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A nice way to upgrade your home is with ceiling fans. Not only do they look better than the typical light fixture, they can be used year round. In the summer, use the ceiling fan in the counterclockwise direction. The airflow produced creates a wind-chill effect, making you “feel” cooler. Like a summer breeze over your skin, the effect of a fan makes you feel as comfortable at 75 degrees as you would at 70 degrees. In the winter, reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan at low speed in the clockwise direction. This will produce a gentle updraft, which forces the warm air near the ceiling down into the room. Remember to adjust your thermostat when using a ceiling fan: additional energy and dollar savings could be realized with this simple step!

ENERGY STAR® certified ceiling fans move a greater volume of air with less power by taking advantage of advanced motor features and superior design. Some models also incorporate CFLs (Compact Florescent Light bulb) for even greater energy savings.

By setting the air conditioner thermostat higher, you can realize electricity savings as high as 25- 40% in summer. In addition, you can save up to 10% on Winter heating bills by setting the fan on low speed and gently recirculating the warm air that has risen to the ceiling.

The ROI (Return On Investment) Calculations above are based on two rooms with multi-speed reversible fans and a savings of $5 per month over the course of the year. Also, when you are shopping for fans, bear in mind that it will be in your best interest to purchase a better looking fan as opposed to a Plain Jane fan. Potential buyers will notice!

Mounting the Ceiling Fan:

If possible, the ceiling fan should be anchored to a ceiling joist. If the joist is not located in the center of the room, a special ceiling fan mounting bracket with spiked ends should be installed between joists. Keep in mind that ceiling fans can weigh as much as 50 pounds!

Always remember to turn off the circuit breaker before you install the fan.

Santa Fe Home Remodel Power Equipment–Rent or Buy

During a Santa Fe DIY remodel, you may find yourself having to rent power tools. Renting a power tool is fine when it’s an item like a drum sander, a concrete mixer, or something as big as Bobcat or backhoe. But, if you are about to rent something and its rental cost is 65 – 75% of the cost of a new one, buy it.

For example, to rent a wet tile saw runs you $60-$80 per day. If you are tiling a kitchen and two bathrooms floors, you can count on a minimum of four days to set the tile–that’s if you do it straight through and know what you’re doing. So, in that scenario you’ll be spending anywhere from $240-$320 on rental fees. You can buy a Husky Wet Tile/Stone Saw with Laser and Stand Model THD1150L for $279.00 (Online Special Valid: 01/22/2009 – 03/11/2009.)

Granted, this tile saw is not professional grade, but it will get the job done and then some.

If you’re in the market for a fixer upper, or know someone who is, visit my website: www.SantaFeRealEstateDownTown.com. You’ll have full Santa Fe MLS access and all the information you need at your fingertips.

Santa Fe Home Remodel Money Makers.

I think that in this current economic market that Santa Fe NM is in, you should concentrate on remodeling that will bring you money when completed. Here are a few examples:

Tankless Water Heaters

One of your home’s largest gas-guzzlers is your water heater. Wrapping it in fireproof insulation saves tremendous amounts of energy, but to really save big, install a tankless water heater. The typical household can save up to $115 per year.

Windows

Some windows qualify for tax credits for 10% of cost up to $500 are available for energy-efficient windows. In addition, by choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products, the typical household can save up to 30% on its energy bills – more than $600 per year – while improving home comfort and helping the environment.

Trees

It sounds simple, but planting trees can reduce your energy costs up to 40% in the summer by blocking sunlight and reducing the need for air conditioning.

This is the first of many posts to come.

If you are searching for a home in the Santa Fe area, feel free to view my website to search the MLS. http://www.SantaFeRealEstateDowntown.com There you will find the information you are looking for without having to register. Thank you for reading.

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2 Crossroad Ct. Sundance Estates, Santa Fe

Joshua Maes — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 03:08:19 +0000

Great Blog Post On Sundance Estates.