Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Do It Yourself’

Winter Weather Tip: Save Energy & Money By Installing an Energy Star Thermostat

January 6, 2012 1 comment

With the winter months here you can consider taking some steps to saving money during the time when homes have their highest demand of energy of the year. When this type of thermostat is installed, combined with the use of four pre-programmed temperature settings for weekend and weekdays you could give you a savings of about $180 a year!

Did You Know?
The average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills – nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.

With a programmable thermostat it will make it easier for you to save the optimal amount of money, since there are already pre-programmed settings for when you are home, asleep or away. Here are are the settings for an energy star programmable thermostat:

Check out our full list of Energy Star qualified programmable thermostats.

The EPA Recognizes January as National Radon Action Month–Make Sure Your Home is Safe

January 5, 2012 Leave a comment

According to the EPA they are encouraging all to take part in National Radon Action Month, by taking small simple steps to test their homes from harmful radon gas. First you may want to get familiar with what radon is.

Radon is a natural, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It can enter homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings such as holes or pipes. In addition to testing for radon, there now are safer and healthier radon-resistant construction techniques that home buyers can discuss with builders to prevent this health hazard.

Approximately 21,000 people die from radon related lung cancer each year in the U.S. according to the EPA. These drastic numbers can be reduced with these simple steps:

  1. Test: EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes, both with and without basements, be tested for radon. Affordable Do-It-Yourself radon test kits are available at home improvement and hardware stores and online or a qualified radon tester can be hired.
  2.  Fix: EPA recommends taking action to fix radon levels above 4 Picocuries per Liter (pCi/L). Addressing high radon levels often costs the same as other minor home repairs.
  3. Save a Life: By testing and fixing for elevated levels of radon in your home, you can help prevent lung cancer while creating a healthier home and community.

Want more information? Visit the EPA.gov Website

Take a Vacation from Watering your Potted Plants

December 28, 2011 Leave a comment

Get the Claber 8053 Oasis Self Watering System. This is a one of a kind solution to the problem of watering up to 20 houseplants. If you are away from home for long or short periods of time you need an automated watering system. And if you are always home but just don’t want to hassle with daily watering this is the solution for you. This unit is completely independent and safe. No need to connect to a power outlet or waterline. Equipped with an electronic timer and bi-stable solenoid valve, the Oasis® guarantees calibrated water delivery to your plants for the entire program. Just fill the Oasis with water and select one of the 4 independent watering programs: 10, 20, 30 or 40 days. The Oasis runs on just one 9v battery and can last far beyond the 40 day cycle if refilled with water. Normally the Oasis Self Watering System retails for $89.98, to help you get organized for the new year we have lowered our price to $58.53. Go to Smarthome.com today to take advantage of this great offer before it’s too late.

Read more

Light Up your Yard this New Year

December 27, 2011 Leave a comment

The Coleman Cable 91249 Moonrays Postcap Light lets you quickly add much-needed illumination to your fencing, gardens and pathways. Installation is a breeze and takes a few moments to permanently attach (screws included). Most every post around your yard can be capped by this light to illuminate your landscaping. The unit is 4.3″ tall and includes a rechargeable battery to power the LED which never needs to be replaced. Constructed out of durable plastic this product is weatherproof and ready to be installed outside in any climate. The Postcap Light is available in two finishes Black and Brushed Copper. Normally $9.99 we have lowered our price to $6.61 at Smarthome.com to help bring you a bright new year.

Read more

No More Dropped or Lost Items Between your Seats when Driving

December 25, 2011 Leave a comment

The AirFlow Technology 1000-0108 Seat Barricade is the best solution on the market for preventing items from falling between your seat and center console while driving. No longer will you struggle with reaching down for lost money, cell phones, wallets or pens. When these items fall it is dangerous to retrieve them.  Never worry or reach again with the Seat Barricade. Available in Tan and Black; the Seat Barricade fits most cars, vans, trucks, and SUV’s. Installation is a breeze just place the strap over the seatbelt receptacle and you are ready to roll. Included in the box are 2 Barricades so the driver and passenger receive equal protection. The cushion is poly-filled and constructed out of vinyl to ensure a no-hassle cleaning.

Read more

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.