Any item that should appear in the blog feed section of ‘what’s new’
Energy efficiency isn’t something you can physically see, but that shouldn’t make it any less of a priority when looking at homes on the market. The City of Portland requires home listings to include an energy score starting in 2018, which can benefit both the buyer and the seller. Nicolette Hanna, a broker for Living… Read more
You could earn good money from new solar panels for eight years, covering up to 80% of your solar system cost. If you live in Washington and you’ve been thinking about going solar, now is a good time to act. The Washington State Legislature passed a revised production incentive program on July 1, 2017. Enjoy… Read more
Air conditioner efficiency ratings are designed to give buyers a good sense of system efficiency, similar to the way a miles-per-gallon rating measures fuel efficiency of cars. It’s good to get familiar with the two different rating systems so you’ll have a better idea of what to expect when considering a new cooling system. Seasonal… Read more
Did you know that here in Oregon there were more than 14,000 known earthquakes from 1841 to 2002? Or that Geological evidence shows large subduction zone earthquakes struck Oregon’s coast every 300-800 years, back as long as 11,000 years? Far more common are smaller, but sometimes damaging, quakes that rock Portland and the Willamette Valley,… Read more
Home seismic retrofits target parts of the home that are most likely to fail, and add additional materials and fasteners for greater strength. Every older home is different, and upgrades typically fall into two categories and price points. 1. Prescriptive path: For suitable homes with strong foundations and meeting other criteria, this path includes upgrades… Read more
Armed with the right knowledge, you can safeguard your home and family. Seismic building codes were enacted in 1974 in Oregon. If your home is older, it’s unlikely built to withstand earthquakes. But the home’s age isn’t the only factor. Other factors influencing seismic readiness of your home may include: Configuration: Rooms built over garages… Read more
A number of factors influence how cool your home feels, and you have alternatives to air conditioning. If you choose AC, consider more efficient options. Sealing Air Leaks and Insulating Two of the most effective actions you can take to reduce cooling costs include sealing air leaks and properly insulating your home. These upgrades are… Read more
Are you looking to take the edge off just a few hot weeks each year, or do you need more consistent cooling? Do you need to cool the whole house, or just certain rooms? There are four main types of air conditioners, each with different advantages. It’s always a good idea to consult with a… Read more
Is an air conditioner necessary in Oregon? The cost for a new air conditioner starts at about $3,000 and goes up depending on the size of your home and the type of system. You can make a good decision about home air conditioning by considering your climate, your home, and your family’s ability to cope… May 1, 2017
Basic maintenance and care in operating your air conditioner can go a long way. By doing just two things consistently, you can keep cool efficiently and reliably for years to come. As a Home Advisor with the non-profit Enhabit, I’m here to answer your questions about home cooling. At the bottom of this post, I’ll… Read more