Art House Mark Ham

Installing new exterior doors in your house is a surefire way to increase its curb appeal and potentially its property value. But did you know that putting in new doors can also save you money in the long run? This is because, in many cases, newer doors will lead to big savings in how much you have to pay to heat and cool your home. By installing new, energy efficient doors in your home, you can keep your home comfortable, attractive and reduce your energy costs.

In order to make sure that you are getting the most energy efficient doors possible, look for doors that are ENERGY STAR qualified. The ENERGY STAR program is run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to encourage homeowners to use products that are energy efficient, and this extends to doors. In fact, you might even be eligible for a tax credit if you purchase and install ENERGY STAR qualified exterior doors in your home.

Along with the ENERGY STAR qualification, there are several other distinguishing features that are common with highly energy efficient doors. They tend to have insulating glass that is double or even triple paned to reduce the flow of heat. They are made with core interior materials that are designed to be as energy efficient as possible. This can include wood cladding, steel or fiberglass. And energy efficient doors have improved weather stripping — in cases with magnetic strips to ensure a tight fit.

When combined with energy efficient windows and skylights, ENERGY STAR qualified doors can reduce a family’s energy bills by seven percent or more each year. Combined with the ability to reduce your carbon footprint, installing an energy efficient door is a choice that makes sense.

This special article was provided by Eto Doors. Eto Doors has a wide range of ENERGY STAR-rated doors available for purchase. See more or browse Eto Doors reviews.

When looking for a new floor, you face more options than ever before. From ceramic tile to marble to carpet, each carries a wide variety of choices. One option many don’t know about is bamboo. The legendary East Asian material can be cut and modified to make flooring just as easily as traditional wood floor options are. If you’re interested in high quality bamboo flooring, keep reading for more information.

While it’s been used for thousands of years, here in the West bamboo has only been utilized for floors going on about a decade. In that time, however, the materials and techniques involved have been perfected. So you shouldn’t worry that by picking bamboo you’ll somehow be one of the first guinea pigs.

One of the many reasons people choose bamboo flooring is its durability. Obviously, the plant itself is renowned for how strong and tough it can be. But that being said, natural bamboo flooring, even with a finish over it, will still need regular care and maintenance just like any other option.

There are two main ways bamboo flooring is installed. You can either nail it down or glue it to the wood or concrete sub-floor below. The two options are very different and will ultimately affect how you prepare the sub-floor. As such, if you’re not particularly handy, it may be best to hire a professional.

When summer hits and temperatures rise, there is nothing better than knowing you have air conditioning ready to help keep you cool. Lacking this modern amenity can make spring, summer and even parts of fall thoroughly unenjoyable. Let’s review what your home needs to keep you cool and comfortable.

The easiest way to stay cool inside is with an air conditioning system that runs through the house and dispenses cool air through vents. With a few buttons pressed, your home can immediately be a cool reprieve from the hot outdoors.

If that’s not an option, you should consider portable ac units which will help keep your home cool one room at a time. In fact, even if you can afford or already have a home air conditioning system, you might want to consider the portable alternative. Often you can save money simply by cooling the room or rooms you’re in, rather than paying to have the whole place serviced.

While staying cool inside is great, it’s important to get outdoors as well. You have all winter to stay inside and avoid the merciless cold. With the right outdoor cooling unit, you can enjoy the great outdoors while keeping cool at the same time. Options include everything from misters to conventional fans and portable units designed to function outdoors. Just because the season says it needs to be hot doesn’t mean you have to be.

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Article submitted by MovinCool. The company makes portable air conditioner products and is one of the largest advanced automotive technology, systems and components manufacturers on the planet.

This guest post provided by Sensa.

You wake up today in your same old house with the same old fixtures, the same old furniture, and maybe you just thought to yourself, “I think I need a little change in my life.” You may opt to look for a short vacation just to get yourself away from it all, but who says that change has to be somewhere away from your home?

People don’t realize that a change in your living environment can drastically change the way you live your life, and it will definitely last much longer than a vacation. Some people like to spend their time in the kitchen and cooking up their own meals, kitchen remodeling would be perfect as replacing your old tools or just simply cooking in a different space can be enough change to revitalize you. Bathroom remodeling is also another popular choice as we spend a majority of our time doing our business in the bathroom. Your own home is a place where you can pamper yourself with life’s little luxuries, and why not make your vacation permanent, or at least until the next time you need a vacation.

Article submitted by RDPSoft Company. They have over 17 years of experience and can help you realize your dream of having a hydronic heating system in your home.

It would be tough to make it through modern life without our washing machines. For many of us, it’s almost impossible imagining what it would be like without them. But just because we need their services, doesn’t mean we have to put up with some of their shortcomings. Continue reading to find out the alternative way many people  dry their clothes (hint: it’s not by hanging them up in the sun).

One disadvantage to washing machines is how much room they need. They’re generally not an option for those of us who live in average-sized apartments. That’s why compact washing machines can be such a blessing. Even if you live in a studio apartment, these washing machines are an option.

Another great thing about their size is it makes them a portable washing machine. You certainly can’t travel with the conventional behemoths we’re all used to.

As they’re so small, they can also only take on small loads. But to many of us this is a real advantage. How many times have you found yourself in need of an outfit to be cleaned, but didn’t have a load big enough to justify using the washing machine? So you either have to waste money and water on the one outfit or simply decide to wear something else.

The future of getting your clothes clean is here with smaller washing machines that can produce the same results with far less resources.  _____________________________________________________________________

Article submitted by The Laundry Alternative. They sell small washing machine models as well as other alternatives to conventional washers and dryers.

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to see a medallion used in home décor, you know how stunning it can be. Often it even takes you by surprise. But depending on which kind you saw, you might not be aware the other exists. Keep reading to find out about medallions that are used in floors and for backsplashes.

A floor medallion is probably the most common one you’ll see. It’s generally a geometric design inside a circle or square made out of tile, marble or even hardwood. Generally, the materials used to make a floor medallion are the same as the ones that were used on the rest of the floor. So, for example, you don’t often see a marble medallion resting I a hardwood floor.

The other type is a backsplash medallion. These medallions are perfect for taking a functional feature everyone needs, a backsplash in their kitchen, and making it stand out as decoration. When used as backsplashes, medallions are often made out of tile to make cleaning them easy and giving them the durability they need.

 A third medallion could be considered wall medallions. Unlike the other two, however, these generally aren’t inlayed into the material. Instead, they’re simply a geometric design made out of one of the common materials that hangs on a wall like a portrait. Although they may not be the traditional kind of medallion, they still look great.

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Article submitted by Medallion Depot. The online store specializes in marble floor medallions as well as those made out of other materials.

The Portable a/c is making a huge buzz in the industry as it offers several benefits and can work just as powerful as a conventional air conditioner. A portable air conditioning unit is an efficient spot cooler during the summer without you having to pay as much as what you usually pay for cooling expenses. Below are some of the top benefits you can get when you choose a portable air conditioner.

A portable air conditioner can work at the same capacity as your conventional air conditioner. You can even purchase battery operated portable air conditioners to ensure that your home will stay cool even when there is a sudden electricity disruption. These units are compact, needless to say it will not take up too much of your floor space. Some units are built with a set of wheels which make transfers a breeze! A portable air conditioner is very easy to use, there are no installations required to make it work.

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Article submitted by MovinCool. The company MovinCool is one of the leading manufacturers of a portable room air conditioner since 1982. The company has continually developed and improved their portable air conditioning units to offer new features that will meet your needs and expectations. MovinCool also provides a ceiling mounted portable air conditioner which is a perfect alternative for a fan coil unit.

When it comes to installing bamboo flooring, there is more to it than the types, color and finishes of the flooring. Before starting bamboo flooring installation clear out any particles on the ground. Ensure that the entire floor is clean and flat, most importantly inspect each plank for defects.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions precisely, use the recommended adhesives when fixing the planks on the ground. If you are using glue as the adhesive then you need to wipe out any excess glue as when it dries up it becomes very difficult to remove and may even need you to purchase adhesive remover incurring an extra unplanned expense.

There are two main methods used when applying the adhesive on the ground using adhesive towels. The flash method where you are required to towel large spaces with the adhesive then spend the most time fixing and arranging the planks on top of the adhesive. The other method is the wet lay method where you only towel small sections of the space and then proceed to place the planks. After all the planks are in place and the space is filled up well a moisture barrier vanish can be applied on the bamboo floors to act as a stoppage from moisture seeping through the bamboo.