Livingston Reporting - page 309

Staying Warm In The Winter and Cool In the Summer

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Energy efficiency and cutting energy bills is one of the most prevalent conversations amongst homeowners in Michigan throughout the year. In the summer everyone is concerned with ways to make their air conditioners perform better and run less in winter they are worried about their furnaces.  There are so many different ways to make your home efficient.  Below you will find a list of just a few ideas we have heard from our clients.

 

1)      Control the temperature on your thermostat at all times of the day.  When you aren’t at home and while you are sleeping the heat and air don’t need to be maxed out.  A good sleeping temperature for any home is right around 68 degrees.

 

2)      Insulate pipes throughout the house.  This is true for the pipes that are under the sink, in the basement and pipes throughout the homes crawl space. Any pipe can be insulated with inexpensive foam coverings.  This will help the heat loss in the winter and the sweat accumulation in the summer.

 

3)      Air filters should be changed more frequently, keeping the dust down and the air flow filtering more efficiently.  The better the airflow through the system the less it will cost you to run the system.  Air filters are a lot less expensive than high energy bills.

 

4)      Another tip is to install a damper in your fireplace. This keeps the air inside from filtering to the outside and vice versa.

 

5)      One client insists on using candle light in the evening and dimmer switches to keep from wasting electricity.  This is especially true in the winter when it is dark at five o clock.  Of course you need to be extra careful with open flames at all times.

 

6)      Make sure the seals on all windows, doors and door walls are correctly installed and that air is not leaking.  Also in the winter you may choose to cover windows in plastic to keep the chilly air out.

 

7)      Keep a pair of slippers at the door.  Your feet allow a lot of heat to escape out of your body leaving you chilly.  This will cause you to want to turn the heat up to get warm.  Why not keep warm in the first place.  Even a cheap pair of slippers will keep your feet warm.

 

8)      Furnace tune ups and Air Conditioner maintenance yearly keep your appliances running at their peak. This also saves in furnace repair costs as well as repairs needed on central air conditioning units.  Home heating contractors will make sure your appliances staying running at the top of their game throughout the changing seasons.

 

I know many people have great ways to save on heating and cooling bills and tips to keep Michigan homes running efficiently. Log in and leave a comment with your best energy efficient tips.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Popular Asphalt Shingling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Asphalt is a popular roofing material throughout Michigan.   The advantages of asphalt shingle roofing are plenty maintenance, installation, look, cost and weight.  Below you will find details regarding the ever popular asphalt shingle from the view point of a professional roofing contractor.

Let us begin with the ease of maintenance.  Several types of roofing materials require constant maintaining to keep up their attractive appearance.  This is not the case with asphalt shingles.  They are easy and hassle free to maintain and can be easily repaired if damage.

One benefit for roofing contractors is the ease at which asphalt shingles install onto a home’s roof.  They are without a doubt the easiest type of roofing material to install on the market today. They are easy to install because they are super flexible, sturdy and are compatible with many different roof shapes and designs.

The look of asphalt shingles is also one of the major advantages of that this roofing material possesses. They come in many different textures and colors it makes things look much more consistent when replacing them as they become damaged.

Of course the cost of shingles is a major advantage.  They are relatively inexpensive to purchase and have installed in comparison to metal roofing or a variety of other roofing materials. This is the case because it is an easy material for manufactures to produce.

One final advantage that many people find when considering asphalt shingles is the fact that they are lightweight. This is important because some structures are not meant to hold the weight of heavier roofing materials such as metal, slate or clay.

These are just a few of the many advantageous that come along with asphalt roofing.  If you have questions or are looking to replace your roof contact a local roofing professional. They will come out to your home, evaluate the current state of your roof, structure and material and give you an estimate on repairing your roof or replacing the entire roof.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Answers To Some Unanswered Medigap Questions

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many unanswered questions that arise when looking into Medicare Insurance and Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plans for the first time.  In previous articles we have covered why it is important to have a Medicare Supplemental Insurance and why prescription drug coverage is needed and able to be purchased separately. There are so many pieces to the Medicare puzzle that it is often easy to overlook something or to become confused.

 

One of the first things people are most confused and concerned about is when the best time is to purchase Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans.  The best time to buy Medigap Insurance is during your open enrollment period.  The open enrollment period for Medicare and Medigap Supplemental Insurance Plans is from the first day of the month when you turn sixty five or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.  

 

Eligibility requirements for Medigap Insurance are similar to that of Medicare with a few differences.  You can start applying for Medigap if you are sixty-five or older, or have a disability that allows you to be covered earlier, are enrolled in Medicare Part A and B and are a resident of the state where the policy is offered.  

 

So much can be discovered about Medicare and Medigap Supplement Plans.  It is important to be educated and make an informed decision when choosing a plan that will work best for your health history and future.

123Medigap

Looking Into Different Aspects Of Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Before you sign on the dotted line and choose a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan it is important that you become informed about what is best for you and your health situation.  It is important to know how each Medicare Supplemental Plan works in conjunction with Medicare Part A and B.

The first thing most participants are confused about is that you still belong to Medicare Part A and B even after you choose a supplemental plan. All the same benefits apply that come with Medicare Part A and B with the supplemental insurance plus the benefits that are acquired through the plan.

It is also important for you to know that all Medicare Supplemental Plans are standardized.  What this means is that your coverage is the same no matter what you pay or where you purchase the plan from.  The only difference will be the company, the level of service from their personnel and the price.

One issue that is near and dear to our hearts when considering health insurance is prescription drug coverage.  It is notable to understand that any Medicare Supplemental Policy you currently purchase will not come with prescription drug coverage.  This is something that needs to be purchased through separately and is referred to as Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Later we will go in to more depth on when it is the best time to purchase Medicare Supplemental Insurance, requirements for eligibility and options within each plan.

Senior Health Direct

Creating A Safe Pool Environment With Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In ground swimming pools are becoming more and more popular with homeowners. With that being said it is also important to look at a trend in the deaths of children under fourteen – drowning.  Pools are a lot of fun and in order to keep summer about fun and not tragedy an aluminum fence around your pool should be installed.
An aluminum pool fence helps in many different ways. It protects homeowners from people sneaking into the pool when they are not home or are inside.  It also helps keep small children who are playing in the backyard out of the pool area when adult supervision is not nearby.  A benefit of aluminum fencing around a pool that is often over looked is the benefit of keeping animals, household pets or nuisances out of the pool and away from the danger of drowning.
Another great reason for the addition of residential pool fencing is to add privacy to your backyard pool area.  Although pool fencing might not be a requirement from your local county ordinances adding an aluminum fence will increase privacy.  This is a benefit whether or not you have small children or pets.  As a homeowner with a pool in their backyard it is important to know the risks involved with the water and the surroundings, be it children or animals.  The one sure way to prevent an accident is by installing a residential aluminum pool fence with a locked access entry system in place.

Forever-Fence, SAC Fence

Window Treatments For Homes With A View

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Window treatments are incredibly tricky for novice interior decorators as is the average homeowner. One issue arises when you have windows that have awesome views.  If the view is not terrific it tends to be okay to add in window treatments that disguise the bad view.  When the view is amazing it is important to enhance the window using custom blinds and shades that allow the view in.

 

The answer is simple if you have a space that is all view and private.  Windows that view spaces that leads to private terraces or enclosed garden spaces or water front property without neighbors require no window treatment at all.  Truth is most of us are using window treatments to add privacy and this setting does not require it.  Let the wooden frame of the window frame the view outdoors and enjoy.

 

If you are similar to me and have a need for privacy even though you enjoy the view it might be a good option to consider a layered window treatment option.  Cellular shades are perfect to achieve this look and feel.  You can pull them up into themselves until they almost completely disappear during the day leaving you to enjoy the view.  You also can layer sheer curtains on top of them to add a bit of privacy but still allow the view to shine in during the day.  At night you can close the shades, pull the curtains and there you have a cozy and private space to enjoy.

 

The thing to remember when using curtains, blinds and shades is that the reason you choose the home in the first place probably had something to do with the view.  The key is to incorporate custom window treatments without losing the view to maximize comfort within your home space.

Comfort Blinds

Considerations in Security Systems For Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Before you purchase an alarm system for your home there are several things to think about.  Home alarm systems are complicated and expensive this is why it is important to decide what you are looking for in home security as you begin consulting with professional security specialists. To determine what you need it is best to start with some preliminary research.

The first step a homeowner can do is to become familiar with their home.  In doing this consider how many doors and windows you would like to be integrated into your homes security system.  After this has been determined you will want to consider where you will locate the keypad and panel.  Many times keypads are located near bedrooms and entrance doors.  This allows users to easily access the device when needed.

Will the system be monitored?  This option is available for a monthly fee.  Another option similar to this is a system that when the alarm is triggered your system is connected to preselected phone numbers and will call the minute the security is breached.

Another major consideration is your lifestyle.  This will help to determine the type of motion sensor you are able to put in.  If you are up throughout the night or have animals out and about you might need a system that is not super sensitive.

After you have fully evaluated your needs and wants with your home security you will want to consult with a professional home alarm and security system installation company.  They will help evaluate your goals with security and the options that you are interested in and come up with a system that best fits you and your home.

All Star Alarm

Hiring A Professional or Doing It Yourself?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Anytime you are about to conquer a home improvement project you need to take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror.  Are you really someone that can finish the project at hand?  Something as complicated as a kitchen or bathroom remodel is not something the everyday do it yourself homeowner can tackle well.  It is important to consider this as getting started and then realizing the professionals are better suited for the job is often more of a budget cruncher then letting them handle the job in the first place.

The details going into the bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel or any home renovation will help you decide if the pros should be called in.  Moving electricity, plumbing or expanding rooms into one larger space are all projects that professional contractors would best to be involved in. Minor room renovations such as painting or simple trim work are areas that most likely can be handled on your one.

One are many homeowners are convinced is a do it yourself project is in the area of flooring.  It is also one area that is easily underestimated.  Flooring is complicated.  From removing the current flooring be it tile, hard wood or linoleum to preparing the area for the new flooring it can be tricky.  Flooring is also a very expensive endeavor and can easily become quite a disastrous event.  Consider a tile floor.  Laying the tiles out and cementing them in place all look like projects that although will take considerable time look relatively possible for a do it yourself homeowner.  The trick part comes in when it comes time to grout and chaulk.  Without a perfect consistency the floor can easily become a mess that does not properly dry or seal.

Bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations and home remodels of just about any kind can become overwhelming quickly.  Look at the time and believe it or not money you will save by not having to call the expert in later to redo your project before actually taking on any home renovation project.

APS

Frozen Pipes – Welcome to Michigan Winters

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is necessary to take precautions in cold weather climates, such as Michigan, to prevent your pipes from freezing on cold Michigan winter nights. Frozen pipes lead to broken pipes which can quickly turn into costly water damage clean up.  If a water emergency does happen in your home do to broken pipes call the professionals at Dreamers Inc. Restoration for quick disaster restoration.

The best advice however is to prevent broken pipes to begin with.  Here are some simple and easy to follow tips to handle Michigan winters without frozen pipes.

  • The first tip is to be aware of the areas in your home most susceptible for incidents with freezing pipes.  Areas such as an unheated basement, crawl spaces and rooms where pipes are located on outside walls.  Often times this is present within kitchens under the sink.
  • Start by eliminating as much cold air as you can from getting into the home especially next to water lines.  This can be done by closing off crawl spaces, better insulating walls and sealing windows with plastic.
  • It is wise to also know how to shut off the water in the home in case a pipe does burst or freeze.  This will help to minimize the amount of damage done to the home’s interior.
  • A great tip is to insulate all pipes.  This can be done with heat tape or insulated wraps that easily are placed around pipes.  This is also fairly inexpensive.
  • When the temp falls below freezing, especially in the low teens to sub zero temps, allow a small trickle of water to run through the faucets.  This is a cheaper alternative than having your pipes freeze, break and the clean up after.
  • Also keep doors to cupboards open to allow the pipes to soak in some of the heat from the rest of the home.

These are just a few tips to keep your pipes unfroze throughout cold Michigan winters. If disaster does strike call a professional water extraction team in to prepare the water damage before it becomes a bigger issue such as with mold and mildew.

Dreamers Inc Restoration

Surviving Michigan Winters While Staying Warm

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

This has been such a mild start to our Michigan winter.  Our furnaces have not been pressed to the limit yet but as Michigan winters promise they will.  So with this in mind it is a good time to share tips on conserving energy this winter and to let you know that Airtronic Heating and Cooling professional home heating contractor offer many services from furnace repair to general furnace tune ups and maintenance.

Tips On Conserving Energy This Michigan Winter

  • Start the winter out right and ensure that your heating system is in good working condition.
  • Turn the thermostat down to a temperature between sixty four and sixty eight degrees. This does help to decrease your energy by three percent per degree you turn your thermostat down.
  • Believe it or not on those sunny days, few and far between here in Michigan, you are advised to open the shades and let the sun shine in.  Then at night to keep the heat in make sure to close the blinds and shades.
  • Check window and door seals to make sure that cold air is not seeping in.  Chaulk any areas that feel drafty and if the gap is on the larger side search out products that offer long term sealing solutions at your local home improvement store.
  •  For any door that is not used on a regular basis use a draft blocker.  This could be something simple like a towel rolled up and placed in front of the door or a purchased item made especially for this purpose.
  • Make sure to have a thermostat that can be programmed and run it on a program that runs the heat warmer during the hours you are home and turns the heat down when away and at night while sleeping.
  • Reversing your ceiling fans can also be of benefit in that they help push the warm air into the middle of the room instead of allowing it to rise up.  Thus in turn keeps the warm air where it is needed in the room.

The team at Airtronic can help you save even more money on your heating and cooling needs by installing a new energy efficient heating and cooling system designed specifically for your home.  They also offer a number of services to maintain and repair issues with your homes furnace.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling