I’m all the time reading on ARA for great tips and ideas.  When I read the article below I thought it might be useful to others out there.  I really like the information about the drapes, we installed these in our bedroom at the beginning of summer to help keep the afternoon heat out and they really worked and helped cut down our cooling expenses.  This year I am purchasing 6 more for the office.  I found only one problem with them, they make the room really dark so it makes me want to take a nap way to often.  Hope you enjoy the following article.

(ARA) – Just as many of us have taken on extra work to make ends meet in this economy, everything we buy now must serve a dual purpose as well. It makes sense to spend your hard-earned dollars on items that not only do the job intended for them, but that also save you money in a variety of ways.

Not sure how to make money-maximizing, dual-purpose purchases? Here are a few tips:

* Make decor decisions that not only upgrade your enjoyment of your home, but that improve its energy efficiency as well. For example, thermal drapes in decorator colors will add punch to your decor and will also help retain heat. An energy-efficient electric stove can create a warm ambiance and help save on energy bills as well. You’ll find desirable options at www.seventhavenue.com.

* Drop your gym membership, which likely costs you $50 a month, in favor of creating a home gym.

* Skip the spa for aromatherapy, hair removal and manicures or pedicures. You can do all those things at home – with a spa-like experience – by obtaining the right devices. An electrolysis pen does home hair removal quickly and easily – and without the cost and inconvenience of going to the spa.  A pair of Pedi Couture Sandals, available at www.seventhavenue.com, will sooth and relax your feet while gently separating the toes to make a self-pedicure simple.

When you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home
inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections,
he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of
North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home
inspection.  We won’t let you buy the money pit.

We are proud to announce that we are now IASQ™ Certified Inspectors for the
Healthier Environment Living Program – Green Technology that helps with
Eliminating Harmful Germs, Bacteria and Viruses from your home and business!
Visit Healthier Programs corporate
site for more exciting information. Need HELP for your home immediately,
call us at 404-788-2581 today!

Need an easy way to hook up phone, cable and internet, here you go: FREE
Home Utility/Communication Connection Services where one call does it all,
Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone.  Call 1-866-594-4871
and provide them with access code 1008126.  Call our Free Home Concierge
Services to save time, save money and simplify life!

You can also schedule
your own Georgia home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!

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While out surfing the web I found the following article that I thought would be of useful information to my Atlanta home inspection customers.  I am all the time looking for interesting articles for home maintenance tips.  This one is worth some money.  Enjoy.

Get more for your money when purchasing replacement windows

(ARA) – Energy efficiency has gained national importance and window replacement is recognized as one pathway to aid in energy independence and the reduction of harmful global emissions.

Choosing replacement windows with energy-saving benefits is simple and the federal government also made it less expensive for homeowners with the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The bill includes the opportunity for homeowners to claim a tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of eligible energy-efficient products to a maximum of $1,500 per household for 2009 and 2010 combined when used for remodeling and replacement. According to the IRS, a tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability and can be deducted directly from your taxes owed.

While energy efficient replacement windows are included in this tax credit, not all replacement windows will qualify. Paul Delahunt, president of Renewal by Andersen, says, given the new tax credit, now is the best time to replace your leaky, worn-out windows. But he also cautions homeowners to do their homework to make sure the windows they purchase will qualify.

To qualify, windows must provide high levels of energy efficiency in two categories: reduced heat loss and reduced heat gain. The measurement for heat loss is called U-Factor and the measurement for heat gain is called Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC. To meet the performance requirements, the window or door must have both a U-Factor and SHGC rating equal to or less than 0.30 in all climate zones in the U.S.

When comparing windows for energy performance — and the 2009/2010 tax credit — be sure to check the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label that is displayed on the product. This label displays the U-Factor and SHGC ratings for the window or patio door. If the product does not have this label, then the unit does not have a certified NFRC value.

Qualifying replacement windows must be purchased and installed in a primary residence between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. While quality installation is a critical component of any successful window replacement project, installation costs are not included in the 2009/2010 tax credit. Your sales receipt should break out qualifying product costs separately.

In addition to your sales receipt, you will also need to save the NFRC label from each window or the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement with your tax documents.

Renewal by Andersen makes it easy for homeowners to take advantage of the new federal tax credit with its extensive selection of windows and patio doors with glass packages that meet or exceed the performance criteria to be eligible for the credit.

In fact, Delahunt says, virtually all Renewal by Andersen windows with High-Performance Low-E4 SmartSun glass are eligible for the tax credit. These same windows with SmartSun glass are up to 47 percent more energy efficient in winter and up to 70 percent more energy efficient in summer compared to ordinary dual pane glass — making a big impact on reducing your energy bills.

Homeowners interested in learning more about Renewal by Andersen products that may qualify can visit www.renewalbyandersen.com or call (800) 630-5838.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. 

We are proud to offer our new FREE Home Concierge Services where one call does it all, Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone.  Call 1-866-594-4871 and provide them with access code 1008126.  Call our Free Home Concierge Services to save time, save money and simplify life!
You can also schedule your own home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time. 

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