CAN I SAVE MONEY USING MY AIR-CONDITION?

HVAC Optimization Saves Energy

Lets talk about 30-40% of your electricity bill.  That's how much it costs the average homeowner or commercial building owner to provide proper heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC). A good HVAC system is the key to maintaining a comfortable, healthy and interior environment. Through the years, I have been asked by many owners for a strategy to reduce their cost of energy and HVAC.  They don't want to sacrifice the interior environmental conditions, but they do want a point-by-point plan to follow.  The interesting thing that often happens is that energy bills are lowered substantially and the HVAC system performance is improved.  This is a standard function of any mechanical engineer specializing in energy and HVAC.
The information on this page will help homeowners, building owners and building operators make informed decisions about existing HVAC systems or future upgrades

Key Point: Operation and Maintenance
How to achieve energy and HVAC system optimization is operation and maintenance.  The most efficient HVAC systems are well maintained. Ensure reliability, efficiency and a long life for your HVAC system by following these tips.
Find a qualified consultant you trust.  If you are a home owner or small commercial building owner, find a good HVAC company or mechanic to evaluate and maintain your system.  If you are a large commercial building owner, find a commercial HVAC company for normal maintenance.  Make sure you record and document all servicing with dates, times and names of the servicing person.
Home owners should always get a seasonal tune up.  The operation of your system will vary with the seasons of the year. 

• Condenser covers: do not cover your outside condenser.  These vinyl covers do not allow the unit to breathe properly.  If you are living in the northern area of the U.S., a simple plywood board over the top will protect the fan and avoid ice melt into the unit.  Any other cover source will only contribute to condensation which will ultimately present rust and remove years of life from the unit.
• Filters: replace your air filters regularly.  Don't use anything less then a MERV 5 filter to assure dust and fibers are removed.  Clean filters will save fan energy.
• Condenser coil: coil cleaning is always a big item overlooked by residential and commercial building owners.  Condenser coils collect dirt and debris on their surfaces because they are outside.  This makes the compressor work harder and results in a higher refrigerant temperature in your refrigeration system. 
• Evaporator and heating coils collect dust and fibers that circulate inside your home or building.  Clean them at least once a year.

Summary
Energy and HVAC optimization will reduce your electricity costs. A little time getting to know your system and familiarizing yourself with improvement strategies will save money and increase the life of your equipment.

Increasing your Living Space

Need more living space – but short on funds for an addition?

Lately I have been telling my clients – sit still, watch you’re spending.  Then I realized I just add to a slowing economy recovery?  If we do not spend, the economy can’t move!  Let’s try something new this spring – spend in baby steps.  So for those who have been asking me, “Should I sell my house or should I knock this wall down, because I need more living space” – how about, lets build a big deck! 

For a much smaller investment than a room addition, you are able to increase your living space and provide yourself with a perfect setting for outdoor gatherings. 

If you already have a deck, repair is a must if you want to keep it performing well.  Deck repair is needed more frequently in areas where excessive moisture or freezing temperatures are common.  In these areas, the advice of our professional deck builders is often invaluable when it comes to building materials, design and required maintenance.

 

Designing and Constructing - LOW BUDGET BATHROOMS?

Is it possible to do a bathroom for a family of 4 for less than $2,500.00 ??  A complete gut ? ..well... are you handy at all ?? cause if so.. you can do it for $1,500.00 !!
People automatically focus on the model books - the must have designs, that just don't match the budgets they have to live with.  Though, what if you think reasonable(?)  I don't mean reasonable products - i mean reasonable places to buy from.  I don't mean "the park avenue and fifth avenue places or the dominating home building chain".  I mean - you design - you pick out (1) item at a time from another location other than the BIG chains or maybe a clearance item .. there and there...
I have desgined and built bathrooms from $1,500.00 to $10,000.00 .. i know, the $1,500.00 is the person who can do it himself - BUT $2,500.00 is you bringing subs in for typical bathroom size of 8'-0" x 14'-0" (112sf).
Let's see... a $2,000.00 plan...
650.00 - total demo and reboard/plaster
350.00 - install new tub basin and shower valave set
575.00 - tile job (10 x13 tiles)
350.00 - vanity/sink with faucet
300.00 - finish tile floor
100.00 - new exhaust fan/light
45.00 - vanity light
200.00 - 2 color paint scheme
200.00 - new toilet
125.00 - moldings
45.00 - wooden window treatment
85.00 - mirror with room props
..now this product selection is $3,025.00 .. however, take off 10% or add 10% for personal preferences of selecting the product - your average is $2,750.00 with sub-contractos/handypeople.  If you are capable of doing most of the work by yourself, take off another 20%.. $2,200.00!  Not bad at all.  work your selections and the prices will change - pick the clearance/discontinued items..watch the savings.