Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Some of the most common reasons to repair a washing machine include water leaking, not filling the washer or not draining, the basket not spinning, noisy bouncing or banging, and problems with the door or gasket. Depending on your specific issue, you can expect to pay more or less for your repair. If the problem is water-related, you may need to replace the inlet valve, drain hose, or pump. The inlet valve or drain hose, which control water flowing into and out of the machine, are generally cheaper fixes, costing about $130 to $140 on average. The pump, however, can cost around $350 or more, including parts and installation services. Mechanical issues can be cheaper to fix; a new door and lock costs between $110 and $280, a new belt averages around $150, and bearings cost about $200. One of the most expensive pieces to replace, besides the pump, is the drum, which can range between $350 and $550, almost the cost of a new washer.

These average prices include the installation and service fee, but of course, those rates can range wildly depending on where you live, your washer brand, and the average cost per hour. In some cases, you may be able to save money by calling a local handyman or performing minor fixes like a door latch by yourself, but it's best to call a professional if you're having problems with the motor, pump, drum, or electrical wiring.

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Here's How Much It'll Cost You To Repair Your Washing Machine - House Digest

The new custom-built DCH ToolBox Service Platform - DigiFix leverages the OutSystems platform to streamline electrical appliance after-sales service workflows for customers and DCH staff

HONG KONG, May 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Asian distributor, Dah Chong Hong Holdings Limited("DCH") has partnered with OutSystems, a global leader in high-performance application development, to transform electrical appliance after-sales services via a custom-built platform DCH ToolBox Service Platform - DigiFix. The platform has automated overall service processing time, providing greater flexibility and visibility for customers, staff and management by centralising communication on a single field service portal.

DCH's operations extend across 13 Asian economies and cover a wide range of product categories including motor, food, healthcare, electrical and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs). Before deploying the OutSystems platform, data and service details were managed independently by separate business units, with each business developing customised applications to handle unique requirements. To strengthen visibility and drive synergies while maintaining necessary flexibilities, DCH has prioritised system modernisation and integration across the organisation.

Transforming the Electrical Appliance After-sales Service Experience for Customers and Employees

One of the key processes that DCH aimed to enhance was its customer after-sales experience for electrical appliances.

Leveraging OutSystems low-code capabilities, the IT department developed the DCH ToolBox Service Platform - DigiFix, a field service portal and mobile app centralising communication among customers and DCH team members. The platform simplified customer experiences and internal workflows, offering greater flexibility and visibility. Customers can now book and change repair appointments online at their convenience. Enhanced workflows have accelerated the service process and streamlined technician communication. Moreover, customers can use digital payments and share feedback directly on the platform.

The benefits brought by DigiFix include:

"Building the DCH Toolbox Service Platform DigiFix on OutSystems was a game changer in our service. The low-code platform enables us to customise our portal and connect systems across cloud platforms," said Alan Chung, Chief Information Officer, Dah Chong Hong. "DigiFix redesigned the entire customer after-sales service process for better overall customer experience while giving our teams and management the visibility and flexibility they need. Our developers appreciate the agility and speed in application development enabled by OutSystems."

Technicians can see their assignments, report project status and fast-track billing processes through DigiFix.

The Digital Transformation Continues

In addition to DCH Toolbox Service Platform - DigiFix, Chung's team also redeveloped the IT systems that support the company's management. They developed a new HR & finance portal, and replaced existing ITSM and internal workflow systems with OutSystems-built solutions.

Chung continues to leverage the OutSystems high-performance low-code application development platform to accelerate the digital transformation journey of DCH across the company's subsidiaries, includingLaputa Technologies (Laputa). With OutSystems low-code capabilities, Laputa provides consulting and implementation services for cloud-based solutions and application development, helping companies in Asia streamline operations, grow and stay connected. They are now an OutSystems registered partner, offering services to 100+ customers in Greater China, APAC and EMEA with 400+ successful projects delivered.

"A high-performance low-code development platform enables businesses with a complex organisational structure like DCH to modernise and integrate their IT systems without compromising management visibility or business divisions' flexibility," said Mark Weaser, Vice President for Asia Pacific, OutSystems. "Gartnerforecasts that 70% of new enterprise applications will be developed using low-code/no-code technologies by 2025[1]. As a Gartner-recognised leader in enterprise low-code applications, we would like to help businesses transform experiences for customers, staff and the management team with excellent flexibility, agility and speed in application development."

[1]Gartner Says Cloud Will Be the Centerpiece of New Digital Experiences

About OutSystems

OutSystems was founded in 2001 with the mission to give every organization the power to innovate through software. The OutSystems high-performance low-code platform gives technology leaders and developers the tools to rapidly build and deploy their own business-critical applications. The company's network spans more than 600,000 community members, 400+ partners, and active customers in 87 countries across 22 industries. OutSystems is "The #1 Low-Code Platform" and a recognized leader by analysts, IT executives, business leaders, and developers around the world. Some of the most well-known brands use OutSystems to turn their big ideas into software that moves their business, people, and the world forward. Learn more at http://www.outsystems.com.

About Dah Chong Hong Holdings Limited

Dah Chong Hong Holdings, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CITIC Limited (stock code: 0267.HK), is an integrated trading and distribution company operating in Asia, supported by an extensive logistics network. DCH is a leading distributor and dealer of motor vehicles in Greater China as well as a provider of a full range of associated services. DCH's consumer business comprises the manufacture, retail and distribution of food, healthcare, electrical appliances, beauty and lifestyle products. DCH employs 16,000 staff with operations in 13 Asian markets. For more details, please visit http://www.dch.com.hk.

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Dah Chong Hong Leverages the OutSystems High-Performance ... - PR Newswire Asia

A cafe where visitors can bring their broken furniture and appliances to be fixed for free is coming to Brixton.

On Saturday, June 3, a repair cafe is opening on Brixton Road which will provide a space for people to revive their damaged items, instead of throwing them away.

Repair Caf Lambeth will serve the local community and help to reduce waste sent to landfill.

Following the launch, the Repair Caf will then be open every first Saturday of the month from 10 am 1 pm.

Locals can take along anything that is broken, from clothing and textiles to electrical appliances, musical instruments, bicycles, furniture, wooden objects, and more to be fixed by the in-house experts. Part of a worldwide initiative made up of over 2,500 Repair Cafs, the Lambeth program is committed to promoting a circular economy and helping people save money and resources.

The cafe is also looking for passionate volunteers with a range of skills to be a part of this new initiative. Those skilled in clothing and textile repair, electrical appliance repair, bicycle repair, furniture and wooden object repair, or any other repair-related talent are invited to donate their time to help get the Lambeth cafe off the ground.

Those who dont have repair skills can also volunteer as hosts, welcoming visitors or providing welcoming coffee, tea, biscuits, and cake.

Olga Osuch, a spokesperson for the event, said: Repair Caf Lambeth marks the start of an exciting journey towards sustainability and community-building in the local area.

We believe in the power of community and Repair Caf Lambeth is a fantastic opportunity for people to come together, learn new skills, and make a difference. Its something we have needed in the area for a while, but we need everyones help to make it a success. We invite volunteers to join our community and help us build a more sustainable Lambeth.

Want to sign up as a volunteer? Please email [emailprotected] outlining in the first instance what kind of repairs you could offer.

This community-led initiative is launching on Saturday, June 3 at We Are 336, 336 Brixton Road, London SW9 7AA.

The event will run from 10 am 3 pm.

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A cafe offering a free repair shop is coming to Brixton - Southwark News

The home services industry, a $700 billion market in the U.S. alone, encompasses a wide array of trades such as plumbing, lawn care, house cleaning, HVAC, and electrical work that serve as the backbone of modern life. All of the beloved apps and entertainment we use in our homes are irrelevant if the electricity goes out.

Tradespeople and their businesses see ever-increasing demand because they make our homes safe, comfortable, and efficient by providing essential services that enhance our daily lives. Moreover, a successful career in these trades offers a stable and rewarding lifestyle, as evidenced by the growing pride and popularity among younger people.

And, according to the latest studies, well need them.

We see a significant upswing in demand for these services, with a 10% increase since 2021 and as a result, 77% of tradespeople now view labor shortages as a pressing issue. This has paved the way for income growth in the sector, with 83% of individuals in these trades expressing satisfaction or extreme satisfaction with their chosen line of work.

Due to labor shortages, trade businesses are turning to technology to boost efficiency and productivity, allowing them to accomplish more with fewer resources. At the same time, consumers increasingly expect tradespeople to offer their services through digital platforms.

This creates an urgent need for industry innovation, including user-friendly tools for website building, digital payments, quotes, and planning. In addition, homeowners increasingly expect to find, book, and pay for services online. But fewer than half of home services businesses even have a website and for most of those that do, their website is usually just some pictures and a phone number to call. As a result, trades businesses in the market need to adapt swiftly to meet this consumer demand.

Lets explore the factors contributing to the digital transformation of the home services industry and how this shift benefits both tradespeople and consumers alike.

We can thank (yes, thank) the COVID-19 pandemic for shifting not just how we work but the way we live, especially when spending on on-demand services. For the last three years, consumers have forced the entire economy to prioritize meeting them where they are.

At first, the pandemic was a health and safety matter, but operating predominantly online has expanded businesses opportunities to save money and generate revenue simultaneously. And importantly, consumers enjoy and have come to expect all of the options that are available now.

We witnessed expansive innovation within the U.S. home services industry when it grew by more than 3 percent in 2020, despite the countrys economy shrinking by 3.5 percent in the same year. And the trend continues. The home services industry saw a growth rate double that of the rest of the U.S. economy between 2021 and 2022.

As we look to the future, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. For instance, house cleaning services are expected to grow by 17% in the coming years. Lawn and landscaping, another critical sector, generates $176 billion annually in the U.S., employing over 1.3 million people across 650,000 businesses. This sector has enjoyed a consistent 8% growth rate annually over the past five years.

With much of the world returned to pre-pandemic activity, the evolution of the home services market will rely on expanding its reach by continuing to learn about its omnichannel presence. That involves reaching customers how they prefer, including booking appointments online, communicating via text message, and offering contactless payments.

So who are we talking about when we say home services? Its any profession that helps make the quality of life at home better. These professions include plumbers, landscapers, cleaners, pest control experts, handypersons, electricians, painters, floorers, roofers, pavers, tilers, locksmiths, contractors you know, the people who make things work.

People are increasingly choosing to go into these trades instead of pursuing traditional college degrees for many reasons, which Ill spell out.

Starting your life with a mountain of debt is not an attractive outlook for many people. So if young adults can help it, they avoid it. In contrast, trade schools or apprenticeships typically cost less. As a result, they take less time to complete, making them a more affordable education and skill development option.

Theres a constant demand for skilled tradespeople. These jobs are essential to maintaining and improving infrastructure, homes, and commercial properties. This demand often translates to increased job stability and opportunities for long-term careers. Youll always need plumbers, contractors, and other professionals to literally keep your house in order.

When homeowners compare how much they spend on home services contractors each year from roofing to HVAC, to appliance repair, to lawn care they usually find the total is much more than almost any other category in their annual budget. The upswing bodes well for the stability and demand in the trades.

Many individuals want the hands-on learning approach provided by trade schools and apprenticeships as opposed to traditional colleges more theoretical and lecture-based style. In addition, trade programs usually take considerably less time to complete than a traditional four-year college degree, allowing people to enter the workforce more quickly and start earning a living sooner.

Skilled tradespeople can often earn competitive salaries, especially as they gain experience and establish a reputation for quality work. In some cases, trades income potential can surpass jobs requiring a traditional college degree.

These careers also offer a pathway to becoming self-employed or starting a small business, giving people more control over their work, income, and lifestyle. It isnt uncommon to see a business owner in the trades making the sort of high income and lifestyle that would command respect even outright awe from someone with advanced college degrees.

Entrepreneurs must embrace various tools and technologies to run a successful and efficient trade business. One essential element is a professional website featuring an integrated booking system, allowing clients to schedule appointments and access important information about the company quickly. Equally important is implementing customer relationship management (CRM) software, which helps manage and nurture customer relationships, leading to better retention and increased sales.

These businesses also need job management tools like software solutions that help assign tasks, monitor progress, and facilitate communication among team members to streamline the overall operation. And integrating invoicing and payment processing systems not only saves time but also ensures prompt payments from clients.

AI has opened the door to virtual assistants and utilities that can answer the phones and book new jobs, take payments, and answer questions while the tradesperson is out on the work site. Lastly, digital marketing tools, including social media management and email marketing, effectively promote the business and attract new clients.

The digital transformation of the home services industry promises significant economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation in a new e-commerce era. As businesses adopt innovative tools and strategies, they can improve efficiency and customer satisfaction and secure a competitive edge in this rapidly changing landscape.

This shift will redefine how tradespeople conduct business, opening up new opportunities for those seeking financial independence and a rewarding career beyond traditional office roles.

As a founder in this thriving industry, I am excited to witness our tradespeople and businesses remarkable progress and resilience. Together, we will continue to innovate and adapt, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead to forge a prosperous future for the home services industry.

Brig Graff is co-founder of Trady, a free, AI-powered website builder, CRM, job management, and pricing tool for trades businesses and home services contractors.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by ThisIsEngineering; Pexels; Thank you!

Brig Graff is Cofounder of Trady, a tech company that builds AI-powered software for trades businesses. Brig has also been an executive at multiple successful unicorn tech companies that have gone public, including Domo and Omniture. Previously, he was the global leader of Adobe's Solution Architecture team, and was head of e-commerce at Overstock.

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Welcome to the E-Commerce Era of Home Services - ReadWrite

The thing about microwaves is that while they may look like simple boxes, they have some complicated electronics and arent a candidate for most DIY fixes. Thats because a microwave can hold an electrical charge of thousands of volts in its capacitors for hours or even days after it has been unplugged. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that people have been electrocuted trying to repair their microwaves. So dont try it.

While some microwave problems render them inoperable, not every problem requires an immediate repair. A chief complaint our members reported about their microwaves was that they were too noisy. Thats not something you can fix, and microwaves run in such short bursts that its likely you can tolerate the brief interruption. If the turntable stops turning, you can live with that for a while and rotate the food yourself so it heats evenly. But if the door wont shut or the control panel breaks (two of the top three most common problems reported), youll need a repair.

Finding the right person to repair your microwave isnt easy, perhaps because there are so many options. You can call the retailer where you bought it, call the manufacturer, or find an independent repair service in your area. Before reaching out, check to see if your microwave is under warranty (most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty). If its covered, the repair may cost less or even be free. In our survey, nearly half of the OTR microwaves that were professionally repaired were covered by a warranty.

In our member survey, we found that owners of OTR microwaves were roughly divided between having the repairs done by manufacturers, independent repair shops, and DIYers, with a smaller number reaching out to retailers for help. Our 2021 survey shows that when a repair was attempted, 86 percent were successful.

The best way to avoid a costly repair is to maintain your microwave, to begin with. Keep it clean, including the filters underneath, which can get gunky with cooking grease. Dont run it when empty, dont put anything other than food and microwave-safe dishware inside, and dont slam the door. (The door latches have to align for the microwave to work correctly.)

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Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Over-the-Range ... - Consumer Reports

The most recognizable advantage to upgrading to a smart thermostat is the opportunity to save money every month when the time comes to pay the electric bill. According to smart thermostat manufacturer Nest, now owned by Google, homeowners are projected to save an average of 10-12% on their energy costs monthly by investing in the upgrade, which can add up to $131-145 in savings each year. Smart thermostats save energy by automatically shutting off a home's HVAC system when residents aren't using it, then turning it on again at the homeowner's immediate demand or following a schedule programmed into the thermostat.

In other words, these thermostats help eliminate the struggle of accidentally running an HVAC system all day by forgetting to turn it off before leaving for work or going to bed. Homeowners can program a smart thermostat to follow a specific schedule, but unlike cheaper, programmable thermostats also available on the market, smart thermostats take energy-saving efforts one step further by automatically picking up on residents' temperature-adjusting habits, not needing a preprogrammed schedule to know when to raise or lower the temperature or power down entirely. Smart thermostats are also equipped to sense whether the room it's installed inside is empty, automatically turning off if the device assumes no one is home. Smart thermostats also make it easier to control your home's temperature while awayby connecting to your home's Wi-Fi and your preferred mobile device through a downloadable application.

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How Much Does It Cost To Install A Smart Thermostat? - House Digest

UK: Heat pumps using R290 (propane) are to be installed at all new UK Aldi supermarkets in a new deal with Vaillant.

Vaillant UK, the UK arm of the German manufacturer, has been working with Aldi since 2016, when its AroTherm heat pump was installed at Aldis headquarters in Warwickshire. The retailer has installed the air-source heat pumps at seven of its regional distribution centres in total.

Following the success of these units, the AroTherm Plus heat pumps will now be installed at all new Aldi stores across the UK, as part of an exclusive five-year contract.

Depending on the size of the site, each store will see between two to five 12kW units installed, along with, Vaillants SensoComgort controls. The units will be commissioned and serviced by Vaillant under the contracts 10-year service agreement.

As part of the contract, Vaillants AroTherm Plus heat pump has also been installed at Aldis new eco-concept store in Leamington Spa, where the unit provides both heating and cooling. The store, which opened in September 2022, was designed to significantly reduce carbon consumption, with sustainable building materials and design changes which are estimated to reduce life-cycle emissions by up to two thirds.

Aldi UK has been carbon neutral since 2019, which has seen us transition to natural refrigerants, said Aldi UK national property director George Brown. for Aldi UK, said. Recently, we invested in adding chiller doors to our new and refurbished stores, which will reduce each stores energy consumption by approximately 20%. However, this meant we needed a sustainable heat source in our new sites to replace the existing heat-generating fridge packs.

Aldi UK commits to fridge doors 4 January 2023UK: Aldi has become the latest UK supermarket to announce that it will be installing fridge doors as standard in its new and newly refurbished stores. Read more

Aldi to convert all UK stores to CO2 15 August 2017UK:Aldi is to convert all its UK stores to use CO2 refrigeration, theGerman discount supermarket chain has announced. Read more

Aldi and Viessmann in natural energy project 7 March 2017GERMANY: Discount retailer Aldi Nord and refrigeration company Viessmann are rolling out a new cooling and heating system employing propane heat pumps, ice storage and photovoltaics. Read more

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Aldi to install propane heat pumps in new stores - Cooling Post

As homeowners, we are always looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency of our homes, not only to save money but also to minimize our environmental impact.

However, increasing energy efficiency doesnt always mean installing pricey solar panels or buying high-end appliances. Sometimes, simple hacks can significantly boost your homes energy efficiency.

With the continuous advancements in technology and the increasing awareness of our ecological footprint, energy efficiency has become more accessible than ever.

This article will explore a host of innovative hacks to to make your home more energy-efficient, from smart home technology to old-fashioned common sense.

Energy efficiency is not just about reducing energy consumption and saving on utility bills. It also has numerous environmental and societal benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, creating green jobs, and improving indoor air quality. Now, lets dive into some practical ways to make your home more energy-efficient.

Innovations in technology and a bit of creative thinking can go a long way in making your home more energy-efficient. Whether youre a homeowner looking to cut down on utility costs or someone passionate about reducing your environmental footprint, these hacks offer practical and effective ways to save energy.

Implementing even a few of these tips can make a significant difference in your energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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Innovative Hacks to Boost Your Home's Energy Efficiency - Mirage News

by Karl Driessen

Some people may have heard about harnessing the heat stored in the earths crust, in places like California, Nevada, or Iceland. Such geothermal fields are often located around places with volcanic activity. When you see hot springs or geysers, there is definitely something geothermal going on. And this can be tapped for clean energy: the Geysers, located north of San Francisco, has a capacity to generate 900 megawatts of power without fossil fuels, using the steam coming out of the ground.

But geothermal heat in Forest Hills? Really? It turns out that there are some neighbors that are using the heat stored in their backyards to heat and cool their homes. In fact, I am one of those, as some people in the neighborhood found out when they noticed a big drill rig in our backyard, wondering if perhaps we were hoping to strike oil.

With gas furnaces being phased out in new construction in some jurisdictions, our construction plans prompted the question of whether we could cut the gas pipe and decarbonize our heating and cooling. Was it even possible to do this in DC? How long would it take? How much would it cost? A whole bunch of unknowns when we started.

No volcanoes here. Residential geothermal doesnt require the boiling temperatures used by geothermal power plants. Instead, it leverages the near-constant temperature of the ground underneath us (around 50 degrees Fahrenheit). A device called a heat pump extracts heat from the ground in winter and uses it to warm the house. Conversely, in summer the heat pump removes heat from the house and buries it in the ground.

How does that work? In a nutshell, a heat pump is like a refrigerator. Most of us will have noticed that the back of a refrigerator can get quite warm, while inside, milk and vegetables are kept cold. The neat trick of a heat pump used for heating and cooling is that this process can be reversed by flipping the so-called reversing valve. If it is hot inside, dump the heat outside; if it is cold, dump the heat inside.

A popular and economical type of heat pump exchanges the heat with the surrounding air. This looks very similar to a standard air conditioning compressor, with the added functionality of generating heat in winter.

Geothermal systems instead use water-source heat pumps, exchanging heat through a closed loop with coolant buried deep into the ground. For more details, check out the Rocky Mountain Institute explainer on geothermal heat pumps.

Why in the world would anyone go to such depths (literally!) to install a geothermal system? There are a few important advantages. It is environmentally friendly, as it does not produce greenhouse gases. It is very efficient in heating and cooling, using up to 50 percent less energy. This is because it moves heat, it doesnt burn fuel to generate heat. While it is relatively costly to install, in the long run it is cost effective because of its low energy use and the expected lifetime of the infrastructure (50 to 100 years or more) and equipment. It is also less noisy than outdoor compressors.

By the way, the Inflation Reduction Act has made geothermal installations eligible for a 30 percent tax credit, helping offset the high initial costs.

Our geothermal journey has not been short. We had received a couple of quotes before Covid-19 struck. When we picked up the thread in 2022, one geothermal contractor had stopped doing business in DC, and the other a local HVAC contractor saw the driller it worked with retire. It took some time to find a drilling company most regional companies choose not to operate in the District because the typical urban lot size is too small. Obtaining the soil boring permit took a few months; perhaps a bit longer than usual because the application was pending right at the time that the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) was being split up into the Department of Building (DOB) and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).

Drill, baby, drill for environmental sustainability! The permit kicked off a noisy multi-day drilling spree (thank you again neighbors for your forbearance!) to prepare for the installation of the geo loops. Given the size of the drill rig think fire engine access to the property from the alley was not easy, but the truck just managed to squeeze in. An enormous frack tank was placed in the backyard to collect any groundwater that might erupt during the drilling. (Thankfully, that did not happen! Other neighbors apparently werent so lucky and hit a spring that is now used to water their garden.)

The crew proceeded to drill wells between 240 and 320 feet deep, and inserted pipes through which the coolant will circulate. This video shows the drill grinding away, with a crewmember shoveling away the rock dust that comes up.

Next up is the fusing of the loops into one long circuit, and then bringing those coolant-filled lines into the house to connect to the heat pump.

Urban residential geothermal is a reality, and the District could include it as part of its Climate Ready DC plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our lot was barely suitable for geothermal, but it is possible to scale up geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool entire neighborhoods, as is done for example in a 400-home development in Texas.

In Washington DC, much of this would involve retrofitting existing housing when natural gas distribution is terminated. I can imagine Washington Gas being re-baptized Washington Gas & Geo, with geo wells drilled 20 feet apart in every alley and street.

Related

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No geysers? No problem. Geothermal energy is heating and cooling ... - Forest Hills Connection

Jennifer Soukhome| Holland Board of Public Works

HOLLAND Did you know summer air conditioning is one of the largest energy demands in your home? But there are a few things you can do to reduce cooling costs, saving energy and money this summer.

According to the Department of Energy, about 76 percent of the sunlight that falls on a standard double pane window enters to become heat. To prevent unwanted heat, keep your blinds or curtains closed, so direct sunlight cant come in. If you have horizontal blinds, turn the vanes upwards. This will deflect the heat toward the ceiling, keeping the space below cooler.

The DoE further states: You can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day from its normal setting.

So, use your programmable thermostat when you're away from home or asleep for more than eight hours. Keep in mind, the greater the temperature difference between the inside of your house and the outdoors, the more it will cost to run the cooling system.

If you dont have air conditioning or want to reduce your energy bills, there are alternate cooling methods.

On cool nights, you can utilize the stack effect if your house has multiple floors by opening windows on both floors. Warm, less-dense air will rise and leave through the open windows on the upper floor, creating a drop in air pressure that will pull in cooler air through the windows on the lower level.

If the stack effect doesnt work for your house, try cross-ventilation. Install a box fan in a window on one side of the house to blow cool air inside and another in a window on the opposite side to blow warm air outside.

Whole-house fans combine these two energy-saving approaches: vertically expelling warm air and pulling in cool air with a (big) fan.

Also remember, air conditioners require regular maintenance to function efficiently. Neglecting maintenance can result in performance decline and increased energy use, costing you money. An air conditioner tune-up by a professional keeps your system in top shape. During May and June, Holland BPW customers can receive a rebate of $50 double the usual $25 rebate on an AC tune-up.

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If it's time to replace your AC, consider purchasing a heat pump. Not only will a heat pump cool your house more efficiently, but it'll also provide heating. Holland BPW has $500 and $1,000 per-ton rebates for heat pumps.

For more information on rebates available through Holland BPW, visit hollandbpw.com/rebates or call 616-355-1534.

Jennifer Soukhome is the community energy services specialist at Holland Board of Public Works.

About This Series:MiSustainable Holland is a collection of community voices sharing updates about local sustainability initiatives.This Weeks Sustainability Framework Theme: Smart Energy: We need to use both conservation and efficiency measures to manage our resources to provide access to reliable and cost-effective energy.

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MiSustainable Holland: Hot tips to help cut summer cooling costs - HollandSentinel.com