If you need a new air conditioner, you will also need this Secret Formula…

Using the W.H.I.L.E. Formula will help you when buying a new window or through the wall AC unit. This formula tells you the BTU size you will need to cool your room efficiently, because sometimes salespeople at stores use a formula that only helps to sell inventory. So it is best for you to calculate your BTU size before you even leave your house. The W. H. I. L. E. Formula divided by 60 equals the BTU size needed:

W = Width of your room

H = Height of your room

I = Insulation value in the walls
    ~ Plug in the value of 10 for "I" when you have well insulated walls with R-13 or higher insulation value.
    ~ Plug in the value of 18 for "I" when you have poorly insulated walls with R-11 or less.

L = Length of your room

E = Exposure
    ~ Take the longest wall in the room that is exposed to the outside and see which direction that wall faces:
    ~ Plug in the value of 16 if that wall is facing North
    ~ Plug in the value of 17 if that wall is facing East
    ~ Plug in the value of 18 if that wall is facing South
    ~ Plug in the value of 20 if that wall is facing West

Then multiply W x H x I x L x E divided by 60 to equal the BTU size you need

The WHILE formula DOES NOT calculate factors such as:
• Body heat adds up, but I don't think you are having a party all weekend long, every weekend.
• Window exposure, are they facing south or west or both? If yes, use shades or close your curtains!
• Large openings into another room. If yes, close the doors to that room.
• An Upstairs room with a poorly insulated Attic floor above. Insulate only the floor of your attic with R-30 and vapor barrier facing the attic floor. 
If you are adding more insulation in the attic to what is already there, DO NOT add additional vapor barriers!
• Uninsulated Basement ceiling that is below the room being cooled. Insulate the ceiling of a non-heated basement with R-19, vapor barrier 
facing up to the ceiling of the basement.

Once you know your BTU size you can go shopping and LOOK for the Energy Guide Label on the floor models. You want to find a model in the BTU size you need that has the best Energy Efficient Rating. Even if the AC unit has the Energy Star Label that DOES NOT necessarily mean you are buying the most energy efficient model made. You have to use the Energy Guide to know and compare.

Also don't worry about the most efficient model costing $75 or $125 dollars more, you will save that difference on the electric bill within the first full season of use. For more details visit EnergyHotwire.com or GoingTrueGreen.com anytime.

    Oh, the relaxing days of summer…So, who’s relaxing?  We know it’s not anyone expecting company or surprise visitors. I often begin one of my seminars by asking: What if the phone rings and a dear pal from your far distant past is on the other end, an hour away between planes, and just dying “to stop by for a quick visit”?  What would you do and is your home “visitor ready” at all times?  
    What do you do to relieve the stress of drop-in visitors? Obviously, if you were “mostly clutter free,” it wouldn’t be too difficult to do a quick once over. Oh – there’s that mostly clutter free. More of us are mastering that skill with understanding of why it’s so important – even if you’re not in to Feng Shui (that famous Chinese dish that should be on everyone’s menu).  Though it might be hard work to get it that way, the end result is worth it.  However, even if your have your house under control, you still have to live in it.  But day to day living “stuff” is different.  It’s the kind you can get a handle on in an hour before unexpected company knocks on your door.  
    • So – there’s damp towels in the bathroom and yesterday’s underwear and socks, as well as the toothpaste, make-up and brush on the counter. It takes less than two minutes to put the dirty clothes (including the hamper stuff) into the washer and store your personal things in their designated places. 
    • Another 3 minutes to make the bed and hang up yesterday’s outfit or put it in the trunk of your car to go to the cleaners. The trunk! What a great place for clutterers to hide their stuff!  Just back the car halfway into the garage….No–No! Just kidding.
    • Ten minutes to vacuum or dry mop. 
    • Five minutes to clean off kitchen counter surfaces.
    • Five minutes to top dust in main areas.
    • Five minutes to check the powder room for fresh towels, bathroom spray, and to clean the sink and bowl. 
    • Five minutes to empty all waste baskets and garbage pails and take them to an outside pail. 
    • Five more minutes to put something in the oven, like frozen cookies, not whatever you dumped from the counter, and put up a pot of coffee. (Nothing smells better when guests arrive).
    • Then a quick shower.  Don’t forget to stick the towels in the washer, take a deep breath and get ready to open the door with a smile and enjoy your company.

    To make entertaining less stressful, have on hand at all times: fresh fruit, nuts, cheese, wine and crackers, and treat yourself to the purchase of fresh flowers weekly or pick some from your own garden. 

*Photo Caption: Our Uniquely Natalie Quality Consignment Store can get you ready for guests all year round with furniture and accessories at prices that will amaze.