by Guest

Lennox Industries, a leading provider of customized home heating, cooling and indoor air quality products,  introduced the patent pending SunSource™ Home Energy System – a new solar-powered central heating and cooling system that reduces overall household electricity consumption without the costs associated with traditional solar installations – at the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas this week.

The new SunSource Home Energy System not only harnesses solar energy from the sun to reduce the electricity consumed by a residential heat pump or air conditioner, but also is able to use that solar power to operate other devices in the home that consume electricity, such as lighting and appliances, when the heating and cooling system is not running. In addition, if the SunSource system generates more power than is used by the home, that power will be sent back to the utility company, which may entitle the homeowner to a credit on their utility bill.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical U.S. household pays $2,200 a year on utility bills, and the bulk of those energy costs – between 50 and 60 percent – comes from heating and cooling the home.

The SunSource Home Energy System is composed of:

• A solar-ready, high efficiency Lennox air conditioner or heat pump that has been specially enhanced to serve as the platform for this new home energy system.

• A Lennox solar subpanel that provides the connection between utility- interactive solar power system and the HVAC unit.

• One to 15 roof-mounted solar modules that harness clean, sustainable energy from the sun and use it to run the home’s central heating and cooling system as well as other appliances – the more modules, the more homeowners can reduce their utility costs.

• A communications system that allows homeowners to monitor each solar module’s operation and energy production online, as well as other environmental benefits such as the amount of carbon offset.

Energy Savings and Tax Credits Equal Real Cost Savings for Homeowners

As an example, a consumer who lives in a typical 2,000-square-foot home in Corpus Christi, Texas, can reduce the electricity usage associated with heating and cooling his or her home by approximately 12 percent annually by installing a Lennox high-efficiency air conditioner(1) with two solar modules and by 86 percent by installing the air conditioner with 15 modules. In Tulsa, Okla., the homeowner would see around a 25 percent reduction in air conditioner electricity usage with two solar modules, and about a 180 percent reduction (meaning more energy production than air conditioner consumption) with 15 modules. The savings increase even more in sunnier areas of the country.

In addition to the costs savings and incentives offered by many local utility companies for using high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and/or renewable energy sources, the new SunSource system makes homeowners eligible for federal and some state solar tax credits. In fact, these benefits, when combined, can cover up to 94 percent of the cost of the solar modules, including installation(2).

The new Lennox SunSource Home Energy System will be available with several products from the Dave Lennox Signature® Collection, which is the company’s line of premium heating and cooling products, offering the quietest, most efficient operation and a premier level of performance. The Lennox SunSource Home Energy System may be paired with Dave Lennox Signature Collection air conditioners and heat pumps beginning in May 2010.

About Lennox Industries

Lennox Industries is a leading provider of customized home heating, cooling and indoor air quality products that are designed to deliver customized comfort, efficiency and functionality, with the most innovative and reliable features available. Lennox is also the first heating and air conditioning manufacturer to harness solar energy for central heating and cooling – and beyond. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy have selected Lennox as an ENERGY STAR Manufacturer of the Year four out of six years for its outstanding contribution to developing and promoting energy-efficient products. For more information about Lennox home comfort products, visit www.Lennox.com or call 1-800-9-LENNOX.

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(1) Energy savings calculations are based on a Lennox XC21-036 air conditioner, which has a 20 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating).

(2) Depends on local and state incentives in homeowner’s area. Typical incentives range between 30 percent and 94 percent of the cost of the solar modules, including installation.

Start with hiring the right contractor for the job. Make sure your contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded. The contractor should obtain all necessary permits but it doesn’t hurt to be aware of such details (like which permits you’ll need).

Many times as renovations begin, it’s revealed that the electrical system needs to be updated. Before any unpleasant surprises arise when the walls come down, hire a licensed electrician to walk through your home and check that everything is up to code. It can be costly to bring a home up to code so it’s better to know and be prepared. Speaking of being prepared for added costs, it’s very important to have realistic budget.

Often, the unexpected does happens so prepare an extra 10-15% on top of your estimated budget (some contractors recommend as much as 25%-30% more). A realistic assessment helps the homeowner from taking on too much – sometimes once the ball gets rolling it’s easy to want more and more, then suddenly that the money’s run out. Stick to the plan and avoid biting off more than you can chew.

Plan it out before you Gut

Choose a long lasting design because trends change quickly from season to season. Having a renovation done in a neutral and classic style will help you enjoy the room for a longer time, as well as help sell it when the time comes. If your home was built in a specific architectural style, the new design should follow suit. Also remember to check out your neighborhood and make sure that your renovation is in the same price range and style of the other homes in the area.

Buy Quality and Think Green

Saving money is typically one of the most important desires of a home renovation. But choosing the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the choice that will be the best for your budget. When you buy cheap materials they may end up costing much more in the end. If you don’t have the money to invest in quality work and materials, it may not be the best time to renovate. Another way to go which may seem more costly at first but can actually be a smart investment is to choose green. Energy efficient components will save on heating and cooling bills. And it’s not just about spending less on new materials by using recycled ones but about being ahead of the market as green construction continues to grow. It may be tempting to buy cheaper windows as high quality ones are quite expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Looks are everything

Getting professional guidance from a designer for your project will help you get the look you want. Details like fixtures and lighting are key to achieving the look you’re after. Make sure that the fixtures you choose are appropriate to scale; narrow sinks and low-profile toilets are more suitable for tiny powder rooms. And lighting will affect how everything looks as well as the ambiance of each room. Remember the triumvirate of lights: general, task and accent. For example, in your new kitchen, a main ceiling fixture and pot lights create general lighting, meanwhile under cabinet lights provide illumination to work with, and the pendent lights over the kitchen island definitely adds the drama. You can never have too many lights.

Lighting can also affect how the paint looks in a room. However, it’s important to pick the right paint in the first place be it colour or shine. Matte types or semi-gloss eggshell finishes work well in bedrooms and living rooms while semi or high gloss types suit high traffic kitchen and bathroom areas (or trim). Very flat paint works best for ceilings. Remember that how a colour looks in the store or on a sample chip might not be exactly how it will appear in the home. And that even will differ depending on the lighting (ex. incandescent, natural, or fluorescent). Before you commit, paint one test wall and view it at different times of the day.

Be better than a scout

DIYer’s ready to get going? Don’t forget to measure everything. Even a half-inch off can make for an unhappy difference. Aim for symmetry. Make sure you have the right tools for measurement and for all other jobs. If you’re not sure, ask your local hardware and home improvement store for advice. Make sure you also have all of the safety equipment such as goggles, gloves, ear protection and work boots. And once you’re all suited up, do all of the prep work. Move or cover up furniture and doorways; protect areas/surfaces with plastic sheets. Finishing floors? Clean up all debris and sink nails of subfloors as you go. Before you paint, mask all edges and wash walls before priming. And remember to store materials safely in a cool, dry place.

Steady, Ready … Go

Feel ready to renovate with a very detailed plan? Great, but remember that It may end up to be even more of  a long haul then initially expected. However, but with the plans and details in place, these help you to be prepared for whatever comes your way. Even when the unexpected arises, good homework and planning will allow you to take everything in stride. Before you know it, you’ll have achieved a gorgeous and successful renovation.

(image from http://www.decorbyjennifer.com)

by Julia Ritzenthaler

When it comes to bathroom vanities, the days of a white box with a sink sitting on top of it are gone. Time has certainly changed the different types of styles, designs and colors that are available when it comes to bathroom vanities. Whether you prefer contemporary lines, vintage antique or sleek oak, there is something for everyone. From single sink vanities to double sink vanities, your styles and choices are endless, so there are a few key elements to keep in mind before you make your purchase decision.

The first thing to consider is the overall size of your bathroom and the space where you want to put the vanity. If your bathroom is small then you may be limited to a smaller size vanity, but if you have some room to work with you will have several more options, including double sink vanity styles. To make sure you will be getting a proper fit, measure the area where you’re going to be putting the vanity accurately.

Next, what is the intended function of your new vanity? Knowing the answer to this question will help you best determine what kind of vanity will best suit your needs. If you find you need a lot of storage space, then a cabinet style would be something to consider. This vanity works well for families with children because of storage potential and durability. How many people typically use the bathroom? If it’s intended for a guest room or a half-bath, then a single sink vanity will do just fine. If the bathroom is shared by 2 or more people then double sink vanities would be the way to go.

Once you have determined your space and function you can turn your attention to the style that will suit not only your needs but also your decor as well. Vanities are available in a variety of different materials including wood, glass, ceramic and stone. Unless you’re planning a major renovation, your new vanity should complement your current bathroom style. Finally, don’t forget about the price! Local home improvement stores will have double sink vanities at affordable prices whereas specialty stores will carry the more high-end vanities in creative styles. Knowing how much you are able to spend will help you narrow down your choices as well.

This article has been provided by Julia Ritzenthaler, owner and founder of several online boutique home furnishing stores including http://www.UniqueVanities.com/ visit or call 1-866-526-1843 for more information.

By Guest

Up to 100% Off a New High-Efficiency, EnergyStar®- Rated Furnace

You read right. It is now possible to get a brand new energy saving furnace for 50%, 60%, 70% off… even 100% free depending on the location of your home. How?

By combining a series of concurrently available and very lucrative national and local rebates, credits and discounts, certain national heating companies are able to provide new EnergyStar rated furnaces at steep discounts until March 31st, at which time some of the discounts will promptly end.

Why? Governments, utilities and furnace manufacturers are all offering credits and rebates because of the lagging world economy (not to mention the local economy). Their main objective is to improve energy efficiency and help save consumers money. Ultimately, new product purchases also help to stimulate the overall economy.

Smaller or locally-owned heating contractors are less likely to have the ability to offer the various types of discounts due to their size or manufacturer leverage.

The caveat? With virtually free furnaces available that can also greatly decrease monthly energy costs; the savings from this winter’s energy bills alone might offset the new furnace cost. But depending on your area, you may need to purchase an air conditioner at the same time in order to ensure the correct sizing, air flow and proper operation of the entire HVAC system.

So, now the only question left to ask is, “Why not?”

Guest blog post

by Sam, The Service Experts.  For more info on how Service Experts, the largest national heating and air conditioning service company can now provide furnaces at a near net zero cost to some consumers, depending on the location of the home, visit ServiceExperts.ca.