More Energy Saving Ideas....
Yesterday, I told you about my upgrade to LED lights in my pantry area. I looked back over our energy bills to confirm that, although our dollar amount has remained consistent.....our energy usage has gone down over the years(obviously rate hikes make up the difference). So, as I traveled around my home, preparing for WINTER, I thought it might be useful to share my tips. This works for me, only you can decide it this will work for you!
First up, the A/C vents; our A/C has been turned off for a few months now (don't do this unless your system is shut off completely)....however, if I hold my hand near the vent.....on a COLD day....I can feel the cool air spilling into the room
Using a duster, I clean all the blades
Then, I shut the vents....some are levers
some require a flat-head screwdriver. I find it helpful to shine a flashlight into the vent to confirm that I am shutting it, and not opening it even wider
The next prep idea that I do, came to me when I saw this
A magnetic register cover....at about $25! I wanted to cover this
My A/C return in the ceiling....at the time, I contacted a magnetic sign maker....and because of it's size, the price was ridicules! I am also not sure that the magnet would have stuck with the force of gravity pulling on it.....so....I started using these
Yes, a shrink wrap for my ceiling A/C register returns. First, I dust them
Then, apply the two-sided tape
Once the tape is all the way around, I peel off the paper to reveal the sticky side
...add the film, you can re-adjust it once....and the shrinking will make up for any defects
This is the fun part, use a hairdryer to shrink the film for a tight fit
Here is the "after"
I cannot stress this enough YOUR UNIT MUST BE TURNED OFF!! Do not turn on you A/C until AFTER you have removed the shrink wrap!
The cost...this box of film was about $5. I have 2 returns, and can cover 3 returns from 1 sheet of plastic film. So, this box will cover 4.5 winterizing s....a little over 1 dollar.
What are your winterizing tricks?
Linking this to Serenity Now Weekend Bloggy!
Energy Savings Tips..
As many of you know, we lost our power for 6 days! The North-East was hit hard. The crew that restored our neighborhood was from Fresno, California. This had me wondering... who was paying for all that travel time, hotels, and meals for the crew? Our electric company....well....yes....BUT...now we have been informed that our rates will be going up to cover this massive expense!
Let the Energy Saving Tips Mission begin! First up.....lighting
I have been very curious about LED lights. I know they are expensive, however, they supposedly pay for themselves? When we did our home renovations, CFL's were the way to go. Since then, as information and technology changes...time to do a bit of research.
After watching this YouTube video
I was hooked. The only problem was the price $50 per canister bulb....UNTIL NOW
That's right....1/2 price! Thanks Home Depot! I realize that $25 is still a lot, however, it will pay for itself in less than 1 year and will last about 22 years!
I decided to start with my pantry area. There are only 3 cans, and my family refuses to turn these lights of...ever!
Here is one of my fixtures before
That's a CFL bulb made to look like a regular canister bulb. Notice all the space around the bulb.
Following the video instructions, here is the after
I happen to think it looks much cleaner and more modern. I also realized that there is no longer all that space around the bulb. This should also reduce additional heat loss! As for the light, it is bright, clean, white light... almost too bright!
****UPDATE*** Go Here for More Energy Saving Tips!****
Working room by room, I plan on updating my home over time. What are the ways you save energy?
Let the Energy Saving Tips Mission begin! First up.....lighting
I have been very curious about LED lights. I know they are expensive, however, they supposedly pay for themselves? When we did our home renovations, CFL's were the way to go. Since then, as information and technology changes...time to do a bit of research.
After watching this YouTube video
I was hooked. The only problem was the price $50 per canister bulb....UNTIL NOW
That's right....1/2 price! Thanks Home Depot! I realize that $25 is still a lot, however, it will pay for itself in less than 1 year and will last about 22 years!
I decided to start with my pantry area. There are only 3 cans, and my family refuses to turn these lights of...ever!
Here is one of my fixtures before
That's a CFL bulb made to look like a regular canister bulb. Notice all the space around the bulb.
Following the video instructions, here is the after
I happen to think it looks much cleaner and more modern. I also realized that there is no longer all that space around the bulb. This should also reduce additional heat loss! As for the light, it is bright, clean, white light... almost too bright!
****UPDATE*** Go Here for More Energy Saving Tips!****
Working room by room, I plan on updating my home over time. What are the ways you save energy?
They Entertained Me!
I am back, in my warm home, with electricity and my family. Thank you all so much for the lovely comments, tweets, and e-mails. I missed everyone and everything. I have a lot of blog-hopping to do this weekend.
Although I took a pause, I need to finish the challenge! This is the 31st post....for all 31, go here.
For this final challenge post, I want to share with all of you the amazingly talented ladies who entertained, enlightened, and inspired me for 31 days.....you should check them out....it is worth the trip over to their blogs
Although I took a pause, I need to finish the challenge! This is the 31st post....for all 31, go here.
For this final challenge post, I want to share with all of you the amazingly talented ladies who entertained, enlightened, and inspired me for 31 days.....you should check them out....it is worth the trip over to their blogs
I can honestly say that I visited each and every one of these sites....all 31 days! I met some amazing women, had a lot of laughs, and worried endlessly about my next post.
Have a great weekend!
Upholstery 101...Snow Day
Hello Everyone...we are having a snow day for upholstery class this week.
Actually, I should say it is a power outage day. Today is my 5th day without power. My family is safe and fine, so I will not complain. We have been staying with friends, hotel, and a cold dark house! Hopefully, I will be up and running soon!
Linda
Actually, I should say it is a power outage day. Today is my 5th day without power. My family is safe and fine, so I will not complain. We have been staying with friends, hotel, and a cold dark house! Hopefully, I will be up and running soon!
Linda
Due to Technical Difficulties.....Mother Nature
.....I am not able to continue with the challenge.....Mother Nature had other plans for me
Hope you are safe and well!
Got Paint?
......continuing on with the challenge, this is day 29 of 31.....for all 31, go here
The easiest way to transform a room is with paint. Well, now that might be true with upholstery, too.
Imagine if your white sofa had a permanant stain, you could do this
I think it takes a "pop of color" to a whole new level
I have never tried painting on fabric....but my friend has....
Danylle over at Nana Moon Shop did this great tutorial with fabric medium. She shows you how to turn this
into this
...and if you learn how to do that....then, you could do this
The easiest way to transform a room is with paint. Well, now that might be true with upholstery, too.
Imagine if your white sofa had a permanant stain, you could do this
 |
| Source |
I think it takes a "pop of color" to a whole new level
 |
| Source |
I have never tried painting on fabric....but my friend has....
Danylle over at Nana Moon Shop did this great tutorial with fabric medium. She shows you how to turn this
into this
...and if you learn how to do that....then, you could do this
 |
| Source |
Hop on over to check out this great tutorial. She would love to know what you think!
Although there are only two day remaining for the challenge, my upholstery tutorial will continue on Wednesdays. Thanks for stopping by