Blog

by Dave Logan

Not to start the day off with a grim statistic, but: carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one cause of accidental poisoning deaths in The United States. This may come as a surprise to many, but it makes sense if you think about how ubiquitous carbon monoxide is in our everyday lives. On the bright side, you can easily protect your family from dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home by researching and purchasing a carbon monoxide detectors. Most importantly, you need to understand which detector is right for your home and how it works. As a rule, carbon monoxide detectors should not be used as a replacement for proper maintenance and troubleshooting for any fuel-burning appliances. The detector is to serve as an auxiliary mode of detection and protection only. Ultimately, the performance quality of carbon monoxide detectors is all over the map. Some detectors perform very well, others completely fail to alarm residents even when tested at extremely high carbon monoxide levels. You need to do some good research and solicit the advice of a trusted home improvement professional before you make your decision. Remember, carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, so detection (false or accurate) can prove to be a real challenge. When you do choose the right detector for your home, make sure you precisely follow the instructions that come with the unit. And of course if anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms of poisoning, you need to seek medical attention immediately.

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

by Dave Logan

1. Pick a new thermostat that best fits your home. A programmable thermostat gives you the ability to set specific temperatures for specific times of the day. This allows you to not only have the freedom and control to dictate the most comfortable temperatures for you and your family, but also to save on your home’s energy expenses. Saving fuel and electricity are critical in today’s energy economy. You can select a reasonably-priced, programmable thermostat that provides very accurate temperature readings for your home. Check out options online or at your local hardware store.

2. Get rid of your old thermostat. Kill the power to your furnace or air conditioner before you install the new thermostat. This will ensure you avoid any damage to your furnace’s electronics. Next, you need to disconnect all four wires from your old thermostat. Use a piece of electrical tape to secure the old wires to the wall after disconnecting. This will keep them from sliding into the wall while you are working.

3. Install your new thermostat. Installation is pretty straightforward. Each of the terminals on your new thermostat has a letter code. Each wire that connects to its respective terminal has a color code. Recognize which color-coded wire belongs to each letter-coded terminal. Ultimately, just remember to always follow the letter code and you will be fine. Next, you will install the new wall plate for the thermostat. The new thermostat may or may not line up with the screws from the old thermostat. If not, simply drill new holes (and anchors if appropriate) and install the plate. Finally, attach the wires to the terminal screws as previously mentioned. Place the batteries in the thermostat, put the cover in place, and there you have it!

4. Program your new thermostat. Depending on which thermostat you purchase for you home, you will need to closely follow the manufacturer's instructions for programming your thermostat. Temperature settings are of course the same, but your new unit will allow you to customize specific (and multiple) times for activating heat or air conditioning. You can set specific temperatures for during the week (when you are at work) or during the weekend (when you are home); and of course temperatures for evening and nighttime hours.

5. Enjoy cost savings on your energy bill!

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

By Specialized Electric

If you own a home that was built in the mid 1960’s to the early 1970’s, there is a chance that it has some aluminum wiring.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, research shows that homes wired with aluminum wire manufactured before 1972 are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach “Fire Hazard Conditions” than a home wired with copper. What is the Danger of Aluminum Wiring? How unsafe is aluminum wiring? Aluminum is a fine conductor of electricity, and is generally not unsafe. However, every point of connection of the wire can be a potential fire hazard if not connected properly. This includes every electrical “opening” in the house, including outlets, switches, light fixtures, and major appliances.Corrosion of the metals in the connection, particularly the aluminum wire itself, causes increased resistance to the flow of electric current, which causes overheating. Danger Signs with Aluminum Wiring Signs of trouble in aluminum-wired homes can include warm-to-the-touch face plates on outlets or switches, flickering lights, circuits that don’t work, or the smell of burning plastic at outlets or switches. Unfortunately, not all failing aluminum wired connections provide such easily detected warning signs, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, In fact, aluminum wired connections have been reported to fail without any prior indications or problems. What Can Be Done? Typically, it is not practical or necessary to replace aluminum wiring in a house. However, we recommend that properly installed UL listed devices be installed at every switch, receptacle, light fixture, and any other electrical “opening.” Additionally, all connections at the electrical panel(s) should be treated with an antioxidant compound and be checked periodically. It is in your family’s best interest to have your home inspected by a licensed Electrical Contractor in order to determine impending trouble.

For more information or if you have concerns about your panel, contact Specialized Electric Company at 303-988-7997 for a free evaluation.

by John Ward

Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric www.ApplewoodFixIt.com

Most of us don’t think much about our plumbing or electrical systems when we think about “going green.” But, in fact, these two areas in a home can have lasting green effects in the pocket as well as the environment.

When you cut energy costs, you’re saving money as well as natural resources. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the home sector uses approximately 66 percent of the electric energy in this country. That electrical consumption doubled between 1989 and 2005. As our population grows these numbers will continue to grow as well, that’s why it’s important to take steps to minimize your footprint.

You might be surprised at how many ways you can cut costs and energy consumption around your home. Here’s a list of effective measures to make a greener environment and make your wallet a little greener as well.

Shade management 1: Keep the shades open on the sunny side of the house to help heat it in winter. Shut the shades to help cool it in summer.

Shade management 2: Landscape so that in the summer, trees, vines and shrubs shade driveway pavement, courtyards, large windows, etc.

Cross-ventilate: Opening windows on just one side of the house isn’t effective – the air has no path to flow through. Open windows on opposite sides to create a breeze.

Use a reversible ceiling fan: It’s effective both in winter and summer, generating a direct breeze in the summer and redistributing rising hot air in the winter.

Use CFL & LED lights: Replace your standard incandescent bulbs with long-life, energy efficient “compact fluorescent lights” or the new LED technology, which is now available for home lighting. They come in a variety of shapes and applications.

Use dimmers and mood lighting: If you’ve got dimmers, use them! If not, have them installed. They create comfortable lighting and save energy.

Use task and tract lighting: It’s more efficient and reduces the glare of an overly lit room.

Clean or paint walls: Dingy walls don’t reflect light well and give the room a “dark” feeling.

Use outdoor sensor lights: Instead of leaving porch and yard lights on all night. They provide even more security, reacting to motion.

Differentiate the toilet from the waste basket: Don’t use the toilet for cigarettes, paper or an occasional nose tissue. You can save 200-300 gallons a month.

Install aerators: They’re easy to put on kitchen and bathroom faucets, reduce water consumption and still provide a refreshing flow.

Wash full Loads: Don’t use the dish and clothes washers until they’re full.

Fix leaks: One simple leak can waste 20 gallons a day. Rid yourself of those annoying drips and pocket the savings.

Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator: Instead of running the tap water until it’s cold.

Don’t sprinkle, irrigate: An irrigation hose uses less water and makes it easier for your lawn to “swallow.” If the grass springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn’t need water. Also, watering in the morning instead of dusk helps prevent fungus growth.

Use mulch: A layer around trees and plants slows down evaporation, reducing water needs.

Use a broom, not a hose: And get a little exercise sweeping the drive and sidewalks.

Capture tap water: While waiting for the water to heat up, capture the cool water and use it on your plants.

• If replacing or adding appliances, consider:
• Energy Star ratings and recommendations
• Low-flush toilets
• Programmable thermostats
• Heat pumps that distribute heat more efficiently
• Evaporative coolers
• Circulating hot water pumps for larger homes where faucets are far apart Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric can provide you with a “green” audit of your Denver or Boulder home. We recommend to annually check plumbing and electrical for efficiency to ensure you’re maximizing resources and saving money.

John Ward has owned and operated Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric for more than 36 years. He is a master plumber and recognized as an industry leader for his knowledge and ethical business practices. Applewood is the 2009 Large Company Better Business Bureau Marketplace of Trust winner and Contractor Magazine’s 2009 Contractor of the Year.

by Dave Logan

The sole purpose of your septic system is to transport all household wastes to a holding tank for treatment. Sounds simple enough, but improper maintenance of your septic system could result in some very unwanted problems. Your sewer line initially delivers all waste to a septic tank buried near your home. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank where microorganisms get rid of it. Waste fluids flow to distribution boxes that then discharge it through pipes in a drain field. Your septic tank needs to be pumped as necessary to rid it of collected solid wastes.

So how often do you need to have your septic tank pumped? In short, it depends on how large your septic tank is and how many people occupy your home. A small family of two can typically go about five years before needing to have the tank pumped. However, a large household of 5 or more (using a tank of about 2000 gallons) should have their septic tank pumped about every 2-3 years. We recommend contacting your plumber to guide you with this decision. They may want to come out annually and check your water levels. Given the importance of keeping your septic system well maintained, trusting your plumber is always the best idea!

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!