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Tag: alternatives
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Toronto company wants to build tiny homes in backyards
Amidst Toronto’s condo boom, many groups are working on alternatives to building taller and taller building by finding creative solutions to the city’s housing crunch, including one called Tiny Toronto.
Founded by Sa’ad Ahmed, the company has been based out of Ryerson’s Design Fabrication Zone for the past year, and its team – which includes a group of students from the University of California at Berkley – is building a prototype of a 104 square foot unit that homeowners can use as a work or studio space.
Just like the U.K.’s Wondershed, Tiny Toronto’s digital strategist Frederico Neumann says the company hopes to help folks maximize space and reduce commute times with these small, pre-fabricated units.
A prototype of Tiny Toronto’s studio shed. Photo via Tiny Toronto.
Eventually, Tiny Toronto has plans to create garden suites, coach houses and even laneway houses in backyards across the city, but especially in more suburban areas.
Like groups such as Lanescape, Tiny Toronto wants to take advantage of oft-overlooked spaces (backyards and laneways) to help boost the housing supply in the city.
A report about the feasibility of introducing a local laneway housing initiative could materialize by early 2018, if city council approves a motion on it at this week’s meeting.
http://www.blogto.com/city/2017/07/toronto-company-wants-build-tiny-homes-backyards/
On – 19 Aug, 2017 By Amy Grief
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3 Energy-Saving Central Air Alternatives
You can give your air conditioner a well-deserved break and lower your energy bills by considering other ways to keep the heat of summer from sweating your brow. The U.S. Department of Energy says alternatives such as energy-efficient windows and doors, shading and natural ventilation can help cool your home with less energy use.
Window coverings
During summer, keep window coverings closed in the daytime to block the sun’s heat. Consider window awnings or roll-down shades for the outside of the home that can be operated by remote control. Choose manufactured shades or blinds that are labeled blackout, or have reflective backing.
Fans
A good way to help your air conditioner is to run ceiling fans at the same time. They will circulate the cool air, allowing you to turn down the air conditioner. Installed on the ceiling between the attic and living space, a whole house fan can meet your home cooling needs by pulling in air from open windows and exhausting it through the attic and roof.
Central air conditioning alternatives
Consider room air conditioners and ductless mini-split air conditioners. Both provide the flexibility of being able to cool individual rooms. Dehumidifying heat pipes allow an air conditioner to dehumidify better while still cooling the air, making them ideal for hot, humid environments.
So, stop relying on just your air conditioner to keep you cool. Alternatives can help you stay comfortable and reward you with cheaper electric bills.
http://coldwellbankerapps.com/wordpress/3-energy-saving-central-air-alternatives/
On – 07 Jul, 2017 By Blog Team
