Blog

by Dave Logan

There are many benefits in relying on good ol’ Mother Nature for your home’s heating and cooling systems. From our view, the biggest benefit of geothermal heat pump systems (GHPs) is that they use up to 50% less electricity than the conventional systems. According to the Department of Energy, a GHP system costs about $2,500 per ton of capacity, or about $7,500 for a 3-ton unit, which is the typical size requirement for a residence.

While conventional systems cost less up front (with air conditioning), the benefits of going geothermal will put money back into your pocket almost right away. For example, if you roll the cost of the GHP into your mortgage, you may increase your payment by only $30-$50 per month. The energy cost savings will easily surpass that amount over the course of a single year. Also keep in mind that good financing deals can often be achieved for purchasing a GHP.

There are many other benefits of migrating to a GHP system, whether you’re installing one in a new home or retrofitting a system in your existing home. GHP systems use far fewer mechanical components, which make them more reliable out of the gate. Add to that the fact that they are sheltered from all weather, and you have a system that will last for decades. You can get up to 50 year warranties for the underground piping sytems, and the pumps themselves are designed to last at least 20 years, in most cases longer.

Like a conventional furnace and air-conditioning system, a geothermal system uses ductwork. This is certainly a cost benefit in retrofitting a system if that’s your situation. The GHP pump itself operates in complete silence, so it’s nice to not have the sudden air blasts you get from conventional systems.

I think you’ll find a GHP system to be a low-maintenance, cost-effective solution for your new or current home. Do a little of your own research to make sure the installing your own GHP system is right for you at this time.

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

Lower electricity bills and tons less in global warming pollution are two very attractive benefits of making the permanent switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs. In these hot summer months they lower your cooling bills, too, because they don’t burn nearly as hot as traditional bulbs. If every household replaced three incandescent bulbs with CF bulbs, the pollution savings would be equivalent to removing millions of cars from our country’s highways. Such a simple change to make for such dramatic, positive results.

Here are a few simple ways you can make the switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs:

1. Start with just a single bulb. Given the abundancy in choices out there, make sure you’re using a bulb that produces the kind of light you want. We recommend looking for Energy Star bulbs labeled “warm white” and see what you think.

2. Make sure the size and shape are right. CF bulbs can be bigger than standard bulbs, so make sure your lamp or fixture can accommodate the specific CF bulb you’re considering. You shouldn’t have any problems finding one that fits; you won’t have to replace your favorite lamp or anything!

3. Understand the wattage. A CF bulb will have about 25% of the total watts as compared to a traditional incandescent bulb. A 20-watt CF full-spectrum bulb equals the light output of a 75-watt incandescent light. You might even qualify for a utility rebate by using less energy!

4. Recycle your old CF bulbs. CF bulbs contain small amounts of mercury (far less than thermometers, for example), so be sure to recycle them when they burn out years down the road. Check with your garbage service to find out if they offer recycling for CF bulbs. There are now over 2000 Home Depot locations that will take them as well. You can also check with Earth911 to find your nearest recycling location.

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 to help you with your next project!

by Dave Logan

Lead poisoning is serious business. From deficient physical development, to kidney problems and muscle irritations, to brain damage. None of it sounds too appealing. Lead-based paint is a major source of lead poisoning in children and can also affect adults. In Colorado, contractors can now face extremely steep penalties and fines if they don’t actively test for lead on painted surfaces. The challenge with lead is that you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. You might have it in your home and not even know it. Lead also doesn’t break down naturally over time, so it will remain a health threat until you have it removed. About 75% of all homes built before 1978 contain at least some lead-based paint. Lead paint is most common on exterior surfaces, windows, and doors.

After 1978, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned all use of lead-based paint in housing. It’s simple: if you live in an older home, you are at a higher risk of lead-based paint exposure. So how do you check for it? If your home was built before 1978, the first thing to do is purchase a test kit from your hardware or paint supply store. It’s important to remember that these kits are designed to detect only the presence of lead. The kits will not tell you if the lead levels are low or high. If necessary, ask for help in choosing a kit, and follow the instructions on the kit to test a surface. The bottom line is that in order to completely “ and safely “ remove lead-based paint from your home, you will need to hire a Colorado professional painting contractor. Not only will a professional have the knowledge and skills for the task, but also a pro will likely be able to inform you of Colorado lead paint regulations. Check out our list of qualified painting and home improvement pros in Denver, Boulder, and the front range. And finally, consult the Colorado Department of Health and Environment – Air Pollution Control Divisionfor lead-based paint questions and more information.

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

Summertime and warm weather make me think of one thing: an outdoor party! If you’re like me, nothing beats sharing the beautiful weather with friends, family, great food, and drinks. The flowers are blooming, the nights are warm, and the smell of freshly cut grass radiates throughout the neighborhood. Here are five outdoor party tips to help you prepare for your first party this summer.

1. Get set up. Mow the yard, sweep off dust/dirt/debris from the deck or patio, trim your plants and shrubs, and re-position your flowers so they are close to the party area. Set up your tables, bring out all the flatware, glasses, china, etc. the day before your outdoor party. You can get inexpensive cloths to cover your tables. Try going with white so you can rely on your flowers to bring all the color to your event. If your party is going to carry on into the night, create a border of candles (citronella or other) or string lighting.

2. Take advantage of the space. Try to be creative with the space in your back yard. If you have a deck or patio, this is easier because people naturally feel comfortable on outside spaces like decks and patios. Spread your patio furniture out so it encourages not only relaxing, but also mingling. Try keeping the bar and food close together, too. It keeps people moving around the area and the energy positive.

3. What’s for dinner? Depending on the “vibe” you are going for, there are many food options that will be great for your party. People look forward to eating, but it’s the socializing and relaxing that is top priority, so don’t agonize too much over the menu. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and a few sides are always fun. Whatever you decide, stick to easy preparation items and don’t forget about dessert!

4. Consider renting additional furniture if you must. If your patio furniture cannot accommodate your guest list, don’t let that hold you back. You can rent some extra furniture from a party supply store for a reasonable price. Or if you’re comfortable with it, simply ask a friend or guest to loan you some furniture for the party. Just make sure you get it at least a day in advance so everything is set when friends arrive. Again, it’s the company and spirit that are most important so just do what it takes to make it happen. And don’t forget about the music! Some nice background music encourages conversation and keeps your guests enjoying themselves for many hours.

5. Participate in your own party! Once the guests arrive, it’s time to relax and enjoy yourself with your company. It’s very easy to get caught up in ongoing cleaning, picking up, and making sure everyone is happy. Try to resist these temptations. People will help themselves to whatever they need and you don’t have to be responsible for them having a good time. Rest assured, they will! When the party’s over, see your guests out and tell them you’re looking forward to hosting the next party. Trust me, they will want to come back!

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

You have a couple of options when it comes to today's custome steam showers: you can go for a pre-packaged one (typically at a higher cost), or you can transform your existing shower into a spa for as low as a couple thousand dollars. These systems are digitally controlled and you can quickly install them. The result is a highly-relaxing and enjoyable steam shower that is as good as any experience you can get at your local health club.

The steam generator houses the element that creates the heat necessary to produce steam. The steam then moves through the steam head and fills the shower area. You can install the steam generator in a location that is out of sight: the bathroom vanity, under the floor, or in the bench seat. The steam generator runs on electricity (208, 220 or 240V is common) and connects to your home’s existing water supply.

You can get some pretty nice upgrades with your steam shower, too, including aromatherapy features. These allow you to add essential oils to an attached steam head reservoir, and when the steam head heats up it vaporizes the oils and mixes with the steam. Steam and aroma therapy offer many health benefits:

• Reduces stress
•  Encourages relaxation ? Cleanses toxins
•  Increases circulation ? Relieves aches and pains
•  Enhances your respiratory system
•  Destroys pathogens in the body
• Increases your metabolism
•  Enhances cardiovascular fitness

Call your trusted plumbing professional to discuss which system will work best in your home. A quality plumber can guide you on features, too, like custom spray systems, steam heads and generators, hand sprays, multi-directional shower heads, and any upgrades. Once you get your steam shower system installed, it will require little maintenance other than regular cleaning and component inspection.

You will be able to enjoy reduced stress and an overall increased sense of well being by regularly enjoying your steam shower. And I’m sure your significant other will want to enjoy the experience right along with you.

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 to help you with your next project!