CRS Referred Products
Suggestions for improvements
Listed below are suggestions for energy-related home-improvement
projects that can save you money every month.
Once you determine which of these make the most sense for your situation,
use the Contractor Referral Request Form to get free, no-obligation
bids from contractors we'll refer.
Choose Natural Gas
Clean burning natural gas is the most efficient fossil fuel
available and the least taxing on the environment. Natural gas has been the fuel of choice for new homebuyers for
years! Ask a professional chef and yes…natural gas is the only way to cook.
Whether it is for space heating, water heating, cooking or for your fireplace:
cost, convenience and cleanliness are all attributes that make gas a great
choice for many of your home energy needs.
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Heating
The Home’s Largest Energy User. The comfort of you and your family
depends on the quality of your home’s heating system. If you have an older gas
furnace you can get more heat for your money by upgrading to a more efficient
model. If you do not have gas now, consider switching-gas is lower in cost than other fuel types.
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Windows
Who said energy efficiency isn't pretty? When it comes in
the form of energy-efficient windows, even the most aesthetically demanding
homeowner will be pleased. In addition to contributing to the beauty of your
home, energy-efficient windows discourage heat loss. Ordinary windows account
for up to 25 percent of heat loss in a home; that translates into costly utility
bills. Other advantages include reducing outside noise, home maintenance, and
condensation; and increasing the value of your home. The following sheds light
on how energy-efficient windows work, what a "U-value" is, and factors to
consider before purchasing your windows.
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Gas Fireplaces
There's nothing so cozy as a roaring fireplace on a
winter evening. But the romance of a wood-burning fireplace begins to fade when
you're faced with the hard work and inconvenience of its upkeep (chopping,
stacking, and storing wood, cleaning up ashes…), to say nothing of the potential
fire hazards. There's an easier way to keep the home fires burning: With the
flip of a switch, a modern natural gas fireplace can provide all the warmth,
comfort, and decorative appeal of a wood-burning fireplace, without the
disadvantages of sparks, creosote buildup, and smoke. Discover your options in
gas fireplaces and some tips on selecting the one that's right for your home.
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Outdoor Living
Today’s back yards aren’t what they used to be. One of the fastest
growing trends in northwest lifestyles is to include an Outdoor Living area. What was once a
place for kids to play has evolved into a living area for families, neighbors, and friends to cook,
dine, relax and entertain. Outdoor living is quickly gaining popularity, for homeowners that
have homes and yards of all sizes. Some are simply installing a new natural gas grill,
while others are creating an entirely new outdoor environment with kitchen cooking areas,
fire pits, fireplaces, area infrared heating, spas, sound systems, ponds and waterfalls…and more!
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Replacement Roofing
The roof over your head is one of the
most important parts of your home. A quality roof provides security and piece-of-
mind and protects a major investment-your home! A leaking roof can cause
unsightly stains and serious damage that is expensive to repair.
When replacing your roof, you’ll want a new roof that’s durable, easy to take
care of…and fits the character of your home.
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Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters
Excellent product for homes with soaking tubs,
high output shower heads and families with higher hot water demands. Tankless water heaters can
also make conversions from electric to gas easier if the tank needs to be relocated because they
are smaller than convention water heater tanks.
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Air Conditioning & Heatpumps
A heat pump is the most efficient electric
heating system you can buy. It can
provide heat at about half the cost of
an electric furnace, and provides air
conditioning as well.
A heat pump uses the same process
your refrigerator uses to chill your food -
only in reverse! The heat pump takes
heat extracted from outdoor air and
delivers it to the living space of your
home through a duct system. A heat
pump will operate until outside
temperatures fall to about 35°F, when
more costly supplemental electric heat
comes on.
When replacing your old furnace with
a gas or electric furnace instead of a
heat pump consider adding central air
conditioning at the same time. Air
conditioning provides more than comfort.
Closed windows reduce your exposure
to allergens and air pollution, and you’ll
certainly feel more secure with the air
conditioning on and the windows locked
than with the windows open to catch
the occasional breeze.
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Insulation
Does talk of insulation cause your eyelids to grow
heavy? As unexciting as the subject may seem, insulation deserves every
homeowner's full attention: It is the single most important factor in keeping
you comfortable and making your home energy efficient. Grab a cup of coffee and
read on to find out how insulation works, the best insulation materials to use,
how much you need, and what precautions to take.
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Water Heaters
Every homeowner wants to be "in hot water" when it
comes to bathing and cleaning, so knowing all the facts about water heaters can
help you make a wise choice in their installation or replacement. Learn about
your purchase options-storage water heaters (electric or gas), demand water
heaters, indirect systems-and whether or not you actually need to replace or
just repair your water heater. Also, check out our handy chart for calculating
the amount of hot water your household uses; knowing this can help you choose
the correct size of water heater. We also offer tips on how to maintain it once
it's installed.
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view and print them. Download a free reader now. Or, to receive this information via U.S. mail, call 1-800-562-1482 (within Washington State).
