Archives

May 28, 2010

Attics: The Forgotten Energy Vampire

Memorial Day Weekend is here.  Prepare for traffic, discounts at your local shopping malls and the official beginning of summer.  If April’s unseasonable warmth is an indicator of what is in store for us this summer, then also prepare for relying heavily on your air conditioning system.  How can you be sure that you are getting the most out of the energy your home demands?  Knowing your home is well insulated takes some of the stress out of those summer energy bills.  Insulation is important throughout your home, but here we will examine one of the most neglected areas where cool air can escape – the attic.

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May 27, 2010

Maryland Schools Going Greener And Greener

During my grade school career, the closest I came to participating in a green initiative was using a small solar oven to cook a hotdog.  You won’t believe how far public schools have come in regards to teaching students different aspects of sustainable living.  Recently, I’ve been hearing a lot of news about Maryland schools receiving or applying for the Maryland Green Schools Award.  This program was developed by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE).  In June, the MAEOE will award 82 educational institutions with this honor.  One school in particular caught my eye - Logan Elementary in Dundalk , Maryland.

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May 25, 2010

In Search Of Social Media Interns

You may have noticed that our social media presence has been more active as of late.  The best way we can keep in touch with the communities around us is by using all of our resources.  Social media provides a terrific opportunity to engage our past, present and future clients by providing unique and relevant content.  We focus this content on home improvement, remodeling and energy efficiency issues that affect the Mid Atlantic region.  To improve how we deliver this information, we are currently looking for summer interns.

Interns will work with the Social Media Manager (me) to think up new and creative ways to engage clients online.  Ideally, interns will help develop content for our blog, Twitter and Facebook presences.  They will also help brainstorm ideas for future videos and projects to broadcast our messages.

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May 24, 2010

What Is So Sexy About Insulation?

“Here’s what is sexy about it – saving money” – President Barack Obama

During a televised statement at a Home Depot in Arlington, VA, our President lauded the benefits of green retrofits and energy efficient remodeling efforts.  Claiming this brand of remodeling is one of the “fastest, easiest and cheapest” ways to put Americans back to work, he highlighted the job building and energy saving aspects of upgrading homes to utilize energy more effectively.  He also credited the Recovery Act for making it possible to upgrade a half million homes by the end of this year.

One of the most effective ways the Recovery Act is spurring on these upgrades is through a rebate system which rewards homeowners who invest in energy efficient remodeling products like windows, doors and insulation.  Windows alone can save homeowners upwards of 50% on their energy costs, not to mention additional noise reduction and improvement to the overall aesthetics of a home.  While windows are extremely important in determining how well your home uses the energy it demands, doors are also essential not only to energy, but also security.  With energy savings upwards of 25%, replacement doors should be in the consideration of anyone planning on remodeling their home.

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May 21, 2010

America’s Retired Are Funding The Remodeling Turnaround

Earlier in the month, I reported that the remodeling industry was experiencing a surge as the economy turns around and warmer weather approaches.   Out of all the different generations who could possibly be contributing to this trend?  It’s not the slackers commonly referred to as “Generation X”.  Nor is it the “Millennials” who are only starting to become homeowners.  No group may be more important than  the Baby Boomer generation.  People, like my parents, who are nearing the age of retirement and investing in their homes.

Baby Boomers, those born after the end of World War II and before the mid 60’s, were responsible for the incredible growth and prosperity during the 70’s and through the  90’s.  They are now ready to pass on the torch of labor to people like myself.  Faced with the possibility of spending the majority of their time in their home, they have become one of the strongest drivers behind the boost in remodeling.  The decline of the housing market, which initially fueled the contraction of the remodeling sector, may actually be playing a role in their decisions.  Many people who were possibly looking to sell their homes and relocate are considering staying where they are and giving their home a new look.  “Most likely they don’t need to add on, they just need to remodel…The home of [their] dreams may be the home [they're] living in now.” said Sarah Susanka, author of The Not So Big House.

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