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

Hanover Contractor: Pella Pro Expo 2012

By: Allison Q Guido, CS

Craig and I love to have the opportunity to get out of the office and attend new educational programs. We know that we can only keep improving ourselves and Almar Building & Remodeling by paying attention to new products and best business practices. So we were delighted to be invited to the Invitation only Pella Pro Expo held at Gillette Stadium.

This Expo featured not only seminars and workshops on the latest ‘hot topics’ in the remodeling industry but also included many well know manufacturers. It was great opportunity to have one on one time with the manufacturer’s reps themselves to ask specific questions and learn about
new products and improvements to old products.

It was great to see all the Pella window and door products up close especially
their new 350 Series. As stated on the Pella Website:

Pella 350 Series windows offer an exclusive energy-saving system with triple-pane glass making them Pella’s most energy-efficient products. Advanced technology makes them stronger and more durable. Distinctive styling gives them a more beautiful look. Choose from three frame colors, two grille types and multiple hardware finishes and styles.

Maintenance-free vinyl frames
Stronger and more durable with 61% more vinyl
Dual-color frame option
Optional triple-pane glass for maximum energy efficiency
Fold-away crank won't get in the way

We were also lucky enough to attend two seminars presented by Patrick O’Toole from Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler on marketing and technology trends in remodeling. Craig and I are looking forward to sorting thru all our notes and putting new processes to work for all our remodeling clients very soon.

And don’t forget to give us a call (781-826-2577) at Almar Remodeling Co to organize all of your remolding projects. Almar is located in Hanover Ma, and serves many South Shore towns like: Hanover, Scituate, Norwell, Hingham, Cohasset, Duxbury and Pembroke for all of your Home Remodeling needs (Additions, Kitchen Renovations, Bath Remodels, Basement Finishing)

Basement renovations of today are not your grandparent’s projects.

by: Craig H Guido, CS

For years wood paneling has been the staple of a finished basement.

The majority of basements were that we're finished in the 79's and 80's were done with faux wood paneling stapled to 2x4's with little or no insulation, making for a cold uninviting space. To day's basements can be designed in to more relevant and comfortable space in your home. Here are some tips on how you can make your basement into a more warning and inviting living

1. Lots of lighting: a basement should have more lighting than above-grade areas. Most basements don’t have a lot of natural light. And with today’s LED lighting options you can make a basement feel warm with artificial lighting.

2. Light wall and trim colors: because most basements have few or no windows utilizing light colors on the walls, trim and ceiling will help keep the room feeling more open.

3. Headroom is critical: You want to make sure that the ceiling height is as high as possible. So your design should addresses moving, relocating or installing new ducts and pipes in wires if possible. (There are state building code requirements about how high your ceiling height has to be.)

4. Use horizontal design elements to emphasize the width and length of the room rather than its lack of height. Set tiles in a diagonal pattern to make the room feel wider.

5. By adding a separate heating zone with its own thermostat you can control the temperature in just the new space, so when you’re not using the room you don’t have to heat the space.

6. Adding an extra Full-bathroom in the basement is a popular

way to increase the functionality and value of the house. Utilizing a well designed plan we can either find in stock items or you can opt for a custom shower, with some of the following options: built-in seat, steam, walk-in, and multiple heads. Saunas are also increasing in popularity.

7. Built in Cabinets and Shelving gives you are great place for extra storage without having to have a lot of furniture cluttering the space. Huntwood cabinets can be utilized to create an entertainment cabinet that the TV and components can be stored.

8. Built in Bar: By adding some Huntwood Cabinets (which we match to the kitchen cabinets) you can add some nice finishing touches to the room, and have a comfortable place to host your guests.

9. By adding some foundation sealant and a dehumidifier we can help reduce the moisture in the room and almost eliminate that tell-tale basement smell.

10. Spending the money to include a subfloor product like “Dri-Core” as a subfloor over the concrete prior to installing carpeting can help increase the air flow allowing the concrete to breathe reducing the potential for mold and mildew. This subfloor will also help the floor feel warmer by getting the flooring up off of the concrete.

With the right design tips you will appreciate your basement just as much as the other floors. The planning and designing that goes into a renovation is incredibly important and how much you do will have a noticeable effect on the budget. So consider these tips and for more suggestions ask your contractor.

Ten Things to Know when Buying Replacement Windows

By Terry Quinn: CS, CAGR, CAPS, VSI

Not all windows are the same. Some met Energy Star requirements and some don’t. There are many things we could go over but here are ten things you should know when evaluating & choosing windows and a professional installer.

1. Most advertisements that you see in the paper or mailings that list a price also list a United Inch size.
a. A United Inch is a figure arrived at by adding the width and the height together….so a 30 inch wide and 57 inch window is 87 united inches.
b. Many advertisements that you see for windows as low as $159 etc…are for small windows with a low united inch number.

2. Many advertisements that you see with prices included in the ad do not include installed pricing.

3. Replacement windows are installed in the frame of the existing window.
a.If you want to install a window that is a larger or smaller size than existing we may recommend a new construction window.

4. Most replacement window installations do not require new interior or exterior trim to be installed.
a. The existing interior trim can be removed and reinstalled. This will require some touch up paint be done.

5. The most important part of a replacement window installation is the insulating around the new units frame and the old window frame.
a. If you have an older home where the old windows had a weight/pulley system this also include making sure the old weight pocket is stuffed with insulation before the new window is installed.

6. Most installations require removal of storm windows if they exist.
a. As long as you pick a quality replacement window (like the Excalibur) you won’t need the storm windows anyway because the new windows are much better insulated and energy efficient.

7. Grids can be order “between the glass”
a. There are many different Decorative Options available to you based on you and your homes personal style. They can add style and dimension to your windows.
b. You can choose from a Classic grids, Contoured Grids, or Gold Tone Brass Grid patterns.
c. There are also options available in replacement windows for V-Grooved Cut Glass where you can add a cut polished V-grooved glass pattern into your window for the perfect touch of elegance.

8. Most window replacement jobs require RRP Protection
a. If you house was built before 1978 and you do not have a lead report stating you house is free of lead paint you are required to work with an RRP licensed contractor by the EPA.

9. Tax Credits are still available.
a. Although less tax credit money is available now than in previous years when you purchase new products that meet energy efficiency guidelines you may be eligible to take advantage of these incentives.

10. Replacement windows can be designed for all styles: windows, bays and bows.
a. You can choose double-hung windows, sliding windows, casement windows, awning windows, garden windows, bay & bow windows, and even sliding patio doors.
b. Replacement windows come in vinyl, wood, steel and a combination of each.

We could go in to a lot of detail on each of these ten items plus many more, so please let us know if you have a specific question or would like more information about any of the topics mentioned above. Almar also offers Financing - so ask about details on low monthly payments.

ALmar's Newest Team Member

The entire team is please to anounce an addition to our Almar Family. Our Sales & General Managers Craig & Allison Guido welcomed their first son Giovanni Quinn Guido into the world on August 1st. "Gio" was 6 lb 2 ounces and 19 3/4" long. We are pleased to have him as part of our team, and wish wish Allison a speedy return to the office.