WINDOWS: Are ENERGY STAR Windows right for your remodel?

While every home and every remodel is different, we believe the answer for everyone is probably YES!

ENERGY STAR labeled windows meet a stringent energy efficiency specification set by the Department of Energy and have been tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).  NFRC is an independent, third-party certification agency that assigns specific energy efficiency measures such as U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient to the complete window system, not simply the glass.

ENERGY STAR qualified windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the window panes, improved framing materials, and Low-E coating(s) which are microscopically thin coatings that helps keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer.  Look for ENERGY STAR windows from the manufacturer you are considering.

Sign-up for our Newsletter, or check back soon at GetWithGreen.com for more specifics on ENERGY STAR windows…

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LANDSCAPING: Cyber-Rain, who else wants to save on watering bills?

Today Cyber-Rain announced their new wireless irrigation system for that new yard you are planning to put in!!   And, just because it says “wireless”, doesn’t mean it’s just for techies. 

This $299 sprinkler control system can save consumers 30-70% on watering bills says the company.    While most sprinkler control systems on the market today rely on timers to regulate watering schedules, the Cyber-Rain system automatically adjusts watering levels based on YOUR local weather forecast, saving money, water and reducing pollution-causing runoff by stopping sprinkler systems on rainy days, automatically decreasing the watering schedule on cold or humid days, and increasing it on hot and dry days! 

Question:  How does the Cyber-Rain XCI do this? 
Answer:  Via your family PC!   

The Cyber-Rain sprinkler control system and your computer speak directly to each other wirelessly, and Cyber-Rain talks to the Internet via your computer to get the weather forecast.  You don’t need to have wireless in your home, and there is no complicated wiring Read more

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SWIMMING POOL: Pay attention to your pool pump, or you could pay more!

Building out your new backyard, may mean that you are adding a pool.  Or perhaps you are just looking to help our environment and save $’s at the same time by evaluating your present pool system…. 

SwimmingPoolBasics.com says…Your choice of a swimming pool pump is of great importance because of the fact that the correct selection can lead to a lot of saving on energy costs as well as in maintaining the correct temperature of the water.   By selecting a small, higher efficiency pump, you can save up to 75% in energy and maintenance bills depending upon the region you are located in.   The theory that works behind this logic that the larger the pump the greater the pumping costs and maintenance will be.

Your swimming pool pump often keeps on running much longer than necessary. For example, it is not necessary to keep the pump running under the mistaken belief that the chemicals will remain mixed only when the pump is running. Actually, as long as the pump is running when the chemicals are being mixed, they do not require any recirculation to remain mixed. Similarly you need only an occasional use of the pump for removing debris and algae. Daily removal of debris is quite effective with the use of a skimmer and a vacuum cleaner. The best way of removing algae is Read more

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