December 10, 2014

Energy Saving Benefits of Hang Drying Laundry

In a study conducted in 2013, hanging laundry was America’s least popular way to lower utility costs. Approximately 85% of American households own tumble dryers, and those who do own one burn through two or more loads a week. Dryers are one of the top energy consuming appliances, using about 12% of a typical household’s electricity! This is a surprising contrast to the 95% of Italians who hang dry their...

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December 1, 2014

Toys for Tots Drive 2014

For the month of December, we are raising support for Toys for Tots!  Toys for Tots is an organization that collects and distributes toys to less fortunate children.  Here’s where you come in.  For every toy that you donate, we will match that toy with another toy.  In addition, if you donate a toy, we will upgrade you to a Wi-Fi thermostat at no cost with any installation job we do....

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November 28, 2014

Saving Money with Propane

With winter getting closer, and cooler weather along with it, more people will begin turning their heaters on. Propane is a common energy source for fireplaces, heaters, and other heat producing appliances. Although California is one of the biggest propane users in the country, most people in the Southern California have hardly needed to use propane for heat, considering the beautiful weather all year round. Because of this, if it’s...

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November 20, 2014

Energy Efficient Fireplaces

With cooler weather upon us, it makes us want to turn on the thermostat and huddle under a blanket. For families with fireplaces, ‘tis the season to light it up and make s’mores. However, many fireplaces are not energy efficient, and much of the potential heating benefits are lost. Here’s a few tips for upgrading your fireplace to achieve maximum efficiency! The Right Kind of Wood If you happen to have...

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November 13, 2014

Non-Toxic House Cleaners

Have you ever read the label on your household cleaning supplies? You might be surprised by what you find. Phosphates, chlorine, ammonia and some types of acid are all common ingredients in our favorite cleaners. Ingesting or inhaling too much of these toxic chemicals can lead to lung complications, irritation, and corrosion of delicate tissues in the body. Leaving bottles of these cleaners can endanger children and pets alike, and...

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November 6, 2014

The Benefits of Double Paned Windows

Looking for ways to cut down on heating or cooling costs? Insulation is a key factor in household energy usage, so if your windows are the old single panes, it may be time for an upgrade. Regular windows allow air to escape more easily. This requires more work from the heating/cooling systems to maintain the desired temperature, and in turn, raises energy costs. Installing double paned windows can effectively double...

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October 27, 2014

Cool Roofs – Lower Your Energy Bill Naturally

In Southern California, it can get hot any time of the year. It’s not unusual to have a few days each month, even in the winter, where temperatures warm up to the point of needing to turn on your air conditioner. Because of that, there are many unique ways to combat the heat and keep your home cool. One of those is a reflective roof. Reflective or “Cool” roofs reduce...

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October 16, 2014

Ways to Make Your Home More Green

When it comes to your home, saving energy can seem like a big task.  Fortunately, there are a lot of little things you can do to be more green.  Additionally, if you make smart decisions when it counts (like when you purchase appliances), it can save more for years to come. Here are a few ways to save energy around your home. Minimize Washer and Dryer Use Be sure to...

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October 9, 2014

4 Ways to Prepare your Home for Winter

If you are like most people in Southern California, you probably don’t worry too much about the winter being too cold.  After all, we are famous for it being 75 and sunny all year long.  However, the truth is that the temperature does drop significantly during the winter months.  It’s common for temperatures to drop into the 30s and 40s in the evening during the coolest part of the year....

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October 3, 2014

5 Ways to Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs

Cooling your home in Southern California can be expensive.  We live in a climate where it is warm for most of the year, meaning we need to run our air conditioner more often than those in other parts of the country.  With the added expense, it’s important to understand different ways to cut down on cooling costs.  We identified 5 easy steps to take to save money on your air...

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