Category — Green Renovation

After reading about the Ecobee Smart Thermostat, and it’s cool green technology and remote control abilities (iPhone and iPad control!) I ordered one online. Dan at Stafford Home Service installed it in less then an hour. The guys at Stafford were already pretty knowledgable about the ecobee and were more then willing to help. Dan was excited that I was looking at green, cutting-edge technology. If you ever have any questions about anything in this area, give him a call. [Read more →]

When we think of a green electrician, we may think of dimmers, low-voltage lighting, energy-efficient appliances and the like, but there are other factors to consider. Recently, Kris, from Stafford Home Service, dropped in at the last minute. My kitchen cabinet installers were coming in and, upon hearing this, Kris wanted to make sure the installation guys were conscious of the electrical decisions and needs. [Read more →]

When renovating or remodeling your home you might want to consider a whole house control and automation system for your audio and video needs. Setting up a whole house control and automation system can be a complicated and overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be.  Prodigy by Crestron is an affordable and simple control system that can control your audio and video systems as well as HVAC, lighting and security system. These systems can be accessed from anywhere in your home, or in the world for that matter. [Read more →]

Need a new furnace? We at Stafford Home Service have been installing furnaces in the Minneapolis, St. Paul and greater Twin Cities area for over 50 years. [Read more →]

LAI has designed an affordable solution for collection and reuse of rainwater in cold climates to essentially eliminate the need for potable water to be used in the irrigation of the landscape. This can be done with both new construction and renovation projects. As shown in the image below we are demonstrating one of many ways to effectively disconnect your irrigation system from either a well source or city water source as a means to conserve the valuable resource and save money!  [Read more →]

If you’re going to remodel your home, or just looking for an easy renovation, recessed lighting might be something to consider. It’s an easy way to update your home, can be part of a green remodeling plan, and also can be a budget renovation solution (it has a huge visual impact to cost ratio.) The electrical experts at Stafford Home Service will definitely be able to help you. Even if you think there’s no way recessed lighting could work in your home, the Stafford will find a way. [Read more →]

The use of salvaged stone and salvaged building materials is becoming a great way to be green and save money on your renovation and landscape projects while adding tons of character. Our office is known with the local quarries and stone yards for scouring the back of their lots for salvaged, special order materials that have been returned, or what they would consider left over scraps and incorporating these one of kind materials in our design process early on. [Read more →]

I was asked recently what one of the easiest ways to go green. Dimmer light switches are right there at the top.

Three quick advantages with using dimmer switches:

• Reduced Energy Consumption, Dim your lights by quarter & save up to 20 percent Dim by half and save up to 40 percent.
• Increased Bulb Life, If you are dimming the light by just 10 percent it more than doubles the life of the bulb.
• Mood, A softer light is more comforting and sets a relaxing atmosphere.

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Once again Phillip, the architect from Architron, saves the day. I needed to figure out what I want to do in a few months time with some windows. In a few short minutes he was able to advise me on my options and give me renewed insight into the lay of the land and how I want to use the space. A good architect is Cyrano Debergarac whispering in your ear. Well, maybe not that, but I guess my point is that a great architect helps you find the solutions that are already in yourself, that reflect your vision, likes and lifestyle needs. They do this through working with you, working with your ideas and helping you visualize your options. It’s hard to explain, but it is something that is pretty amazing. Something that I could never do without the right help. Thanks, Phillip!

Kris from Stafford Home Services’ Minneapolis electricians suggested a miniature recessed light for the tight space above the basement landing. The unit he suggested, and has installed before, is the Gimbal Ring – HR-1137 from W.A.C Lighting. It’s a slick little unit at a mere 3″ high and 2 3/4″ wide. I also noticed that uses an easy to find MR11 bulb which even has LED options out there. Nice!