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.
cleaning, with frequency depending on location. If the deck is adjacent to trees and
shrubbery, leaves and pollen will settle on the frame so washing is required to keep it
looking sharp.
If your home is made of stone, you may opt for a patio that is a continuation of the
stone look, but this also works well with a wood frame or brick home. Patios work best
in yards that are level, while a deck can be placed pretty much anywhere, including a
hilly or uneven lawn.
According to Marci Buckiso of The Fireplace and Patioplace, a local expert in
furnishing outdoor living spaces, homeowners are especially keen to add fire features
to their outdoor area, which functions as a gathering point for both family and guests.
Traditional wood-burning fireplaces not only add physical warmth and beauty, but
emotional warmth as well.
Contemporary homeowners are opting for very modern linear gas fireplaces, with
smooth, clean lines to mirror the style of their home.
“For those homeowners who don’t have the space for a traditional fireplace, fire
pits make a great feature, creating a beautiful flame that glows through crystal rock,”
says Buckiso. And they’re available in three different heights, with a lower coffee-table
height, dining table and bar height. The homeowner also has the option of selecting
wood- or gas-burning fire pits.
OUTDOOR KITCHEN SPLENDOR
When the summer heats up, the prospect of slow-cooking a roast or searing some
ribs is just not as appealing when you know it’s going to heat up your house and drive
up your air-conditioning bill. Take a tip from our pioneer ancestors who baked their
bread and cooked their meats outdoors in the summer to maintain a cool house. This
simple idea can really help keep your home cool during the dog
days of summer, while saving you money on energy costs.
With an outdoor oven and grill, barbeques can be a
spontaneous dinner idea, rather than a major event
that must be planned days in advance. The grilling
process gives steaks, chicken, fish and pork a
wonderful smoked flavor, while reducing the
overall fat content.
And it’s not just meats that can benefit from
grilling. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini and tons
of other vegetables take on a wonderful flavor
when tossed lightly with olive oil, wrapped in foil
and cooked on a grill.
With an outdoor kitchen, grilling is not just for
summer either. With a covering for rainy days and
outdoor heating available, it can be used virtually year-
round. Although just a simple oven and grill can change the
way you live, a sink with running water and an added fridge can
really make cooking outdoors convenient.
For entertaining, the outdoor kitchen offers a way to spend time with your guests
while preparing the meal. There’s also an entire line of in-ground sound equipment
and specially made outdoor TVs. The televisions are completely waterproof and three
times as bright as a normal TV, so they can be viewed even in strong direct sunlight.
IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME OFFICE
Are you one of those lucky individuals able to work from home? The world just
seems like a nicer place when you’re dressed in your pajamas, doesn’t it? But work
is still work. You need a place that’s organized, designed well, and in which you
feel comfortable. Chances are, you may also need a degree of privacy to do your
best work.
One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is lighting. Many studies
demonstrate that natural lighting is best whenever possible, and results in more
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