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How to Save Energy in your Home
With the increased emphasis on global warming in recent years, combined with rising energy costs, more and more people are asking what they can do to make their homes more energy efficient. Energy conservation can be as simple as closing your curtains at night, changing a light bulb, turning down your thermostat, or closing the fireplace damper. Many of the most inexpensive solutions quickly pay for themselves in conservation, which you ultimately benefit from when you get your power bill.
One of the biggest ways you can conserve energy is to take advantage of “off-peak” hours. This is a step that everyone can take because it simply involves shifting your power use of major appliances, such as washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers. Puget Sound Energy recommends using these appliances outside of peak hours—peak hours are between 6am-10am and 5pm-9pm. Studies show that by shifting a portion of your energy use, consumers can significantly lower wholesale electricity prices, which saves everyone money in the long run.
Another way you can save energy is by washing your clothes in cold water and only running full loads. When using the dryer, toss in a couple of dry towels with your clothes to help speed up the drying process. It’s also important to clean the lint trap in your dryer after every load and make sure the dryer hose and vent are clear.
There are several steps you can follow to reduce your home’s demand on heating during the winter months. Conventional measures, such as setting back your thermostat, are effective at reducing energy consumption. It is recommended that you keep your thermostat set between 65 and 72 degrees during the winter months. Keep in mind that by simply lowering your thermostat one degree, your furnace will use seven percent less energy overall. It’s also important to clean your furnace filter frequently—doing so will enable your heating system to run more efficiently and cost-effectively.
It’s estimated that lighting accounts for 10 percent of your overall home energy bill, so another way you can conserve is by using energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs, known as CFL light bulbs. CFLs use approximately one-quarter of the energy of equivalent incandescent bulbs, they give off warm, indirect light, and they last ten times longer than average light bulbs. When shopping for CFLs, look for those with the Energy Star label on them—this ensures that you’re purchasing a product that has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
For more information about energy conservation, please visit www.energystar.org.
For more information on Windermere Evergreen, please contact us here.
Summer Entertaining Guide
Summer will be here before we know it, and the season is ripe with opportunities for parties, barbecues, and outdoor entertaining with friends and family. To set the stage for fun gatherings, we have collected some ideas for outdoor decorating, fun party themes, and more on the “Summer Entertaining” Pinterest board. What are your tips for throwing a fantastic summer soiree?
Outdoor improvement
Add some finishing touches to your outdoor spaces to create a fun atmosphere and a touch of your personal style.
Party ideas
You don’t need an excuse for a party! Elevate your gatherings to a whole new level with these fun party ideas.
Get your game on
From Bocce to Horse Shoes, there are plenty of games for guests of all ages.
Summer safety
Keep your friends and family safe outdoors with this quick tip.
How to feed a crowd
Don’t forget to search for delicious recipes, quick BBQ tips, kid-friendly foods, and summery cocktails.
You can find more fun home decoration and entertaining ideas on the Windermere Pinterest Board.
For more information on Windermere Evergreen, please contact us here.
Outdoor Living Inspiration
Can you believe that it’s already the middle of February? Summer is just around the corner and there is no better way to prepare than indulging in some exciting backyard inspiration. This year, turn your backyard or patio into the ultimate hangout. We’re talkin’ friends-never-want-to-leave kind of spot. Here are some ways to make that happen:
Sunken Hot Tub
We know what you’re thinking; hot tubs are so 80s. Not anymore! Consider adding a sunken hot tub to your backyard with a deck of natural stone, tall grasses, and outdoor curtains for privacy. Include pillar candles and some twinkling lights for added ambiance.
Outdoor Kitchen
If you entertain a lot, an outdoor kitchen is the ideal space for summer entertaining. Bring out your inner Tom Douglas with a cooking station that includes a high-end grill, refrigerator, wine chiller, and elegant washbasin. Round this all out with a concrete counter, bluestone tile floor, and stainless steel.
Outdoor Theater
Nothing says summer like outdoor movies, so why not create your own personal drive-in? All you need is a projector to watch your favorite movies, some dangling lights in the trees, blankets, and pillows. You could also watch it from a hanging bench or a floating bed. Get über creative and buy an inflatable flat screen for your pool area and turn it into a full-fledged theater, inflatable lounge chairs and all. This way you’ll never have to choose between movies and precious pool time.
Tiki Bar
Before you say no, say yes. Tiki Bars are entirely underrated; we think they’re the quintessential piece to any stay-cation. If you’re going for a tropical retreat feel, this is the place to start. Just don’t forget the hanging lanterns, bamboo, and ice-cold margaritas.
Fire Pit
Is your ideal summer situated by a campfire? Then add a fire pit and enjoy s’mores in the comfort of your own backyard. It’s easy to make your own. Use an old wine barrel, bricks, stones, or a concrete bowl. A lowered fire pit is great if you want to use sand for a beachy atmosphere. On a chilly summer night a campfire sets just the right mood for outdoor fun.
To enhance your space with little to no cost, add dangling vines or twinkling lights. And a splash of color here and there immediately changes the vibe. Choose one or all of the ideas above and start planning your debut party!
For more outdoor living ideas, follow our Pinterest board. For more information about Windermere Evergreen, please contact us here.
Damage Control: Preparing for Winter Storms
Last week we shared tips for preventive home maintenance to help you and your home fare better through the winter months. This week we want to take this topic a bit further by focusing on disaster preparedness. No one wants to think about disasters, but being organized can help bring you and your family a peace of mind. Here are some tips for preparing for events, such as major winter storms, natural disasters, and evacuations. In the coming weeks, we will have more on how to stock an emergency kit and manage property damage.
Power Outages
Power outages are relatively common during large weather-related events; however, losing power for a few days can be highly inconvenient – and even dangerous. If you aren’t in immediate danger, you will want to make sure you are prepared with some basic necessities to survive the cold, darkness, and boredom that can accompany days without electronic stimulants.
· Keep a supply of flashlights and batteries on hand. These items easily find their way to the back of drawers, or misplaced in rooms. Make sure they are easy to find in absolute darkness. Keep flashlights in your bed side table and use a magnet to secure a flashlight to your fridge. Keep plenty of batteries on hand; in the case of an emergency, batteries can be very difficult to find.
· Don’t rely on candles. Candles are dangerous if you have pets or small children, and they can also cause a fire if not properly attended.
· Have a crank or battery powered AM/FM radio available so you can keep up on the news.
· Use your cell phone sparingly or use a charger with an alternative energy source to make sure your phone is fully changed during an emergency situation.
· When preparing for the winter season, make sure you stock up on food that is easy to eat without the help of a microwave or stove.
· Keep your refrigerator cold. The more often you open the fridge, the more quickly the temperature will rise and your food will spoil. Here is a useful guide for how long food will last after an outage.
· If you have small children, keep a stock of activities to entertain them without the aid of electricity.
· You may be able to use a BBQ if the weather is permitting or if you have a covered patio. It is very important to remember to never bring your BBQ inside for food consumption or heat. Using a BBQ or generator inside can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Natural Disasters
In the instance of a natural disaster, such as a tsunami or earth quake, turn off your water heater and gas tanks. Gas leaks can be very dangerous, so if you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, you will want to leave the premises immediately and call your gas provider. If you are concerned for your family’s safety in your home, follow an evacuation plan (see “Evacuations” below).
If you are preparing for a major wind storm or hurricane/tornado, you may actually have some forewarning. In that instance, here are some helpful tips:
· Secure furniture to walls. If you live in earthquake prone territories (or have small children), securing tall bookshelves to your wall is a must. This will reduce damage and decrease the odds that someone will get injured.
· Bring outdoor items inside, including your patio furniture, pots, barbeques, etc. These items could get lost or cause greater damage to your property.
· In high wind situations, use storm shutters or board up your windows to prevent trees or other objects from causing damage.
· Fill your bathtub with clean water. In the event that water is shut off, this will be valuable for flushing the toilet and personal hygiene.
· If you have a fireplace or a wood burning stove, stock up on firewood to ensure your home stays warm.
Evacuations
During a weather-related emergency, your first priority is usually to stay in the safety of your own home. But sometimes this is not possible. With the help of your family, it’s a good idea to make an evacuation plan. Here are some possible issues to consider:
· Come up with a plan. If something should happen, it is best that everyone knows what the drill is ahead of time. Have a plan about where the family meets, a backup place to stay, and if you have family pets, how they will be evacuated, as well.
· A designated place to meet if your family cannot evacuate together.
· Designate a spot in your house and store all important documentation together, so someone can grab copies of birth certificates, home inventory, insurance documents, etc.
· Create a list of other important items you would like to take in case of an emergency, such as family heirlooms, a toy, a laptop, etc. Each person should know what those special items are, and be able to grab them quickly.
· And don’t forget to practice your plan together as a family.
For more information on Winderemere Evergreen, please contact us here.
Indoor gardens: cultivate while keeping the winter doldrums at bay
In many parts of the country it is still too early to start thinking about gardening. After a chilly winter, adding some green to your home’s interior may be just what the doctor (or decorator) ordered. Consider an indoor garden to liven up your home with color and clean air. There are many ways to introduce houseplants into your home décor, from edible to ornamental. Here are some tips to get you started:
Cultivate herbs or fungi on your windowsill.
Create or find an indoor greenhouse:
Or maximize your space with a hydroponic tower:
Plant a lemon tree, or a whole orchard:
Make a statement with a hanging garden:
Keep your houseplants in unexpected rooms:
If you have young children or pets, you will want to consider the toxicity of some of your plant choices.
Indoor plants have their benefits, including cleaning the air you breathe. Some plants are more effective at recycling the CO2 in your home than others.
We’d love to hear your tips for adding indoor plants and gardens.
Check out more home ideas on our Pinterest page.
For more information, please visit Windermere Evergreen.
Baby Boomers Have Homebuilders Rethinking Home Design
The baby boomer generation, which is currently estimated to be aged between 48 and 67 years old, comprises almost one-third of the nation’s population. The demand that this lucrative segment of the population has on housing is causing homebuilders to rethink how they design homes. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has a 50+ Housing Council which focuses entirely on the housing needs of aging baby boomers. A study commissioned by the NAHB suggests that baby boomers and older homebuyers want a maintenance-free lifestyle that frees them up to travel, socialize, and pursue other activities. Perhaps this is why real estate professionals report an increase in the number of baby boomers who are interested in condominiums and townhomes. There is also growing popularity for luxury units because they appeal to empty-nester baby boomers who no longer want the maintenance of a single family home, but don’t want to scale back on certain features and amenities either.Follow the Direction in Which the House Is Growing
When you first move into your new home, it is likely you will have a list of items you must change right away, to fit your design and practical needs. As far as your landscaping goes, I recommend that you maintain what you have for at least one full year—the entire growing cycle of everything in your lot. This way you may avoid chopper/whacker/digger remorse: “Oh, I wish I’d known that was a flowering syringa (lilac) and not just a weedy-stick-y looking thing.” Additionally, if you begin planting right away, you won’t really know your micro-areas and could well be pulling dead, stick-like plants, shrubs, trees which you only recently purchased. It takes a bit of self-control to avoid that initial “clean-up” and planting frenzy, but you may thank yourself eternally if you can hold off.
During that first year of restraint, watch the pattern of the sun across your lot/land, learn the irrigation system or lack thereof, note shady, sunny, dry, wet, windy, catbox, and understory areas. Note the neighbors’ yards, and see what works and doesn’t, and what you like and don’t. If you are so inclined, keep a gardener’s notebook with your observations.. Decide what you want your lot to be, and what fits into your lifestyle. Whether you are a retired, full-time master gardener, or an organic gardener, or you “just wanna bbq and kick-back”, there are landscapes to fit your ideal. Developing a plan for all of your “yard-rooms”, as 20th century British gardener Gertrude Jekyll named the various areas of the yard, is a comprehensive approach. Where do the kids play? Where are the garbage/recycle bins stashed?
Think about traffic patterns—where do you want paths, seating areas, and garden beds. Also consider “hardscape”: walls, fences, garden structures, screening from neighbors, and parking areas.
A well-planned landscape enhances the value of your home and lets you extend the walls of your home from lot line to lot line.
For more information on Windermere Evergreen, please contact us here.
Here’s Your Spring Maintenance Checklist
Now that spring has sprung, let’s clear the cobwebs and get your home ready! Here is our quick guide to spring home maintenance:
Inspection top to bottom: Now that the weather is temperate you will want to check on how your home weathered the winter. Check the roof for leaks, the gutters for damage, and the siding for cracks. You will also want to inspect your basement or foundation for any shifts. Make repairs now to prevent further damage.
Clean out the gutters: April showers bring May flowers… so clear out the gutters to keep rain from pooling on your roof or near your foundation.
Pest control: Spring is mating season for eight legged critters, so sweep out cobwebs, clear debris, and check the nooks and crannies. If you live in an area prone to dangerous species like brown recluse or black widows, you may want to contact your local pest control, but otherwise household spiders do help eliminate other bugs.
Check your basement and attic for signs of other infestations. For more information on pest control go here: http://www.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/categories/living/posts/when-things-go-bump-in-the-night
HVAC system: If you have an air conditioner now is the time to check to make sure it is ready before summer gets here and everyone else is clamoring for maintenance. Now is a good time to check your home air filters and replace or upgrade to keep allergens at bay.
Clear the clutter: Do a sweep around the house and get rid of junk that you don’t use! Take a little time each week to tackle a room. Closets, playrooms, and basements can be especially daunting, but getting rid of old stuff and refreshing your space will go a long way!
Deep clean: On a nice day open the windows, dust, wipe, scrub, and clean. You will get a nice work out and your home will look and feel so fresh after a winter of being cooped up.
Update your décor: Add a splash of color to your home with small embellishments. Add a colorful vase, a lighter throw for your sofa, pretty pastel pillows, or spring-time candles, to upgrade your living space.
Take it outdoors: Let your throw rugs, curtains, and other tapestries air our outside. Shake off the dust, spot clean what you can and let everything bask in the sun for an afternoon.
Don’t forget the back yard: It may not be time to start up the grill, yet, but you can get started on your outdoor entertaining checklist. Check your lawn, and if you have some spare spots start filling in with seed. Check your outdoor plants, prune, plant bulbs, start to replenish soil for your garden, and mow, so you are ready to start when the season allows.
Speaking of the grill – if you have a gas grill you will want to pull this out and perform a maintenance check. Clean everything up and check to make sure all the gas lines are clear, as these can get clogged after sitting idle all winter. Make sure the grill is clear of spiders too, as they can build webs in the tubes, causing damage to your grill. You can start to bring out your garden furniture too, or clean it up if you left it covered outside all winter. Because before you know it, it’ll be barbecue season!
For more information on Windermere Evergreen, please contact us here.
Windermere Evergreen’s Grand Opening
Windermere Evergreen held it’s Grand Opening on Friday, February 16th. It was a great event and we were joined by many close friends, co-workers and family. Evergreen Chamber of Commerce was at the event, for a ribbon cutting ceremony. Inspired fitness our new neighbors in the building, joined us as well in celebrating their Grand Opening at the same time. It was a successful event and we are very excited to be “officially” open for all of your Real Estate needs! Thank you everyone for coming out to celebrate with us!
Five Essentials for Your Home Office
Most people dream of working from home, but ask anyone who does it on a regular basis, and they’ll tell you how hard it can be to stay productive when you work where you live. The most disciplined telecommuters will tell you that you need a structured routine and organization to rise and grind and get into work mode.
Having a designated work space is quite possibly the most important piece to the WFH pie. Even if you live in a small space, you need to find a balance between home and office. People who work from home often have a difficult time separating work hours from their non-work hours because it’s so easy to keep at it late into the night. But maintaining a balance and shutting down the computer is important for overall wellbeing. What are some other must-haves for a successful home office? Here are the top five:
- Natural Light – Study upon study tells us that natural light is needed to boost productivity and mood. Make sure to set your desk up as close to a window as you can. If being near a window isn’t an option, a natural light lamp is the next best thing. It helps balance your body clock and leaves you feelings rested and refreshed.
- To-Do List or Planner – Start each day off by making a to-do list outlining what you need to get done before the end of the work day. Make sure to set a realistic time frame in which all of that should be completed, so you can check each one off the list and feel immense accomplishment once you’ve completed them all.
- Storage – If you have a big enough space, put in a large bookshelf where you can organize everything (think storage boxes). It reduces clutter and looks stylish. Using your walls and cabinetry is the most efficient use of space.
- Calendar – Many people tend to rely on digital calendars these days because of their convenience. When all of your devices sync together and pop up with reminders, you never have to worry about missing an appointment. However, many people find that it helps to keep a paper calendar handy too so you can easily view your whole month at a glance.
- Space for Inspiration – It doesn’t matter what field you work in, having a source of inspiration in your work space is essential. Whether it’s a photo of your family, your dream car, or that vacation you’ve been dying to take, having that inspiration right in front of you provides a constant reminder of why you do what you do.
For more information on Windermere Evergreen, please contact us here.
