LIGHTEN UP
Have you been wondering if there’s a
way you can cut your energy bills while
helping to contribute to a greener
environment? Though Pennsylvania
may not immediately spring to mind as
a sunny locale, solar power is readily
available and already being used in
hundreds of area homes successfully.
Think of it like this: If there were a river
flowing by your house and you only had
a five-gallon bucket to collect the water,
you would only be able to use five
gallons. But if you had 20 five-gallon
buckets, you could have all the water
you needed. Solar energy functions in
a similar way. If you live in an area that
does not get a lot of sun, by adding more
solar panels you can collect more sun.
According to lead designer Ian Smith
of Energy Independent Solutions, the
Pittsburgh area is able to produce about
80% of the solar power that Miami,
Florida, does! There are also attractive
options for installing the panels, such
as all-black panels and solar shingle
products that blend the panels in with
your roof. Solar awnings can be installed
on a pergola or carport. And with flat
roofs, the panels are generally not
visible at all. There are also ground-
mounted systems that are separate
from your home.
Smith adds that the initial cost for an
average-size home of 2,000 sq. ft. might
range from about $15,000 to $25,000,
which is recouped over a few years.
Some areas may also offer incentives or
tax benefits for switching to solar.
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of disorganization. A designer and expert carpenter can help you get the
most from your workspace.
Just because you don’t have an entire room in your house to dedicate
to your home office doesn’t mean you can’t have a dedicated workspace.
Even a closet can be transformed into a workspace with the right
planning, and the whole office can be put away at day’s end by simply
closing the closet door.
If you have even less space to work with, try a wall-mounted desk that
can be extended when in use and collapsed flush with the wall when it’s
not. Cubby holes built into the interior wall area can also provide places
for storage in a tight space. A creative builder can help you make the most
of your available space.
If your work area is not separated from the rest of your home and
building a wall is not an option, there are still attractive ways to define
your space. For example, tall wooden shutters can be linked together
with hinges and painted any color to create a private area. Though not
soundproof, they can create an intimate atmosphere of privacy when
needed for oneself or seeing clients. Tall silk plants, such as a series of
ficus trees, can also be used to divide the space.
Don’t skimp on your office chair! It’s likely a place where you will be
sitting for several hours every single day. Make sure it’s comfortable and
provides plenty of lumbar support, in addition to being an attractive
addition to your office. Visit Spine-Health.com for some helpful
suggestions on choosing the right chair that will work best for you.