The post Top 5 Ways to Save Energy With Window Treatments appeared first on Ashford Green Blog.
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Most apartments in Charlotte, NC, are constructed with energy-efficient materials that help reduce residents' monthly heating and cooling bills. Did you know you could also save even more money on energy bills by dressing your windows with energy-saving window treatments?
Interior decorators call curtains, drapes, blinds and other window coverings "window treatments." The best, energy-saving window treatments include:
Sheers
Linen or voile sheers are nearly transparent curtains that filter sunlight but allow just enough light in to avoid using lamps. Sheers let you keep windows open on pleasant, breezy days, or you can close sheer-treated windows and enjoy bright sunshine while staying cool enough without needing to turn on the AC.
Insulating (Solar) Shades
Made from heat/UV-ray resistant materials that also reduce glare, solar window treatments prevent sunlight from making your Charlotte, NC, apartment too hot but allows enough light in so you don't have to turn on lights to see. In addition, closing insulated shades at night during colder months reduces the amount of heat escaping through your windows.
Reflective Shades
Reflective shades are black on one side and white on the other. The black side absorbs heat and the white side reflects heat. For reflective shades to work toward reducing energy bills, you'll have to keep them down most of the time, especially in rooms where the sun shines in during the afternoon hours.
Heavy Drapes
Jacquard or damask drapes not only add character and beauty to apartments but also provide excellent insulation against outside heat and cold. You can find drapes backed with energy-saving foam materials that reduce sunlight and help rooms stay cooler to reduce AC use.
Honeycomb Shades
Honeycomb shades resemble their name. With air pocket "shells" inserted in the polyester fabric used to make this window treatment, honeycomb shades insulate apartments from cold during winter but reflect hot sunlight in the summer. They are also effective filters of sunlight to maximize light energy efficiency in your apartment.
Now that you know all about window treatments, are you ready to start decorating your new, fabulous Charlotte, NC, apartment? Call Ashford Green Apartments today. Your new home is waiting for you!
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]]>The post How Much Water Should You Drink a Day? appeared first on Ashford Green Blog.
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Everyone knows they're supposed to drink water throughout the day, but not everyone wants to swap out their coffee or soda for something as seemingly boring as water. There's also quite a bit of confusion about how much water a person is supposed to drink, largely because official health reports can be both confusing and contradictory. See how water affects your body and the numbers you should aim for if you want to get more H2O in your life.
Your Body Is Water
Your body is made of more than 60% water so that means every part of you needs water to live. Your brain, muscles and skin cells all need to soak up the liquid to replace its reserves. Your body will tell you what it needs, so pay attention to how you're feeling. Some experts say that people get enough water from the foods and beverages they eat and drink throughout the day, but if your diet could use some improvement, you may want to consider drinking more straight water.
How Much to Drink
The real answer is to drink as much as you need throughout the day. If you really wanted a number, then you can aim for about half your body weight in ounces. So if you weigh 130 pounds, try for about 65 ounces of water a day. That's not an exact science by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a good figure for those who want an exact goal.
See How You Feel
There's plenty of evidence to suggest that you'll feel the effects of dehydration everywhere if you're not watching your water intake. From your energy levels to your cognition, drinking water can improve how you feel, look and act. If you live in the apartments in Charlotte, you can also use water as a means to help you curb your appetite. The more water in your stomach, the less likely you are to overeat.
If you're looking for a new home to jump-start your healthy habits, consider Ashford Green. Our amenities and floorplans are designed to give you the space and clarity you need to make better decisions. Give us a call today to schedule a tour!
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