WACO, Texas (PRWEB) October 09, 2014

Mold thrives in cool, dark moist places like crawl spaces or basements where there is a strong likelihood of leaky plumbing, humid air conditions, and poor drainage. The experts at Rainbow International say the formation of mold in these places can lead to the spread of mold that not only affects home air quality but also could lead to structural damage in the home. Taking preventive steps to prevent mold in crawl spaces and basements is vital for protecting a home and the familys health.

How can homeowners know if their homes crawl space or basement has mold? Rainbow International recommends paying attention to the following signs:

To reduce the risk of mold in crawl spaces or a basement, consider these suggestions:

To learn more about crawl space or basement mold prevention in the home, contact your local Rainbow International specialists. The specialists can inspect and remove the mold to prevent future issues.

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Take Care of the Air Down Under: Rainbow International Explains Mold Infiltration in Crawl Spaces and Basements

MUSCATINE, Iowa Major repairs on the Muscatine County Courthouse's clock tower have been completed and all four clock dials are back in operation.

Muscatine Couny Budget Coordinator Sherry Seright reported the news to the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors during its weekly meeting Monday morning. Seright said that while repairs to the clock mechanism were completed, some lighting in the tower still needed to be replaced, but that would be done at a later date by county personnel.

After months of the clock being out of operation and research by the board, members voted in August to award a repair contract to Verdin Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, in the amount of $26,149. Work on the project began soon afterward.

HVAC

On another construction matter, Seright also reported to the board that work on a new heating, venting and air conditioning project for the Muscatine County Administration Building, 414 E. Third St., was ahead of schedule. She anticipated that project being completed by the end of October.

The project will install a new $1.02 million geothermal HVAC project for the building. Contractors are tapping into the existing geothermal system currently in operation at the Muscatine County Courthouse across the street from the administration building to provide heating and cooling to those buildings through underground wells and pumps to heat and cool buildings without the need for conventional boiler systems, providing an energy cost savings to the county.

Voting

Muscatine County Auditor Leslie Soule, who also serves as county election commissioner, noted during the meeting that early voting for the Nov. 4 general election had begun in Muscatine County.

She reminded county voters who are receiving absentee ballots by mail that they are required to sign the back of the envelopes for their ballots to have a valid vote. Soule noted that the auditor's office has had to contact some of those voters to make sure those envelopes are signed.

Soule also announced locations for satellite voting in the Muscatine County area during the next two weeks. She noted that those who have requested ballots by mail should wait for those ballots, but any other residents who have not voted were encourage to vote. (See info box elsewhere with this story for the list of satellite voting locations.)

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All hands on deck at the courthouse: Clock is back in operation

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Best Air Conditioining Services Ft. Lauderdale, FL 844-SUMMER-0 - Video

If you're thinking about installing a geothermal system, the initial cost is certainly one of the factors that plays a role in the decision-making process. Although geothermal heating and cooling will probably save you money in the long run, it is more expensive than conventional systems. The equipment isn't much more expensive, its the underground portion known as the loop-field which adds to upfront cost. Consumers should first become acquainted with the geothermal installation process to understand how the cost is derived.

The short answer to how cost is calculated is as follows:

Indoor Portion + Underground Loop Field = Total System Cost

The inside portion is composed of the price of the geothermal heat pump, its installation, and possible duct work modification. This is done by an HVAC contractor properly trained in geothermal.

The Underground Loop Field involves drilling (or sometimes escavating) and materials. This is usually done by a well driller. The loop field is approximately 50% of the total cost, although many factors effect this generalization.

For your particular situation the following variables are considered:

The first factor that we'll take a look at is the size of the home or other building for which you'd like to install geothermal. Look at it like this - a 2000 sq. ft. home isn't going to require the same amount of heating and cooling as a 6000 sq. ft. church. The larger the area covered, the more heating and cooling it is going to demand. That said, a major variable of pricing is the insulation factor, which has a direct effect on how much heating and cooling is needed. Do you live in a well insulated home or a cardboard box?

Based on the size of the home, insulation, and climate the amount of heating and cooling needed is calculated, which in turn enables a contractor to calculate the size of the heat pump for the job. Needless to say, a larger heat pump is going to be a little pricier than one that's smaller in comparison.

Next, the size of the loop field that's to be installed in the ground comes into play. The size of the system (3-ton, 4-ton, etc.) along with the climate in which your located will dictate the amount of pipe that needs to be inserted into the earth. A loop field contractor will usually charge a price per foot; therefore, the larger the system, the more pipe that needs to go into the ground, the more expensive the loop field becomes. The loop field cost can vary by region because of the availability of contractors, the ground conditions, and also the price of fuel.

In most cases, this shouldn't be too large of a factor, as most existing ductwork requires little to no adjustment to be suitable for geothermal heating and cooling. That said, if you don't have existing ductwork then you'll have the full expense of installing it. However, it's important to consider that this is a cost for which you are going to be responsible for regardless of what type of heating and cooling you install. Ductwork is simply a necessity of almost all HVAC systems - not an exclusive monetary addition to your geothermal system pricing.

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Average Cost of a Geothermal Heat Pump Installation | No ...

Two York Affinity modulating gas furnaces win Best Buy awards

MILWAUKEE Consumers Digest recently named Johnson Controls Best Buy award winners for two York Affinity Series modulating gas furnaces models for outstanding efficiency ratings, fuel-conserving features and improved homeowner comfort. The designation also considered ease of use, maintenance requirements and quality and reliability.

The variable-speed model features an electronically commutated motor (ECM) that delivers up to 98 percent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), positioning the unit among the industrys most efficient gas furnaces. The second Affinity model recognized by Consumers Digest uses a permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor to deliver a 97 percent AFUE.

For dealers and homeowners searching for efficient heating systems that are easy to install and service in tight spaces while contributing to sustainable home design, the York Affinity furnaces are a great choice, said Liz Haggerty, vice president and general manager, Unitary Products Group, Johnson Controls.

Both units are conveniently compact and stand at just 33 inches, making them the ideal solution for applications where space is limited, including closets, attics and basements with low ceilings. Homeowners who install one of the furnaces in their homes will also appreciate the units quiet operation.

These York Affinity furnaces are ENERGY STAR qualified and come with a lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger from Johnson Controls. All other model components include a 10-year limited warranty. York products from Johnson Controls include energy-efficient, residential central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and accessories and innovative light-commercial, packaged heating and cooling systems marketed through a national distribution network and delivered to home- and building-owners through qualified York heating and cooling contractors. For more information about York, visit: http://www.york.com.

Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2014, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #12 company in its annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

Please Direct Reader Inquiries to:

Steve Hoffins Director of Marketing Unitary Products Johnson Controls 507 E. Michigan Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53202

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Consumers Digest Recognizes York Gas Furnaces for Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

SLC, Utah (PRWEB) September 26, 2014

Sugar House Awning announces efforts to raise consumer awareness about the benefits of awnings and energy conservation. The leading distributor of custom awnings and specialty canvas covers offers quality products that effectively lower usage and overall energy costs.

Excessive use of heating and cooling systems can lead to hefty utility bills. This waste impacts both the environment and consumers budgets by costing hundreds of extra dollars each year. Sugar House Awnings outdoor shading devices promote energy efficiency and increase the protection of a home or business.

Fabric awnings are proven to decrease electrical use by making buildings more sustainable because they radiate solar energy in the summer thus reducing cooling costs.

Educating our customers about awnings and their energy-saving capabilities is important, says Mike Peterson, the owner of Sugar House Awning. Most people are surprised by the amount of energy they can save. Our focus is to create quality products that conserve resources and therefore save money for our customers.

Utahs Rocky Mountain Power encourages home and business owners to install exterior shading devices. Retractable awnings in particular extend savings beyond the summer months. When the awning is withdrawn in the winter, solar radiation penetrates windows and glass doors to warm the interior and lower heating charges.

Energy savings vary according to the structure of the building, lifestyle of the consumer, and the actual cost of power. In 2012, a study funded by the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association revealed that fabric awnings and external shades can minimize overall consumption by 10 percent and save up to $200 annually.

The need for awnings in the U.S. has risen sharply over the last decade due to limited budgets and environmental concern. This demand is expected to grow as energy costs continue to rise.

There are further benefits of installing awnings above windows and patio areas, including: added aesthetic appeal and functionality; lower prices than energy-efficient windows; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and their collective use prevents blackouts by placing less of a demand on the overall energy infrastructure.

Regardless of the design, awnings are smart investments that ensure consumers get the most from their energy dollar. Sugar House Awning offers a complete line of exterior shading options in a variety of styles, colors and fabrics. Every project is made with the finest materials and tailored to meet the needs of each customer.

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Awnings Promote Energy Savings According to Regional Power Company

Ground Source Heat Pumps, more commonly referred to as geothermal heat pumps, are one of the most talked about heating and cooling systems in the consumer market today.

Consumers are excited about the incredible energy savings that can be had by installing one of the most efficient heat pumps on the market.

The problem, you ask? Most contractors and homeowners dont understand this new technology and the benefits they can get by installing geothermal. Some history of the technology and some tips can help you select the right contractor for the job.

Ground source heat pumps have existed for more than 60 years. There is a myth of it being a new technology, but the truth is, it is just misunderstood. Some HVAC contractors just choose to not install them for fear of how they actually work, or dont have the knowledge to design it.

These systems can achieve energy efficiency ratios (EER) of 41, and a coefficient of performance (COP) of 5.3. The higher the numbers the less money you spend running it, similar to the gas MPG of your vehicles.

Air source heat pumps cannot reach 50% of that efficiency and dont perform well when the temps drop in the single digits. The rate of return on most ground source heat pumps is three to 10 years or sooner with the benefit of tax incentives or power company rebates. These rebates change yearly so be sure to research these costs as they can save you thousands off the initial investment.

The key to selecting the right contractor for your ground source heat pump is to make sure they are designing the system properly. If designed improperly, the expected energy savings may not be attained.

Make sure the installing contractor does, at a minimum, the calculations called: Manual J and Manual D. Manual J is a calculation which determines the heating and cooling loads on your home based off your homes orientation, outdoor design temperatures, R-Values of the building shell, interior loads, and window performance.

Manual D takes the design a step further and designs the ductwork for optimum velocities and pressures needed for correct air delivery. This is calculated by using design parameters from the equipments blower performance charts and pressure drops on the duct system. Dont be afraid to ask your contractor for a copy of the Manual D calculation report.

The final crucial step for a high performing geothermal system is to ensure the water loop field is designed correctly. Your contractor designing the well systems must research and understand soil types and the ability of the soil to transfer energy. Rock and clay type soils hold more energy therefore the loops may be shorter. Sandy soils absorb less energy therefore your loop field will need to be deeper or more loops may be added.

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What is a Heat Pump and is it Right for You?

FORSYTH COUNTY -- The Better Business Bureau is raising awareness about a scam that affects home and business owners nationwide.

The most recent involves contract asphalt workers.

The BBB receives hundreds of contractor complaints a month from customers who weren't satisfied with a job.

"They have a period of time to respond also in writing reporting their claim, and we take that information back to the client or the consumer, the complainant and see if that satisfies the complaint or if there are additional steps taken. If that's the case, we repeat the process until it's resolved," said Brian Wright, Better Business Bureau, Northwest N.C.

The most recent complaint is about asphalt contractors going door to door telling people they have extra asphalt and they're willing to do work at a discounted rate. Other area contractors say this puts a bad name on the industry but they see it all too often.

"These furnaces were an overstock and the contractor got them for a ridiculous low price, and therefore, he's going to pass those prices onto you. In reality, there is no thing as a free lunch and you're basically paying the premium for the air conditioning system to get the free furnace," said Richard Harrington, Gwyn Electrical Plumbing Heating and Cooling.

To avoid getting scammed, Harrington advises people to ask any question they have and when they pick a contractor to get the job all in writing.

"Asking questions about the price and the scope of the work is key -- what are you going to do, when are you going to do it, how much it's going to cost, all that needs to be put in writing just to avoid surprises and confusion later," said Harrington.

And the BBB adds, never pay full price up front.

"One of the rules of thumb we like to say is, if you're going to have work done make sure the payment is done after the completed job to your satisfaction. There might be a deposit up front which is understandable, but don't necessarily pay up front because it all of a sudden puts the power on the other side," said Wright.

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BBB Raising Awareness About Asphalt Contractor Scam

The Harp administration is looking to change the way it heats and powers government buildings from City Hall to the new police academyat less cost to both taxpayers and the ozone layer.

The ambitious quest is laid out in a request for proposals (RFP) for a five-facility design-build program. (Click here to view the RFP.)

Firms have until Oct. 7 (make that 11 a.m. on Oct. 7) to put in their bid to oversee the remaking of heating and cooling system for City Hall and the 200 Orange St. government office building and the construction of solar panels on the roofs of the Goffe Street firehouse, the old Goffe Street Armory, and the new police training academy and soundproof indoor shooting range planned for the West Rock neighborhood.

The winning construction firm would use both architects and engineers to draw up a design-build plan to carry out the whole combined operation. Thats a trend in modern contracting, unlike in older days where a city would first pay architects or engineers to draw up plans, then hire a construction firm separately, often paying extra unforeseen dollars before a job gets finished.

Right now Chase Enterprises owns and runs a basement heating and cooling system for both 200 Orange St. and City Hall; the city pays for the energy. Its 20-year contract has technically expired. (The company refused to allow the Independent inside to view and photograph the operation, which is in a public space; city officials said they have no power to force them to.) City Controller Daryl Jones and William MacMullen, a city engineer working with him on the project, said theyre confident that a new operator can run the system more efficiently and charge the city less than the $400,000 it pays now every year. They envision an arrangement under which a private operator would have a 20 to 30-year lease for new equipment, with the city having an option to buy it at any time.

Meanwhile, the armory and Dixwell firehouse need new roofs. Under the plan, a private operator would install solar panels on part of those roofs, as well as the roof to go up over the new academy and shooting range. The city would buy the power, which would have to cost at least 30 percent less than it does now, Jones said. Thats the win-win. That has to be achieved, or the deal wont happen. Unused electricity would be sold back to the grid for additional savings.

The armory sits empty right now. As part of the plan, Jones said, the city would prepare the first floor to serve as storage space for old files from the city health, education, and public works department. The city now spends around $600,000 a year to lease space for storage for those files as well as other items, said MacMullen (pictured). Weve had this armory sitting there for four years with nothing going on while shelling out all the storage money. He estimated it would cost around $28,000 to prepare to use the armory space instead. (The top floors would remain available for public uses.)

In an ideal world the city would make those improvements and own the equipment itself. But the city has lots of deferred maintenance to catch up on, and lots of roads and bridges to fix, Jones noted. It already has $48 million budgeted next year for capital projects. It cant afford to bond more money, so it needs to find these kinds of creative alternatives that dont add to indebtedness or contribute to tax increases, Jones said.

MacMullen said he anticipates the city would save $200,000 a year in energy costs just at City Hall/200 Orange complex, and a total of at least $400,000 a year under the entire plan. It depends how far we go with solar and other energy-saving measures like caulking windows.

The current RFP is part of a broader rethinking of how use that strategy to fix all the citys deteriorating 1960s-70s-era firehouses, for instance, and other neglected buildings. Ive been proactive, looking for ways to solve problems before they become acute and cost more, MacMullen said. In some cases, such as with some crumbling public-works property, it might make more sense to build replacements rather than renovate, he said.

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Energy Switcheroos Start With The Boiler

Portland, OR (PRWEB) September 22, 2014

Here in the Northwest, the signs of fall are slowly arriving: cooler temperatures, kids back to school, apple-picking, and dusting off the Halloween decorations. And, according to home performance and handyman experts from Neil Kelly Company, its the perfect time to tackle some home maintenance projects that can make a big difference for you and your home.

Whether you choose the DIY route or have a professional handle them, it's worth the time and expense to get your home ready for the winter, says Neil Kelly home performance expert Chad Ruhoff.

Neil Kelly Companys Top 10 Home Maintenance Checklist

1. Home Energy Audit Knowledge Is key: Learn where you can save money on your heating and cooling bills by signing up for a home energy audit.

2. Furnace & Filters: Before the heating season begins, have a professional give your furnace and HVAC systems a tune up. Its best to replace furnace filters every three months.

3. Water Heater: You can reduce water heating expenses up to 35 percent by upgrading your water heater.

4. Roof Inspection: Check the quality of your shingles, are they loose or missing? Repairs now will prevent expensive repairs come spring. And, while you have the ladder out, clean out the gutters and downspouts.

5. A Blanket for Your Windows: You dont need to replace your windows to make them more energy efficient. Install indow windows to boost your year-round comfort by blocking cold winter drafts and reducing window noise up to 50 percent.

6. Exterior Paint: Each fall, check for signs of peeling or blistering paint. These conditions could let in moisture and cause the siding to deteriorate.

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Fall Home Checklist from Neil Kelly Companys Home Performance and Handyman Experts