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.”
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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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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Time to clean out that closet
(Photo: Photo: Chris Scott)
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Ready to clear out some clutter in the new year? Here are 10 tips for cleaning up:
This winter season, follow these five tips to help you save money on heating bills and keep your home comfortable:
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; 2nd 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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:
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.
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.
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
