Saturday, August 20, 2011

Bathroom Extractor Fans


Basics in Installing Bathroom Ventilation Fans


Venting the bathroom fans into the crawl space is not advisable.Take note that brown mold can grow on the attic side of the roof sheathing if the bathroom vent is spilled into the soffit.Spotting molds is not easy to do especially if your have a large dwelling.Using approved or louvered fitting, the bathroom ventilation fan duct outlet should be protected at the exterior of the dwelling.The ducts should be insulated, and a better installation would have shortened that very long duct as much as possible, departing to a soffit closer to the bathroom.Make sure that the bathroom ventilation fan carrier the air inside the bathroom all the way outside the dwelling.Since doing such will only put more moisture into an area where it is already going to be a problem, encouraging growth of mold.In routing and protecting the duct for the bathroom ventilation fan consider the following:Long bathroom ventilation fan duct runs decrease the ability of the fan to move air.Good bathroom ventilation fan duct design uses solid metal ducting, not flexible vent material. With the use of solid ductwork has a smoother interior surface that improves airflow, though it is indeed more trouble and a bit more costly to install.So it is important to observe the proper installation of bathroom ventilation fans is needed to prevent mold form growing in your house.In minimizing the condensation that will otherwise occur as warm moist bathroom vented air passes through cool ductwork in the house attic or roof cavity.If you should have an older about:So it is important to observe the proper installation of bathroom ventilation fans is needed to prevent mold form growing in your house.




Author: Alan Wordsworth


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Self-closing Hinges � You�ll Love What They Do For You


You have probably seen or used them at some point. Self-closing hinges are a great way to make sure a door stays shut when not in use. Instead of being like a regular door hinge that has to be pushed shut, self-closing hinges automatically do the job for you, closing the door once you let go. Think of when you are preparing a meal. You are grabbing all the ingredients in your hands, and without a hand to spare lean against the cabinet doors to make sure they are shut. With self-closing hinges, you can avoid that and just let the doors close themselves.


While they may work differently, installing self-closing hinges is not too much different than putting in regular hinges. For the most part they look a lot like regular hinges. They have two pieces of hinge that are connected with a metal pin like normal hinges. But on top of that they have a spring mounting. That means after the door is opened, the spring kicks in and does its part, pulling the door shut again.While self-closing hinges are relatively easy to install and let do their job, they do need a little maintenance. They will last for years if they are periodically checked on and given oil, as needed.If you have a home with animals that you like to keep out of things, or small children who don't need to be crawling into cabinets, self-closing hinges are a good idea. It only takes one time of you forgetting to close a traditional cabinet for the dog or baby to crawl their way inside and pull out your food items.The key to replacing your current hinges with self-closing hinges is to try and find a self-closing hinge set that has the same holes as the hinges you already have. The more similar they are, the less work you have to do, as you may be able to just take off the old hinges, install the new hinges and enjoy the ingenuity. Just make sure someone helps you hold the door up while you make the change so you don�t cause undue stress on one side of the door while you are doing the installation.In addition to self-closing hinges on cabinets, you can also have them put on a regular door. If you would like to keep certain doors shut in your house, this is a good way to make sure they go back to the closed position once someone goes through. You won�t have too much of a problem finding self-closing hinges that match most regular doors as they are often made in all the same metals that you would find in your normal door hinges.

While self-closing hinges are relatively easy to install and let do their job, they do need a little maintenance. They will last for years if they are periodically checked on and given oil, as needed.




Author: Jesse Akre


Air Conditioning repair in McKinney Tx


Air conditioning repair and inefficiency can be expensive, there are 5 aspects of your central air system that you can review in order to make sure that your system is functioning as efficiently as possible as this summer approaches.


Five - another major area that you might want to evaluate would be the conditions around your outside air conditioning compressor. The outside air conditioning compressor which is hooked by the refrigerant lines to the cooling unit inside the home is an area where the heat is being removed from the inside air is technically dispersed into the outside air. The hotter the area is around the outside compressor, the less efficiently it may operate. It's often a good idea, if possible, to attempt to shade the outside air conditioning compressor either with shrubbery or with some type of awning or overhang attached to the home. This can increase the efficiency of your system helping it to not have to work so hard plus it can be an aesthetic improvement for the exterior of your home.Most of these areas can be initially evaluated by the average homeowner, but when it comes to making a final decision as to whether or not any investment in any of these areas would be a worthwhile undertaking is best to consult a qualified air conditioning repair and maintenance specialist. Qualified professionals at McKinney Air Conditioning Repair will be happy to assist you in any way that they can to help you have an efficient system and enjoy staying cool during hot Texas summer.One - in the summer, most people's air conditioning system is taken for granted until it doesn't work right and they start getting hot in dollars. So, it is always a good idea to check your cooling system before the summer starts. Even in the hot summers like those in the McKinney TX, there many ways that you are able to ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning properly and efficiently. Having a qualified air conditioning professional, perform a standard preventive maintenance check is the best first defense to prevent and an unexpected system failure during the heat of the summer.Four - the next major area that you need to take a look at is the condensation tray or what most people call the drip tray. When air conditioning system is functioning in the summer the combination of the cold air in the unit coming in contact with the hot air in the attic space often produces condensation which falls from the unit into the drip tray. If the drip tray is not functioning properly, there is an entire myriad of problems that can be caused. Everything from an overflow producing mold in insulation, wood flooring, and sheet rock all the way to a possible constant water dripped on a critical component which over time could result in rust and component failure.Three - often in today's new construction, the attic spaces where cooling units are installed are very tight and cramped. Also the systems installed are installed with a shortened plenum area either because of space restrictions or because the original equipment installer was attempting to save costs. When you look at your air conditioning unit, you need to identify the area where the fan or blower is located. Just past the blower, you should have an area where you can see the area into which the cooling or refrigerant lines are connected. This means that area contains the cooling coils for your air conditioning system. The basic operation of the air conditioner is that the blower moves and air over the cooling coils which reduces the temperature of the air to create the cooling effect. Common sense, right? But, what if in the same area, you also have the plenum portion of the system. The plenum is the part of your system where the single central duct is split into multiple ducts going to the different rooms of the house, often, the cooling coils extend partially or totally into the plenum. What this means is that some of the air passes into the ductwork before it even gets cooled. Ever go into a room in the air coming out of the duct just doesn't feel as cool as the air coming into some of the other rooms? This could be your problem.

Most of these areas can be initially evaluated by the average homeowner, but when it comes to making a final decision as to whether or not any investment in any of these areas would be a worthwhile undertaking is best to consult a qualified air conditioning repair and maintenance specialist. Qualified professionals at McKinney Air Conditioning Repair will be happy to assist you in any way that they can to help you have an efficient system and enjoy staying cool during hot Texas summer.




Author: Kerry Wilson


Beat The Heat And Survive The Summer


The �Dog Days� of summer are almost upon us and record temperatures are sweeping the country. Unfortunately we have the highest number of elderly and medically fragile people in history, and an aging infrastructure that is feeling the strain of heavy electrical use as our senior citizens struggle to stay cool.


"When I retire it may have paid for itself or it might not have paid for itself," he said. "Either way it was the right decision at this time."The most immediate first aid for either of these is to get the victim into a cool spot, and reduce their body temperature with ice-cold wet towels around the neck, wrist, and ankles. You can also put them in a bathtub of cool water. Don�t use cold water in the tub as that will shock the system. Regardless of your first aid measures, you should seek immediate medical assistance.8. Replace the refrigerator door gasket if you can slip an envelope between the door and the frame.Year-round Tips10. Use a timer or motion sensor for outdoor lights so they are on only when needed.So McNeal had an energy audit on the about 4,000-square-foot veterinary hospital at 10505 S. Santa Fe Ave."I would do it all over again for sure," he said.A native of Moore, McNeal developed an interest in becoming a veterinarian early.Remember, hot weather is nothing to ignore, even if you�re not among the elderly or medically fragile. Heat can affect everyone. Play it safe, stay cool, avoid exertion, and stay healthy. Also, when considering heat safety, don�t forget your pets.He attended Moore public schools and graduated from Westmoore High School in 1990. His wife, Tera, was his high school sweetheart."I realized I could serve as an example to other people," he said. "Solar power is a logical extension of being a good steward of the environment and sets an example for my employees and the community."9. Hang your laundry to dry. As a bonus, your clothes will smell better than ever.1. Choose compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) when replacing light bulbs.

Remember, hot weather is nothing to ignore, even if you�re not among the elderly or medically fragile. Heat can affect everyone. Play it safe, stay cool, avoid exertion, and stay healthy. Also, when considering heat safety, don�t forget your pets.




Author: Paul Purcell


Not just a pet project: Audit leads Oklahoma City vet to energy


Rick McNeal, owner of Ranchwood Veterinary Hospital in south Oklahoma City, realized he had an expensive problem.


2. Always opt for ENERGY STAR� qualified bulbs and fixtures.8. Next in cooling the house come ventilation and insulation. If you have an attic, and the power is on, you should have a vent fan that keeps air flowing through the attic. Along with that, we suggest you have roof vent turbines, or a ridge vent (your home supply store can tell you all about these). In extremely hot weather, you might set a garden sprinkler on your roof and let it run for the hottest couple of hours of the day provided your area is not on water restriction. As for �insulation� one way to insulate parts of the house is to close off seldom-used rooms (especially those on the sunny side of the house), and close off their AC vents if any. This blocks heat and also reduces the area that your limited AC has to cool.7. Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes and use water- and energy saving settings - and cold water - whenever possible.While we�re here, we�d be remiss in our duties if we failed to give you the symptoms of sunstroke and heat exhaustion, both of which require medical attention:"The environment has been an obsession with me since I was a child," he said.5. Don�t drastically turn down the temperature on your thermostat. Your house won�t cool down any faster.4. Though �bare as you dare� is the way to go indoors in limited AC, most of us would prefer to have good air conditioning. If yours is out, or if power sources are uncertain, go someplace that has AC like the mall or other places that don�t mind people coming in and hanging around a while. Also, you can �AC pool� with friends just like you�d car pool. Go to a friend�s house who has a good AC system.1. Regularly clean or replace the air filter in your furnace.2. Turn down the thermostat at night and when the house is empty, or install a programmable thermostat.Other energy-efficiency efforts include replacing florescent lights in most of the veterinary clinic.6. Increase insulation in the attic, walls and crawl space, if applicable."I remember driving by here when I was a kid and telling my parents I wanted to be a veterinarian," he said.9. Unplug your second refrigerator and put all your food in one.5. For an older hot water heater, consider a water heater blanket. Check your manual prior to installation.NcNeal said he has long been concerned with environmental issues.3. During the day, let the sun heat your home by opening curtains and blinds. Be sure to close them again in the evening.The clinic has 12 employees, including three veterinarians in addition to McNeal. The facility includes a pet boarding area. What was the backyard for the house is divided into exercise areas for dogs at Ranchwood Veterinary Hospital's Pet Resort and pets coming for day-care services.Early improvements after McNeal purchased the building and veterinary hospital included tasks as simple as caulking and plugging holes, he said.10. Use power management settings on your computer. Turn off your computer and monitor at the end of your work session.2. Eat small, light, non-spicy meals. Eating heavy meals cranks your metabolism and can raise your body temperature. Also, digestion robs you of energy. Since the heat is already robbing you of some energy, you don�t need to add to this drain by taxing the digestive system. However, don�t skip meals since it�s food that replenishes the electrolytes you lose through sweating and increased water consumption.3. During the heat of the day, keep windows and outside doors closed.7. To protect your pipes and keep it warmer under the floor, make sure your crawl space vents are closed.We�re here to give you tips and tricks to help you beat the heat should you be susceptible to extreme temperatures, or should your power be out. Here�s a short list of suggestions:McNeal received an associate degree from Oklahoma City Community College in 1991 and a bachelor's degree in zoology from Oklahoma State University in 1993. He earned his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from OSU in 1998 and worked as a veterinarian in south Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Norman and Newcastle before buying Ranchwood Veterinary Hospital in 2005.

"I would do it all over again for sure," he said.




Author: David Page


Practical Tips To Save On Your Electricity Bill


Electricity is a valuable resource to everyone in our community. Without it, we are simply left in the dark. That is why helping our customers use electricity safely and efficiently is so important.


During the first week with 10 solar panels in operation the veterinary clinic saved 76.7 kilowatt-hours of energy use, McNeal said. When the entire system is operational, it will include 22 solar panels.The audit resulted in a series of environmentally friendly and energy-efficiency initiatives at the veterinary hospital, including the installation of solar panels, radiant barriers, solar attic fans and new insulation."We went from 3,200 watts of lighting in the office area to 320 watts," he said.3. Turn off lights that aren�t in use, even energy efficient lights.What is now home of Ranchwood Veterinary Hospital was built for residential use in the 1960s, but has been used as an animal clinic and the clinic's Pet Resort for three decades. The need for improvements only increased since the veterinary office was constructed for residential use and not a veterinary clinic and because of its age."I knew I was hemorrhaging a large amount of money in energy costs," he said. "I was paying about $1,600 every month."Summer Tips10. Cook with a microwave or a barbeque instead of the stove or oven. It will heat up your food but not your kitchen.6. Fix leaky faucets as soon as possible. A hot water leak is an energy drain.5. Weatherstrip and caulk your doors, windows and penetrations into the attic or crawl space that allow warm air to escape.4. Replace the furnace filter and clean the outside coil on your air conditioner.Although he qualified for federal tax incentives, McNeal said installing the solar panels and other energy-efficiency initiatives was an environment decision - not a financial decision.Other services include grooming, bathing, behavioral medicine, dental care, emergency care, a pharmacy and surgery.McNeal said all the energy-efficiency and environmental improvements have been worth the expense and effort.Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, and skin may be pale, cool, or flushed. The victim will also exhibit a weak pulse, with fainting, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.3. Some sources suggest you wear �light colored, loose fitting clothes.� However, that�s only if you�re going outside. If you go outside, go with that rule and also wear a loose fitting hat or carry an umbrella for shade. Forget the fashion rules, follow the heat rules. (By the way, royal blue and/or white are the best colors to wear for their heat reflective qualities. Ever wonder why most tarps and boat awnings are blue? This is why.) For indoors though, forget all those rules and go with the �bare as you dare� notion. The more exposed skin you have the more efficient your cooling-by-sweating process can work. Also, be sure to tie up long hair, and if you have a beard, consider shaving in order to remove all that facial insulation.5. Failing to find another source of AC, and considering that the power might be out, here are a couple more tips. First, stand-alone floor unit air conditioners aren�t that expensive and can run off regular household current without the need for the special 220 volt outlets. This means that they can be operated using the smaller gas-powered electric generators. Can�t afford a generator? You can probably afford a power inverter which can sometimes be found for under twenty dollars. They plug into your car�s cigarette lighter and, using an extension cord, can power an appliance like your stand-alone AC, or at least some fans. Speaking of your car, if nothing else, if your car has AC you can ride around during the hottest hours of the day, providing you can afford today�s gas prices. If absolutely nothing else, go to your nearest �dollar store� and see if they have any of those little battery-powered fans.2. Close the blinds before the sun gets a chance to heat up the house. Open windows at night to cool down the house.1. Drink plenty of cool water to keep yourself hydrated and reduce your body�s core temperature. (Warm water won�t do this, and cold water might be a shock to sensitive systems.) Drink regularly, every hour, even if you don�t feel thirsty. Avoid soft drinks and alcoholic drinks that are actually diuretic and rob your body of the water it desperately needs.1. Use a ceiling, box or oscillating fan. The moving air cools you, creating less reliance on air conditioning.McNeal also installed an Ecobee Smart Thermostat, allowing him to monitor and control the temperature from remote locations. He is considering seeking LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.8. When replacing an old air conditioner, look for a more efficient one (SEER 14 or higher), preferably an ENERGY STAR� qualified model.8. Keep your fireplace damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.9. Install window film or storm windows if you have single-pane windows.7. Now that we�ve talked about keeping you cool in the heat, let�s backtrack a bit and talk about reducing the heat you might experience. Naturally, the first rule is �block the sun.� Do what you can to reduce the sunlight that hits your house or comes in through the windows. Keep the shades drawn, and you might even consider hanging a white sheet or blue tarp as an outside awning on the side(s) of the house that catch the most sun. These tarps are also effective if placed on the roof as they�ll reflect the sun�s rays.4. Maintain your furnace or heat pump regularly to keep things running smoothly and efficiently.The solar panels were installed earlier this month by Sun City Solar of Oklahoma City.The building was in need of energy modifications when he purchased the veterinary hospital five years ago, McNeal said.He became concerned about the environmental effect of the clinic after he purchased Ranchwood Veterinary Hospital in 2005.7. Weatherstrip and caulk your doors and windows if you can see light or feel air coming through them.4. Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120�F (unless your dishwasher requires a higher temperature).Winter Tips

10. Use power management settings on your computer. Turn off your computer and monitor at the end of your work session.




Author: Yoni Levy


How To Safely Remove Ice Dams From Your Home


This article was written to explain the causes of ice dams and how to remove them safely. For more information or pictures of the processes see ice dam removals.


Nuisance Wildlife TrappingHere are a few more steps you can take to substantially improve your home�s energy efficiency.General Cooling Tips:You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters and not realize the significance of the damage that may be occurring behind them. Icicles are usually one of the first warning signs of possible ice dams on your roof. This article will explain what ice dams are, how they form and the best methods for removing them safely.Conserve energy and enjoy natural cool night breezes this summer. Turn off your air conditioner, and save hundreds of dollars by cooling your house with a whole house fan.* Insulation in walls, floors, and attic.Properly ventilating and insulating the attic is usually the best way to prevent ice dams. The usual recommendation for proper ventilation is 1 square foot of vent for every 150 feet of attic floor area but each climate region may have it's own recommendations so I would suggest contacting a licensed local insulation company near you. If you have small louvered vents at either end of the attic known as gable vents you can either replace them with larger vents, or install an electric vent fan over the inside of them. These special fans usually work on a thermostat and will pull outside air into the attic to keep the temperature inside consistent.Keep in mind that an energy efficient air conditioner alone will not have as great an impact on your energy bills as using an approach that involves the entire house. If you combine proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, weatherisation and thermostat settings, you can reduce your energy bills by up to 50%.We also provide Referrals for other services.The art of ice dam removal. By Henry's HouseworkConsider Purchasing an Annual Maintenance AgreementRegardless of the type of home comfort systems you have in your house, you can save money and increase comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment.How can I prevent ice dams in the future?Here are some of the heating & cooling factors your audit should take into consideration:* Efficiency of heating and cooling systems � Condition of filters, etc.Cleaning the gutters on your home can help prevent ice dams from occurring as quickly but they can still occur if the conditions are right. The gutters will be just as cold as it is outside and in some cases, full of frozen debris. So even if you don't have a soffit for the water to refreeze in, the melted water will most likely refreeze when flowing into the gutters.* Quality of insulation in doors* Quality of Windows � Single or double paneTo achieve the maximum in total home comfort and energy savings, we recommend that you step back and look at the big picture of energy consumption in your villa. The fact is, your total home comfort and efficiency is the product of many systems: heating, cooling, lighting & electrical, plumbing and possibly others working together. It is the interplay between these systems, combined with the size, age, physical features and location of your home, and even your lifestyle, that combine to produce the total energy efficiency of your home. Changing or upgrading one system, without considering the other factors will usually result in some improvement, but may not deliver the maximum possible benefit.Deck Cleaning and Restoration, Deck Cleaning and Sealing.* Use house fans. House fans help cool your home by circulating cool air throughout the house. They are most effective when the outside air temperature is cooler than the inside and when operated at night. An attic fan can blow away hot air that accumulates in the attic. This can go a long way to help the efficiency of your air conditioning system.* Don't reduce your thermostat setting to a colder temperature than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

We also provide Referrals for other services.




Author: Henry Bockman


Air Conditioning Energy Saving Tips


It costs you more money and uses more energy to heat and cool your home than any other system in your home. Typically, 44% to 50% of your utility bills pays for heating and cooling your home.


* Use of "passive" solar energy* Keep lamps and TV sets away from your air conditioning thermostat.Take a Holistic Approach to Total Home Energy Conservation* Vapor Barriers in wallsans in individual rooms. Make sure you set the fan of your central air system to shut off at the same time of your cooling unit (compressor).* Set the fan speed on high, except in humid weather. When it's humid, set the fan speed on low.Properly removing an ice dam can be quite dangerous if you don't know how. In the past some members of the media suggested hiring a contractor to pull the gutters off your home so the whole ice dam process would be solved. This suggestion was well intended but wrong. Contractors that started removing gutters caused significant damage to roofing and guttering systems, then when the snow melted it dropped next to the homes foundation and caused the basements to flood.Our main commercial and residential services include:* Consider ceiling fans to help spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.One of the great benefits of whole house fans is that they will cool your house to a lower temperature than an air conditioner will when the temperature outside at night drops lower than the temperature that your air conditioner is set to. Thus, not only will it suck the hot air out of your house, but it will also suck some of the heat absorbed in the walls, floors and ceilings out of your house out too. Then in the morning, when the temperature is the lowest, close all of the windows in order to keep the heat of the day out. In this way you will start the day with a nice cool house that can absorb a fair amount of heat as the temperature climbs outside before the interior starts to become uncomfortable. The more thermal mass such as masonry or plaster walls, concrete, hardwood and/or tile floors that a house has, the more heat it can absorb during the day and be exhausted by the fan at night.For more information on ice dams and other articles we have written, please see our website at http://www.henryshousework.comUse an Air Conditioner with a high Efficiency RatingBigger Is Not Necessarily Better - A bigger room air-conditioning unit won't necessarily make you feel more comfortable during the hot summer months and will most likely perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized unit. Room units work better if they run for relatively long periods of time as opposed to being constantly switched on and off. The longer running time an air conditioner is allowed to maintain, the easier it is for the unit to hold a more constant room temperature. Running longer also allows air conditioning units to remove more moisture from the air, which reduces humidity and increases the comfort level in the room. Check specifications carefully when choosing the right air conditioner for your space. Central air-conditioning systems also require proper sizing. Professionals, however, should perform the sizing of your central air system. Also, do not use the system's central fan to provide circulation. Instead, use circulating f!What is an ice dam?Select a room air conditioner that has an A rating or 10 or higher.If you�re building a new villa, or considering a major remodel or system upgrade, consider an Integrated Systems approach. It may cost a little more now, but will undoubtedly save you a bundle over time. Our skilled engineers and technicians will look at the big picture when designing a solution for your home.How can I remove an existing ice dam?Two precautions that you should take are to and to seal all of the holes and cracks between the house and the attic and to make sure that you have adequate ventilation form your attic to the outside. There should be about one square foot of clear vent space to the outside from the attic for every 750 cfm of fan volume. If these precautions are not taken the fan will push hot dusty air right back in to your house.Make sure your Air Conditioner is properly sizedThe two possible downsides to a whole house fan are the noise of the fan and the introduction of allergens into the house. The fan we had growing up provided a constant hum that just became a nice background noise and actually helped to put me to sleep. Many of the fans available today are quieter than those made in the past, and many of them have a low speed setting so that they operate even more quietly. With respect to allergens, if someone in the house has a problem with seasonal summertime allergies then you probably shouldn't consider a whole house fan.* Turn off the air conditioner if the house (or air-conditioned rooms) will be unoccupied for an extended period. Use a programmable thermostat to turn Air off and on automatically when you know the house will be unoccupied.* Use of curtains and other window coverings to prevent heat lossComplete power washing services including roofs, siding And more!* Heat loss around doors and windowsGutter Cleaning, Gutter Repairs, Gutter Installation, and Gutter Guard Systems.Immediate action: Remove snow and ice dam from the roof this will eliminate the main ingredients necessary for the formation of another ice dam and will usually stop the water from coming in within an hour. Using a roof rake and push broom (not water) remove the snow by carefully pulling it down the slope of the roof line. Never pull snow across the roof or it may break off the shingles and other damages. Then carefully chip away a channel through the ice dam so the water will be able to flow through, just make sure you stop when you get close to the roofing. It's not necessary to remove all of the ice in the gutters or the ice dam itself if you have removed the snow from the roof, it will melt when the temperatures rise.The place to begin when evaluating your home�s overall energy efficiency and deciding how to reduce consumption and costs is with a Home Energy Audit. This takes into consideration much more than just your heating and cooling systems, and will give you a benchmark from which to make decisions and measure your energy saving progress.Conduct a Home Energy Audit* Shade air-conditioning units by planting trees or shrubs, but make sure you do not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses up to 10% less electricity than one operating in the sun.Ice dams are usually caused by heavy snowfall and improper ventilation in the attic. This causes warmer areas in your attic then the snow begins to melt, even when the outside temperature is well below freezing. When the accumulated snow on your roof starts melting it runs down your roof underneath the snow until it reaches a "colder" section like the soffit's, valleys or in gutters then it begins to freeze again, this process of thawing and refreezing is what causes an ice dam.* Integrity of ductwork �� Any leaksIce Dam RemovalPerforming ice dam removal is risking severe personal injury and damage to the roof if not done properly. Never walk on a snow covered roof and make sure if your using a ladder you follow the proper safety procedures. I highly suggest contacting professionals with the proper equipment and roofing experience to carry out this job.* Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible. By maintaining a minimum difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, you�ll lower your overall cooling bill.What causes ice dams

Select a room air conditioner that has an A rating or 10 or higher.




Author: Chris Blackburn


Beat the Summer Heat and Conserve Energy with a Whole House Fan


I grew up in a house with a whole house fan, and no air-conditioning. The fan was great when the temperature went down into the 60's at night, it pulled cool air throughout the entire house and cooled it down quite nicely. It even helped after those scorching hot days when the temperature only dropped to the mid 80's at night, it kept a gentle breeze flowing throughout the house all night. I'm sure it saved my parents hundreds of dollars even back then, and installing one in your house can save you up to 50% on your cooling bills every year or up to 90% if you eliminate conventional air conditioners all together.


An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, usually at the gutters or soffit. When it forms the water then backs up behind the ice dam and creates a pool of water. This pool of water can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areasYou�ve heard the old adage, "If it ain�t broke, don�t fix it?" Well that doesn�t apply to your air conditioner any more than it does to your automobile. However, when your system is operating properly, it is easy to forget. Regular maintenance will save you the time money and headaches of premature system failures and major repairs. It will ensure that your system is always working at peak efficiency and help you avoid excessive energy costs.Roof Repairs, Roof Inspections

Conserve energy and enjoy natural cool night breezes this summer. Turn off your air conditioner, and save hundreds of dollars by cooling your house with a whole house fan.




Author: Dan Bossenbroek


U.S. Sunlight Corporation Introduces Major Advancement in Solar Attic Ventilation


Recently, solar powered attic fans have gained broad appeal as an effective tool in proper attic ventilation and, supported by teams of excellent customer representatives and an expanding dealer network, U.S. Sunlight Corporation has risen to become the leader in the industry.


The flames tore through a floor separating ground-level and a second-story apartment, while also reaching into a third apartment. Smoke damaged three more apartments.The fans, which exhaust air at a rate of 800 to 1200 cfm, are mounted with intake vents (such as soffit and gable vents) to offer high-capacity powered ventilation without electric functioning costs.With thousands of Solar Powered Attic Fans sold since its founding, U.S. Sunlight Corporation has now also answered these plaguing questions with the introduction of the Solar Controller with Dual Mode Technology.Compared to powered vent lovers, there is no need for electrical electrical wiring, and a solar ventilator uses not any electricity (hence avoiding operating cost). Although equipment charges are greater for photo voltaic powered attic fans as compared to conventional powered fans (regarding $200 more), the cost to bring electro-mechanical wiring to the attic to produce a conventional ventilator closes the distance on installed cost.Damage estimates have not been released.One of the biggest disadvantage in this gadget is the fact that solar powered attic fans depend on a strong supply of sunlight to function. On cloudy days and nights they may not work well, if at all, unless you also purchase photovoltaic batteries to store strength for those occasions. And of course, this doesn�t work at night.

Media Contact: Gareth Yiu 925-271-7611 Email Contact




UPDATE: Fire that displaced 28 people caused by electrical cord


A blaze Tuesday at the Camelot Apartments in southeast Colorado Springs happened when a room fan sitting on its electrical cord caused the cord to overheat and spark, fire officials said.


Another thought is cost. Expense is one of the most significant reasons people hesitate to invest in free and clean solar powered energy since it requires much special equipment. Solar Powered Attic Fans are no exception. Depending on the scale your attic you may need a number of to ventilate the entire space and that cost can add up quickly.Media Contact: Gareth Yiu 925-271-7611 Email ContactNow you know it is running The Solar Controller also comes with a remote control unit that allows homeowners to check the fan's operating status from any room in their house. Additionally, consumers will be able to display current temperature and humidity conditions in their attic -- all at the push of a button. Find out more at www.ussunlight.com , or call 866-446-0966.Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineHowever, since the launch of the first solar powered attic fan, consumers have been asking the same questions: "Will it run at night? How do I know if it's running?"Dunmire Property Management, which runs the complex, provided hotel rooms for all who were left without a place to stay. President Crystal Dunmire said vacant apartments would be provided Wednesday for resident to move into long term.

Dunmire Property Management, which runs the complex, provided hotel rooms for all who were left without a place to stay. President Crystal Dunmire said vacant apartments would be provided Wednesday for resident to move into long term.




Author: JAKOB RODGERS


Solar Powered Attic Fans - A Whole New Breakthrough In Utilizing Solar Power


Adding Solar Powered Attic Fans are quick and easy and commonly take about half an hour to build by yourself. This is especially true for photovoltaic lights, solar powered garden lights and solar powered battery chargers.


What is the Solar Controller ? In short, it's a controller that intelligently controls the solar fan operation. It has a built-in humidistat and temperature sensor to monitor the attic environment and optimize fan operation. The best part is -- its optional power adapter gives users the choice to connect house electricity to the fan when solar is not available for true hybrid functionality. For up to 6 hours of operation after sunlight is no longer available, the Solar Controller's smart logic enables the fan to run after dark in an 8-min ON, 22-min OFF cycle every 30 minutes. Attic Ventilation can continue into the evening, and the operating cost when operating on house electricity is less than $5 per year. This is the perfect solution to continue attic ventilation after the sun has set or on cloudy, humid days. Add the 30% tax rebate for solar attic fans and you have a perfect savings combination.People make the change to solar energy to escape using fossil fuels and pollutants, taking small steps at any given time. Some people use solar powered lights to conserve electricity. Some make use of helpful solar powered generator when electricity does not work out.Some people go for a full alteration, generating all of their power needs, while some invest more gently. However you decide to use solar energy, the actual steps you're taking are helping the planet by reducing throw away in landfills, and dwelling a greener lifestyle. The more people that will manage to reduce their adverse impact on the environment, the better for everyone.The Pikes Peak Chapter of the American Red Cross sent their Disaster Action Team to the apartments to help find housing for the group displaced residents.They usually cost you nothing to operate, simply because they use free and numerous solar energy and can help to reduce your energy bills. They ventilate the attic as well as dissipate all that heat, making everything cooler and reducing moisture buildup. And that just can assist maintain the value of your home, preventing damage.The fire, which was put out by evening, started about 5 p.m. and displaced 28 people from the complex near Airport Road and Murray Boulevard.There's 2 basic types of solar powered attic fans on the market: the all-in-one model or a solar attic fan kit. Choosing the right style to your home is dependent upon several aspects. The size and layout of your house as well as your personal budget will probably all play a role in finding out which model will be best for you.Forty firefighters responded to the blaze. Smoke billowed from a four-unit building on the west side of the complex when firefighters arrived, while flames shot out of a ground-level window.Putting in photo voltaic powered attic fans irresponsibly possesses the risk of fire or filling your attic with carbon dioxide. You need to be certain there's enough intake openings to circumvent this specific potential threat.Many companies now offer solar powered attic fans to ventilate attics and help keep attics cooler. Solar powered fans rely on a small (generally 10- or 20-watt) solar panel to power a DC motor when the sun is shining.

Some people go for a full alteration, generating all of their power needs, while some invest more gently. However you decide to use solar energy, the actual steps you're taking are helping the planet by reducing throw away in landfills, and dwelling a greener lifestyle. The more people that will manage to reduce their adverse impact on the environment, the better for everyone.




Author: Shane Green


Monday, July 11, 2011

Jail for gentleman farming cannabis in his attic


Byline: EXAMINER


A Guy set up a cannabis farm in the attic of his Huddersfield family home - to carry in money when he was laid off from do the trick.


But at Bradford Crown Court, 44-year-previous Phillip Holmes was jailed for 18 months.


Holmes' dwelling in Cowlersley Lane, Cowlersley, was raided by police in March and officers found out 27 mature cannabis plants escalating in the converted attic.


Prosecutor Ewan McLachlan told the court yesterday that many different devices such as lighting, fans and reflective sheeting had been set up in the attic and a cable bypassing the electrical energy meter was currently being employed to strength the strategy.


It was believed that the plants could have yielded extra than two kilograms of skunk cannabis with a street value of close to pounds 20,000.


Holmes was not existing when the police swooped, but he was arrested later that day and admitted setting up the technique.


"He told the police that he was likely to be laid off from give good results and set up the method in get to provide cannabis and have some for himself," stated Mr McLachlan.


Holmes admitted remaining a serious person of cannabis and it emerged during yesterday's hearing that in 2007 he had been given a neighborhood sentence for rising the drug and abstracting electric power.


Last month Holmes once more admitted generating cannabis and possessing the drug with intent to provide, but Judge Jonathan Rose was told that he only intended to provide the cannabis to a colleague.


The court heard that Holmes planned to use some of the drug and preserve the relaxation in his freezer in the wish that it would last him about a yr.


Judge Rose told Holmes there had been "a rash" of cannabis farms currently being set up in homes in latest ages and the message had to get out that people involved would shed their liberty.


He says regardless of the warning Holmes acquired in 2007 he had manufactured a calculated judgement to break the law.


"You made the decision to embark on a criminal enterprise to be sure that you and people had a all set supply of cannabis," claimed Judge Rose.


"You had been even likely to area it in your freezer to lay down supplies for the 12 months in advance."


CAPTION(S):


FARM: The house in Cowlersley

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Beat The Heat And Survive The Summer


The �Dog Days� of summer are almost upon us and record temperatures are sweeping the country. Unfortunately we have the highest number of elderly and medically fragile people in history, and an aging infrastructure that is feeling the strain of heavy electrical use as our senior citizens struggle to stay cool.


We�re here to give you tips and tricks to help you beat the heat should you be susceptible to extreme temperatures, or should your power be out. Here�s a short list of suggestions:


1. Drink plenty of cool water to keep yourself hydrated and reduce your body�s core temperature. (Warm water won�t do this, and cold water might be a shock to sensitive systems.) Drink regularly, every hour, even if you don�t feel thirsty. Avoid soft drinks and alcoholic drinks that are actually diuretic and rob your body of the water it desperately needs.


2. Eat small, light, non-spicy meals. Eating heavy meals cranks your metabolism and can raise your body temperature. Also, digestion robs you of energy. Since the heat is already robbing you of some energy, you don�t need to add to this drain by taxing the digestive system. However, don�t skip meals since it�s food that replenishes the electrolytes you lose through sweating and increased water consumption.


3. Some sources suggest you wear �light colored, loose fitting clothes.� However, that�s only if you�re going outside. If you go outside, go with that rule and also wear a loose fitting hat or carry an umbrella for shade. Forget the fashion rules, follow the heat rules. (By the way, royal blue and/or white are the best colors to wear for their heat reflective qualities. Ever wonder why most tarps and boat awnings are blue? This is why.) For indoors though, forget all those rules and go with the �bare as you dare� notion. The more exposed skin you have the more efficient your cooling-by-sweating process can work. Also, be sure to tie up long hair, and if you have a beard, consider shaving in order to remove all that facial insulation.


4. Though �bare as you dare� is the way to go indoors in limited AC, most of us would prefer to have good air conditioning. If yours is out, or if power sources are uncertain, go someplace that has AC like the mall or other places that don�t mind people coming in and hanging around a while. Also, you can �AC pool� with friends just like you�d car pool. Go to a friend�s house who has a good AC system.


5. Failing to find another source of AC, and considering that the power might be out, here are a couple more tips. First, stand-alone floor unit air conditioners aren�t that expensive and can run off regular household current without the need for the special 220 volt outlets. This means that they can be operated using the smaller gas-powered electric generators. Can�t afford a generator? You can probably afford a power inverter which can sometimes be found for under twenty dollars. They plug into your car�s cigarette lighter and, using an extension cord, can power an appliance like your stand-alone AC, or at least some fans. Speaking of your car, if nothing else, if your car has AC you can ride around during the hottest hours of the day, providing you can afford today�s gas prices. If absolutely nothing else, go to your nearest �dollar store� and see if they have any of those little battery-powered fans.


6. Can�t afford a stand-alone AC but you have a generator? Your generator or power inverter can also power your fridge and/or freezer where you should have two-liter plastic bottles full of water filling up every empty space in both the fridge and freezer parts. Having cold water is a great thing. You drink cool water and use cold water to soak towels to wrap around your neck, wrists, and ankles where the veins and arteries are closest to the surface. This is one of the best ways to reduce your body temperature. Also, setting up a few of the frozen two-liter bottles in front of a fan can blow a nice cool breeze your way. (Write us at info@disasterprep101.com and we�ll email you instructions for a homemade AC unit that uses these two-liter plastic bottles.)


7. Now that we�ve talked about keeping you cool in the heat, let�s backtrack a bit and talk about reducing the heat you might experience. Naturally, the first rule is �block the sun.� Do what you can to reduce the sunlight that hits your house or comes in through the windows. Keep the shades drawn, and you might even consider hanging a white sheet or blue tarp as an outside awning on the side(s) of the house that catch the most sun. These tarps are also effective if placed on the roof as they�ll reflect the sun�s rays.


8. Next in cooling the house come ventilation and insulation. If you have an attic, and the power is on, you should have a vent fan that keeps air flowing through the attic. Along with that, we suggest you have roof vent turbines, or a ridge vent (your home supply store can tell you all about these). In extremely hot weather, you might set a garden sprinkler on your roof and let it run for the hottest couple of hours of the day provided your area is not on water restriction. As for �insulation� one way to insulate parts of the house is to close off seldom-used rooms (especially those on the sunny side of the house), and close off their AC vents if any. This blocks heat and also reduces the area that your limited AC has to cool.


While we�re here, we�d be remiss in our duties if we failed to give you the symptoms of sunstroke and heat exhaustion, both of which require medical attention:


Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, and skin may be pale, cool, or flushed. The victim will also exhibit a weak pulse, with fainting, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.


Sun Stroke (sometimes called heat stroke): Symptoms are high body temperature, hot, dry, red, skin (usually with no sweating), rapid shallow breathing, and a weak pulse. Sun stroke is the more dangerous of the two.


The most immediate first aid for either of these is to get the victim into a cool spot, and reduce their body temperature with ice-cold wet towels around the neck, wrist, and ankles. You can also put them in a bathtub of cool water. Don�t use cold water in the tub as that will shock the system. Regardless of your first aid measures, you should seek immediate medical assistance.


Remember, hot weather is nothing to ignore, even if you�re not among the elderly or medically fragile. Heat can affect everyone. Play it safe, stay cool, avoid exertion, and stay healthy. Also, when considering heat safety, don�t forget your pets.




Author: Paul Purcell

Not just a pet project: Audit leads Oklahoma City vet to energy


Rick McNeal, owner of Ranchwood Veterinary Hospital in south Oklahoma City, realized he had an expensive problem.


"I knew I was hemorrhaging a large amount of money in energy costs," he said. "I was paying about $1,600 every month."


So McNeal had an energy audit on the about 4,000-square-foot veterinary hospital at 10505 S. Santa Fe Ave.


The audit resulted in a series of environmentally friendly and energy-efficiency initiatives at the veterinary hospital, including the installation of solar panels, radiant barriers, solar attic fans and new insulation.


The solar panels were installed earlier this month by Sun City Solar of Oklahoma City.


During the first week with 10 solar panels in operation the veterinary clinic saved 76.7 kilowatt-hours of energy use, McNeal said. When the entire system is operational, it will include 22 solar panels.


NcNeal said he has long been concerned with environmental issues.


"The environment has been an obsession with me since I was a child," he said.


He became concerned about the environmental effect of the clinic after he purchased Ranchwood Veterinary Hospital in 2005.


"I realized I could serve as an example to other people," he said. "Solar power is a logical extension of being a good steward of the environment and sets an example for my employees and the community."


Other energy-efficiency efforts include replacing florescent lights in most of the veterinary clinic.


"We went from 3,200 watts of lighting in the office area to 320 watts," he said.


McNeal also installed an Ecobee Smart Thermostat, allowing him to monitor and control the temperature from remote locations. He is considering seeking LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.


The building was in need of energy modifications when he purchased the veterinary hospital five years ago, McNeal said.


What is now home of Ranchwood Veterinary Hospital was built for residential use in the 1960s, but has been used as an animal clinic and the clinic's Pet Resort for three decades. The need for improvements only increased since the veterinary office was constructed for residential use and not a veterinary clinic and because of its age.


Early improvements after McNeal purchased the building and veterinary hospital included tasks as simple as caulking and plugging holes, he said.


Although he qualified for federal tax incentives, McNeal said installing the solar panels and other energy-efficiency initiatives was an environment decision - not a financial decision.


"When I retire it may have paid for itself or it might not have paid for itself," he said. "Either way it was the right decision at this time."


A native of Moore, McNeal developed an interest in becoming a veterinarian early.


"I remember driving by here when I was a kid and telling my parents I wanted to be a veterinarian," he said.


He attended Moore public schools and graduated from Westmoore High School in 1990. His wife, Tera, was his high school sweetheart.


McNeal received an associate degree from Oklahoma City Community College in 1991 and a bachelor's degree in zoology from Oklahoma State University in 1993. He earned his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from OSU in 1998 and worked as a veterinarian in south Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Norman and Newcastle before buying Ranchwood Veterinary Hospital in 2005.


The clinic has 12 employees, including three veterinarians in addition to McNeal. The facility includes a pet boarding area. What was the backyard for the house is divided into exercise areas for dogs at Ranchwood Veterinary Hospital's Pet Resort and pets coming for day-care services.


Other services include grooming, bathing, behavioral medicine, dental care, emergency care, a pharmacy and surgery.


McNeal said all the energy-efficiency and environmental improvements have been worth the expense and effort.


"I would do it all over again for sure," he said.




Author: David Page

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Practical Pointers To Preserve On Your Electrical energy Bill


Electricity is a useful resource to everybody under the sun in our local community. Without the need of it, we are simply left in the darkish. That is why helping our customers use electrical power safely and effectively is so indispensable.


Winter Suggestions


1. Consistently thoroughly clean or exchange the air filter in your furnace.


2. Flip down the thermostat at night and when the dwelling is empty, or install a programmable thermostat.


3. In the course of the day, let the sun heat your place by opening curtains and blinds. Be sure to shut them yet again in the night.


four. Keep up your furnace or heat pump consistently to hold points jogging smoothly and efficiently.


5. Weatherstrip and caulk your doors, windows and penetrations into the attic or crawl area that allow warm air to escape.


6. Enhance insulation in the attic, walls and crawl space, if applicable.


seven. To protect your pipes and always keep it warmer below the flooring, make certain your crawl room vents are closed.


eight. Maintain your fireplace damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.


9. Set up window movie or storm windows if you have single-pane windows.


ten. Use a timer or movement sensor for outdoor lights so they are on only when needed.


Summer Methods


1. Use a ceiling, box or oscillating admirer. The relocating air cools you, producing significantly less reliance on air conditioning.


two. Close the blinds previously the sun gets a possibility to warmth up the home. Open windows at evening to cool down the household.


three. During the warmth of the day, hold windows and exterior doors closed.


4. Switch the furnace filter and cleanse the outside coil on your air conditioner.


five. Don�t significantly flip down the temperature on your thermostat. Your dwelling won�t cool down any a lot quicker.


6. To keep it operating easily, routine a tune-up for your air conditioner or warmth pump.


seven. Weatherstrip and caulk your doors and windows if you can see light or come to feel air coming via them.


eight. When replacing an older air conditioner, look for a further successful 1 (SEER 14 or bigger), preferably an Electricity STAR� trained design.


9. Hang your laundry to dry. As a bonus, your outfits will odor greater than ever.


ten. Cook with a microwave or a barbeque as a substitute of the stove or oven. It will heat up your meals but not your kitchen.


Year-round Suggestions


1. Decide on compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) when replacing light bulbs.


2. Always choose for Electricity STAR� trained bulbs and fixtures.


3. Turn off lights that aren�t in use, even energy successful lights.


four. Reduce the temperature on your h2o heater to 120�F (unless your dishwasher usually requires a larger temperature).


five. For an older scorching drinking water heater, take into account a h2o heater blanket. Check out your handbook prior to set up.


six. Fix leaky faucets as shortly as possible. A very hot water leak is an power drain.


7. Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes and use water- and vitality saving settings - and cold water - when doable.


8. Substitute the refrigerator door gasket if you can slip an envelope concerning the door and the body.


nine. Unplug your 2nd refrigerator and put all your foods in a single.


10. Use ability management settings on your laptop. Turn off your pc and watch at the stop of your function session.




Author: Yoni Levy

How To Safely Remove Ice Dams From Your Home


This article was written to explain the causes of ice dams and how to remove them safely. For more information or pictures of the processes see ice dam removals.


The art of ice dam removal. By Henry's Housework


You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters and not realize the significance of the damage that may be occurring behind them. Icicles are usually one of the first warning signs of possible ice dams on your roof. This article will explain what ice dams are, how they form and the best methods for removing them safely.


What is an ice dam?


An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, usually at the gutters or soffit. When it forms the water then backs up behind the ice dam and creates a pool of water. This pool of water can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas


What causes ice dams


Ice dams are usually caused by heavy snowfall and improper ventilation in the attic. This causes warmer areas in your attic then the snow begins to melt, even when the outside temperature is well below freezing. When the accumulated snow on your roof starts melting it runs down your roof underneath the snow until it reaches a "colder" section like the soffit's, valleys or in gutters then it begins to freeze again, this process of thawing and refreezing is what causes an ice dam.


Cleaning the gutters on your home can help prevent ice dams from occurring as quickly but they can still occur if the conditions are right. The gutters will be just as cold as it is outside and in some cases, full of frozen debris. So even if you don't have a soffit for the water to refreeze in, the melted water will most likely refreeze when flowing into the gutters.


How can I remove an existing ice dam?


Properly removing an ice dam can be quite dangerous if you don't know how. In the past some members of the media suggested hiring a contractor to pull the gutters off your home so the whole ice dam process would be solved. This suggestion was well intended but wrong. Contractors that started removing gutters caused significant damage to roofing and guttering systems, then when the snow melted it dropped next to the homes foundation and caused the basements to flood.


WARNING!


Performing ice dam removal is risking severe personal injury and damage to the roof if not done properly. Never walk on a snow covered roof and make sure if your using a ladder you follow the proper safety procedures. I highly suggest contacting professionals with the proper equipment and roofing experience to carry out this job.


Immediate action: Remove snow and ice dam from the roof this will eliminate the main ingredients necessary for the formation of another ice dam and will usually stop the water from coming in within an hour. Using a roof rake and push broom (not water) remove the snow by carefully pulling it down the slope of the roof line. Never pull snow across the roof or it may break off the shingles and other damages. Then carefully chip away a channel through the ice dam so the water will be able to flow through, just make sure you stop when you get close to the roofing. It's not necessary to remove all of the ice in the gutters or the ice dam itself if you have removed the snow from the roof, it will melt when the temperatures rise.


How can I prevent ice dams in the future?


Properly ventilating and insulating the attic is usually the best way to prevent ice dams. The usual recommendation for proper ventilation is 1 square foot of vent for every 150 feet of attic floor area but each climate region may have it's own recommendations so I would suggest contacting a licensed local insulation company near you. If you have small louvered vents at either end of the attic known as gable vents you can either replace them with larger vents, or install an electric vent fan over the inside of them. These special fans usually work on a thermostat and will pull outside air into the attic to keep the temperature inside consistent.


For more information on ice dams and other articles we have written, please see our website at http://www.henryshousework.com


Our main commercial and residential services include:


Gutter Cleaning, Gutter Repairs, Gutter Installation, and Gutter Guard Systems.


Deck Cleaning and Restoration, Deck Cleaning and Sealing.


Complete power washing services including roofs, siding And more!


Roof Repairs, Roof Inspections


Nuisance Wildlife Trapping


Ice Dam Removal


We also provide Referrals for other services.




Author: Henry Bockman

Friday, July 8, 2011

Bathroom Extractor Enthusiasts


Essentials in Setting up Bathroom Ventilation Fans


In routing and safeguarding the duct for the bathroom ventilation supporter take into account the adhering to:


Make convinced that the bathroom ventilation fan carrier the air within the bathroom all the way outdoors the dwelling.


If you will want to have an older about:

Good bathroom ventilation supporter duct structure works by using solid metal ducting, not flexible vent material. With the use of reliable ductwork has a smoother interior surface area that improves airflow, though it is indeed way more issues and a bit alot more expensive to install.


Just take be aware that brown mildew can increase on the attic aspect of the roof sheathing if the bathroom vent is spilled into the soffit.


In minimizing the condensation that will otherwise take place as warm moist bathroom vented air passes via awesome ductwork in the home attic or roof cavity.


The ducts have to be insulated, and a more beneficial installation would have shortened that very lengthy duct as much as achievable, departing to a soffit nearer to the bathroom.


Long bathroom ventilation admirer duct runs decrease the power of the fan to transfer air.


Employing authorized or louvered fitting, the bathroom ventilation enthusiast duct outlet should certainly be protected at the exterior of the dwelling.


Venting the bathroom enthusiasts into the crawl room is not a good idea.


Seeing as doing these will only put increased moisture into an place where it is currently heading to be a issue, encouraging development of mildew.


Remember that mold, mildew, odor can have an impact on our wellness, producing asthma or allergy symptoms in young children and can even bring about severe fungal infections in adults.


Spotting molds is not uncomplicated to do particularly if your have a giant dwelling.


So it is relevant to observe the right set up of bathroom ventilation enthusiasts is essential to avert mildew sort escalating in your house.




Author: Alan Wordsworth

U.S. Sunlight Corporation Introduces Major Advancement in Solar Attic Ventilation


Recently, solar powered attic fans have gained broad appeal as an effective tool in proper attic ventilation and, supported by teams of excellent customer representatives and an expanding dealer network, U.S. Sunlight Corporation has risen to become the leader in the industry.


However, since the launch of the first solar powered attic fan, consumers have been asking the same questions: "Will it run at night? How do I know if it's running?"


With thousands of Solar Powered Attic Fans sold since its founding, U.S. Sunlight Corporation has now also answered these plaguing questions with the introduction of the Solar Controller with Dual Mode Technology.


What is the Solar Controller ? In short, it's a controller that intelligently controls the solar fan operation. It has a built-in humidistat and temperature sensor to monitor the attic environment and optimize fan operation. The best part is -- its optional power adapter gives users the choice to connect house electricity to the fan when solar is not available for true hybrid functionality. For up to 6 hours of operation after sunlight is no longer available, the Solar Controller's smart logic enables the fan to run after dark in an 8-min ON, 22-min OFF cycle every 30 minutes. Attic Ventilation can continue into the evening, and the operating cost when operating on house electricity is less than $5 per year. This is the perfect solution to continue attic ventilation after the sun has set or on cloudy, humid days. Add the 30% tax rebate for solar attic fans and you have a perfect savings combination.


"The Solar Controller is the first real advancement in the solar attic fan industry since its inception. For the first time, this product will allow the homeowner to take true control of their attic ventilation," said Geoff Foreman, CEO of U.S. Sunlight Corp.


Now you know it is running The Solar Controller also comes with a remote control unit that allows homeowners to check the fan's operating status from any room in their house. Additionally, consumers will be able to display current temperature and humidity conditions in their attic -- all at the push of a button. Find out more at www.ussunlight.com , or call 866-446-0966.


Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine


Media Contact: Gareth Yiu 925-271-7611 Email Contact

Thursday, July 7, 2011

How to Air your Household


A further straight forward, eco-friendly way to are living green and healthy and balanced is to periodically air out your residence. Taking benefit of this regime releases out the reused, polluted air, and lets in a bath of new, cleaner air.


If not plenty of out of doors air gets inside a residence, wafting pollutants and Unstable Natural Compounds (VOCs) can accumulate and rise to amounts that can pose overall health and ease and comfort problems, these as increased allergens and asthma attacks. Significant heat and humidity also contribute to the trouble of indoor air pollutants.


Start off by checking the air circulation strategy already in your dwelling. Get started with with a clear, up-to-date, power-productive ventilation process. A multitude of mechanical ventilation methods designed into houses productively and regularly circulate the air. A great many houses also have outside-mounted fans that intermittently eliminate air from a single area, and intricate air-managing methods that use enthusiasts and duct do the trick to continuously remove indoor air while filtering in air-conditioned outside air. (Hint: These are air conditioners).


In addition to the mechanical processes, right here are two very simple, residence-airing procedures endorsed by allergists and environmentalists.


one. Passive methodology: Go with an afternoon when the temperature is over freezing, turn off the warmth (if applicable), open the windows, and let your home to air out for an hour and a 50 %. If you�re dwelling, open a little more windows or doors. Don�t cook something. Allow the dwelling breathe for a bit, without the need of squandering substantially natural electricity.


2. Lively system: Like the title suggests, this airing-out practice usually takes a little more effort. Once more, decide on an afternoon when the temperature is over freezing. In addition to turning off any heat sources, extinguish any fireplace or stove fires and shut any flues. (If you warmth your dwelling with an unsealed furnace, stove, or fireplace and the air supply is your place, you can only use the passive technique.)


Get started by setting up a fan in a window or attic to exhaust the air. Clean your family home extensively, and wear a mask when vacuuming. Immediately after cleansing, open a window wherever the supporter is not located, and then open the window with the fan and turn on the supporter.


Go into an extra place and open a window, and then return to the unique area with the open window, and shut it. Keep going this before you have consecutively performed every place, but the final window open. Go back again to the supporter, flip it off, and shut the window. Return to the closing room and near that window.


This lively method�s benefit is that a lot less property energy is wasted and if it�s cold out, albeit previously mentioned freezing, the household warms up a lot quicker than when you use the passive approach.


A good deal more guidelines to routinely hold your home�s indoor air cleaner: Greatly reduce the variety of VOC emitters, these types of as wood furnishings and vinyl shower curtains. Only use affordable-or-no-VOC paint. Remove cleaners that release toxins into the air, re-polluting it instead use homemade cleaners. Don�t smoke indoors.


Just imagine about how exceptional it feels to go outside for a breath of clean air following staying cooped up indoors. Your family home feels the very same way.


For a good deal more guidelines on exciting and rather simple procedures to preserve your household cleanse and balanced check out our Denver Cleansing Group website and click by to the blog.




Writer: Yelena Gertsenova