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Eco-Pioneering Minnesota Group Earns First USGBC Platinum for Green Remodeled Home





WAYZATA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wayzata Minnesota-based environmental organization Live Green, Live Smart announces The Sustainable House received Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), for the ambitious remodeling of a 1948 rambler, located in Minnetonka, Minnesota. The award is the Councils highest level certification for residential Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This is the first remodeled home to be certified Platinum by the USGBC, the most widely recognized green building standard-setting organization in the country.

The original house and landscape underwent major alterations focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, habitat protection, resource efficiency and healthy occupancy. Renewable energy systems utilizing solar, geothermal, wind and innovative electric co-generation were installed to make the house operate at close to zero-emissions. The landscape was restored to more nearly pre-development condition, materials from the existing home were recycled into the remodel or other applications, and new technologies were utilized to provide both sustainability and occupant comfort. The house will be monitored by its occupants in a demonstration of sustainable practices in homebuilding and remodeling, the focus of Live Green, Live Smarts educational mission.

The House is in a typical suburban teardown-prone neighborhood. Live Green, Live Smart executive director and founder, Peter Lytle explains that home building and operation use up to 40% of the worlds resources annually. To test the feasibility of remodeling existing homes with both green technology and highly designed living spaces instead of following the trend to replace them with larger stick-built homes, Lytle assembled a team of innovative architects, contractors, and consultants - including the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the Neighborhood Energy Connection of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

We know that green remodeling will make an essential contribution to our planets survival by preserving existing resources and fostering more sustainable systems and practices in both remodeling and new construction of homes says Lytle. A website documenting http://www.streetdirectory.com/businessfinder/company/3496/Air_Conditioning_Repair/ the construction of the Platinum remodel and providing information for those interested in greening their own homes is available at www.livegreenlivesmart.org

Tours of the House are available on a limited basis by contacting editor@livegreenlivesmart.org

Live Green, Live Smart, LLC

1415 East Wayzata Blvd

Wayzata, Minnesota 55319

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080114005168/en/Eco-Pioneering-Minnesota-Group-Earns-USGBC-Platinum-Green

Fall’s Here – Be Prepared for the Heating Season with Tips from NSTAR



BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With summer just a memory and falls chill in the air, it wont be long before heating systems will once again be warming local homes and businesses. NSTAR has the following advice to help customers save energy and money this heating season.

Have heating systems inspected and cleaned A properly cleaned and adjusted heating system will run more efficiently and save money. Old, inefficient systems should be replaced. NSTAR customers can save between $100 and $1,300 on a new gas, oil or propane system by taking advantage of available rebates. Home heating protection plans are also available for NSTAR Gas customers.

Switch to programmable thermostats Programmable thermostats automatically adjust the temperature by using settings that residents can control. Recommended settings are 68 degrees when the home is occupied and lower overnight or when everyone is gone for the day. Every degree a thermostat is lowered during an eight hour period can save up to three percent on heating bills. NSTAR offers a $25 rebate on qualifying thermostat models.

Repair air leaks A silent waster of heating dollars, air leaks come in all shapes and sizes. Inspect foundations and sills for cracks and holes. Most can be easily sealed with calking available at local home improvements stores.

Consider adding insulation Increasing a homes http://macaircon.com/ insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to make the most of energy dollars. Investing in proper levels of insulation can reduce a homes heating and cooling needs by up to 10 percent. NSTAR offers a 75 percent rebate, up to $2000, toward adding insulation and zero-interest financing is also available for qualifying installations.

Repair or replace windows Inefficient windows can account for up to 25 percent of a homes heating bill. Simple steps to make windows more energy efficient include repairing damaged glazing, adding weather-stripping and installing insulating window shades. Old, inefficient windows should be replaced with Energy Star-labeled windows with high-performance glass.

Remember the simple things Some steps that every resident can do on their own to save energy during the heating season include: keep radiators or heating vents dust-free and dont block them with furniture or draperies; keep shades and curtains open during the day on the south side of the home to take advantage of solar heating, but close them at night to retain the heat; place aluminum foil between radiators and walls to reflect heat back into the room.

NSTAR is the largest Massachusetts-based, investor-owned electric and gas utility. The company transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including more than one million electric customers in 81 communities and 300,000 gas customers in 51 communities. For more information, visit www.nstar.com.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20091001005985/en/Fall%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%93-Prepared-Heating-Season-Tips-NSTAR

114 Furnace Run Dr, Akron, OH 44307

PUBLIC RECORD

Condo 3 Bedrooms 2 full Bathrooms 1,755 sqft Lot size: 1,755 sqft Built in 2000

Property Details for 114 Furnace Run Dr





Description provided by Trulia

This is a Condo located at 114 Furnace Run Drive, Akron, OH. 114 Furnace Run Dr has 3 beds, 2 baths, and approximately 1,755 square feet. The http://alvaircon.com.sg/ property has a lot size of 1 and was built in 2000. 114 Furnace Run Dr is in the Downtown neighborhood in Akron, OH. The average list price for Downtown is $96,450.

Public Records for 114 Furnace Run Dr Official property, sales, and tax information from county (public) records as of 03/2015: Condominium (Residential) 1,755 sqft Stories: 1 story Parking: Attached Garage 5 Rooms Tax Rate Code Area: 67 3 Bedrooms Lot Size: 1,755 sqft A/C: Central Parking Spaces: 2 Fireplace 2 Bathrooms Built In 2000 Heating: Central Exterior Walls: Siding (Alum/Vinyl) County: Summit

See businesses, schools, and crimes near this home

Property Taxes and Assessment for 114 Furnace Run Dr Year Tax Assessment Market 2014 $3,014 $42,340 $120,960

Source: Public Records

Price History for 114 Furnace Run Dr

Date Event Price Source Agents 02/26/2001 Sold view detail $138,945 Public records Public records

http://realestate.money.cnn.com/property/3158529987

Home Improvement :: Give Your Home Character With a Vintage Kitchen Sink

Too little of selection will not be a problem when searching for the perfect antique sink to put into your home. In fact, you may be overwhelmed by all the different sizes and possibilities. This is part of the charm of owning a vintage sink, every one has its own quirks. You never know who was washing dishes in that sink before you. Standing in front of it can spark your imagination in thinking about the lives of all the different people that might have used it before you, and how it was a part of all their lives.

Another class of sink are those that are made out of stone. These guys come in all shapes and sizes and will last significantly longer than any other type. However, because they are so heavy, and because they often come in awkward shapes, you may need to use a contractor who has a background in stone sinks, who may command a higher price. They also may not be compatible with every fixture you may want.

This degree of diversity may lead to some http://www.repairclinic.com/Shop-For-Parts/a16/Air-Conditioner-Parts problems. Make sure, when you decide to pursue using vintage sinks, that you are flexible in your design. Part of the fun of owning a vintage sink is the many different characters that you can find. If you are going to use an enameled cast iron sink, make sure that there are no significant cracks in the enamel or any excessive abrasion. This could lead to a significantly shorter life span, and will be much harder to clean. All in all, if you feel like your kitchen could use that vintage touch, antique sinks could be a great long term investment.



http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051389788-1-give-your-home-character-with-a-vintage-kitchen-sink/



When remodeling your kitchen, you may want to think about using a vintage sink. When you buy a vintage kitchen sink you are buying many things, but first and foremost you are buying craftsmanship. It is no secret that sinks and plumbing equipment in general are not as good of quality now as say, 60 years ago. You know that if a sink has lasted this long, it is a good quality piece of furniture.

Most antique sinks are made out of cast iron, covered in enamel. Obviously this is going to be a bit heavier than your modern fiberglass alternatives. Cast iron is well known for storing heat. So if you fill it with hot water, your water will stay warmer for much longer. In addition, generally vintage sinks were made with rounded edges, making them perfect for bathing young children (if you are planning on starting a family).

Furnace Repair – When You Should Think About it?

Author's Bio:

Art found in New York cottage estimated to be worth $30 million



BELLPORT, N.Y. Works by an obscure Armenian-American abstract impressionist discovered in a New York cottage have been appraised http://ow.ly/10qsji at $30 million.

In 2007, the new owner of a bungalow in Bellport, on Long Island, found thousands of paintings, drawings and journals by Arthur Pinajian in a garage and attic. News 12 Long Island says Peter Hastings Falk valued the works. He once appraised art from the Andy Warhol estate.

Some pieces already have sold for $500,000. Fifty of his landscapes are currently on exhibit at http://www.familyhandyman.com/masonry/concrete-repair/garage-floor-resurfacing-fix-a-pitted-garage-floor/view-all Manhattan's Fuller Building.

A recently published book by art historian William Innes Homer calls Pinajian's abstractions among the best of his era.

The run-down bungalow and one-car garage were purchased in 2007 for around $300,000.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/03/07/art-found-in-new-york-garage-estimated-to-be-worth-30-million.html

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10 Things Burglars Don't Want You to Know



Burglars have jobs too. Your burglar was already in your house. He was there recently to repair the furnace, deliver the new flat screen TV or pick up old furniture you wanted to donate.Attractive ornaments or pricey kids things outside your home can indicate to a potential intruder that your house is full of valuables.Dont let a service person use your bathroom. This may seem rude, but burglars have been known to visit the john so they could unlock or disable its window for future entrance into your house.Make sure your house alarms control panel is not visible through glass to someone loitering outside.Always have your newspaper and mail delivery put on hold when youre away. And if you notice a flyer on your doorknob, immediately remove it so that the burglar who put it there doesnt think youre on vacation.Would you ever exit your house wearing only socks because you forgot to put your shoes on? Absolutely never! So make it a point to also never forget to lock your door after leaving.If someone is at your door, and youre not expecting anyone, its not a crime to ignore them. That person on the other side may be a burglar casing your house (Do you know where Clover Street is?) and your demeanor to see if youre easy prey.Hot spots for a burglars entrance include the window above the kitchen sink and the upper level windows. Have these spots set with alarms, and install motion detectors upstairs.Even a half-witted burglar knows to check medicine bottles for those diamond earrings, and scour through the sock and underwear drawer for more valuables. But he just might not bother going into the childrens bedrooms.Even though the suns beginning to set, you insist on keeping your blinds up or curtains open to milk what little daylight is left to lighten up the room. Meanwhile, a savvy burglar is strolling about the neighborhood, catching glimpses through windows that he can see through because its dusk (let alone night time). This way he can pick easy looking targets or ones with visible valuables.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-siciliano/10-things-burglars-dont-w_b_4665903.html



This Blogger's Books and Other Items from...



10 Things Burglars Don't Want You to Know

10 Things Burglars Don't Want You to Know

Burglars would rather keep their dirty little secrets to themselves. But today, Schlage, makers of the grade one Touchscreen Deadbolt, and I are revealing what http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/heating-and-cooling/repair-an-ac-unit/ they dont want you to know.

4 Factors that Influence Bathroom Remodeling Cost by Patricia Strasser

As mentioned, there are works that are simple enough to be carried out by home dwellers themselves. Thus if you choose to do it your way, a significant cost cutting is more likely anticipated if you complete some easy jobs in advance prior to hiring a specialist. However if you are in doubt with your capacity, I strongly suggest you take the services of a remodeling contractor. With this alone, the cost may already vary significantly since contractors charge differently. Their rates sometimes depend on their years of experience and the types of clients they usually cater. Therefore, choose your contractor wisely so that you will not experience overcharging.

Since the cost involved in bathroom remodeling is huge enough, there are some factors you need to look into to make it manageable, which are as follows: size, place status, kind of materials, and bathroom contractor.

If you are thinking of remodeling your home, see to it that you take all possible things into consideration. The cost involved is as huge as having a house addition; therefore, this has to be carefully planned out. The most common parts of the house that undergo renovation are the kitchen and the bathroom because these are the two places where wear and tear is pretty obvious. Mildew formation, fungi proliferation, and other forms of degeneration are just some of the reasons why remodeling is necessary. Although one can say that an enormous amount is required, but the exact cost is definitely indeterminable due to several factors, which are as follows:



Talking about the status of the place, it simply means how the area looks prior to onset of the project. Since there are two types of remodeling, partial and complete; as a homeowner you need to determine the extent of the remodeling. When you say partial renovation, the job specifications include repainting, installation of cabinets, addition of lighting and other fixtures. All of these works look manageable; thus, it can even be done by the property owner himself. However, when you talk of complete remodeling, massive demolition, plumbing, replacement of floor tiles, and the like are some of the major works that need professional help. In short, the more extensive the work gets, the more you need a substantial http://www.emergencyair.com/ amount for remodeling.

Kind of materials



Size

Place status

When doing remodeling, most of the contractors charge their clients on a per square foot basis; thus, the larger the area of coverage, the higher would be the cost. However, this is just one factor used in costing since they also need to consider other inclusions.

Bathroom contractor

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_4947.shtml

The kind of materials utilized greatly influence the cost of the entire project. If you wish to make use of the latest amenities in the construction industry, you have to expect for a high expenditure.

To be able to get away with exorbitant costing, always ask quotations from various contractors, at the same time canvass on materials to keep cost at its minimum.

Bad air day? Here's how to survive

Los Angeles, California has the highest ozone levels in the country.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Ozone tends to be more prevalent in urban areas

Barometric pressure, temperature changes can spell trouble, says Benninger

Ditto: Ozone causes inflammation and heightens sensitivity to outdoor allergens

(Health.com) -- If you've ever seen a brown haze of pollution hanging over your city, most likely your response was, "Ugh. How can I avoid breathing that stuff?" But let's face it, even if you know it's a bad air day, you probably need to grab some sunshine, get in an outdoor run, or get to work.

Polluted air contains particulate matter, lead, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide -- all of which can cause problems in people with allergies or asthma. Even if pollution is low, airborne pollen and mold can make a trip outdoors particularly daunting for people with respiratory conditions.

How to tell if it's a bad air day

The first step toward protecting your lungs is to know your city or town. More than 115 million people nationwide still live in counties with pollution levels considered potentially harmful to their health.

Air quality varies widely around the United States. Ozone, for instance -- which can pose a major problem for asthmatics -- tends to be more prevalent in urban areas, though it can be found in suburban and rural areas as well. If you live in Fargo, North Dakota -- one of the cities with the cleanest air in the nation -- you are likely to breathe easier than if you live in Los Angeles, which has the highest ozone levels in the country.

Local weather stations often provide this information on their websites, and radio stations typically give ozone alerts. In addition, many websites can tell you if pollutants, ozone, or pollen counts are high in your area on any given day.

AirNow.gov, a site run by federal government agencies, provides a daily Air Quality Index as well as other useful information on air quality.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's National Allergy Bureau has a daily mold and pollen report.

The American Lung Association rates the air quality annually by state at stateoftheair.org.

The Environmental Protection Agency has a feature on its website called My Environment, which gives you an up-to-date air-quality forecast for your zip code.

Pollen.com offers a four-day allergy forecast using data from the National Weather Service.

However, it's not just pollen or air pollution that can trigger problems. Dr. Michael Benninger, M.D., the chairman of the Head and Neck Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio, says changes in barometric pressure and temperature can also spell trouble for people with allergies to pollen and mold, people with severe sinus symptoms, and even people without allergies.

How to cope on bad air days

Once you've figured out what factors are most likely to pose a problem (usually by trial and error, or testing for allergies), and know the conditions in your area, there are several things you can do to cope.

One option is to reduce excessive exposure on days that might trigger symptoms. For example, Benninger recommends avoiding areas where pollen, mold, or other allergens are high. If you know that grass and trees are a problem, don't spend the day in a lush, tree-filled park; if you have to mow your lawn, wear a mask with a filter to reduce exposure to grass. Staying indoors with the windows closed and the air-conditioning on is also helpful, Benninger says.

Dr. Todd Rambasek, M.D., of ENT & Allergy Health Services, in Cleveland, says there are three things that typically affect your ability to breathe outside:

How much of an allergen or pollutant is present.

How heavily you are breathing. (For example, you breathe more heavily when exercising.)

How well your symptoms are controlled, if you have asthma.

Health.com: Can't stop coughing? 8 possible reasons

People with asthma often need to use an everyday controller medication, which is a drug that eases underlying lung inflammation. Bronchodilators are another type of asthma drug that can be used to expand airways and relieve symptoms, such as shortness of breath or coughing. However, if you are using a bronchodilator inhaler all the time to treat symptoms, it's a sign that your asthma isn't under control and that you should be taking controller medication daily.

"If people take daily controller medications, they are less likely to have problems when they are near triggers," says Rambasek.

Health.com: How to buy the right air cleaner

In addition to regularly taking controller medications -- such as fluticasone, Singulair, and Azmacort -- asthmatics should also carry albuterol, a common bronchodilator, according to Rambasek. Using a bronchodilator inhaler about 30 minutes before going outside can be helpful, he says.

Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Claritin (loratadine) tend to work well and are relatively safe for those with allergies, Rambasek says. Benninger recommends using topical anti-allergy eye drops and Afrin for itchy eyes and congestion if symptoms are infrequent, though he cautions that Afrin should only be used for a few days at a time.

Health.com: 10 best big cities for people with asthma

Benninger also advises patients to begin taking medications two to three weeks prior to allergy season. Steroid nasal sprays are particularly beneficial when taken in advance if you have allergies that affect your sinuses, he says.

Smart ways to exercise on bad air days

If you know your triggers and have the appropriate medication on hand, there are still things you can do to prevent problems. If you exercise outdoors, try walking instead of running to reduce exertion. Don't run near high-traffic roads, if possible, and if you know what direction the wind is blowing, exercise upwind, Rambasek says.

If you are allergic to pollen, exercise when the counts are lower, in the early morning or evening, and avoid hot, windy days, he adds. Ozone levels tend to peak from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the day.

Health.com: 15 hypoallergenic dogs and cats



Dr. Anne Marie Ditto, M.D., an associate professor of medicine in the allergy-immunology division at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, says she generally tells patients not to avoid the outdoors. Instead, she recommends that people control their asthma and allergies so they won't have flare-ups. But there is one exception: people with asthma on high-ozone days.

"If you are in a city with an ozone action day, we tend to say, 'Stay inside if you are not http://www.homedepot.com/services/hvac-repair/ well controlled ... or try to avoid a lot of outdoor activity,'" she says. "It might not be a good day to go outside and play baseball."



Health.com: 7 surprising triggers of lung trouble

Ditto says ozone causes inflammation and heightens sensitivity to outdoor allergens such as pollen or mold. This can increase the chance of an asthma attack.

Rambasek agrees.

"For someone with an ozone allergy and asthma, avoidance is their best bet because treatments aren't phenomenal," he says. "For someone with nasal allergies to pollen, treatment is good so we often don't recommend avoidance. But we don't have any shots to reduce people's sensitivity to ozone."

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/07/10/bad.air.day/

Common Sprinkler Conditions That Need Repair

. She spent some time working with fashion brands of most sizes, from small start ups to worldwide companies. A good motivation for proper maintenance could be the knowledge that transmission repair can be extremely expensive in Tampa and anywhere else.

The Palisades power plant is owned by Entergy Corporation. Taking treatment of animals is the place she supports her family members. Air to the lowest carbon life that's actively promoting a fresh energy industry, air to water heater water heater in most categories category pattern started late in 2003, little was known until, until 2004 to send Waugh air to water heater and Aesthetic Listing of various brands, this new energy-saving products is planning to be gradually known for the public.

Architectural shingles is usually a better choice as a roofing material. The same smooth, silent and immediate engagement should likewise happen in the drive position to neutral and for the reverse have a peek at these guys position. It continues to be discussed that steel Toronto-roofer. But what tends to dramatically shorten the life of batteries is cooling tremendous amounts of heat. articledashboard.

Now you'll require toronto roofing a few issues before you start. Tighten it just a little bit much more than sung but be cautious never to a lot more than tighten. One of the most common isn't good spacing of sprinkler valves. It is, therefore, extremely important for you to definitely have an air cooling repair expert who can be a furnace repair expert in Tampa FL.

This article was written by Justin March Marketing Manager of Water Coolers Direct, suppliers of hot and cook water coolers also as zip taps, heaters and boilers to customers throughout the UK. . This article was written by Justin March Marketing Manager of Water Coolers Direct, suppliers of hot and cook water coolers also as zip taps, heaters and boilers to customers throughout the UK.

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