By Chris Balzer, Mom’s Earth Day? Sounds made up, right?  Earth Day was April 22nd and Mother’s Day is May 14th, only 21 days apart so I thought I would combine the two and make Mom’s Earth Day.  Here at ECES, everyday is Earth Day, we increase comfort and lower CO2 emissions saving the planet one home at a time, and perhaps maybe everyday should be Mother’s day.  With these two great holidays so close together, I had to offer suggestions more than just flowers and home-made cards for mom this Spring. Air condition is vital, the States are getting warmer and we want mom to be comfortable.  When you’re over, change the air condition filter.  Clogged filters cause strain on the system and can lead to more service calls, costing mom money.  Many HVAC professionals suggest using the less expensive filters to allow more air flow and efficiency.  These filters do need to be changed more often but cost less.  After replacing the air filter you can pour distilled vinegar down the condensate drain line to remove mildew and grime from the line, also extending time between service calls.  If you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with this process, consult a professional.  Be sure to dust HVAC vents and fans, these areas build up dust quickly and could be hurting the circulation of airflow as well. What better way to show your mother love than with savings on energy costs.  One of the easiest ways to save energy is... Read More

  By Donna Daugherty,  Hiring a professional designer is something to consider if you’re building a home, you’ve just purchased a home, or if your home needs a much-needed update or refresh. They can help you make smart decisions on how to maximize your budget and create the perfect finishing touches that make your home a real showcase. Whether you don’t know how to begin to decorate your home, you have an idea but need help tying pieces together, or you simply haven’t the time to execute your personal style because of your busy schedule, utilizing a designer just makes sense! Here are five reasons why you should consider working with a designer: 1: Save You Money – It might sound funny that hiring someone to help you decorate your home would save you money since you have the additional fee of the designer, however, a designer can help you avoid costly mistakes and help you maximize the value of your home. When planning design, you need to think about textures, materials, cohesion, architecture, cost, durability, space efficiency, scalability, functionality, layout and so many more considerations. Especially when selling your home – interior design is essential when listing your home. It can help boost buyer appeal and set your home above the competition. 2: Professional Assessment – A designer can give you a professional assessment of your situation, that will lead to a solid plan of action. The order of things in a design plan is key in determining what... Read More