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Greetings!
You can save on energy efficiency and costs by following some of the tips listed in the articles below. Visit the Spring Home and Garden Show April 3, 4, & 5 to learn more about green practices.
To improve Venture Builder's services, I am working towards a Certified Green Professional designation from the National Association of Home Builders. I will share more with you about green homes in the coming months.
Jeremy Blosser
PS- If you missed Jim Maust's aging-in-place seminar, we will be happy to send you a copy of the information we covered. Just send us an email or visit our website for a list of resources.
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Energy Star:
Details on Green Tax Credit
& Venture Builders' New Partnership
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 The federal stimulus package included an expansion of green tax credits
equal to 30% of the cost of each product with a cap of $1500. Energy Star's website provides more information about which products qualify when an existing home is remodeled. Eligible products include windows and doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, water heaters, and biomass stoves.
Energy Star has also released information about qualified projects for existing homes and new construction.
Visit Energy Star for more info. Or call us to learn how we can help you get started on a green project: 434-7927.
Venture
Builders recently became a partner of the Energy Star program. Our
commitment is to build homes that meet Energy Star guidelines and
educate homeowners about Energy Star advantages.
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Tips for a Greener Landscape
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1. Landscaping can save you money!
Properly placed shade trees,
wind breaks, or foundation plantings can significantly reduce heating and
cooling bills. Place shade trees on the south and west sides of the home
and evergreen windbreaks upwind of the home in the direction of prevailing
winter winds.
2. Water wisely!
Daytime watering can cause up to 75% loss to
evaporation on warm days. For best results water from 4-8 AM.
3. Water deeply and slowly!
Infrequent,
heavy watering uses less water overall, and encourages roots to grow downward with
a root structure that will withstand drought. In all but the most extreme
drought, watering turf 3 times monthly, and established landscape plants once monthly
should be ample.
4. Consider native or well acclimated
plants.
Native plants require little attention, and require less
fertilizing and pesticides, as they are resistant or acclimated to local pests.
5. Want a green lawn without the use of chemical fertilizers? Consider Core aeration. Aeration has many benefits including
reduced soil compaction, improved surface area for water absorption, and leads
to naturally thicker turf and less weeds. A regularly aerated lawn will
become lush and full, eliminating the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
6. Environmentally conscious?
Don't feel guilty about
having a lush lawn! Studies show that manicured turf removes 4-5 times
the carbon produced in maintaining it.
7. Protect your plants.
Fresh mulch, beyond looking good,
reduces weed growth, slows evaporation, and breaks down to provide nutrients to
your landscape.
8. Recycle those clippings!
Grass clippings provide the perfect
slow-release fertilizer for your lawn. Use a mulching mower that finely
chops the debris. Remove excessive clippings only when thick enough to smother
the grass.
9. Ever wondered what to do with dryer
lint? Turns out it makes the perfect nesting material for birds. Place it
outside in your landscape and watch as they collect it and create nests laced
with vibrant color.
Mike Kulp, Grass Roots Landscaping. 
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Renew Your Home:
Ten Ideas for Green Savings
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1. Service your heating & cooling system yearly.
This is the best money you'll spend. Also remember to change the filters regularly.
2. Install a programmable thermostat.
You can program it to raise or lower the temperature while you're away and save up to 30 percent in a well-insulated home.
3. Add weather stripping on doors & windows.
For as little as $25, you could save up to 20% on costs.
 4. Use ceiling fans in your home.
Running fans keep the air circulating and you more comfortable. Plus, your HVAC will run less.
5. Check the arrangement of your furniture.
Really. People often put couches or chairs over vents, decreasing their system's efficiency.
6. Make sure your house is properly insulated.
Air escapes through poorly insulated spaces, especially ceilings, roofs, and crawl spaces.
7. Let the sun be your guide.
In the winter, open drapes to let the sun warm your home. In the summer, block the sun's heat.
8. Replace light bulbs.
You can save up to $60 a year on your electric bill by replacing the five most used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
9. Replace older appliances.
In a few years, you will recoop the costs of purchasing new Energy Star appliances in energy savings.
10. Turn down your water heater temperature.
Your water heater should be set at 120 degrees F. This saves money and also avoids burns for younger and older family members.
Contact us for a review of your home's energy efficiency.
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Venture Builders Inc. is a family-owned business based in Harrisonburg, VA since 1988. We can help you transform your home into a beautiful living space. We specialize in kitchen and bath, but also work on additions, decks, and new construction.
James Maust & Jeremy Blosser
Venture Builders Inc
540-434-7927
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