[sponsored_by name=”The DC Sustainable Energy Utility” url=” https://www.dcseu.com/for-my-home/lighting/energy-efficient-lighting/?utm_source=PoP&utm_campaign=LEDLighting&utm_medium=SponsoredPost#get-started” logo=”https://www.popville.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/DCSEU-Logo.jpg” byline=”The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) helps DC residents and businesses use less energy and save money.” attribution_name=”BlankSlate” attribution_url=”http://www.blankslate.com/”]

How much can you save on your electric bill by using LED bulbs? Replacing a 60-watt incandescent with an LED equivalent can save $130 throughout the new bulb’s lifetime—and $150 from your annual energy bill if you replace all incandescents with LED bulbs.

It’s a smart choice, but not all LED bulbs are created equal. Without ENERGY STAR-certification, that LED bulb you purchase at the store fails to meet certain quality requirements. These “ish” bulbs can flicker, shift in color, lose brightness over time, offer uneven light, or continue to use power when turned off. Look for the blue ENERGY STAR label to get the best bang for your buck.

The current ENERGY STAR requirement is for LED bulbs to last at least 13 years. They’re also required to have guaranteed light quality and output, to cast light in all directions, and to be available in a wide variety of styles to fit any socket.

And now, the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU), DC’s resource for saving energy, is helping the cause by working with retailers across the district to offer discounted ENERGY STAR LED bulbs for as low as 95¢—a cost that’s compatible with the often cheaper “ish” bulbs.

For more information about the DCSEU and its network of partnering retailers, check their website.

[sponsored_by name=”WeWork” url=”http://creatorawards.wework.com/” logo=”https://www.popville.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-03-21-at-1.06.19-PM.png” byline=”WeWork’s giving away over $20 million in seven cities to those who are thinking in new ways, building fresh projects, and achieving real change.” attribution_name=”BlankSlate” attribution_url=”http://www.blankslate.com/”]

Got an idea for a startup business? Need some help getting funding?

WeWork’s Creator Awards will be giving away over $20 million to entrepreneurs, small businesses, growing companies, nonprofits, and artists throughout 2017 — and it all kicks off in DC on March 28.

The event is a great way for startups and growing companies to get their bearings. Beginning at 5 p.m., attendees can check out the DC Job Showcase, where local business owners will be stationed to answer and ask questions.

Or sit in on the Master Classes, where real-world ideas for setting up your business, getting funding, and differentiating your idea will be volleyed around with some of the best in the biz.

If your startup is ready for a funding round, you’ll probably want to see how a pitch should be structured. At 8 p.m., check out a Pitch Lightning Round, where select finalists will pitch to the crowd. Furthermore, the finalists who have been selected to pitch at the event will be broadcast in real time throughout the day on Facebook Live.

Then, award winners will be announced in each of the three categories: The Incubate, The Launch, and The Scale. Winners qualify for the Creator Awards Global Final on November 30 in New York City.

After the winners are announced, the party starts with a DJ, more drinks and more food.

Several more regional events will take place in Austin, Detroit, Berlin, Tel Aviv, and Mexico City before the Global Final at Barclays Center in New York City.

“WeWork began with a group of people that believed community, passion, meaning, and intention could change how we live, work, and connect,” said WeWork co-founder and CEO Adam Neumann, who notes that membership now counts 100,000. “We could not think of a better way to honor our members and all the creators who inspire us every day.”

The event begins at 5 p.m. at the Andrew W Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW. Admission is free, and there will also be a pop-up market with DC merchants selling their wares. For more information and to RSVP, check out the website.

 

[sponsored_by name=”Homezen” url=”https://www.myhomezen.com/hello” logo=”https://www.popville.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/homezen_9.png” byline=”Homezen saves you thousands by making it easy to sell your home without an agent.” attribution_name=”BlankSlate” attribution_url=”http://www.blankslate.com/”]

Spring is in the air, and when the weather gets nicer, that means the cherry blossoms bloom–and people start selling their homes. That also means they’re writing big commission checks to real estate agents.

But not if you’re using homezen. The company, launched last year, combines technology and real estate expertise to make it easier to sell your home without an agent. Homeowners in DC, Maryland, and Virginia have been saving an average of $20,000.

Here’s how it works: First, they run a pricing analysis to help you understand the value of your home; they dispatch professional photographers to make your home look great; and they place your listing on the MLS. They even give you lockbox so your home literally shows itself. Homezen also provides the necessary legal paperwork, and guides you all the way through closing.

And how do you save that $20,000? Instead of charging the standard 6 percent commission, homezen charges a low flat fee. They’re already saving sellers a lot of money in Logan Circle, Capitol Hill, Brookland, the Palisades, Glover Park, Arlington and beyond.

You can check out the homezen website or give them a call at 202.509.0559.

 

WHAT READERS ARE TALKING ABOUT

This week we did a “Stunning” edition of the GDoN featuring a house located at 2023 Park Road NW. According to the OP “this is the stuff of my dreams (taking into account location, design, curb appeal, and layout”.

Check out some of the best comments that brought out some interesting conversations for this listing.

HERE’S WHAT READERS SAID

[customquote user=”Formerly ParkViewRes” quote=”Yeah, I like it A LOT. I love almost all the finishes–not a fan of those “window” cabinets in the kitchen. What is on the fridge, touch screen? I’ll also never need this much house, but for someone who does I think it’s a good deal.”]

[customquote user=”NorthByNE” quote=”I went to the open house on Sunday. The renovation was good, but the pictures are more impressive than the reality, IMHO.
That said, it is a good sized house on the family-friendly side of Mt. P, so I’d expect them to get at least asking price for it.”]

[customquote user=”soozles” quote=”Too bad Mt. Pleasant’s historic district requirements don’t apply to interior spaces to prevent the ghastly remuddling that was done to this house. This is a huge house, and thus, there is no reason to rip out the walls and soul of the first floor leaving, among other detritus, that dreadful dead space between the kitchen and living room that can be called a “dining area.” What a shame also that they replaced the classic Mt. Pleasant-style trim (which is in many other areas of the city as well) with this generic boring substitute and chose to use non-traditional replacement windows. I have come to accept that developers will gut average size houses to create these soul-less spaces, but I would expect better in these larger homes. I guess I’m just a traditionalist, but I’m sure this house will sell for more than that price.”]

COMMENTS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE

 

[sponsored_by action_blurb=”Sponsored By” name=”The DC Sustainable Energy Utility” url=”https://www.dcseu.com/” logo=”https://www.popville.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DCSEU-logo.jpg” byline=”The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) helps DC residents and businesses use less energy and save money.” attribution_action_blurb=”Created By” attribution_name=”BlankSlate” attribution_url=”http://www.blankslate.com/”]

DC summers and winters are notorious for their weather extremes. Having the latest technology to keep your home cool (or warm) can help the environment and even save you a little coin, too.

The DCSEU, DC’s source for saving energy, can help bring a smart thermostat into your home with a $100 rebate.

Smart thermostats give you climate control in the spaces you inhabit. The devices learn your preferences over time and eventually begin to set the temperature according to what you like and what saved you the most energy. That’s good for both the environment and your wallet.

Smart thermostats are also Wi-Fi and mobile app capable. Forgot to turn down the heat before heading out to that fancy dinner in Georgetown? No worries! With the flick of a finger on your smartphone, you can solve that problem and still get there on time.

The DCSEU is offering a $100 rebate for customers who choose to install a smart thermostat from its Qualifying Product List. Since these items can cost around $250, that’s a pretty significant deal.

If you’re looking for a smarter, more connected, and environmentally conscious home, head over to DCSEU’s website for more information.