Found this great advice on Real Simple magazine's website. Thought it may be helpful. Always be sure to test a cleanser on an inconspicuous spot first. And always check the cabinet manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning cabinetry. From your friends at Greco Remodelers, Inc.
Ask Real Simple: "How Can I Get My Cabinets Grease-Free?
Real Simple answers your questions.
Q. What is the best way to clean grease buildup from cabinets?
Norma Rodriguez
Via e-mail
A. Use an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Allen P. Rathey of Housekeepingchannel.com recommends the following method to eliminate gunky grease from kitchen cabinets: With a microfiber cloth, clean the area with an all-purpose cleaner that includes alkaline (see the ingredient list). This will break down the fatty acids in grease, so you can wipe your cabinets clean without much scrubbing. Try Mr. Clean Antibacterial Multi-Purpose Cleaner ($5.50, drugstore.com) or the environmentally friendly Red Juice Concentrate ($15, thecleanteam.com).
Or mix up a highly alkaline solution with household borax. Dissolve ½ cup borax in one gallon of hot water, and pour the solution into a spray bottle for easy cleaning. Spritz on the greasy area and let sit for a minute or two before wiping clean with a dampened microfiber cloth. ―Melanie Wagner"
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
How to Claim the Energy Efficiency Tax Credit When Buying Replacement Windows
Window replacement is a project that can qualify under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009's Energy Efficiency Tax Credit which allows homeowners to take a credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of new windows purchased and installed in a home between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. The maximum that can be taken between the two years is $1500.
Credits are generally better than a tax deduction because a credit is a dollar for dollar reduction in income tax. A deduction merely reduces the amount of income on which the tax is based.
The window's manufacturer is required to provide a written statement called the Manufacturer's Certification Statement to certify which windows qualify for the energy efficiency credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Statement should be kept with the homeowner's tax documents. It does not need to be filed with the tax return.
The credit can only be taken on the amount paid for the windows, not on the amount paid for installation. Be sure to obtain a sales receipt which breaks down the cost of the product and the installation. Keep this document with your tax records, too.
P.S. For more ideas about replacement windows for your home, check out our new video, Manassas Window Replacement.
Credits are generally better than a tax deduction because a credit is a dollar for dollar reduction in income tax. A deduction merely reduces the amount of income on which the tax is based.
The window's manufacturer is required to provide a written statement called the Manufacturer's Certification Statement to certify which windows qualify for the energy efficiency credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Statement should be kept with the homeowner's tax documents. It does not need to be filed with the tax return.
The credit can only be taken on the amount paid for the windows, not on the amount paid for installation. Be sure to obtain a sales receipt which breaks down the cost of the product and the installation. Keep this document with your tax records, too.
To prove that the windows meet the credit guidelines, also retain the NFRC labels from the window that show the energy performance ratings have been met or exceeded.
The credit is claimed on Form 5695 for the 2009 and/or 2010 years. For more information and details on the credit, visit the government's Energy Star website and consult your own tax advisor.
The Energy Efficiency Tax Credit is available when purchasing and installing new windows that meet the tax credit requirements. Be sure to follow the steps necessary to take advantage of the tax credit.
To read more about replacement windows and saving energy, check out the article Window Replacement Saves Energy and the Environment.
And if you live in or near Manassas, Woodbridge, Warrenton, Lake Ridge, Gainesville, or Chantilly, Virginia, feel free to contact Greco Remodelers, Inc., for a free no cost, no pressure estimate for your Manassas replacement window project or call us at 703-369-4446.P.S. For more ideas about replacement windows for your home, check out our new video, Manassas Window Replacement.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Time Is Of The Essence
Are you thinking about doing some remodeling before the end-of-year holiday season rolls around? Maybe a new kitchen? Or up-dating your bathroom?
If you are, it may be hard to believe, but time is running out!
That’s right, if you don’t act quickly, you may not get that work done.
Why? Working backward from your desired completion date, there will be materials to order and receive; plans to draw up and approve; permits to obtain, if necessary; and the actual work to be done. The backward timeline can easily put you in September.
So that you are not disappointed, make your calls today and get your project started.
If you are, it may be hard to believe, but time is running out!
That’s right, if you don’t act quickly, you may not get that work done.
Why? Working backward from your desired completion date, there will be materials to order and receive; plans to draw up and approve; permits to obtain, if necessary; and the actual work to be done. The backward timeline can easily put you in September.
So that you are not disappointed, make your calls today and get your project started.
P.S. If you live in or near Manassas, Woodbridge, Gainesville, Lake Ridge, Warrenton, Clifton or Chantilly, Virginia, feel free to contact Greco Remodelers, Inc., for a free no cost, no pressure estimate for your home remodeling project by going to Manassas Remodeling Contractor or call us at 703-369-4446.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
How to Tell if a Replacement Window Meets the Energy Efficiency Tax Guidelines
A replacement window is one of the eligible building components that can qualify for the Energy Efficiency Tax Credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The tax credit allows a homeowner who installs eligible new windows in their home between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, to take a tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of the windows (without installation) up to a maximum of $1,500.
But not all Energy Star products will qualify for the credit. In order to qualify, the windows must also have a U-Factor equal to or less than 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30.
The National Fenestration Rating Council, a nonprofit agency created by the window, door and skylight industries, developed a window energy rating system. Homeowners can easily see all of a window’s energy performance ratings on the NFRC label that is attached to all products certified to meet the NFRC standards. The label is also attached to all products which are Energy Star certified.
U-Factor measures the rate of heat loss in a window. The lower the U-Factor, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. Look for a rating of 0.30 or less.
The SHGC is stated as a fraction of a number between 0 and 1 and measures the amount of solar radiation allowed through a window. Solar radiation can directly enter a house through the glass and can also be absorbed by the glass and then released inward. The lower a window's solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits. Look for a rating of 0.30 or less.
For more information and details on the credit, visit the government's Energy Star website and consult your own tax advisor.
With today’s NFRC labeling system, it is easy to tell whether or not a new window will qualify for the Energy Efficiency Tax Credit.
To read more about replacement windows and saving energy, check out the article Window Replacement Saves Energy and the Environment.
And if you live in or near Manassas, Virginia, feel free to contact Greco Remodelers, Inc., for a free no cost, no pressure estimate for your Manassas replacement window project or call us at 703-369-4446.
P.S. For more ideas about replacement windows for your home, check out our new video, Manassas Window Replacement.
But not all Energy Star products will qualify for the credit. In order to qualify, the windows must also have a U-Factor equal to or less than 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30.
The National Fenestration Rating Council, a nonprofit agency created by the window, door and skylight industries, developed a window energy rating system. Homeowners can easily see all of a window’s energy performance ratings on the NFRC label that is attached to all products certified to meet the NFRC standards. The label is also attached to all products which are Energy Star certified.
U-Factor measures the rate of heat loss in a window. The lower the U-Factor, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. Look for a rating of 0.30 or less.
The SHGC is stated as a fraction of a number between 0 and 1 and measures the amount of solar radiation allowed through a window. Solar radiation can directly enter a house through the glass and can also be absorbed by the glass and then released inward. The lower a window's solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits. Look for a rating of 0.30 or less.
For more information and details on the credit, visit the government's Energy Star website and consult your own tax advisor.
With today’s NFRC labeling system, it is easy to tell whether or not a new window will qualify for the Energy Efficiency Tax Credit.
To read more about replacement windows and saving energy, check out the article Window Replacement Saves Energy and the Environment.
And if you live in or near Manassas, Virginia, feel free to contact Greco Remodelers, Inc., for a free no cost, no pressure estimate for your Manassas replacement window project or call us at 703-369-4446.
P.S. For more ideas about replacement windows for your home, check out our new video, Manassas Window Replacement.
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