Hawaii Renovation 8 May 2011

HAWAII

MAY 8, 2011

A Greater Power Prior to purchasing a photovoltaic system, empower yourself with useful advice from Pacific Islands Construction.

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Clogged Clutter by

W

here do I place a fountain to bring in more opportunities? Will hanging a crystal enhance my career? Should I paint my room green for better feng shui?

These are frequently asked questions, yet small things like this will hardly make much of a difference, and even if they do, their effect will be short-lived.

For the long-term, the foundation of your energetic environment will have the greatest impact.

So where do you begin? The first thing I say is to minimize your clutter. When I mention

this in presentations, some people sigh, others groan and many nod knowingly.

Most everyone relates to clutter, no one seems to like having it, and yet, unless someone is spring cleaning or a move is imminent, it’s rare to get motivated to clear it out.

Everything in our environment

is a reflection of what’s going on in our inner environment, and a cluttered home is directly correlated with the mental and emotional clutter we hold inside. You will often hear me say, “clear your clutter, clear your mind.” By sorting out your clutter, you sort out your life, which results in a release

and renewal of your own life force.

Why we hold on to clutter

Clutter is woven into our emotional energy and it drains us. It ties us to the past instead of allowing us to live in the present moment, yet we hold on to it for various reasons. How many of these clutter scenarios do you relate to?

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By keeping clothes that don’t fit, you constantly have a visual reminder that you are not where you once were. If you can accept where you are with your size in the present and let go of the clothes that represent the “old” you, you will have an opportunity to create a “new” you.

SEE PAGE 10

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P

acific Islands Construction believes that the purchase of a photovoltaic (PV) system for your home or business requires a bit of education on your part before a unit is installed on your rooftop.

Questions such as “How is the system being installed on the roof?” “How much bolt penetration is required to securely install the system?” and “What flashing details will be employed to ensure the roof will not leak in the future?” are just some of the questions often asked by those looking into purchasing a solar system.

Since this is a relatively new buying decision for many, Pacific Islands Construction’s goal is to answer these questions so that you are better prepared when evaluating a solar system.

Generally, PV and solar thermal systems are installed on your roof. To secure these modules, bolts are used to penetrate into your rafters. Due to high winds experienced in Hawaii, these bolts are sunk deep into your roof, and each hole represents a potential leak. As a general rule, one should expect that these penetrations will be flashed in a manner to prevent

HAWAIIRENOVATION

What you should ask

prior to purchasing a

photovoltaic system

potential leakage.

Rule No. 1: Your contractor should use industry-standard flashing details, not some caulking around the penetration.

Ask the contractor to show you the flashing they expect to use. These penetrations, if done properly, won’t leak now CON or in the future.

Unfortunately, many PV systems have been installed improperly and have leaked — particularly during the recent rainy weather. Thus, it is imperative that you have your system installed properly from the get-go. While it costs more to have flashings installed, the security they provide far outweigh the cost.

There are many manufacturers in the solar business that are relative newcomers to the industry. These companies may

PACIFIC ISLANDS STRUCTION

be names you are familiar with, but may not actually be making the modules with their names on them. Companies that have been in business for more than 20 years actually have a better understanding of the modules’ construction and generally construct their own modules.

Companies that are providing 25-year power warranties (after 25 years, modules will provide at least 80 percent of the original energy production) should

have a proven track record of customer satisfaction. Kyocera has been making modules for more than 35 years, and modules they made more than a quarter-century ago have only depreciated by 10 percent.

that Hawaii is ideal for solar systems, other factors such as humidity, corrosive conditions, high heat, UV exposure and general biological conditions, such as molds, do not provide ideal conditions for module-life expectancy.

Rule number 2: Research who the manufacture is and how long it has been in business.

Module construction is actually one of the biggest concerns when considering what PV system to purchase.

Pacific Islands Construction has been stressing that many modules sold in Hawaii are not constructed for the islands’ climate. While it is true

Pacific Islands Construction feels it has an obligation to provide the best equipment and materials to its customers. By providing the highest quality materials and offering proper installation from the beginning, the company guarantees its customers great value and peace of mind.

Pacific Islands Construction can be reached at 841-7756.

MAY 8, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Updating Your Bath does not have to be Expensive TROPICAL

WHOLESALE

only have one bathroom. These homeowners have no idea what to do because they need that bathroom daily.

Tropical Wholesale can update your bathroom in one or two days with its new products manufactured by Liners Direct. With the company’s beautiful acrylic bath liners, replacement tubs and its quick and easy handicap-conversion shower kits, Tropical can save you money while updating your bathroom painlessly and cost-effectively.

Acrylic is durable and omeowners today constantly put off updating their bath- tough and has long been used by the rooms because they have no hotel industry. Hotels need bathrooms idea where to start. The inconven- looking beautiful and durable because ience and the cost are fear factors for of constant overuse. So Tropical some homeowners, while others may Wholesale’s products were invented for

H

fast and easy installation while still bath design, Tropical has an interior being beautiful and durable. Acrylic designer on staff to design a perfect will not chip or crack and is UV-stable, bathroom for any home and any budgso it will not fade. Acrylic also will et. Additionally, a conversion sample resist mildew and bacteria growth. will be on display at Sam’s Club on Acrylic is the perfect solution for Keeaumoku Street starting May 5 and Hawaii homes. Bath liners are sleeves again later in the month at the Pearl that fit right over existing tubs or show- City location. ers for quick updates, leak solutions and For more information, call Tropical beautification. There are many styles and Wholesale at 263-1252 or 292-2942. colors including granite, marble and tile selections.

Tropical also can License No. C-60/C-61 update existing shower and bath fixtures, install grab bars as well as corner caddies, soap dishes seats and foot pedestals SINCE in only one to two days.

Handicap bath and show18 Years of Quality Service to Hawaii er conversions are also available. Did you know that 45 percent of all household accidents causing serious injury occur in the bathroom?

Converting a tub to a shower can reduce the Complete residential Spring Special risk of injury, especially for senior citizens. And installation package for the homeowner who only * just hates his existing

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HAWAIIRENOVATION BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

A Celebration of

Design Excellence

BY KAREN NAKAMURA

The BIA Renaissance Building and Remodeling Awards, established in 1986, celebrate excellence in design and construction of new and remodeled projects in Hawaii.

The 26th annual showcase, held May 4, featured 34 entrants from Hawaii, Kauai, Maui and Oahu, and recognized competing categories that included Details, Kitchen & Bath, Landscaping, New & Remodeled Commercial Building, New & Remodeled Residential Building, Public Works, Hawaii BuiltGreen™ and Historical Remodeling.

The entries were judged on creativity, use of materials, environmental and sustainability, functionality, design principles, value, interior space, overall quality and workmanship.

The highlight of the awards ceremony

was the recognition of the top four Overall Grand Awards and the Carl Reppun Award. This column will feature the winner of the Carl Reppun Award, named after the first chairman of the Renaissance Awards program. Carl Reppun was a pioneer in prefabricated cabinet distribution in the 1980s, the first distributor of Diamond Cabinets, and he supplied cabinets to many small-volume remodeling contractors. This award is given in his memory to a small-volume remodeler who enters this awards program. The winner of The Carl Reppun Award was Mokulua Woodworking Ltd., Historical Division for “A Historic Remodel.”

To balance modern comfort with historic preservation, the key goals of this remodel were to refurbish where cost and design were effective, replicate where possible and update where necessary.

Every area was evaluated to establish

effective restoration costs while maintain- dards, low-flow plumbing, low-voltage ing the historic design. Great care was lighting, Energy Star fans and Energy Star taken to restore doors, windows, floors, appliances were installed. In the new twotrims, soffits and hardware to maintain the car garage addition, the exterior of the character of the home and reduce its car- home was built to match the existing bon footprint. home by custom built soffits, identical When restoration was not feasible, cus- roofing and traditional garage doors. tom fabricated doors, windows, cabinets, soffits casings and trims were created to Karen Nakamura is executive vice presimatch the existing elements. To bring the dent / CEO of Building Industry Association home up to code and modern energy stan- of Hawaii.

CertainTeed’s EnerGen: A Different Kind of Solar Roofing System CertainTeed’s photovoltaic roofing system generates power similar to solar panels but lies flush with your roofing shingles, maintaining your existing roofline.

Features & Benefits • Ultra thin PV film laminates for a sleek and seamless look • Flexible sizing to fit your roof precisely • Requires no roof penetrations • Lightweight, with no need for added reinforcement • Produces energy in low or diffused light and partial shade • Full system warranty backed by CertainTeed

Call our Solar office at 1-877-596-0471 for a list of CertainTeed Qualified Installers in Hawaii or log onto www.certainteed.com to learn more.

800-233-8990 • certainteed.com • http://blog.certainteed.com ROOFING • SIDING • TRIM • DECKING • RAILING • FENCE • FOUNDATIONS GYPSUM • CEILINGS • INSULATION • PIPE

MAY 8, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 5

HAWAIIRENOVATION

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ilicone roof coatings have experienced an explosive growth in Hawaii in the last three years — and for good reason.

While the water-based acrylic roof coatings, such as Hawaiian SunGuard’s “Cool Roof in a Bucket,” are still the “go-to” coatings for most roofs, silicone offers a unique advantage in “ponding water” situations. These are roofs that have continual standing water that will not burn off even after 48

LEAKMASTERS hours of no rain.

Silicone, because it is not waterbased, does not absorb water over time. That makes it ideal for flat roofs in such wet areas as Manoa and the Windward side.

“However, there are some secrets about how to apply the coating,” says Ty Boughton, general manager of LeakMaster Roofing, who will be

leading the seminar. “It’s a completely different technique from our other coatings. Since it does not need fabric reinforcement, in some ways it’s easier.”

Both versions of the Hawaiian SunGuard coatings will be demonstrated and on sale for one day only — Saturday, May 14, from noon to 4 p.m. — at Green Energy Outlet, located at 575-G Cooke St. in Kakaako.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION B u i lt to l a st a n d l a st .

Pella® Impervia® fiberglass products offer unsurpassed strength and durability. They won’t expand and warp in the heat and are virtually impervious to all weather conditions. Options include three frame colors that have the look of quality, painted wood windows; today’s most popular hardware finishes; grillesbetween-the-glass in a variety of

Seminar includes free rides in Tesla

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charging station and sports car.

For more information also will be featuring For more details on the on LeakMaster Roofing, free rides in the excit- seminar, go to www. call 591-1900 or visit ing Tesla electric kuokoa.com. www.leakmaster.com.

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MAY 8, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 7

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Shock

Value H

ave you ever had any doubts about your home’s electrical system? Is it more than 50 years old, and is it properly grounded?

While most people focus on the cosmetics of their property, a home’s electrical system is often taken for granted until an electrical hazard occurs. And that’s a risk no one should be willing to take, according to Chad Matsumoto and Bronson Apana, co-owners of Alternative Electric in Honolulu.

“With all the house fires that recently have been occurring on Oahu, an increasing number of

ALTERNATIVE ELECTRIC

homeowners are questioning the safety of their home’s electrical system,” says Matsumoto.

“If you ever thought about having your system checked out, why wait any longer?”

Matsumoto offers a few do-it-yourself checks that can be done before you even call an electrician: • Do you have loose outlets in your home?

Loose outlets may lead to loose connections, thus creating an arcing effect.

Arcing may cause spark-

ing and excessive heat, • Does your home have leading to a possible fire. knob-and–tube wiring?

This type of wiring was • Have you ever had generally installed before rodent problems? Rodents the 1960s. As time goes may chew away the insula- by, the insulation around tion around your wiring, this type of wiring gets leaving the live portion brittle and starts to fall exposed. off — leaving live exposed wiring. Today, • Are there GFCI most insurance compa(ground fault circuit nies will not open a new interrupter) outlets in policy if the home has your kitchen and bath- knob-and-tube wiring. room? Today, GFCI outlets are required in these • Do you have probrooms because of their lems with circuit breakclose proximity to water. ers tripping off? Circuit These outlets trip off breakers are a source of when an imbalance of protection for your current is sensed, thus home’s electrical syseliminating potential tem.

“While most electrical shock hazards.

contractors shy away from solar photovoltaics, new rewiring older homes, construction, rewires, renAlternative Electric wel- ovations, maintenance, comes all types of electrical trouble calls or just changwork,” says Matsumoto. ing a light or outlet.”

“We are a full-service elecCall Alternative Electric trical contractor offering at 630-6741 or 285-3663.

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8 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MAY 8, 2011

Instock Cabinets Up to 35% OFF New Finish Cabinet, Granite Coming Soon!!!

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MAY 8, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 9

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Clogged by

Clutter

FROM PAGE 2

Expensive, unused items

but

Have you ever purchased something that cost “a lot” of money and later realized it wasn’t a wise purchase? Keeping these items constantly reminds you of your “mistake.” Each time it’s in view, you subconsciously judge yourself, which holds you in the past. Let it go.

it. When you open up space in your home or office, you open up the possibility that something new can arrive.

Items from a past relationship

Getting rid of possessions after a break-up or a death is always difficult because it means you really have to come to terms with your grief and loss. There is no set time when things “should” be cleared out, but the sooner you are able to clear out possessions associated with a past relationship, the sooner you are able to live in the present moment.

It’s fine to keep items to remember the positive aspects of a person’s existence in your life. Clearing out others’ things is for when you need to let go and move on.

Clear Your Clutter

There are many methods to clearing clutter, but the simplest is using the theory of relativity. It states that whatever is closest to you affects you the most, so start clearing from where you spend the most time.

Your bedroom? Your office? Your car?

Mark your Calendar

Keeping things “just in case”

Do you have five umbrellas, but only two people in your home? Do you have a closetful of shopping bags that you’ve been saving from years ago? Holding onto everything that comes into your possession shows an anxiety about the future and a lack of trust that the universe will provide what you need, when you need

Thinking about clearing your clutter is not effective.

Make an appointment with yourself, just like you would with a good friend. It is totally worth it because at the end of the day, you will feel far better than if you spent it at the spa or out on the golf course. I promise.

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AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

P

ainting is one of the most cost-effective ways to give your home or workplace a fresh new look.

It’s also a way to enhance a home’s “curb appeal” if you’re planning to sell.

HAWAIIRENOVATION

The Quick, ! t n i a P Easy Way to Transform

Your Home

Probably the most important first step if you are ready to paint the interior or exterior of your home or office building is to ensure that the painting contractor you choose is

experienced and licensed.

Island Budget Painting owner Ted Wexler and his crew have combined experience of more than 37 years in the business and a very long roster of satisfied, repeat clients.

Tesoro Service Stations throughout Oahu are an example of a long-standing client of Island Budget Painting. Property managers, management companies specializing in townhomes and apartment buildings, and homeowners associations are also regular clients, requiring not only

new paint jobs, but also ongoing maintenance.

Realtors upgrading a home to enhance its saleability also call on Wexler, often with tight deadlines to meet. He works with some of Hawaii’s top architects and interior designers, as well as directly with homeowners.

“People often assume that because your company handles big projects, you won’t be available for the smaller jobs,” Wexler said.

“That just isn’t the case Island Budget with Painting. We enjoy the challenge of transforming a house or apartment for an owner with a great paint

job. Working with a large, experienced contractor does not have to cost more, because we know exactly how to proceed and have all the latest equipment.

Hiring an amateur painter is like hiring a novice computer technician ... they may give you a lower per hour price, but it will take them lots more time to achieve the desired results.

And the results may not be exactly what you had hoped for. When we quote a price, we explain exactly what it will take to do a perfect job ... meaning one that will be right the first time.”

Wexler is a specialist in color selection and can assist clients in making

choices and matching existing colors or furnishings, as well as advise on the best products for the job taking into account factors such as weather conditions in the area. His crew is experienced in working at difficult job sites that may require operating within the parameters set by condominiums affecting access, parking and times that work can be performed. The company also provides concrete repair, which often is called for in commercial contracts involving older buildings that are being restored or converted for new uses.

For more information, call Ted Wexler at 255-8612.

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847-7835www.essentialcabinetrefacing.com MAY 8, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 11

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Where

High Quality

Doesn’t Cost You More

T

he highest quality hardwood cabinets — solid cherry wood, maple, and oak — are always available and affordably priced at Golden Cabinets, home of Hawaii’s largest inventory of fine solid wood kitchen and bath cabinetry.

Wide selections of finely crafted designs, styles and finishes are featured at the two Golden Cabinets Inc. showrooms located at 500 Alakawa St. and 2959 Koapaka St. Cabinets, shelves, moldings and drawers are all available in rich cherry wood, warm maple, classic oak and white finishes. No particle board, plastic or laminates are incorporated into these solidly built

GOLDEN

CABINETS natural wood products.

All are fitted with handsome, heavy duty, stainless steel fixtures and precision hinges.

The cabinet doors come in a variety of styles, including solid wood and wood with framed glass insets to show off your fine crystal and dinnerware. There is also a choice of glass panels — clear, frosted and etched. A variety of designs to accommodate all kitchen layouts, such as corner cabinets with fold-out doors and Lazy Susans, and cabinets with roll-out shelves, plus vanities and vanity accessories for the bath, can be

viewed in the showrooms.

“Cabinets are the first thing you see when you walk into a kitchen, so whether you are building new or remodeling, you want to be sure you are making the right choice,” said Golden Cabinets

owner Wen Wen Cao. “And there’s no long wait between ordering and installation — one week after you place your order, the cabinets of your choice will be delivered or can be picked up by your contractor.

“We also offer free

assembly and design services ... just provide the rough dimensions of the room, and we can lay out a cabinet design and configuration for you on the computer in a matter of minutes. Then, if you approve of the basic layout and estimate, we will go to the job site and make the final measurements.

“Because we specialize

in cabinets, we have the expertise to help you create a more beautiful and functional kitchen ... at a price you can afford.”

For information and directions to the showrooms, which are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday, call Golden Cabinets, 2959 Koapaka St., at 836-8181, or 500 Alakawa St., at 8532088.

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AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HAWAIIRENOVATION An important message from

Alternate Energy and

Mitsubishi Electric

A

at a factory in the city of Iida located in Nagano prefecture. Then, the modules are assembled in Kyoto, the historic capital of Japan.

recent letter from certified Mitsubishi installer Alternate Energy reaffirms that Mitsubishi panels made in Japan are safe and unaffected by any contamination at the Fukushima power plant.

Here is the letter, addressed to Alternate Energy owner and founder Bruce Ekimura, in its entirety: Dear Mr. Ekimura,

As you know, Alternate Energy is a highly valued customer of Mitsubishi Electric. We are pleased and honored to have Alternate Energy install our winning solar modules for your Hawaiian customers. The purpose of this letter is to provide

Bruce Ekimura background information on our company and its solar products.

Place of Manufacture Our solar modules are manufactured entirely in Japan. The cells are made

MOTHER’S DAY 50%

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Safe Product Because of the recent radioactive release at Fukushima nuclear power plant, some consumers may understandably have concerns about the safety of Japanese made products. As our solar products are manufactured several hundred miles to the south of the Fukushima plant, we have not experienced any problems with their safety. It may also interest your customers to know that the U.S. Customs Service screens products from Japan for radioactivity.

ALTERNATE

toring regimen, can be found at www.eciaonline .org/files/ECIARadiation Statement3312011.pdf.

The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) recently issued a letter explaining that while all Japanese products are being monitored by U.S. authorities for radioactivity, none have shown signs of contamination.

The ECIA’s letter, which contains more detailed information on the moni-

Sincerely, Gina Heng General Manager and Vice President Photovoltaic Division Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA Inc.

ENERGY

Mitsubishi continues to be an ideal choice for Hawaii solar customers. It is the only manufacturer to offer warranty within

the 500-meter coastal zone — of crucial importance in Hawaii’s salt-air climate.

High winds are also a part of life in our state.

While many solar panels only meet the minimum windload rating of 50 pounds per square foot (ppsf), Mitsubishi panels are rated to 112 ppsf.

Alternate Energy is located at 1111 Dillingham Blvd., Ste. H3, in Honolulu. For a free household energy and solar consultation, call 842-5853.

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Cabinets OFF All and Granite

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Buy direct from the source!

All Discounted Cabinets & Granite purchased must be installed by CV Construction LLC

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428- 5191 or 531-3888

Come and visit our showroom at Y3 Construction, Inc./Lic#BC15731

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All Types Replacement Windows Specializing in Security Awning Windows

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MAY 8, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 13

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Backyard upgrades bring the

resort lifestyle home

M

aybe the economy really is getting better, but if you’re still planning to forego a pricey vacation this summer, you're likely not alone. Rather than dropping a lot of cash on travel, many Americans are choosing to spend their hard-earned money where they’ll enjoy it for longer — in their own backyards.

Upgrading your backyard may work for you on multiple levels. Not only will you increase your enjoyment of the time you spend there, backyard enhancements like decks, patios and landscaping can increase your home’s resale value. You can create your own oasis of luxury at home for much less than the cost of a luxury vacation.

From murals to outdoor

kitchens, resort-style luxury can be had for less right in your own backyard. To get an idea of where to begin, think of the features and decor that you most loved about your last resort stay and work toward recreating them at home for a fraction of the cost.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

anywhere outdoors. All you need is a flat surface (other than non-painted brick).

The space-age material will withstand all weather conditions, won’t shrink or curl, and can even wrap around corners and curves.

It’s easily removable, peeling effortlessly away from the surface without leaving any marks or residue, and can then be re-used elsewhere.

Dazzling decor on to Log Your outdoor decor can www.muralsyourway.com patio, and your seating area should be comfortable, go a long way toward creat- to learn more. inviting and luxurious. A ing a luxury resort feeling. table and at least four chairs Draw on favorite luxury Seating that sizzles touches of interior designFor some items, it’s is a must, but think beyond ers, such as luxurious floor worth paying a bit more to the box and consider incorcoverings and engaging get better quality, and out- porating loveseats, lounges wall murals. An outdoor door furniture is one of and ottomans into your mural can transform a them. You’ll be spending a seating design.

If you have the space, space from mundane to lot of time on your deck or exotic.

New technology, dubbed SmartStick, can allow you to mount a mural virtually

consider creating seating sipping your favorite groupings throughout the wine. yard. Your deck or patio This summer, consider will be the main entertaining area, but a simple staying home and keepbistro set tucked away ing your money with you beneath a tree or beside a by creating a backyard flower bed can make a resort that your whole great spot for quiet chats, family can enjoy throughor reading a book while out the season.

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Call for a FREE estimate Phone: (808) 839-2781 construction@walker-moody.com 14 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MAY 8, 2011

BC-16446 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HAWAIIRENOVATION

How to lower your

utility costs during the hottest months of the year

T

he dog days of summer can be brutal on utility bills and a major drain for pocketbooks, but they don’t have to be.

During the hottest months of the year, water is wasted because of over-irrigation, and air conditioning systems are forced to run longer to keep indoor temperatures cool. While scorching temperatures can push water and energy consumption to its limits, there are ways to consume less and save more.

“Reducing water and energy consumption isn’t as difficult as many think,” says Rhonda Hills of Kudzu.com, an online resource for homeowners looking for expert home advice.

“Even minor

changes in behavior and small investments in energy-conscious materials can make a big difference.”

The home experts at Kudzu.com recommend the following actions to provide short-term and long-term relief as the mercury rises.

• Install a soil or rain sensor. Soil and rain sensors are effective water conservation tools. Soil sensors monitor the soil’s moisture content and allow sprinklers to operate only when water is needed. Rain sensors detect precipitation and shut off sprinklers if it is raining. Both devices are upgrades from traditional timers and can greatly reduce water usage.

• Replace old windows.

Windows are a major source of energy loss in most

homes. Old, single-paned windows are inefficient and will allow radiant heat from the sun to increase indoor temperatures. Replacing old windows with Energy Starrated windows can save 7 to 15 percent on energy bills and increase comfort within the home.

• Use ceiling fans to circulate air. Ceiling fans do not reduce indoor temperatures, but they can make the home

feel more comfortable. Fans work by circulating air across the skin and creating a wind chill effect which makes inhabitants feel cooler. It’s been proven that using a fan can allow homeowners to turn up their thermostat by 4 degrees with no drop in comfort level.

Ensure the fan’s blades are turning counterclockwise during the summer to maximize the wind chill effect.

Quick Fix In the May 1 issue of Hawaii Renovation, the article titled “The Shower Solution” (page 8) was incorrectly placed under the heading “Energy Pro” rather than Waialae Plumbing and Construction. Hawaii Renovation regrets the error.

Call for a Free Consultation

630-6741 or 285-3663

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MAY 8, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 15

BACKPAGECOVERSTORY

Superior-grade

Windows Built for Hawaii’s Climate

H

awaii homeowners considering window replacement have new solutions when they shop for windows. Windows Hawaii, the islands’ fastest-growing window replacement contractor, has the exclusive rights to the Anlin Window System.

These windows — which include everything from stainless-steel hardware to easy-toclean vinyl frames designed to withstand the salt air and strong sunlight — are designed and manufactured with Hawaii in mind. In fact, Anlin windows are guaranteed for the life of your home.

Traditionally, windows in Hawaii have consisted of singlepane jalousies. While these windows provide good ventilation, they lack security, are difficult to clean and do not prevent heat, dirt, noise and rain from entering the house. Many Hawaiian homeowners choose to upgrade their windows to Anlin vinyl dual-pane systems. While homeowners find that they still have excellent ventilation with the Anlin windows, they also gain these important benefits:

• Better security. Anlin has the top-security rating for break-ins.

The windows also can be locked in an open position so that you can keep your house ventilated and prevent entry at the same time.

• Improved insulation from heat and noise. If you have air condi16 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MAY 8, 2011

WINDOWS HAWAII

tioning in your home, you will save up to 35 percent off your electric bill each month. Anlin windows also reduce the noise in your neighborhood.

• Easy to clean/maintain. The vinyl frames are easy to clean. The glass is specially designed to prevent water spots. Upstairs or hardto-reach windows can be removed and cleaned from inside the home.

Anlin windows are available in all sizes and styles. They filter out 95 percent of ultra violet light — considered the harmful light that fades your furniture, floor covering and drapes.

Call Windows Hawaii today at 671-0808 (regular business hours) or 383-7233 (after hours) for a free consultation and estimate. The company carries a variety of window brands to fit your needs and budget. All of Windows Hawaii’s products have a lifetime warranty on material and installation, and are backed by 25 years of experience.

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED