Home Renovations | Home Decoration Pro

Home Decoration Pro; New Gas HVAC’s Save Big Dollars

There are some big savings ahead for those who need to replace or install a furnace or central HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) unit, but improving the performance of your present unit may be possible as well. Long term savings are available for those with access to natural gas, and if you’ve been paying attention to the price of this ultra clean energy source you probably know why. Here are several good reasons to consider the new high tech designs using natural gas for home, office, or commercial heating and cooling requirements:

Natural gas prices have dropped dramatically.
Gas furnaces available with 98% efficiency.
High efficiency equals low emissions.
High production and additional storage facilities in progress will help stabilize prices.
Expect demand and resultant availability (service lines) to increase.
One of the lesser known brands is going to become a big player in the industry.

Keep It Clean, Keep It Clear, Keeps It Working

Here’s an example of what to expect for pricing in the great northern Midwest: Natural Gas Price e.g., Wisconsin at approx. .62 per therm April / 2012. The average use seems to be around 250 therms needed for the month of January to heat the “average” home which pencils out to $155.00. Newer units are reaching 97% efficiency but you must get the right unit, calculate your needs exactly and then make the correct installation to meet maximum efficiency, comfort, and convenience. Following are some additional critical issues that need to be addressed if you’re installing a new HVAC system.

1. Get the proper size unit for your home, and one that can be expanded if an addition to the home might be added later. Too large a unit is nearly as bad as too small due to excessive on and off cycles which create unnecessary wear and tear.

2. Be sure the calculations and installation is done properly, or the odds of your new unit failing goes up dramatically. There are specific formulas to determine the load and resultant system required. The outdoor condenser and indoor evaporator coil have to be a matched set before calculations can be correct and a recognized method, such as determined in Manual J from the ACCA (Air Conditioners Contractors Association) should be used. If you already have ducts in place, calculations should include whether your ducts need to be resized, sealed and insulated, or replaced. The indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condenser must be a matched set, or the performance, efficiency, and capacity claims may not be accurate. Have at least three different contractors do a bid and have them show their calculations as to how they arrived at your needed unit. If one of them is significantly different more investigation is needed.

3. If you’re buying a new home, who installed the unit? A big yellow flag goes up if it was the builder instead of a professional installer. Even home owners do better than builders (12% failure vs. 19%) according to Consumer’s Reports. If you’re serious about purchasing a home with a unit already in place get a professional to analyze the system and go into the purchase knowing what you’re getting. Doesn’t that make sense? If the system is totally wrong how much is it going to cost you to make it right?

4. The duct work needs to be insulated and sized correctly with each joint sealed properly. “Up to 30 to 40 percent of energy can escape through leaks or when ducts aren’t insulated” according to Consumer’s. “The requirement of listed and labeled UL181B-compliant duct tape within the ICC mechanical, energy, and residential codes was a huge advancement. The Air Diffusion Council recommends using at least two wraps of duct tape when connecting, joining, and splicing flexible duct.” In other words, do it right the first time!

5. Last but just as important, plan on keeping your unit clean, and with an outdoor central HVAC component it’s important to keep vegetation well away for longevity and efficiency. Clean filters and grills monthly, and change filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

Heating & Cooling Systems / A Very Important Investment

When should you begin to think of replacing your present unit? The answer depends on your situation, but if you believe the federal government here’s what they have to say: “Heating and cooling costs the average homeowner about $1,000 a year – nearly half the home’s total energy bill. If your central air conditioning unit is more than 12 years old, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR qualified model could cut your cooling costs by 30%.”

What are some of the highly ranked gas units? My research of Consumer Reports revealed the following: Units with 90% + efficiency were from $2300 to $3,000. If you need new or replacement duct work, plan on paying double these amounts for the total installation. Manufacturers listed within this criteria were American Standard, Bryant, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem, and Trane. The repair records over a six year period were: American Standard (11%), and the rest showed only a 13% repair record from over 40,000 responses.

Natural gas prices may not always be this low in comparison to other fuels, but I’m betting it will be a valuable, dependable source for home and commercial heating and cooling for decades. It’s been stated the USA has become the Saudi Arabia of natural gas, and we won’t be running low any time soon.

I’ve recently found some really interesting HVAC systems by a company I’d never heard of, but seems to be the top line in Europe where energy prices are higher than in the USA. Because of their customized installation flexibility, efficiency, use flexibility, quietness, lower costs of installation, smaller compact units, no constant on and off cycles, programmable remote controls, and overall comfort of the systems I’m intrigued. If you want a unit that heats your water, cools and heats your home or office at different temperatures in different rooms they’re available. It’s piqued my interest, and I will be doing my next article on them.

Of course warm and cozy in the winter, cool and calm in the summer is even more pleasant when your decor includes colorful no maintenance silk floral arrangements, plants, topiaries, wall decor, and cheerful door wreaths. Come on by, and if you find something you like you’re welcome to a one time 5% rebate on any item not already on sale. Just mention our “5% HVAC blog article rebate” and no expiration on the offer at Silky Flower Store.

In the mean time check out the video that illustrates some of the advantages of gas HVAC systems.

My Best, Billy Goldmark, Home Decoration Pro.

Home Decoration Pro; Automated Window Blinds?

Is the time right for automated blinds or curtains in your home or office? It depends on your resources and desires, but there have been huge strides made through improved technology and manufacturing upgrades that have resulted in lower pricing and much improved products. “Curtains and blind systems lend themselves easily to automation. The technology is well proven, simple, and more importantly, the price points have come down dramatically over recent years” says Samantha Shervill of Silent Gliss in the UK. They are easily integrated into a C-Bus control system (a complete household control system that’s integration compatible by computer) and even operational by smart phone app if desired.

At lower price points there are battery powered units and one or two battery powered blinds should be fine for smaller windows, but I highly recommend larger blind systems be hard wired instead of plug in or battery mode. They’re more reliable, durable, discreet systems that are usually wired into the ceiling, which eliminates the possibility of a battery failure. The hard wired designs are much more versatile, and powerful enough to operate as many shades as you want with as many custom programs as you need.

Hunter Douglas Concept

If you decide to take the leap after further investigation, extensive planning is necessary since there are so many different options: how will the blinds will be controlled (in groups, individually, all together, combinations), material, textures and colors? I’m assuming a household control system here, so if you don’t have one, then we’re back to simple battery powered systems for your blinds unless you’re planning a new home. Installing a whole new system into an existing home is cost prohibitive because of the destruction and renovation necessary unless you’re already planning a bare bones project. There are some instances where plug in or battery remote control systems make sense: hard to reach windows, remote control, pre-programmed wall timers, no dangerous hanging cords (small children die every year from them).

Once the systems are installed you won’t be able to switch motors in most cases, so be sure you have the right control system, color and style desired. Normally there will be plenty of colors and textures to choose from, and get samples before ordering your selections. Directions need to be explicit when it comes to measuring windows for automated blinds and followed closely. If you’re getting a wired in system, get the directions to your electrician before you place your order and have him survey your wiring scheme. Don’t get caught with an order that’s not even compatible with your wiring capacity and licensed electricians are required for wired installations.

Automated curtain and blinds systems are in a fast growth trend for modern homes, and for plenty of good reasons. A complete wired in system is a big step, but with lots of thought and pre-planning it’s a great investment in added convenience, security, safety, insulation, efficiency and high décor value. Automated blind systems can have warranties from one year up to a lifetime guarantee, so keep that in mind when weighing your options. Don’t forget the value of customer service. One company I reviewed even assigns a representative to each purchaser to help you through the installation, programming and operating phase.

Conversely, the wired in systems have almost no limits in convenience and value to the modern home. So if you’re planning a new home, or a bare bones remodel I highly recommend considering this option if your budget can handle it. There will be a day when up to date homes are expected to have wired in, computer controlled, curtain / blind systems. How would you view the value and convenience of an automobile without power windows? We haven’t always had them!

Battery Powered Shade & Remote

My opinion in regard to the battery powered blind? I’m not sold on the value at present pricing (e.g., 24” x 36,” $301.21 on sale) unless there’s an issue of child safety or hard to reach smaller blinds. If you have a physical challenge and can’t reach a window blind, or have a skylight that needs a blind system it’s going to be a great convenience. The plug-in style would be better if it weren’t for unsightly power cords and outlet requirements. I did find a company that uses a compact 3 year battery which could be very worthwhile for lighter blind systems. It’s illustrated in the professionally done informative video below along with various systems and options available.

Reading this short article about another specific company should be useful as well. Don’t forget the decorative designs that go with a modern decor theme, no matter your style. We have high value decor accents inside and out for the modern home at Silky Flower Store.

My Best, Billy Goldmark

Your Home Decoration Pro

Home Decoration Pro; Going Up?

The subject today is about adding a second story to your home, and even if you don’t own a home this article has some deep insight you may want to bookmark if friends or family are planning on a remodel. Besides, you may own a home later and much of this applies to any remodel you may embark on.

“While different people have different reasons for renovating their homes, …some need space because of the new addition in their family, and others investing to fetch greater returns when they sell. So, if you are looking to add more space in your house, adding a second floor is the best way to do it” says Sunrise Construction Management in New York.

Second Story Done Right

So what are the major decisions that need to be weighed? It’s going to vary from family to family and home to home, so it’s extremely important to do your research. Here are some of the major questions and things to do, and this is assuming you’re hiring a general contractor:

What is your budget? (now add 5 – 10%)
Where will you get the money if you go over budget? (A high percentage do)
How long will it take (now add 15 – 20%)
Will your local building code allow your second story?
Would you be blocking a neighbor’s view?
Have you had a foundation inspection in the last 5 years?
Select at least 3 firms with a good reputation & consult before making your final selection.
Use a general contractor, not a remodeler.
Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
Are they properly licensed, bonded, and insurance up to date?
What was their last 2nd story project?
Ask for permission to talk to the owner of a recent 2nd story project.
A web site that explains who they are and testimonials?
Hire a contractor you feel totally comfortable with or keep looking.
Go over the plans in detail.
Will you be able to live in your home when the second story is being built?
How well did they clean up the mess & was there any damage in the last 3 projects?
What kind of written gurantee do they offer?
Get at least 3 estimates early from experienced contractors.
What kind of logistics problems? (parking, traffic flow, weather problems, living conditions).
Don’t cut corners on materials and craftsmanship.
Have a clear vision you can convey to the contractor.
Have a clear plan about how and where you’re going to live while construction proceeds.
Have you included a detailed decoration plan?
Have you included the cost of all the new furnishings needed?
If you need financing will you be able to qualify? Is your income source stable enough to proceed safely?
Is the contractor a home builders association member?
What is the length of the warranty?
Usually 30 -50 % down to start & no more.
Are the plans compatible with your neighborhood?
If you pay property taxes how much will this add to your annual tax bill?
How long will you live in this home after the project is done?
Will the 2nd story’s added value be realized when you sell? (talk to a local realtor).
What are the possible unforseen problems and how much could they cost you?
Have your decor furnishings planned ahead & in your budget.
If you have children consider staying elsewhere during this major construction.
Let your neighbors know you’re planning your addition.

Going Up!!

A good rule of thumb when figuring your budget is to be liberal with your final figures and add 5 – 10% to the figure. Can you cover the worst case scenario? Of course if you hire a contractor to do all the work they’re going to figure this into their quote from experience. Make sure you understand what can happen and who will be paying the bills for any unfortunate surprises. You can be sure any unforseen problems will not only add to the new addition cost, but will add to the time it’s going to take to finish the project properly. Keep in mind you may have to move power lines, telephone lines, plumbing vents, air conditioning, etc., and these can increase costs quickly.

Danny Garcia of Rhino Design Build, LLC of San Antonio, TX has an important last point: “DO NOT let them tell you that you can support the new room addition on top of the existing joists or rafters!” He goes on to say this step has to be engineered to be done properly.

Done right, this can make a big improvement to your lifestyle and pocketbook, and done wrong you could end up broke and living on the funny farm. Get organized, and make yourself a check list. If you break it down in the proper order and start checking off 4 or 5 items a week you’ll soon be on your way to success. Be brave, but be careful and make your decision on the facts you discover and NOT on your emotions. Emotion is what leads people to make the wrong decision time and again. Don’t let it happen to you my friends. If you’re serious about getting started, your first step is to watch the six minute video below and take notes. You’ll be glad you did as you will be prepared to proceed afterward. After all, who wants to live on the funny farm?

By the way, come see us when it’s time to do the last of the detail decorating for walls, flower arrangements, centerpieces and house plants.

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My Best…………..Billy Goldmark, Silky Flower Store

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