Inexpensive Energy Solutions

It's still pretty warm here in sunny Southern California. We are all still finding means of staying cool during the heat waves, but at the same time our electricity bills end up increasing.

Photo: One of Kaplan Construction's kitchen remodels in Belmont Shore. For more photos of this kitchen remodel, click here.

Our last blog post on energy conservation focused on Fast and Free Energy Saving Tips, but now we are going to provide some inexpensive energy saving tips.

• Replace air conditioning filter.
  Replacing air conditioning filters will ensure a clean air flow throughout your home and prevent stressing out your air conditioning unit. Dirty filters will cause your air conditioning unit to work harder, meaning more energy consumption. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefits.
   
• Plug your home's leaks.
  Plugging in your home's leaks will help save energy. With cracks between windows and doors, cool air from your air conditioning unit or hot air from your heater can easily escape your home, causing your air conditioning unit or heating unit to work harder than it should. Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows, and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers.
   
• Choose ENERGY STAR products.
  If you need to purchase a new appliance for your home, it is best to choose an ENERGY STAR product. ENERGY STAR products are energy efficient appliances. In California, some electricity companies offer rebates for having ENERGY STAR products in your home. 

Doing these fixes for your home, will help you save money on your electricity bill and conserve energy.

To read more on inexpensive energy solutions, click here.

Hello, September! Your September To-Do List!

Here are some things from Freshome to do for your home this month!

Photo: One of Kaplan Construction's home remodeling projects in Belmont Heights. For more photos of this home remodel, click here.

• Check your roof, gutters, and downspouts for debris
• Check walkways for cracks and loose paver material - fix them
• Change filters in your home
• Repair leaky faucets and toilets
• Prep your fireplace
• Drain your hot water heater
• Check windows and doors for drafts

For more information on these tips, check out Freshome's blog here.

For a printable To-Do list, click here!

Contact Kaplan Construction today at (562)495-0483 or via email at BOB@KAPLANCONSTRUCTION.COM for any home remodels and renovations.

Labor Day Grilling Safety Tips

Labor Day is coming up on September 5! We usually associate Labor Day with a barbecue; so here are some grill safety tips to consider from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to have a fun and safe Labor Day.

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• Grills should only be used outside

For Propane Grills:

• Check all major connection points between the gas tank hose and the regulator and cylinder and where the hose connects to burners. Tighten if loose.
• Check gas tank hose for leaks. Do not use if there are leaks.
• If you smell gas while cooking, turn off gas tank and burners

For Charcoal Grills:

• If using starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid
• Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to fire
• When finished grilling, let coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container

For more detailed information on these tips, visit the NFPA blog here.

What to do if the Power Goes Out

With the hot weather and high electricity usage in the summer, California is prone to having power outages. There are also other factors aside from hot weather that cause power outages, such as problems at power stations or damage to equipment. Last summer, we experienced multiple power outages in Long Beach alone! 

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When Power Goes Out

The Consumer Energy Center provides tips to keep in mind on how to respond to a power outage. 

• Check if you are the only one without power. If you are, check your fuse box for tripped switches of blown fuses. If that seems to be the problem, reset the breaker or replace the fuse. If that does not solve the problem, call your local electricity company.
   
• If there are downed power lines in your neighborhood, call 9-1-1 and DO NOT go near the lines. Remember, call 9-1-1 only for emergencies or if someone is injured or in danger.
   
• Avoid a power surge when electricity returns by turning off computers, TVs, and other electronics at the power strip.
   
• Drink plenty of water. It is important to stay hydrated, especially with the warm weather. Always have bottles of water at home, especially if you rely on your refrigerator for water.
   
• Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer. Opening your refrigerator and freezer will let the cold air out, causing perishable food to go bad faster. Leaving them closed will allow food to stay cold for hours. DO NOT eat food from your refrigerator if you haven't had power for more than a day.
   
• DO NOT use candles for a source of light. Candles are a fire hazard. Stick to flashlights. It would be a good idea to keep flashlights around the house with a fresh set of batteries.

Things to Keep Around the House

Since power outages in California occur more often than we like, here are some things to keep around your home so you won't be left in the dark.

• Bottles of water. If you rely on your refrigerator for drinking water, this is important.
   
• Flashlights are good to keep around the house with fresh batteries.
   
• A charged battery pack for your cellphone. This will help you keep your cell phones charged so you have a means of communication.

Keep these tips in mind so you're prepared for the next time a power outage occurs.

For more information on these tips, visit the Consumer Energy Center blog here.