Use Solar Shades to Save Money and Enhance Your Home

(NewsUSA) - Large windows make homes feel airy and open -; but windows also let in sun and allow heat transfer, damaging furniture and raising energy bills.


Controlling the way light enters the home can make homes more comfortable and less expensive, not to mention more attractive. The experts at Durasol (www.durasol.com), a 25-year-old business that specializes in retractable awnings, solar screens and stationary awnings, offers these suggestions to common problems:

- Reduce solar glare -; Bright sun can fade furniture and carpets. Consider closing the blinds on one side of the house in the morning, as the sun rises, and on the other side of the house when it sets, to help avoid the brightest rays.

You might want to consider installing interior solar shades. Durasol's DuraShade retractable solar screen systems offer indoor comfort, increased privacy and protection from interior fading. Better yet, they blend in with any home while offering protection against solar glare and heat gain. You can even motorize them, so you can lower the shades in an entire room with the push of a button. Solar screens that are installed and used in Southern- and Western-facing windows can cool the home by as much as 8-16 degrees F, helping to lower energy costs. Unlike drapes, solar screens are see-through -; so you can enjoy the view without letting in glare or heat.

- Reduce heat gain -; If the glaring sun makes rooms too warm, consider installing exterior solar shades. Exterior-mounted shades offer some benefits over interior shades, because they block the heat before it enters the home. In the winter, exterior shades help protect against winter glare from snow and ice.

- Increase outdoor living space. Retractable window and roof awnings help keep the sun from entering your home, and also add shade to outdoor living space. With an awning over a porch or deck, homeowners can make a wonderful outdoor entertaining space. Awnings are more flexible than building a permanent roof over your porch, which permanently blocks light. Durasol awnings allow you to control how and when light enters your home.

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Insulation Keeps Heat In, Cold Out

(NewsUSA) - Heating accounts for 30 to 50 percent of the energy used in the average American home. Unfortunately, many Americans pay for heat only to send warm air billowing out windows, attics, ceilings, floors, doors and garages.

Poorly insulated homes prove more difficult, and more costly, to keep comfortable. But choosing and installing insulation can be a simple, do-it-yourself project that pays for itself.


How does insulation work? Heat naturally moves into cooler areas. When it's colder outside than inside, the heat inside the home tries to move outdoors. Insulation slows down heat flow, so home heating systems stabilize temperatures without using extra energy.

How do you know what insulation to use in your home? The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Saver Web site, www.energysavers.org, gives these tips to homeowners considering insulation projects:

- Know what factors to consider when choosing installation. The "best" insulation for your home depends on how much insulation you need, the location that needs insulation, and the local availability and price of insulation. Check to see whether an insulation needs professional installation or if it will work in its intended space.

- Choose your insulation based on its R-value. Insulation is rated by R-value, or resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

But the R-value doesn't tell the whole story - how and where you install insulation affects its performance. For example, compressed insulation, which happens when you place denser insulation over lighter insulation, won't give you its full R-value. Also, insulation placed between joists, rafters and studs does not slow heat flow through those joists or studs.

- Read the insulation's label before installing the insulation. No matter what kind of insulation you buy, check the product label. The Federal Trade Commission insists that labels include a clearly stated R-value and information about health, safety and fire-hazard issues. Insist that any contractor installing insulation provide the product labels from each package.

- Know how much you need. Manufacturers now make thinner insulation materials with high R-values, but some materials will settle, so you need to install more insulation at the outset.

- Install for efficiency. Insulation must be installed correctly to work properly. Some products are not meant for do-it-yourselfers and should be installed by competent, trained professionals.

For more information, visit www.energysavers.org to find no-cost, and low-cost methods to help save energy and keep you warm.

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Happy Holidays - From Our Family To Yours!

The Structures Team

all vying to be Santa's newest Rudolph

(left to right) RP Newton - Production Manager, Deborah Way - Sales and Marketing Coordinator - Dave Hargis - Project Manager, Kristy Gorsuch - Design Manager, Steve Kendrick - Owner, Amy Jenkinson - Accountant

Kristy couldn't contain her excitement to get her very own red nose!

R.P. with his sad face when Steve told him he couldn't wear his Rudolph nose all day long.

Amy eager to be in a picture to show off her new style!

Dave - as always, adding his own style to everything he does.


Deb trying out her holiday flirt face. Whatcha think?



Left to themselves, the girls get out of control!
Steve - Calm and cool as always, The Leader of the Pack of these Crazy Nuts

R.P. marching to the beat of his own drum.

Thanks for being a part of our lives! We hope you have a great Holiday Season!

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Mix Modern and Rustic Pieces For a Stylish Feel

(NewsUSA) - Good home design feels effortless. When inhabitants style rooms to reflect their personalities, rather than the latest design trends, they create thoughtful, comfortable homes. Rather than design "themed" homes, many homeowners blend modern and rustic elements.

But there's an art to eclectic design. Some Americans focus entire rooms on a single, prized possession, while others design more neutral spaces. Either way, mix-and-match types must contrast décor styles to create balanced looks.


Small details change the way homes feel. For example, updating door and cabinetry hardware can immediately inject a room with new style.

"Door hardware has undergone a metamorphosis from merely functional to both architectural and decorative," said Chas Seymour, general manager of Baldwin Hardware, a company that has been manufacturing hardware for more than 60 years. "In addition, we must remember that customers want to know that their home investments, hardware or otherwise, combine a commitment to quality, workmanship and style, with both classic and contemporary cues."

For a modern touch, choose "sleek" and "clean" design elements. Silver and chrome accents help create a streamlined feel. Baldwin Hardware's Minneapolis and Lakeshore collections appeal to modern tastes. The company also offers the Soho entry set, named for the New York neighborhood known for its modern design boutiques, as well as its history with cast iron architecture.

As demand continues to grow for contemporary styling in door hardware, so does demand for what's considered rustic. With that in mind, Baldwin introduced its Baldwin Bronze collection of cast bronze lock, bath and general hardware. Since earliest antiquity, bronze has been an important and revered material with a distinctive look and feel.

For more information from Baldwin Hardware, visit www.baldwinhardware.com

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Upgrade Your Lighting With These Simple Tips

(NewsUSA) - When it comes to home decorating, lighting proves just as important as paint color. Quality lighting allows residents to perform tasks without eyestrain and creates a warm, comfortable feel.

When lighting a room, remember that you will need more than one type of light. You will need to use general lighting, or overall illumination, and task lighting, which helps you perform tasks like reading or cooking without eyestrain. Many homeowners also use accent lighting to spotlight paintings, shelves or other areas of visual interest. Using all three types of light will help homes look more attractive.


The American Lighting Association offers these tips for Americans looking to update their lighting in the different areas of their home:

- Use light to create an attractive living room. To make a focal point, consider using recessed downlight above the fireplace mantel. The light will make stone and brick surfaces look more intricate. Place floorlamps behind arm chairs to provide light for reading or other activities. Highlight paintings with low-voltage, tungsten-halogen picture lights, which shine white light directly on the painting.

- Brighten up your kitchen. A large ceiling light will provide adequate general lighting but might not let you see into cabinets or on your stove range. Add supplemental lighting where you need to perform specific tasks. Track lights over the stove and the sink, for example, will help you see when your onions are browned and when your pots look clean.

- Create an elegant feel in the dining room. Use a chandelier above the dining room table to provide functional light and to highlight any centerpieces.

- Use light to create a calming bedroom. Use wall sconces, chandeliers, fanlights or downlights to create enough light for you to get dressed, then add additional lights near your vanity and in your closet. Consider installing swing-arm wall lamps on either side of your bed. The lights will provide enough illumination for reading but won't take up space on your nightstand.

For more information, visit www.americanlightingassoc.com

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Welcome Home!

We are so excited to welcome Chris and Tamra as they have relocated to their new home on Daniel Island! Chris and Tamra designed their own home and are looking forward to unpacking and settling in to life in Charleston, SC. Their home is absolutely beautiful and we have really enjoyed working with them and are so glad to welcome them into the Structures family!

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Designing the Home of Your Dreams, California-Style

(NewsUSA) - Each year, many proud homeowners set out to increase the "dream" appeal of their homes - a task that can be made easier and more exciting with inspiration from the annual HGTV Dream Home. The 2009 home, located in beautiful Sonoma, Calif., is full of ideas that can help you amp up the dream quotient of your existing home. Investing time and love in your home can prove to be a rewarding experience whether you're dreaming of a wine-country Victorian home, a Manhattan high-rise or an inviting log cabin. Here are a few tips:


- When choosing a color palette for your home, look at the colors in your area. Do you live in a desert or by the beach? Using color to connect your home to the outside environment will create a more natural feel.

- Identify the strengths of your home, then play them up. If you see natural focal points, make them pop with eye-catching art.

- Consider how you will use your home. Plan spaces where you can have fun with family and friends along with secluded places in which to relax.

- If you have a home office, and clients visit often, consider creating a separate entrance to maintain privacy in your home.

- Think about things you really love and are passionate about and include them in your home. Find a space for what makes you happy.

- Use your rooms. If you never use the formal dining room, turn it into an art studio or office so you can enjoy all of your home.

- Give yourself the luxury of a fabulous master bedroom. This is the ultimate DREAM and you can find inspiration on air and online at HGTV.

For more information on how you can enter for a chance to win the HGTV Dream Home visit HGTV.com/dreamhome.

Linda Woodrum has served as HGTV's Dream Home designer for the past 12 years.

By Linda Woodrum
For NewsUSA

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Five Common Carpet Myths Debunked

(NewsUSA) - Carpeting has been the most popular floor covering in America for decades for good reason -; carpets feel soft, reduce noise and insulate rooms.

But some common misconceptions deter people from buying carpets. Before purchasing flooring, consider the following information from Shaw Floors:


Myth 1: Asthma and allergy sufferers should not have carpet in the home.

Fact: EPA scientists concluded that carpet fibers, in trapping and immobilizing potential allergy-causing particulates, help people with allergies. If allergens are in the carpet, they're not circulating in the indoor air stream. Shaw recommends using a HEPA-filter vacuum to fully remove such particles from the indoor environment.

Myth 2: Carpet is hard to maintain -; it stains and wears out very easily.

Fact: Simple steps can extend the life of your carpet and keep it looking new. Frequent vacuuming removes soil particles before they get below the surface of the pile, where they are far more difficult to remove.

Carpet in a typical household should be thoroughly cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Hot-water extraction systems provide the most effective cleaning. Professional carpet cleaners generally get the best results.

Myth 3: Carpet is outdated and boring.

Fact: Carpets come in patterns ranging from traditional hounds tooth to exotic zebra, and in stylish colors like chocolate or mint green. Many consumers use a mix of carpet, hardwood and tile in their homes.

Myth 4: Carpet emits harmful chemicals that cause health problems.

Fact: Carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) among household furnishings and building materials. Shaw carpets meet the industry's highest VOC standard, the Carpet & Rug Institute's Green Label Plus program.

Myth 5: Carpet is bad for the environment.

Fact: Floor manufacturers now provide many eco-friendly options for environmentally conscious consumers. Shaw carpets made of Anso or EverTouch nylon can be recycled at Shaw's Evergreen Nylon Recycling Facility, where they are broken down and remade into new carpet fiber. The process helps turn carpet into a renewable product and keeps carpet waste out of landfills. In fact, Shaw has collected 178 million pounds of post-consumer carpet since 2006.

For more information about Shaw's various carpet and hard-surface flooring options or to view the company's online product catalog, please visit www.shawfloors.com

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Save Energy, Save Money, Stay Warm

(NewsUSA) - As temperatures dip lower, families can save money and keep warm by making energy-efficiency improvements to their homes.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released essential tips for saving energy and money this winter to help Americans best prepare and manage their energy usage in a variety of ways.


According to DOE, on average, energy-efficient improvements reduce heating bills by 32 percent, estimating a threefold return on money invested. DOE offers these tips to help families cut their energy consumption this winter:

- Seal and insulate your home. Many insulating projects are inexpensive and easy enough for the average homeowner to complete. Filling air furnace leaks, adding more insulation and sealing off exposed ducts can sharply reduce heating and cooling bills.

- Perform routine maintenance. Replace your home's air filter every month. Hire a contractor to tune-up your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit once a year. Regular maintenance will reduce immediate costs and help units last longer.

- Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will keep your home at a lower temperature when you are not home, helping to reduce your energy bills.

- Conserve hot water. Air-dry dishes instead of running your dishwasher's heat cycle, take short showers instead of baths and wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Saving water also saves money on energy used to heat it. Turn down the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees F.

- Look for ENERGY STAR appliances. DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the ENERGY STAR program, which evaluates buildings and home products for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR products meet strict guidelines and can help save money and energy. If every homeowner installed just five ENERGY STAR lightbulbs, America would save $8 billion a year in energy costs.

- Watch your electronics. Turn off computers and monitors when you're not using them. Plug TVs and DVDs into power strips, then turn off the power strips when home electronics are not in use.

- Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving wastes gasoline. Using overdrive gears and cruise control are easy ways to save gas. Go to www.fueleconomy.gov for more gas-saving tips.

For more tips from the Department of Energy, visit the Web site www.energysavers.gov

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What are League Tables?

As we have discussed in the past, when interviewing with an investment bank you should be prepared to answer the question: Why this bank?There are several elements to answering this questions effectively. You will definitely want to talk about the "Culture" of the bank. This is when you tell your interviewers what their perspective of the institution is. Speak with analysts at the bank to get an

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Hot Keys: What's a Mouse For?

A friend of mine recently interviewed with a boutique investment bank and a section of the interview included a 1 hour financial modeling exercise. How well prepared are you to build, format, and forecast the income statement of a public company? Do you know the keyboard shortcuts necessary to complete this task in under an hour?During my internship this summer, the full-time analysts explained

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Foreclosures Open Up New Market

(NewsUSA) - To some, the current real estate market looks dismal. A weak labor market, rising mortgage rates and high energy prices have caused many American homeowners to lose their properties. To others, the real estate markets looks ripe for investment.

Deer Park Development Corporation, a company with over 30 years of experience in the real estate market, has developed a new approach for investors hoping to purchase and resell foreclosed properties for profit. Foreclosed houses sell at lower prices, helping investors buy properties with less money upfront. In the past, housing prices reflected overinflation -; as the market evens out, the mortgage crisis might actually help stabilize home prices.

Marty O'Malley, CEO of Deer Park Development Corporation, noted that the current real estate market represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the astute buyer. "With one in every 360 homes in foreclosure nationwide, the opportunity to buy distressed property at significant discounts to their original appraisals is extensive," said O'Malley. "In Clark County, Nev., one in every eighty homes is in foreclosure, and on top of those statistics, one in every two homes is underwater, meaning that it's not worth the amount of money owed on it."

With this amount of inventory on the market, there are situations out there that present themselves as profitable ventures. Not all of the foreclosures are money-making deals, but with experience, professional investors know when and what to buy, so they can make successful ventures.

Being an individual investor in the real estate market can be a dangerous proposition for the inexperienced. But investors, in tying themselves to a group of experienced real estate players, can use experts' hard-earned knowledge to turn a profit in the down real estate market.

"Allowing individual investors to participate in ownership through direct partnership creates a risk-free vehicle for foreclosure players to work with," said O'Malley,

For additional information, visit Deer Park Development Corporation's Web site at deerparkdevelopmentcorp.com or contact Capital Group Advisors at 954-297-0706.

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Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Not because of the food, but because of what the holiday represents – a time to express selfless gratitude. In a year naturally filled with anxiety in the custom home building industry, I have personally witnessed many selfless acts performed to help those less fortunate. This past May, 4 local custom builders, John Wieland Homes, I’On Build, J.D Smith and Structures Building Company, their trade partners and suppliers all contributed time, money and sweaty labor to build 4 houses during a 1 week building blitz for Habitat for Humanity. Contributions for our home alone totaled more than $50,000, all during unprecedented economic times when many builders were uncertain of their own personal future. I specifically think of many superintendents I personally know and respect who are now out of work, trying to support their own families during this holiday season. Of course I also think of the mother of our Habitat home, Latoya Palmer and her daughters Dekaliah and Courtney, and their first Thanksgiving dinner in their beautiful new home. Finally, I am grateful for my tremendous staff, not only for their work on this project, but their willingness to work untold hours, day after day, late into the night when necessary, all for the ultimate benefit of our company and clients. I have many things to be thankful for this year!

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John Fitzgerald Kennedy

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How do the Financial Statements Flow Together?

Understanding how the three core financial statements interplay is fundamental to your success in investment banking interviews. Below is a brief description of the three statements and how they connect to one another. Following the explanation you will find a few sample interview questions.Income StatementNet income--the bottom line--flows from the Income Statement to Retained Earnings on the

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The "Model" Home - The Way All Homes Were Intended to be Used

I'll never forget, after returning from his Builder 20 weekend in 2006, Steve announced to us that we were going to build a "green" model home. Though we weren't really sure of all the details, we were really excited as everything came together. Our main purpose was to have a place where we could meet our clients to work out the details for their own custom home. All of this was created in an effort to simplify the complex custom building process for our clients. Our model was such a great asset to us, but it doesn't stop there. . .

She was also known for her open door, to the local school board, planning meetings, book clubs, Habitat for Humanity planning and dreaming meetings and much more, but it still doesn't stop there. . .

If walls could talk, she would also tell of the:


Constant laughter she observed through the constant teasing, practical jokes and belly laughs that come from people who genuinely enjoy each others company. Great memories of birthday celebrations, Christmas dinner when everyone discovered that Amy was secretly a phenomenal cook and southern home cooked breakfasts around the dining room table. Even the serious and honest deep conversations often surfaced since we were among family.



Makes you think for a moment how much more we can "model" our own home in the same way. . . a place to knock out the business of life, reach out beyond ourselves into our community and most importantly, a place to invest in and love our family who lives within our four walls.

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Welcome to the Structures Family!

We are so excited to welcome Alan and Kathryn Murray into the Structures family! This week they purchased our model home located in I'On before it was even listed or officially on the market! What a great "challenge" of quickly moving our model home over to 32 Perseverance Street in I'On which is currently staged and on the market. Give us a call and let's schedule a visit if you're looking to buy, build a custom home or just looking around!

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Is Your Home Making You Sick?

(NewsUSA) - Americans tend to view their homes as safe havens. What few people realize is that the air in their home can be more polluted than outdoor air, leading to health problems.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, people spend almost 90 percent of their time indoors. Due to extended exposure, indoor pollution might cause more health problems than outdoor pollution.

What causes indoor pollution? Common, synthetic materials, like paints, plastics and household cleaners, all leak chemical emissions. Sensitive people can react to anything from wax to furniture polish. Building materials, outdoor pollution, dust and other substances can create allergy symptoms.

Mold, one leading cause of indoor allergies, can grow inside and outside the home in any household component. Once it develops, mold proves impossible to completely remove, making it an especially serious threat. Mold can grow wherever water flows. Water intrusion can lead to mold growth within 24 hours.

The Mayo Clinic estimated that over 40 million Americans suffered from chronic sinus infections and that 96 percent of those cases were caused by molds. According to the Centers for Disease Control, indoor allergens can lead to infections and respiratory problems.

A Certified Environmental Home Inspector (CEHI) from Environmental Safeguard Professionals (www.espusa.net), a company that performs EcoCheck Inspection to address environmental issues in residential buildings, asks Americans to look for the following signs of poor indoor air health:

- Have you had problems with floods or leaks? Even the smallest damp area allows mold to grow. Mold can also hide in ceilings, walls and attics.

- Have you or any of your family members suffered from unexplained respiratory problems, chronic headaches, coughing or congestion?

- Is your home well ventilated? Poor ventilation helps mold grow. To prevent mold growth, keep air moving and humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent.

If you suspect mold, call a professional to inspect your home. A CEHI can identify the types of mold in your home and determine the best way to remove it.

For more information, visit www.espusa.net

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Overcoming Toubled Times

This is a question someone left on an earlier post. We love seeing your questions and comments; we're happy to help answer any questions our readers have.From Anonymous:I would love to hear your thoughts on how to survive if looking for a finance job now... let's face it... if you are beginning the journey in i banking right now... there are a ton of more qualified people to take your spot. What

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The Company You Keep

Our NAHB Builder 20 club recently held it's bi-annual meeting at Payne & Payne Builders in Cleveland, OH. Builder 20 is a group of approximately 20 professional custom home builders from non-competing markets. We meet twice a year in one of our member's cities, to share ideas and improve our businesses. We discuss business operations in depth, share financial information, systems and construction methods.

I'm fortunate to have been accepted into this group, which is one of the founding Builder 20 groups started in 1995. Today there approximately 50 such groups around the country. Without hesitation, I can say our group is comprised of the best builders in the country, personally and professionally. Many have been named Builder of the Year in their territory, and a handful in the country. Joining this network is the single best decision I have made for our company.

We were all equally impressed with the operation of Payne & Payne, a family owned building business started by the father, Mike Payne Sr. and taken over by his three sons, Mike Jr., Dave and Eric. It was nice to see this dynamic at play, and I have to admit I couldn't help but think of positioning my company to be taken over by my children. They may have something different to say about that!

Many thanks to the Builder 20 fraternity and especially the Paynes for being such gracious hosts this fall. We look forward to hosting you all in Charleston this spring!

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What To Know About Window Replacement

(NewsUSA) - Replacing the windows in your home is a great way to increase windows' energy efficiency and overall ease of use. But how should you choose the best replacement windows? Use these tips to determine the best replacement window for you:

- Think Green. Replacing your windows can increase your home's energy efficiency by up to 70 percent. Today's modern double-paned windows can eliminate the need for storm windows.

- Look for Strong Materials. Replacement windows should be low-maintenance and durable, so they will look good over time. Consider getting wood-clad windows with extruded aluminum cladding. Exterior cladding does not need to be scraped or painted.

- Think About Aesthetics. Whether you are replacing your windows to have a whole new look or want to replicate the look of historic wooden windows, it is important to choose from a range of options.

Replacement windows, such as the Ultimate Replacement Casement from Marvin Windows and Doors, use patented hardware systems and have unique wash modes that allow you to wash the exterior of the window from the inside of your home.

- Choose the Right Supplier. With so many window manufacturers in the marketplace, how do you know whom to trust? Choose a window manufacturer who is well-established and has an excellent reputation. Selecting high-quality windows won't pay off unless qualified people install them.

To learn more about replacing your windows, please visit www.MarvinCasement.com or call (888) 537-8268.

Lou Manfredini is a national home improvement expert and regular contributor to NBC's Today Show and host of the television show HouseSmarts.

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What's Your Pain Tolerance?

How committed to working in the investment banking division are you?I've been searching around the internet looking for other investment banking resources to share with you and I came across the email below. The email was written on a Sunday morning, apparently after an all-nighter, by a analyst in the Healthcare group of a bulge bracket in New York.Warning: Read at your own risk - you might find

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The Scoop on Snoopy's Shack

Special thanks to Aaron Austin and the following companies for their generous donation of coordination and hard work that made the Structures/Herlong custom green doghouse possible!

84 Lumber
Buck Lumber
Cahill Contracting
Carolina Tree Brokers
Craftsman Services II
EB Design
ELI
Liberty Cedar
Sharon’s Painting
Southern Foam & Coating
Stock Building Supply

All the proceeds from the Daniel Island Park Day raffle went to the Rescue Resource Foundation!

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Ways To Reduce Your Electric Use And Save Money From Utility Bills

Do you feel that nervous feeling in your stomach just before opening that power use bill? It is no surprise gas continues to go up in price, but were you aware that electric prices are going up too?

Reduce the amount of energy - 02:17 min.


This is not an article about gas vs electric, most homes need and use both. You obviously can not just stop your electric use or your power use. But there are definitely simple ways to reduce the electrical use around the house.

The first step in reducing any power use or electric use is simply awareness. Most people take for granted everything in their household and are not really aware of their power use or electric use at all. Now that you can make yourself aware, you start to see things you can do to reduce the power use.

Next, start limiting your electrical use. If you are not in a room, then turn off every non-essential electric use device that you can. Sounds like common sense, right? Again, the whole awareness thing. How many times have you left the light on in a room to go to do something in another room? How many times is it that you get caught up in what you are doing and have left the empty room light on for several minutes or even hours?

That is just the lights! Several people have multiple televisions in different parts of the house today. But really, when was the last time you watched that TV in the bedroom, the spare bedroom, or the basement. Even though the TVs are turned off, they are still drawing electricity constantly to keep their capacitors full so you will get an instant screen when you turn it on. Is that really worth the electric use the TV uses if you only turn it on a handful of times a year? It may take a little more time, but would it be that much effort to just unplug it and plug it in when you want to watch it? You would not believe the electrical use you could save by just doing this.

Computer monitors count too. Many families have multiple computers, but never use that one in the family room. If a computer is not used daily, unplug it. There is not a need to keep that power use draw on your electric bill.

Do you have a cell phone charger or other battery type charges somewhere in the house that you just keep plugged in? I know I used to plug my phone in over night every night. It only took a little behavior change for me to charge it at the office instead. Chances are I am going to sit in front of a work computer for an hour or more, that is usually all the time it takes to charge a cell phone. Then your company pays for the electric use not you and your home bill.

There are also non use items like VCRs, DVD players, stereos, and other items probably being current energy suckers and they are not even being utilized.Take a tour around your house with your new awareness. See if you can not find things that probably do not need to be plugged and drawing electirc use all year long.

Another big difference can be made in electric use by changing all of your incandescent light bulbs to fluorescent light bulbs. Even better are the newly designed compact fluorescent light bulbs known also as CFLs. They give the light of 75 watt light bulb while only drawing 13 watts to do it.

There is a slight disadvantage. The CFLs are not instant bright light. They turn on instantly, but it may take a few moments before it is putting out the maximum light. But it is a small price to pay for the return on the electric use. Besides, you may not know this, but all incandescent lights bulbs will stop being made in 2009. So you might as well get use to using CFLs now and harvest the savings.

You can save power use and money when you have to purchase new appliances. When it comes time to replace that refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove, water heater, or whatever, make sure that your next replacement is a power conserving appliance. Most are energy star compliant. But even if the non energy star compliant appliance is cheaper, it is only temporary compared to the amount of electric use it is going to charge you vs the energy star compliant one. You may save a hundred dollars at purchase, but in the long run you are going to pay hundreds of dollars more from its power use.

Now you are armed with some real use knowledge. Really take the time to do an awareness tour around your house. I bet you will be surprised at the things you find to be able to reduce your power use.

About the Author: Ian Westynn. Protect your family from the high cost of home energy use! Save time and money with the ultimate step-by-step guide to energy independence! Stop the grasp that foreign energy companies have on you - http://enchantedtrader.com/myenergy

More on energy savings.

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Bamboo blinds are gaining popularity

People are looking for ways to find products made of natural materials, even when it comes to interior decorating. Bamboo blinds are gaining popularity for good reason. These items are beautiful, durable and natural. You can find many different sizes and styles in this type of window treatment. Once you begin your search, you’ll understand why bamboo blinds are all the rage.

Production of Bamboo Blinds - 01:01 min.


Many may think about this option and immediately turn away because they want something with color. Don’t think that choosing bamboo blinds means that you are choosing dull, lifeless color for your interior design plan. The neutral tones in bamboo blinds work wonderfully in all different color schemes.

One thing to remember is that the bamboo blinds are naturally green but they fade into a natural beige color as they dry. If you order a product that looks a little too green give it time to dry out and you will see the green shade fade into the beautiful neutral tones we all love so much.

Keep in mind that bamboo blinds are natural and most manufacturers do not alter the colors inherit to the product. This makes these window treatments especially appealing because they serve to bring some of the outdoors inside. You just can’t go wrong with this look.

What about size? Surprisingly, bamboo blinds come in a whole spectrum of sizes that are suitable for just about any window. It is important to note that this product will lengthen a little bit over time. This is a normal occurrence, especially during hot months. People who live in climates that experience cold winters may notice that the blinds shrink a little but the change is insignificant.

The material’s ability to grow and move can serve as a great benefit. Bamboo blinds can be stretched to a preferred length. The process takes a little time but it works really well. All it takes is a few minutes of your time and you can create the perfect fit for your window space.

Of course, you do want to try to get the best fit possible when you order. All you need to do is measure your space. If you don’t find bamboo blinds that fit the area you can opt for custom made blinds instead. It is wise to ask for samples when taking this approach. This will give you a good idea of how the custom made bamboo blinds will look.

Don’t forget that you are not limited to a certain design. There are many different styles to consider in bamboo blinds. They make wonderful additions to a home’s interior design scheme.

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Concrete Providing Foundation For Safe, Healthy Families

(NewsUSA) - Home safety is a major concern for many Americans. But safety should mean more than teaching the kids to stop, drop and roll and double-checking the stove before leaving the house. Americans who are building, or looking to buy, a new home can implement safety from the start by considering the construction of the foundation.

When it comes to safety, building materials matter. Americans should consider the area in which they live before choosing a construction material. For example, couples living in hurricane- or flood-prone areas shouldn't build wooden homes, which can easily suffer moisture damage.

Concrete Network TV - 05:36 min.


Concrete masonry construction has been proven to be a safe, sturdy building material no matter the region. Unlike wood, concrete masonry is water-, wind- and fire-resistant. Concrete masonry bricks do not succumb to insect infestations, like termites. In areas often afflicted by earthquakes, builders can create flexibility within concrete foundations, so they do not shatter when the earth moves.

Concrete masonry also lessens indoor pollution, a major concern in many areas. Paints can emit harmful chemicals, but concrete bricks do not need to be painted. Concrete masonry does not absorb moisture in the air, which can lead to mold growth in other building materials. Mold is a major indoor air pollutant and irritant -; eliminating mold can lead to improved lung health in a home's residents.

Americans living in concrete masonry homes might also enjoy improved economic well-being. Concrete masonry helps control indoor temperatures, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In many areas, concrete masonry walls do not require additional insulation, saving homeowners money and reducing household dust.

Concrete masonry also dampens sound, making for a more peaceful indoor environment in urban areas.

For more information about building with concrete masonry, visit the Web site of the National Concrete Masonry Association at www.ncma.org

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