RECENT BLOG POSTS
FoundationsFoundations should be as well insulated as the living space walls for efficient home energy use and enhanced comfort, particularly if the basement is used as a family room or bedroom. FlooringIn addition to natural wood, flooring choices include low-VOC (volatileorganic compounds) carp...
11/10/2006
EntriesCovered entries at exterior doors help to prevent water intrusion,reducing maintenance and enhancing durability. Heating and Cooling SystemsSelecting more efficient, correctly sized heating, cooling and water heating equipment saves money. Tank less water heaters provide hot water on deman...
11/10/2006
Solar Heat Incorporating passive solar design features like large, south-facing windows helps heat the home in the winter and allows for increased natural day lighting.  Xeriscaping Xeriscaping, or using native plants, significantly reduces the need for watering, fertilizers and herbicides. It's ...
11/10/2006
Vinyl Siding Vinyl siding on exterior walls saves money on installation and maintenance. Fibrocement siding is termite, carpenter ant, and water-resistant. It's also warranted to last 50 years.  Insulation Increasing the amount and R-value of insulation is a cost effectiveway to save energy and h...
11/07/2006
Windows Energy-efficient windows incorporating advanced technologies like low emittance (low-E) glass coatings, gas filler between layers, and composite framing materials keep heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer. Engineered Wood Products Products like oriented strand board (OSB) a...
11/07/2006
The National Association of Home Builders gives us 16 ways that homes are becoming more green. It talks about product innovations and small things that every person can do to make there home a little more "Green".  Roof Coverings More durable roof coverings such as steel and fiber cement reduce t...
11/07/2006
Follow these guidelines when considering a carbon monoxide detector for your home: Never purchase a CO detector that is not UL (Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.) approved or does not have a long-term warranty. Many CO detectors tested performed well. Others failed to alarm at even high levels of C...
11/05/2006
What do you do if you experience symptoms of CO poisoning: Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off fuel-burning appliances and leave the house. Go to an emergency room and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. Be prepared to answer the following questions for the physic...
11/05/2006
What to do if your CO alarm goes off.The first thing you do is make sure it's your CO detector and not your smoke detector. Sometimes the audible alarm sound if very simular.Check to see if anyone in the house is experiencing any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. If they are, get them out of...
11/05/2006
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?The symptoms of CO poisoning are commonly mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or a cold. Concentration levels of CO in your bloodstream can cause:10% concentration - no apparent symptoms (heavy smokers can have as much as 9% COHb) 15% co...
11/05/2006
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