wood flooring makes it attractive for an amateur DIY buff as well as for a professional interior decorator. To sum up, engineered wood floors are a logical and green alternative to provide elegance and creativity to your new home.

7 Energy Efficiency Innovations That Can Help Homeowners

By Salman Zafar | July 27, 2022 - 9:00 pm |August 12, 2022 Energy Efficiency, Green, Home Improvements, Technology

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Domestic energy efficiency has advanced a long way over the last few decades. Despite our overall energy consumption increasing by just over a third since 1980, on average our homes consume around 10% less overall. How can this be the case when we have so many more electrical appliances? Back in 1980, not many homes had more than a single TV, and computers and mobile phones were essentially non-existent. Yet somehow they used more electricity!

The answer to this question comes down to one simple principle. Energy efficiency. Government regulations and technical advances led by the private sector have resulted in appliances that are simply more sustainable. Throw in a better public understanding of the importance of reducing carbon emissions, and also the use of money expert comparison sites to track the expense of powering a home, and it the picture becomes a little clearer.

Expect to see this trend become ever more prevalent in the near future, as sustainability has become a huge industry that continues to rapidly expand.

Here’s a selection of the most recent energy efficiency innovations that are already helping homeowners save money that we can expect to become common place over the coming years.

1. Smart Homes

At first glance, you may wonder what the point is in buying a new domestic appliance that is advertised as ‘internet connected/ready’. After all, who is going to need a web compatible refrigerator or air conditioning unit? It is increasingly common for newly released appliances to boast this feature because in the coming years, our homes are going to be much more connected than at present. Being able to monitor and control energy expenditure remotely via smartphone is a tech that is already with us – but these are still the early days.

The next big step forward is going to be the implementation of wireless sensors throughout the home. These will connect all the appliances in the home to a centralized control panel which will automatically instruct how they interact with the energy supply.

For instance, appliances not in use, but on ‘standby’ mode will be entirely disconnected from the power supply when nobody is at home. Heating and air conditioning use will be precisely measured according to the ambient temperature. Just these two examples – and there are many more in the pipeline – are set to shave a considerable amount of household energy consumption in the very near future.

2. Next Generation Home Insulation

The US Industrial Science & Technology Network takes the approach that heating and cooling costs can best be reduced by simply developing superior insulation. While still at the development stage, these are promised to be far more efficient at preventing heat from escaping.

As may be expected, they are also going to be environmentally sound and most likely comprised of recycled foam materials. Should these be proven to work, there is a very good chance they will become the industry norm for new build and redeveloped housing in the years to come.

3. Reflective Roofing Materials

While insulation is ideal for maintaining an ambient temperature what about those who live in warmer climes? Everyone knows how expensive it is to run air conditioning 24 hours a day, but there have been considerable recent advances in reflective rooftop materials. Currently, these work by using special pigments that are coated onto the roof in order to reflect sunlight and heat.

The next generation in development will use fluorescent pigments that look likely to be up to four times more efficient. So for those who reside in areas where effective air conditioning is essential around the year, these new materials may well be an absolute godsend.

4. Magnetocaloric Refrigerators

A fridge powered by magnets? Close, but not quite. Refrigeration technology has barely changed or advanced since they were first introduced. Modern fridges still rely on vapor compression, which unfortunately requires chemical coolants that are notoriously bad for the environment.

Next generation models are going to be able to make use of water-based coolants that make use of the magnetocaloric effect. In layperson’s terms, this is the use of magnets to alter the magnetic field which can provide an extremely energy efficient cooling effect. Expect this to become commonplace in the coming years, thanks to their potential in enormously reducing energy expenditure and carbon emissions.

5. Much More Efficient Heat Pumps

Considerable progress has been made by the US Building Technologies Office in developing heat pumps that essentially move heat throughout the home. There are three models in design that promise to considerably reduce expenditure on heating while also significantly reduce carbon emissions. Standard gas boilers/furnaces are notoriously expensive and inefficient.

A low-cost gas-based heating pump could massively increase efficiency and result in lowering heating costs by a staggering 45%.
Multiple function fuel based pumps designed for domestic use can still save an estimated 30% with the added bonus of also providing more efficient water heating.
Natural gas based heating pumps connected with air conditioners aim to use a very low emission boiler to cater for all domestic needs regardless of the season. Of all three options, this is the most complete package and the one most likely to become widespread in the coming years.

These styles of heat pumps are also going to be used to significantly reduce the energy used by clothes drying machines. General Electric has been already near completing their first gas pump compatible dryer. This is intended to reduce the energy consumption of perhaps the least efficient appliance in the home by up to 60%.

6. Even Better LED Lighting

Energy saving lighting may have become the accepted norm in many households, and the good news is that it is set to become even better. At present these are up to 85% more efficient than old fashioned incandescent bulbs, but the next generation – scheduled for a few years time – promise to double their efficiency. An improvement up to 230 lumens (from the current 115) is forecast.

8% of all electricity consumption in the USA are due to lighting homes and businesses. Having that figure will make for a huge national saving and reduction of energy costs across the board.

7. Advanced Window Insulation

While still in development this may not sound like a huge advance, but could well result in enormous net energy savings down the line. Using microprocessors and sensors to measure sunlight and radiant heat, these are going to automatically provide shading to assist with providing ideal natural lighting and also assist with heating. Expect these to be integrated with the general smart home system outlined above in due course.

Final Thoughts

So there we have seven of the most exciting and interesting energy efficiency innovations that we can expect to see in the home over the coming years. While some are already in production while others are just passing the prototype phase, the future is looking positive in terms of reducing emissions and better managing energy consumption.

Energy efficiency is here to stay and these developments will likely only be the tip of the iceberg compared to what we can look forward to over coming decades.

5 Energy-Saving Measures for Homeowners

By Salman Zafar | July 24, 2022 - 8:51 pm |July 24, 2022 Electricity, Energy Efficiency, Green, Home Improvements

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There are many easy ways to save money and electricity every month around your home. And as you will see from the following examples, they don’t all require you to downgrade your lifestyle or make major sacrifices in your everyday life. Some of these energy-saving measures will apply more during hot times of the year or cold times, but most will serve you well all year long.

save energy concept

And keep in mind that many of these energy-saving tips can apply just as well to businesses trying to save money as they do to homeowners.

1. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Your major household appliances use up a lot of electricity year-round, so when it comes time to repair or replace one of them, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Many manufacturers make refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, washing machines and dryers that meet or exceed EnergyStar guidelines and can save you hundreds of dollars per year in lower energy bills.

2. Eliminate Electricity “Leaks”

Most homeowners are aware of water leaks in their homes such as leaky faucets, cracked garden hoses and poorly sealed pipe fittings in the walls. But your home could also be leaking electricity every day.

A lot of electricity gets wasted needlessly due to so-called “energy leaks”. These could include appliances that draw power 24/7, even when not in use. Other energy leaks could be simple things like leaving the lights turned on in empty rooms or falling asleep with the television on.

Fortunately, there are easy ways to reduce energy leaks without putting a drain on your lifestyle, such as using power strips, timers and motion sensors to cut off these devices when nobody is using them.

3. Improve Your Home’s Insulation

Another factor that drives up your monthly electric bill is the hot or cold air outside making its way into your home. There are two main ways to address this:

Seal your doors and windows
Put in better insulation

If your doors or windows are old and have cracks or holes, then go ahead and get those replaced. Double-paned glass windows and sliding doors can add an extra layer of protection to regulate your internal temperature.

If there are any gaps around the perimeter or frame of your doors and windows, then replacing the weatherstripping should seal those off easily. This is actually good DIY project for beginners that will only cost you a few bucks and a few minutes per door/window.

Replacing your insulation can be a big job and will likely require some professional help, not only to get the job done right, but also to ensure compliance with all building codes and regulations. The main question for you to discuss with your chosen contractor will be to decide what type of insulation will work best for your needs and your budget. Common materials include natural fibers, plastics, foam, minerals and fiberglass insulation.

When hiring a contractor, be sure they include air-sealing services in the estimate, since leaks, gaps and cracks in the walls, ceilings and floors should be done prior to putting in the insulation. Some insulation types, such as fiberglass insulation, are installed using techniques that literally blow the materials into place and do an excellent job of sealing off leaks.

4. Properly Use and Maintain Your HVAC System

Your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system can also make or break your power bill every month, especially during the winter or summer seasons. These heating and cooling systems are comprised of many motors and moving parts which are subject to wear and tear and will require ongoing maintenance.

While your HVAC system is designed to last for several years, some individual components can become worn out and create inefficiencies which overload the entire system, wasting energy and causing additional damage. So you do need to be diligent in maintaining or repairing these systems as needed. Many HVAC repair companies in your area offer free inspections of heaters, air conditioners and centralized ventilation systems, so take advantage of those when they are available.

5. Use Green Building Materials

When constructing a new home or adding on to your existing property, using green building materials can also help you save money on construction costs. Here are some examples of commonly-used green building materials:

Recycled steel and wood
Reclaimed doors, windows and lumber
Plant-based polyurethane foam
Bamboo
Wool

While you might not see much difference on your own personal utility bill, using building supplies made from recycled or reclaimed materials can save money on construction costs. And you can also save a lot of energy and resources on a larger scale – at the community level and eventually global level. Plus, many reclaimed material just a nice aesthetic to your home.

Saving energy at home can be easy, and with a little creativity and investment you don’t necessarily have to make any radical changes to your lifestyle either. Pick one or two of these energy-saving tips for homeowners and put them to use today.

These Telltale Signs Will Show Buyers Just How Old Your House Is!

By Salman Zafar | July 23, 2022 - 8:46 pm |July 23, 2022 Home Improvements, Real Estate

1. Old appliances

One of the biggest tips from top agents we’ve come across is to update your appliances! Buyers do not want outdated appliances and that includes any appliances that aren’t stainless steel. Buyers love the look of the sleek metal and it just gives the kitchen a modern appeal.

2. Loud paint and/or wallpaper

Paint colors and wallpaper is a personal choice, but if you’re going to sell, you will appeal to a much broader base if you’re giving them a neutral base. Neutral colors will allow the buyers to envision their belongings in the home, rather than being put off because their traditional dining set would look odd in a deep purple dining room.

3. Brass hardware

When you walk into a home, you can tell it’s age by the color of the fixtures. Shiny brass or silver hardware and door knobs are fine and well, but polished nickel, matte black, and oil rubbed bronze are best.

4. Old windows

Older windows not only date the home, but they are also a drain on energy! Buyers want windows that are energy efficient – triple-pane glass windows are preferable as they are the most energy efficient, but they can be costly, ranging between $500 to $1,085 per window.

5. Popcorn ceilings

Whoever thought popcorn ceilings were a cool feature to have in a house must have been really into texture. Smooth ceilings are much more preferable simply because they look cleaner. If you have popcorn ceilings, you can remove it fairly easily, except it will be a big mess. Fortunately, you can hire a contractor to do the work and cleanup!

6. Tile or laminate countertops

When you bought your home, you probably didn’t mind tile or laminate countertops, but buyers aren’t going to be so charmed. Instead, buyers prefer granite, marble, concrete or custom epoxy countertops.

7. Wood paneling

Wood paneling was popular in the 70s and it makes your home look dark, old, and severely dated. You can remove the paneling, install drywall, and slap on a fresh coat of paint and you’d be amazed by how much more welcoming your home will feel!

8. Carpet in the bathroom

Water and carpeting are mortal enemies and carpeting has absolutely no place in the bathroom. Buyers know this and will avoid houses with this feature, unless they were already planning on renovating the bathroom. If you don’t want to keep your fingers crossed you’ll have a buyer who’s going to renovate, you can roll up your sleeves (or hire a contractor) to rip up the carpet and lay down new flooring, such as tile, vinyl flooring, or wood.

It can be hard to go through your house and see the areas where buyers may not appreciate. You may have loved the countertops you installed 10 years ago, or your ivory washer and dryer have never let you down… But buyers want homes that are updated, modern, and have as little fixing up to do as possible. If you do even a few of these changes and you may see the start to offers roll in.

How to Make Your House as Eco-friendly as Possible?

By Salman Zafar | July 21, 2022 - 8:42 pm |July 21, 2022 Energy Efficiency, Green, Home Improvements, Sustainable Development

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Environmental concerns are more widespread than they ever have been, thanks to high-profile documentaries, a raft of alarming science, and some determined activism from green pressure groups. And these concerns are helping to shape the modern home, too.

There are myriad environmentally-friendly ways in which the environmental impact of your home can be lessened. Some of these involve major investment and upheaval; others, however, offer a considerable return on just a little bit of effort.

The good news is that anything that can be done to make your home more energy-efficient will also make it greener. For example, replacing an old boiler with a modern combination one from City Plumbing will tend to yield a substantial improvement, even if it’s not an electric one. Let’s look at a few popular means of making a house eco-friendly, and see which will provide the greatest benefit to your home.

1. Light Bulbs

Swapping out older halogen-style light bulbs for newer LED-based ones can save enormous amounts of energy in the long-term. They’re more resilient, and they’ll pay for themselves within a few weeks. Of course, there’s also an environmental cost associated with manufacturing a new bulb – and thus it may be worth waiting for your old bulbs to fail before investing in a replacement.

2. Insulate

If you’re burning gas in order to replace the heat that’s escaping through your windows, doors and walls, then you’re imposing a burden on the environment. Anything you can do to improve the insulation situation will therefore confer an environmental benefit. Often, the best results can be had by improving the situation in the loft.

3. Install a compost bin

Your kitchen will produce food waste, which can be put to use in the garden. Install a compost bin, and use the results to grow yourself some quality vegetables. You’ll be slashing your food miles in the process, too.

3. Heat Pumps

A ground-source heat pump is a device which draws energy up from deep in the ground, and uses it to help heat your house. Despite the name, the heat-pump can actually help to cool your property, too. Plus, you won’t have the visual upheaval that comes with solar panels. With that said, they’re tricky to install into existing builds, and their efficiency can vary according to the type of soil heat is being extracted from.

4. Photovoltaic Solar Panels

If you can claim a little bit of the energy that strikes your roof, then you’ll reduce the amount of fossil fuels that you’re indirectly causing to be burned. Over the course of decades, again, the investment in solar panels will pay for itself – and you’ll get the benefit of solar grants to sweeten the deal still further.

How Can Save Money on Commercial Outdoor Lighting?

By Salman Zafar | July 20, 2022 - 8:31 pm |July 26, 2022 Business, Electricity, Home Improvements, Interior Decoration

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Do you want to install outdoor lighting on your grounds but not want to overspend on it? Want a nice brightly lit yard in front of your establishment at minimal costs? Well here’s an article to help you pick the perfect outdoor lighting for your establishment.

When it comes to commercial outdoor lighting there are many companies that may sell fixtures that look promising, however, not every fixture can meet your budget. Some of them may not even hold up to the standard which the company claims, so here are a few points to pick the right outdoor lighting:

1. The right type

The question of what kind of lighting works best in your scenario is solved best with an explanation of where and how each type is used.

Wall lights: These are most commonly used wherever there is a vertical surface. Commonly used on buildings and walls. Commonly used for porches, patios, and entryways.
Hanging lights: A very pretty light, hanging lights work excellently under any roofed area. They are more resistant to damp climates provided they are not directly exposed to the rain. Commonly used for covered patios
Post or Pier mounted lights: These are fixtures mounted on posts and are especially useful as they can be placed directly in the open. Their wet rating ensures that they have good resistance to the weather. Pier mounted lights work similarly to posts lights except they must be mounted on a column or wall. Commonly used for outdoor walkways and driveways
Landscape Lights: Landscape lights are generally low voltage lighting that is separate from the wall and ceiling lights listed. By efficient use of path lights, spotlights, and floodlights, you can give your property a wonderful look even in the darkest of nights. Commonly used for gardens and landscapes
Security Fixtures: These are motion lights that glow when triggered by movement.

2. The right size

When it comes to size, they depend on where you plan to install your outdoor lights. Each lighting setup looks better in different sizes. These will be mentioned below:

Porch Wall lights: These look best when they are about one-third the height of the door when only a single fixture is used. However, when two fixtures are used, you could go with lights around a fourth of the height of your door.
Ceiling lights: These should be of a suitable size and dimensions depending on the size, also remember to make sure that your room has enough height to keep fit the room.
Post and Pier Mounted lights: Fixtures may be of different sizes which mostly depend on the number of bulbs used. If you’re using a pole mounted design, 7 foot tall is considered the right size.

3. Outdoor conditions and needs

The kind of lighting you use will significantly vary depending on what kind of need you have for it. This can be a significant factor in your choice.

Water rating: Depending on where you want to use your lamp, it is categorized into wet and damp. Wet rated lamps are used in settings where the lamp is directly exposed to weather. Damp rated lamps are used in places not directly exposed to the elements.
Time of usage: This covers whether you plan to keep your lights constantly running or use lights such as motion sensor lights or automatic lights.

Once you have this under wraps, you can pat yourself on the back as you’ve done more than half the job, but now comes the tough part, finding a fixture that is both useful for your particular need as well as affordable.

So how do you find this perfect outdoor lamp?

Well, here are the points which you need to search for in an outdoor lighting fixture to ensure that it fits in well with your budget:

a. Using LED lighting

LEDs are some of the least power consuming bulbs and can thus save you a fortune in electricity prices.

b. Timed lights

By using motion triggered lighting you not only increase the safety of your establishment but also reduce the total electricity consumption of your lighting.

c. Strong, high quality fixtures

By investing in fixtures resistant to wear and tear, you end up with longer lasting lamps, this results in less maintenance costs and thus lower expenses.

d. Solar Power

By using solar powered lighting along with the aforementioned techniques you will be able to sustain a continuous output of light for the entirety of the night.

9 Brilliant Tips To Save Energy In The Winter

By Salman Zafar | July 12, 2022 - 7:56 pm |April 15, 2023 Energy Efficiency, Green, Home Improvements

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When those colder months come, it can feel great to blast on the heating. That feeling of being cozy in your home while it’s freezing outside is something many people love about winter. That’s until you see your energy bill and realize all of that energy has come at a steep cost.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here we look at 9 brilliant tips that are going to allow you to stay warm in your house while saving energy in winter months. This will be much better for the environment and also much better for your pocket.

1) Cozy clothing

We’re not suggesting that you have a coat, scarf, and gloves in your home. Rather you can wear jumpers, thicker pajamas and winter socks. This will allow you to be comfortable in your clothing while also giving you the ability to turn down your heating by a couple of degrees.

Also getting thicker duvets for bedtime and nice throws for snuggling up in front of the TV can help keep you warm without your boiler doing all the hard work. You always want to be comfortable in your home but sometimes that can be done without adjusting the heating.

2) A 21^st century Christmas

The holiday is a wonderful time of the year and many people love putting up a vast array of Christmas lights. You don’t have to be a humbug and take them down; instead, you can do it all a little more efficiently.

In these modern times, you should be using LED bulbs for those lights. Many people are still using their old bulbs which are much less efficient, and also more unreliable. Also, put your lights on a timer so that they only come on when it gets dark and go off at bedtime.

3) Use a space heater

Do you only stay in one room during the day or evening? Heating just one room instead of them all could save you a huge amount on your energy bills.

To make the most of this you can turn off the heating in your home and switch on your space heater. This will prevent a huge amount of waste. This shouldn’t be confused with using a space heater on top of your heating as this would be more inefficient.

4) Maintain your humidifier and HVAC systems

Over time your air conditioning, heating, humidifier and energy systems will become less efficient. It’s always a great idea to service your systems such as a furnace humidifier, see if any parts need to be replaced and then enjoy their greater output.

According to the Mass Save program, a lot of energy can be lost by devices that are either outdated or in need of a service, with your boiler being a great example. It’s usually easy to check this yourself or call out a professional to do it for a small fee.

5) Seal any leaks

If there is a draft coming through your home, then you need to block it. One common area of concern is basements and sealing leaks will prevent the warm air of your home escaping outside.

Other areas such as doors could benefit from a draught excluder and if you have inefficient windows, using quilted curtains can prevent drafts. If you’re not sure where drafts are coming from, using an infrared thermometer can be a huge help.

6) Keep a stable temperature

Some people can fall into the trap of switching their heating on, getting too hot, switching it off and opening a window, then switching their heating back on when it gets cold. If you repeat this process, not only can you get uncomfortable, but it’s a huge waste.

The best solution is to get a thermostat that you can time. You need to know your ideal temperature and use this for when you’re at home. You will also be able to turn your heating off when you’re out of the house and down when you’re sleeping.

7) Use solar energy

There are many misconceptions about solar energy, with one of the biggest being that it only works in warm climates. The reality is that all they need is sunlight, even if it’s freezing outside. They also don’t need direct sunlight to be powered up.

If you live in a spot where you have the space and budget, then it doesn’t matter what the temperature is. While a solar panel won’t be as effective if there are fewer daylight hours, they can still provide a huge boost of clean energy in those cold winter months.

8) Avoid your tumble dryer

You can’t put your clothes outside to dry and therefore you put them in your tumble dryer, it makes sense. This they are brilliant for getting the job done quickly but use up a huge amount of energy in the process.

If your radiators are on, then you might as well use them. If you don’t need clothes to be immediately dried then they are only going to take a few hours in front of a radiator and you’ll save a lot of money.

9) Don’t block radiators

Okay, this is a direct contradiction to the point before but with clothing it is different. If you have a bed or other piece of furniture in front of a radiator, it will have a hugely negative impact on its ability to heat your room.

You need to allow the radiator to heat the air around it and then give enough space for that air to circulate. In terms of circulation, if you have a ceiling fan then it’s a good idea to put it on reverse and in its lowest setting. Hot air rises and a ceiling fan, when used like this, can push the hot air back down into the room.

6 Tips to Help You Design an Eco-Friendly Bedroom

By Salman Zafar | July 9, 2022 - 7:50 pm |November 3, 2022 Green, Home Improvements, Lifestyle

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After you’ve tackled some of the major infrastructure projects that will make your home greener, you’re going to want to start working through individual rooms as well. Small, simple changes throughout your house can help make your home more eco-friendly.

Right now, harmful toxins and chemicals are probably lurking all over your bedroom. With a few changes, you can turn your bedroom into a healthy, sustainable space that you can enjoy for years to come. Here are 6 tips to help you create a sustainable bedroom:

1. Consume fewer materials with recycled furniture

Instead of buying new furniture for your bedroom, extend the life of an existing piece of furniture! Head to a thrift store. You’ll likely be able to find a few high-quality pieces that have lots of life left in them.

By buying used furniture, fewer materials will be consumed to build new furniture. Another positive of buying used is that any toxic paint or stain will have already had time to off-gas.

When buying used furniture for your bedroom, don’t settle for the first piece you see. Shop around and find furniture that is built to last. Many prefer antique wood furniture because it was built to higher standards than today’s furniture.

2. Eco-friendly mattresses are easy to find

Most mattresses are filled with toxic chemicals, including flame retardants and formaldehyde. These toxic chemicals are released into the air, which could lead to you breathing them in for hours while you’re sleeping.

Non-organic mattresses are known to lead to health problems such as chest tightness and trouble breathing.

Luckily, several companies are starting to produce organic mattresses for side sleepers, hot sleepers, and everything in between. These types of mattresses are eco-friendly and free from toxins.

Look for mattresses that are composed of organic wool, organic cotton, and natural latex. If you’re unable to afford a new eco-friendly mattress, air out your current one outside to help with off-gassing and use a dehumidifier within your room.

3. Plants improve air quality

Plants are a great addition to any room. They look pleasant, add natural odors to the room, and can also improve your air quality.

Certain types of plants can help purify your air. They reduce CO2 and increase humidity. Adding a plant to your room can get rid of that stale, toxic air and improve your health.

Plants that you might want to consider for your bedroom include peace lilies, Boston ferns, snake plants, and aloe veras. All of these plants can purify your air and are easy to take care of.

4. Go green with natural bedding materials

With such a wide choice of materials available for your bedding, you might wonder what the most eco-friendly option is. You’re going to want to look for sheets and comforters that are made of organically grown materials that are free from chemical dyes.

Hemp is a popular choice for sheets. Hemp sheets are breathable and can also help protect against dust mites.

For comforters, consider organic cotton or wool. Cotton comforters are great for the summer, because they’re lightweight and breathable. Wool is a popular choice for the winter because it holds in heat.

5. Stay away from toxic paint

Painting your room is a good way to quickly freshen up your space. Unfortunately, most paints emit harmful VOCs into the air.

Now that we have a better understanding of how toxic paint is, many companies are producing eco-friendly paint options. Look for paint that uses natural pigments and that is low in VOCs and biocides.

Many assume that eco-friendly paint only comes in natural shades, but this isn’t true. You can get paint in most colors. If you’re struggling to pick a color, most stores will provide several smaller cans of paints so you can test it on your walls.

6. Hemp rugs are stylish and natural

While there are carpets made of renewable materials available, not everyone wants wall-to-wall carpeting. Rugs are a great way to quickly make hardwood or laminate floor cozier.

The fibers of the fast-growing hemp plant are used in a variety of items, including in rugs. Hemp rugs are durable, come in a variety of natural colors, and are mildew-resistant. They’re also very easy to maintain—they just need to be vacuumed regularly.

Some people find hemp rugs to be stiff, but the material does soften over time. Other natural-fibers used in rugs include jute, seagrass, and sisal.

Final thoughts

It’s time to get rid of those toxic chemicals in your bedroom! Being mindful of what materials you’re using in your bedroom and focusing on improving your air quality are among the steps you should take to create an eco-friendly bedroom.