10 Home Energy Saving Tips You Can Do Now
Even though summer is winding down it doesn’t mean the high temps will be going away. We can easily have high temperatures into September and sometimes even October. But then again, cold temperatures can strict us early, as well.
By taking the time to put in place the following tips you could see a huge savings on your home utility bill be it electric, gas or water.
Top 10 Energy Tips:
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Wash clothes on the cold water cycle and consider a larger load at a time. This has the potential to save you upwards to $60 per year.
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Have your local AC company install a programmable thermostat – saving you up to 10% on cooling and heating costs by reducing your thermostat 7° to 10° for 8 hours a day.
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Turn off all lights, small appliances and electronics that are not being used. If you are taking a vacation in the coming weeks, turn off and unplug these appliances while you are away. TIP: Install a power strip for multiple items in an area for easier turning off and on.
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Is it time to upgrade or replace an older lamp or small appliance? Look for the Energy Star label (the government’s symbol for energy efficiency). These products have the potential to save up to 30% on your utility bill.
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Reduce your water heater temperature to 130°. This will save energy as well as money on heating water. TIP: Wrap your water tank in “blanket” (water heater tank wrap) to retain the heat and save energy. Most local hardware stores should have these in stock.
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Clean or change air filter(s) often. When a filter hasn’t been changed in quite some time the filter(s) can slow down the airflow needed to run your system which then causes the unit to work harder. TIP: Change air filters every 30 days depending on the quality of filter you are using, and write the date on the filter so you know when you last replaced it.
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Change out older light bulbs for the new CFLs, LEDs or energy-efficient halogen incandescent. These newer bulbs can reduce your energy up to 80%.
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Ready to save on your water bill? Change out older faucets and shower heads for low-flow capability.
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On the exterior sides of your home where you get a lot of sun, close those blinds! This will keep the hot sun out, while in the winter keep open to let in the warm rays.
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Save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills by sealing leaks and properly insulate around windows and doors.
Can you believe the average US household has the potential to spend about $2,100* on their home energy bill a year! If you are ready to save, take some time to put either a few or all these tips into place today.
*Source: Data from the US Department of Energy
9 Ideas to Make Your Laundry Room More Functional
Laundry rooms have come a long way from the dark, dank and lint-filled spaces of yesteryear. With so many new products on the market today, laundry rooms are the “hot” home improvement transformation. Washers and dryers are becoming high-tech (and less back-breaking), cabinetry adds function and even Fido can have his pampering place in this room.
- Dog washing station. If your four-legged friend likes to play outside, a dog washing station is a great addition, especially if your laundry room is located off an entrance. You can easily rinse down and dry off Fido’s paws before he tracks dirt into the house.
- Clothes drying racks. If you tend to have many garments that need to air dry, consider integrating a clothes drying rack “built in” to your laundry room design. Drying racks come in various space-saving forms, from pull-out drawers built into cabinetry design to more simple wall (and ceiling) mounts.
- Pull-out ironing board. For those rooms short on space, a drawer ironing board may be the right option for you, and they are easy to retrofit into budget remodels, too.
- Crafting/sewing area. The laundry room can be a perfect spot to have a dedicated space for these hobbies. Anyone who’s lugged the sewing machine out to the kitchen table only to have to clean it up before dinner will appreciate the opportunity to have one spot where projects can sit out until completed.
- Raised washer and dryer. Lifting these front-end loading units off the floor will save your back, and with better sight lines, you may even find that lost sock! Many washers and dryers available today have the option of purchasing a raised sliding drawer that goes under the unit. If that doesn’t make sense for your space, you can always build up the area that your units are placed on; 15” or more is ideal.
- Countertop space. Clear countertop space in the laundry room makes folding laundry right out of the dryer so much easier and efficient.
- Sink. If space allows, a laundry room sink is handy for soaking clothes and getting stains out, and you may find that you get more use out of this sink than you originally thought. The laundry room is a great place to wash your hands after working outdoors, or rinsing down paint brushes or other items that you’d prefer not to wash off in your kitchen sink.
- Additional storage/built-in hampers. There is never enough storage in your house, so maximize the laundry room walls with cabinets and drawers. If space allows, consider built-in hampers that allow you to tuck dirty laundry out of site to keep this zone clutter-free.
- Drop zone. If your laundry room is off an entrance and you have the space, consider building a “drop zone” into this space. Lockers, hooks and under-bench cubbies can keep your family organized as they come and go from school and activities. Additionally, if this is the primary exit point, integrating a charging zone for electronic devices and a counter for keys will come in handy, too.
Don’t automatically assume that your current laundry room space cannot accommodate the design ideas you like – you’d be surprised what you can achieve in the space you have when you work with a professional design/build team.
Home Tip: Tips for Getting Your Stainless Steel to Sparkle
From appliances and sinks to trash bins and storage containers, stainless steel is in our kitchens. We love it for many reasons. It’s a streamlined, polished look; its non-porous surface resists bacteria; and it’s highly resistant to corrosion and heat damage. 
One of the drawbacks of stainless steel, however, is that it shows everything: fingerprints, splatters, water drips and even Fido’s nose print. Keeping your stainless steel appliances clean doesn’t need to be difficult, but it does require some specific cleaning methods.
First, some don’ts when it comes to cleaning stainless steel:
- Don’t use abrasive cleaning products, steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads. These can leave scratches on the surface.
- Don’t use cleaning products that contain chlorine.
- Don’t clean your stainless steel oven (or other appliances) unless it is cool to the touch.
- Don’t use excessively hard water (filter it first, if you must), as it can leave spots.
Now some tips for getting your stainless steel to sparkle:
- Select a cleaning product that is specific to use on stainless steel.
- Use vinegar to do a preliminary clean of your stainless steel surface. Place white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray liberally. Use a paper towel or soft cloth to wipe.
- Always, always, always wipe with the grain of the stainless steel. Begin at the top of the appliance and work your way down.
- For grease or baked-on food, use warm soapy water and a nylon sponge. Be sure to wipe down again with clean water and a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
- Consider buffing your appliances with stainless steel polish or lemon oil from time to time to rejuvenate that lustrous finish.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor living spaces continue to be one of the fastest growing segments of residential construction. More than ever before, homeowners are seeing their backyard as an extension of their home and are converting their outdoor space into comfortable living areas. Covered decks and patios, outdoor appliances and fire pits continue to increase in popularity.
We all look forward to heading outdoors and enjoying the warmer temperatures now that spring has arrived. What better way to enjoy those warm summer evenings than in your own beautiful outdoor living space. Metzler Home Builders can help you create an outdoor oasis to meet your needs and to complement your existing home. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about your own new beautiful backyard!
2016 Parade of Homes – Sneak Peak
The Parade of Homes will be held June 11-19, 2016. Metzler Home Builders will have two entries in the Parade this year, and both will be semi-detached homes. One is in our Villas at Featherton Community in Elizabethtown and the other is in our Willow Bend Farm Community in West Lampeter. Please be sure to stop in and see us during the Parade. We’d love for you to see these beautiful move-in ready homes and the lovely communities they are a part of.
2,130 sq. ft. semi-detached home with open floor plan, 4 bedrooms and 3 baths
First-floor master suite with walk-in closet and owner’s bath
First-floor living space features open floor plan with gas fireplace and hardwood flooring
Cloister Cabinetry kitchen design including granite countertops and island w/ bar seating
First-floor laundry room with custom bench and pegs
Efficient natural gas heating system
Beautiful craftsman exterior with stone and vinyl materials
Covered concrete patio
Precast Superior Walls in basement
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1,711 sq. ft. semi-detached home with open floor plan, 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
First-floor master suite with walk-in closet and owner’s bath
Swartz kitchen design including granite countertops, peninsula with bar seating and stainless steel appliances
Living room featuring gas fireplace with brick surround
Hardwood flooring throughout first-floor living space
Spacious dining area with custom wainscoting
Efficient natural gas heating system
Private concrete patio
Large basement with Superior Walls
Easy Summertime Chores
When summer rays are shining, it is tempting to grab your book and relax in the hammock. But before you do, take some time during a cooler summer morning to walk around your home and inspect it with a keen eye – to ensure that there isn’t anything that needs your attention.
Keep Your Gutters Free from Debris
Inspect your gutters and remove any debris. Here in Lancaster County, flash thunderstorms are common, and your house can suffer from water damage as a result of debris and water accumulating in your gutters
Clean Your Garage
Summer is a great time to organize your garage and get rid of the clutter. Also keep in mind that in the summer, temperatures can rise to new highs every day. Heat-sensitive materials such as paints and solvents should be stored in a cool, dry place or, if no longer needed, disposed of properly.
Examine for Pests and Insects
Inspect your deck and other wooden areas for termites. For humid climates, like ours, watch for puddles around your yard and other standing water – which is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes (and the West Nile virus). Check your lawn for holes created by moles, chipmunks or other furry creatures. Finally, examine the eaves around your home for hornets’ nests. Depending on the type of insect or pest, you may want to consult a professional for extermination.
By pinpointing problems early, you can usually avoid larger repair headaches (and bills) down the road – and have more time to relax in the summer sun.
May Home Checklist
- Decks: seal, clean, repair, check bolts, and check any lighting that is attached. Consider replacing or fixing any issues from the wood to the lights.
- Plant annuals & perennials to add a bit of color around your home.
- HVAC – clear any tall foliage or dirt buildup around the base and consider having a professional do a check-up on the freon and more.
- Trim trees, bushes and shrubs. Spring brings more growth to your trees, bushes and shrubs so take a moment to trim them back. By doing so wards off pests.
- Outdoor Lights – Lights provide a level of safety and security for your home, so if the lights are no longer working, repair or replace them. Check the light bulbs by your front and back door, and don’t forget those ‘runway lights’ along walkways. Make sure none are broken or the bulbs aren’t burnt out.
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. This can never be done enough. Either replacing batteries or purchase new units.
- Clean our the garbage disposal. Here is an easy combination that most of us already have in our home: ice, baking soda and citrus rinds. Pour into garbage disposal and turn on. The ice keeps the blade sharp and the baking soda and rinds freshens it up.
- Clean the range hood of grease and grime.
- Check the pressure gauge on your fire extinguisher. If the needle is in the green, it’s still functional. If not, then it is time to replace. If you do not have a gauge, consider having a professional check it. If your extinguisher is a non-rechargeable, retire your unit every 12 years. For rechargeable, it is recommended you replace it every 6 years.
Emergency Preparedness for Extreme Weather
No matter what the season, Lancaster County sees its fair share of extreme weather. With shifting temperatures in the spring and early summer, this time of the year seems to be one of the most volatile for extreme weather. Thunderstorms, hail and driving winds all can appear rather quickly, which is why it is important to be prepared just in case the power goes out.
J.K. Mechanical put together this handy info-graphic on extreme weather emergency essentials (see below). With these tips you can prepare your family and your home for any situation in any kind weather.
Tip #1: Standby Generator
A standby generator will help keep the most essential items running when the power goes out (refrigerator, freezer, cell phone charger, medical equipment, etc.). If you live in a neighborhood where your experience frequent and long power outages, a generator should be a top purchase consideration.
Tip #2: Adequate Food and Water
If there was a local disaster (ice storm, flood or tornado), would you have adequate food and water for your family? Make sure you store one gallon of water per person per day (3 days is recommended) and store enough non-perishable food (and a way to cook it – think camping) for your family, too.
Tip #3: Prepare Your Home
There are some things you can do around your house to prepare it against extreme weather. Check the roof, caulk windows and doors, insulate, keep gutters clean and bring your pets inside.
Remember, by taking the time to plan ahead, you can ensure the safety of your family.
Source: JKMechanical.com
Home Tip: Ideas for Keeping Your Bathroom Clean and Fresh
A bathroom can be one of the most relaxing places in the home, yet it is also a room that is one of the hardest to keep clean and sanitized. Here are a few ideas for keeping your bathroom clean and fresh:
- To remove soap scum, lime scale and dirt from your shower and other bathroom surfaces, use a mixture of dishwashing liquid, ammonia and vinegar. Having said that, if you have marble in your bathroom, be sure NOT to use vinegar, as it will break down the marble.
- White vinegar can also be used to remove soap scum from glass showers. Just put it in a dollar-store spray bottle to use. Vinegar can also be poured into toilets to keep them sparkling.
- Use a razor blade to scrape lime scale around faucets. Just be super careful as you scrape that you don’t cut yourself.
- Keep a bottle of soap scum remover in your shower caddie, and every few days, spray it after your shower. It keeps the scum from building up and significantly decreases the time and elbow grease needed to clean your shower.
- Don’t use fabric softener when washing towels, as this will create a coating on them – making them less absorbent. Instead, use white vinegar to keep them fluffy and soft.
Creating Your Perfect Retreat: 7 Bathroom Design Trends to Watch in 2016
In our fast-paced, hurried lives, the bathroom has become our sanctuary – our place to unwind and find our center of balance once more.
Why are bathrooms such an ideal escape spot? There are a number of reasons, but for many of us, it is the element of water coupled with a degree of privacy. We can soak away the day’s stress in a warm bath, or allow the water from the shower to beat away our tired, aching muscles – and within that time period when we are alone, our minds begin to quiet and our bodies come to a state of rest.
When it comes to remodeling projects in 2016, the bathroom – particularly the master bathroom – has overtaken the kitchen as the number one project planned by homeowners, according to the 2016 Houzz and Home Survey.
Thoughtful bathroom design isn’t just important in renovations, as new home builders and designers are putting much more care and attention into the master bath to provide their buyers with the retreat they want in that space.
With this in mind, we put together our list of seven bathroom trends to watch in 2016 – to inspire you to pull together your perfect bathroom retreat.
Large Showers & Exterior Tubs
Larger master bathroom showers are still quite desirable, and two types continue to be popular – frameless showers and walk-in showers. Inside, homeowners want amenities like double shower heads, oversized rain heads, a bench and built-in cubbies to hold products.
Exterior tubs also continue to be a sought-after design element, as more interesting and decorative options come to market, such as matte-painted clay tubs with a polished porcelain finish.
Embrace Mother Earth
The integration of natural, earthy materials in the bathroom continues to be a design trend – as many ideas are gleaned from the day-spa environment. River rocks and natural stone have been go-to selection options for a few years, but wood-like floors have emerged as a viable flooring choice now that several products on the market imitate wood, such as wood-look tile flooring. This trend can create the desired look without the headache of natural wood upkeep.
Other ways that Mother Earth is being integrated into our bathrooms include designing with more natural lighting considerations (skylights and transom lighting), accenting with leafy natural plants and installing beautiful wooden cabinetry.
The New White
We aren’t convinced that it actually ever left, but white is definitely back in a new, softer way, thanks in part to the material used to create some of the key elements found in a bathroom. Many freestanding tubs and pedestal sinks are made with resin-based composite material which gives them a softer, matte white finish.
Additionally, white tiles have evolved with new shapes, sizes (think long profile) and textures – all of which can create a fresh, clean and sophisticated space.
Large Format Tiles
These oversized tiles are just as popular as the itty-bitty mosaic tiles from a few years go, but these come with the added benefit of creating a seamless look, which often makes a room look bigger than its actual dimensions. And because there are less grout lines between tiles, it makes them much easier to keep clean.
Artisan Tiles
The beauty lies in the imperfection of these beautiful hand-crafted tiles. Adding a few thoughtfully selected artisan tiles to a bathroom can create visual appeal – acting almost like artwork – and provide rich texture to the space.
Functionality
Bathroom space planning has taken on a bigger priority as homeowners yearn for a place that is truly a retreat from life’s hustle and clutter. Adequate storage and furniture-like cabinetry continue to be important aspects of bathroom design.
Metallics
For the last few years, we’ve seen metal as a rising interior trend, and in 2016 we expect it only to grow – and that includes in our bathrooms. Bright and polished fixtures are being replaced with matte/satin finishes. Brushed stainless steel and brass (yes, brass!) are back in a big way for 2016. For a small splash of metal, look at fixtures, drawer pulls, mirrors, accent pieces and decorative drains, but if it is a larger metallic splash you seek, elect a copper tub or vessel sink.