Montgomery Decor

Home Energy Savings

• If you are building a new home, site your house so that the long axis runs from east to west. This allows for passive solar and passive cooling to function more effectively.
• Buy energy efficient windows with a proven track record. The better windows will block excess transfer of heat. Also, consider minimizing windows to the west, as they may cause overheating.
• Enhance passive heating and cooling by adding overhangs and porches. For both new and already existing homes, plant trees and other energy efficient landscaping to provide consistent shade and lower cooling costs.
• Use enough insulation. This will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Attics especially can overheat, so consider extra attic insulation or even a radiant barrier. Also, a light colored shingle will reflect heat and keep your attic cooler.
• Buy a tankless (such as Rinnai) water heater – they don’t waste energy heating water you are not using. A gas-powered tankless heater may be more efficient than an electric one.
• Consider a solar hot water heating system for your home. You may even qualify for a government rebate on one of these systems.
• Buy energy efficient appliances. A high efficiency heat pump is likely more energy conserving than a furnace and a separate air conditioning unit.
• Unplug appliances that are not in use – or at least connect them to a power strip so you can turn off the power. Even chargers guzzle energy when they are connected to the outlet – whether you have that cell phone plugged into it or not.
• Use solar lighting outdoors . Not only will you increase your safety when walking to and from the house at night, but your ‘automatic friends’ will operate with only the kiss of the sun for energy!
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. You will be amazed at how much heat those incandescent bulbs put off! You’ll pay more for a compact fluorescent bulb comparable to a 60-watt incandescent, but it will use 1/3 as much energy to operate, last 10 times as long as your old bulbs, and produce 75% less heat! Use “space heating” when possible. We tried an experiment this past winter – we used primarily oil-filled radiator heaters in the rooms we used the most during the day, and then put small heaters in rooms at night as needed. The winter electricity bills plummeted!

~Fight back against the high cost of fuel with these home energy saving ideas – you’ll conserve energy, money, and hassle when you do!

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A lot of financial news is being made about solar power and solar power generation. What is solar power, and how does it affect you?

First, all energy we use in the world, other than nuclear, is ultimately derived from solar power. Fossil fuels are solar power that’s been converted to carbon rich compounds over the course of millennia. However, solar power as it’s currently described, whether as solar power for the home, or solar power as alternative electrical generation capacity, isn’t using fossil fuels, it’s using the energy of the Sun directly.

Solar energy (the solar constant at the surface of the Earth) is about 164 watts per square meter. Or, put another way, over the average surface area of the earth, each square yard of your front yard receives enough energy to run two and three quarters of a 60 watt incandescent bulb (or about 12 compact fluorescent bulbs or over 20 LED bulbs).

It seems downright wasteful to not harness that energy that’s coming down from space for free. There are two ways that solar power works: Solar thermal systems (where the energy of the sun is used to heat up a working fluid, which has its energy released later) and photovoltaic systems (which work from the photo-electric effect. Believe it or not, Albert Einstein’s Nobel Prize comes from the photo-electric effect, not the Theory of Relativity).

Photovoltaic power systems generate electricity, at about 16% efficiency for silicon wafer based cells, and up to 40% efficiency for rare earth Gallium Arsenide cells. Most commercial photovoltaic systems use the lower efficiency silicon wafer technology, because the amount of time it would take the higher efficiency cells to pay back their initial construction and emplacement costs is prohibitive when compared to coal fired plants.

For solar power in the home, most systems are solar thermal. You run water tanks through a thick south facing wall that’s painted a dark color; the water is heated by the solar energy that’s absorbed, and then circulated into a holding tank in the basement. In some plans, this hot water is used for bathing and domestic uses. More innovative schemes run the hot water through radiators, or pipes in the floor, where it warms the house during the night. Photovoltaic generators can take the edge off of an electrical bill, but because of the expense and the low efficiency, generally aren’t enough to make a house energy independent throughout the year.

If you’re seriously considering how solar power works and what it can do for you, talk to your utility company. Most utility companies, knowing what solar power is, will give you credits to install solar systems in your home, and will give you credit for electricity you generate and sell back to the grid.

As to the question What Is Solar Power? It’s something we’ve been using, and will continue to use for millennia to come.

About the Author: Milos J Leonard is a solar power expert that can help you find the perfect solar power kit Find the best solar power kit discounts on the web and help save our earth by powering your home with natural energy.

Apartment life involves numerous inhabitants sharing a common living structure, a formula for sound control challenges. Anyone who has ever lived in an apartment unit will attest that sound transmission between adjoining units is a common problem in apartment communities. Most apartment and condo construction is such that numerous units share a common structure, and that structure serves as a means of transferring sound wave energy among multiple units.

Implementing effective soundproofing treatments in an apartment, townhome or condo involves making permanent modifications, and thus is not typically feasible for renters. But if you are the owner of a unit, you can certainly affect a large drop in the noise levels in your unit by implementing treatments aimed at the reduction of sound transmission.

First, why does sound travel freely among different units in an apartment community? The answer has to do with the natural sound wave behavior of sound transmission. In order to travel, sound waves need molecular mediums through which sound energy can be transferred from cell to cell. Air, for instance, is a medium through which sound waves travel through a room. But when a sound wave traveling through the air reaches a different medium, a wall, for instance, it exhibits certain changes in behavior. A portion of the wave will be reflected from the wall surface back into the room, while the balance of the wave energy will try to pass through the wall, where surviving sound becomes audible in the adjoining room or unit. Surprisingly, sound waves travel more quickly through material such as wood than they do through air, which explains why your neighbors can hear noise from your apartment and vice versa.

Treating your apartment for sound transmission involves targeting all of the surfaces through which sound easily transmits-including the walls, ceilings, and floors. Even with a thorough treatment, shared sound will not be completely eliminated due to the presence of openings such as vents, light fixtures, ductwork, windows and doors, for example, but a significant reduction in sound transmission can be achieved through treatment of major surfaces as described below:

-Walls: Treating shared walls of your apartment unit can be accomplished by increasing density and establishing a separated wall surface that will force sound waves to collapse. The addition of density and a disconnection work in synergy to deaden both incoming and outgoing vibrations, preventing outside sound from transmitting in and affording you privacy from neighbors. Increasing density is commonly accomplished through the application of a layer of soundproofing vinyl such as dB-Bloc over the complete surface of all walls being treated. Then, a set of horizontal furring strips can be applied atop the membrane, and a second drywall layer affixed to the newly created frame. The result is a separated wall surface that prevents sound from transmitting directly through common contact points.

-Ceiling: One way ceilings can be treated for sound transmission is through application of the density+disconnect formula, implemented similarly to the method described for wall treatments. However, numerous ceiling soundproofing products are available to accommodate various types of ceilings. For instance, grid style ceilings can be treated with ceiling caps, which rest on top of tiles, or with heavier weight tiles designed for use in place of regular tiles.

-Floors: If you are fortunate enough to live on the first floor of a building, you can probably avoid treating the floors for sound control. But if your unit is on an upper floor, neighbors below are likely contributing to the noise level in your apartment. Soundproofing materials are available which serve as an underlayment to existing flooring, including carpet, hardwood, linoleum and tile.

Because of the specialized nature of soundproofing treatments, it is advised to consult with an experienced soundproofing supplier prior to beginning a sound reduction project.

About the Author: Mark Rustad is President of NetWell Noise Control, based in Minneapolis, MN. Founded in 1991, NetWell is a leading supplier of acoustic products, soundproofing treatments, sound reduction products and online acoustical consulting services. NetWell’s sound management skills are packaged into the industry’s premier website. Discover first hand why so much of NetWell’s business stems from the referrals and repeat orders they receive from satisfied clients around the world.

If you are looking for somebody to do a Plastering job for you, just browse through the net and you will find plenty of offers. Whether you want to plaster a ceiling, make a new ceiling or a plaster board ceiling, you can choose the job offer that meets your needs. And sometimes if the exact job that you are looking for is not available, just ask for a quote on one of the websites, and they will get back to you with the details.

It is often difficult to judge the plastering job that is required for your wall or ceiling. Sometimes one wastes a lot of time looking through websites and directories and searching for the suitable person and the lowest price. It is better to submit a brief job specification on any of the websites and wait till they contact you with the quote.

For this you need to measure the area that you need to plaster. Specify also whether it is a wall or a ceiling. And the location of the room is also important. Whether it is for your home or office, mention whether it is the bathroom, garden, kitchen, extension, loft or driveway.

For a new plaster board ceiling you can get plaster to fit a new 12.5 mm plaster board over your existing ceiling. The finishing plaster will then be fitted with a 3 mm skim to plaster the ceiling. The price that is quoted is for the complete plastering job, which includes the plaster board to cover your ceiling, the plaster as well as the labor.

The same applies to a plastering job which involves a new plaster board ceiling. Normally for such jobs you have to pay 20% in advance and the rest to the fitter after he completes the plastering job for you.

Plastering jobs are not difficult for a plasterer to find, because it requires special skills and plastering jobs are required all the time. Sometimes the repairs are general and the plasterers are paid by the hour.

Plastering jobs involve mixing and applying different kinds of plaster in order to provide a finish to internal surfaces. These surfaces could be walls, floors or ceilings. For external walls plastering is done with a mixture of sand and cement, pebble-dash or stone-effect materials.

The range of work for plastering jobs could be for new-build housing or commercial developments, small scale domestic extensions or for restoration and repair of existing buildings. Let us look at the two basic types of plastering jobs: solid plastering and fibrous plastering.

During solid plastering wet finishes are applied to walls, ceilings and floors. Sometimes protective coverings are put, such as pebble-dashing on external walls. A range of hand tools and spraying equipment are used for this kind of plastering.

Fibrous plastering is more ornamental like making ceiling roses, cornices, ornamental columns and architraves. A mixture of plaster and short fibers is made for this kind of plastering. An architect, an artist or an interior designer makes the drawings and these are followed using tools like moulds and casts. Fibrous makers and fibrous fixers are employed by some firms.

Drylining is a term now often associated with plastering jobs. This term describes the construction of internal partitions using plasterboard or wallboard. A timber or metal frame which is ready for decorating is made, and on it wall and floor partitions are constructed by fastening boards together. When the project is very large, plasterers can then work on the job in teams in different sections of the wall at the same time.

Read more about the hottest plastering topics right now by visiting http://www.learnhowtoplaster.com. The internets leading plastering forum for plasterers. Check out the site right away and ask all the questions you like! Lots of info available.

Have you ever wanted to build your own storage shed, but hesitated because you didn’t know exactly what steps to take? Well, now you can build that storage shed, because I am giving you the easy steps to build your own storage building.

The items that you intend to store in your shed will help you determine what type and size of shed you should be building. Sheds can range in size from enormous structures designed to house complete workshops to small rooms that may only hold garden and yard tools. As in any construction project, it is a good idea to enlist a friend to help you build your shed.

The very first thing you need to consider is location, location, location. Don’t just have a general idea for where you want to put a shed. Measure it out, and know exactly where your shed will go. This will require you to determine the dimensions of the shed before you actually begin your project.

Once you have your location chosen, you need to make sure that you will be working on a flat surface. A flat and sturdy foundation is essential to a long lasting storage shed. You can accomplish this by using pre-cast concrete fence posts, deck piers or skids of pressure-treated lumber. Just be sure that the foundation is sturdy and level. You won’t want your shed to be lopsided after all of your hard work.

Once you have your basic foundation laid, you need to add floor joists. The floor joists will be the strength and stabilizer for your plywood sheets that make up the floor. Of course, you can bypass all of that by installing a concrete slab as the floor of your shed instead.

After the floor come the walls. It is easiest to nail together the wall while it is lying on the floor. Once the wall is all nailed together, raise it into position and brace it until all the walls are completed. The walls should be constructed with a series of 2″x4″ studs. When all the walls are completed, you will need to nail them together.

The roof is next in line. The roof rafters are best made with 2″x6″, since they are a bit stronger. Plywood sheeting over the roof rafters and the wall studs is a good base for your desired roofing and siding materials. Laying tar paper over your roofing plywood is highly recommended.

What you choose to use as your final roofing and siding material will depend on how you want your shed to look. Also, you can finish the inside of the shed if you chose to, but it is not necessary. Again, this will depend on what you want to use the shed for. Your budget and construction skill might also be contributing factors to how you finish your shed.

If your shed requires steps, consider using a ramp instead. This will help if you will be moving anything with wheels in or out of the shed. Also, consider adding shelving in your shed if your storage requires shelves. A desk or work area is only feasible if you are also installing some sort of power supply and lighting to your shed.

Be sure to visit http://www.outdoorsstoragesheds.com and check out some of the excellent and easy to build ArrowSheds & Buildings available.

Mission style cabinets are popular and it is not hard to understand why. They match well with a variety of decorative schemes. Their qualities include clean, square or rectangular lines most commonly on door frames. They are made of medium to dark wood which adds to their beautiful effect. Many mission style cabinets include inlays. You can also find them designed with leaded-glass.

The mission style started in the 20th century and has remained. It is often compared to the U.S. version of the British Arts & Crafts movement. After years of the mission style being known for its simplicity, and straight lines, art-deco used the style to come up with a sleeker look of its own.

The mission style is still popular to this day. It is not only a design style found on kitchen cabinets. They can be found on tables, bookcases, and even beds. The mission style gives a warm and geometric look.

Even though it takes a lot of work to make this type of furniture you can do it too.

You will be able to construct pieces that are sturdy, and that will blend with other décor. Plans and blueprints can be purchased online. You do not have to have much experience with woodwork to create this style of furniture which includes kitchen cabinets.

If you decide you want mission style cabinets in your kitchen there is a few ways to get them. You can either make them, which not everyone can do. You can purchase the kind that are ready to assemble and than install them, or you can have them custom made and hire a contractor to create and install them.

As mentioned before, mission style cabinets can fit into just about any theme. They are known for their beauty with natural wood, but you can find them painted, or do it yourself. It depends on your taste and how you want the end result to look.

After adding mission style cabinets in your kitchen you might decide on adding a new kitchen table and chairs in the same style. There are many stores online that offer mission style furniture. You can also find them by visiting your local stores that carry furniture.

Adding mission style to your kitchen will give it a clean, modern feel. It is classy and beautiful. This style has been around for many years so you will not have to worry about updating the cabinets again. This would also be a great choice if you are going to be selling your home since this style is so versatile and popular.

This may just be the tip of the iceberg for you when it comes to mission style. Since every room could have furniture featuring it, you might need to think about updating your other rooms.

For more information on elegant kitchen light fixtures by visiting http://www.remodelingkitchenguide.com, a popular website that offers kitchen remodeling tips, resources and small kitchen remodeling ideas that will save you a bundle.

Realizing your kitchen needs an update is the first step to the transformation. Not everyone has handy man skills. This does not mean you are stuck and will have to dream of a better kitchen. There are options to getting the job done. When it comes to kitchen cabinets you have a few ways of getting them installed.

If you know you will not be able to install them on your own, you can look into hiring a contractor. Having a plan set on exactly how you want the cabinets installed will guarantee they will be done the way you wish. Finding a skilled contractor is important so you know the job will be done right. If a family member or friend had work done, see if they can recommend their contractor. When you interview the contractor do not be afraid to ask questions such as his or her background.

Hiring a contractor will cost more out of your budget for using their services. Not everyone can afford this option. You do not have to be a handy man to install your own. A great way to save money and time is purchasing ready to assemble cabinets. Any homeowner can read the instructions and put them together. It is not difficult to install them too.

You may be wondering how difficult it is to install kitchen cabinets.

No matter if the cabinets are assembled by you or already together from the store the basic installation requires measuring and screwing which is not very difficult. There are easy to follow instructions that come with the ready to assemble cabinets. You can also find a variety of step-by-step instructions over the internet. They will help you through each part of the process to make sure they are correctly installed.

Some people are not physically up for the task of installing their own, but also cannot afford to pay for a contractor. You could ask other family members or friends who are capable of helping. Other homeowners may have the experience and time it takes. You could thank them by making them lunch or dinner after they finish the job. This way your kitchen gets a make-over and you save money in your account.

Installing kitchen cabinets is all about planning. Plan on the look you want for your kitchen. Write every detail down. Determine how much you are willing to put in for the cabinets. Will you assemble and install them yourself? Can you afford to hire a contractor? These are all important decisions to make.

All the brainstorming will be worth it. Imagine sitting in your kitchen with beautiful wood cabinets surrounding the room. You may even wonder why you did not do the cabinets sooner.

Learn how refacing kitchen cabinets is a cost effective way of updating your kitchen by visiting http://www.remodelingkitchenguide.com a popular kitchen remodeling website that provides advice, resources and tips on refinishing kitchen cabinets giving your kitchen a whole new look.

Choosing the material your cabinet doors are to be made of may seem like a difficult task. There are various types of wood, metal, plastic and glass to choose from. While you may not have a problem deciding if you want metal, glass, wood or plastic, it may be the more detailed decisions that slow you down.

For kitchens many people want wood. But they aren’t sure what kind of wood to get. First, do you want solid wood or a lighter wood? Part of the decision in this will be weight. The other will be price. To get cabinets of oak, cherry or other very solid woods, you are going to have to make sure you have cabinet door hinges and other hardware pieces that can handle them.

Additionally, solid wood cabinets, especially the more exotic woods, have a price tag to go with the quality of the wood. They are more expensive than some of the other cabinetry options.

If you don’t want the larger cabinet door hinges and other hardware pieces that will be necessary to hold those heavier doors up, you may have to settle for a different kind of wood. Many cabinets are made of woods like plywood and particleboard. I know what you’re thinking. A lot of people immediately draw back hearing of cabinets made this way, but you have to give it a chance. We’re not talking about a rough cut piece of plywood that’s stuck to a door frame. We’re talking about a piece of wood cut to the perfect shape and either finished and stained or veneered to give off a sufficiently classy look to your cabinetry.

There are a lot of pros to these kinds of cabinets. First, they are generally lighter than some of the thicker, solid wood cabinets. That means you get more selection in your cabinet door hinges and can move out of the industrial, heavy-weight cabinet door hinges that you would have to use on a set of big cherry cabinet doors, and instead use more decorative cabinet door hinges to even add an extra air of style to your cabinetry.

When it comes to particleboard many people worry that it’s not strong enough to hold up to daily usage and that the cabinet door hinges will pop off, ripping a hole in the board when they go. This is how things used to be. Sure, there was a time when particleboard was not made as sturdy as it should have been. But not any more. These days, particleboard is made in a similar fashion to the old days, with chips of wood and glue, formed into board shape, but they’re built better. Instead of just having the strength and feel of wood, you have the stronger adhesives than used to be employed, that are actually going to reinforce the piece. Particle board these days holds up to the same strain as it’s solid brothers, and has become a new and more durable solution for cabinetry.

Now that you’ve educated yourself a little more about the materials behind cabinetry, it’s time to start shopping, and find the ones that are the perfect fit for your home.

Jennifer Akre, owner of numerous online specialty shops, shares her insight on how to create a more modern kitchen space by using concealed cabinet hinges, self-closing door hinges and sleek hinges.

Lower Your Energy Costs, Increase Humidity Levels And Breathe In Fresh Air When You Install An Evaporative Air Cooler!

An evaporative air cooler works on different mechanisms as compared to air conditioners. Unlike air conditioners, which refrigerate air, an evaporative air cooler pulls in air, cools the air through evaporation and circulates the cool air all over the area.Evaporative air coolers are not as popular as air conditioners as many people are still not aware of the great benefits they offer. The following section explores reasons for getting an evaporative cooler at your home or in a factory.

With Less Energy Used, Evaporative Air Coolers Help To Lower Your Household Energy Costs

Evaporative coolers possess low energy capacities. Thus, at only half the price of an air conditioner, an evaporative cooler uses 75 % less than an air conditioner, but has the capability to cool the same area space. In fact, most evaporative air coolers are able to cool up to 350 square feet.

According to a survey conducted in Australia, it takes only $0.04 an hour to operate an evaporative air cooler in a room, while an air conditioner will cost about $0.30 for the same duration.

Apart from that, installation fees for evaporative air coolers are also relatively cheaper. As they can be installed in an existing air duct system in your house, only a short duct is required to lead the cool air into your house. This means that it is not necessary for you to spend a lot of money to create a new air circulation system.

Rid Your Home Of Dry Air And Increase Humidity Levels

Evaporative air cooler works by moisturizing the air, as wet pads are used to cool the air. With this, you will be glad to know that your furniture and fabrics will be kept well moisturized too. This will definitely help maintain the durability and lifespan of your furniture.

Bring In Fresh Air Into Your Home, Keeping Your Home Smelling New And Clean

In addition to cooling the air, evaporative air coolers also help in channeling fresh air into your home. With an evaporative air cooler, air circulation occurs every 2 to 3 minutes. Hot air from the house is being pushed out by cool air through evaporation. When this happens, bad odor, dust and smoke will be eliminated along with the hot air. The frequent air circulation ensures that there is a continuous supply of fresh air. The risk of bacteria being trapped air can be reduced significantly. The moisture pad, which is an integral part of the evaporative air cooler, also functions as a filter, which helps to trapped dust from entering your houses.

Refrigerant Free, Evaporative Coolers Are Truly Environmental Friendly

Love the environment as much as you love yourself. This is one good reason why it is essential to install an evaporative air cooler. Air coolers do not require refrigerants like Freon, which are detrimental to the ozone layer. Air coolers also have the potential to curb noise pollution. Most evaporative air coolers are designed to use a blower instead of an axial fan and this helps to keep the unit quiet.

Easy Maintenance Through Refillable Water Tanks Or Even A Garden Hose Connection

Easy maintenance is one of the best reasons for getting an evaporative air cooler. All coolers come with refillable water tanks which are strategically positioned for easy access. Each refill will last you up to 10 hours. However, if you require a longer operational period, get an air cooler with a hose connection which continuously supplies fresh water to the cooler. All filters can be removed and rinsed to ensure that you continue to breathe fresh clean air.

Andrew Caxton is a journalist who has written more articles and newsletters on the subject for http://www.evaporative-air-coolers.com . If you would like more information on this topic please checkout his website at swamp air coolers

Almost without a shadow of a doubt the best use that man has put electricity to is the creation of artificial light from light bulbs. Light bulbs brighten up our evenings and illuminate things in the dark. There are thousands of different types of light bulb available on the market today. LED, fluorescent, halogen and incandescent are probably the most widely acknowledged. The wide range and many varieties ensure that choosing the way to light your project is not a simple task.

If you use purely incandescent bulbs it is quite possible that simply choosing a high wattage will not give you the light to power ratio that you are looking for. You may not get enough light for the amount of money you are prepared to invest in power usage. Before you decide which bulbs you require you should make sure that you have considered fluorescent tubes. These are typically a lower wattage than standard lamps and so give a greater light output for less power consumption. How do they work? A fluorescent tube uses a completely different method to produce light than a standard incandescent bulb does. A fluorescent lamp has two electrical contacts at either end of a sealed glass tube. The tube contains a mixture of gases and has an electrical charge placed across it. This causes a flow of electrons from one end of the glass tube to the other. These electrons bump into the other molecules in the tube and excite them causing them to agitate the phosphor coating of the inside of the tube and causing the phosphor to emit light.

This process produces far less heat than the traditional lighting methods and so less energy is wasted in heat production. Fluorescent tubes are in fact more than four times more efficient than traditional bulbs and this means that a 15Watt fluorescent can produce as much light as a 60W traditional bulb
One of the drawbacks of fluorescent tubes is their disposal once they are exhausted. Because they can contain some potentially environmentally damaging substances they should be disposed of in a facility that caters especially for them, don’t just break them up into your garbage.

Another drawback for fluorescent lamps is their initial cost. They are more expensive than standard lamps and this causes you to have to lay out more cash initially. However, the power savings and the extended life of the lamp will ensure that you get back far more money in savings than you have to spend initially.

There are many varieties of fluorescent tube on the market today and the majority of them are catalogued by their T or F number. T denotes that the lamp is tubular and F denotes that the lamp is fluorescent. The first number given usually denotes the power of the lamp and the length and the second number gives the diameter of the lamp if it is tubular.

All in all fluorescent tubes look to be a far better solution than standard incandescent bulbs.

Jeff King is a technologist with a background in consumer electrical devices. Learn more about light bulbs at Light Bulb World