A monthly newsletter courtesy of BK Home Inspections
In This Issue
Household Tip
Week's Wit
Furnace Facts
Furnace Filters
Home Energy Tune-ups
Window Condensation
A Little Humor
Winter To Do List
VOC's found in garages
Energy Tips
Williams Heating and Cooling
Contact Info
Call BK for
______________


Fun Time Teaser

 

Question:

High quality furnace filters have a MERV rating. What is MERV?

1. The name of the person who invented the pleated filter.

2. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value

3. Maximum Efficiency Rating Value

4. Most Efficient Relevant to V-shape 

See below for the answer.

 

 

 

Household Tip

Allergen Bedding

The residue that dust mites leave behind in the form of their feces and decaying bodies mixes with dust and becomes airborne. I know oh gross!  Inhaling these allergens can cause wheezing, sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose. 

 

Things To Do This Month

 

1. Clean and store de-humidifier.

2. Vacuum cold air returns. Open lower return air grill. (For dual returns)

3. De-frost chest freezer.  

4. Clean blades on ceiling fans and reverse direction. Should be moving air up. 

5. Change oil and start up the snowblower.  

6. Check the condition and position of storm windows.

7. Lubricate garage door.

8. Clean out the garage. Take inside items that can freeze.

9. Check or change the furnace filter.

10. Check tire pressure on car.

 

 

 

Week's Wit

Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.

 

 

Fun time Teaser Answer

 

The answer is #2.

MERV RATINGS (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) are used by the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) industry to describe a filter's ability to remove particulates from the air.

 

 

 

Contact Info
Bob Beisbier
BK Home Inspections LLC
S95 W32855 Hickorywood Tr
Mukwonago, WI 53149
262-993-7755
Certified Master Inspector (CMI)
RHI# 1035-106
ASHI# 212809
InterNACHI #NACHI08082601
DILHR Certified
Infrared Certified
Green Certified
Member WAHI
Member BBB
[email protected] 


 


 
BK News

Bob is now a Certified Master Inspector. 1 of 4 in the state.  

By awarding the Continuing Education/experience-based Certified Master Inspector�  

professional designation, the Master Inspector Certification Board, Inc. supports the inspection industry's advanced education providers and encourages experienced inspectors to maintain excellence.

Certified Master Inspectors�, the very best of the best.   

 

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Mention this newsletter and get $20 off a home inspection!

The best time to learn about the condition and workings of a house is during a pre-purchase home inspection. We will give you valuable information about the home's operating systems and a detailed report that you can use as a reference for repairs and maintenance. When we are done you will have a clear understanding of the property conditions.

 

 

Is there an topic that you would like to see discussed? Please let me know and I will add it into next month's newsletter. Thanks!

Sincerely,
Bob Beisbier
BK Home Inspections
Honest, Reliable Service
 
Furnace Facts

Today, new furnaces are generally between 85-98% efficient. If a furnace is 96% efficient, it simply means that 96% of the energy that goes into the furnace is converted into heat. Older furnaces in 30+-year-old homes, can be as low as 60% efficient. Thus, upgrading to a 96% efficient furnace can reduce heating bills by 30% or more. Typically, in colder weather states such as Wisconsin, a 90%+ efficiency furnace is recommended. The only exception is in vacation homes that are not occupied for extended periods of time during the winter. Many people do not realize that there are options in the types of furnace fans that are available. The furnace fan runs anytime the heating or cooling system is conditioning the air. However, many people choose to run their fan continually. This provides a constant filtration of the air, providing considerably better indoor air quality for you to breathe. Additionally, running the fan all of the time will help even out the temperatures between rooms and provide a constant air flow which results in a much more comfortable living environment. A single speed fan costs approximately $210/year to run continually, where a variable speed fan costs approximately $30/year to run continually. Additionally, a variable speed fan is much quieter and provides a more gradual increase airflow.

Single Stage vs. Two-Stage Furnace.

Most furnaces either have all of their burners lit or all turned off. However, over 80% of the time, it is not necessary to have all of the burners of the furnace lit to meet the heat demands. Having all of the burners lit when it is not necessary causes wasted energy and an uncomfortable living environment. Choosing a new furnace is not an easy task, and it is a choice that you will live with for the next 15+ years. Consider each of the major options carefully to choose a furnace that is going to meet the needs of your family now and in the future.  

For more info call Tom Williams (Williams Heating) at 262-305-6671 

 

Confused about furnace filters?

ABOUT FILTERS AND MERV RATINGS 

MERV RATINGS (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) are used by the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) industry to describe a filter's ability to remove particulates from the air. A higher MERV rating means better filtration and greater performance

furnace filter

3M Filtrete Air Filters

The electrostatically charged pleated 3M Filtrete Dust & Pollen filter is top rated in the capture of large airborne allergens. Specifically, dust particles and mold spores. Making the 3M Filtrete Dust & Pollen better than a standard pleated filter at capturing all you household allergens.

MERV 8 FILTERS
MERV 8 pleated air filter utilizes electrostatically charged, 100% synthetic media which offers significantly higher particulate efficiency than regular poly/cotton media pleated filters, with little change in static pressure. MERV 8 filter media will not promote the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, or fungi in normal operating environments, and has not been chemically treated. MERV 8 pleated filters are an ideal upgrade from standard disposable panel filters. These filters are designed to last up to 3 months.

MERV 11 FILTERS

MERV 11 pleated air filters provides high filtration performance with a low-pressure drop for energy efficiency. The MERV 11 filter utilizes 100% synthetic fibers, high initial efficiency, no chemical binders, and does not absorb moisture. MERV 11 HVAC air filters are designed to last up to 3 months.

Home Energy Tune-ups

To reduce utility bills, the first step is to find out where you are wasting energy.
To do this, you need a residential energy inspection-which should be done by a Certified Energy Inspector who has no financial interest in the improvements recommended.

Home Energy Tune-up


BK will examine, measure, and evaluate the factors that affect energy use in your home, e.g., size of the home, efficiency of appliances, insulation, draftiness of rooms, and efficiency of heating and cooling systems (HVAC).

The information gathered during the energy audit is analyzed using specialized software to produce a comprehensive Home Energy Tune-up Report. The Report shows which energy-efficiency improvements would reduce energy costs and make the home more comfortable. The analysis takes into account regional variables such as local weather, implementation costs, and fuel prices.

The Report contains estimates of the savings, costs and payback for each energy-efficiency recommendation. It identifies the group of improvements that, if financed, will save more on energy bills than it costs. These are the improvements that everyone can make since they require no out-of-pocket cost when financed.

The detailed Recommendations section enables contractors to provide preliminary cost estimates without a visit to your home. It also explains how to get the best energy savings from these improvements by listing related no-cost low-cost measures that you can take.

In most cases, energy efficiency upgrades pay for themselves in a few years through energy savings.

Customers with no money to invest can still afford to invest in energy improvements by financing those items whose monthly energy savings are greater than their costs.

Customers who want to make a wise investment can implement all recommended upgrades to increase home comfort and value further, and to obtain a good non-taxable return.

 

Holiday special

Mention this newsletter and get $50 off a Home Energy Tune-up with Infrared!

Window Condensation
window sweat
Each fall when we turn on our home heating systems, many of us experience condensation on windows: "steam" on the inside, or in extreme cases, water running down the glass. This condition may be only a temporary annoyance, but it could also signal serious moisture and window problems. Where does all the water come from? Our parents' homes never had moisture problems, so why do we have them now? How can we solve the problems? You can solve most condensation problems if you understand the basic principles of moisture and how it moves inside your home. Most likely, you'll just need to change a few daily routines. For serious problems, more extensive changes may be necessary: modifying windows, adding ventilation and improving heating equipment. The good news is that all moisture problems can be solved.

 

 

WHAT CAUSES CONDENSATION ON WINDOWS? 

"Steam" (condensation) occurs when invisible water vapor in the air condenses on the cool glass. Windows and metal window frames tend to be the coolest surfaces in our homes, so moisture forms there first--just like condensation beads up on the outside of your ice-cold lemonade glass in the summertime. Condensation requires a cool surface and moisture in the air. This moisture is measured as a percent of the total amount that the air will hold at a specific temperature, and the percentage is known as relative humidity. Warmer air holds more moisture. Cooler air holds less moisture. Weather reports refer to relative humidity and dew point. The dew point is the temperature at which the air is fully saturated with invisible water vapor and the vapor starts to become visible water (dew). When the dew point is high, air feels damp and wet, and we have high relative humidity. When the outside air temperature drops below the dew point, rain or fog appears. Inside your home, when the temperature of the glass drops below the dew point of the inside air, visible moisture forms on the glass. The combination of a high level of moisture in the air and a cool glass surface triggers the condensation process. More condensation occurs when there is more water vapor in the air and/or when glass surfaces become colder.
 

SOLVING THE WET WINDOW PROBLEM 

For some lucky homeowners, window condensation is just a temporary annoyance. A few weeks after the heating season begins, interior air dries and condensation stops forming on windows. In other homes, though, condensation continues, becoming a serious problem. Water runs off the windows and damages wood surfaces. Ice may form on windows and frames. Storm windows remained fogged up and icy all winter as water ponds between the frames. This serious condition needs to be addressed before it rots wood, supports mildew growth and damages the home's structure. To solve window condensation problems, you must reduce the invisible moisture in the air of your home and raise the surface temperature of the glass. Let's outline the steps you can take.

 

REDUCING MOISTURE LEVELS:

 

LIMIT MOISTURE SOURCES

 

Moisture, fog, steam, ice, water vapor--they are all water in different forms. The most important step in solving moisture problems is to limit moisture sources. Showers, cooking, washing and similar activities add lots of moisture to the air. Studies have shown that a typical family of four releases over 2 � gallons of water per day into the air of their home. Damp basements, new construction, plumbing leaks, pets and plants all compound the moisture generation problem. In fact, every time we exhale, we add moisture to the air.

 

Start limiting moisture sources as follows:

 

1. Cure damp basement or crawl space problems. Cover any bare crawl space soil with a plastic vapor barrier. Correct grading and drainage problems. Seal basement walls and floors. Ensure that the sump pump keeps the water level 8 to 12 inches below the basement floor.

 

2. If your furnace has a built-in humidifier, turn it off. Also, turn off the water supply to the humidifier. Try leaving this humidifier off year-round unless your home becomes extremely dry.

 

3. Vent your clothes dryer to the outside. Don't air-dry clothes indoors.

 

4. Eliminate plumbing leaks.

 

5. Limit plants, aquariums and pets.

 

6. Store firewood outside.

 

7. Never use unvented fossil fuel burning devices like kerosene heaters indoors. Burning fossil fuels creates carbon dioxide and water vapor, introducing excessive moisture into your home. It can also create dangerous carbon monoxide.


8. Check gas-fired appliances (furnaces and water heaters) to make sure they are drafting properly up the chimney. A backdraft would release carbon dioxide and water vapor into the home.

 

 

VENTILATION

 

If reducing moisture sources does not solve the problem, you need to increase ventilation. Structural ventilation removes moisture from the structure of your home. Because moisture flows with air leaks and can push through many materials, general structural ventilation is important. Point source ventilation removes moisture at specific sources. The following checklist addresses both methods of increasing ventilation.

 

1. Use ventilation fans in bathrooms. Add fans if you don't have them, and route the exhaust outside your home. After a shower or bath, run the fan until the room is dry. This may require adding a timer switch in place of the regular fan switch.

 

2. Be sure kitchen exhaust fans are routed outside, and use them when cooking.

 

3. Evaluate attic ventilation. All bath and kitchen exhaust fans must exit the attic. There should be no hints of moisture (mildew or ice crystals) in the attic.

 

In general, attics should have one square foot of free air ventilation for each 150 square feet of attic floor space, or one square foot of ventilation per 300 square feet of attic space if there is a continuous vapor barrier. Half of the ventilation should be high on the roof and the other half in the overhangs. Make sure lower vents aren't blocked by insulation.

 

4. When the outside air is dry, open windows to "air out" your home and remove moisture.

 

5. Consider keeping a window slightly open all winter long or whenever condensation starts to occur. Pick a window on the downwind side of your home. Air will be drawn out of that window without creating a draft. For a two-story home, select a secondfloor downwind window instead of a first-floor window, because warm, moist air rises.

 

6. Ventilate any sealed crawl spaces (except crawl spaces that open to the basement, which do not need ventilation to the exterior).

 

7. Open the fireplace damper. Build a good fire to exhaust the stale, moist air in your home.

 

8. Consider adding an outside air supply to your furnace air return duct. Discuss this possibility with a heating contractor. When the furnace runs, this arrangement will draw dry outside air into the return duct of your furnace. The duct should be closed in the summer to prevent the entry of warm, moist air when the air conditioning is operating.

 

9. Consider forced ventilation with an exhaust system or a heat recovery ventilator. This upgrade is best left to professionals. It is only required when serious moisture problems can't be solved by any other method.

 

MECHANICAL MOISTURE REMOVAL

 

Using a dehumidifier is an option, but you should only consider it if problems continue after you've increased ventilation. Dehumidifiers consume a lot of electricity, add heat to the space and are not very effective at temperatures below 65 degrees. They may also not be effective at the lower moisture levels found in most homes. You can also approach the condensation problem by raising the window glass surface temperature. Remember, if you raise the surface temperature above the dew point, you will not have condensation. Try these tips:

 

1. Open curtains and drapes to increase air circulation around windows

 

2. Direct warm-air supply ducts toward windows or even use a fan for increased air circulation at windows. Operate ceiling fans.

 

3. Add interior or exterior storm windows to raise the insulation value and increase the interior glass temperature. Metal window frames, in particular, may need storm windows to create a thermal break that stops the transmission of heat or cold through the metal.

 

4. Raise the room air temperature by turning up the thermostat.

 

WHY DO MODERN HOMES HAVE THIS MOISTURE PROBLEM?


As we tighten our homes for energy efficiency, we reduce air exchanges. Modern homes are also wrapped with a plastic vapor barrier to stop moisture and air leaks. Most moisture moves with air movement, and a tight home just doesn't exhaust air and moisture. Older homes, with many air leaks and drafts, were constantly dry in the winter because of excessive air exchange. New windows and new furnaces are part of the ventilation picture. Tight windows limit air leaks. Furnaces that vent with two plastic pipes draw combustion air from the outside and don't exhaust air out a chimney flue. These furnaces don't ventilate our homes.

 

WHY DO BATHROOM WINDOWS FOG UP SO 

READILY?

 

Windows aren't the problem. They are just a cool surface delivering the message that excessive moisture is trapped inside a tight home. Your windows tell you when you need to reduce the moisture level. Tighter modern windows do reduce air leaks, which limits ventilation and traps moisture. But tight windows also reduce heating costs, limit drafts and help keep ourhomes clean by stopping dirt infiltration. Modern windows with special glass may even reduce condensation problems because the glass temperature remains higher. If you have old single glass windows or broken storms, shame on you. You deserve the condensation you get for wasting all that energy.

 

EXPECT EXTRA CONDENSATION IN BRAND NEW HOMES

 

New homes present special problems. In addition to being built very tight and allowing little air exchange, they trap construction moisture. When a home is built, much moisture is trapped in wood, drywall, concrete and other materials. It takes at least one full heating season to dry out a new home.

 

WHY IS THE PROBLEM REALLY BAD IN THE FALL?

 

In the fall, we experience cold snaps. When exterior temperatures change quickly, window glass temperature also drops quickly, and condensation can form. Also, when we first turn on our heating systems, all the higher summer moisture is trapped in wood, cloth, furniture and other porous surfaces. After a few weeks, most homes dry out and the problem disappears. Bathroom windows are subject to excessive moisture from showers and baths. This moisture condenses quickly on any cool surface, so the bathroom windows may fog while other windows remain clear.

 

WHY DO WINDOWS IN OTHER ROOMS FOG UP

 

MOSTLY IN THE MORNING?

 

Windows fog up in the early morning because lower overnight temperatures cool the glass below the dew point. Later, when the outside temperature rises, the glass warms and condensation disappears as visible moisture evaporates into invisible air vapor. If you "set back" (lower) the temperature inside your home overnight, you compound the problem by increasing the relative humidity and lowering the dew point of the air inside your home.

 

HOW DO I KNOW THE CORRECT HUMIDITY LEVEL?

 

Watch your windows to gauge the correct humidity level inside your home. If condensation occurs on the inside of interior windows, you have excessive moisture and should take steps to reduce moisture levels. Don't rely on cheap humidity indicators. Generally, they're not accurate. If the humidity level is too high, your windows will tell you with constant fogging and water problems.

 

CREATE A MOISTURE BALANCE

 

Every combination of home structure and family situation introduces an almost unlimited set of variables when evaluating condensation problems on windows. You need to try to understand the basics of moisture and condensation, limit moisture sources, and properly ventilate.

 

Watch those windows! They will tell you when you need to take action. Don't worry about temporary or short-term fogging of windows. Do worry if you have constant moisture problems and you notice water damage, mildew or water stains.


Follow the steps outlined here, and consult a professional if you have persistent problems. And don't condemn modern building practices and windows. Modern products and building techniques have given us comfortable, energy efficient homes. While we enjoy our low energy bills, we simply need to understand how these homes react to moisture. The correct humidity level depends on the type of window, the outside air temperature and the inside air temperature. These temperatures are important because they affect the interior glass temperature. When the glass is cold, the humidity level or dew point must be lower to prevent condensation.

 A Little Humor

GAMES FOR WHEN WE ARE OLDER

1. Sag, you're It.  

2. Hide and go pee.

3. 20 questions shouted into your good ear.  

4. Kick the bucket
5. Red Rover, Red Rover, the nurse says Bend Over.
6. Musical recliners.
7. Simon says something incoherent.
8. Pin the Toupee on the bald guy

 

SIGNS OF MENOPAUSE:

 

1. You sell your home heating system at a yard sale.
2. You have to write post-it notes with your kids' names on them.
3. You change your underwear after a sneeze.

 

OLD IS WHEN:

 

1. Going bra-less pulls all the wrinkles out of your face.
2. You don't care where your spouse goes, just as long as you don't have to go along.
3. Getting a little action means I don't need fiber today.
4. Getting lucky means you find your car in the parking lot.
5. An all-nighter means not getting up to pee!

 

THOUGHTS FOR A SLOW WEEK:

 

Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press 'Ctr Alt Delete' and start all over?

Just remember, if the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off.

 

If raising children was going to be easy, it never would have started with something called labor!

 

Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.

 

But Most Of All, Remember:

 

A Good Friend Is Like A Good Bra: Hard to Find, Supportive, Comfortable,

 

And Always Close To Your Heart! :)

 

Ponderisms:

 

I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.

 

Garden Rule: When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.

 

The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.


Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

 


 Winter To Do List
Install extra insulation.
winter
  • Install plastic sheets on windows requiring extra protection from the wind (kits are widely available at hardware stores or home centers). Add weather stripping around doors if necessary.
  • Prepare for snow. In snowy areas of the country, make sure your shovel or snow blower is in good condition. If necessary, use a rock salt-sand mixture to de-ice the driveway.
  • Patch and paint.
  • Inspect interior walls and ceilings for holes or cracks. Patch and paint as necessary. Watch for bubbling or cracking, which could indicate water damage.
  • Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test each unit, and replace batteries if needed.
  • Repair indoor woodwork. Fill any holes or damaged areas with wood putty, then sand and refinish the surface.
  • Maintain appliances Unplug the refrigerator and clean it thoroughly with soap and hot water. Vacuum the condenser coil in the back or bottom of the refrigerator for better energy efficiency. If the drain pan is removable, clean it in soapy water. Clean the inside of the dishwasher, the stove exhaust fan, the inside of the oven, and the microwave.
  • Inspect bathroom caulking.
  • Remove and replace crumbling caulk around the bathtub, sink, or toilet. Make sure no moisture is leaking under the bathtub or shower stall.
  • Protect pipes from freezing. Insulate any water pipes that are exposed to extreme cold (check pipes on the north side of house particularly). Cover outdoor water faucets.
  • Plan home improvement projects. Plan and budget major home improvement projects, such as painting the exterior of the house, building a patio, or making landscape changes. Check with your local building department to see if your projects require permits. In late winter, call contractors to submit bids.
  • Clean and organize the basement. Sweep the floor and clear out cobwebs. Check stored items for moisture damage. Build or purchase storage shelves. Tidy up work areas. Start flower and vegetable seeds in seed trays under lights.

 VOC's found in garages

   Fuels and gasoline, lawn equipment, automotive products, glues and adhesives, solvents, stored paints and chemicals, and hobby supplies are the typical materials stored in garages. A research group at the University of Michigan performed a study on the migration of volatile organic compounds from attached garages in 15 single-family homes [1]. A total of 39 VOCs were detected indoors, 36 VOCs were detected in the garage, and 20 VOCs were detected in ambient air. Air flows and source partitioning (garage vs. indoor) were studied using tracer gases. As an example, ratios of volatiles detected in the garage and in the home and multi-zone IAQ models showed that nearly all of the benzene and most of the fuel-related aromatics detected in the homes resulted from migration from garage sources. 

   What steps can a homeowner take to reduce the migration of VOCs from the garage to their home? The most effective way is to keep the garage air as "clean" as possible. Outdoor power equipment (lawnmowers, weed trimmers, recreational vehicles, etc.) paint cans and solvents should be stored in
an outdoor shed, and not in the garage. This would especially be useful in the summer months, where warmer temperatures result in higher solvent vapor pressures, thereby elevating the levels of VOCs in the garage. If solvent containers are stored in the garage, the lids should be stored in airtight containers. Some homeowners spend considerable time working in the garage on hobbies, automobiles, or other projects involving the use of solvent-based chemicals. Clothing can absorb/adsorb VOCs from the garage environment. Clothing that is worn while working in the garage should never be worn in the house. Remove the affected clothing and seal it in a plastic bag until it can be laundered.

   Finally, the homeowner can minimize, but not eliminate, the migration of VOCs from the garage by ensuring that the garage walls and ceilings are finished, that the entry door to the home is properly sealed, and most importantly, that the entry door to the home is kept closed as much as possible.


 Energy Tips
Everyone knows that changing to LED's or weather-proofing your windows and doors can help you and your home conserve energy; here are 15 "off-beat" home conservation tips...
1. Lighten Up!
Paint the walls of your home a light color. Dark colors tend to absorb light, requiring you to use more energy from light bulbs to achieve the same effect.

2. Fill 'er Up
A dishwasher 90% full uses 4 units of electricity, if 50% full it still uses 3 units of electricity. Fill the dishwasher to save energy and money.
No dishwasher? When hand-washing dishes use a sink stopper or dishpan to hold hot water to eliminate waste from hot water running continuously.

3. Have You Hugged Your Hot-Water Heater?
Buy a water heater blanket to keep your water heater insulated to save $30 a year.

4. Money Out the Window
Up to 16% of your heat or cooling can escape through unprotected windows. Close your drapes at night or install insulating shutters to retain heat.

5. Turn "Off" OFF
75% of electricity used by home electronics is consumed while "off". By using a power strip and switching off when not in use, you lessen CO2 emissions and reduce your energy bill.

6. Suckers...
Turn off the TV, VCR, DVD player, and video game consoles when not in use. A medium-size TV uses 200 watts of electricity when it's left on and a video game console can use as much electricity as 2 full-size refrigerators!

7. Get a Load of This!
When choosing your next washing machine, pick one with a front loader. Front load models use 25% less energy...don't forget to look for the Energy Star label!

8. Air Out Your Laundry
When seasonably available, line dry your clothes instead of using the clothes dryer. This can save you between $75 and $150 a year.

9. Get With the Program
Why pay for heat or AC you don't need? You can save energy and money by using a programmable thermostat to control your usage when you're away from home.

10. Shut 'Yer Trap
Refrain from opening your oven door when it is in use - each time the door is opened, the oven loses 20% of its heat.

11. Baked...
The oven temperature can be lowered by as much as 25 degrees by using glass or ceramic pans to bake.

12. Wind in Your Hair
Use your hair dryer on the cool setting, a hair dryer set on cool uses 600 watts versus 1,200 watts on the hot setting.

13. ...In Hot Water
Limit your use of the hot water setting when washing clothes, each load of laundry washed in cold water saves enough energy to power a TV for up to 34 hours!

14. Open Up...Close Down
During cold weather, open window drapes and blinds on sunny days and during hot weather, close them to keep out the sun's rays.

15. Shady
Plant a tree! Not only will it shade your home during hot weather and act as a wind barrier on chilly days lowering your cooling and heating bills by as much as 15-35%, but they produce Oxygen and remove CO2 from the air, helping to fight global warming!

Williams Heating and Cooling
This month's notable service provider goes to Tom Williams of Williams Heating and Cooling.
  Tom provides great service at a reasonable price. When it comes to comfort issues in the home, moisture issues, tune-ups or replacement of your furnace or AC, give Tom a call. He has done work for me and I have heard nothing but great testimonials about this company. I am very satisfied with my personal experience. He has a great selection of energy efficient products professionally installed correctly sized for your home. His number is 262-305-6671 


 
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