Tips to Beat the Heat and Cut Cooling Costs
2010-08-11 - Run fans to keep air moving. Circulating air makes you feel cooler, and cuts down on AC use. Put a fan at the bottom of the stairs blowing cold air up to the next level.
- Close windows and shades in the morning to keep cold air trapped inside all day.
- Change furnace filters monthly or when light passing through it is reduced due to particulates.
- Keep the outdoor AC unit level and raised several inches off the ground. Keep the area clear of fallen leaves, grass clippings, foliage and other dirt and debris.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions to clean AC unit condensers.
Quick Checks for Snow Damage
2010-02-19 Check exterior air intakes, exhausts and meters
Snow and ice buildup around the air intakes of ventilation systems, exhausts from the dryer or furnace, and on meters can significantly reduce their effectiveness. Clear out these areas to make sure systems work well, and meters can be read accurately.
Remove ice dams on eves and gutters
Snow and Ice should be removed from roof edges and gutters to prevent ice dams. Ice dams can cause leaks not only into soffit areas but also into the roof. See the picture below from the February 11 Washington Post for further explanation of ice dams. Exercise extreme caution if you decide to clear ice dams yourself. It is not recommended to climb on the roof to remove the ice dam because of the danger of falling as well as damaging your roof.
Inspect basements or crawl spaces for seepage
Melting snow often saturates the ground, and can seep into basements and crawlspaces. Check for dampness around water lines.
Clear walk areas
As the snow on your house melts, ice becomes an issue on walkways. Also, make sure to check for any overhead hazards that have potential to fall on walk areas.
Avoid snow piles or drifts around windows and doors
You should clear snow from windows and doors because when the snow melts it can leak into areas around these openings.
If Schroeder Design/Build, Inc. can be of any assistance please let us know.
Stimulus legislation in late 2008 and early 2009 greatly expanded the range of Federal Tax Credits for improvements that increase the energy efficiency of your home. The rate increased from 10% of the cost, up to $500 to 30% of cost, up to $1500. The list of eligible improvements has also been expanded, and the deadline for installing them has been extended through the end of 2010. With incentives like these and cold weather around the corner, there is no better time to take action to lower your home utility costs.
Schroeder Design/Build - EPA Lead-Safe Certified
2010-06-01 At Schroeder Design/Build, we understand that the basics of renovation - demolition, cutting, sanding - can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.
With the safety of our employees and clients so ingrained in the Schroeder Design/Build tradition, we made the commitment to be among the first to be fully trained and certified in the work practices set forth by the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. This rule states, "beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes... built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination."
We are pleased to announce that Schroeder Design/Build is now an EPA Lead Safe Certified Firm. As an EPA Lead Safe Certified Firm, families can rest assured that our staff are fully trained in the lead-safe work practices that prevent lead contamination.
Run For the Rainforest 5K
2010-02-17 Have you heard about the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) "Run for the Rainforest" 5K? Our clients Lisa Hundley-Reeves and Kristen Hundley-Reeves are actively involved in supporting this great cause. Lisa is this year's Race Director. We learned of their passion for the Amazon when we put a family room/kitchen addition on their home (see picture), and have been very impressed ever since!
