a quick peek at items of interest to help us renew
Denver Home Remodeling Show set
The Denver Home Remodeling Show will be Friday-Sunday, March 13-15, at the Denver Merchandise Mart. The three-day show features a bevy of remodeling experts, displays and presentations. Renew, Colorado’s Remodeling Magazine will be the Media Sponsor of this year’s show. The Merchandise Mart is at I-25 and 58th Ave.
Save energy and money
Homeowners who choose to remodel with an eye toward “green” can lower their energy consumption by up to 50 percent, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “The U.S. Department of Energy believes if current buildings were green-improved, they would use $20 billion less energy per year,” NARI reports. “The reason is that green remodeling emphasizes energy efficiency within the home, using modifications such as energy-efficient appliances, programmable thermostats and airtight, low-emissivity windows.” From dimmable light switches and low-flow faucets to solar panels and pellet-burning stoves, NARI believes that energy can be saved in a variety of ways. “Manufacturers are working with remodelers to bring consumers the products and materials they need to make homes safe, comfortable, and attractive. That is, after all, the purpose of any remodel.” For more information, visit www.nari.org.
Energy awareness lacking, survey shows
Denver-based Johns Manville reports residents are definitely interested in reducing their home heating bills, but are much less interested in bolstering their resale value.
A Johns Manville survey showed that 63.6 percent of respondents said reducing their heating and cooling costs is the most important reason for making energy efficiency upgrades. Less important to respondents was helping reduce their home’s contribution to global climate change (18.8 percent), increasing comfort (10.6 percent) or bolstering their home’s resale value (5.2 percent). The firm also reports that 56 percent of survey respondents plan to make an energy-efficient home upgrade this winter.
Most homeowners underestimate how much they can save on utility bills by winterizing their homes. Nearly 75 percent of survey respondents said that adding insulation and air-sealing their attic will save them 10 percent or less on their monthly utility bill. However, adding insulation and air-sealing the attic can save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. “When asked about U.S. energy consumption, 25.7 percent of respondents said road transportation ranks as the largest U.S. consumer of energy; only 18.4 percent responded correctly that residential buildings are the single largest U.S. energy consumer,” according to Johns Manville.
Back-up power supplies
Pole-snapping winds and tree branch-splitting snow storms are two reasons people end up without power along the Front Range. Cummins Onan sends word that their residential standby generators can be incorporated into a new home or retrofitted for an existing residence. “An ever unpredictable economic and environmental world demands a back up supply of power to ensure the at-home protection and comfort your family deserves,” the firm reports. Call 303-927-2278.
Water and fertilize at the same time
Life might be easier if a lawn sprinkler system was also able to fertilize the grass. Consider it done. “This technique of applying products through the water is called “fertigation” and it saves on water while significantly reducing the risk of fertilizer runoff,” reports The Lawn Boy in Denver. The system can be applied to any residential irrigation setup. Call 303-451-7686 or visit www.thelawnboyonline.com
Fine cellars from fine wine
Savanté Wine Cellars suggests that you “age your wine in the wood it was born.” More specifically, the company uses recycled wine casks as one of its materials to build beautiful cellars. “We utilize recycled materials, certified sources of renewable hardwoods and formaldehyde-free sheet goods. And we have eliminated chemical finishes from our cellars,” according to the firm’s Web site. They also do other fine woodworking projects for the home. Call 303-725-5131 or visit www.savantewinecellars.com.
Enjoy the deck rain or shine
Why have two decks if only one can be used when it rains or snows? The Colorado Deck Drain Experts install systems that channel the water away so the deck is available when you are. Two options and a variety of colors are available to match most homes. Call 303-463-8880 or visit www.deckdrainexperts.com.
Fires for all
Homeowners with cramped spaces and lack of chimneys were unable to enjoy a fire on a cold Colorado evening in the past. But new designs from Eco-Flame Colorado allow just about anyone to enjoy a cozy fire. With the use of denatured alcohol, the fires don’t require a flue or other connections. Call 303-990-2295 or visit www.ecoflameco.com.
Colorado interior designers do not have to be accredited
The state of Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform recently reviewed the accreditation process of interior designers. The Colorado Coalition of Interior Designers was seeking a law that would require licensing, but a report from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies showed there was not a strong enough case to uphold the request. The interior designers group argued that a statewide standard and a more formal process would add credibility to the profession, adding that the accreditation is needed for fire-safety reasons, such as space planning. They called for a process that would require interior designers to have combined education and experience of six years and complete the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination.
Benjamin Moore offers zero-VOC interior paint
Benjamin Moore is making it easier to go green by creating Natura, a zero-VOC premium performance interior paint that is available in nearly all of Benjamin Moore’s 3,500 colors. “Being green has never been so colorful,” says Carl Minchew, Benjamin Moore director of color technology. “Natura is built upon Benjamin Moore’s patented waterborne colorant system, and it’s the waterborne technology that makes the difference. So, no matter what color you choose, it will never add to the VOC level.” Call 720-858-8212, or visit www.benjaminmoore.com.
