Energy efficient landscaping
Landscaping can improve the energy efficiency and beauty of your home. See what landscaping experts recommend.
Outdoor hot tubs
Choosing an insulated tub will help you relax while you're enjoying your new outdoor spa.
You might have heard that an outdoor hot tub can make your energy bills skyrocket - but if you choose your system carefully and know how to use it efficiently, you can relax and enjoy it.
When you're shopping for a hot tub, the best choice is one with full foam closed-cell insulation. This will help hold the heat in and hold your energy bills down.
An insulated spa will cost about $20-25 a month to operate, compared to more than $100 a month for one that's not insulated. A reputable dealer will be able to give you an energy guarantee that states how much your hot tub will cost to operate.
It's also a good idea to look for a model with a sealed heating element. This prevents the water from touching the actual element, so the heater will last longer and run more efficiently.
A hot tub circulation system should be left on continuously - this will keep the water clean and ready go to whenever you need to relax. It will also keep the motor from stopping and starting over and over - which is a big energy-waster.
When you're shopping for a hot tub, the best choice is one with full foam closed-cell insulation. This will help hold the heat in and hold your energy bills down.
An insulated spa will cost about $20-25 a month to operate, compared to more than $100 a month for one that's not insulated. A reputable dealer will be able to give you an energy guarantee that states how much your hot tub will cost to operate.
It's also a good idea to look for a model with a sealed heating element. This prevents the water from touching the actual element, so the heater will last longer and run more efficiently.
A hot tub circulation system should be left on continuously - this will keep the water clean and ready go to whenever you need to relax. It will also keep the motor from stopping and starting over and over - which is a big energy-waster.
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