By Jamie Wiebe | Jun 22, 2016   smart-thermostat

Energy use sneaks up on you. One day, you think you're being responsible—flipping off lights, not running the AC excessively, turning the TV off after "Game of Thrones"—and the next day, you're standing slack-jawed by the mailbox, staring at a power bill that must have been racked up by gnomes living in your closet.

Pretty much everyone has accidentally gone overboard on energy use, but there's a lot you can do to keep your expenses in check. These eight easy, expert-approved tips promise to curb your usage and prevent the power-bill blues.

1. Practice routine maintenance

Owning a home means keeping up with the routine maintenance on dozens of appliances (yep, you no longer have…

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By Jennifer Geddes | Jan 8, 2018   declutter-your-kitchenLaurie Rubin/Getty Images

No area of the home is quite as hyped as the kitchen. Given that it's where people cook, eat, socialize, open mail, and more (we'd wager some would sleep there if they could), it makes sense that people obsess over their kitchens being just right. And that means stocked with the right appliances and designed to reflect the latest and greatest styles.

And therein lies the rub: Jumping on board every trend (or sticking with an outdated look for too long) could be the death knell for your kitchen. For one, you may not really need a  farmhouse sink or chef-level appliances; for another, these pricey purchases may be on their way out—and work against you once you…

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Barbara Peck November 2, 2017

If you like to cook, getting a new range can be a real treat. Cooking will be even more pleasurable with all the new technology available. You may even decide to spring for a professional-style range, with high-output burners and other bells and whistles. But before you make your decision, there are a few things to consider.

In this miniseries we’re answering common questions about replacing your appliances. To get some expert tips and advice, we’ve consulted with architect Andrea Zaff of Boston-based Zaff Architecture, who specializes in helping her clients source the best devices for their needs. (See also our posts on what to know when replacing your fridge, dishwasher, and washer/dryer.)

Here are nine questions…

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Similar to Red Deer, sales in December were down compared to November & definitely up from 2015. 2017 has predominantly been in a Buyer’s market & a good number of buyers have taken advantage of the depressed property values.

The Alberta economy grew at more than 4% in 2017 which means that we are moving ahead of our initial slump in 2015 and 2016. The economy is predicted to grow again in 2018, but at a reduced rate of about 2%. We may not experience a major upswing in the economy this year, but it doesn’t hurt to be optimistic for 2018 activity levels.

Yes, more & more mortgage changes are leaving consumers on the side lines & slightly confused. Interest rates have the potential to increase even further this year. It is strongly suggested that…

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Sales in Red Deer in December were down compared to November & definitely up from the same time the year before. 2017 has predominantly been in a Buyer’s market & a good number of buyers have taken advantage of the depressed property values.

The Alberta economy grew at more than 4% in 2017 which means that we are moving ahead of our initial slump in 2015 and 2016. The economy is predicted to grow again in 2018, but at a reduced rate of about 2%. We may not experience a major upswing in the economy this year, but it doesn’t hurt to be optimistic for 2018 activity levels.

Yes, more & more mortgage changes are leaving consumers on the side lines & slightly confused. Interest rates have the potential to increase even further this year. It is…

679 Views, 0 Comments

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