East Brunswick, N.J. (PRWEB) August 05, 2014

Gold Medal Service, an award-winning heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, drain cleaning, and waterproofing service company serving all of New Jersey, encourages area homeowners to make sure their own water supply is clean, and to take steps to avoid polluting municipal water supplies, during National Water Quality Month in August.

Water is one of the most important substances on the planet, so its important that everyone has access to clean water, both in and out of their homes, said Mike Agugliaro, Gold Medal Service co-founder. Since August is National Water Quality Month, its a good time to have a plumbing expert assess the water quality in your home, and learn the steps you can take to minimize your impact on your municipal water supply.

A plumbing services expert from Gold Medal Service can install a water conditioner or a filtration and purification system. These systems make the water that circulates through a home as clean as possible, ensuring that it is safe for families to use for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Purified water also minimizes the risk of illness, improves foods taste, and ensures that a home stays cleaner.

However, its also important for homeowners to do their part to protect their municipal water supply and the delicate ecosystems that each supports. Especially vital in coastal states like New Jersey, polluted rain runoff can lead to beach closures and fish kills from too much bacteria in the water. Polluted storm water can also contaminate local drinking water supplies.

The risk of pollution in water systems grows as populations surge, especially in urban parts of the state that have seen a lot of recent growth. In fact, 21 cities in New Jersey face a looming deadline to get permits by the end of this year, and submit plans to control and upgrade their sewer systems.

Clean Water Action recommends the following steps for homeowners in New Jersey, and nationwide, to reduce their impact on water systems:

By avoiding potential contaminants in your homes water supply, you keep the overall supply cleaner, which makes your drinking water better too, said Agugliaro. If youre concerned about the water quality in your home, call a Gold Medal Service expert to check it, and show you how to make it cleaner.

For more information about Gold Medal Service, call 800-576-GOLD or visit http://www.goldmedalservice.com.

About Gold Medal Service Gold Medal Service, rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, was founded in New Jersey in 1994 with just two employees. Their vision was to provide homeowners with a reliable and trustworthy home service company customers could count on to fix just about anything that could go wrong in a home. Since then Gold Medal has grown to include more than 120 employees and technicians solving plumbing, heating, cooling, electric, drain, waterproofing, and sewer issues for homeowners across the state of New Jersey. Gold Medal Service is an Angies List Super Service Award recipient. For more information, call 800-576-GOLD or visit http://www.goldmedalservice.com.

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Check Your Homes Water During Water Quality Month

When faced with repair bills, it is natural to start questioning whether you should simply replace the system rather than continuing pouring money into it. Use these guidelines to determine your best options.

Repair costs to the heating and cooling systems in your home can be hundreds of dollars and range into the thousands for replacement. Here are some tips for your decision:

1. Look at manufacturers warranties or service contracts to see what may be covered.

2. Determine the average life expectancy of the system using charts you can find online. Does your unit have enough time left on your expected service years to pay for repairs?

3. Is the system reliable? Is it energy efficient? Will it be easy to continue to get parts in the future?

4. A general rule-of-thumb is when the cost to repair exceeds 50 percent of the cost to replace, it makes sense to opt for a new system.

Maintaining a sound roof is crucial to home maintenance. Immediate action should be taken to avoid water seepage and acceleration of damage. If your roof is relatively new and has a single isolated leak, it may make good sense to repair the damaged area. As the roof ages, repairs become less logical and is dependent on the type of roofing material. As a general rule, any leaky roof over 20 years old should be replaced.

Like roof damage, any section of your siding showing rot or broken sections should be addressed immediately. As water, air, dirt and pests find their way into the structure, only bad things can happen. Damaged siding allows air-flow through your home because the homes seal has been compromised. Repair siding when you can be assured that all damaged wood has been removed and a good seal has been restored to the structure. Otherwise, another repair (or full replacement) in the future is almost certain to be more costly.

Rotted frames, deteriorated sashes and noticeable air leaks will bring up the question whether to repair or replace older windows. Energy efficiency is often the driving force of any decision about windows. If you have the old, double-hung wooden windows, there may be other ways to achieve an adequate level of energy savings. With single-pane vinyl or aluminum windows that have seen better days, replacement may be the only way to achieve the look you want while also making your home more energy efficient. Since 2002, builders have been required to install double-pane windows in all new homes for energy savings.

Newer double-pane windows do more than just save money on energy costs. Low E coating absorbs heat and also deflects UV rays. The reflection properties can protect against fading of your furniture and drapery fabrics. You will be pleased with the noise reduction found in most new windows.

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Insider secrets to the repair vs. replace question

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 31, 2014

North Shore Towers, a luxury co-op community based just east of New York City, partnered with GI Energy, one of the nations leading combined heating and power (CHP) systems providers, to complete a $13 million upgrade of its 43-year-old CHP system. The original CHP system had been maintained since installation in 1971 and in an effort to extend the life of the plant, GI Energy was contracted to replace three of six generators and associated electrical and heat recovery equipment, while maintaining continuous operation of the entire complex.

The complex relies fully on the existing CHP system to provide all of the heating, cooling, and electricity with no backup from the utility, making a seamless transfer essential for uninterrupted operation of the facility. Continuous operation was particularly important to General Manager Glen Kotowski whose primary goal was to ensure the safety of residents, with minimal inconvenience.

GI Energy was selected for the project because it offered a comprehensive construction plan and turnkey solution, according to Sal Castro, Chief Engineer at North Shore Towers. Amir Yanni, Senior Vice President of Construction and Project Management at GI Energy, provided an all-inclusive plan including connected on-site back-up generators throughout the duration of the project, explained Castro. This proved to be invaluable. Other bidders concentrated exclusively on their design/build contract, leaving the day-to-day operation of the facility and generator rentals to us. While these construction details were very important; the continued, uninterrupted operation of our buildings, simultaneously, was even more important to us.

GI Energy teamed with Caterpillar distributor, H.O. Penn Machinery, to install three natural-gas fired reciprocating engines totaling 4.8 megawatts. Additionally, the team replaced the cooling tower and installed a new gas compressor and heat exchangers. These upgrades increase overall efficiency, conserve fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions, while extending the life of the plant by an estimated 30 years.

The communitymade up of three 33-story buildings, with on-site amenities like golf, tennis, pool, shopping, restaurants and morewill benefit from reduced running costs and a smaller carbon footprint with new equipment running solely on natural gas at higher efficiencies.

By switching the system at North Shore Towers to natural gas we can increase the resilience of the heat and power supply, while cutting running costs and emissions, stated Amir Yanni, of GI Energy.

The new system is fully operational as of July 23, 2014. The cost of maintaining the system will by cut by almost 40%, equal to about several hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for North Shore Towers. Castro emphasized that, The project was a success largely due to the diligence of GI Energy, and the new equipment should serve North Shore Towers well for years to come.

GI Energy, which has offices in Chicago, New York, Benicia, CA, and Anaheim, CA, has nearly a decade of experience with CHP systems through its acquisition of Chicago-based Endurant Energy LLC in 2011. Endurant Energy had previously been involved in developing and building the largest grid-connected CHP system in a commercial office building on the east coast, a 6.2 MW installation at One Penn Plaza in Manhattan.

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North Shore Towers Partners with GI Energy to Install Turnkey Natural Gas-Fired Combined Heat and Power Plant

1,19 Carramar Avenue, Camberwell. Photo: Supplied

AUCTION NUMBERS: 501

1.30pm-2pm 1/19 Carramar Avenue, Camberwell $1.8 million+ 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

This brand new townhouse had about 30 enquires in its first 24 hours on the market. Two upstairs bedrooms and open-plan living and dining room on the ground floor offer an attractive outlook of the pool and the landscaped back garden. The master bedroom has large floor-to-ceiling windows and its own private balcony with a pretty street aspect. But those wanting privacy may want to install blinds. Its within walking distance to Willison station, Frog Hollow Reserve and route 70 trams.

2/14 Hanby Street, Brighton.

Agent Noel Jones, 9809 2000 Auction 11am, August 23

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11am-11.30am 2/14 Hanby Street, Brighton in the vicinity of $750,000 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 car space

This freestanding villa unit is situated in quiet location, facing Hanby Street Reserve and just around the corner from shops and cafes in Were Street. Its also a short drive from Brighton Beach. The property has two separate courtyard gardens with paved and landscaped areas, a workshop and built-in wardrobes in both bedrooms. Additional features include ducted heating, evaporative cooling and a remote garage. Fourteen groups attended its open home inspection last Saturday, including investors and Bayside residents looking to downsize.

1301/480 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Photo: Supplied

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What to see this weekend and hot auctions

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) July 28, 2014

Zoning is becoming more and more popular in the residential and commercial markets. In residential applications, accessing duct work can present a challenge in existing construction. When bonus rooms and room additions are considered, there may not be duct work running to these areas.

Jackson Systems introduces the latest in zone control, the Motorized Zone Register (MZR). The MZR is a low-cost, rugged, metal, motorized zone register designed to work with most forced air zone control systems. It can also be used as a stand-alone register with a wall-mounted thermostat to eliminate over-heating and over-cooling in bonus rooms, sun rooms, guest rooms and basements.

This easy-to-install zone register allows zoning to be installed in almost all residential applications. It is designed to fit most register boots and comes in many sizes, most in both tan and white. There is also a polymer version available for side wall installations.

The MZR is a standard register with a 24VAC spring open/power close actuator. It uses standard gauge thermostat wire (plenum-rated wire may be required if running through duct work.) The MZR can be wired to a stand-alone thermostat for control of the register in single zone applications, or it can be wired to a zone panel and for multiple zone applications. Up to 6 Motorized Zone Dampers can be connected to a single zone.

The MZR is another innovative solution from Jackson Systems designed to make zoning easier and more profitable for HVAC contractors.

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Jackson Systems is a leading direct-to-contractor HVAC controls manufacturer and distributor. We produce innovative products for the commercial and residential markets. Ease of installation is built into every design, providing the most contractor-friendly products in the industry. Strong technical support and free same-day shipping are the cornerstone of our excellent client service. Jackson Systems is "Controls Done Right."

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Jackson Systems Offers New Solution for "Zoning the Impossible"

Toronto, ON (PRWEB) July 28, 2014

High summer temperatures can take a toll on energy use in Texas. In its second year, Austin Energy is taking steps to help conserve energy while summer demands are high. With its Power Partner Thermostat program, Austin Energy is working with smart thermostat maker, ecobee, to help customers lower their energy bill and participate in demand response events.

When customers enroll in the program and install an ecobee Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat, they will receive an $85 rebate as well as additional energy-saving opportunities on their bill.

Austin Energy was one of the first utility companies to implement a smart thermostat program with a rebate incentive for their customers, said Stuart Lombard, CEO and President, ecobee. With the program running for a second year in a row, we will see greater participation and awareness about the importance of reducing demand to save on energy bills and lessen the burden on the grid.

With heating and cooling accounting for 50 percent of a homes energy bill, the ecobee smart thermostat will help Austin Energy customers make informed decisions about their homes energy use. Homeowners can monitor and control their thermostat from anywhere, using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The thermostat also understands the weather outside and a homes energy performance to optimize for energy savings.

Participating customers will also help reduce energy use when it matters most during high use periods. This helps customers lower their monthly energy bill and helps Austin Energy avoid unplanned outages. Participation is voluntary and customers choose to opt-in or out when they like.

Internet-connected thermostats, like ecobee, give our customers greater control of their comfort and savings, said Debbie Kimberly, VP of Customer Energy Solutions, Austin Energy. When our customers choose to participate in our demand response events, they are helping to delay the need to acquire additional peaking power and prevent unplanned outages.

For more information on Austin Energys Power Partner program, visit http://austinenergy.com/wps/portal/psp/residential/offerings/cooling-and-heating/power-partner-thermostats.

About ecobee ecobeemaker of the worlds first smart thermostatdelivers intelligent energy management solutions to homeowners, commercial, HVAC, and Utility markets. With hundreds of thousands of installs across North America, ecobees award-winning smart thermostats are the easiest way for customers to understand, manage, and reduce their energy consumption. ecobees pioneering work with Open APIs is accelerating the adoption of the Internet of Things and leading to a more connected home.

ecobees line of Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostats, online web portals and mobile apps are the products of choice for ease of use, energy efficiency and demand response programs. http://www.ecobee.com

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Austin Energy Continues Power Partner Thermostat Program for Second Summer with ecobee

Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) July 22, 2014

E-M Air Systems Inc. (http://www.EMAir.ca), the leading provider of custom commercial, residential, and industrial air conditioning (A/C) and heating repair, maintenance, and installation services in the Greater Toronto Area, is weighing in on a recent report showing portable air conditioners are not very effective, as well as offering alternatives for keeping cool this summer.

Summers in the GTA can be hot, muggy, and uncomfortable, says Enzo Colosimo, founder of E-M Air Systems Inc. In 2013, the City of Toronto issued seven heat alerts and six extreme heat alerts. And it was even worse in 2012, when Torontonians were subject to 12 heat alerts and nine extreme alerts. (Source: Heat Alerts and Extreme Heat Alerts, City of Toronto web site; http://app.toronto.ca/tpha/heatStats.html, last accessed July 11, 2014.)

Colosimo explains that in an effort to keep cool and save on energy costs, many homeowners turn to portable air conditioners, believing they are just as effective as window air conditioners or stationary A/C units. A recent study shows that not only is this not the case, but that it could end up costing users more than expected.

A recent test was performed on eight portable air conditioners from major brands, all priced in a range from $250 to more than $500. Using a special chamber to test their cooling power and thermocouples throughout the room to record temperatures, the results were less than compelling. The outside temperature was kept at 32C with each portable air conditioner set to 23C, but in the end, none of the units could cool the test chamber below 26C, not even after being on for 100 minutes. This was true even for the most expensive unit, priced at $550, which promised to keep a 550-square-foot room cool, but struggled to keep the test chamber, which was half the size, cool. (Source: Are portable air conditioner claims a lot of hot air? Consumer Reports web site, June 12, 2014; http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/06/are-portableair-conditioner-claims-a-lot-of-hot-air/index.htm.)

When it comes to keeping comfortable in the summertime, its important to remember that air conditioning can use up to 70% of a summer electric bill, Colosimo adds. At the same time, issues can arise if an air conditioning unit is too small or too big for a space. If its too small, the space will not get cooled; if its too big, the air conditioning unit will cycle on and off too frequently, substantially impairing the systems efficiencyand the owners wallet.

When it comes to deciding what kind of air conditioning unit to install, its best to call a reputable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractor like E-M Air Systems Inc., Colosimo concludes. At E-M Air Systems Inc., we carry high-quality, quiet, and energy-efficient air conditioning outdoor units designed to properly cool rooms of virtually any size. And assuming proper maintenance, the outdoor unit will also last an average of 15 years.

E-M Air Systems Inc. has been installing custom commercial, residential, and industrial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the new construction and retrofit market in Southern Ontario since 1987. Because E-M Air Systems Inc. designs every HVAC system it installs and manufactures the duct work in its own sheet metal shop, clients do not have to rely on outside firms for costly blueprints or work; this translates into greater value and the industrys most competitive pricing. E-M Air Systems Inc. is a member of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), the Canadian Home Builders Association, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, the Technical Safety and Standards Authority (TSSA), and the Residential Heating Ventilation Contractors Association (RHVCA). To learn more about E-M Air Systems Inc, visit the companys web site at http://www.EMAir.ca or call E-M Air Systems Inc. toll-free 1-800-893-6793.

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E-M Air Systems Inc., the GTAs Leading Provider of Custom HVAC Services, Comments on Report Showing Portable Air ...

RESERVE The Federal Emergency Management Agency has obligated the first funding negotiated under the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 for the repair of two St. John the Baptist Parish public schools flooded during Hurricane Isaac.

The federal agency has authorized more than $17.5 million for repairs to East St. John High School in Reserve and Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School in LaPlace.

Work at the high school will include selective demolition, mold remediation and environmental cleaning of five campus buildings.

In addition, the school district will upgrade heating and cooling systems, re-insulate, re-waterproof and replace the exterior sheathings on two buildings, install ADA hardware and public restrooms, replace the gym bleachers and cafeteria equipment and relocate the concession stand from the cafeteria to the gym.

Much of the flooring, ceiling tiles and wall boards will also be replaced.

Work at the elementary school will include demolition of the old building and the construction of a new, elevated elementary school at the site.

The remaining projects repairs to the field house and the building of a combination earthen levee/sheet pile wall for flood protection at East St. John High will be authorized separately.

The fund obligation announcement was much needed after a year of working together as one to get our schools reopened, St. John Schools Superintendent Kevin R. George said. When we pull together and place children first, great things happen. Although this is good news, I will not rest nor will I be satisfied until our children are back where they belong.

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board will consider awarding a contract for the repairs to East St. John High School when it meets for its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at West St. John Elementary School in Edgard.

Once a contractor is selected, construction is expected to be complete by June, with the school reopening in time for the 2015-16 school year.

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FEMA authorizes $17.5 million for ESJ, Lake Pontchartrain Elementary

Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 18% of your utility bill after heating and cooling.

There are four ways to cut your water heating bills: use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, insulate your water heater, or buy a new, more efficient model.

Although most water heaters last 10-15 years, it's best to start shopping now for a new one if yours is more than 7 years old. Doing some research before your heater fails will enable you to select one that most appropriately meets your needs.

Faucets and appliances can use a lot of hot water, which costs you money. Look for ways to heat your water more efficiently and use less.

If you heat water with electricity, have high electric rates, and have an unshaded, south-facing location (such as a roof) on your property, consider installing a solar water heater. The solar units are environmentally friendly and you can have them installed on your roof to blend with the architecture of your house.

Solar water heating systems are also good for the environment. Solar water heaters avoid the greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity production. When shopping for a solar water heater, look for theENERGY STARlabel and for systems certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation or the Florida Solar Energy Center.

Visit theDatabase of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiencywebsite to see if you qualify for tax credits or rebates for buying a solar water heater.

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Tips: Water Heating

Published: Sunday, 7/20/2014 - Updated: 17 hours ago

BY JON CHAVEZ BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

Free Rent, reads a sign in the window of the building at the corner of Superior and Adams Streets downtown. And every weekday afternoon, dozens of people head for the building at 502 Adams.

But few notice the sign, and none go there to rent space. Instead, they go seeking lunch at the first-floor Subway sandwich shop the buildings only tenant.

The rehab of the building was completed in 2006, 2007, and then we got Subway in. And that was it, said building owner Dino Sarris, a real estate investor from Chicago.

In 2011 Mr. Sarris began offering free rent, promising up to six months free depending on the length of lease a tenant signed.

We had a couple of convenience-store types call. One felt the rent was too high, the other was not qualified [to get a loan], Mr. Sarris said.

But other than that, there have been no offers to rent space in Mr. Sarris four-story, 16,000-square foot building, which is the only structure on the so-called Paramount block, where the old Paramount Theater once stood. It is directly across Superior Street from the Valentine Theatre.

Built in 1920, the building started as the National Bank of Toledo. It became known as the Bond Building when it was home to a mens clothing store by that name. The Bond Store competed with another menswear retailer, the B.R. Baker Co., which was directly across Adams Street.

The Bond Building later housed Davis Business College. In the 1980s it was a flower shop before going vacant and falling to the federal Resolution Trust Corp.

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Vacancy rates still high downtown