Home Decoration & Real Estate

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According to the Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal systems are the most energy efficient, cost-effective and environmentally clean heating/cooling systems available. A 1,500 square foot home in Colorado that uses a geothermal heat pump, averages energy costs of $1 a day. This includes all heating, cooling and hot water needs!

Geothermal heat pump systems can reduce a building’s energy consumption by 25% to 75%, as compared with conventional heating systems. Not only do they reduce energy consumption, but GHPs significantly lesson corresponding emissions. Emissions can be reduced up 44-72%, as compared with standard air-source heat pumps and air conditioning equipment. If you want to upgrade your space conditioning sources or are building a new home, these systems are green, clean and lean. In the long run they will benefit your pocket-book and the environment.

The simplest description of the geoexchange process is the movement of heat from the earth (or a groundwater source) into the home in the winter, and the discharging of heat back into the ground in the summer. Much of the country experiences extreme seasonal temperatures. But, did you know that just a few feet below the earth’s surface, the ground remains a relatively constant temperature? Ground temperatures range from 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. As in a cave, the ground temperature is warmer than the ambient air in the winter and cooler than that air in the summer. Geoexchange systems take advantage of this natural phenomenon.

GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS: THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF HEAT EXCHANGE

The geothermal system includes these principal components:

- Earth Connection

Using the earth as a heat source and sink, a series of pipes is buried under ground, near the house. A fluid (water or a mixture of water and antifreeze) is circulated through these pipes. If the surrounding air is cooler than the soil, the pipes will absorb heat and if the air is warmer, they will sink heat back into the soil.

- Geothermal Heat Pump

For the actual heating of your home, a geothermal heat pump is installed. This heat pump removes heat from the fluid in the pipes, concentrates it, and then transfers it to the building. The process is reversed for cooling.

- Heat Distribution

Generally, conventional ductwork is used to distribute heated or cooled air from the pump into and throughout the building.

THE “DESUPERHEATER”: REDUCE YOUR HOT WATER COSTS BY HALF!

Geothermal heat pumps can be equipped with a “desuperheater. Yes, it sounds like a super hero and in some ways, it is. This device will heat your household water. The heat extracted from the house by your GHP during the summer, is then transferred from the GHP’s compressor into the house’s hot water tank. Winter water heating costs can be reduced by half with use of the “desuperheater”. HOT STUFF!

SHORT TERM COSTS VS LONGTERM SAVINGS

On average, a geothermal heat pump system costs about $2500 per ton of capacity. This would translate to roughly $7500 for a typical residential sized home. Other standard systems with air conditioning units usually go for about $4000. But, consider that with GHP’s high efficiency and much lower utility bills, your investment can be recouped in two to ten years. Financially, it is a golden ticket to strengthen the investment in your property. Not only in long term savings, but also in terms of increasing property value. A property that is equipped to heat/cool using geothermal is mostly self-sufficient, energy wise. There is real re-sale value, right there. Likewise, many geothermal systems can be financed with special loans from banks and other financial institutions. Get on board now, and invest in the investment that keeps on giving, naturally!

GEOTHERMAL IS SUPERIOR

DURABILITY

With fewer mechanical components that are all sheltered from the elements and possible vandalism, geothermal heat pumps are durable and highly reliable. Expect piping systems to come with 25-50 year warranties. The GHPs themselves last 20 years or more.

IMPROVED HUMIDITY CONTROL

GHPs are very effective in humid areas. GHPs improve humidity control while maintaining a 50% relative indoor humidity.

EFFICIENT AND QUIET

A two speed GHP system is so quiet. There are no tell-tale blasts of cold or hot air, as with other systems. Imagine, no A/C noise bothering the neighbors or buzzing the patio. With geothermal systems there are no outside condensing units, hence no constant hum, as with conventional air conditioners.

DESIGN IN MIND

Geothermal heat pump systems allow for design flexibility and can be installed in both new and retrofit situations. The hardware requires less space than conventional systems and so equipment rooms tend to be smaller. Imagine all the valuable home space freed up for other uses! The system also provides “zone” specific conditioning. Different parts of your home can be heated or cooled to different temperatures using GHPs.

There are so many advantages when you install a geothermal system in your home. First and foremost the immediate advantages will be for you, the consumer. Savings in utility costs will be from 20-70%! But, also consider what you will be doing for the environment with reduced emissions and reduced energy consumption. Every 100,000 homes built with geothermal heat pump systems reduce foreign oil consumption by 2.15 million barrels annually! What more do you need to know? An investment in a geothermal system for your home is undeniably wise for you, your future, the future of our planet and generations to come.

If you are interested in going “green”, then you will no doubt have a lot of choices in front of you. It can be very intimidating when you first start to do your research, and realize that there are many ways to achieve a green home. The best thing you can do is pick just a few simple items to get you started. Here are a few great products for a green home that will get you going.

The first in this list of products for a green home is very simple really…When you go to the grocery store; you always end up with many plastic or paper bags. These bags can be great for many other purposes, but when you’re done with them, they end up in the land fills. Many stores now are offering reusable, earth friendly bags for you to purchase. They really aren’t that expensive, and if you buy one every time you do your shopping, you’ll seen have enough that you can use over and over.

The second item in this list of products for a green home has to do with your outdoor lighting needs. You can get outdoor flood lights, pathway markers and lamp posts that are completely generated by the sun. This means they recharge during the day time, and at night time they use the light that was generated. These are great for your landscaping design, and don’t cost a lot more than the traditional electrical lights. Also, since they aren’t plugged into your power outlet, they are easy to install and can be placed anywhere really.

The final item in this list of products for a green home is a composter. A composter is a great idea for managing your waste that typically goes in the garbage can. Most of your items that can naturally decompose can go into a composter. Items such as banana peels, orange peels, or even egg shells are great for the composter. In the end, the composted material is great for your gardens as well as the environment, as it cuts down on the waste taken to the garbage dump.

When looking for products for a green home keep in mind the use of the item and how it will fit into your lifestyle. I would wager a bet that most ways to achieve a green home will end up saving you time and money over the long run.

Are you ready to start saving money on your utility bill? Learn what many people are discovering…how easy and inexpensive it is to build your own source of alternative energy.

Lighting is one of the hardest choices in any decorating project. Wall Sconces, chandeliers, floor lamps, candle lamps or electric light fixtures? After you have decided for a nice chandelier, some sconces and few accent lights, now comes the question what kind? You are looking for uniqueness, a beautiful design, size, hopefully with a nice story behind your pick. That is exactly what more and more find in Moroccan themed interior design, the fastest growing interior design concept in the US.

Moroccan lighting is one of the most unique concepts for many reasons. Moroccan Decor is generally very hard to find in the US and also very unique because of the different historic, cultural and art influences in Morocco. Moroccan lighting with its vivid colors, elaborated geometric forms, exotic designs, and unique raw materials is the most recognized symbol of Moroccan decor.

Henna lamps, made with stretched goat skin and hand decorated with traditional henna designs, and at times dyed with saffron or paprika based dyes, are one great way to add an earthy and rustic touch to any space. Henna wall sconces can also be used without lighting just as decorative wall pieces. Often said that Morocco is the country of recycling where nothing goes to waist, the goat skin is recycled into these beautiful lampshades and passed on to henna artists to put in the final decorative touches. Most if not all the henna artist are women that earn extra cash and for who it is the only way to achieve financial independence.

A Stained glass lamp with carved motives can be a bolder more extravagant way to spice up your space. With Moroccan lamps, also referred as Moroccan lanterns (useful search words if you are researching them on the net) you can introduce a little eclectic flair in virtually any existing concept you may already have.

If you already have wrought iron or rustic furniture, then get one of those cool hand hammered chandeliers. A Chandelier is the perfect option that would delightfully enhance that sense of magic and warmth that only Moroccan chandeliers can accomplish.

Using few pieces of Moroccan lighting and some accent pieces will recreate a true exotic Moroccan oasis.

Tips on using Moroccan lighting:

Consider “playing” with different wattage that can help you realize a different look, experiment with using a candle instead of a light bulb, when possible a candle works best in small spaces. When using henna lamps or wall sconces, use very low wattage 20-25 watts is recommended. Colored light bulbs are a great way to add a color emphasis to your project.

Maintain your Moroccan lighting:

Maintenance of your Moroccan lighting is minimal and doing so will ensure that your items last for a long time. Most of the light fixtures that have opening side doors only require the hinge to be lubricated once a while. Henna lamps and wall sconces need absolutely no maintenance, however expect the henna to fall off as it is designed to do so. The actual henna on the skin of the sconces will fall off and leave the reddish design tattooed on the surface, so it is useless to fight it and you will be surprise to see that it your piece will embellish even more. When using Moroccan lanterns outside consider spraying them with a clear sealant to keep the lamps from rusting. There are two ways of coating your lamps. You can meticulously go over the metal parts only or you can just spray the sealer throughout the fixture including the glass. If you choose to go over the whole lamp you will finish it in a way that the lamp will appear aged. Beware that at all times you need to keep the hinges protected so you are still able to open and close the door.

Light bulb or candle?

Esthetically speaking using a candle will always bring the most out of your lighting fixture, working best in small space where less light is needed or dim lighting is desired. Using a light bulb will bring more light in larger spaces. If your lantern has a flat base, you can just sit a candle using the same fire safety precautions you would otherwise. If you decide to go with an electrical bulb remember that most if not all Moroccan lighting importers do not include the wiring kit which you can acquire easily at your local hardware store for a minimal cost. Once you have the wiring kit all you have to do is insert the kit through the opening door and get the plug out of the top opening of the lamp and voila you are ready to showcase the new lamp.

When thinking of solar power in the home, many people think of expensive solar panels and quickly shrug off the idea.  The truth is that there are many ways to harvest the power of the sun for little or no money, reducing environmental impact and saving significantly on energy usage and costs.  While solar panels and off-grid living should be an eventual goal for all people, the use of these simple solar energy tips is an excellent way to reduce costs in both the short and long term.

One thing that many homeowners do not consider is opening the curtains during the day.  On sides of the house that are facing the sun, this produces enough light to adequately illuminate most rooms, eliminating the need to use electricity to light them.  When windows are properly insulated, opening the blinds in winter months also allows heat to come in from the sunlight without letting in cold drafts.  The simple act of opening the blinds can provide significant savings on heat and light usage, reducing energy bills as well as your carbon footprint.  An excellent idea for homeowners is to install skylights onto the roof of the home, which do not affect privacy but can allow in enough light during daytime hours to eliminate the need for electric lights in all rooms where a skylight is installed.

For people who use outdoor pools or Jacuzzis, converting the systems used to heat the water from electricity to solar panels can also result in significant savings.  All outdoor lights can be inexpensively replaced with lights that absorb sunlight during the day and glow at night, giving off equivalent light to an electric light but with no energy cost whatsoever.  These simple alternatives can greatly decrease your dependence on electricity.

The last method of utilizing solar power at home is to purchase and use a solar hot water heater.  While the costs of some systems are rather pricey, there are inexpensive systems as well as ways to upgrade your current water heater to utilize solar power rather that fuel or electricity.  When considering that heating water accounts for a significant portion of the electricity used in any home, the savings to be gained from installing a solar water heater are immediately apparent.  From washing dishes and laundry to bathing and showering, we utilize hot water in large amounts.  Hot water heaters work almost constantly in order to maintain a specific amount of hot water, meaning that we are heating the water even when we are not using it.  By heating the water using solar power, we stop the waste of fossil fuel and electricity that accompanies this process.

Altogether, there are a number of ways to utilize solar energy at little to no cost.  These methods are quite easy to employ and have significant impact on both the environment and finances.  With the state of both the environment and the global economy, there has never been a better time to implement such methods to reduce our dependence on the fossil fuels that are in many ways at the center of our economic turbulence.

The financial situation that the world is facing these days many people are trying to find a way to save, save, save. By making your home energy efficient it will save you money in the long run. By doing this you will decrease your monthly power bill.

Insulation is a key to maintain the comfort of your house inside. By installing the proper insulation you will see lower power bills. But to have your home insulated well you must also have your floors, ceiling, basement walls, overhangs, and interior walls insulated. When air can leak in it is costing you money. So you need to be sure that all cracks and crevices are sealed tight.

Replacing lights to a energy efficient model will help your home become energy efficient. Also if you make use of your dimmer switch it makes a difference. Open up your blinds and curtains and let the natural light shine in this is how you can save the most on your bill and it is the best way to conserve energy.

When you are using your home appliances you are using a lot of energy. The best way to save energy here is to shop for new appliances that have the energy star. The cost of these products may be higher then normal but they are worth the extra money in the long run.

Install some solar panels this will make your home energy efficient. Energy is created with these using natural resources. Solar panels can come in the form of a solar thermal collectors that help the suns energy heat water. What a great way to use the suns natural energy and to make your home energy efficient.

If you’ve found this post valuable then I recommend that you visit my preferred home electricity website called Plug and Save which offers excellent power saving products and power-saving information that will straightaway lower your electricity bills.