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LEARN HOW TO ELIMINATE CLUTTER WITH LINDA DURHAM AT THE FIFTH ANNUAL CY-FAIR HOME AND GARDEN SHOW

No Author — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:41:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX � Professional organizer Linda Durham believes that everyone can say goodbye to household clutter.

�You need to be as organized as you can to handle what life throws at you,� she said. �There are a lot of things you can�t control, but you can control your home and your stuff.�

Durham will describe her basic organizing techniques at the upcoming Fifth Annual Cy-Fair Home and Garden Show this weekendon February 25 and 26 at the Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, TX 77433.

EPA RELEASES GUIDELINES TO ENSURE HEALTHY INDOOR AIR DURING HOME ENERGY UPGRADES

No Author — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:53:00 EST

New protocols protect indoor air quality while enhancing home energy efficiency

WASHINGTON � The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades to better integrate health protections into energy efficiency programs. This first-of-its-kind guidance will provide the home energy industry the ability to identify, manage, and reduce health risks during home energy upgrades, retrofits or remodeling.

'These protocols will help the home energy retrofit industry deliver high quality work while protecting the health of families,' said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. 'Homeowners, occupants, and the energy services industry will benefit greatly from this simple and clear guidance for addressing critical indoor air quality risks during home energy upgrades. Following these protocols will help families save money on utilities while safeguarding their health.�

TURK'S CAP NAMED NEW TEXAS SUPERSTAR

No Author — Fri, 27 May 2011 11:33:00 EST

Talk about tough: It's drought tolerant, sun tolerant, shade tolerant -- even Roundup tolerant!

By: Robert Burns

COLLEGE STATION � Gardeners, hummingbirds and butterflies have it made in the shade with Turk�s cap, the newly designated Superstar by Texas AgriLife Research.

And �made in the sun too,� as the plant tolerates full sunlight as well, said Dr. Brent Pemberton, AgriLife Research horticulturist and chair of the Texas Superstar executive board.

ENERGY TIPS TO SAVE MONEY ON SUMMER COOLING

No Author — Fri, 20 May 2011 10:15:00 EST

With summer around the corner, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency�s (EPA) Energy Star program issued its annual list of ideas to help the public cut cooling costs, protect their health and stay comfortable at home.

The average home spends almost 20 percent of its utility bill on cooling. Increased energy production to run cooling systems not only raises costs, it also can contribute to pollution that adversely affects the quality of the air we breathe. Here are seven simple things that can be done to help protect your wallet and the environment:

MAY IS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH: AFFORDABLE WAYS TO MAKE A HOME SAFER WHEN DISASTERS STRIKE

No Author — Wed, 11 May 2011 13:18:00 EST

TAMPA, FL - President Obama has formally declared that May is �Building Safety Month� and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) takes this opportunity to remind all Americans that reducing the risk of damage from a variety of natural disasters can be fairly easy, effective and affordable.

Recent natural disasters, such as the historic tornadoes that ripped through Alabama, catastrophic flooding along the Mississippi River, fierce wildfires that recently burned from border to border in Texas, and the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan serve as reminders that Mother Nature is as powerful and deadly as she is unpredictable.

SPRING CLEANING: A PERFECT TIME FOR SAFETY

No Author — Sat, 07 May 2011 09:12:00 EST

Get rid of dangerous hazards in the home this spring

NEW YORK, NY - Do more than just a little cleaning this spring � make safety a priority in your home. While some safety measures are routine, there are some hidden dangers that you may be overlooking that can be dangerous for young children. According to information provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1990, more than 200 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling in window cords. With this in mind, here are a few tips to remember for spring cleaning to keep you home safe:

MANAGING 10 COMMON TEXAS YARD PESTS

No Author — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:42:00 EST

Gardening and yard care can give you satisfying results, such as beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife. However, yard pests can be discouraging, even for the most committed gardener. Learn environmentally friendly ways to get rid of these 10 common Texas yard pests, so that you can better enjoy your landscape, and take care of Texas in your yard.

Quick Tips to Avoid Pests

- Irrigate efficiently. Water infrequently, but thoroughly (generally 1 inch, once a week), and do so in the mornings.

- Use native and adapted plants, which are better suited to the local environment and can resist most pests.

TEN EASY WATER CONSERVATION TIPS

No Author — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:48:00 EST

1. Collect rainwater for outdoor use during the peak summer months, and you can save up to 1,300 gallons of water.

2. Watering your lawn in the morning saves water from being evaporated by the midday heat and reduces your water bill, too!

3. When needed, water your lawn one inch, once a week. Place a 6-ounce tuna can on your lawn and stop watering when it�s full.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG: IS YOUR PATIO OR DECK READY?

No Author — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:10:00 EST

Start planning for planting. Nothing ushers in spring as visually as perusing seed catalogs or clicking on gardening websites. Make a list of flowers or vegetables you�d like to try this year, and be sure to choose varieties that will thrive in your climate. Planning early ensures that you�ll plant early enough to enjoy the full season of all your plants.

Power wash your patio or deck. You can spend money on new patio furniture and endless hours getting your garden in shape, but all that hard work is tarnished if your patio isn�t up to par. If you don�t own a power washer, you can easily rent one. Just call around to your local rental centers and home stores now to find the best price.

DO'S AND DON'TS FOR KEEPING HARD WOOD FLOORING BEAUTIFUL

Pamela O'Brien — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:54:00 EST

Choose a species of hardwood by thinking of the type of traffic you expect in the area; the color by thinking of how much wear and everyday dust/dirt will be tracked in; and the finished look such as edge detail, smoothness or texture by thinking of the style as well as ease of maintenance.

Expect color variations, as hardwood is a natural material. Also, expect wood to change color over time as it oxidizes and ambers, caused from air and light conditions in your home.

TOP HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Pamela O'Brien — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 06:20:00 EST

If you are ready to start the New Year off with home improvement ideas in mind, join the club! The winter months are a great time to plan and even start some of the projects on your list. With colder weather, you can stay in and do your planning. Many contractors are slow at this time of year so you can easily get bids and start work.

Use these tips to help with your planning:

CLEARING OUT THE CLUTTER: 10 TIPS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Karen Wilber — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 06:55:00 EST

Clutter crowds drawers and shelves, making it hard to clean house. Clutter hides needed items, a money-waster if unlocated items are repurchased. Clutter can even rob others of comfort, when quality items languish in closets or under beds instead of being put to good use.

Ready to clear out some clutter in the new year? Here are 10 tips for cleaning up:

PUT A FREEZE ON CANDLE FIRES

No Author — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:54:00 EST

The warm glow of candles can help set the mood for holiday celebrations, but did you know that a home fire caused by candles is reported in the United States every 34 minutes?

The majority of candle fires result from human error and negligence. Candle fires and the damage they can cause are preventable.

· If possible, avoid using lighted candles.

· If you must use candles, place them in sturdy holders.

THIS WINTER KEEP THE HEAT INDOORS WITH FIVE EASY ENERGY STAR TIPS

No Author — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:31:00 EST

With cold weather setting in across the United States, homeowners are looking for ways to heat their homes while reducing their energy bills to save money. The average family spends $2,200 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency�s (EPA) Energy Star program offers five easy energy saving tips that can help families stay warm while keeping money in their wallets.

This winter season, follow these five tips to help you save money on heating bills and keep your home comfortable:

TIPS TO STAY WARM THIS WINTER

No Author — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:21:00 EST

From 2002 to 2007, the average home heating cost was $807.  But, the drop in temperature and rise in price doesn�t have to leave homeowners feeling icy. The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) has a few easy tips that will ensure the peace of mind that only safety and warmth can bring.

WCMA ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE REVISION OF WINDOW COVERINGS SAFETY STANDARD

No Author — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 07:50:00 EST

NEW YORK, NY -- In conjunction with National Window Covering Safety Month, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) announced Thursday that it has opened the revision process for ANSI/WCMA A100.1; 2^nd Provisional American National Standard for Safety of Corded Window Covering Products.

WCMA is committed to minimizing, in this comprehensive revision, the risks associated with free hanging operating cords, continuous loops, and bead chains in all window covering products. WCMA furthermore is committed to delivering a draft standard for ANSI canvass ballot by the end of National Window Covering Safety Month in October 2011, if not sooner.

WEATHERIZE YOUR HOME NOW, REAP BIG SAVINGS THIS WINTER

No Author — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 07:53:00 EST

Learn the benefits of weatherizing your house, as well as other ways to keep your dollar bills from flying out the window. Here are some helpful tips:

Weatherize Your House
Using proper insulation in your home and sealing off air leaks will help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, while reducing energy consumption and saving money. Weatherizing by using caulk and weather-stripping for seams, cracks, and openings to the outside of your home, can save you 10% on your energy bill. Properly insulating your home, in addition to weatherizing, can reduce heating and cooling costs up to 30%.
Annual Savings: $500

OCTOBER IS WINDOW COVERING SAFETY MONTH

No Author — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 11:20:00 EST

October marks the eighth annual national Window Covering Safety Month, sponsored by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC).

The entire month of October is dedicated to increasing the consumer�s awareness of window cord safety and urge parents with young children to replaceall corded blinds, shades and draperies with today�s growing variety of safer cordless products.

"COUNTING KILOWATTS" CAN HELP HOMEOWNERS SAVE BIG BUCKS

No Author — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 05:08:00 EST

IRVING, TX -- Imagine a high-tech box installed at your house with the �smarts� to show exactly how much energy you�re using - and when.

Well it�s here, but most people call it a �Smart Meter�. The sleek white meters track every kilowatt hour - by the hour - to allow for more more detailed billing. And customers who pay attention are saving cash.

FIVE TIPS FOR "GREEN" WINTERIZING A BOAT

No Author — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:20:00 EST

How To Put a Boat Away for the Winter and Protect the Environment

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Boat Owners Association of The United States has these five tips to help boaters be good stewards of the environment while they put their boats to bed for winter's long lay-up period:

Shrinkwrap recycling starts in the fall:While many boaters know that shrinkwrap is recycled in the spring, installing shrinkwrap in the fall also generates waste material. Ask your marina or club to set up a recycling program now to recycle the scrap leftover from covering boats. Shrinkwrap should also be separated from other trash. Putting it in a dumpster that is open to other refuse makes it unusable to recyclers. In addition, anytime shrinkwrap is recycled it must be 'clean': ropes, tie-downs, zippers, or plastic vents should be removed or else the wrap won't be picked up by recyclers.

KEEP YOUR PROPERTY SAFE WHEN YOU AREN'T THERE

No Author — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:05:00 EST

TAMPA, FL �Home and business owners can reduce their chances of property damage by taking measures ahead of time to protect their unoccupied house or business, according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The number of vacant homes in the U.S. rose from 14 million in 2008, to 19 million by the first quarter of 2010, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition, the number of vacant commercial properties also has risen significantly in the past few years. �Property protection measures are crucial for vacant buildings,� said Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. �Even relatively minor damage, such as water intrusion, that goes undiscovered and/or unrepaired can quickly grow into a serious, much more costly disaster.� The IBHS brochure, Is Your Home Alone? Keep It Safe When You're Not There, provides guidance on measures property owners can take to protect their vacant homes. Some of the key things homeowners should do if they know their house will be vacant include the following:

INCREASE YOUR HOME'S VALUE WITH DISASTER-RESISTANT RETROFITS

No Author — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 07:15:00 EST

TAMPA, FL � As new and existing home sales remain sluggish, one way sellers can increase appeal of their homes is by adding disaster-resistant retrofits, according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).

For sellers, the addition of properly installed disaster-resistant retrofits is a great way to differentiate their home from others on the market. For buyers, a disaster-resistant home represents a sound investment. �The bottom line is the buyer is getting more house for their money when they buy a home that has been properly retrofitted with disaster-resistant features,� said Julie Rochman, CEO & president of the IBHS. �A buyer is getting a house that is going to perform better during a natural disaster.�

IBHS OFFERS FACTS AND DISPELS MYTHS ABOUT HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

No Author — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:14:00 EST

TAMPA, FL -- With weather forecasters calling fora worse-than-average 2010 Atlantic basin hurricane season, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) offers effective ways to protect your home or business from the damaging effects of a hurricane. IBHS also dispels some common myths about hurricane preparedness.

TURNING SHOWERS INSIDE-OUT

No Author — Wed, 19 May 2010 06:37:00 EST

An outdoor copper shower can make a great addition for the summer months

As the weather gets warmer, it�s time to start prepping your house for the pool parties and BBQs that accompany the welcomed summer months. While you may think you have every backyard addition that makes your home the ultimate summer destination, there is one renovation that is quick, easy, inexpensive and will separate your house from the others on the block � an outdoor shower.