Waterproofing your home

Waterproofing our home is one of the major improvement we can do and we must do. Water drifts from the roof is not what we want to experience and will wet our basements, floors or even us. Waterproofing our home is a must do considering that water damage may ruins or weakens the structure of our house. Waterproofing a home protects whatever is inside, including those who live in it. When we plan for some renovations or improvements into our homes, bad weather or heavy rains must be considered first.

Planning of waterproofing the home should be done when there is still no major damage in your house though because doing it after experiencing a major damage is very difficult. Doing it by yourself or hiring a professional in waterproofing your home are your options but there would be much difference in the result of both. The damage done will be the one to be weighed whether you have to do it yourself or to do it by hiring a pro Having minor leaks or seeping in the home is considered minor damage and fixing it by yourself would be enough.

You do not have to call the pros if your problem is only some leaks that water may pass through and perhaps weakens the structure, instead you do it yourself. Instead, prepare yourself and the necessary materials and fix it yourself. Fix it yourself and prepare the necessary materials. Remove the old paint and the dirt and let loose the mortar by using a brush when you have located the part of the foundation or structure or roof that the water or moisture builds up. After cleaning and drying, repaint it with a paint that is waterproofed. Three to four coats is recommended for a better result.

Calling a pro to fix the problem is your option if there is a severe damage to be repaired. It may cost you a lot of money, but consider the things it can offer when the job is complete. When the job is complete, it may cost you a lot but consider what it has to offer.} In choosing, who is the best that can do the job, would not always be who bids the lowest but who do the best quality. Remember always to check the interior and the exterior of your walls and clean your gutter always to prevent having water build up in the structures of your home. To prevent water and moisture build up in your home will be prevented by checking your interior and exterior of your walls and also by cleaning your gutter always.

Energy saving tips

People all over the world are now very much concerned about the terrible effects of global warming. Conventional energy sources contribute to this phenomenon and at the same time, it also serves as a great financial worry among homeowners. People want to save the planet but they can’t possibly live without the great conveniences of today’s modern life. If you want to help in saving the environment, consider these home energy savings tips. You don’t have to be an expert in climate change or in alternative energy sources to make changes in your lifestyle. Follow these tips to ensure home energy saving:

Try to ensure that the electrical appliances are turned off. When you’re not using any of the appliances, shut them down. For those using computers with extra monitors, turn off the monitor when not in use. CFLs are better than incandescent bulbs and its energy saving too. When using air conditioners, you can still stay cool by setting the temperature at the lowest possible setting, just enough to hold back heat. You can also use ceiling fans instead so that the air inside the room is circulating. You don’t need to set the air con to maximum temperature because it’s also not comfortable to shiver inside the room.When washing clothes, try to wait until you have a full load. If the weather is sunny, you don’t need to use the dryer and instead, leave the clothes to dry outside on a clothesline or on a hanging rack. Less energy is consumed when the fridge or freezer is full. If you need to heat frozen foods in the over, leave them to defrost first. Unplug all unused appliances especially if you’re going out of the house. The fridge can still be left running but not the unnecessary ones.

5 Saving Energy Devices that can automate saving household energy:

1. Saving Energy Bulbs

Making improvements to your home lighting by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs such as fluorescent compact bulbs, LED lights and outdoor solar lighting is one of the fastest and easiest ways to save home energy. Once new efficient energy lighting technologies are in place, you can move on to the next project because your saving energy bulbs are on auto-pilot working to increase your energy light savings by 50-75 percent.

2. Programmable Heating Thermostat

If your house has central air conditioning, installing a programmable heating thermostat is something you really need to do. There’s absolutely no reason to pay for air conditioning or heating you don’t need. You can save up to 50% on your heating and cooling bill by programming the thermostat to automatically lower your home energy use when you are at work, away on vacation or asleep.

3. Energy Saving Surge Protectors

Vampire or phantom loads are appliances and devices that continue to use electricity after they power down. According to the Department of Energy, vampire energy loss is responsible for up to 15% of a home’s annual energy costs. The best way to get rid of these vampire loads, save home energy and have the devices available for use is to put them on energy-saving surge protectors. This is one of the most cost-effective saving electricity tips you can do as it can save you as much as $400 annually.

4. Star Energy Appliances

Adding these kinds of energy-saving devices throughout your home usually take some planning and budgeting. The important thing to remember though is that when you are in the market for a new refrigerator or dishwasher, purchase star energy appliances that carry the Energy Star logo on them. When you see this logo on appliances it means they qualify as saving energy devices.

5. Motion Sensor Lights and Light Timers

Using saving energy devices such as motion sensor lights and light timers can really help increase your energy light savings with little or no effort on your part except to install the devices. The way motion sensor lights work is the lights will come on automatically when you enter an area, or they go off after you leave. You can use motion sensor lights both inside and outside your home. In the case of light timers, you program them to automatically turn your lights on or off at predetermined times. Using saving energy devices as much as you can throughout your home can practically automate saving household energy. There’s nothing like saving money without having to try.