Go Green! Three Energy Saving Home Improvement Resolutions For 2010

Home Improvement Resolution #1

Investigate ways to make your home more energy efficient.  Many home improvement projects can pay dividends and save energy. For example, in 2010, U.S. tax credits abound for energy-efficient upgrades like windows, doors, insulation, water heaters, roofing and certain appliances. 

Home Improvement Resolution #2

Check old paint for lead.  Home built decades ago? American homes built before 1978 may include paint containing lead. Lead poisoning can pose a health threat, especially to young children. Contact your local health department for advice on lead paint removal or visit www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm.

Home Improvement Resolution #3

Install a programmable thermostat.  Did you know that old thermostats are the westest links in conserving energy?  The Entergy Information Administration estimates that fewer than 20% of U.S Homes are equipped with a programmable thermostat. You can receive one to three months of free heating or cooling by just having a programmable thermostat installed.

Identifying Roof Leaks

he first sign of a roof leak is often wet ceiling tiles. In this case, the source of the leak can be found by tracing the leak backwards to its source on the roof, keeping in mind that the source of the leak may be some distance away from where it is dripping into the home. There are a number of common places for roofs to leak, including: 

✓ Valleys or low spots in the roof
✓ Skylights or chimneys
✓ Plumbing vent flashings
✓ Wall step flashings
✓ Furnace or B-vent flashings
✓ Missing shingles
  If the leak is running along the wall, it may be necessary to remove the top tiling to get to the source of the leak. Even so, some leaks may originate further up on the roof, making the source somewhat difficult to find. If the source of the leak turns out to be as simple as a missing block of shingles due to a recent windstorm, the solution may be as simple as replacing those missing shingles. If the cause is more complex, it may be necessary to consult a roofing professional to check the roof. Even if you have to pay for professional help, it is important to repair a leaking roof right away; otherwise you will have even greater home repair expenses from water and moisture damages.

Storm damage?

Our clients are reporting a lot of storm damage due to the recent snow and high winds. If you need repairs to gutters, siding or roofing, contact "Home Solutions Network" for reliable licensed contractors. If you live in the metro DC area and VA go to www.HomeSolutionsbiz.com
Beware of unlicensed scammers knocking on your door.....call us.

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Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold-

Prepare your home and family:

• Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
• Winterize your house, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts). And make sure your outside hoses are disconnected from the faucet or hose bib.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
• Hire a "Green" Certified Contractor  to do an energy audit and check for areas of heat loss

Take Care of Your Home if Going on aTrip

When away from the house for an extended period during the winter, be careful how much you lower the heat. A lower temperature may save on the heating bill, but there could be a disaster if a cold spell strikes and pipes that normally would be safe, freeze and burst.

A solution is to drain the water system. This is the best safeguard. With no water in the pipes, there is no freezing. This remedy should be considered even when the homeowner is not leaving but is concerned about a serious overnight freeze.

To drain the system, shut off the main valve and turn on every water fixture (both hot and cold lines) until water stops running. It's not necessary to leave the fixtures open, since the system is filled mostly with air at that point and not subject to freezing. When returning to the house, turn on the main valve and let each fixture run until the pipes are full again.