[New Post] Five Ways To Save Energy During Our Hot Summers in Arizona

When it gets hot in Arizona, we all feel the financial pinch. A common reality of living in the desert is that our energy consumption rates often skyrocket during the hot summer months. Whether it’s due to the AC units running frequently or the constant use of swimming pools, the truth is that many homeowners often need to find efficient ways to save energy during AZ summers. Fortunately, we have a few tips especially for those that are looking into remodeling their homes soon.

Three Upgrades That Save Money During Our Hot Arizona Summers

First – Consider Upgrading to Energy Star® rated Major Appliances

Buying a new major appliance when you remodel a home might seem counterproductive, however, this idea has significant merit. We all know that as technology improves, so does efficiency. However, new US Department of Energy regulations have set forth tremendous requirements for energy efficiency in newly manufactured major appliances. This standard is known as Energy Star® rating. A new HVAC system that is Energy Star® rated has been shown to use between 20-35% less energy to produce similar comfort levels than older systems. And when you’re goal each summer is to save money and energy when it’s hot outside in Arizona, it simply makes sense to invest in a more energy efficient machine.

Second – Consider The Type Of HVAC System You Plan To Upgrade

Buying an Energy Star® rated major appliance is one way to save money and energy during summer, however, it’s also important to consider what type of product you plan to purchase. In recent years, HVAC manufacturers such as Trane, Day & Night and others have introduced new technology that relies on our earth’s natural resources (natural cool and heat) to keep your home a consistent temperature. These units are called Heat Pump systems. A heat pump unit, when properly installed can save between 50-60% on monthly utility bills compared to older AC units. When you add up those savings, the new heat pump system can pay for itself rather quickly.

Third – Look Into Better Window Coverings

The reality of life is that where there is sunlight, there is heat. In fact, did you know that by simply blocking the sun from entering your home, you could reduce the temperature inside by as much as 20 degrees naturally? This is why a great idea for saving energy each month during those hot summer days in Arizona is to consider buying better window coverings such as retractable window shades. These new systems are usually installed on the inside of your windows, so you don’t have to worry about our extreme weather elements burning or damaging them. Many homeowners that complete a remodeling project often overlook these rather inexpensive upgrades. But, when properly installed and used correctly, you can save a ton of money each month on utility bills.

These three items might seem to be rather expensive. However, by looking at the big picture, you’ll quickly discover how easily they can and often pay for themselves. When you’re looking for the best ways to save energy during hot AZ summers consider a few of these wholesale changes. You will be surprised how quickly these smart investments in overall comfort and energy conservation will pay dividends.

We can help you save energy and money. Call us today at (480) 378-0611 to schedule a free consultation!

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/five-ways-to-save-energy-during-our-hot-summers-in-arizona/

[New Post] Tips for Investing in Energy Efficiency Windows in Arizona

Most homeowners in Arizona actively search for ways to streamline their monthly expenses. With utility rates beginning to once again climb because of the summer heat, one of the best long-term investments is purchasing energy efficient windows. Believe it or not, windows can be the cause of most heat and cool temperature loss inside a home.  When comfortable air escapes – or uncomfortable and dirty air enters a home ­­– it often causes your HVAC system to work harder and cost you more in the long term. This is why buying energy efficiency windows in Arizona are truly an investment in the future.

Three Tips To Consider When Purchasing Energy Efficient Windows In Arizona

Tip #1 – Start with Picking the Right Frame

The frame of the window and the seals are the two-most common victims to energy loss for Arizona homes. It’s for this reason that any energy efficient windows you buy and install should include solid frames and seals that will last a long time. There are several types of materials to choose from, each of them offering advantages:

• Vinyl Window Frames: Although many people think of vinyl as being cheap, it actually can be a good, practical solution for many homeowners. Vinyl windows can be very well assembled, allowing good protection from the elements. However, because homeowners are limited to colors and style, many Arizona residents don’t choose this type of material.


• Wood: When you’re looking for the best insulation for window frames, wood tends to be the best. A major reason why it is good for Arizona is that wood tends to rot where the climate is higher in humidity or wet areas. And since Arizona is a mostly desert and dry, wood window frames tend to do very well here.


• Aluminum: If you’re living in a high-wind area, you might want to consider aluminum window frames. Some aluminum frames can be good at providing good insulation, but wood frames tend to be a little better across the board.

Tip #2 – Consider the Style

Besides the material that the frames are manufactured out of, the style of the energy efficient window is also critical. Across the board, double-hung windows tend to be the most common replacement – especially in older homes. However, casement windows are also very popular in Arizona as they are good for high-wind areas. The draw back on casement windows is they tend to require a lot of maintenance – especially the seals of the windows.

Tip #3 – Don’t Overlook Proper Installation

One thing that many homeowners tend to forget is that quality of installation is often a determining factor when determining overall window energy efficiency. When a quality contractor uses the proper techniques, materials and supplies to install a window, the results tend to be much better than those that rush the job. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as ‘one size fits all’ in the home window industry. Always make sure your general contractor has experience in replacing windows for your specific style of home.

Installing energy efficient windows in Arizona can save homeowners considerably on monthly utilities. But the best advice we can offer is to carefully consider the entire cost of replacing windows and always hire a dependable contractor to complete this job.

Are you ready to make the leap to saving money? Call us today at (480) 378-0611 to schedule a free consultation!

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/tips-for-investing-in-energy-efficiency-windows-in-arizona/

[New Post] What Is An Energy Efficient Home If I Live In Scottsdale? published on

The term ‘Energy Efficient Home’ is often widely used as something that every homeowner should strive to obtain. But what exactly does it mean? And if you have an Energy Efficient Home in Alaska, is it the exact same thing as being in Scottsdale? The truth is that different geographic locations require different elements to create a home that is energy efficient and comfortable. As such, when you ask what is an energy efficient home, the truth is that it depends on where you live.

To keep things simple and practical for those who live in the Phoenix metro area, the goal is this: keeping a home as energy efficient as possible – while still maintaining comfort all year long.

Three Steps to Keeping an Energy Efficient Home

Step #1 – Make Sure to Have an Energy Audit Performed

The first step in making any home truly energy efficient is to discover areas inside your particular home that could be improved. This is often accomplished during an energy audit performed by a professional home energy technician. Energy Audits can truly be an eye-opening experience for any homeowner. They are designed to analyze every aspect of your home that will impact energy consumption including:

• Inspecting windows, ductwork and insulation for leaks, cracks or obstructions that cause a home to lose heat or cold


• Inspecting and testing the efficiency of major appliances, HVAC systems and ventilation


• Analyzing the location of the home and discovering inside areas inside that absorb more energy than they should

Step #2 – Consider Installing Energy Star® Appliances

Another important step for making an Arizona home energy efficient is to install Energy Star® rated major appliances as soon as possible. Energy Star® rated appliances have been proven to use up to 25% less energy than standard appliances. And with energy consumption rates increasing each year, taking the proactive measure to install Energy Star® rated appliances can significantly reduce the total amount of monthly energy you use.

Step #3 – Develop a Strategic Plan When Building a New Home

If you’re in the process or considering building a new home, there are several things you can do to make the home as energy efficient as possible including:

• Work with your builder on home placement: a great way to save money on energy consumption is to first determine a smart course of action as to where the home should sit on the lot. There are many ways to ‘naturally’ heat or cool a home based on the location of primary walls, windows and doors in association to where the sun rises or sets each day.


• Consider installing energy efficient roofing and insulation: living in the Phoenix metro area is all about keeping air consistent inside the home. And the best way to do this is to ensure the home has exceptional insulation.  Spray foam is by far the best method to seal the building from drafts, leaks, and gaps using a high insulating and expanding foam.


• Window replacement is a great way to increase energy efficiency: Upgrade your drafty, old single pane windows.  Today’s Low-E and Low-E2 windows are far superior to products made even in the last few years.  And, the window frames are made with thermal breaks and highly insulated glass.


• Work with the builder to install custom, energy efficient HVAC systems: Another proactive step to ensure you have a truly energy efficient home in the Scottsdale area is to install a highly energy efficient home heating and cooling system. Some of these units include all-in-one HVAC systems, new heat pump systems or even solar powered heating units.   Another basic option is to choose an electronic programmable thermostat, and understand the peak energy hours of your power company.    This is a very inexpensive way to quickly save money.

The bottom line; to determine what is an energy efficient home requires you to determine what’s best for your individual location. Homes in the city require different needs than mountain-based homes, and vice-versa.  However, regardless of where your home is located, the best way to build an energy efficient home is to openly discuss this with your builder or any home remodeling expert that has experience in creating energy efficient homes. Always ask questions to experts in order to get solid answers.

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/what-is-an-energy-efficient-home-if-i-live-in-scottsdale/

[New Post] Green Home Remodeling Gaining Traction in Scottsdale For 2014 published on

Trends in the marketplace often come and go. But as 2014 begins, green home remodeling is showing signs of expansion. And for home owners in Scottsdale, AZ making the decision to ‘go green’ with all of their home remodeling projects can save time, money, natural resources and spark some creative juices to use eco-friendly materials and procedures to enhance the overall look and feel of their homes.

Three Steps To Complete Your Green Home Remodeling Project

Here are a few things to consider that will make any green home remodeling project easier to achieve this year.

Step #1 – Have an Energy Audit Completed

A great idea to get you started for any home improvement project is to begin with an Energy Audit completed. This will help you the home owner identify some of the areas inside your current space that could use improvement to increase the energy efficiency of the home. Many HVAC specialists can perform an energy audit, but the key is to factor in the results of this audit and incorporate them into any green home remodeling project you intend to undertake. It is estimated that a good energy audit can lead to up to a 50% reduction in monthly energy bills.

Another positive attribute of having an energy audit is that it will help you reduce carbon emissions from the existing house. This will help make your home much easier to maintain and healthier to live in for everybody.

Step #2 – Invest in Quality Materials for your Green Home Remodeling Project

It’s said that you get what you pay for. And this definitely applies to the materials that are used for any home remodeling project. However, when you’re secondary objective is to be environmentally friendly with your remodel a primary concern of yours should be to purchase quality-built materials for this project. Just like in the food industry, many people get hung up on buzz terms when making purchases. For example, if they are looking for healthier beverages they might only buy ‘organic’ or ‘All-Natural’ products. The end result is manufacturers and retailers will make you pay for those ‘buzz words’, while the product may not always be better for you.

The key in home remodeling is not to fall into that trap. Just because a material might say its ‘eco-friendly’ or made from recycled materials does not mean that it needs to be used for a green home remodeling project. The most important element of any responsible home improvement project is to limit the total amount of materials needed. So if you have to replace that ‘All-Natural’ cabinet in two years because it’s warped, you’re really not accomplishing anything ‘environmentally friendly’. Always make sure that any materials you buy will last a long time – that will ensure your project is ‘green’.

Step #3 – Enhance your Home Improvement Project with Sparkling Colors

The final step when planning to take on a green home remodeling project is to consider the roll that color will play. In this regard, think about using dynamic colors that will naturally brighten up a room  and will require less electrical power and fewer lights. This will also determine what type of window treatments you use, or even whether to add a skylight for natural sunlight to enter a room. Remember – the key to any green remodeling project is to conserve natural resources during and after your home improvement project is completed.

Green home remodeling is going to be a growing trend well beyond 2014 as many homeowners in Scottsdale, Arizona realize the several ancillary benefits that responsible remodeling can provide. Make sure to contact a reliable and experienced general contractor that has experience in working on green home remodeling projects to ensure your job is done right, on time and within your budget.

 

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/green-home-remodeling-scottsdale-2014/