04/07/12

Spring is the time to change the direction of your ceiling fans to reach maximum efficiency. In the winter months, fans running clockwise help push heat down to keep a chilly room warm. In the warmer months, switch the direction so it runs counter clockwise to help create a nice breeze inside your home. Most fans have a switch on the side that can help you easily reverse the rotation of the blades.

04/06/12

Air conditioning units can be real energy hogs in hot summer months. So, this spring take the time to plant shade-giving trees and plants around your HVAC system or window units to get them out of the sun. Cooler air helps the compressors run more efficiently, so any shade you can give them will keep your home comfortable and your wallet a little fatter. And remember to replace the air filters in your cooling system; it's an easy thing to do to keep your system running as efficiently as possible all summer long.

04/05/12

Spring is a time when lots of homeowners are redecorating by repainting the inside of their homes. When choosing paint, look for semigloss or satin finish instead of matte paint. The sheen helps reflect more light from light fixtures, so you can use fewer lights with lower-wattage bulbs. Plus, you can use an online calculator so you don't overbuy paint. These calculators will use the dimensions of your room to tell you precisely the number of gallons and quarts you need.