Why Upgrade to a USB Outlet: Changing the way you Charge.

Standard UCable

  Almar is always on the lookout for new products that are going to enhance our clients comfort in their home. I recently read an article in one of the Remodeling industry magazines about the new USB wall plug. These new outlets can be used to replace your existing wall outlet with one that includes two extra USB charging ports.

It seems like today everyone has an item or two (or for some of us a whole lot more) that needs to be plugged in into a USB charging slot. Our laptops, ipads, cell phones and regular phone, everything wireless all have that little USB plug, and for us many of the outlets in the house are taken up with devises. These USB Outlets are great solution when you don’t have a lot of outlets. So Almar often  recommends it as an upgraded option to homeowners when we are installing new outlets anyway.

UCable

According to FastMac’s website their U-Socket “is an AC receptacle with the added benefit of two built-in USB ports that can power any device that is charged via USB. Whether it's an iPhone, gaming device, digital camera, Kindle or an iPad, U-Socket can handle it all. Designed to replace an existing 3-prong wall outlet, U-Socket eliminates the clutter of AC adapters that stick out and take up space.”

There are some special electrical requirements (such as 14 gauge or larger wiring) required to be able to install this product so you should call Almar Building &Remodeling so we can have our electrical team assess if your home is ready to simply make the switch or if we need to make some electrical upgrades to get you ready.

http://fastmac.com/usocket.php/

Protecting Your Family from EEE

For those of us living on the South Shore of Massachusetts this year, we know it has been a tough summer for outdoor activities. From the oppressive heat to the heightened threat to EEE it has been hard to get outside and enjoy our decks and yards.  It has been especially hard for us having a little one at home, because I don’t want him to play inside on nice days

A recent Boston Globe Article by Kay Lazar & Zachary Sampson (8.8.12) stated that the EEE risk is as bad as it has been in decades. The article states; “This year’s infestation of mosquitoes infected with Eastern equine encephalitis is the most intense that Massachusetts has experienced in three decades, a top health official said Tuesday as the state announced a second round of aerial spraying. Barely two weeks after blanketing 21 Southeastern communities with pesticide, officials said that planes will again take to the skies over six of the cities and towns to prevent human-biting mosquitoes from spreading the often-fatal virus to residents. No human cases have been reported yet*, but health specialists are concerned about the threat to the public. “It’s extremely important that residents in these communities take immediate steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” said John Auerbach, the state’s public health commissioner.”

Auerback is also quoted in the article as saying “We have seen mammalbiting EEE-positive mosquitoes earlier this year than in anyone’s memory,” Auerbach said in an interview. He added that surveillance traps are catching an unusually high concentration of the infected insects.”

In addition to the spraying that some certain towns are going to be doing, officials remind people to stay indoors as dawn and dusk and wear bug spray. As I sat in our sunroom I was thinking how glad I was that we had a space that I could be both outdoors and inside.



Custom Sunroom with Deisgner Windows, Hanson Ma

A custom sunroom and screen room is a great idea for times like this where you want to enjoy the outside without necessarily being exposed to what’s outside. But what are your options?

 

1.    Include screening in an existing porch.

2.    Building a modular patio room, like The Classic Vinyl Patio Room by Harvey BuildingProducts

3.    Custom Sunroom.

 

Clearly you have the most options with a Custom Room though, you can choose from large rolling windows, to sliding patio doors. From square shape to custom shaped room. Designer Shaped Windows, different types of flooring, décor and much more.

With Designer Window shapes from Harvey Building Products: “you can add variety and individuality to your home with designer shaped windows. Our specialty shapes, including octagons, triangles, roundtops and full circles, offer unlimited opportunities to customize your windows. We also offer numerous grid options to enhance your interior design possibilities. Wood as well as composite trim can be specified on any specialty window for added value and beauty. Your imagination is your only limitation, with a virtually endless combination of sizes and shapes of windows.”

So call Almar Building & Remodeling (Hanover, Ma) and discuss how we can help you stay outdoors enjoying the weather with a screen room or sunroom.
 

*As of 8.9.12 1 human case has been confirmed.

For more information about EEE please visit: OneMillion Strong for Jeff Fuller. Jeff, a local man was infected with Triple E in August of 2012.

2012 Air Condition Appreciation Tips for Keeping Cool

We have had some hot days here in New England this summer, and I am sure we all have a renewed appreciation for our working Air Conditioning systems. This is why celebrating Air Condition Appreciation Days from July 3rd – August 15, 2012 seems like such a good idea. And as I sit here in my office researching good bits of Air Condition (A.C.) information to share with you, boy am I glad.

For most people in the United States A.C. seems like and absolutely essential utility, one that we cannot live without. 5% of electricity produced in the U.S. that is used to run air conditioners. This can be evidenced by the $11 Billion dollars a year we spend to run our A.C. units.[i] But just over 100 years ago long hot summer days and nights was the norm for everyone. Willis Haviland Carrier is attributed with creating the first successful Air Conditioner in 1902 for commercial applications. But it wasn’t until a 1906 patent application by Carrier that the term Air Conditioning was used by a textile engineer Stuart H. Cramer. Cramer used the phrase 'air conditioning' in a 1906 patent claim filed for a device that added water vapor to the air in textile plants - to condition the yarn.[ii]

Whether you have a window unit, mini-split wall unit, or a central air unit here is some ways you can stay cool, appreciate your air conditioner and give it a long shelf life:

·         Change the air filter every month. If you have central air.
·         Have it serviced every year. It will last longer and more efficiently.
       20%-50%- Percent of energy home owners could save by switching to high-efficiency air conditioners.[iii]
·         Turn your air conditioner down when you’ll be gone for a few hours.

·         When it’s time to replace or upgrade your unit purchase one with a temperature and timer control.

·         Turn off lights in rooms you aren’t using. Lights generate heat and will cause your air conditioner to work harder

·         Keep your blinds or shades down so the sun doesn’t heat up your rooms

·         Do not use your clothes dryer at the same time as your air conditioner. The dryer will produce excess heat
·         Cooking in the oven and using air conditioning is counter-productive when it’s seriously hot outside.

·         Don’t block the air ducts or the path of the air (Keep curtains, shades, plants, animals, mini-blinds away from the front and sides.)

·          Keep your central outdoor system free from any obstructions

·         Close any gaps between your air conditioner and the window sills with weather stripping

If you need your A.C. unit service Almar Building and Remodeling, Hanover Ma has teamed up with another fabulous local company Davis Mechanical in Braintree, Ma. Like Almar, Eric Davis and his team understand that your home is your castle and when you are home you want to be comfortable. They have ensured the comfort of many businesses and residences in the Greater Boston and South Shore area. Your concerns regarding rising energy costs, indoor air quality, energy tax credits and investing in name brand innovative products are just what they are focused on to better serve you.[iv] Check out some special offers from Davis Mechanical.

 

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[i] Air conditioning facts from the U.S. Dept. of Energy

[ii] http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa081797.htm

[iii] Air conditioning facts from the U.S. Dept. of Energy

[iv] http://www.davismechanical.net/about-us.php