Comfortable House

Heating systems are a vital part of homes in the UK and many other countries around the world. Without them, consumers would be far too cold during winter. However, traditional heating setups can be highly inefficient. This is particularly problematic at present because of the rising cost of energy. Indeed, many consumers are deliberately reducing their use of heating in order to rein in their spending and, because of the energy wastage associated with traditional heating provisions, this can mean people suffer cold conditions.

Radiators and heat pumps can result in an uneven distribution of heat and can also promote the loss of energy through windows, walls, ceilings and roofs. While certain parts of rooms can be too hot, others remain too cold. Indeed, often consumers may find themselves sitting or standing right next to radiators to warm up because if they are elsewhere, they do not feel the benefit of the energy.

With this in mind, homeowners may want to consider investing in under floor heating systems. These can be much more efficient, meaning consumers can keep greater control over their spending on heating without having to endure cold conditions as a result. One provider of these offerings is Warm up and its systems are of the very highest quality, meaning those who purchase them can rest assured they are getting the best around. Products of this nature can help ensure homes are comfortable places to spend time in.Of course, having more efficient heating does not only benefit consumers. It is also great for the planet because it can lower the carbon footprints of houses and flats.Anyone who is keen to invest in electric under floor heating can simply visit Warmup’s website to find out more.

As homeowners increasingly desire greater comfort, enjoyment and control—especially in an economy that encourages cocooning—new technologies in home automation continue to emerge.

“Electrical contractors around the country are increasingly specifying, designing and installing home automation technologies and systems that can help lower energy costs in addition to enhancing lifestyle and appearance,” said John Maisel, publisher of Electrical Contractor magazine at www.ecmag.com, published by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Bethesda, Md.

According to a recent Electrical Contractor article, new and emerging residential innovations include:

• self-powered, wireless light switches that can be placed anywhere and moved anytime for a whole-house lighting control system—each battery-free switch houses a small “energy harvester” that converts mechanical energy at the flip of the switch into a radio signal that controls the home’s lights;
• wireless tabletop lighting keypads;
• new generations of solar tubes that capture, reflect and disperse UV-filtered sunlight;
• UL-approved dimmable outlets and plugs;
• wireless, motorized blinds and shades in combination with a an intelligent controller to reduce heat gain and fabric damage from UV rays;
• solar collection systems that integrate with the electric system to help save on energy and lower energy bills;
• wired and wireless fan speed controls;
• residential lighting that is thoroughly integrated into appliances and located closer to the task, replacing architectural downlights which needlessly illuminate the entire room;
• home offices with simple, direct/indirect lighting fixtures for computer areas;
• LEDs that can be easily mounted in areas otherwise considered off-limits, such as stairs; and
• wine displays highlighted with low-heat source LEDS without impacting wine aging.

According to Electrical Contractor, electric lighting control and motorized shade systems make the energy-saving benefits of daylight harvesting possible—including reduced maintenance and replacement costs over the home’s lifespan, energy conservation, improved occupant health, productivity and greater design flexibility.

Published by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Bethesda, Md., Electrical Contractor magazine reaches 85,000+ electrical contractors and more than 65,900 electrical contracting locations, more than any other industry publication. Telephone: (301) 657-3110. Web site: www.ecmag.com.

Maybe you think you have to do some major renovating — or even move, to get that home office, workshop or laundry room you’ve always wanted. But with the Full Access Folding Door Hardware Kit from Johnson Hardware, that dream room can be found right in your own closet.

This unique, easy-to-install kit allows you to fold closet doors back completely out of the opening, freeing up every inch of usable closet space. Suddenly, a spare room appears.

Applicable for remodeling or new construction, Johnson’s Full Access Folding Door Hardware enables folding doors to fold back 180 degrees and lie flat against the adjoining walls. You get the full access of a swinging door with the space-savings of folding doors. It’s a fast way to get more space out of your closets.

Home organization experts suggest that you store out-of-season clothes under your bed in special rolling drawers. Use clothes organizers in your other closets and then free up the remaining closets to create the room space you’ve needed.

The room created here shows how easy it is to make closet space work more efficiently. With a few shelves and Johnson’s Full Access Folding Door Hardware, you’re in business.

You’ll also find this Full Access Folding Door Hardware Kit a practical solution for converting closets into laundry areas, wet bars, toy rooms or even hideaway workbenches. It can also be used on utility rooms, pantries, wardrobes, anywhere you need more room at the doorway.

Installation’s a snap, too. The patented jamb hinges require no mortising. They simply attach with screws as do the control arm and panel-connecting hinges.

A screwdriver and tape measure are the only tools you’ll need for installation. An experienced handyman can mount the hardware and install the doors in about 10 minutes.

Johnson’s Full Access Folding Door Hardware Kit comes with a lifetime guarantee. Each kit contains control arm assembly, hinges and all the necessary mounting hardware. The kit can also be used with standard mortise-type butt hinges to match other interior doors.

For ideas on how to convert the hidden room in your closets, write to: Full Closet Access Ideas, L. E. Johnson Products, Inc., 2100 Sterling Avenue, Elkhart, Indiana 46516 or call 800-837-5664 or visit our web site at http://www.johnsonhardware.com

Few home projects do more to enhance the overall beauty of family homes than clean, sparkling, windows. Although generally affordable, easy enough to perform, and requiring little in the way of materials, the window-washing project is perhaps the easiest chore to put off for another day. Here are some suggestions for maintaining classy glass inside and outside your home:

Organize the scope of the project and the options for getting it done. How many windows? How often would you like to have them cleaned? What are the options for getting the job done?

If you live in old three-story house with 92 windows, the options are fairly straight forward. You can ask the local window cleaning service for a quantity break, or divide the windows by the number of week’s year, and then tackle them at a rate of two or three each week. A third option involves renting a scissor lift at your local home store annually or semi-annually to make the outside part of the job as safe as possible.

New houses with even large numbers of windows often have the advantage of lift out panels that can be quickly cleaned and replaced. Again, a workable schedule can be a big help if you plan to do it yourself. Professional window cleaner’s can do the job for less than you probably imagine when working on a continuing contract.

Outside windows suffering from long-term neglect may challenge the skills of professional or do-it-yourself window cleaners, but are clearly worth the extra effort.

Materials:

Window cleaners come in all sizes and shapes. Spray-ons are perfect for a quick clean up with no muss or fuss. Vinegar water and steam cleaning are favorites for removing residue from past cleaner formulas. Also, there are commercial products that can be power sprayed onto outside windows. Be careful about power spraying in areas that might cause paint peel in nearby trim.

For the really dirty outside windows your will want to try a commercial window-cleaning solution or strong sudsy-ammonia solution in hot water. It can be applied with a padded telescoping applicator or brush, and removed with a rubber squeegee from ground level or from a platform ladder. Rinsing will prevent the dull film that sometimes follows heavy-duty use of cleaners.

Window Dressings:

Curtains, drapery, cornices and blinds can change the look of a room dramatically. While wide wooden slats blinds can make rooms on the sunny side of the house habitable, reducing glare and helping to control the room temperature, sheer curtains or sheer drapery let in the sunlight for fully brightened rooms, and open the possibilities for a full spectrum of color. Likewise, matching blinds, whether vertical of horizontal unify large rooms and give an orderly look inside and out.