KITCHEN FIXES AND UPGRADES ON A BUDGET – FRESH PAINT, STAIN, NEW FAUCETS, & CABINET HARDWARE

” …today’s American kitchen — no longer a place to simply cook and eat, it’s now the “real” living room — a place for living, working and entertaining.

Given the current recession, it’s no surprise that consumers are saving rather than spending. And when they do spend, they’re doing so from cash on hand; rather than credit,” said Jack Suvak, senior director of research and insights, Moen. “This change in spending behavior has had a dramatic impact on remodeling projects. Most homeowners are choosing to perform ‘room lifts’ — small updates to personalize a room — rather than undertake major remodels.

…Plus, homeowners are choosing to personalize renovations to fit their needs, rather than update a room for the next family that will be living in the house. In the kitchen, this might include everything from creating solutions that better integrate the management of electronic devices…to creating ‘kid level’ storage areas…to adding safety features for aging boomers.”

Except from: MOEN… New Research Finds Homeowners are Renovating to Create “Live-In Value;” Rather than to Sell – April 26, 2011

Here’s a Handyman Tip: Whether you Do-it-Yourself or decide to hire a professional handyman, carpenter, plumber, electrician, painter, tile installer or general contractor…

Create a Plan and a Realistic Budget.

The plan should be influenced by your lifestyle and your personal style (Look at images in publications for ideas until you have a heartfelt “yes. that’s it!”) Creating a realistic budget does not necessarily mean sacrifice… often it means being a smart shopper. ( Shop sales in stores in person or online as well a internet sites such as ebay.com, Amazon.com, lowes.com, homedepot.com and more).

If you plan to Do-it-Yourself ( DIY) be honest with yourself about your skills and do what you can and get help with the rest.

 

Spring into Action with a Home Energy Saving Plan Now

Flex Your Power – Stay Cool Save Money

Ways to Save Energy and Money on Cooling

In an uncertain economy investing a little time and money in home efficiency is one way to yield guaranteed returns. By taking just a few minutes to read Flex Your Power’s tips on summer efficiency you can be on your way towards saving money and protecting the environment.

Spring has sprung here in California and the hot days of summer are right around the corner. Air conditioning is a big expense in many parts of California, but by spending a little time on energy efficiency now you can save big when the heat is on. Many of these tips are free and can continue save you money after the dog days of summer are gone.

The Best No Cost or Low Cost Tips to Prepare Your Home For Hot Weather

• Setting your air conditioner 5° higher will save up to 20% on cooling costs.¹
• Use fans to make indoor temperatures feel cooler, most ceiling fans use less energy than a light bulb.
• Have your air conditioning unit serviced to cut 15% of cooling costs. ²
• Don’t try to cool the great outdoors — Seal cracks, gaps, leaks and add insulation to save up to 20% on home cooling costs.²
• Keep windows and doors shut and shades closed during the day, to keep your house cool and reduce air conditioning needs.

» Get more energy-saving tips.

The Best Investments for Summer Energy Savings

• Have your heating and cooling ducts professionally sealed to save up to $190 per year. ³
• Install a programmable thermostat and only cool the house when you’re home — It can save up to $160 per year and pays for itself in 6-9 months. ³
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs to save on lighting AND cooling bills. 90% of the energy used by old incandescent bulbs produces heat, not light.
• If your old air conditioner breaks down, consider a high efficiency replacement. Replacing a 10-year-old central AC unit with an ENERGY STAR qualified model can cut 20-40% off your cooling costs.

For more tips on keeping cool this summer see Flex Your Power’s air conditioning tips.

Get Rebates, Incentives & Services

Excerpt From: http://www.fypower.org/res/summersavings/

 

State of California – Final Phase of Rebates for Heating and Air Conditioning Systems and Water Heaters Ends December 31, 2020

For Immediate Release: December 15, 2010
Media Contact: No Contact Available

MEDIA ADVISORY: http://www.cash4appliances.org/

What: The California Energy Commission is closing the final phase of the Cash for Appliances rebate program. Applications for water heaters and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems must be postmarked by December 31, 2010.

The Home Appliance program closed on December 6, 2010 which provided rebates for refrigerators, clothes washers, room air conditioners, dishwashers, and freezers.

Since April, more than 180,000 applications have been received and approximately less than $1 million is still available.

When: New applications for HVAC and water heater systems must be postmarked by December 31, 2010. Consumers that receive a request to correct their application must submit and postmark their supplemental information no later than 30 days from the postmark date of their letter.

Applications for HVAC and water heater systems postmarked after December 31, 2010 will be placed on a waiting list on a first-come, first serve basis.

Why: The program has less than $1 million remaining and is closing the program to control over-subscription of the funds.

Who: The Energy Commission has partnered with more than 80 Platinum Retail Partners and more than 50 Official Partners to assist consumers with appliance purchases, recycling their old appliances and completing their application. A list of partners is available at: http://www.cash4appliances.org/partners/list.html.

Consumers must work with a licensed California contractor for the installations of water heaters and heating and cooling units. Consumers should check with their local utility and the State of California Contractor’s State License Board (CSLB) for lists of contractors in their area and How to Hire a Contractor:www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/HireAContractor/

How: Consumers are eligible for a rebate when they purchase a qualified high energy efficient appliance, water heater, or heating and cooling units, properly recycle their old appliance or system, and submit a complete application package. Instructions on how to complete an application for the California Cash for Appliances rebate is available at: www.cash4appliances.org/consumers/Rebate-Form.pdf

To check on the status of a rebate, consumers can use a new tool located on the homepage of the website at:www.cash4appliances.org A consumer must enter their unique tracking number or their last name, phone number, and type of appliance that was purchased.

Consumers who need to correct their rebate application can contact their retailer or contractor, call the toll-free number at: 1-888-390-4034, or e-mail the Energy Commission at: rebates@energy.state.ca.us

Eligible energy efficient home appliances and rebate amounts were: refrigerators $200, clothes washers $100, dishwashers $100, freezers $50, and room air conditioners up to $50. Rebates for eligible water heaters are $300-$750, and eligible HVAC systems qualify for $500 to $1000.

The program notice can be viewed here: www.energy.ca.gov/recovery/energystar.html

Consumer Tips to Speed Rebate Processing:

1. Read the Steps. Read the steps on rebate application and include all of the required supporting documentation.
2. Fill out form completely and correctly. Do not leave any items blank on the application. Check the appropriate boxes and sign the application. For HVAC and Water Heaters a California licensed contractor will assist the consumer with the application.
3. Be consistent. Make sure that the applicant’s first and last name matches the name on the certificate of recycling and the name on the utility bill. Only one first and last name is required on the application. The Certificate of Recycling and Utility Bill are only required for Clothes Washers, Refrigerators, Room Air Conditioners, Freezers, and Dishwashers. HVAC and Water Heater applications must list the Certified Appliance Recyclers (CAR) name and CAR number.
4. Recycle. Consumers must recycle their old appliance to receive a rebate. The Certificate of Recycling document must be included with the application. If a consumer is participating in their utility rebate program, the utility will provide the consumer with the required Cash for Appliances Certificate of Recycling. Consumers can also obtain the Certificate of Recycling from a platinum retailer, participating city of county governments haul away program, or a Certified Appliance Recycler. For information on how to properly recycle an old appliance, visit:
   www.cash4appliances.org/consumers/recycle.html
5. Correct Postage. Affix proper postage before mailing your rebate application.