Blog entries tagged tips

Simple Tips to Cut Home Energy Costs

Melissa Burnham — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:07:02 +0100

Most people don’t even realize how much electronic energy they are wasting and it seems logical that if items are “turned off” they shouldn’t be affecting your electrical usage. But, oh boy is that assumption wrong! Here are a few facts and tips to help you save more than $200 a year without sacrificing a single creature comfort.

Plug your DVD players, TVs and game consoles into a power strip so you can switch them off when not in use or are out of town. As much as 80 percent of the electricity these power hogs consume is used while they’re idle, powering light displays and communicating with other components such as the remote or satellite.
Unplug “wall warts” (aka plugs attached to a black transformer box) like a cell-phone or iPod charger. The general rule of thumb - if they are plugged into an outlet, they are pulling power whether charging a device or not.
Turn your computer off completely when it’s not in use. If this is impossible for you, learn to religiously use the power-saving sleep mode, which uses 60 to 80 percent less energy than full-power mode. Visit www.energystar.gov for information on how to activate your computer’s power-saving mode. If you absolutely can’t do this, at the very least, turn OFF your monitor and don’t rely on the screen saver – it too is an energy drain.
Follow the “Just Unplug It” rule with any other non-essential electronics such as coffee pots, toasters, flat irons, etc. The less you have plugged in the more you’ll save!

With pocket books tightening and back-to-school expenses starting to pile up, these are just a few simple ways to cut back and actually save money, precious resources, and even the planet! So talk to your family and make sure everyone knows to “Just Unplug It”!

Green FACT: According to the EPA, “using power management on your desktop computer could save 900 kilowatt-hours a year. That amounts to 1,500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of driving a medium-size car from New York to Salt Lake City.”

Source: Energy Star/EPA Gov

Home Ceiling Fans Help Beat the Summer Heat and Save Money

Daphne Hager — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:14:01 +0100

It's not so easy to stay cool in the midst of a boiling Texas summer, and if May's record breaking high temperatures are any indication, staying cool without breaking the bank will require a little improvising for many families.

Ceiling fans, according to a Home Depot fan expert, “produce a 'wind chill' effect, allowing you to feel cooler regardless of the temperature. They're also efficient, consuming less energy on average than a 100-watt light bulb.”

Fans are not just useful in the summer! While it’s warm outside, you'll want to set your fan in "down-draft" mode, with the blades running counterclockwise, to circulate cooler air. But when the weather turns cold, just flip the switch and reverse the motor so the blades can run clockwise. This forces the warm air down. The directional switch is usually located on top of the motor housing, so you will need a ladder. Plan to pick up a few fans at the local home supply store and ask about home installation services!

Fact: According to the US Department of Energy, “Ceiling fan/light combination units that have earned the ENERGY STAR are about 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units. This can save you more than $15 per year on utility bills.”

Be Prepared in the Event of a Hurricane

Daphne Hager — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:33:48 +0100

With all the news surrounding Hurricane Season 2010, you have probably figured out that only flood insurance covers damage to your home caused by flooding (aka rising water), but you may not know all of the details. Below I have compiled a few suggestions to help you become better prepared when the threat of a storm presents itself.

Protect your hard-earned possessions. Build a personal file containing as much information as you can compile about all your “possessions” and keep it in high place, preferably fireproof and/or off premises. This detailed file should contain:

A copy of all your current insurance policies, your agent’s contact information as well as their corporate contact numbers (ex. 800 claims numbers and 24-hour service hotline numbers).
A room-by-room inventory of your entire home, including receipts for high-value items, and recent photos or videos that could be used as “proof of ownership”.
Copies of all critical family documents, including financial records, birth certificates and passports.

Flooding can happen anywhere, and without much notice, but certain areas are obviously more susceptible to severe flooding than others. To help homeowners better understand the risk levels in their area, flood maps (Flood Insurance Rate Maps, FIRMs) have been created to show the locations of high-risk, moderate-to-low risk, and undetermined-risk areas. Visit the FEMA website to determine your specific flood hazard area. Although no one wants to endure a flood or deal with the cleanup and aftermath, you can rest a little easier knowing you have a grab-and-go file that with make the recovery much smoother for you and your family.

FACT: In 2007, flooding occurred in all 50 states, and nearly 25 percent of those claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas.

Wanted: Female Homebuyers

Greg Rivera — Tue, 18 May 2010 02:46:11 +0100

In a struggling economy and a definitive housing bubble, there has emerged an unpredicted buyer. Women. In particular, younger women, who are finding their most opportune shot at home ownership. In 2008 alone, more men than women lost their jobs by a ratio of three to one, in the financial and manufacturing sectors.

Ellen Iggulden, a 27-year-old Chicago-based auditor, says “most of my guy friends are sitting on the buying sidelines. But among my female college pals, (I) was actually one of the last to take the real estate plunge.” Hearing about their successes, she says, was empowering: “If they can do it, so can I!”

And, according to the National Association of Realtors, women now sign on the dotted line in nearly a quarter of all U.S. home deals—up from 14 percent in 1995.

As a result, new home sales teams are incorporating sales tactics including expanded “paint-color psychology” and hosting spa nights, instead of the traditional open house, in an attempt to do everything they can to eliminate the “intimidation factors” associated with females perceived purchase process. Home-marketing consultant Sara Lamia addressed a gathering at this year’s International Builders’ Show by summing up this theory, stating, “If Mama ain’t happy, you’re dead in the water!”

The message to women is clear. The builders are catering to you, so take advantage of the market anomaly and by that new home you’ve been eyeing!

Conserve Water, Get Clean and Save Some Green

Greg Rivera — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:49:15 +0100

Did you know that on average, each member of your family use an astonishing 170 gallons of water every day? To put it into perspective, that’s the equivalent of about three full bathtubs! The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities for water conservation without the perceived inconveniences. Every gallon saved means more green - in your pocket and out our world.

Here are just a few simple ways to incorporate water conservation into your daily routine without feeling all dried up!

Install a low-flow showerhead. The new aerating showerheads can reduce the flow from 2.5 gallons per minute to as low as 1 gallon per minute, while maintaining water pressure because they mix in air. Then, shave just two minutes off your average shower time and you will save about five gallons every time you clean up. Check with your builder, new homes often come standard with this energy saving feature!

Here’s one that will make kids and dad’s cheer - don't rinse your plates! Use the dishwasher rather than washing by hand. Although some people, aka Mom’s, are very efficient at washing by hand, most of us aren't, and that means up to 27 gallons of water per load. And, since pre-rinsing in the sink can waste as much as 20 gallons per load, opt to scrape excess food off instead. A new Energy Star-rated dishwasher can consume as little as 3 gallons per load and most of them now remove food residues.

Use a drive through carwash. Washing your car by hand not only can use from 80 to 140 gallons of water in one go, but will also result in contaminated water containing brake fluid, oil and other automotive fluids entering waterways through storm drains. Carwash services are required to channel water to treatment plants and use approximately 50 gallons per wash, according to a local Bubbles Car Wash owner.

And, finally, water your garden with a hose that has an automatic shutoff nozzle. A standard garden hoses sprays water at about 8 gallons per minute, which can add up to 80 gallons in just 10 minutes. But, if you add a nozzle with an automatic shut off, you can cut that down to 3.2 gpm.

Not only will you barely notice the changes in daily life, you can rest assured you are “saving some green” and doing your part towards global conservation efforts!

Huricane Preparedness Week for 2010

Greg Rivera — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:32:47 +0100

Hurricane Preparedness Week for 2010 begins Sunday, May 23. Each day of the week will be devoted to a different aspect of the hurricane season. By visiting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2 you may access each day’s topic. The schedule is as follows:

Sunday is devoted to the history of hurricanes in the United States. Links are provided to view articles on most of the major U.S. hurricanes dating back to the Galveston Hurricane of 1900.

Monday through Wednesday are dedicated to information on hurricane hazards such as Storm Surge, High Winds and Inland Flooding.

The subject on Thursday is how the National Weather Service and other agencies track hurricanes and predict path and intensity.

Friday’s link provides information on how to prepare for a hurricane including developing a family plan and creating a disaster kit.

Saturday’s emphasis is on what action should be taken before hurricane season, during a hurricane watch, and during a hurricane warning.

It is important for developers, builders, and buyers to be educated about the benefits of flood insurance and how to react in the event of an impending hurricane. They can visit the website and benefit from all of the information addressed each day.

SPECIAL NOTE: On April 16, 2010, Congress passed, and the President signed H.R. 4851, which extends the National Flood Insurance Program through May 31, 2010. The extension was retroactive to February 28, 2010.

Spring Forward for Daylight Saving Time: March 14

Greg Rivera — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:29:35 +0100

Each Spring, we move our clocks forward by one hour during the night in order to capture the convenience that extra light brings during the Spring and Summer seasons. Friendswood Development Company is reminding you to remember to do just that at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 14.

Daylight Saving Time actually affects you in more ways than simply confusing your schedule. By making the adjustment, we are allowing ourselves to use less energy in lighting our homes. This energy-saving orientation was the original intent of the U.S. when Daylight Saving Time was instituted during World War I and later when the length of Daylight Saving Time was standardized in 1966.

Friendswood Development Company hopes feeling greener eases the pain of losing an hour this weekend and that all our visitors, Realtors, and community residents enjoy the warmer Houston weather ahead!

February Recipe of the Month

Cheryl Boe — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:22:46 +0100

Grilled Shrimp and Grapefruit Salad

prep time: 20 minutes
marinate time: 1 hour
grill time: 1 hour
makes 5 servings

Vinaigrette
1/4 cup white wine vinaigrette
2 tablespoons red grapefruit juice
2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salad
1 bag wild brown shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 ruby red grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
2 jumbo avocado halves, sliced
1 bag baby spring salad mix

Combine vinaigrette ingredients in a shaker bottle and mix well. Place half of the dressing in a large zipper bag, add shrimp and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Heat a gas or charcoal grill to 375 degrees F. Arrange shrimp on the prepared grill for 2 minutes. Turn shrimp over and grill 1 more minute. Remove from grill and set aside.

Layer grapefruit sections, avocado slices, spring mix and grilled shrimp in a large salad bowl or on a platter. Before serving, add the shaken vinaigrette and toss to coat.

Nutrition facts per one cup serving: calories 240 (160 from fat) total fat 18 g, saturated fat 2.5 g, cholesterol 85 mg, sodium 105 mg, total carbs 10 g, dietary fiber 3 g, protein 10 g.

Source: My HEB TexasLife magazine

10 Tips for a Healthy 2010

Cheryl Boe — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0100

The beginning of a new year is always a good time to start some healthier, happier habits. Below are 10 simple ideas to try to incorporate into your new year, new you.

SMILE. Give yourself a happy break. Smiling sends a message to your unconscious mind and generates a positive mood and attitude.

Eat WELL-BALANCED meals throughout the day and kick-start your metabolism with breakfast every day.

Sit down, chew and ENJOY your food! Rushing meals may prevent the food from digesting properly. Take time for a leisurely meal instead of rushing off to start your next activity.

Make it a goal to drink at least eight glasses of WATER a day. Water flushed out the unwanted toxins from your body.

EXERCISE at least twice a week. This could mean walking, jogging, or doing a cardio workout. Combining healthy eating habits with an active lifestyle is a sure-fire way to start off the year on the right foot.

Stop worrying about the weight and start thinking about your HEALTH. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Treat yourself to some fresh FLOWERS. Keep them on your desk at work or in a common place at home.

VOLUNTEER at a school, a library, a food shelter or a nonprofit organization that you are passionate about. Helping others will improve your self-image and will keep you active in the community.

Maintain a SOCIAL network - it's important to the body, mind and spirit. Socially active peole tend to be healthier, happier and less likely to become depressed.

A good way to stay healthy is to treat medical problems early or prevent them altogether. PREVENTIVE measures include scheduling regular checkups with your doctor, getting immunizations, and take precautions to prevent falls and injured.

Source: HEB My TexasLife magazine

Important Notice: Freeze Precautions

Greg Rivera — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:36:44 +0100

The Houston Weather Bureau is predicting freezing conditions from Thursday night through to Saturday morning (January 7-9, 2010).

These sustained freezing conditions could result in pipes bursting, causing severe damage. Please take the following precautions to minimize damage to your property and protect your plant and pets.

Wrap an exterior exposed pluming pipes.
Disconnect water hoses.
Keep your pets inside.
Cover your plants.
Do not leave faucets dripping
Listen to your radio and T.V. for weather updates.
If you are going out of town, leave the heat on in your unit and open the under counter cabinet doors. As an additional precaution, turn off the main water valve and drain the faucets. If you turn the water off and you have electric water heater, be sure to turn the breaker off.

Be Informed about State Constitutional Amendments for Nov. 3 Election

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:20:14 +0100

HAR Election Information - Get Out the Realtor Vote

- Why is the Houston Association of Realtors involved in the Political Process?

- State Constitutional Amendments

- Has HVCC Cost You and Clients Money?

- Have You Contact your Legislator to Extend and Expand the $8,000 Tax Credit?

- Governor Perry Signs Appraisal Bills at HAR

- Speaking of Redistricing

H-E-B Has Hurricane Preparedness Kits

Cheryl Boe — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

H.E.B. Grocery Co. is planning on hosting several events to help Houstonians prepare for the hurricane season that started this week.

The grocer will showcase its new H-E-B Emergency Preparedness Kits filled with a three-day supply of goods, from food and a can opener to bath tissue, hand sanitizer and batteries. Customers can choose from a two-person food kit filled with items like tuna, beans, fruit cocktail and almonds, or a two-person supply kit including freezer bags, a flashlight, plastic cups and a first-aid kit.

The kits will be available for purchase at the event and in select stores throughout hurricane season.

Source: Houston Business Journal

Friendswood Development Company on Facebook and Twitter

Daphne Hager — Sun, 03 May 2009 05:00:00 +0100

For the active members of Friendswood Development communities and other Friendswood Development Company followers, we are excited to announce the debut of our very own Facebook and Twitter accounts. You can find us on either social network through search or by clicking the corresponding links above.

Facebook

The Friendswood Development Company Facebook Page is a resource to all Friendswood Development Company community residents, employees, followers, and realtors. Facebook users can become a fan of Friendswood Development Company, share thoughts, pictures, links, and even videos of events in and around Friendswood Development circles.

Twitter

The Friendswood Development Company Twitter page is yet another way that we hope to stay close and connected to our community members and realtos. Twitter-ers can now easily follow our "tweets" on the latest news on Friendswood Development Company. You can find us under the user name: "FriendswoodTX".

As always, thank you for your interest in the latest developments and news at Friendswood Development Company.

The New FriendswoodDevelopment.com

Daphne Hager — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Friendswood Development Company is proud to announce the development and completion of a new design of FriendswoodDevelopment.com. This website design has been developed to be more intuitive, visually appealing, and finder-friendly than previous versions. Features and improvements of our new site include:

An interactive blog, where Friendswood can provide homeowners, realtors, and community leaders with the latest in news, events, awards, and more regarding our developments.
Mobile device compatibility. With respect to the technology boom and interests of our clients and homeowners, FriendsoodDevelopment.com is now seamlessly compatible and fully visible with smart devices, like the iPhone and Blackberry.

These robust features, as well as more subtle enhancements, have been tailored to your needs. Subsequent to this launch, our community websites will follow with similarly enhanced designs as well. As always, Friendswood Development Company seeks to be a leader in the community-building industry, by design of our homes and our website.

Welcome to the Friendswood Development Company Blog

Daphne Hager — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 06:00:00 +0100

We created this “What’s New”, or “Blog” section, with you in mind. We hope to provide a continual source of useful information to Friendswood Development homeowners, realtors, and community leaders. Realtors and homeowners should feel free to subscribe to this page via RSS as an easy way to keep updated – continually!

As we continue to consistently provide the utmost in home development concepts for the greater Houston area, we hope you will continue to support the Friendswood Development Company. Thank you for your time and support, as we work harder to bring the best to you. As a go-to for news, events, useful tips, and more, we hope you will stop by again soon.