Ideas from Creative Contracting

THIS HAS BEEN ONE HOT SUMMER
Help your home Survive with these Creative (Contracting) Tips

Timely Tips –
1. The hot sun and heavy rain can really take a toll on your exterior trim. Make sure it's weather tight with a good coat of paint to prevent rot from occurring.

2. Keep the cool air in and save on energy costs by making sure your windows and doors are properly maintained and in good working order.

3. Check your air filters! A dirty filter slows down air flow making the system work harder to cool your house. Change them every 1-3 months to properly maintain your HVAC system.

4. Check your attic! Make sure all roof ventilation is clear, working, and has the proper R-value of insulation. If it's "knock-you-down" hot, call us to start saving money!

Guest Room Design Tips
All of us would hope that the guest room is more than just a place to torture our friends and families who love us enough to suffer through a visit with us. We hope this article gives some practical guidance to increasing the comfort of your guests. This blog post is inspired by recently reading some of Sarah Susanka's design books.

As our family’s grow, change, move, return whatever the current or anticipated situation is, your home may need to change as well. For the occasional visit (long, short or really long term) let us offer these suggestions:

1. Many guests are very uncomfortable having to walk through public spaces to get to the bathroom. Is it possible to add a small guest bathroom or private access to the hall bath? If not, supplying an oversized robe that can be thrown on quickly as a convenient option.

2. Stay in your guest room every once in awhile. Is it comfortable in both summer and winter? Is it quiet at night?

3. The top of the bed doesn't have to be the place you put the suitcase. The floor is an awkward place to access a suitcase. A desk area could be a perfect place to open up luggage, or a bench or chest at the foot of the bed. After all, if you're only spending 2 nights, who wants to unload all your clothes into the 2 dressers (unnecessary) in most guest rooms?

4. Bedding – I prefer my home very cool, but not everyone does. Have layers on the bed or available in the room for your guest to make themselves comfortable. Don't forget a fan or alternative heat source if it's not a normally comfortable room.

5. Think like a hotel - what is your favorite hotel to stay in? Copy some of their practices. Supply a bedside water carafe and glass. Make sure there is an alarm clock that is set properly. Fresh flowers and a few treats of candy or fruit lets guest know that you really value their visit.

6. Offer different thickness of pillows in the room and don't have hand-me-down pillows. Throw out the pillows from the 90s and buy new ones.

7. Two twin beds is roughly the same as a king sized bed so if you have to displace the kiddos for guests consider pushing together twins to make guests comfy.

We love having guests in our home. These tips will help demonstrate our love more fully to those we invite into our homes.

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Send us your Design Challenges!

New Opportunity - September is design challenge month with the Creative Contracting Design Team! Send us your most unique design challenges - big or small - at this link or call us at 215-661-8581!

2 Winners will receive 4 hours of design time with our award-winning Design/Build experts, Bob & Kim DuBree!!

What’s your inspiration modern or traditional?

The Modern Kitchen

While visiting Village Handcrafted Cabinetry we found the perfect door front that reflects the shape and colors of our inspiration vase. The cabinet door is a Birds-Eye Maple with a sleek plain front style with a pillow top edge. It is a perfect fit for the light and warm contemporary look we are aiming for. The soft edges and subtle shading reflect the qualities that Dayle was drawn to in her inspiration piece.

Next we worked on choosing a counter top. At Prestige marble and tile we began our search by looking at the small (12x12) samples inside the showroom. We made a note of our favorites and then headed out to the yard to look at the slabs. Dayle and Carl like warm golden orange tones with a lot of movement. They took home a few samples to help them with their backsplash tile selection.

Granite selection is often difficult because it is a big ticket item and it’s really important to love it. Sometimes that happens immediately; sometimes it is a more agonizing process. For Carl and Dayle their original selections were not meshing with what they liked for their wall tile. After looking at several different distributors they decided to go with a full tantrum glass back splash in the burnt amber color.


The tile is cut into “slivers” – pencil sized shapes and is made using crushed glass, giving it a very unique artisan look. This tile is very dramatic and a true focal point for the kitchen. It was important that the granite did not compete with the backsplash so we went back to the drawing board. While visiting Prestige with another client, I picked up a sample of the Silestone quartz product in Sonora Gold. The quartz products have all of the qualities of granite as far as durability and strength and they do not need to be sealed. The Sonora Gold is a soft consistent color resembling a limestone look in a deep bronze color with some softer light shading the same color as the cabinetry. The color worked great with the maple and the tantrum glass. After another visit to Prestige to look things over one more time, Dayle and Carl finalized their decision to go with the Silestone Quartz.

Everything is falling into place and now we just have to wait for it all to come together!

What’s your inspiration modern or traditional?

The Contemporary Kitchen

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This kitchen in Bala Cynwyd has been so much fun for me to work on, mostly because of the great relationship I have with Carl and Dayle, the homeowners. Carl is great at playing devil’s advocate, while Dayle calmly forges her way through the selection process with a complete understanding of the look and feel she wants for her new kitchen. As the kitchen design progressed, Carl questioned whether there was a way to access his side yard to reach his grill. Otherwise, from the kitchen he would have to walk down a few steps into his family room and out the back door. This question resulted in a design change which scaled back cabinetry in order to place French glass doors which will open out to a small enclosed patio and grill. Not only will this allow Carl easier access to his grill , but it will greatly open up the feel of the small living room and dining room by creating another outdoor living area allowing the couple to open the entire space when entertaining. A wall will be removed between the existing kitchen and dining area to create a great room in every sense of the term.

It is so important to spend the time to discuss the use of space and develop a variety of plans to brain storm solutions to the function of the design. Once all of that is completed the fun of the selections really begins.

The Wine Cellar

Wine Tasting Event

Neill and Andrea’s wine cellar in North Wales, PA

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It seems in the last several years we have met more and more people who are interested in wine and wine tastings. Wine cellars and more commonly wine refrigerators, enter into the equation of our design process. We thought it would be fun to coordinate a tasting with clients who have an interest in this type of event. If you think an evening of light fare, an assortment of wines, and fascinating people would be an evening well spent – then let us know! If we have enough interest we will get our plans in place and send out more information with all of the details.

>> Go here if you are interested

EPA to Contractors; “Get the Lead Out”

As of April 22nd, 2010, contractors are required to comply with new EPA regulations related to disturbance of lead-based paint. The regulations apply to homes and child occupied facilities built before 1978 (when lead-base paint sales were phased out). Contractors who work in these settings need to be trained in, and follow, best practices to minimize exposure to lead hazards. The practices are designed to protect both the worker in the field, and the homeowner. Furthermore, contractors are required to provide homeowners with pre-renovation educational materials as well as post renovation reports detailing the work and the protective measures.

We at Creative Contracting as always are, commitment to our clients’ comfort and safety is nothing new. Dust shields, drop cloths and conscientious cleaning have long been standards for our remodeling work. To ensure a seamless transition to the new guidelines, all of our field staff as well as Kim and Bob has been or will be trained and certified.

If you are concerned about lead safety on your upcoming renovation, give us a call. More information can be found at epa.gov/lead.

Fire and Ice

Last week I had an opportunity to visit the Wolf/SubZero manufacturing facility in Madison, Wisconsin. A group of eight designers from the Philadelphia area were hosted by the company as well as designers from the Southeast and Southwest.

On the first day of the conference we learned about the SubZero brand, toured the factory and had a wonderful lunch, cooking demonstration and cocktail reception at the Bakke Center. Sub-zero is a third generation, family-owned business that prides itself on manufacturing the best food preservation systems. It is unique in that every unit has duel refrigeration for the unit. This is important to maintain humidity in the refrigerator which prolongs food life and also to prevent flavors from food circulating through the freezer, which ruins the purity of the ice. All other manufacturers have single refrigeration which circulates air through both the refrigerator and freezer. Another unique quality in the manufacturing process is the stringent testing that the units each go through before they are released to the public. Each individual unit is tested for a number of hours to make sure that it is functioning properly, before it ever leaves the warehouse. The manufacturing facility is state of the art, with incredible robotics and laser technology. It seemed as though we were stepping into a Star Wars scene. Of course the benefit of technology is that there is less chance of human error. As a designer, my favorite model is the 700 series, which is their totally integrated line. SubZero is the only manufacturer which creates refrigeration units which blend seamlessly with cabinetry.

The second day of the conference we learned about the Wolf products. Wolf is a very high end, originally commercial line, which merged with SubZero. The most unique feature of Wolf gas ranges is the dual fuel on their burners. There are essentially two rings of flame, one which is high and one which is low. The lowest setting – melt- can actually have melted chocolate sitting on the burner for hours without burning, eliminating the need for a double boiler. There are many accessories for the “home chef” including a French top, a steamer, a fryer, and a char broiler. We have the griddle and it is wonderful for grilled cheese or pancakes for a crowd.

One of my favorite times during the conference was when we were able to look at design trends and see pictures of award winning kitchens. It is always interesting to see what other designers in other areas of the country are experiencing and to take notes. As with our own company, it was the general consensus that many clients are moving away from the overly ornamental look that has been popular for the last several years. We see less ornate corbels, and less applied moldings and friezes. Lighting and unique fixtures are playing an increasingly important role. Some areas are beginning to see a move away from granite toward quartz and marble. Overall, the designers are very happy with the direction design is heading at this time; it is a nice combination of traditional with classic or modern elements personalizing a timeless design.

We also were shown pictures of kitchens from the European design show. One of the European trends included replacing the very popular island with a kitchen table making the table itself the focal point of the room with minimalist cabinetry blending into the background. Another recurring feature was the use of pewter for sinks, countertops, hardware and decorative accents. We also saw ovens placed at odd heights on the wall and weren’t sure if people would actually cook with them in that position (very unsafe) or if they were just raised for effect during the show. Most of the designers were not impressed with European trends and didn’t think they would influence our market anytime soon.

The Fretz Kitchen

The Fretz Kitchen showroom is located in North East Philadelphia. It has a wonderful display of Wolf and SubZero cooking appliances. These are the crème de la crème of the gourmet cooking world with the ultimate engineering and features for specialized food preparation and food preservation.

Last week Bob and I took clients who are considering these appliances to the Fretz Cooking demonstration. It is a very impressive night. As you enter the showroom to a variety of kitchen displays featuring these appliances, you are offered wine/soft drinks and appetizers. It is a nice opportunity to see a variety of cabinetry styles, countertop surfaces and other decorative details, as well as the appliances in an actual kitchen setting.

After gathering everyone together we were ushered upstairs to the kitchen demonstration area which is where the local TV stations film cooking shows. It is a full working chefs’ kitchen surrounded by counter seating and additional tables to comfortably watch the cooking demonstration and to learn about the unique features of their product lines.

The food was incredible and substantial! Our first course was crab and corn chowder, followed by pasta with shrimp and scallops along with a roll which was baked in the oven the same time as the seafood to show how the bread did not pick up a seafood taste. Next we had a portabella mushroom topped with a salsa and cheese, sirloin steak tips in a light gruyere sauce and asparagus. By this time we were feeling like we had plenty to eat, but the main course was still to come! Turkey, very moist, with incredible Chilean Sea Bass and green beans garnished with cranberry sauce were our final dinner tastings. Afterwards coffee and tea were served with fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.

If you are considering replacing your appliances or remodeling your kitchen and are interested in these products, we could arrange for you to attend a demonstration. Also, if you have purchased Wolf/SubZero appliances and would like a refresher course on cleaning, usage, and maintenance, there is also a demonstration available for you. Please contact the office and we can schedule a time for you to attend one of the demonstrations.

Fretz Kitchen Recipe

Chilean Sea Bass with Dijon Mustard Sauce
5 oz. Chilean Sea Bass
Melted butter
Garlic salt
Freshly ground pepper
Old Bay seasoning
Paprika
Fresh Parsley

Mix all dry ingredients together and set aside Add melted butter to Sea bass and then sprinkle spices on both sides. Top with seasoned bread crumbs. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until internal temperature reads a minimum of 150 degrees. Sea Bass will flake when done. (No measurements were given for the spices)


Dijon Mustard Sauce
1 pint heavy cream
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 oz butter
1 Tbsp. chicken base

Mix all ingredients together over a medium low heat and whisk until it thickens. Pour over cooked Sea Bass.

Modern or Traditional?

What’s your inspiration?

One of the reasons I enjoy helping clients with selections is that it is always a unique experience. Yesterday we met with two different families who are beginning the design process for their kitchens. The first wants a very contemporary look, while the second wants a very traditional style. Their homes reflect their desired style and they will both have some interesting design choices, in fact, so many design choices! It is always an interesting journey to see where the design will lead.

Both of these clients were prepared with inspiration pieces which are so helpful to me in guiding them through this process. The “traditional” client had a portfolio of pictures, while the “modern” client had a very unique artisan vase, which reflected the color and style she is hoping to capture in her cabinetry design.

Check back and view my blog as I update the selection process.

Ice Dams

Snow has arrived in quantity and it looks like an old fashioned winter around here! That gets us thinking about a problem that many of our clients have had troubles with over the years - roof ice damming quickly followed by leaking roofs.

When ice damming occurs even an expertly installed newer roof will leak, let us explain why.

When snow accumulates on a roof it acts as an insulated thermal blanket. The attic can get very warm due to the natural warming effect caused by normal heat loss through the ceiling of the home. Snow can cover roof vents and the attic space warms further causing the snow closest to the roof to melt. The water runs down the roof, hits the overhangs (which are much colder since they are not warmed up like the attic is) and re-freezes. Eventually the ice that is created gets high enough to form a water dam - hence the term "ice damming". As the snow blanket continues to insulate the snow underneath and the heat from your home continues to melt it, the dams get higher and the water pools up deeper. The water pool backs up underneath the shingles and before you know it, you have a leak in your house.

Contrary to a popular belief, sloped roofs are not waterproof! They are built to shed water. If water stands on a sloped roof it absolutely will leak, as water will backup underneath the shingles. Swimming pools are built to hold water; sloped roofs are built to shed water. Every home in the area will at one time or another have issues with ice damming. It is just an inevitable part of owning a home in our climate.

The best defense against ice damming is to keep the lower part of your roof free of snow. The roof does not need to be 100% clear of snow. Our advice is to remove the snow 5 - 6 feet up the roof from the eave lines. It is acceptable to leave an inch or two of snow on the roof in this area. We want to remind everybody that a roof is a dangerous place to be walking on. You may want to consider hiring a professional to remove the snow. If you do need us to do this for you, do not hesitate to call us, we have already assisted several of our customers this snow season with their roof snow removal.

Be proactive, once you allow large ice dams to form on your roof it becomes a great deal harder to deal with the situation - not only will you be experiencing a leaking roof but you will also have thick hard ice that will need to be chopped up in order to allow the water to escape. We have often seen water standing a foot deep or more on roofs after ice has build up, at that point the battle is lost, you will have a leaking roof and quite often the result is a damaged home interior.

If you do need assistance with removing snow, ice dams or have encountered leaking and possible damages to your home, we would be happy to send someone out to take care of removal and/or repairs that may be needed.

Go here for a special offer for Storm Damage Repair from Creative Contracting or call us today at 215-661-8581.

Everyone at Creative Contracting wishes you all a happy, safe and dry winter season.

How do you define art?

Let us help you create something beautiful.

Creative Contracting helps make you dreams come true.

Linda and Jon had been waiting many years to create the kitchen of their dreams. Their small dark kitchen was dated and not very functional with little counter space or storage. They worked with the team at Creative Contracting to design a kitchen that met all of their needs working within the existing space.

John and Linda’s kitchen now has a feeling of brightness, warmth and spaciousness. Their selection of soft creamy white painted cabinetry with caramel colored accents, beautiful granite, and Sonoma hand-glazed tiles are timeless in their charm and beauty.
They are thrilled with their new kitchen.

Solving water issues in the basement

One of the big issues I deal with here at Creative Contracting is water in basements. I am always asked why it is so wet or where does it come from. There are multiple reasons our basements are damp or wet.

I will share what happened at my own home – we have had water issues from the time we moved in, we tried everything, sealing the walls, cleaning out the perimeter trench, caulking, patching the list goes on and on. I always knew what I told my clients “get the water away from the house” but I kept ignoring my best advice to clients. Well last year we finely had to replace our 25 year old roof (it should have been replaced 5 years earlier – the shoemaker kids). I wanted to add some character so I extended the roof on 2 of the gables to create some overhang like the older homes. This resulted in new capping, trims, soffits and gutters. We decided that the gutters aesthetically could be a little bigger (K-5 is the residential standard we went with K-6), with the added benefit of being able to handle more water. Well we put new gutters on and got the downspouts away from the house and low and behold – our basements has dried up. Save yourself time and frustration:

1. Most of the homes we work on in this area of the country have gutters. Gutters are a critical element in the overall roof "health," performance, and durability. We recommend troubleshooting the gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks at least at the start of the summer (when most of the spring junk has fallen of the trees) and again in the early winter (when most of the leaves are of the trees).

2. The critical chore is clearing the gutters of debris. From leaves and twigs to rocks and sludge, debris not only clogs the system but can also cause damage or loosen gutter supports. At the same time, identify and repair any gaps in the gutters or downspouts and make sure their supports hold these components tight to the structure.

3. Clearing debris and repairing gaps will ensure that water and light debris are carried to the downspouts and completely flushed out. To make sure that's happening, hose down and flush the inside of the gutters once they're clean, gap-free, and properly supported. Clearing the gutters can be hazardous to the owner and the roof. Consider hiring a professional. Whenever possible, use a ladder (safely!) to clean out the gutters instead of walking on the roof, which can damage that surface.

4. Lastly, make sure water exits the downspouts away from the foundation to avoid water pressure on the home's structure. Extend the downspouts, if necessary, and consider installing splash blocks at the end of each downspout to divert and dissipate water instead of allowing it to pool.

If you are concerned about your gutters give us a call today we will come out and inspect the gutters (at no charge). If they need service we will with your approval; clean the gutters and downspouts, insure the hangers and connections are all holding properly, insure that the outlets are extended away from the foundation. If you continue to have water issues in the basement let us know and we can discuss the next steps to drying out your basement but we do find that this stops 75% of the water issues we see. Call or write with any questions or concerns you may have: Bob@creativecontracting.biz /215-661-8581

A new look in Porcelain Tile

I recently stopped by the Dal-Tile showroom and was pleasantly surprised by the new lines of tile they are featuring. Striated tones in soft colors and a large rectangular style create an Asian-inspired organic feel that has been gaining popularity. The Veranda series has launched a new line in this textured tile to coordinate with the solid suede-finished colors in the series. http://www.daltileproducts.com/series.cfm?series=130

“Feel” by the Italian Tile Maker “Caesar” is available through our distributor, but is not available to view through the Dal-Tile website.

P’ZAZZ is another porcelain color-body line by Dal-tile which has the soft feel of a natural fiber, rather than a stone-tile look.

Please feel free to contact me (215-661-8581) regarding your interior design needs.

Top Five Avoidable Hazards in Your Kitchen

Kitchen Hazard Number One:
Careless cooks leaving pot handles past the side or front of the stove/ range. When you or your family members cook, always remember to have the handles of the pots and pans turned to the side.


Kitchen Hazard Number Two:
Lack of safe storage for sharp kitchen knives. Throwing knives loosely into a drawer not only cuts up your hands, but it also dulls the knives you probably spent a lot of money on.


Kitchen Hazard Number Three:
Improperly using kitchen chairs, bar stools, and other types of furniture to reach high places such as above the cabinets. Always keep an approved ladder or step stool handy in order to reach those high places.


Kitchen Hazard Number Four:
A simple little mistake of leaving the cabinet doors and drawers open. You could lift up your head and hit the open cabinet door. Open drawers can cause injuries also, especially to children.


Kitchen Hazard Number Five:
Rugs on the kitchen's hardwood or tile floor with slippery backs. Make sure you buy and use the rubber backing that can be inserted behind rugs on slippery surfaces.

Appliance maintenance tips

As many of us struggle to maintain our homes I thought it would be helpful to post an entry on appliance maintenance. We believe these tips will extend the life, reduced energy consumption and reduce repair bills on the already reliable products found throughout all of our homes.
We deal with appliances on a large percentage of our remodeling projects. We recommend appliances, in an attempt to maximize our client’s level of satisfaction, based on many factors:

• Performance
• Energy efficiency
• Budgets
• Aesthetics
• Finishes

The old saying, “they don’t build them like they use to”, is so true, but not in the sense that the statement is made. Today’s appliances are built better and much more complex than even 5 years ago. Periodic care and maintenance by homeowners is essential to keep them in optimum working order. Lack of cleaning or care can make an appliance work harder than it needs to, straining its motor and other moving parts and, in turn, shortening its usable life. Major repairs and replacement costs can be expensive so even routine preventive maintenance is worth a small effort.

We recommend you review the manufactures recommendation that can be found with the instructions and warranty material that comes with your appliances. In addition here are a few basic appliance care tips that have a positive impact on the durability and performance of these products:


Dishwasher
* Give dishes at least a light scrub and rinse before loading them. That eases the strain on the dishwasher's built-in system that breaks down and disposes of food particles.
* Dishwashers also benefit from a routine interior wash with special scale-reducing solutions to help keep the parts working properly.
* The dishwasher drain should be cleaned out at least twice a year.
* From time to time, inspect the door seal and keep it clean. Soil, food and soap build-up on the seal can cause deterioration or mold.
* Replace a loose or broken seal to avoid leaks.

Refrigerator and Freezer
* At least twice a year, vacuum the front grill and the radiator coil on back of the refrigerator and freezer (if you have two separate or multiple units), to help ensure proper air circulation and optimum efficiency.
* Don't forget to empty and clean the drip trays located underneath the appliance.
* As with the dishwasher, inspect and clean the perimeter door seal and replace any loose or moldy seals. Good seals help the appliance maintain the temperature settings with less stress to the motor. Note: We have been told (thanks M.G.) that juices high in acidity such as orange juice are one of the lead causes of refrigerator issues.
* Defrost and clean the freezer regularly, as ice build-up will block proper airflow and lower the appliance's efficiency. Shut it down and put a pot of hot water inside will speed the process.
* To maintain an even energy use and extend motor life, keep temperatures constant and within the recommended range.
* A stand-alone freezer, that might be put in a garage or on a covered porch, should be located away from direct sunlight or heat sources so that the appliance does not work harder or less efficiently than it has to. Ideally, find a cool, level and dry spot with adequate clearance at the back for good air circulation.

Laundry Equipment
Today's increasingly popular (and more energy-efficient) front-load washers require more care than their predecessors to prevent the build-up of mold, which can cause myriad problems.
* To reduce that possibility, leave the door open once all of the laundry is done and wipe down the rubber gasket.
* Manufacturers note that we consumers have a tendency to overload both washers and dryers. Each brand of appliance has its practical capacity, but overloading puts a strain on the belt that turns the drum. The extra strain can accelerate wear and lead to repair or replacement costs. Overloading also leads to higher energy consumption and less effective cleaning.
* To maintain the dryer, disconnect the dryer duct and vacuum the duct, the areas surrounding the dryer and the dryer's vent hood outside the house. Restricted air flow can tax the motor. If the lint filter and the areas around it are clean, the dryer will operate more efficiently and safely.
Note: look for the NFPA washer/dryer safety tip sheet on our web site. The 1st email we receive saying they found it will receive 4 free hours of Handyman services.

Our best advice
Review the manuals for your major appliances. But if you don't know where they are or if you're short of time right now, don't wait: Follow these few maintenance tips for a longer and happier life with your appliances!

PS – You can always GOOGLE your appliance online and many manufacturers will provide you manuals you can download.

PSS – If you’d like to discuss handyman services or give them as a gift to a family member or friend call us any time at …..” We are a unique gift for anyone!

Handyman Projects

Most people that Creative Contracting talks to about home improvement projects, often mention return on investment (ROI) in the first meeting. This is a concern that many of our clients have for major renovations. However, there are also handyman projects that literally pay for themselves by lowering bills. I have listed below a couple projects that can start saving you money instantly, and in the current state of the economy, who doesn't want that?

Whole House Fans
Whole house fans work a lot like rolling down your car windows in the summer time to cool the car faster. They effectively cycle out the super heated or cold air in your house in order for the HVAC system to replace it with a more comfortable temperature. Whole house fans put less strain on your HVAC system and can save as much as 25% on your energy bills.

Programmable Thermostats
This is something that should be a necessity for a homeowner or home buyer . A top of the line model can cost $150, but many cost as little as $35. These devices can be programmed to heat or cool specific sections of your house, or they can be programmed to turn off when you leave the house in the morning and warm back up a few minutes before you come back home at the end of the day. Results will vary depending on your heating and cooling preferences, but these devices usually can pay for themselves in 2-3 months, then start saving you money in the long run.

Energy Efficient Appliances and Shower Heads
More than 50% of a home's energy is used to heat water. Washing clothes, washing dishes, baths, and showers are using all this energy. Replacing your washer with an energy efficient model will use 35-40% less water. This saves the amount of water being used, and the amount that needs to be heated by your water heater, which reduces energy bills. The same goes for dishwashers. Another tip is to try and use the cold water setting on your washer more. The cost to not heat cold water is $0.

Showers are hard to reduce, especially if you ask people with long hair, but some low-flow shower heads can help.

Making these small adjustments can mean an energy savings of 25%. With the cost of electricity and heating fuels, this can be a big number every month.