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.
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 function 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?
24
724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
icmags.com