May 2021 | Jeff Howard's Las Vegas Area Real Estate blog

Window Coverings Help Beat the Summer Heat

We all love living in Las Vegas even during the hot summer months and keeping your home cool during the hot summer months can be an expensive prospect. This is especially true if you have large windows or rooms that have multiple windows that let sunlight in. While it’s great to have natural light during the day, it can work against your AC by heating up the air in those rooms at the same time you’re pumping cool air throughout the house. This can lead to your air conditioning running almost constantly throughout the day, and in some cases may even prompt an expensive HVAC upgrade if your current unit can’t keep up with the summer heat to your liking.

Various types of window coverings will help cut down your cooling costs during the summer without having to spend potentially thousands of dollars on a more powerful air conditioning solution. Window coverings can make a big difference in how much heat is added to your home through your windows. Not only does this have the potential to cut your cooling costs significantly, but it can enhance the overall style of your home as well.

Curtains, blinds, and other internal window coverings can have a significant impact on how much heat you gain from the sun during the summer. Medium to dark-colored curtains and drapes, especially those with white backings, block sunlight and heat gain significantly and can also help to hold heat in during the cold winter months. Blinds and rolling shades also offer some protection against heat gain, though their effectiveness depends on a number of factors including color, material, and reflectiveness.

Regardless of the covering type you choose, they are typically most effective when closed on south or west-facing windows, since these are the most likely to get direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. However, closing the curtains or blinds on any window receiving direct sunlight can have at least some beneficial effect.

One of the big problems with using coverings such as curtains and shades to prevent heat gain during the summer is that they block light and visibility as well as heat. If you still want to be able to see through your windows and enjoy some natural sunlight while preventing heat gain, a low-E window film might be a better option to meet your needs.

Low-E films are mildly tinted plastic films that have reflective particles of metal or metal oxide in them, reflecting UV rays while still allowing for some natural light and visibility. Because the UV rays are reflected back out into the outside, they are not able to heat up the air inside of your home. While the effectiveness of low-E films can vary depending on the manufacturer, thickness of the film, and how well they are installed, it’s estimated that some low-E films can reduce summer heat gain from sunlight by as much as 70 percent or more.

There are a variety of other upgrades you can make to your home that will also help to block UV rays and prevent unwanted heat gain during the summer. Functional exterior shutters that can be closed during the heat of the day can make a significant difference in solar heat gain, blocking the sunlight from actually reaching your windows in the first place. Awnings installed over windows can also block some light and heat, while still allowing for some visibility. Exterior solar screens are also an option, blocking UV rays and increasing your energy efficiency while preserving some light and visibility as well.

How do you find qualified window covering companies? Or what if you just want an interior designer to help you make it all look great? Just ask me for recommendations, after all I’m Jeff Howard – you’re Realtor for life.

Do you have a need for commercial / industrial / retail buildings or land? Are you ready to buy or sell a home? Do you want 3 cash offers? We can help you with all of that… just call us at 702 SELL NOW or click on this link to my website http://www.702SellNow.com

Choose to have an amazing day….Jeff

Your HVAC Estimate Checklist

Close your eyes a feel the rush of cool air coming from your air conditioning system. Now imagine that cool air turning lukewarm, or worse, won’t kick on at all? Oh no it may be time to get that ailing HVAC system replaced.

Talking to an HVAC professional about an air conditioning replacement can be intimidating. There’s a lot to know, and it’s probably not going to be cheap. But considering that a typical air conditioning unit lasts 10 to 15 years, what you invest today will help pay for itself in the longer term. That being said, it’s still important to know what to ask and the pitfalls to watch for. The following should be your checklist.

Always Ask About Licensing and Insurance

Before you so much as let someone start to quote your HVAC job, ask about their licensing and insurance status. Not only will this save you a ton of time by weeding out anyone who isn’t actually a practicing professional, you’ll avoid issues that can arise if, for example, your HVAC is installed without a permit, or there’s a jobsite accident without proper coverage. HVAC installers should always be licensed according to your state and local guidelines.

Your installer should also carry the proper insurance policies. For example, a comprehensive policy will protect you should there be damage to your property as a result of a mistake made during the installation. And Workers Compensation insurance can also help by protecting you from being held liable should your HVAC workers have an accident on the job. Be aware that small shops don’t always carry Workers Compensation because of rules on who can be insured, so if your installer doesn’t carry Workers Compensation, be sure to get a liability waiver.

Your HVAC Estimate

As far as the estimate itself is concerned, there are several questions you should ask right up front. These questions and their answers should also be included on the estimate itself, as it serves as a sort of informal contract on the job you’re having done. Make sure you’ve hit these points:

What’s the brand and SEER rating of the unit that will be installed? (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is the ratio of the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses in Watt-Hours. It may also be called a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.) If you’re having both your furnace and air conditioner replaced, ask about the fuel type and efficiency of the furnace, as well. If you’ve got a standard heating and air conditioning system, this is your opportunity to switch to something a bit more energy efficient, like a heat pump, so be sure to ask if there are other options that can use your existing ductwork.
What size is the unit that will be installed? Make sure to note the size of the unit you’re having removed and how well it worked during its service. A single like-for-like replacement unit should be the same size if the performance was good, or should be adjusted slightly depending on your actual needs. Note that you will need a matching A-coil if you change air conditioner sizes without changing your furnace, too.
Will you need ductwork? Ductwork can usually be reused, but as it gets older it can develop damage, come apart, or rust through, depending on the materials and conditions it’s subjected to. If any amount of ductwork is being replaced, make sure to have this noted and broken out in the estimate, because ductwork costs can add up fast. On the other hand, this is also a great time to add additional registers or cold air returns in older homes to help improve efficiency.
What other things will be done while they’re working? HVAC companies do more than just install heating and air conditioning units. They can remove old furnaces left behind in crawl spaces, clean your ductwork, install smart thermometers, or provide you with electrostatic filters, just to name a few. If any of this work is being done, have it included in the estimate and later ensure it was completed as promised.
Is there a warranty? Most importantly, make sure you have all the details on any warranties offered. Most HVAC systems will come with warranties on the individual parts, as well as a separate warranty on labor. This information can be extremely useful should your air conditioner need unexpected repairs, like a replacement control board or compressor.

How Do You Find Qualified HVAC People? Well of course you ask me to recommend a couple of companies, after all I’m Jeff Howard – you’re Realtor for life.

Choose to have an amazing day….Jeff

Downtown Summerlin Music Series

Downtown Summerlin announces the return of Summer Concert Series starting in June and everyone could not be happier. The weekly festivities are located on The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin every Wednesday, June 9 – July 14. All concerts are free and open to the public.

The first performance will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. with an acoustic act, followed by the first band set at 7 p.m. and a second set at 8:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring blankets and enjoy a socially distanced evening outdoors. Wearing masks are required at this point in time.

The working performance schedule will include the following:

June 9
Empire Records
Phil Stendek

June 16
Stoked!
Default Valentine

June 23
Velvet Elvis
Jase Naron

June 30
Guilt Pleasures
Richard Mann

July 7
Moonshiners
Illan Dvir-Djerassi

July 14
Jeremy Cornwell
Adena Sampson

Downtown Summerlin has partnered with New Vista, the largest nonprofit provider of Supported Living Arrangements for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Nevada, to offer a VIP “Picnic on the Lawn” experience at Summer Concert Series! All proceeds from “Picnic on The Lawn” VIP ticket sales will benefit New Vista and provide services, training and housing for people living with IDD in Southern Nevada. For pricing and ticketing, visit www.summerlin.com.

Also select Downtown Summerlin restaurants will offer food and beverages for purchase, including wine and beer, on The Lawn, making it a perfect one-stop to sit back and enjoy a night out in comfort and style. Space is limited and based on a first-come first-served basis. Face masks, as of now, are required to attend. All attendees will be required to follow social distance protocols in place. Visit www.summerlin.com for details

It’s very exciting to see Summerlin come alive again and offering the wonderful amenities we all have come to enjoy.

Choose to have an amazing day….Jeff

Super Summer performances are back with Dino, Judy, Frank & Babs – Hooray!!

This Musical Review will be performed at the Super Summer Theatre Studios at 4340 S. Valley View, Suite 210 Las Vegas, NV 89103. (please DO NOT go out to the ranch for this one)

Dino, Judy, Frank & Babs is A Live Tribute Show to Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand features some of your favorite songs made popular by these ICONIC Super Stars. Memories trickle through the music and help us remember The Way We Were, magically, as if touched by Witchcraft. After all, Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime and Happy Days remembered just make us Smile and send us Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Feeling Good we’ll be In the Mood for Love. And Love Will Keep Us Warm, sharing Friendship, always knowing they each did it their own My Way.

The theater will open up 15 minutes before the performance and the run time is approximately 90 minutes.

Performances Dates

Thursday, May 13 @ 7:30 PM PST

Friday, May 14 @ 7:30 PM PST

Saturday, May 15 @ 7:30 PM PST

Sunday, May 16 @ 2:00 PM PST

Thursday, May 20 @7:30 PM PST

Friday, May 21 @7:30 PM PST

Saturday, May 22 @7:30 PM PST

Sunday, May 23 @2:00 PM PST

Super Summer Theatre will also be back in the meadow this Summer with 3 shows!

In July – You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown

In August- Viva Las POPera

In September – Smokey Joe’s Café

My family and friends are all very excited to enjoy a production from the lawn at Spring Mountain Ranch.

Choose to have an amazing day….Jeff

Lighting up your Walkways

There’s not much that makes as big of an impact on a garden, the walkway to your home or other outdoor space as some mood lighting. Although your garden or walkway lighting won’t shine quite as brightly in the daytime, the lighting you choose can make a huge difference to the functionality and look of the space where you install it once the sun goes down. There are several different options when it comes to outdoor lighting, so how do you begin to choose the right lighting for your space?

What’s Your Lighting Goal? Before you shop for lighting, it’s important to determine what it is that you want your lighting to do. Should it simply illuminate a path? Is it going to highlight a particular garden element like a nice plant or a fountain? Do you need to brighten stairs to help prevent falls? There are so many different types of garden and walkway lighting available today that if you know what your needs are, can help to narrow your focus before you begin.

Your next step is figuring out where your lighting location should be. There are plenty of benefits to choosing a wired lighting system, but if your garden is far from your home, you may need to bring an electrician onto the project to properly run the wiring to the location in question. If that’s not an option, then you will need to seriously consider solar lighting kits. Although a freestanding solar panel can be installed to power all your lights, there are many lighting kits made of lights fitted with individual tiny solar panels.

Solar garden walkway lighting is definitely a convenient option; however it won’t work for every space or every need. Since solar lighting is powered by the sun, the location of your solar panels is vital. Bright, direct sunlight is best for charging these lights, so if your vegetation is dense, you’re going to lose a lot of potential lighting hours. Generally, solar-powered lights need to be recharged daily, making them difficult to rely on during the darker, colder months of the year, even if they’re in an ideal location.

Low voltage landscape lighting, on the other hand, receives continuous power from your electrical system, allowing them to work on demand. Some homeowners worry this means they’ll run all day long and create expensive electricity bills, but most lighting systems are designed to come on at dusk and turn off at dawn, or on demand, or both, depending on the system you’re using. On-demand systems come in pretty handy when there’s a weird noise outside and you need to go chase an animal out of the trash.

Many solar systems are also built to be disposable, so if that’s the way you’re leaning, be prepared to spend quite a bit more than you might expect for a low-end plastic solar light. There are solar lighting kits made to last much longer -you should be looking for light sets made with metal bodies that allow you to change the bulb, should it need replacement.

There are a many professionals that can help you make these important lighting decisions, based on your specific situation. For example, if you want to know if your site is suitable for solar lighting or needs a permanently powered lighting solution, calling an electrician into the project can get the right answers quickly. If you already know the type of system you’d prefer but aren’t quite sure about how to configure your lighting system to meet your goals, a landscape professional may be an excellent investment.

The good news is that no matter who you’d like to bring into your project, you can find them with the help of your trusted Realtor for Life – Me Jeff Howard. I can recommend excellent professionals to help you with lighting and make your home look wonderful.

Choose to have an amazing day….Jeff