Pushing the Envelope Contemporary Basement, Vancouver

7. Take advantage of incentives. Natural gas may cost less these days, but energy costs change, and you don't want to be stuck with an energy hog when rates go up in the future. Utilities and the government offer incentives, often in the form of a substantial credit, toward the purchase of high-efficiency equipment. In some areas this can make up the difference in cost between standard equipment and that with a higher efficiency, which will allow you to start saving right away.

6. Have the mechanical equipment cleaned and serviced. Do this as soon as you buy the house. Getting the heating and cooling systems cleaned and other routine tasks done is important — as is getting a service contract so if the system stops working in the depths of winter, you’ll not have to overpay to get a technician to come to your home.We’ve always had good luck asking our new neighbors which company they have found to be reputable and attentive for this work. It’s also a great way to meet the neighbors.Find a heating and cooling company

Service and Clean the FurnaceWhy: When your furnace isn’t running properly, it will suck energy and can even emit harmful carbon monoxide.How: Call a pro. If you don’t have one you trust, call the manufacturer or installer and ask for a recommendation. Just be sure to use a licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialist. When: Having your furnace inspected every fall will prolong the life of your appliance.

Heat the whole pipe. If you’re noticing frozen pipes from an upper story, make sure the rooms below (where the pipes run up the wall) are toasty as well. Crank up the heat along the entire length of the pipe. If you have a basement, continue checking out that pipe as you go down, as it could be exposed there. Touch the pipes and you may well find the frozen spot. You may see frost on the frozen portion as well. Thaw the pipe. The Red Cross recommends using a space heater, a hair dryer or a hot towel wrapped around the pipe to help thaw it out. They also warn not to use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove or any other open-flame device. These devices not only could damage the pipes but worse, could cause a house fire. Check for leaks. Once things have started to thaw, make sure there are not any leaks. If you can hear a leak, shut off the main water valve and call a plumber. If you don’t hear any rushing water, you can still test it by using your water meter. If you have an ice maker, turn it off. Make sure all the toilet tanks have stopped running, make a note of the number on your water meter and set a timer for 30 minutes. Do not use one drop of water during this time. After the timer goes off, check to see if the water meter has shown any use. If it has, you have a leak; call a plumber. What if it bursts? If a pipe does burst, shut off the main water valve, call your plumber and insurance company immediately and be sure to take photos of the damage while you’re waiting for the plumber to arrive.

Tiled walls and all. clean look

??? from KAI'S LIKES "sooo organized"