Autumn is a great time to begin projects that will increase the heating efficiency in the winter as well as the cooling effectiveness during the summer months. Gina Carlson, the Academic Director for the Interior Design program at The Art Institutes International Minnesota, offers these helpful and low-cost tips:

* Close off any unused areas of the home so you don’t waste energy heating unused space.
* If you are sitting in a chair reading or working at a desk, use a blanket or a space heater and keep the rest of the home at a lower temperature.
* Check the weather-stripping around the doors and windows. Leaky doors and windows are often the biggest culprits of heat loss.
* Consider utilizing natural ways to heat in winter and cool in summer by using shade trees (deciduous) to cool the house from the intense summer sun and making the most use of large south facing windows to capture the winter sun.
* Add humidifiers to the living areas as it makes the air feel warmer in the winter, and dehumidifiers will make a room feel cooler in the summertime.

More expensive tips that will eventually save money for the future year-round include:

* Check your foundation, and insulate the rim joists around the perimeter of the house (the space where the basement wall meets the underside of the floor joists above). This will help keep the heat inside the home.
* Contact an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean your heating and cooling ducts. Change your furnace filters once a month. This will help improve the efficiency of your furnace and extend its life.
* If you have a standard thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. The heat should be used only when someone is home.
* Replace leaky windows by investing in storm windows or install new thermal windows.
*Check the insulation in the attic – add more insulation to keep the heat in the home. *Homeowners can also insulate their basement walls to avoid heat loss.

Making improvements to the home will eventually save money and cut the costs of wasted electricity. Currently, there are additional incentives to make these improvements to the home. In 2009, the government began offering income tax credits to homeowners who make qualified improvements or changes between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2010. These changes and/or improvements can include replacing doors and windows and adding insulation, water heaters and furnace and/or fuel-efficient cooling systems. For more information about the income tax incentives, visit www.energystar.gov.

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – Now that warmer weather is here, people are gearing up to make some repairs and updates to their homes. From new roofs and siding to adding state-of-art kitchen and other household appliances, people have more options than ever when it comes to making purchases that can help them save money and the environment.

The ENERGY STAR program, a joint effort from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, is designed to help people save money on their utility bills while reducing greenhouse gasses. In 2008, more than $19 billion was saved on utility bills through the program. According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, investing $3,000 to $8,000 in your home — not including rebates — can result in savings of 10 to 30 percent annually on utility bills.

For people who are looking to sell their homes or simply a good investment, energy-efficient options can make your home more valuable. According to the EPA, a $1 investment in your home can add about $20 in value. In other words, for every $1,000 invested in energy efficiency, you gain about $20,000 in value.

Colby Swanson, a building and construction expert for BASF, a manufacturer of energy-efficient products for the home, offers these recommendations on how you can save yourself money by making improvements on your house.

* Start with improving the envelope of the building (specifically attic air sealing and insulating) before buying things like a high-efficiency furnace, air conditioner or solar-power cells. The money you may save would be wasted if the building can’t contain the expensive conditioned air. Swanson says that air leakage from the house through the ceiling is one of the largest contributors for heating and cooling loss with improperly installed attic insulation close behind. Focusing on attic air sealing and properly installed insulation is generally the most cost effective energy and comfort related improvement in an existing home. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that up to 40 percent of the energy cost of heating and cooling a structure is wasted by uncontrolled air leakage.

“The attic has some of the most extreme weather on the planet,” Swanson says. “It’s extremely hot in the summer and bitterly cold in the winter. Therefore, air sealing and insulating this extremely harsh environment from the house is crucial.”

* BASF makes a product that could save homeowners a lot of money; a polyurethane foam spray, Comfort Foam and Enertite Foam, replaces the conventional, fiberglass or cellulose insulation in the attic and walls. Spray foam is the premium insulating product on the market because of its ability to air seal and insulate at the same time.

“Professionally installed foam in the attic will far outperform the conventional products both in air sealing and insulating capability resulting in much more comfortable homes and substantially lower heating and cooling bills,” says Swanson. “Studies indicate that a thorough job of leak sealing can cut your home’s total air leakage by 33 to 46 percent — reducing your heating and cooling bills up to 20 percent. To help further the energy efficiencies of a home and help homeowners remain environmentally conscious, don’t dispose of the attic insulation being replaced, recycle it by placing it on top of the newly placed foam.”

* Another simple and less costly way for homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient: apply a radiant barrier coating that is sprayed on the underside of the roof in the attic, which will lower heating and cooling bills and increase comfort. In the summer, it reflects some of the heat that radiates through the roof deck back outside and, to a lesser degree, in the winter reflects heat back into the house. One option is Radiance, made by BASF, a water-based product that can be sprayed on to the underside of the roof or applied with a paint roller.

* After the ceiling is air tight and insulated correctly, consider appliances. Next time you need to replace your home’s water heater, consider this: after the furnace and air conditioner it is the biggest user of energy in a house. As of 2009, you can now purchase a water heater certified as an ENERGY STAR appliance.

* Show me the money. Financial help is available. What many homeowners may not know is that they have the opportunity to leverage many rebates provided by local utility and state programs on top of the federal tax incentives to help finance home energy-efficiency investments. These attractive rebates and incentives vary widely (approximately 5 percent to 50 percent savings) to help off-set a homeowners investment to air seal, insulate or purchase high efficiency appliances. The federal government offers a 30 percent rebate of up to $5,000 on energy investment.

Go to www.dsireusa.org to find out more about rebates and incentives in your area.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – Smaller homes are making a comeback. More families are hanging onto their existing homes and improving these smaller properties, instead of trading up.

Maximizing livable space is how the American Institute of Architects (AIA) describes this new trend, a by-product of a down new-housing and real estate market. Smaller remodel projects – finishing attics and basements – readily achieve that goal, making the home more enjoyable today while increasing its resale value tomorrow.

Nearly 130 million homes are currently in need of work, including adjustments to meet “changing preferences and lifestyles,” such as family members returning home to live, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

As the owner of a smaller home, you should know that adding even a small bathroom is among the best investments you can make, typically returning 65 percent or more of the cost on resale. In the attic or the basement, you can save money on a bath addition by using macerating plumbing, which requires no digging for under-floor drainage piping.

For this same reason, you can also convert an existing room or even a closet into a new small bathroom to better accommodate guests or even family members moving into your home. No digging for drainage means a quicker, less messy and cheaper installation experience. Macerating plumbing systems can handle the waste from a toilet as well as a sink and a tub/shower. As a result, you can create not just a powder room, but a full bath with all the decorative accessories.

Install an up toilet
Known as an up toilet or above-floor plumbing, macerating technology is the way to go, says East Taunton, Mass., plumber Mike Sikorski, who installs Saniflo brand products. Plumbing waste and water are pumped through small-diameter piping, which can be located inside the wall, right into the sewer or septic tank. Sikorski estimates that this type of system saves his customers $1,000 on average, “and that’s on the low side,” he says.

Mike Vines of Lake Orion, Mich., recently improved his home with a basement upgrade using an up-toilet system. “I couldn’t be happier,” he says of the half bath he added to the family home. “In these tough times, anything you can do to increase the value of your house, the better off you’re going to be.”

Saving money is key
Cost-saving projects like these are among the ways homeowners will most likely focus their future remodeling dollars, according to the 2009 Remodeling Market in Transition report prepared by the Joint Center.

“I believe that the struggling economy has actually helped the smaller profile repair/remodel market,” says Steve Norton, president of M & N Plumbing Supply in Denver. “People are staying the course, and macerating plumbing offers a lower-cost option to breaking up cement.”

If you’re staying put in your smaller home, but want to improve its livability and long-term value, consider adding a bathroom with macerating plumbing.

Tips for a better bath
Here are some tips to make the most of your bathroom addition, even if it’s a small one:

* Maximize space by placing a pedestal sink in the corner along with a mirrored medicine cabinet designed for in-corner installation.
* Plan your new bath so the door won’t bump into anything when it is opened. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (www.nkba.org) is a good resource for planning dimensions.
* Must you have a tub, or will a shower suffice? Putting in an enclosed stall shower saves a lot of space.
* Install grab bars to prevent falls. They’re not just for the elderly. The Home Safety Council (www.homesafetycouncil.org) recommends grab bars in every bath.
* No window? Good lighting can make a room look and feel larger. Recessed lighting is a smart choice for small spaces. Task lighting over the sink is a welcome feature.
* Don’t forget the fan. Installing a fan can help prevent moisture problems, such as mold and mildew.

Learn more about low-cost, above-floor bathroom and grey water pumping systems by visiting www.saniflo.com or calling (800) 571-8191.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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More than half the American population – 55 percent – tests positive for at least one allergen, according to WebMD. More than 16 million adults and nearly 7 million children have asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Keeping the air in your home as pollutant free as possible can help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms. Indoor pollutants can make the air inside your home more irritating than outdoor air. Indoor air quality is one of the top five most urgent environmental risks to public health, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Protecting your family’s health from indoor irritants can be simple and cost-effective. “Improving indoor air quality is as simple as controlling moisture, reducing allergens and decreasing gases and fumes by updating old appliances, changing filters regularly and investing in economical, mechanical appliances to improve air quality,” says John Kasberger, a senior vice president at Lowe’s — the home improvement store.

Lowe’s offers a few simple tips to improve indoor air quality:

* Consider investing in a quality air purifier. You don’t have to go far or pay a lot to find a good one. Lowe’s new Idylis family of air purification products uses a HEPA filtration system to remove up to 99.97 percent of allergy-causing airborne particles like smoke, dust, pollen, gases and fumes. Select units offer UV-C technology to assist in killing germs which can cause cold and flu and are also ENERGY STAR rated, meaning they’ll consume less energy and money.

* Change the filters in your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system regularly, as recommended by the system’s manufacturer. Keeping filters clean not only improves indoor air quality by more effectively removing irritants, it can also help extend the life of the mechanical system.

* Finally, control moisture in your home. Be sure to have properly working ventilation fans in moisture-prone areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Excess humidity can cause mold, bacteria and other irritants that trigger asthma and allergy symptoms. You easily can tell if your home is too humid – if water collects on the inside of your windows the moisture level in the home is too high. Remove excess moisture with a dehumidifier.

For more tips on how to keep your indoor air healthy for you and your family, visit idylishome.com or Lowes.com/HealthyHome.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Photo courtesy of Owens Corning

(ARA) – Fall is prime time to put a new roof on your home. But before you spring into action, there are a few things you should know. Most importantly, buying new shingles without the rest of the roofing system is like buying a car with no engine.

“Even the highest-quality shingles cannot work to protect a home if one other part of your roofing system isn’t operating in perfect concert with the other parts,” says Bert Elliott, Owens Corning roofing systems expert.

So what is a roofing system, and how do you choose one that’s right for you? Here are a few tips:

First, know the signs that it’s time to replace your roof. Most likely your roof has asphalt shingles, as four out of five roofs in the United States do. Conduct a simple visual inspection from a ladder or by viewing the roof through binoculars. Signs that it might need replacing or repair include algae growth on the shingles, damaged flashing around chimneys and other openings, buckling, curling, blistering, missing shingles or rotten wood in the attic.

Next you’ll need to make sure that you understand what a roofing system is to know what to ask your contractor. It’s easy, if you think of your roof serving three important purposes: protection from the elements, ventilation and beautification.

* Ice and water barriers protect vulnerable areas such as eaves and valleys from ice, snow and driving rain.

* Underlayment products provide protection against water seepage between the shingles and the roof deck.

* Shingles protect your home from the elements while adding curb appeal as they can make up to 50 percent of the face of your home.

* Hip and ridge shingles add extra protection and style to a home’s roof ridge line.

* Gutter protection prevents clogs, while allowing water to flow freely.

*Ventilation products help ensure that your attic is properly ventilated, preventing mold growth.

* Attic insulation allows homes to become more energy efficient by maintaining a more comfortable temperature year round.

Ideally, all parts of your roofing system should come from a single manufacturer as it is designed to work together for maximum performance.

“While your contractor is up on the top of your home, ask him or her to make sure your attic is sufficiently insulated. A properly insulated attic helps increase the energy efficiency of your home and make your home more comfortable,” Elliott says. “The best part is it pays for itself over time in energy saved – a properly insulated home can help save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling bills and insulation is eligible for the tax credit too, according to the government’s Web site for the ENERGY STAR program.”

Once you understand the parts of a roofing system, consider how a roof can impact the curb appeal of a home. Work with your contractor to find a style and color that coordinates with the siding, colors, and style of your home.

Choosing a contractor to install your new roof is just as important as choosing the overall system itself. Use references from friends and family, and online resources like Owens Corning’s contractor locator – found at www.owenscorning.com – to gather names and information on candidates. Be sure to check contractors’ license status before you seek bids from them. And don’t automatically go for the lowest bid – be sure competing bids are comparing apples to apples before you decide on one.

To learn more about complete roofing systems for your home, visit www.roofingsystem.com

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Paying attention to the wall construction is crucial for the home’s strength and value, especially given current design trends toward walls with many windows and doors, and walls and ceilings over 10 feet high, says Stephen Hann, president of Hann Builders in Houston.

“Most homebuyers don’t think to ask about the wall studs and other materials they don’t see,” says Hann, recipient of the 2008 National Custom Home Builder of the Year Award. “But the types of studs and how the structural framing is built help determine how well the home will stand up to the environment.”

Two key aspects of the home’s walls that homeowners should speak with their builder about are the lateral bracing, and the construction of any tall walls — those over 10 feet high. The right materials in these areas will help create a solid, quality home for years to come.

Shake, rattle and roll

Your home should be able to stand strong against tough environmental conditions, such as high winds and earthquakes. When these forces act on a home, it is at risk for having the walls pushed out of alignment with the roof and floors.

To help solve these problems, builders include specially designed bracing in the walls. This often involves 4-foot-wide sheathing panels with extensive nailing. But in many modern home designs, numerous windows create narrow walls in which this isn’t possible.

For such walls, building product manufacturers have developed pre-made engineered wood panels that provide the needed strength in widths of 12, 18 or 24 inches. Such panels fit into tight spaces, yet provide more predictable and consistent performance than wall bracing built on site.

“Making the wall braces in a factory, rather than in the field, means greater precision,” says Carlos Guilherme, vice president of sales and marketing for iLevel by Weyerhaeuser, manufacturer of the wood iLevel Shear Brace. “When the wind blows or the earth shakes, homeowners want to know that the house is built strong.”

Reach for the sky

In many modern home designs, walls over 10 feet high are common in entryways, family rooms and great rooms. Typically, builders construct these tall walls using conventional lumber. As lumber is usually only available in lengths up to 12 feet, builders stack two shorter walls on top of one another to achieve the necessary height. This creates a hinge point that can cause drywall cracks and leaks around windows.

To provide greater stability, more builders are using engineered wood wall studs, such as laminated strand lumber (LSL). The boards are strong, straight, and long — up to 30 feet. The continuous pieces run the entire height of the wall, avoiding hinge points. Their high stiffness also helps the wall remain straight during high winds, rather than bending and creating openings near windows. To make the studs, manufacturers take logs apart into small wood strands, which they bind together under heat and pressure with durable adhesives.

“Homeowners like the look of tall walls, but they don’t realize that the type of stud can make a big difference in how well the wall holds up over time,” says Guilherme. “With engineered wood studs, you can build taller and have a high quality wall.”

While you may not be accustomed to thinking about wall framing issues, speaking with your builder now can save years of hassle and thousands of dollars in repairs later.

For more information on structural framing solutions, visit www.ilevel.com or call (888) 453-8358 to speak with an iLevel by Weyerhaeuser expert.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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If inspection indicates your deck is not safe to enjoy, take immediate action to have it repaired or rebuilt.

(ARA) – Your deck is the perfect place to enjoy the warm weather with friends and loved ones. But an unsafe deck could possibly collapse, causing serious injuries to you and your guests.

The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, it’s important for homeowners to check their deck.

The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.

A key element of enjoying your deck for years to come is making sure it is safe and code compliant. NADRA’s “10-Point Consumer Safety Checklist” is an efficient way to take a good look at the different parts of your deck, with an eye to what might need maintenance, repair or replacement. Safety first, fun second — make sure your deck is safe to enjoy.

A deck like this one from Peachtree Decks & Porches of Georgia is a great spot for summer dining and relaxation.

You might also consider a professional inspection. “A professional inspection will examine every inch of your deck, provide information on your deck’s capacity limits, identify any dangerous problem areas and give you a map of what to keep your eye on in the future. If your deck is older, this might include a regular deck inspection schedule,” says Mike Beaudry, executive vice president for NADRA.

Older decks require closer scrutiny. Many of these decks were built before code requirements were in place to protect consumers. Some of these decks may have deck-to-house attachments using only nails. If your deck is older, it is even more important to have it inspected by either a home inspector (NADRA recommends ASHI-certified home inspectors) or a knowledgeable deck builder (see the listing at nadra.org). NADRA member deck builders are required to adhere to a code of ethics and comply with state licensing and insurance requirements.

If you find your deck is not safe to enjoy, NADRA advises taking immediate action to have it repaired or rebuilt as necessary.

To choose a deck builder, NADRA offers the following tips:

* Ask friends and family members for referrals and contact state and local licensing authorities and trade associations such as NADRA.

* Meet with and carefully evaluate all potential deck builders. Ask to see a portfolio and some samples of the decking and railing materials they prefer to use. Good builders take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of creating a relationship.

* Pay attention to the deck builder’s experience, licensing, insurance coverage and professional references.

When hiring a deck builder, there is more to consider than just price. In addition to the tips above, NADRA recommends homeowners contact their city or county building department to speak with an inspector knowledgeable about deck construction.

For more information visit www.nadra.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Adding decorative touches to cabinetry such as open shelves, crown molding and contrasting finishes can make any kitchen look custom.

(ARA) – Forget about the living room. The kitchen is the social hub of a home.

Today’s homeowners update their kitchens to reflect their personal tastes and add visual appeal their guests can enjoy when they entertain. But how do you get a custom look in your kitchen without the hefty price tag?

“By adding just a few decorative accents, homeowners can not only create a custom-looking kitchen, they can create a space that reflects a specific look — from Art Nouveau to French Neoclassical,” says Paul Radoy, manager of design services for Merillat, a cabinet company specializing in kitchen design.

If you think updating your kitchen is out of your budget, here are some cost-effective renovation tips that can help you live the good life and entertain in a stylish kitchen that is a perfect reflection of your personal taste.

1. Cabinetry accents

While there will always be a place for custom cabinetry, there are more sensible and affordable options. Cabinetry accents work to enhance any kitchen’s style with details such as feet, corbels, ornamental onlays and molding inserts. These decorative details can change the look of ordinary cabinetry into heirloom furniture, while allowing the homeowner to express their own personal style.

In addition to cabinetry accents, many common cabinetry options can be creatively incorporated. Decorative hardware is one small detail that can make a big statement. Pulls and knobs can complement the cabinetry style, or they can be used to create a refreshing contrast.

Adding decorative touches to cabinetry such as open shelves, crown molding and contrasting finishes can make any kitchen look custom.

2. Add color and contrast

Adding splashes of color is a great way to create a fun, vibrant look while keeping the kitchen functional. Try adding tile details such as a colorful backsplash behind the stove. Or, purchase fresh towels and accessories for your kitchen in a coordinated, colorful design.

Using color as an accent on crown molding also adds a personal touch, while molding build-ups and dentil molding create intriguing visual effects. Cabinetry molding in a contrasting finish creates an entirely different look, and including under-cabinet molding can add even more personality to your kitchen.

3. Make it your own

Displaying decorative items is an easy way to add your own personal touch. Options like pigeon holes, plate racks and glass front cabinet doors can be used to display these special items. Things like porcelain collectables, wine bottles or fine china are all types of decorative items that help create a personal space that sparks conversation with guests.

“People are spending more and more time in their kitchen, and whether they are using it for everyday activities or for entertaining, they want it to be beautiful,” says Radoy. “The kitchen is a space that should make the homeowner proud, a place they love to be in, and by incorporating just a few design details any homeowner can accomplish this.” For more kitchen design ideas visit Merillat.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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One of the most obvious makeover targets is the basement. Now is the perfect time to convert that space into an entertainment venue you will be proud to show off and where you will be able to spend your free time comfortably.

Many of the projects can be completed with the help of your local ARA-member rental store. Renting tools to complete the job can save you money and storage space after the job is finished. Rental stores also offer expert advice on using equipment safely and efficiently.

Begin by deciding what you need to do to make your basement the most comfortable place in your house. Plan a timeline with all the steps, including areas where you may need additional help from a professional.

Here is a list of steps to complete a basement renovation from start to finish:

1. Check to see what building permits may be needed. Every city is different, and you don’t want to start any do-it-yourself home project without being certain you have all the necessary permits.

2. Moisture-proof walls and floors. Often, moisture in a basement is a result of poor drainage outside. Rent a skid-steer to correct the grade outside your house. The ground around your house should fall away from the foundation at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet around the perimeter of the home.

3. Frame walls, rooms and ceiling. Renting a pneumatic nailer will make the job move quickly.

4. Rough in electrical, plumbing, cable and telephone connections. This is an area where you may want professional help. If you work on these projects yourself, rent a conduit bender to run wires, and a voltage meter to test your installed wiring.

5. Schedule electrical and plumbing inspections.

6. Install insulation and vapor barrier. This will help keep your basement warm and dry.

7. Install drywall, sand, tape and prime it. Drywall gives a finished look to a space but can be difficult to install. Rent a drywall router or a keyhole saw to cut corners and special angles flawlessly.

8. Add flooring. If you choose carpet, be sure to add enough padding to make it as comfortable as possible. You can rent a carpet stretcher and install the carpet yourself. Or choose hardwood to add warmth to the space. For wood floors, you can rent a pneumatic floor nailer to speed the job along.

9. Paint the walls. Renting a paint sprayer will make the job quick and give you the professional results you want.

10. Install trim, molding and baseboards. Rent a compound miter saw for cutting perfect corners.

11. Put in light fixtures. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Rent a hole saw to install can lights in the ceiling, expanding the space.

12. Get final inspections and enjoy your new space!

Renting tools from an ARA-member rental store will stretch your budget dollars further, and the expertise of the rental store staff will make doing the project yourself easy.

The pride for your newly finished basement will be yours to own forever. Most everything else? Well, that you can rent! To find your local ARA-member rental store, visit www.RentalHQ.com, the world’s largest rental store locator. You can search by geographic location and by the specific type of equipment you are looking to rent.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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But how often do you think about your water heater? You use it every day, usually multiple times a day. When was the last time you thought about how much energy it consumes or how well it’s doing its job?

Heating water can account for 14 to 25 percent of the total energy consumed in your home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Choosing the right water heater for your home and regularly maintaining it can help reduce your energy bills. What’s more, you can actually get a tax break for choosing an energy-efficient water heater.

Under the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, if you install a natural gas or propane water heater with an Energy Factor (EF) rating of at least .82, or 90 percent thermal efficiency, you could qualify for a tax credit of up to 30 percent of the total cost of installing the heater, including labor, up to a maximum of $1,500. In addition to the potential tax savings, many utility companies now offer rebates to homeowners who install new, energy-efficient water heaters.

So how do you choose the right water heater for your home? Here are some tips:

The Department of Energy advises you to consider several factors, including the type of fuel available to your home (gas, oil or electric), the size of your home, the energy efficiency rating of the water heater you’re considering, and the annual operating costs of different types of water heaters. The size water heater you need will vary based on the size of your home, how much use you anticipate it will get and the type of heater you’re considering.

It’s important to know the differences between standard water heaters and high-efficiency models. For example, the Vertex high-efficiency water heater, produced by A. O. Smith, replaces the straight exhaust pipe found in standard gas models with an innovative helical coil inside the tank. Conventional heaters lose roughly 25 percent of their energy through the exhaust. Tankless heaters don’t fare much better, clocking efficiency levels of just 80 to 84 percent. The Vertex’s special design boosts efficiency to 96 percent, saving homeowners money on their gas bill and providing more hot water faster than conventional models.

Even if your water heater is currently working, if it’s an older, inefficient model, you could reap real cost benefits by replacing it with a more energy-efficient one. The average lifespan of a water heater is 12 to 14 years. If yours is approaching the end of its usable life, it’s a good idea to research your options and decide on a proactive replacement. If you find yourself without a functioning water heater and no plan for replacing it, you’ll be more likely to go for the quickest, cheapest option available – which might not be the best choice for your needs.

Five categories of water heater are now Energy Star rated, including high-performance gas storage, whole-home gas tankless, advanced drop-in or integrated heat pump, solar and gas condensing. For each type of water heater, the Energy Star rating can help you determine just how energy efficient a model is.

Finally, be aware that opting for energy efficiency doesn’t mean you’ll have to sacrifice performance in terms of how much hot water you’ll get and how quickly. In fact, modern energy-efficient heaters like the Vertex can produce more hot water, more quickly and for less money than other models of comparable size. The enhanced performance fits well into Americans’ busy lifestyles with high demand for hot water.

To learn more about A. O. Smith’s Vertex water heaters, visit www.hotwater.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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