According to a study done at the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology, turning the thermostat setting down a few degrees during the winter when you leave the house or go to sleep can result in energy savings of 5% to 15%.

In the summer when the air conditioner is running, setting the thermostat at 24 C or more when the house is empty also brings significant energy savings.

A conventional thermostat simply regulates house heating or cooling at a set temperature. For instance, in the winter, if you set the thermostat to 21 C, it will activate the heating system when the house temperature drops below 21 C and will shut the system off when the house air warms up past 21 C.

But a device called a programmable thermostat contains an electronic clock that can be set to automatically change the temperature settings throughout the day and help reduce your overall household energy consumption.

In winter, a programmable thermostat can be set to automatically turn down the temperature setting at night or during the day, when you’re at work.

It can also return the temperature to a more comfortable level before you wake up or arrive home from work.

Although you could simply use a standard thermostat to set your house temperatures lower in winter or higher in summer during times when the house is unoccupied, a programmable thermostat is more convenient.

Depending on the season, dropping or increasing the temperature by a couple of degrees can lead to energy saving with little risk of any problems.

Some homeowners, in an effort to maximize their energy savings, reduce temperatures four to six degrees. However, temperature differences this large may be uncomfortable for some who wake up at night or return home early before the time the thermostat resets to 21 C.

Try different settings and see what works best.

In winter, a setback of four to six degrees can increase the possibility of high humidity in the home. Cool air can hold less moisture than warm air, so the relative humidity (RH) increases as the air cools.

This can lead to condensation on windows and walls (for instance, in closets or behind furniture). Watch for signs of condensation and wipe damp surfaces immediately. You may have to adjust the setting on your programmable thermostat to keep your house warmer if moisture problems persist.

Another potential problem associated with using thermostat setback settings is a sustained lack of air circulation for forced air systems when the system is not operating.

For houses where bedroom doors are kept closed, this could lead to stuffiness in those rooms and a lack of fresh air. Many programmable thermostats have a setting that allows you to operate your furnace fan continuously and this helps to keep the air circulating through your house.

A programmable thermostat is not for everyone or every house. While many houses will not experience significant problems with the use of programmable thermostats, there will be some houses more at risk.

But if your house is in good condition, does not have any moisture problems and you have a fairly regular schedule, a programmable thermostat can offer convenience and may help reduce your energy costs.

To help you learn more about programmable thermostats, CMHC has an About Your House fact sheet available called Setback Thermostats. Download your free copy at www.cmhc.ca or call 1-800-668-2642.

Mark Salerno is Greater Toronto Area district manager for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. Contact him at 416-218-3479 or by e-mail at msalerno@cmhc.ca.

Fear not, for you can help to speed up and enhance the home inspection by following these simple suggestions:

To read the full article, visit http://www.lfpress.com/homes/2011/06/30/18357781.html

Stages of need:

• Typically a family with young children needs space and convenience – extra bathrooms, large family living areas and an eat-in open kitchen.
• As children mature, they (and their parents) want more privacy. Housing priorities shift toward larger bedrooms, increased closet space and separated living areas.
• Grown children returning home, aging parents moving in, home-based businesses – more are needing to plan for changes in household composition and use of space.
• As homeowners get older, “accessibility” becomes a greater concern – the ability to move easily throughout the home and carry on day-to-day living activities.

Practical considerations for “renovating for living”:

• Extra-wide doors, easy-to-use locks and good lighting make for safe entry in and out of the house. A porch or overhang will offer shelter, and a spacious area inside the entrance provides a convenient spot for setting down belongings and removing footwear.
• Incorporate the kitchen, living room and a bathroom into the main living area on one level. Widen narrow halls and doorways to make movement easier. An open floor plan can provide a comfortable family environment for work and relaxation.
• If space allows, create a separate, multi-purpose room on the main level. Over the years, it may serve as a den, an office or a bedroom.
• If possible, include a shower or a bathtub on the main level.
• Keep floors all one continuous level to protect both children and adults from accidents.
• Non-load bearing moveable or removable walls offer flexibility to change the layout with less work.
• Rough in services (water, electricity, cable) in the basement and / or attic for future expanded living spaces.
• Install laundry facilities on the main or upper floor.
• Choose easy-to-open windows with cranks, and install lever-action handles rather than knobs on all doors and closets.
• Position electrical switches, outlets and mechanical system controls to be accessible from a standing or sitting position. Use push-pad light controls, three-way switches to control lights from more than one location, and illuminated controls near entrance doors and in bathrooms.
• In the bathroom, think safety. Reinforce the walls for grab bars in the shower and tub area. Install non-slip flooring and anti-scald faucets.
• Install a central vacuum system.
• In the kitchen, incorporate roll-out or pull-down drawers, shelves and pantries for easy access. Pull-out boards, hinged work surfaces and counters of various heights, with open leg room, let everyone in the family participate in food preparation, including children.
• Outside, aim for gently sloped driveways and walkways to reduce the need for stairs. Garage or parking areas should provide enough space to get around with a baby carriage, groceries or a wheelchair. Install planters at various and accessible heights.

The features described are an integral part of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s FlexHousing concept, a forward-thinking approach to building and renovating based on three key components: adaptability, accessibility and affordability.

Mike Baldinelli is president of the London Home Builders’ Association

First, the government will reduce the maximum mortgage amortization period from 35 to 30 years. Second, the maximum amount of the value of a home that can be re-financed will drop from 90 per cent to 85 per cent. And finally, government insurance will no longer be available to financial institutions wishing to insure home equity lines of credit.

Together, these three measures are designed to ensure homebuyers invest responsibly in home ownership and don’t risk their financial security by buying too much home for their income or the country’s economic circumstance.

It is important to note, the government did not increase the minimum downpayment, which was under consideration. And the reduction of five years to the amortization period is understood, given there was a possibility of a larger reduction. Thanks to all those who recognized the urgency of CREA’s Call to Action and wrote their Member of Parliament.

CREA recognizes the government is trying to take reasonable and responsible action with respect to household debt, but urges the government to refrain from additional measures until it can fully evaluate and assess the impact of today’s announcement.   ]]> http://stephaniedrake.ca/notice-from-crea-changes-to-mortgage-rules/feed/ 0 http://stephaniedrake.ca/upgrade-traditional-fireplace-for-safety-better-heating/ http://stephaniedrake.ca/upgrade-traditional-fireplace-for-safety-better-heating/#comments Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:51:56 +0000 Stephanie http://stephaniedrake.ca/?p=298 Many people find the beauty of a natural wood fire hard to resist.

But traditional fireplaces are ineffective for home heating. Tests have shown that they draw a lot of warm air out of the house while delivering little heat. Conventional fireplaces also exhaust particulates and other toxic combustion products to the outside air.

If you have a conventional masonry fireplace that you want to upgrade, you have some options.

Installing a glass door assembly can help reduce air leakage when the fireplace is not in use, but will not improve heating performance. A better option is to install an advanced-technology fireplace insert or hearth-mount stove. These units can be effective heaters and also provide an excellent view of the fire.

By selecting an advanced-technology stove or fireplace that is certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can reduce smoke emissions by as much as 90% compared to conventional appliances while getting better heating performance. Remember that even EPA-certified appliances produce pollutants. If you live in a densely populated area, you should consider using other fuels for your main space heating, and keeping the wood appliance for occasional use or power outages.

Where there’s smoke While the spicy smell of wood smoke in the air on a cold winter evening can be pleasant for some, wood smoke odour inside your home is a sign that the wood-burning system is not functioning properly. This is a concern, since smoke contains harmful air pollutants that can be irritating or even dangerous in high concentrations. Properly designed, installed and operated, wood-burning systems should not spill smoke into the house.

When a wood fire is starved for air, it smoulders, producing a relatively cool, smoky fire that may not vent properly up the chimney. Avoid smouldering fires by learning to use proper burn techniques and burning only seasoned firewood that is split to the right size for your wood heater. As long as there is solid wood in the firebox, there should be active flames. Without flames, the smoke will escape unburned, both reducing efficiency and increasing pollution.

Burn techniques When building a fire, arrange your wood according to the type of fire you want. Check the operating instructions for your wood heating appliance for guidance. Generally, small pieces of firewood arranged loosely in a criss-cross pattern burn quickly because the heat and combustion air can reach all the pieces at once. Larger pieces placed compactly burn more slowly because there are fewer spaces where the air can penetrate the load.

To help you learn more about wood burning, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) has a booklet available called Guide to Residential Wood Heating. For your copy, visit us online at www.cmhc.ca or call our toll free number, 1-800-668-2642.

Mark Salerno is district manager for the Greater Toronto Area at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. You can reach him at 416-218-3479 or at msalerno@cmhc.ca.

In the case of London Health Sciences Foundation’s Win a Million Lottery homes, that dream is enhanced by a mortgage-free lifestyle. A ticket to support the foundation is also a ticket to ride – free of a mortgage.

It’s also a ticket to support LHSC’s highest priorities and continue the high level of patient care and research the community has come to expect.

Living in an area where life-changing – and life-saving – research and health care happens every day can create a blase attitude, until it hits home. Anyone who has experienced the medical expertise available here knows it’s important to support this fundraiser.

A $50 ticket supports the foundation and gives a chance to win one of two grand prize homes or $1 million.

“The homes are gorgeous,” said Rita Fieder, director, gaming and lotteries for the foundation. “People do fall in love with them. We get a lot of comments that say ‘I want to live in this house.’ ”

Wastell Builders Group built the grand prize house at 307 Delacourt Rd. The two-storey home is furnished by Kingsmill’s and designed by Mary Allen. She starts with the builder’s plans.

“I see the blueprint first and get a feeling of the kind of look I want. Then I find something I fall in love with – a piece of furniture, for example.”

Then she chooses flooring, cabinetry and furnishings. Paint colours come last.

“This house is casual elegance, more urban with a mix of styles,” Allen said. “I envisioned someone downsizing from a larger home, maybe with a teen or two at home, but not wanting to give up the luxurious things in a home. This is no plain Jane.”

That style is also evident in the house itself. Wastell is known for its attention to detail. In this case, in the variety of ceiling treatments, stairway with wrought-iron balustrade and a layout that allows for private and entertaining areas with good flow of both people and air. The landing is open to the hallway and sunroom. Upstairs, the railing curves outward, adding space and architectural interest.

Another signature element is built-in bookcases. A stunning example takes place of prominence in the soaring great room with space for a fireplace and flat-screen television.

“This is a very inviting house,” Fieder said. Allen agreed: “It wraps its arms around you.”

Part of the warm atmosphere is created by the palette of seafoam, camel and chocolate she chose for the main floor. The dark wood flooring picks up the rich brown accents. In the entry, a dramatic inset of porcelain tiles that look like marble acts as a welcome carpet. In the laundry room, porcelain tiles masquerade as wood flooring. They are also used for the backsplash to create a unified look. Built-ins corral coats and footware.

The latest colours and furnishings are showcased in the house. The kitchen cabinets are done in a glazed vanilla finish for sophisticated and practical style. The metal of stainless steel appliances is continued in art on the wall of the eating area and decorative place settings.

The sunroom beside the kitchen is decorated as a study. Allen shows practical space-saving ideas, such as a coffee table with two small separate tables that tuck under each end, and a tray table beside another chair.

A nature motif runs through the house. In one upper bedroom, the gingko leaf pattern of the linens and draperies is echoed in a leaf sculpture and wall art.

“Repetition of design in a room is important,” Allen said. “People sometimes miss that.”

They might also miss the way she has linked the colours of rooms in subtle variations. For example, the two bedrooms at the top of the stairs look quite different in colour and style.

One is primarily turquoise and camel. The second is “more vibrant and fun,” Allen said. The dominant colour is orange grounded with dark wood furniture, but the striped linens include camel, chocolate and a soft turquoise like the first one. “We get a lot of compliments on that room,” Fieder said.

The other grand prize house is a condo at 103-1030 Coronation Dr. built by Tricar. It’s designed by David Bradstock and furnished by Kingsmill’s. The palette and diversity of textures evokes the Art Deco era of the 1930s.

“It is contemporary rather than modern,” Bradstock said.

“The elements are classic lines and textiles, a little more forward. The layout is traditional, and I incorporated a more comfortable living style. It’s sophisticated and luxurious.”

The condo uses Tricar’s standard high-end finishes, Bradstock said.

The flooring and cabinets are standard options. The only difference is his decision to continue the dark wood flooring throughout, except for wall-to-wall carpet in the master bedroom.

“The Manuscript paint colour is also a builder selection. Its canvas nature is a perfect foil for the textures and tones of bronze, linen and ivory with bits of silver, chrome and white. The background needed to be quiet, conservative and supportive of that palette.”

Like Allen, Bradstock said paint colour is always the final choice because it is most flexible. “Everything has to relate back to the hard surfaces. The main room brings all the elements together.”

The warm tones transition well from season to season. “As winter approaches, those tones give a fresh look without being cold. The glass, chrome and ivory look good in summer. There is a lot of diversity in design to follow, but you must be aware of geography.”

Rather than decorate the second bedroom as such, Bradstock made it a multi-purpose space. “We felt it should function as a media space and accommodate guests, so it’s even more casual.”

For the master bedroom, he pulled out the stops on luxury with silks, a fluffy carpet, fireplace, cashmere throw and velvet pillows in a scheme of pearl, ivory, ecru, silver and platinum. “It all makes a luxurious retreat, a cocoon. The fireplace creates a very personal space.”

Bradstock chose his and hers dressers to flank the bed. They are part of the Mitchell Gold line seen throughout the condo. “They have classic proportions in a mix of materials, simple lines but not hard edge. They are enduring pieces you won’t tire of,” he said.

A design note with big impact is the use of drapery rods and finials.

“They’re an important design element,” Bradstock said. In the main rooms, the windows are topped by dark wooden rods with polished chrome brackets and finials. The bedroom has pewter rods with Lucite finials.

Another critical component is the art. The work over the table in the front entry is an overture to the rest of the condo, setting the colours and textures. A 1.5-metre-square piece dominates the hall.

“People come to see trends, colours and furnishings,” Fieder said. “We love to showcase the homes.

“It’s a win-win situation. People come from around the world to our hospitals. The level of care here is phenomenal.

“We are so dependent on donations. Ticket sales are ahead of last year . . . Time and tickets are running out. We expect to sold out by the early bird cut-off Nov. 23.”

Janis Wallace is a London writer.

— — —

London Health Sciences Foundation Win a Million Lottery

Tickets: 1 for $50; 3 for $100; 9 for $250; 25 for $500 from 519-488-9898, toll free 1-866-594-6880, online, or participating Shoppers Drug Marts

Early bird deadline: Midnight, Nov. 23

Final deadline: Midnight, Dec. 2

Final draw: Dec. 16

Option A: London Design Home, fully furnished plus $250,000 (value of $1.17 million)

Option B: London Design Condo, fully furnished plus $500,000 (value of $1.03 million)

Option C: Three BMW vehicles plus $750,000

Option D: $1 million For other options, check the website

— — —

Viewing

Design Home: Seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Design Condo: Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

— — —

Info

www.winamillionlottery.ca

www.kingsmills.com

www.wastell.ca

www.tricar.com

The red brick white-trimmed Cape Cod house was decked out in Christmas finery: urns filled with sprays of evergreens and cones, red berries and white twigs; a matching wreath on the front door, trailing gracefully to the bottom. Even the Japanese maple was in on the act, scattering its deep red leaves across the porch. It all said welcome to the 15th Annual Tour of Homes by the Rotary Club of St. Thomas.

This home, at 225 Sunset Dr., is one of five decorated for the holiday tour Nov. 13 and 14 by local designers and florists.

Theyre all unique this year, said Shirley Smith, tour committee decorating chair. We try to have an old house, a new house, a small, a large and a unique one. This one is a medium house not old or new and its a beautiful home.

It does seem perfect for the traditional decor. Built in 1939, the house welcomes visitors into a large foyer with the original light fixture and custom millwork. Joshua & Company, Waterspots and Apropos, all of Port Stanley, have taken cues from the house for the holiday decorations.

A white and gold tree takes centre stage in a bay window, flanked by gold draperies.

Super-sized white pine cones, miniature owls and glass ornaments create an enchanted woods look. The bird theme is carried throughout, with a pair of white pheasants on the coffee table and birds tucked into various elements in the dining room.

I love birds, said owner Alison Clarke. The birds even appear on the napkin rings. Rather than one large centerpiece, three vases of fresh flowers and greens, some sprayed with metallic paint, line up along the table. Each setting includes a round mirror, pewter grey charger plate and white china.

Champagne coloured trees and a garland with tiny lights set off the sideboard

The glitz of the dining room changes to homespun green and red in the family room. The tree ornaments are snowmen and candy canes. Santa pillows accent the sofa. A red runner on the coffee table and a large red stocking on a floor lamp bring out the red in Clarkes quilt.

Clarke offered her home for the tour after going on it for many years. A tear-off portion of the ticket garners many such offers. Youd be amazed by how many people offer their house, said Smith. The committee also scouts for appropriate homes. People ask for old homes, more old homes. This year we dont have a brand new one.

The newest house this year was built in 1989 but has ties to the past. Some of the bricks used in the ranch are from the old Royal Hotel on Talbot St. A totem pole sits inside the front door. The woodland setting is brought indoors through many large windows, and sun tunnels maximize the natural light. The owners of this house on Shady Lane Cres. are avid square dancers and downstairs features a custom studio.

The oldest house is at 13 Wellington St., a stately Victorian across from the courthouse. Original 2.7-metre double doors and hardware have been retained. Two drawing rooms lead off the foyer. The homes grandeur is enhanced by 4.2-metre ceilings, angel corbels in the arches, crown mouldings, ceiling medallions and European chandeliers.

The neighbouring house at 15 Wellington St. was built in 1908 for a doctor.

It is constructed in the more restrained Edwardian style with a wrap-around verandah. Inside, there are fewer rooms, but they are larger and more open.

Pocket doors separate the main spaces. The kitchen boasts a butlers pantry.

The past is also part of the present at 36 Isabel St.. Railway irons support the main floor of the house, a nod to St. Thomas heritage. Built in 1933, the house also features stained glass accents.

Live music in each home ties the decor to thoughts of holiday fun. We have a harp in one house, said Smith.

From Page H7 The musicians play one to two hours each. Its a special touch and adds to the friendly atmosphere.

Between 250 and 300 volunteers also help in the houses. The big homes require 14-16 people, said Smith. The volunteers love the tour. Its a fun weekend. Everybodys so happy. We need lots of smiles in our life today

Everybody goes away happy and with a few ideas for decorating.

All the decorators donate their time also. Proceeds support the Rotary Clubs projects, in particular, the splash pad at Pinafore Park and Interact, a teen service club, as well as some international projects. The tour brings in $25,000 to $35,000 net profit each year, said Smith.

The first year we thought if we could attract 500 people wed have done well.

We had 800! Now its up to 2,000 and thats about the limit. People come from all over Sault Ste. Marie, Toronto, Guelph and London. We didnt realize in the beginning what it would be.

The committee of about 15 women now has the organization down to an art. We are preparing an exciting tour to usher in the Christmas season, said Smith.

Its a chance to see the results of that planning along with the talents of local florists, designers and merchants, and get into the holiday spirit.

Other area tours

• Holiday Home Tour: Five London homes, proceeds support the Thames Valley Children’s Centre. Preview gala night, Friday, 7-9 p.m. at the Lamplighter; tour continues Saturday, Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with special twilight tour, Saturday, 6-9 p.m.; tickets by calling 519-671-1683.
• Homes for the Holiday: Tour of five Bayfield homes decorated by area florists, designers and merchants; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; tickets: $15, includes a light lunch. Available by calling the Bayfield Village Inn at 519-565-2443. Also on sale at Brandon Hardware and the Nip N’ Tuck in Bayfield, Curves in Clinton, the Garden Gate in Grand Bend and Ernie King Music in Goderich.
• Christmas in the country studio tour: Enjoy country at its best with self-guided tour of the crafters and small businesses of Wroxeter, Belmore and Gorrie, Nov. 13, 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; free horse-drawn carriage rides, Sunday, 2-4 p.m.; Bev Woodley, 519-335-3909.
• Exeter Christmas Home Tour: Exeter Skating Club’s annual fundraiser featuring five homes decorated in Exeter by area businesses, Nov. 12, 5-9 p.m., Nov. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; tickets: $10 by calling Heather McArter, 519-235-3963.
• Goderich IODE Christmas house tour: A self-guided tour of homes decorated for Christmas by local merchants; Nov. 13, 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; tickets: $15 by calling 519-524-2002.
• Christmas Tour of Homes: Four distinctive homes, as well as the Aylmer and District Museum, have been decorated for the season by local merchants, finish the tour by visiting the museum for refreshments and viewing the current exhibit, Putting the ‘C’ in Christmas; Nov. 19, 20, 7-10 p.m., Nov. 21, 1-4 p.m. in Aylmer; tickets: $15 available from Campbells, the museum and at the door; 519-773-9723.

Christmas in St. Thomas Tour

WHAT: Five homes decorated by local designers and florists

WHEN: Saturday Nov. 13 and Sunday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TICKETS: $15 in advance, $17 at the door

SPONSORED BY: the Rotary Club of St. Thomas

MORE INFORMATION: www.rotarystthomas.org

Although finding annuals can be difficult this time of year, some more popular annuals usually readily available for planting include fall garden mums, asters, flowering kale and flowering cabbage. While these annuals are sought after for their colour throughout the fall, don’t forget to include plants like dusty miller for its silvery grey contrast and feathery texture. Pansies are a very hardy annual that takes heavy frosts. They may reseed or even over-winter in mild winters and come back the following spring. In addition to fall plants, be creative and incorporate other accent pieces to extend the season. Pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, corn stalks and baskets of apples are just a few ideas to get you started. There are also varieties of perennials that will bloom throughout the fall season.

Popular perennials that will provide colour and contrast for fall include asters, bergenia, coneflower (Echinacea), coral bells (Heuchera), sedums like Autumn Joy, yarrow (Achillea) and various grasses.

Don’t forget fall is also a perfect time for planting trees and shrubs. Shrubs known for their popular fall leaf colour and stems include burning bush, various dogwoods and viburnums. While barberry and holly stand out as their glossy foliage and vibrant berries develop, so too do the colour-changing flower heads of many hydrangea cultivars.

To keep your fall garden healthy, good maintenance is essential. Keep plants deadheaded and pruned as needed, monitor for insects and diseases, and treat as required to keep plants healthy. Keep weeds under control as they compete for moisture, harbour insect pests and, if allowed to develop and go to seed, are a source of more weeds for the next year.

As annuals die back, remove them. Where possible, cut back perennials as their leaves become brown and withered. This will help you keep on top of your garden cleanup and help to highlight plants that are still performing well.

Though it’s a cooler time of year and less water may be needed, regular watering will help the plant survive. Keep plants well watered until the ground freezes, especially if they’re close to the house or under eaves where they tend to be sheltered from rain and the ground may be drier. Water in the morning and water the soil around the roots rather than the foliage itself. Too much water, especially at night when temperatures drop, promotes fungus diseases such as powdery mildew, rust and black spot.

Mulch beds with five to eight centimetres of bark mulch. This cuts down on weed growth, conserves moisture in the soil and insulates the ground against alternate freezing and thawing in the winter, which can heave the roots of perennials and small shrubs.

Prune later in the fall once the plants have lost their leaves and gone dormant, so as not to stimulate tender new growth. Don’t prune early flowering shrubs such as forsythia, lilac, bridal wreath spirea, rhododendron, magnolia, or mock orange in the fall because they set their flower bud in late summer and early fall and you will be cutting off next year’s blooms. Prune these just after they finish flowering in the spring.

Taking pictures right now of your garden and others, right up to the fall, will also help with your planning for the spring of 2011.

Growing Concerns is produced by London-area garden centres. Send your gardening questions to Home, c/o The London Free Press, P.O. Box 2280, 369 York St., London, Ont., N6A 4G1, fax (519) 667-4528 or e-mail john.lund@sunmedia.ca and we’ll try to respond in future columns.

August sales reflect national trend