* What is an air purifier?
Air inside your home can be considerably dirtier than the air outside your home. An air purifier can free the air from pollutants and allergens indoors. These particles can be as small as 0.3 microns. Air purifiers can serve a double purpose as most air purifiers are also effective at removing odors from a room. Some purifiers use a method of ionization to capture and remove allergen particles in the air. Ionization forces airborne particles to stick to exterior surfaces. Then, air purifier sucks them up later on.
Regardless of how clean you keep your home or workplace, your air most likely contains some or all of the following pollutants or allergens:
Particles: dust, dust mites, allergens, smoke particles, pet dander, pollen
Microbes: mold spores, viruses, bacteria, and germs
Gas and Chemical Fumes: tobacco smoke, formaldehyde, benzene, nail treatment products
Odors: cooking, litter boxes, body, cigarette smoke, and pets
* How does an air purifier work?
The air purifier acts as a filter that inhibits tiny particles such as soot, dust, pollen, molds, animal dander and other pollution. An air purifier helps the air become clean and free from microorganisms.
An air purifer can be very effective at trapping allergens. The air enters the purifier and passes trough a chamber. When the air get inside the chamber the harmful residues are removed. The harmful residues are trapped inside the chamber, and the air that comes out of the purifier is safe and clean.
* Why do I need an air purifier?
An air purifier is important if you want to have clean air in your home. An air purifier can help reduce the amount of pollutants in the air that can be harmful to your health.
It also helps remove allergens like mold, bacteria, animal dander, dust, mites, excessive fumes, and a lot more. The pores in the filter membrane prevent contamination by some types of harmful particulates.
* Do air purifiers really help asthma patients?
One of the purposes of an air purifier is to have cleaner air. So far, there are studies that show that air purifiers do not have the capacity to prevent allergies and thus prevent asthma attacks. Even experts have mixed opinions about these conclusions.
It is widely accepted that air purifiers help in cleaning the air, but unfortunately there is little evidence of their effectiveness in the case of asthma sufferers.
* Are there different kinds of air filters?
Yes, there are five basic types of air filters:
1. Mechanical filters
These filters force air through a special mesh that traps pollutants and allergens.
2. Electronic filters
These air filters use electrical charges to attract and deposit pollutants and allergens. The most efficient filter of this type is the electrostatic filter. If the air purifier contains collecting plates, the particles are captured within the purifier. Otherwise, they stick to surfaces in the room and need to be cleaned.
3. Hybrid filters
These air filters contain the elements of both the mechanical and electrostatic filters.
4. Gas phase filters
These remove odors and gases such as cooking gas, gasses given off by paint or building materials, and perfumes. They cannot, however, remove particles.
5. Ozone generators
Although ozone cleans air, the EPA and the American Lung Association do not recommend these because ozone is harmful to the lungs, especially to asthma patients. This can be counter-productive to the purpose of using an air purifier
Monday, June 25, 2007
A Fire Safety Escape Plan Tells Everyone What To Do If Your Home Catches On Fire.
In 2004, the 410 thousand residential fires in America caused more than 14 thousand injuries and 3 thousand deaths, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). You can prevent fire-related deaths and injuries, and even most residential fires by being knowledgeable about fire safety. Ensure your and your family's safety by creating an escape plan, teaching children fire safety and fire-proofing your home.
Fire Safety Escape Plan
A fire safety escape plan tells everyone what to do if your home catches on fire. Your family needs to discuss fire safety issues, and design an escape plan for your home. The escape plan needs to inform everyone in your family of the two safest routes out of each room in your house and where to meet once outside.
When discussing fire safety issues with your family, it is also a good idea to talk about each person's responsibilities in the case of a fire, such as who helps whom out of the house. Be sure to explain to each family member to crawl to a safe exit; don't stop to save anything, and, if possible, to alert others by yelling "FIRE!" or beating on doors as they crawl by.
Fire Safety and Kids
Fire safety and education begins with children. Tragically, children cause over thousands of residential fires each year, the majority stemming from children playing with matches. You need to teach your children to obey the following fire safety rules: Never play with matches or lighters, always have an adult help you when cooking, never touch gasoline or any other flammable liquids.
Always STOP, DROP, AND ROLL! If you or your clothes catch on fire. Never place anything into an electrical outlet and always get help from an adult if something catches on fire.
Your children are the most important people in your life, so educate them about fire safety and prevention.
Fire Safety and Your Home
Electrical fires are the most common type of residential fires in America. The following fire safety tips lower the probability of residential electrical fires: Don't overload outlets or piggy-back extension cords, Keep all combustible items, such as hairspray and household cleaners, away from all heaters, Check all electrical tools and appliances for frayed or cracked cords, Purchase electrical appliances that meet the Underwriter's Laboratory's (UL) safety requirements and Keep children away from electrical appliances, such as heaters and irons.
Electric stoves, ovens, stereos, heaters, and clothes dryers are responsible for the majority residential electrical fires. Follow all manufacturers' instructions, and use all appliances carefully and responsibly. Sometimes, no matter the precautionary fire safety steps you take, an electrical fire can still occur. If this happens, knowing the proper fire safety procedure is invaluable in keeping your home safe. Shut off burning appliances by unplugging the cord, Put out small fires with your home fire extinguisher, Do not put water on electrical fires, Get everyone out of the house and Do not try to handle large fires by yourself; call 911, report the fire, and tell them it is an electrical fire.
Educating yourself and your family on fire safety helps to lower your chances of a residential fire and gives you the knowledge of what to do in the case of a fire.
Fire Safety Escape Plan
A fire safety escape plan tells everyone what to do if your home catches on fire. Your family needs to discuss fire safety issues, and design an escape plan for your home. The escape plan needs to inform everyone in your family of the two safest routes out of each room in your house and where to meet once outside.
When discussing fire safety issues with your family, it is also a good idea to talk about each person's responsibilities in the case of a fire, such as who helps whom out of the house. Be sure to explain to each family member to crawl to a safe exit; don't stop to save anything, and, if possible, to alert others by yelling "FIRE!" or beating on doors as they crawl by.
Fire Safety and Kids
Fire safety and education begins with children. Tragically, children cause over thousands of residential fires each year, the majority stemming from children playing with matches. You need to teach your children to obey the following fire safety rules: Never play with matches or lighters, always have an adult help you when cooking, never touch gasoline or any other flammable liquids.
Always STOP, DROP, AND ROLL! If you or your clothes catch on fire. Never place anything into an electrical outlet and always get help from an adult if something catches on fire.
Your children are the most important people in your life, so educate them about fire safety and prevention.
Fire Safety and Your Home
Electrical fires are the most common type of residential fires in America. The following fire safety tips lower the probability of residential electrical fires: Don't overload outlets or piggy-back extension cords, Keep all combustible items, such as hairspray and household cleaners, away from all heaters, Check all electrical tools and appliances for frayed or cracked cords, Purchase electrical appliances that meet the Underwriter's Laboratory's (UL) safety requirements and Keep children away from electrical appliances, such as heaters and irons.
Electric stoves, ovens, stereos, heaters, and clothes dryers are responsible for the majority residential electrical fires. Follow all manufacturers' instructions, and use all appliances carefully and responsibly. Sometimes, no matter the precautionary fire safety steps you take, an electrical fire can still occur. If this happens, knowing the proper fire safety procedure is invaluable in keeping your home safe. Shut off burning appliances by unplugging the cord, Put out small fires with your home fire extinguisher, Do not put water on electrical fires, Get everyone out of the house and Do not try to handle large fires by yourself; call 911, report the fire, and tell them it is an electrical fire.
Educating yourself and your family on fire safety helps to lower your chances of a residential fire and gives you the knowledge of what to do in the case of a fire.
Your Soundproofing Solution
Soundproofing a wall or a ceiling is one of the most challenging construction applications in the world today. To help you with these applications, Acoustical Solutions introduces Green Glue. Green Glue is a liquid sound damping compound used between layers of drywall or other building materials.
Moving to a new home, installing a home theater, having a new baby, getting new neighbors, or just growing weary of the everyday noise are all reasons that cause people to want to consider soundproofing. Another common soundproofing complaint is footstep noise from rooms above. “I can hear my neighbors walking and sliding their chairs.” In a world where hard surfaced floors are increasingly popular, this problem is becoming increasingly important, and quality strategies and solutions are needed.
Acoustical Solutions, Inc. of Richmond, Virginia, who has been offering sound barriers, sound absorption and sound isolation products for twenty years, is now proud to introduce Green Glue. Green Glue is a liquid, waterborne, sound damping compound, which represents the highest performance product of its type. It is used in between sheets of drywall, subflooring or other building materials. It is significantly lower in applied cost than competitive products, with an excellent cost/performance ratio. It is also remarkably tolerant to real-world application conditions and carries almost none of the burden of precision required by many soundproofing systems.
The best application for green glue is between sheets of drywall, OSB or Plywood over the main part of a wall, floor or other structure. Green Glue will not be effective as a paint or coating. Green Glue is non-toxic with no mixing required. For walls, floors and ceilings, this product drastically reduces impact and airborne noise. It can also be used in commercial environments, new construction or remodeling of an existing space as well as home theaters, and recording studios.
Sound damping is a very straightforward concept. Simply put, sound damping is the rate at which something dissipates energy. In a constrained layer damping system, sometimes referred to as CLD, a damping material is sandwiched between two other (usually stiff/rigid) materials. For example, Green Glue sandwiched between two layers of drywall. Sound damping occurs when the viscoelastic center of the "sandwich" is sheared. The shearing pulls and stretches on the sound damping material. Under these conditions, the unique polymeric construction of Green Glue very efficiently converts this mechanical energy to heat. The vibration energy is not isolated; it's dissipated and removed.
Green Glue comes in 29 oz. tubes. You can use any quart size caulk gun, available at most hardware and building material stores. It is very fast and easy to apply. No special skills whatsoever are required. Recommended application is two tubes of Green Glue per 4' x 8' area or two tubes per standard sheet of drywall. If you are not on a budget, utilizing three tubes per sheet will improve performance. Each case of Green Glue covers about 192 square feet, or 128 square feet if used at the three tubes coverage rate. Do not use more than three tubes per 4' x 8' sheet, as performance will actually decline above three tubes per sheet.
Moving to a new home, installing a home theater, having a new baby, getting new neighbors, or just growing weary of the everyday noise are all reasons that cause people to want to consider soundproofing. Another common soundproofing complaint is footstep noise from rooms above. “I can hear my neighbors walking and sliding their chairs.” In a world where hard surfaced floors are increasingly popular, this problem is becoming increasingly important, and quality strategies and solutions are needed.
Acoustical Solutions, Inc. of Richmond, Virginia, who has been offering sound barriers, sound absorption and sound isolation products for twenty years, is now proud to introduce Green Glue. Green Glue is a liquid, waterborne, sound damping compound, which represents the highest performance product of its type. It is used in between sheets of drywall, subflooring or other building materials. It is significantly lower in applied cost than competitive products, with an excellent cost/performance ratio. It is also remarkably tolerant to real-world application conditions and carries almost none of the burden of precision required by many soundproofing systems.
The best application for green glue is between sheets of drywall, OSB or Plywood over the main part of a wall, floor or other structure. Green Glue will not be effective as a paint or coating. Green Glue is non-toxic with no mixing required. For walls, floors and ceilings, this product drastically reduces impact and airborne noise. It can also be used in commercial environments, new construction or remodeling of an existing space as well as home theaters, and recording studios.
Sound damping is a very straightforward concept. Simply put, sound damping is the rate at which something dissipates energy. In a constrained layer damping system, sometimes referred to as CLD, a damping material is sandwiched between two other (usually stiff/rigid) materials. For example, Green Glue sandwiched between two layers of drywall. Sound damping occurs when the viscoelastic center of the "sandwich" is sheared. The shearing pulls and stretches on the sound damping material. Under these conditions, the unique polymeric construction of Green Glue very efficiently converts this mechanical energy to heat. The vibration energy is not isolated; it's dissipated and removed.
Green Glue comes in 29 oz. tubes. You can use any quart size caulk gun, available at most hardware and building material stores. It is very fast and easy to apply. No special skills whatsoever are required. Recommended application is two tubes of Green Glue per 4' x 8' area or two tubes per standard sheet of drywall. If you are not on a budget, utilizing three tubes per sheet will improve performance. Each case of Green Glue covers about 192 square feet, or 128 square feet if used at the three tubes coverage rate. Do not use more than three tubes per 4' x 8' sheet, as performance will actually decline above three tubes per sheet.
Choosing The Perfect Window Evaporative Coolers
Window evaporative coolers are cost-effective coolers that should be placed near the doors and windows. This will ensure proper flow of fresh air through the window. The stale air that will be released by the air cooler can also move out of the window easily. This will ensure proper flow of fresh and clean air in the surrounding all the time.
With its sophisticated look and classic working system, window evaporative coolers is a class apart from the typical other air coolers. Installed in a window or through-the-wall mounted with powerful double blowers, the evaporative coolers can cool the rooms up to 350-500 square feet. Ranging from small mobile units that can cool one room at a time to large units that can cool an entire home, window evaporative coolers are simply awesome.
Outstanding Features Of Window Evaporative Coolers
Whether it’s the alpha-sat technology that ensures highest cooling by simply increasing the saturation level, or wide angle blowers that aid in expansion of air throw or aerodynamic front grill fins, each of the features are designed for minimizing enhanced noise level. All of these outstanding features also ensure a high comfort level to all. Following are the other outstanding features of window evaporative coolers:
Cooling pads – these air coolers use natural aspen pads that provide cooling effects to a huge space.
Slide-in-pad frames – helps in easy access
Motor – helps in easy functioning of the coolers
Open grille design – aids in greater air flow
Bleed-off kit – ensures consistent performance by minimizing scale build-up
Louvers – individually adjusted horizontal and vertical structures for precise air control
The trim profile of the evaporative coolers embraces the entire home, making them the perfect choice wherever space is limited – for your home and garage.
Advantages Of Window Evaporative Coolers
The window evaporative coolers are the low-cost alternatives to the otherwise expensive refrigerated air conditioning system. They are basically based on the natural process of evaporation for its working system. There are optional evaporative coolers that come in package with optional filters that help in driving out dust, pollen and other dirt from the entire home. These air coolers work efficiently by sucking the air from the exterior of your home through the window and pull the air across pads saturated in water. As the cooled air enters the home, sinking and pushing the rising hot air out of the home and spreading cool air throughout the space.
Other Unique Details Of Window Evaporative Coolers
The contemporary design and superlative performance of the evaporative coolers can make it the world’s largest selling models. The capacity of an evaporative air cooler is measured in CFM [cubic feet per minute]. The key to efficient evaporative cooling system lies with the design of the cooler pads and relative humidity of the ambient air. You can use synthetic fiber materials in these cooler pads because they cost much less and last much longer. The pads are also effective because they are biodegradable and help in cooling of the room much better than natural pads. The evaporative air coolers are truly energy-efficient and are easily serviceable by any of the homeowners who have minimum knowledge of screwdrivers and mechanics. To make your evaporative air cooler work properly you should take the help of the professional service technicians
With its sophisticated look and classic working system, window evaporative coolers is a class apart from the typical other air coolers. Installed in a window or through-the-wall mounted with powerful double blowers, the evaporative coolers can cool the rooms up to 350-500 square feet. Ranging from small mobile units that can cool one room at a time to large units that can cool an entire home, window evaporative coolers are simply awesome.
Outstanding Features Of Window Evaporative Coolers
Whether it’s the alpha-sat technology that ensures highest cooling by simply increasing the saturation level, or wide angle blowers that aid in expansion of air throw or aerodynamic front grill fins, each of the features are designed for minimizing enhanced noise level. All of these outstanding features also ensure a high comfort level to all. Following are the other outstanding features of window evaporative coolers:
Cooling pads – these air coolers use natural aspen pads that provide cooling effects to a huge space.
Slide-in-pad frames – helps in easy access
Motor – helps in easy functioning of the coolers
Open grille design – aids in greater air flow
Bleed-off kit – ensures consistent performance by minimizing scale build-up
Louvers – individually adjusted horizontal and vertical structures for precise air control
The trim profile of the evaporative coolers embraces the entire home, making them the perfect choice wherever space is limited – for your home and garage.
Advantages Of Window Evaporative Coolers
The window evaporative coolers are the low-cost alternatives to the otherwise expensive refrigerated air conditioning system. They are basically based on the natural process of evaporation for its working system. There are optional evaporative coolers that come in package with optional filters that help in driving out dust, pollen and other dirt from the entire home. These air coolers work efficiently by sucking the air from the exterior of your home through the window and pull the air across pads saturated in water. As the cooled air enters the home, sinking and pushing the rising hot air out of the home and spreading cool air throughout the space.
Other Unique Details Of Window Evaporative Coolers
The contemporary design and superlative performance of the evaporative coolers can make it the world’s largest selling models. The capacity of an evaporative air cooler is measured in CFM [cubic feet per minute]. The key to efficient evaporative cooling system lies with the design of the cooler pads and relative humidity of the ambient air. You can use synthetic fiber materials in these cooler pads because they cost much less and last much longer. The pads are also effective because they are biodegradable and help in cooling of the room much better than natural pads. The evaporative air coolers are truly energy-efficient and are easily serviceable by any of the homeowners who have minimum knowledge of screwdrivers and mechanics. To make your evaporative air cooler work properly you should take the help of the professional service technicians
Hurricane Shutters Have A Very Intersting History
It’s a win/win situation that plantation shutters are useful and beautiful.
These shutters offer both to today’s homeowner. The Ancient Greeks are responsible for the credit of these hot window treatments. They used them for both their security and also for privacy. The shutters that are now used for Hurricane use were used in the interior to close windows.
These shutters are a staple of Classic Greek Architecture. This structure in building design later inspired architecture throughout our Western world.
The basic historical uses of these shutters were much the same as windows are to you and I today. They keep out intruders, uncomfortable weather, and sunlight.
Elements of Greek architecture have influenced the style of many buildings and homes from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th century in the U.S. It was hugely common in banks, offices, and many public government buildings.
The plantation mansions from the South back in the day, were inspired heavily on the architecture of the Greeks. Mansions of the immense plantations from South Carolina all the way to the western edges of today’s Mississippi were also inspired from the architectural fundamentals of the Greeks.
A lot of these have been restored in certain areas of Mississippi.
Plantation owners followed the Greeks and used shutters for both their attractiveness and their functional aspect. These homeowners needed a level of protection to their homes.
In the time leading up to the Civil War, the widespread areas of the south were lightly populated, as well, the plantations were isolated – therefore leaving the plantation owner vulnerable to attacks from bands of robbers and/or revolting slaves.
You’re likely not in the market for Plantation shutters for any of the reason stated above, however they have caught on as a viable and beautiful addition to many homes.
There are some things to consider about choosing hurricane shutters, what they’re also known as. Here’s how to choose your plantation shutters:
· These shutters are heavier than your normal shutter, and some extra home repair may be needed. For instance, additional framing may be required if the window casings that are presently on the frame will not support the hinges of the heavier shutters.
· Be mindful of the louvers width. An extra wide louver will let more light and air in than you may be hoping for.
· You’ll have to decide whether you want vinyl or wood shutters. Vinyl shutters are much more efficient being that they are easier to clean and don’t warp. However, if you’re going for vanity, the wooden shutters will give your home a much warmer feeling overall.
· Your choice between fixed or movable louvers should be an easy one actually. If you like the freedom to open and shut easily your shutters, and let the light and ventilation come through, then the adjustable is the way to go for you.
· It’s always best to ask around before making any purchase, and your shutters are no different. Search around and read reviews online, and magazine articles to help you make the best decision.
· Always find a reputable company with a trustworthy warranty against defects in both materials and workmanship.
Though you’ll be using the Plantation Shutters primarily for home improvement, it’s always nice to know the history of interesting pieces of your home.
These shutters offer both to today’s homeowner. The Ancient Greeks are responsible for the credit of these hot window treatments. They used them for both their security and also for privacy. The shutters that are now used for Hurricane use were used in the interior to close windows.
These shutters are a staple of Classic Greek Architecture. This structure in building design later inspired architecture throughout our Western world.
The basic historical uses of these shutters were much the same as windows are to you and I today. They keep out intruders, uncomfortable weather, and sunlight.
Elements of Greek architecture have influenced the style of many buildings and homes from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th century in the U.S. It was hugely common in banks, offices, and many public government buildings.
The plantation mansions from the South back in the day, were inspired heavily on the architecture of the Greeks. Mansions of the immense plantations from South Carolina all the way to the western edges of today’s Mississippi were also inspired from the architectural fundamentals of the Greeks.
A lot of these have been restored in certain areas of Mississippi.
Plantation owners followed the Greeks and used shutters for both their attractiveness and their functional aspect. These homeowners needed a level of protection to their homes.
In the time leading up to the Civil War, the widespread areas of the south were lightly populated, as well, the plantations were isolated – therefore leaving the plantation owner vulnerable to attacks from bands of robbers and/or revolting slaves.
You’re likely not in the market for Plantation shutters for any of the reason stated above, however they have caught on as a viable and beautiful addition to many homes.
There are some things to consider about choosing hurricane shutters, what they’re also known as. Here’s how to choose your plantation shutters:
· These shutters are heavier than your normal shutter, and some extra home repair may be needed. For instance, additional framing may be required if the window casings that are presently on the frame will not support the hinges of the heavier shutters.
· Be mindful of the louvers width. An extra wide louver will let more light and air in than you may be hoping for.
· You’ll have to decide whether you want vinyl or wood shutters. Vinyl shutters are much more efficient being that they are easier to clean and don’t warp. However, if you’re going for vanity, the wooden shutters will give your home a much warmer feeling overall.
· Your choice between fixed or movable louvers should be an easy one actually. If you like the freedom to open and shut easily your shutters, and let the light and ventilation come through, then the adjustable is the way to go for you.
· It’s always best to ask around before making any purchase, and your shutters are no different. Search around and read reviews online, and magazine articles to help you make the best decision.
· Always find a reputable company with a trustworthy warranty against defects in both materials and workmanship.
Though you’ll be using the Plantation Shutters primarily for home improvement, it’s always nice to know the history of interesting pieces of your home.
Upscale Goes Green: Homeowners Focus Increasingly on Sustainable Energy, Renewable Building Materials
A quiet revolution is going on in the real estate sector. Many successful professionals are putting considerable money into building their own dream homes, and many of those professionals are choosing to build according to green principles.
Perhaps the first decision these new homeowners face is how to heat and cool their homes. Before even considering what sort of heating and cooling system they will choose, they need to decide on a design and materials for the exterior structure. Alternative building methods including rammed earth, straw bale, and flying concrete construction feature thick walls, often over a foot thick, which conserve heat in the winter and keep the home cool in the summer. Some homeowners are even opting for subterranean dwellings, using the natural insulating quality of the earth to lessen their need for additional heating. Even when opting for conventional wood structures, homeowners are choosing the latest insulation materials, which offer optimal heat conservation with little to no outgassing of toxic fumes.
Energy-conserving heating systems, some of which create radiant heat from hot water pumped through pipes beneath the floors, save on energy; passive solar construction - homes with south-facing exposure and large windows - allows the sun to warm the home. Solar panels provide electricity for lights and electrical appliances, and gray water systems recycle used water for additional use in the home. Some homeowners in colder climates opt for wood- or wood-pellet-burning furnaces rather than the conventional oil furnace, installing modern furnaces designed to minimize emissions.
Green-building homeowners and more and more developers opt for natural and sometimes manmade materials created from renewable resources, materials which do not expose residents to health risks. Vinyl, which is infamous for outgassing toxic fumes, is rejected in favor of safer materials; hardwood flooring, much of it harvested from old-growth forests, is replaced with materials like bamboo, and cork, two renewable materials providing two very different, attractive looks in flooring.
Those not in the position to design and build their own home still have the option of "greening" an existing home, using a wealth of safe, nontoxic natural materials. Conventional plywood, which is manufactured using urea formaldehyde, can be replaced with a number of new, safer materials, including "Plyboo," created from bamboo. Kiln-fired clay tiles, wood from sustainable forests, natural, safe interior and exterior paints, and a host of other materials help create a clean, healthy home environment.
Building and renovating green currently costs more than using conventional materials; some green builders estimate the difference at about 15 percent. However, recently wood prices have soared, and increasing transportation costs due to the rising cost of gasoline and diesel has impacted the price of building materials, so the difference in cost between conventional and green building may well even out. As it stands now, increasing numbers of prospective homeowners are willing to pay a premium for a home made of attractive, sustainable, and healthy building materials
Perhaps the first decision these new homeowners face is how to heat and cool their homes. Before even considering what sort of heating and cooling system they will choose, they need to decide on a design and materials for the exterior structure. Alternative building methods including rammed earth, straw bale, and flying concrete construction feature thick walls, often over a foot thick, which conserve heat in the winter and keep the home cool in the summer. Some homeowners are even opting for subterranean dwellings, using the natural insulating quality of the earth to lessen their need for additional heating. Even when opting for conventional wood structures, homeowners are choosing the latest insulation materials, which offer optimal heat conservation with little to no outgassing of toxic fumes.
Energy-conserving heating systems, some of which create radiant heat from hot water pumped through pipes beneath the floors, save on energy; passive solar construction - homes with south-facing exposure and large windows - allows the sun to warm the home. Solar panels provide electricity for lights and electrical appliances, and gray water systems recycle used water for additional use in the home. Some homeowners in colder climates opt for wood- or wood-pellet-burning furnaces rather than the conventional oil furnace, installing modern furnaces designed to minimize emissions.
Green-building homeowners and more and more developers opt for natural and sometimes manmade materials created from renewable resources, materials which do not expose residents to health risks. Vinyl, which is infamous for outgassing toxic fumes, is rejected in favor of safer materials; hardwood flooring, much of it harvested from old-growth forests, is replaced with materials like bamboo, and cork, two renewable materials providing two very different, attractive looks in flooring.
Those not in the position to design and build their own home still have the option of "greening" an existing home, using a wealth of safe, nontoxic natural materials. Conventional plywood, which is manufactured using urea formaldehyde, can be replaced with a number of new, safer materials, including "Plyboo," created from bamboo. Kiln-fired clay tiles, wood from sustainable forests, natural, safe interior and exterior paints, and a host of other materials help create a clean, healthy home environment.
Building and renovating green currently costs more than using conventional materials; some green builders estimate the difference at about 15 percent. However, recently wood prices have soared, and increasing transportation costs due to the rising cost of gasoline and diesel has impacted the price of building materials, so the difference in cost between conventional and green building may well even out. As it stands now, increasing numbers of prospective homeowners are willing to pay a premium for a home made of attractive, sustainable, and healthy building materials
Window Coverings: Offers a Functional and Stylish Look
Window shades and Venetian blinds are two of the most versatile and functional window coverings that exist today. Both allow you to adjust the level of light that enters your room through multiple methods. Window coverings are a great way to keep the damaging UV rays of the sun from damaging carpet, fabrics, and furniture in your home. Perhaps the most important reason to have window covering in your home however, is the fashion statement they have come to make in recent years.
Most people haven’t really considered the fashion impact that window shades can have on your windows. For quite a few, these are simply inexpensive ways in which to keep the sun out. For this reason, you will often find homes that seem to have no rhyme, reason, or style as far as the window treatments go. Do not allow yourself to be a victim of no style window treatments due to budget restraints or lack of imagination.
If you have a décor that is country or rustic avoid shiny window treatments or vinyl that is so common in mini blinds. If you must use blinds then try for wooden blinds rather than the traditional vinyl or plastic looking blinds. However, the best window treatments for rooms such as this are those that include hinged shutters or window shades that are made with bunched fabric.
If your décor has a touch of the Orient, then you might be glad to know some of the least expensive window treatments on the market will work wonderfully. Bamboo shades are ideal for this type of décor as are blinds made from rice paper. Both of these are rather inexpensive and can greatly enhance the appearance of an oriental room. They also blend well with furniture that is oriental in appearance, particularly teak and rattan.
If you have an Italian Modern décor in your home, then Venetian blinds are probably the best possible choice for your window treatments. You may find that the modern look of Venetian blinds is just what the designer had in mind but take care that you do not go overboard and have your room looking institutional rather than modern.
If you’re going for an ultra modern look then brightly colored roll down shades might provide just the right accent for the vinyl or plastic looking furniture associated with this particular look. Venetian blinds blend well with the ultra modern look particularly if you go with some sort of interesting veneer for the blinds that will properly offset the attitude of the room. Good examples of this would be faux leather or colors representing a by gone era such as bright orange or brown.
Of course appearance isn’t everything practicality should play an important role in the decisions you are making as well. For instance, rice paper window treatments aren’t the best idea for bedroom windows as they do very little to keep the light out.
There is really no reason other than a complete and total lack of imagination to have drab window dressings in this day and age. Roll down shades and Venetian blinds can be found in any number of styles and designs that are suitable for almost any décor. You can even purchase them in nursery colors if you are so inclined. Leather Venetian blinds offer a creative touch to libraries or home offices and window shades can be purchased to compliment nearly any décor or just to identify a particular hobby or passion. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is that today’s window coverings are probably more affordable than ever before while allowing for a great deal of versatility and creativity.
Most people haven’t really considered the fashion impact that window shades can have on your windows. For quite a few, these are simply inexpensive ways in which to keep the sun out. For this reason, you will often find homes that seem to have no rhyme, reason, or style as far as the window treatments go. Do not allow yourself to be a victim of no style window treatments due to budget restraints or lack of imagination.
If you have a décor that is country or rustic avoid shiny window treatments or vinyl that is so common in mini blinds. If you must use blinds then try for wooden blinds rather than the traditional vinyl or plastic looking blinds. However, the best window treatments for rooms such as this are those that include hinged shutters or window shades that are made with bunched fabric.
If your décor has a touch of the Orient, then you might be glad to know some of the least expensive window treatments on the market will work wonderfully. Bamboo shades are ideal for this type of décor as are blinds made from rice paper. Both of these are rather inexpensive and can greatly enhance the appearance of an oriental room. They also blend well with furniture that is oriental in appearance, particularly teak and rattan.
If you have an Italian Modern décor in your home, then Venetian blinds are probably the best possible choice for your window treatments. You may find that the modern look of Venetian blinds is just what the designer had in mind but take care that you do not go overboard and have your room looking institutional rather than modern.
If you’re going for an ultra modern look then brightly colored roll down shades might provide just the right accent for the vinyl or plastic looking furniture associated with this particular look. Venetian blinds blend well with the ultra modern look particularly if you go with some sort of interesting veneer for the blinds that will properly offset the attitude of the room. Good examples of this would be faux leather or colors representing a by gone era such as bright orange or brown.
Of course appearance isn’t everything practicality should play an important role in the decisions you are making as well. For instance, rice paper window treatments aren’t the best idea for bedroom windows as they do very little to keep the light out.
There is really no reason other than a complete and total lack of imagination to have drab window dressings in this day and age. Roll down shades and Venetian blinds can be found in any number of styles and designs that are suitable for almost any décor. You can even purchase them in nursery colors if you are so inclined. Leather Venetian blinds offer a creative touch to libraries or home offices and window shades can be purchased to compliment nearly any décor or just to identify a particular hobby or passion. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is that today’s window coverings are probably more affordable than ever before while allowing for a great deal of versatility and creativity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)