Going green has never been more high tech

Going%20green%20has%20never%20been%20more%20high%20tech

Think going green will cost too much or take too much time? You might be surprised at how much time, energy and money you can save by making a few changes in your home to make it more energy efficient. And don’t worry that it will be too much work because some new high tech tools are making it easier than ever.

Green living expert Megan McLendon is the executive producer at www.doyourpart.com, and she recommends several options for making a powerful impact.

Take stock of the situation

Do you really know how much energy you use to run your household? Think about everything you run or turn on during the day. Consider your heating and cooling systems, appliances and electronics. The average single-family household racks up more than $2,000 in energy bills each year. Home electricity monitors make it easy to see how much energy you use and what you spend on it. A device called The Energy Detective can monitor the energy your home consumes in real time and the exact amount it’s costing you. You can chart 10 years’ worth of data and even review your information remotely. The basic model costs around $200. Then, there are free ways to help you see what’s using the most energy at home and help you target those hot spots. MyEnergy.com compiles information directly from your utility companies and is able to compare your usage to that of some of your neighbors. You can also earn reward points for using less energy.

Hit the energy hogs

Now, that you know how much energy you’re really using at home, it’s time to hit those energy hogs hard. Start with making your heating and cooling systems more efficient. So-called “smart” thermostats are now available and are easy to use. The Nest thermostat is one such device that actually learns from your family’s behavior. Soon after installation, it will automatically begin to lower or increase the temperature when you go to bed or leave the house. It even allows you to look at its daily energy use and access the thermostat from your computer or smartphone.

There are also other intuitive devices to help you reduce your energy consumption at home. A power strip for sale by Belkin will shut down power going to a series of electronics by simply turning off one of the components. This is a great solution for home offices and entertainment centers. And here’s another smart tip: For those items at home which run off batteries, invest in reusable ones. They will cost a little more than regular batteries but more than make up for that cost in the long run. A gadget that will easily help you make the switch is the Energizer Universal Charger. This device will charge AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V batteries, so you also reduce clutter by only having one charger for all of your battery charging needs.

Put it all together

Once you have the information you need, you can easily put it all together to analyze. EnergyHub has a product that works as a command center for your home. You can access all your energy information in one place so you can control your thermostat, lights and appliances from a central home location or remotely. General Electric is also rolling out a hub system called the Nucleus that does the same thing and is compatible with smart meters.

Knowledge is power. When you know how much energy your home is using, it’s easier to come up with strategies to lower your energy usage and lower your utility bills. It’s another important way to do your part without wasting your energy.

IMAGE CAPTIONS:

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Caption 1: Reviewing your energy consumption regularly can help you see how much energy you use and where you can cut down.

Caption 2: Intuitive devices like this advanced power strip and battery charger help you reduce your energy consumption at home.

Courtesy of BPT

About the Publisher

Bo Kauffmann is a residential real estate agent with over 18 yrs experience in helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals. Inducted into the REMAX Hall of Fame in 2010 and receiving the REMAX Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Bo has sold over 500 houses and condos in the Greater Winnipeg market. He is an accredited buyer representative (A.B.R.) and a Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. Bo provides exceptional service to First-Time Home-Buyers, Seniors looking to downsize and Home Sellers of all ages. He can be reached easily By E-Mail or call/text him Call/Text Here

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Home Improvements Latest Posts

Stair Chair Lifts for your house or condo

Stair chair lifts for your home

Stairlifts, also called a stair chair, are valuable additions to any residential or commercial building. In fact, they can be a cost-effective alternative to an elevator, which would require the installation of shafts, cable systems, cabins, and so on. The operation of a stairlift is simple – it takes the user up and down a stairway at just the press of a button. The actual cost of a stairlift depends on various factors which are discussed below.

Stair Chair Lifts – Factors determining Costs

The main factors on which the cost of a stairlift depends:

Stairway configuration – The type of stairway – curved, spiral or straight – is one of the main factors that influence cost. Installing curved stair lifts would involve a greater expense than setting up straight stairlifts.

Battery-operated – Battery-operated models or DC models are more expensive than electrically-operated or AC stairlifts. DC models have the advantage that they can be operated even during power outages as they are battery-supported.

Additional features – If you customize a stair lift, it would raise the price. For instance, you can have a lift that includes a wheelchair platform. You can also have it fitted with arms. These adjustments would result in a higher cost. In any case, features such as swivel seat, non-skid adjustable foot rest, safety braking system, obstruction sensors and seat belts are standard in almost all models.

Brands – Going in for a good brand is would mean paying a higher price, but ensure good value for money. The technology and features incorporated raise the cost of stair chair lifts. Some of the quality stairlifts available from leading manufacturers include Electra-Ride Elite Outdoor, Electra-Ride III, Electra-Ride Elite, Step Saver, B.07, Flow II, Stair-Glide, and so on.

Installation – The cost is also influenced by installation expenses. To get a clear idea about the expenses of the stairlift system, your buildings should be well-assessed by installation experts. If your stairlift can be installed without much structural modification, it would cost considerably less.

Pre-owned – Reconditioned or pre-owned stairlifts would cost less that new. Going in for a reconditioned model is a good option when you are concerned about your budget. Many dealers buy used lifts and revamp them to work like new before they are offered for sale. Make sure you look at the warranty options when you buy this lift.

Buy your Chair Lift from a Reliable Dealer

When you buy a stair chair lift, it is important to consider the service charges, maintenance and repair costs, and the warranty that comes with it. You should take care to buy the device from a reliable dealer. Established suppliers have a wide inventory of leading models of stairlifts and would offer professional advice on the right one for your building and the costs involved.

Interior Design Tips to create a timeless look in your home

https://blog.winnipeghomefinder.comFebruary 26, 2013 9:40:17 AM CST

Interior Design Tips for your home . Like fashion, interior design trends change with the seasons. Each month, different colours and patterns become the new “it” look, inspiring us to overhaul our home décor. Keeping up with the latest looks can be challenging, not to mention expensive. That’s why it’s important to remember that keeping […]

The post Interior Design Tips to create a timeless look in your home appeared first on Winnipeg’s Real Estate Blog published by Bo Kauffmann

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Infographics Latest Posts

Energy use and waste in your home

How Energy gets used (and wasted) in your home

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I came across this interesting article and infographic which shows the average home’s energy use, and thought I would pass it on to Winnipeg readers.

How Energy Gets Used – and Wasted – in Your Home [Infographic] (via sustainablog)

Now that the cold season is here, you’re probably dreading the arrival of upcoming utility bills. Heating and cooling do represent the biggest chunk of our home energy use, but, of course, there are lots of other ways that we use energy in our homes… and not all of them are particularly efficient…

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Latest Posts Winnipeg Home Selling News & Tips

Getting Top Drawer Value for your Home

Getting top dollar for your home

This article was submitted by Daniel Watson, who is a journalism student at the University of Toronto

If you’re selling your home and want to get top drawer value for it, you need to create a dream home. Anyone who walks up needs to be in awe of its meticulousness before they even get through the door. There’s nothing worse than a house that needs a little work. Even if it’s true, you’re more likely to get top dollar for a completed home than one that looks like a project.

With companies like Kanetix making it easier for people to shop around for mortgage rates, and get pre-approved online, buying a home has never been easier. Everyone’s in search of the perfect home. You were once. Now you may have to spend a little getting the house in shape. On the other hand, there’s the idea that the better looking and condition of the house, the greater its value. So should you end up repainting or redoing tiles, that cost could ultimately be added to the final sale.

Not surprisingly, let’s start with the front. The first impression begins here. There has to be no doubt that this is a long cared for property by people that loved living here. Neaten everything until it looks like you scrubbed it with a toothbrush. Fresh paint, trimmed trees and shrubs and if necessary, new house numbers and mailbox. Have the best curtains on the windows. A little window and door renovation can go a long way.

If the home doesn’t need a fresh coat of paint, wash it down. Rent a power washer, or use a broom, dishwashing cleanser and hose. Put away the lawn ornaments. Not everyone loves leprechauns and swans. Make sure the grass is nothing short of perfection. Tuck any garbage cans away. No cracks in the ground. Barbeques should be clean, the yard furniture inviting and comfortable. Buyers should see your yard as a great place to spend the weekend.

Before showing the property, take note of what work to do. Review real estate listings and magazines. See what these homes have in common. Pay specific attention to the major areas. That’s the bathroom, the master bedroom and kitchen.

Shine furnishings and appliances. Minimise content on all the countertops. Clutter is clutter regardless of how much of it you need or how nice it looks. What you want is to avoid distractions that are going to take away from the property. The floors should be pristine. No pet dishes and litter boxes. Clean blinds, curtains and windows, as well as fan blades and shelves.

The kitchen is probably the most important room in the house. It’s the one that we put so much energy into with the best stoves, microwaves, refrigerators and accessories. Make sure anyone that sees it is wowed. Spit shine it all. Add a fresh backsplash or coat of paint.

While painting rooms that need it is required, repainting the entire house might be a good idea. Use a neutral, soft color, the same color, throughout. That actually makes the property look bigger. Avoid white. It can leave an impression that the house needs to be painted.

When it’s time to start showing the house, always have it aired out. Take a fabric softener sheet and stick it behind the air conditioning filter. Take advantage of the best possible lighting. Try showing the home during daylight hours. Sunlight produces a natural, appealing look. If you are showcasing in the evening, utilise energy efficient bulbs. They resemble natural lighting.

Before anyone buys your home, it will be inspected. If the property’s in the best condition, the inspector has to agree it’s worth every penny you ask. A broken handrail can impact their conclusions.

The best way to get the best dollar for your home is to create a dream home. People are observant. Your job will be ensuring everything they see is positive. If that requires hiring landscapers and handymen, do it. At the end of the journey, it’ll be worth it. The better the property’s appearance, the more the property’s worth.

Last, if you’re selling your home and want to get top drawer value for it, partner with a good real estate agent. Did you know, on average, a sale done through a real estate agent usually nets the seller 20 percent more than if they’d sold the house on their own? A solid agent will not only represent your best interests. They have the ability to reach an audience that will never see your ‘For Sale’ sign or local newspaper ad. You’ll never waste your time as these agents will see that only serious buyers ever come through the door. They have resources and networks that the rest of us don’t even know about.

Daniel Watson is a journalism student at the University of Toronto. He is passionate about real estate and plans to get his license upon graduating to learn about the ins and outs of the business. His true goal upon graduation is to educate the general public about real estate to help them along with the home buying and selling process.

Winnipeg Real Estate Market Update for January, 2013

blog.winnipeghomefinder.comJanuary 16, 2013 10:43:03 AM MST

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Home Improvements Latest Posts Video Posts

Home Energy Saving Tips for your house or condo (Video)

Home Energy Saving Tips for your Winnipeg home

When you are a homeowner, energy costs can be one of the biggest wallet draining expenses. Using these tips, save on those bills and most importantly save energy.

Drafty windows and doors are a big source of heating and air leaks. Use a candle flame to see if a window or door has a draft. For exterior doors, use a bead of paintable caulk around the edge of the door to form an air tight seal. Use a caulk finishing tool to smooth out the caulk. Insert a door sweep on the bottom of exterior doors to keep the air in! Electric outlets are another source of air leaks. Install an outlet sealer to close the gaps.

When it comes to light bulbs, use compact florescent lights or CFL’s. They not only last 10x longer than a normal bulb, but they save energy at the same time.

To conserve water, use a slow flow shower head. Finally, insulate the pipes in your home. The insulation will keep the water in the pipes warm.

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Home Improvements Latest Posts

Home Renovations: Which home improvements give the best r.o.i.

Which home improvements give the best return on investment?

Home Owners often ask: ‘Which home renovations increase the value of my house, and assure that I get ‘top-dollar’ when selling?’ While there is no hard-and-fast rule, here is a sobering statistic from the Appraisal Institute of Canada:

The Appraisal Institute of Canada compared typical costs for renovations versus the impact on a home’s selling price to come up with a “payback range” for common projects.

Bathroom reno: 75% to 100%
Kitchen reno: 75% to 100%
Installing a deck: 25% to 75%
Exterior siding: 50% to 75%
Flooring upgrade: 50% to 75%
Basement reno: 50% to 75%

Why do I say “sobering”? If you look closely, you will see that none of the estimates exceed 100%. In other words, they are suggesting that if you spend $5,000 on siding, your home’s value would only increase by between $2,500 and $3750 (50% to 75%). On the surface, it would not seem a worthwhile investment to improve your home for the purpose of increasing it’s resale value. So does it make sense to improve before selling? Maybe…. depending on your answers to two major questions!

Those two major questions are 1) What is the current condition of the item which you are thinking of improving, and 2) Can you do some of the labor yourself, thereby saving money. Lets take a look at what I mean:

1) Current Condition

On this topic my advice is “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Lets use the example of a furnace. If your home has a 10 yrs old, mid-efficient furnace, it should be working fine. Replacing THAT with a brand new, $3500 H.E. unit will in most cases, not increase the value of the house by an equal or greater amount.

On the other hand, if your furnace hums and howls and is the size of a sub-compact car, buyers might be turned off from making an offer. Installing a new, energy efficient unit would probably we a worthwhile home renovations project. Much the same applies for most other home renovations projects: Is the current item in good condition, or will it detract from the home? Is the kitchen falling apart, or merely ‘dated’ in appearance. Are carpets just a little worn, or can you see the sub-floor and notice every spot where “whiskers blew chunks”?

2) Home Renovations D.I.Y.

I am going to assume that the Appraisal Institute used, for its calculations, prices that included professional labor. So the question is: how much (if anything) can you do yourself. If you’re fairly handy, painting the interior of your home is probably one of the best home renovations projects you can tackle. Another high-value/low-cost improvement is modernizing the lights. Go with bright, modern lighting, such as halogen, and keep the twisty florescent bulbs for your next home. They might save money in electricity, but their slow start-up and dim lighting don’t help sell a house. In any case, completing home renovations by yourself will drastically improve the return-on-investment numbers, provided the renos are done well. Buyers and their agents can spot poorly done D.I.Y. home renovations, and the result is lower offers and a slower selling home.

So, keeping the above rules in mind, Home Renovations done right can and will improve your sales price.

Selling your house or condo? 8 truths home stagers know

feedproxy.google.comAugust 20, 2012 7:54:55 AM CDT

Wall Art for Traditional Living Rooms Can Fit or Break the Mold (10 photos)

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From beautiful oils to light-reflecting mirrors and everything in between, art is often what immediately draws the eye the element that makes an impact at first glance. Even in a traditional and more formal living room, thinking outside the box and buying what you’re drawn to is crucial when choosing…

Home Renovations: Which home improvements give the best r.o.i.

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Condo Communities of Winnipeg Latest Posts Winnipeg Condo Buyers, Sellers & Owners

Featured Condo: The Mosaic at 40 Shore St. and 60 Shore St. Winnipeg

Spotlight on The Mosaic at 40 and 60 Shore St. Winnipeg

Near Bison Dr and Pembina Hwy, we find The Mosaic I & II, at 40 Shore St and 60 Shore St. Winnipeg, respectively.

Year Built: ca. 2009

Total Condos:

The Mosaic Condominiums were built in 2 phases. Phase I is located at 40 Shore St and features 40 units in a 6-story building, while the larger Phase II, attach via the indoor, ground level parkade, is made up of 78 units in a 7-story building. Both are concrete structures, and units vary in size from a small, 1 BR, 1 Bath unit of 725 sq feet, to the largest, 2 BR, 2 Bath units of approximately 1100 sq feet.

Condo Restrictions:

Just the usual condo-restrictions, such as “No Laundry to be hung from the balcony” etc. Owners or their tenants must abide by the usual condo bylaws.

Property Taxes

Gross Property Taxes vary from approximately $1900 for the smallest unit, to approx. $2800 for the largest. As always, owner-occupants do qualify for the Provincial Tax Assistance, just as house-owners do.

Condo Fees

Condo fees vary from $180 per month (smallest condo), to approx. $260 per month for the larger units, which includes snow removal, property maintenance and management fees and water. Owners pay for their own hydro (heat) as well as cablevision and telephone.

Laundry, Parking and A/C

All units have their own insuite laundry. MOST units have an indoor (heated) parking spot, although a few have an outdoor spot with plugin. These units feature central heating (furnace is in the ceiling of the laundry room) as well as central air conditioning.

Amenities at The Mosaic

This Condo project features a very nice fitness room, as well as a ‘Party Room”. What I consider a bonus, this condo’s management company is located right inside the building (at least it was at the time of this report in Jan 2012). This means that owners have easy access to the management company in case of problems. Another nice feature is the security in the building. Owners control entry to the building via their telephone, and yes, cell-phones can be used so long as the owners cell phone is a local number.

Location

Located right at Bison Dr and Pembina Hwy, at 40 & 60 Shore St, this condo is close to all bus-routes, the University of Manitoba, the new Stadium and major shopping centres.

Prices

During the 2 yr period of 2010-2011, condos at The Mosaic have sold for between $190,000 and $285,000, depending on size and location within the building. (MLS® stats)

If you’re in the market to buy a condo, whether at The Mosaic or anywhere else, please click on Condo Finder Form. If you’re thinking of selling your condo, anywhere in the city, please go to my Free Market Evaluation Form.

Heating System

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Stair chair lifts for your home

Stair Chair Lifts – Factors determining Costs

Buy your Chair Lift from a Reliable Dealer

Other Stories

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How Energy gets used (and wasted) in your home

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Getting top dollar for your home

Other Stories

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Home Energy Saving Tips for your Winnipeg home

Check out our Podcast

Which home improvements give the best return on investment?

1) Current Condition

2) Home Renovations D.I.Y.

Related Stories

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Spotlight on The Mosaic at 40 and 60 Shore St. Winnipeg

Year Built: ca. 2009

Total Condos:

Condo Restrictions:

Property Taxes

Condo Fees

Laundry, Parking and A/C

Amenities at The Mosaic

Location

Prices

Related Stories

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Delicious Recipes & Home Decor Tips