R&A Magazine: Ask the Experts

Yes, there is a hybrid system for your home or business. It involves a combination of an electric heat pump and an alternate heat source like gas or oil. Most homes built in the last 20 years have a central heating and cooling system that operates on gas or oil for heat and electric for air conditioning.

An air conditioner absorbs heat from the air in your home and moves it to the outdoors through a refrigeration cycle. A heat pump can reverse the process and absorb heat from outside and bring it inside. It’s hard to imagine winter air heating your home, but the refrigerant is very cold as a gas and can absorb heat from air well into the teens.

Heat pumps have gotten a bad reputation in the past as being uncomfortable and inefficient. That is no longer the case. For example, at my house I have a gas/electric hybrid system. The heat pump heats the house until the outdoor air temperature reaches about 28 degrees. When the temperature outside goes below 28 degrees my thermostat automatically switches over to gas heating without me doing anything.

When I adjusted the change over temperature to a higher set point (36 degrees) my wife saw a spike in the gas bill and asked why. I explained the change and she didn’t even know we had a heat pump. Our first home had an old inefficient heat pump which was not a good experience, so when she was happy with a heat pump instead of gas that is proof of comfort. A heat pump can be added to an existing oil or gas hot air furnace in place of the air conditioner very reasonably. The system will need a new thermostat for dual fuel change over and will include an outdoor sensor which gives you the outside temperature at all times.

A completely new system is more expensive but hard to beat for efficiency and comfort. Carrier offers the Infinity system with a two stage heat pump and a modulating variable speed gas furnace coupled with an Infinity Control (thermostat) that operates the equipment in response to indoor and outdoor conditions to maintain temperature within ½ degree.

If you want to know if a hybrid system is right for your home, call Ressler and Mateer, Inc. at 627-2627 and ask for Dave and I’ll give you suggestions on hybrid comfort and a free estimate.

Good old fashion ordinary table salt along with the new IntelliChlor Chlorine Generator is really all you need to maintain clear water both safely and effectively. Simply add salt to your pool water and let IntelliChlor work its magic. As the dissolved salt flows through the IntelliChlor generator cell it is converted to pure chlorine and is distributed throughout your pool. This process keeps your water fresh, clear, and safe. Unlike most conventional chlorine additives IntelliChlor continuously recycles the salt day after day.

In addition to sparkling, clear water IntelliChlor makes monitoring chlorine as simple as can be with its built-in control and display panel. Just push a button to choose one of the five sanitization levels and IntelliChlor tells you exactly how to set it for proper chlorine output. IntelliChlor also provides you the same sanitization performance as chlorine, without disadvantages like odor, stinging eyes, irritated skin, or bleached-out swimsuits.

IntelliChlor is not only simple, safe, and automatic, but a provider for perfect water and a worry-free environment. IntelliChlor can be used on pools up to 40,000 gallons with proper TDS. The cost of this stress-free device ranges roughly from $2,000 to $2,500 in cost. The payback is around 4 years. If an IntelliChlor Chlorine Generator interests you feel free to contact Integrity Pools and Arctic Spas at (717) 393-1600 or stop on by at 2106 Spring Valley Road Lancaster PA.

Choosing a quality security system is a very critical decision for you and your family. Here are the most common questions we get from our customers along with our response. What does a typical system cost and should I own the system or rent? For a variety of reasons, we recommend that you purchase the system. Costs range from $1,100- $1,400. What are the monthly monitoring fees and how long is the term of the service/monitoring contract? Our standard monitoring is one of the lowest in Lancaster County, starting at around $15/month. Each contract is for an initial term of 1-3 years and automatically renews for 1-year periods. Beware of long-term contracts.

How often does the system report in to the central station and why is that important? We program our panels to test every couple of days. This is a programming feature that allows the system to “check in,” testing the communications with a central station to verify that signals can be sent. Most people think that a security panel is always “connected” to the central station and that a loss of the phone line will prompt a dispatch or phone call to the site, but that is not true with a land based phone line. Daily tests can be performed at an additional cost.

What happens if the phone line is cut? What are my alternate choices? Is the communication two-way? If the phone line is cut, the panel has no means to communicate the signals it is trying to send to a central station to dispatch the fire or police assistance. As a security feature, we program our panels so that if cut while armed, the siren will go off. For added protection, we have systems that are totally wireless and do not need to have a phone line. This type of system that we use also allows you to communicate with your panel for remote arming and disarming of the system without a phone line. This is not possible with a more common cellular backup unit.

What is a lockout code and why is it used? A lockout code is a number that allows only the person authorized to service your system to gain access to the programming. This is a way that companies keep competitors from taking over “their” system. We believe that our customers deserve choices and will never lock you out of your system. If a company needs to protect their customers in this manner, it is probably not a wise decision to deal with them.

How much experience and/or training does a technician installing/servicing my system have? Are subcontractors used to install the system? AT 3T, all personnel have a minimum of 3 years experience with others having more than 10 years, with factory training, NAAA certification, AFAA training and an understanding of NFPA 72 standards. We provide more than just on the job training, we provide several hours of classroom training every 2 weeks. We understand that you may feel guarded about letting someone into your home, which is one reason we do not use subcontractors and each employee is in a company uniform with an identification badge and driving a company marked vehicle.

What is the term of the warranty and what does it cover? We warranty our work for 2 years. It covers all parts and labor during normal business hours. Does the central station that is monitoring your system have a backup location in case of a disaster or an evacuation at the primary site? Is it UL listed? Yes. The central station that we are involved with is able to transfer information and services in the event of a disaster without missing a beat. The central station is a UL listed central station.

Is each security device on an independent zone to reduce or eliminate the potential for false alarms? Is the system expandable? Yes, it only makes sense. If you were to have a group of windows on one zone and it set off a false alarm, you wouldn’t know which individual window it was. How much have you saved when you are paying the false alarm fine, having to bypass that entire side of the building leaving it unprotected, and/or paying a service technician to locate that one window within an entire group? Yes, all of the systems we install are expandable. We do try to size your system to current needs and future demands.

To learn more, please give us a call at 717.664.0090.

I would like to address the second question first. Everyone is worried, and with some good reasons. The price of gas and oil is going up, much more than what we are used to causing everyone to panic. I have people coming in almost shaking from their last heating bill. Does that mean you should run right out and purchase a bio-fuel or alternative heat source? Not necessarily.

First lets talk about the propane and natural gas units. Most units are between 78 - 87% efficient. That means for every dollar you are spending in heating fuel, 78 to 87 cents is coming back into your home as heat. They can also be thermostatically controlled, which means you can set the unit for 70 degrees which will allow the unit to cycle on and off, maintaining that temperature. An additional blower allows you to push the heat into other rooms, or even installing flow thru registers in the ceiling above the unit and into the rooms above allowing the heat to flow upstairs. A more controlled heat, especially in your living area, will allow you to control your costs, and give you the heat where you need it. The other benefit to a natural gas or propane unit is the fact that you do not have to carry wood in and out, clean out ash, worry about keeping it running. There are storage issues and delivery issues with alternative fuel that can also cause a great deal of thinking and planning.

Does this mean I am anti-wood or pellet? NO! I think pellet is a great source of heat, and I use a pellet stove to heat both of my showrooms. However, this being said pellet is not for everyone, there is a great deal of management with pellet, you need to be mindful of the quality of pellet product you purchase. Make sure that it burns as clean as possible in your home. The lesser amount of pollutants you put in your air the better. Also, wood stoves are wonderful, and I love the smell. Nothing like the smell of burning wood on a cold day. Efficient woodburning stoves or fireplace inserts can add a wonderful addition to a home that needs extra heat. The newer woodburning units, can be dampered to run smoothly and burn up to 8 or more hours a day. One cord of wood can provide almost 22,000,000 BTU’s!!! Wow! The BTU’s (which stands for British Thermal Units) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 lb. of water by 1 degree fahrenheit. Whew! To make it easier, its a great way to compare the amount of heat ouput you can expect from your fireplace or stove. I have a worksheet that is from a government website, that I will be glad to send to anyone that emails me at bcarr@mbcfireplace. net. It sounds very complicated, but its not. The amount of heat you would like to get from any unit, should also be weighed with the cost of the fuel, and the time it takes to prepare the unit or keep it running.

It is very important to research the products and ask lots of questions before you make the purchase. This leads me to the first question, How do you pick the right product for your home? There are many things to keep in mind when purchasing a stove or fireplace. What are you really expecting from this product? Are you looking for a focal point to increase the design element of your home? Do you need something that will provide you with more warmth this winter? How busy is your lifestyle? Are there small children in the home? Is there concern with Asthma or other breathing problems? These are just some questions I always ask clients when they first meet with me to help choose their fireplace. Most people do not know exactly what they want, and thats ok. Its important to sift thru ideas and see what would work. Exploring all your ideas and possble designs, helps us to put you in the right hearth product for your home. There are so many options and styles now, luckily the hearth industry has stopped and listened, they make a fireplace or stove to fit almost everyone’s budget or style.

I believe that researching, talking, and planning is going to be the best way to save this winter. Whatever product you choose to use, make sure it fits your lifestyle. Don’t purchase something without thinking it through the next years. It should be a unit that you enjoy for the next 10-20 years. The best place to start is with a local hearth speciality retailer, one that is willing to work with you and guide you to the product that best fits your needs.

Good questions. Because you can’t really see many of the ugly side effects associated with “contaminated” indoor air, it’s hard to know when you need to have a test done. If you or your family members have allergies, get a test. If you take the “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” approach to staying healthy, get a test. But there are other reasons to have your air tested as well.

The quality of your home’s air is directly tied to health. It’s natural for allergens, pollutants, dust and other particles to enter the air in our homes. And air circulation or heating/cooling systems can do a lot to filter harmful particles out of the air. But there are many factors that dictate taking extra steps toward purifying your home’s air, beyond relying on the filtration systems included in your heating/cooling system.

Taking a close look at your personal or family’s health is one way to determine whether or not you need an indoor air quality (IAQ) test. Common symptoms of contamination include: fatigue, headaches, nausea, scratchy throat, nasal irritation and some allergies. When these symptoms are ongoing, you may want to examine what’s circulating through your home. And if you find your health deteriorating each winter, shortly after you winter proof your home and turn on your heating system, that may be another signal that it’s time to analyze your air quality.

There’s one other way to know you need your ducts cleaned and your air quality tested. Simply look up at your vents (if you have them). If they are dusty inside and out, it’s probably time to take action. This dust is being blasted into your home – and your lungs – each time your home is being heated or cooled!

Improving your family’s health is a major reason to ACT NOW and have an IAQ test done. But there are other benefits as well. Improving your IAQ can reduce utility bills by allowing your HVAC systems to work at higher efficiencies. And you’ll experience improved whole-house comfort. Rooms will feel more temper-ate and you’re more likely to resolve humidity issues.

As for the final part of your question: How do you ensure that you don’t buy equipment you don’t need? Here’s what the Cocalico Plumbing and Heating team tells customers who call for this service:

1. Hire a contractor that uses unbiased, third parties to conduct its testing. Independent assessments help guarantee accurate results and trustworthy recommendations. Not a sales pitch for equipment you don’t need from the contractor who will handle equipment sales, installation and service. At Cocalico, we use AirAdvice, a leading Indoor Air Quality testing company.

2. If your test results indicate a problem, ask your contractor if servicing existing equipment is a viable option vs. buying new equipment. Some HVAC contractors that specialize in IAQ offer service for existing systems in addition to new system sales.

3. Ask for customer testimonials. How many repeat customers does your contractor have? And how many happy buyers evangelize on their behalf?

Nine out of 10 homes have a problem with their indoor air quality. Chances are, you can make some improvements. If you’re ready to improve your family’s health, cut utility bills and just feel more comfortable all year round, schedule an unbiased test today.

Coating a garage’s concrete floor is a great way to protect it from road salts and other chemical attacks, improve the garage’s overall appearance, ease surface cleaning and improve the home’s sales appeal and price.

Whether the concrete is new or decades old, the longevity of any coating system begins with the preparation of the con-crete surface prior to the application of the actual chemicals. Acid etching, while a common preparation technique, lacks the ability to prepare tightly toweled surfaces and cannot remove any existing paints, sealers or contaminants, all of which decrease or negate a coating’s ability to stick to the concrete. A mechanical preparation method, such as diamond grinding or abrasive blasting, ensure the entire surface provides the proper surface profile to allow maxi-mum adhesion by the coating.

Many paints are available for concrete floors, but they will not hold up against “hot tire” peel as paints lack the bond strength to resist the pull from the tires. A high quality coating system designed for a garage floor will provide superior bond strength to any floor paints. Most of these coating systems are made from epoxies, polyurethanes or blends of the two.

Better coating systems will feature multiple layers, where the first layer, or “base coat”, is designed for high adhesion to the concrete and may also be the binder for decorative chips or quartz. The last layer, or “top coat”, should be formulated for UV stability, abrasion resistance and high chemical resistance. This will keep thecoating looking good year after year, ensuring that it does not discolor from exposure to direct sunlight, weather and chemicals.

While the coating should hold up well to normal vehicle traffic, frequent removal of stones and other debris will greatly extend the life of the coating system. After years of daily use, even the best coating system displays signs of wear, so ensure the coating system provides the ability to re-apply the top coat layer to later rejuvenate the floor.

The options available for coating a garage floor have never been broader. Since the garage floor sustains greater abuse than the other floors in the home, ensure any coating system selected pro-vides the characteristics we have de-scribed. We invite homeowners considering a garage floor coating to contact PremierGarage of Central Pennsylvania toll-free at 888.577.0452 or visit our website at www.PremierGarage.com.

There are many trends and new materials in today’s decking market. Homeowners are seeking to expand their living space less expensively with the outdoor room concept. They demand high-performance materials that are also low-maintenance and they want style and beauty. This is a tall order compared to decades past, when decks were made of cheap wood, often in an uninspired square or rectangle and presenting a splintery, maintenance nightmare. Now, decks must be design-integrated, withstand active lifestyles and maintain their attractive looks without much la-b or or cost for years to come.

These trends have been met with a series of new man-made materials that overcome the problems of wood. All-plastic decking emerged in the early 1990s, but had heat retention and aesthetic issues. Around the same time, composite materials came on the market to battle the problems of rotting and splintering wood. But there were a host of new problems as expectations grew. These materials were a step above wood, but not completely low-maintenance as promised. They were found to hold on to stains and mildew, due to wood fillers. They were three times heavier than wood, prone to expansion and contraction and often needed pre-drilling. And, the surfaces of some prod-cuts scratched from furniture, tools or pets. It was better, but not ideal. Even though contractors achieved higher margins, they had to weigh whether it was worth the callbacks.

 

The next generation of decking eliminates not only the problems of wood, but of composites and everything in between. A new stain-resistant decking made with cellular pvc contains no wood fillers, so it provides resistance to even the greasiest food stains, red wine, mold/mildew, fading and scratch-in. AZEK Deck leads this category, but also defines a new echelon, with the addition of flax fiber in a special process owned by AZEK Building Products. Along with stain-resistance, this gives the decking added strength and reduced expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. These features make installation easier, with no pre-drilling required, a 40% lighter weight product and two code reports (ICC and CCRR) to satisfy building permit requirements. Always ask any dealer or manufacturer if their product has a code report to avoid future hassles (to date, ours is the only decking of its kind to have these). The decking works well with typical deck fasteners and many of the quality hid-den fastener systems. It also recently met San Diego County fire requirements. With a natural wood-grain look, it is available in five colors, with matching railings, including white.

 

In other new developments, the reduced expansion and contraction of this technology has allowed a brand new line extension: a tongue and groove porch product that can be installed in a covered or uncovered area. AZEK Porch features 1X4 planks that are very easy to install and have all the stain and scratch resistance necessary for an extremely high traffic entryway. For more information about the next generation of decking, visit www.azek.com.

To answer this question you need to understand the chemistry of algae and how it grows in a typical swimming pool.

Algae are plants that grow underwater and like all plants, it requires light, oxy-gen and nutrients. If you deprive algae of one key nutrient, phosphates, it will not grow. Furthermore, if phosphates are kept low, algae will grow much more slowly.

With this in mind, you want to control the phosphates in your pool. How do you do this? There are two accepted ways of preventing algae growth. The first is to make sure there are enough chemicals in your pool to kill off algae growth, or at least as fast as it is growing. This is usually done with a sanitizer like chlorine, and some type of algaecide or algistat (the chemical that kills algae).

The second method combines a level of sanitizer plus chemical to inhibit algae growth. This chemical is called the “minimum inhibitory concentration” or MIC for short. The higher the phosphate level in your pool, the higher the chemical level or MIC must be. The benefit to you is this: If you remove the phosphates from pool water, algae growth is slowed down significantly and as a result, the amount of chlorine need-ed to control it is also greatly reduced.

In both methods, the level of algae is being controlled by a sanitizer and some other agent that controls algae growth. But with the MIC method, you are actually removing the key nutrient that makes algae grow to begin with —phosphates. Some companies will tell you that it isn’t necessary to remove the phosphates from your pool water, and they are correct—in a perfect world. However, as we all know, it’s not a perfect world. Some-times it rains and sometimes the sanitizer or algistat is not added to the pool when needed. As a result the chemical level in the pool is not sufficient to pre-vent algae growth—and you get a green pool (usually on the hottest day in July!).

The benefit of keeping the phosphate level as close to zero as possible is that when the chemical level in the pool drops very low it’s still sufficient to control algae growth. Both methods work, but the combination of phosphate removal and low sanitizer level is much more reliable at keeping the pool algae-free!

The benefit to you is that you can go away on vacation or watch it rain for a few days and know that when it is hazy, hot and humid again and you want a refreshing dip, you’ll still be able to enjoy an algae-free pool. To learn more about the choices you have in pool and spa maintenance, con-tact us at (717) 393-1600 or visit us at www.Integrity-Pools.com.

Replacing your existing bathtub with a shower is becoming increasingly popular for its convenience and style options. Depending on the age of the house, different sizes and materials are used for the new shower but generally a shower can be installed right into the existing tub space with very minimal disruption to the rest of the bathroom, even the existing flooring. Usually only a small amount of drywall patching is necessary around the new unit.

Options for the shower range from fiber-glass units to solid surface surrounds to ceramic tile. Most showers are done in tile because it offers the most design flexibility, best compliments the style of the house and offers lifetime durability. Trends in tile lean towards 6”x6” to 12”x12” sized tile installed to the ceiling to hinder mildew above the shower. FireplacesColor and style are brought in with decorative tiles in many shapes and materials including metal and glass accents.

Available add-ons to the shower are plentiful. Many people find recessed lighting above useful. Corner or recessed shelves can be installed for shampoo and soap. Corner or bench seats can be added and tiled in to match the surround. While a standard shower head is always available, many clients choose to use their new shower as a true spa experience by adding handheld showers, rainheads and body sprays. Grab bars in complimentary finishes can also be added for the safety conscious. Shower doors vary from pivot to sliding by-pass doors with multiple finishes to match the faucets and a myriad of glass options. Doors are also now available with minimal framing for a cleaner, simpler look.

The average cost of a tub to shower replacement is $3,000-$5,000 depending on size and the materials chosen. The project generally lasts about 3 days from start to finish and your shower will be unusable during this time.

A new shower can be an excellent investment in the convenience and beauty of your bathroom. Brubaker Inc. will custom design your shower to meet your desires. Call us today to schedule an appointment for this exciting renovation. Brubaker Inc. 717-299-5643 or email us at remodel@brubakerinc.com and ask for Nicole or Mike.

Asphalt pavement needs time to cure, typically 18-24 months. During this time the oils that make up the asphalt pavement will remain soft and pliable on the surface, especially on hot and humid days. Once the new pavement has been installed, we recommend that you keep any vehicles off of your new pavement for a minimum of 3 days to a week, unless special considerations are discussed.

When using your new driveway, take care not to turn your vehicle wheels back and forth while in a stationary position or make sharp turns. Radial tires will often grip the surface of the pavement and ‘tear’ the surface, leaving noticeable marks. This is referred to as ‘tire scuffing.’ Tire scuffing on new asphalt pavement is generally minor, and while it looks rather severe, it will heal in time. One would have a difficult time actually finding these scuff locations later in the life of the pavement.

Whenever possible, avoid gasoline and oil spills on your new asphalt surface. If this should occur, a degreasing product such as Simple Green or another comparable water-based product can be used to assist in cleaning the surface. Gasoline and oil will soften and breakdown the oils that make up your asphalt driveway and cause premature deterioration of your pavement surface, which may need attention from an asphalt installer.

Beware of placing heavy objects such as jacks, motorcycle kickstands, etc. directly on the pavement. We recommend placing a piece of plywood on the surface of the paving to more evenly distribute the weight of the object you wish to place on the asphalt surface.

With regard to asphalt sealers, we recommend that you wait to seal your new driveway until the pavement has had two full years to cure. Applying sealers to the surface of asphalt does not guarantee increased longer life of your asphalt surface.

Sealers are primarily used to blacken or paint asphalt pavement, which has aged and has become ‘bleached’ by the sun where the oils become less pliable and hairline cracks may result. Thus, sealers are used to cover over these cracks, but in time these cracks may reappear again as the pavement ages. It is important to know that applying driveway sealers too often may result in premature deterioration of your driveway. So the question often debated is: do I put money into sealing my drive every couple years or do I save that money and invest it in an asphalt overlay when my drive is showing age and distress after 10 -15 years?

People often want to dress up their black or faded asphalt driveway to compliment their landscaping and home. A new decorative product known as “Street Print” is an alternative to consider. ‘Street Print’ is an imprinted design installed in the asphalt pavement, which offers various shapes and patterns of brick and stone. A colored sealer coating is then added to the surface to create a highly attractive asphalt driveway. It offers an affordable enhancement to any homeowner’s property.

A paved surface area is an investment that should last a long time. Quality and careful application is critical for longevity. As you are considering the condition of your paved surface, we invite you to call our Paving Sales department at B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. and visit our website at www.brkreider.com.

A good place to start is by looking at the company. Being a local company offers customers enormous advantages. If you need any type of after sales service do you think it would be better handled by a company that is within a short drive from your home or one that has several hours drive? A local showroom with full-size products and knowledgeable staff to help you is a great start. You will not only get a feel for the company but you will see the type of work they do and the type of people you will be working with. If it is a customer-oriented company, the opening hours will be devised around the public as opposed to 9-5 when most people are at work. (At Aspen Home Improvement we are open 7 days a week.)

Secondly take a good look at the company warranty. Reviewing the warranty up front before a buying decision is made is a must. If you can not read the small print ask yourself “why is it so small?” The answer may be because they don’t want you to read it. When you’re comparing different brands of replacement windows, the details of the warranty will be the indicator of the window quality and the company’s willingness to stand behind their product. If it doesn’t appear in writing in the warranty, why doesn’t it? If it’s covered by the warranty why isn’t it in writing? Is it because it’s simply not covered? Don’t take the salesman’s word on it—ask for it in writing. Aspen pays 100% of the costs of replacement parts and 100% of the labor for any work required on our White Knight Elite windows for the lifetime of the home—no matter how many times the house is sold. And it’s in writing that you can clearly read. Too many companies justify their 1-year labor warranty by saying “If anything is going to go wrong, it’s in the first year.” Not true! How many people do you know whose glass has fogged up or need a replacement part? Problems can occur after year one—and they do.

Thirdly ask about the installers who will be doing your work. Are they salaried staff of the company or subcontractors? Did you know that if a subcontractor installs your windows and you pay the company, the installer can put a lean against YOUR house if he doesn’t get paid by the company? It doesn’t matter if you have paid or not. This is a huge risk to take. Make sure they have proof of insurance. If they damage your property or an accident happens to them while on your property they MUST have insurance.

And last but not least—consider the product. If you made your selection based on the above points, the rest should be easy to figure out because the company couldn’t offer an inferior product and still stand by its labor and product warranty. If they did, they would be losing money by running around fixing problems all day—for free! Most windows today have an Energy Star rating and most people think that’s the only thing you should look for. Again, not true! Make sure you check out the window’s drainage system and its welded insulated frames. The vinyl frame needs to be substantial. In our showroom, we have some samples of what NOT to buy. You may be able to poke a pencil through a fiberglass screen, but should it tear simply by running your finger nails across it? Look for anodized aluminum screens which are much stronger and don’t rust.

In short, to ensure you are making a wise decision, you must do your homework. Visit the showrooms and ask your questions. Ask the representative(s) to explain things in a way that you understand and make sure things are in writing. Sign your contract only when you are comfortable with all aspects of the deal. If you are feeling pressured to sign, don’t.

As defined by the Oriental Rug Importers Association, Inc, an Oriental rug is “…handmade of natural fibers (most commonly wool or silk) with a pile woven on a warp and weft, with individual character and design, and made in the Near East, Middle East, Far East, or the Balkans.”

An Oriental rug is hand woven and varies in quality. Quality is generally determined by quality of the wool, intricacy of design, and knot density. Wool quality is defined by the length of its fibers, springiness, and luster. Today, the wool used in hand-knotted Oriental rugs either originates exclusively from the country of origin, or is a blend of indigenous and imported wool. Intricacy of design refers to the degree of detail a design possesses as well as the number of different colors needed to execute the pattern. The more complex the design, the more experienced the craftsman must be to weave the pattern. Knot density and fineness of weave are the same. The more knots tied per square inch, the finer the detail in the design and the more labor is required in weaving the rug. Also worth noting, all Oriental carpets feature a slight variation in color or design, which is part of the special charm and appeal of this handcrafted product.

 

A handmade Oriental rug is a woven product of timeless beauty and cultural mystique that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The earliest surviving piece dates back to about the 4th or 5th century B.C. It was discovered in an excavated burial site in southern Siberia. Although weaving techniques and traditions have remained virtually unchanged, other dramatic changes have occurred. In today’s handmade Oriental carpet industry, the weavers and importers have found it advantageous to adopt more designs and colors to better satisfy western decorative tastes. The sharp increase in production of Persian-design carpets in other countries, particularly China, India, and Pakistan, offers consumers a wide variety of color and design choices available in a full range of prices. While machine-made carpets are manufactured to machine-like standards, handmade rugs reflect the human element; the individual’s own interpretation of color and design, which is the essence of their beauty and oneness.

 

Handmade Oriental rugs are the very latest floor covering fashion statement. Consumers and interior designers all over the country have discovered their tremendous versatility in style, color, type and size, and are using them to define or enhance residential and commercial decors. As stated earlier, Oriental rugs are being woven to suit an infinite realm of decorative styles spanning the traditional Oriental looks to European, Art Deco, and contemporary.

 

Like any other work of fine art, the Oriental rug is designed to provide enjoyment to its present owner and generations to come. However, to ensure its beauty and long life, some simple steps are recommended. Normal care is to vacuum regularly to prevent dirt and grit from sifting into the roots of the fibers. Do not vacuum the fringe; brush the fringe. You should use a quality, recommended pad under the rug and rug protectors under the legs of heavy furniture. Over time, grit and dirt become embedded so deeply that professional cleaning is required. Professional cleaning will remove this dirt as well as the surface soiling that gradually dulls the appearance of a rug. Depending on the amount of traffic, cleaning every 3 to 5 years is recommended. Cleaning should be done by a professional service specializing in Oriental rugs, one that is familiar with hand woven products. It is strongly recommended that cleaning not be attempted by a “wash-at-home” service. For emergencies such as spills, tears, holes or worn spots, call your professional rug dealer.

 

A few words of advice when purchasing your work of art—you should purchase it from an established retailer of Oriental rugs, whose integrity and reputation can be verified in the community. You should avoid traveling auctions, often held at hotels and airports. They may be here today and gone tomorrow. You should protect yourself by being able to deal with someone on an ongoing basis. You should beware of “Going-Out-Of-Business” sales, which may be promotional schemes, where values are exaggerated and the quality of the merchandise is mediocre or below average. Once you find the rug that appeals to you, it is acceptable to question the retailer about quality, suitability, etc., and, if you like, take it home to try. Most respectable retailers of Oriental rugs will allow you to try a rug at home without obligation.

 

A handmade Oriental rug will add a unique blend of excitement, mystique and charm to your home or office. It is a work of art to be treasured, not only during your lifetime but also generations to come.

With the obvious bias (ha ha), I will give you some good guidelines to go by in making your selection for a painting contractor. There are three important questions that can ensure you receive a quality job that you will be happy with for years to come.
What prep will be done?
What will be the finish paint used?
What warranty is offered?

A quality long-lasting paint job begins with proper prep. In the painting world all paint jobs are not created equal. The actual painting is the easy part. Your project deserves a company that will pay attention to the dirty work on a job, like scraping, sanding and caulking. These are the elements vital to a long-lasting job. Look for a company that sells you on the prep.

Make sure that the contractor is offering you the best possible finish. Most paint companies have a top-of-the line paint. Quality paints are better and more expensive for a reason. They have a greater chemical make up and years of research to ensure their durability. Like all good purchases, a little internet or store research will be helpful in educating you. Generally, the more expensive the better in the painting world, especially when it comes to materials.

Lastly, make sure that your prospective contractor gives a warranty. As you know, a paint job can be a sizable investment and worthy of some security. A good rule of thumb for warranties is a year. This should cover all cracks, pops or blemishes in the finish. All top-of-the line paints carry a warranty. It is the labor end of things that you need to be concerned with.

Remember, a paint job is more than just adding color. When done right, it will be an investment in the beauty and value of your home.

Yes, I have heard time and time again from customers that the light from their sunroom lifts their spirits during the cold and dreary days of winter. In fact, winter is one of the busiest times of the year for many sunroom companies due to the desire for customers to escape the cold wind for a relaxing retreat where they can immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of the season

To take full advantage of your escape from the elements, the most important consideration is to ensure you get the most energy-efficient glass available. The wrong glass can make a sunroom too cold in winter putting you right back where you were with your patio or deck.

Consider a room for year-round use with high-performance, heat-reflective glass. Heat-reflective glass reflects winter heat back into the addition allowing for comfortable year-round use of the sunroom.

 

During the cold days of winter, I would suggest you look for a product with Energy Star qualification from the United States Department of Energy. Energy Star qualification will alert you that a product is more efficient helping to save on the price of heating your new addition! When you choose a company with Energy Star qualification, you should specifically ask if the sunroom in which you are interested is an Energy Star product. Look for high center of glass R-values for more insulating power.

The elements that make these rooms great are lots of light, nice views, and good access. A sunroom will brighten up your living space as it allows light to spread to adjoining rooms.

 

As a Four Seasons Sunrooms franchise, we specialize in designing and building sunrooms that can be used in all seasons. Visit our website at www.PAsunrooms.com for complete details on ConservaGlass Plus, our exclusive, heat-reflective glass designed for year round use.

Nu-Wool Engineered Cellulose Insulation is made from recycled newspapers. This environmentally friendly green insulation provides up to 40% savings on energy bills when compared to conventional insulation materials. According to the Department of Energy, between 50% and 70% of the energy consumed in the typical American home goes toward heating and cooling, accounting for a large chunk of the total energy bill.

Often too much air leakage means that a lot of this energy is being wasted. The density of Nu-Wool Insulation eliminates the voids and air pockets common with conventional insulation. Annual heating and cooling bills will be lower with Nu-Wool. So, while conventional insulation can sometimes cost less initially, Nu-Wool Engineered Cellulose Insulation not only saves on energy costs, it makes your house more comfortable. Walls, ceilings, and floors stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which helps maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house. For more information, call Lezzer Lumber in Lancaster at 717.393.3605 or in Harrisburg at 717.526.4781 or e-mail Steve Waller at stevewaller@lezzer.com.

Over the past few years there has been a large growing demand for an alternative to the traditional whirlpool. Years ago the whirlpool industry flourished as homeowners wanted a spa like master bath suite with a private luxury bathing area, as well as wanting to add value to their home. The whirlpool was the way to achieve that goal. Through time the homeowner was not using the whirlpool as much as they had anticipated for a few main reasons; large jets that only hit the bather at specific points, the inability to use essential oils, bubble bath, and other bathing products in the bath because of the risk of harming the jets, the maintenance required to keep bacteria from growing in the piping, and the worry about children’s safety while bathing because of the strong suction and a higher minimum water level requirements.

First, we need to point out the differences between the standard whirlpool and an air jetted tub. Standard whirlpools use water with 4 to 12 jets for the massage and air tubs use air with 30 to 70 jets. This sounds simple enough, but a big difference is that with air tubs there are no external pipes to hold water from the previous bather or to develop future leaks. For further indulgence you can use your favorite bath oils, bubble bath and aromatherapy but with standard whirlpools the pumps could be damaged with these products. Many air tubs also offer an automatic drying cycle after each use to prevent bacteria and mold growth anywhere in the unit.

Bain Ultra air tubs featured on HGTV in October’s “Save My Bath” and “Medieval Bathroom Gets a Makeover” is the founder of the Air Jetted tub system. Bain Ultra offers many standard features not available on other units. They start with an easy to use control that allows the user to adjust the massage from soft champagne like bubbles to an invigorating massage. A heated backrest to sooth back and neck muscles and help maintain water temperature up to 30 minutes is standard on all models. Many units offer an inverted V backrest for additional comfort and an elevated seat area which allows massaging action even on the bottoms of your legs.

The Thermo Masseur is a great option for bathers who enjoy the use of aromatherapy and chromatherapy. Aromatherapy provides therapy through nasal and skin absorption while the bather is immured in their bath. The use of aromatherapy products is completely safe for your air jet system. Chromatherapy is the use of the energy embodied in specific colors to balance your metabolism and emotions. Most light systems are made up of 6 different colored lights, each of which promotes a different stimulating or calming experience for the bather. The use of a hydro-thermo massage along with aromatherapy and chromatherapy is a great way to create a complete therapeutic bathing experience.

Other areas of concern which the air jet system has eliminated are hygiene and safety concerns. The Thermo Masseur air injection system ensures full drainage of the tubs air channels by sending a powerful 90 second drying cycle though the channel, which activates automatically 10 minutes after you end your session. This drying cycle creates perfect hygiene by not leaving any water behind in your tub to create mold or bacteria between baths. Since hydro-thermo massage systems are able to run without water there is no minimum water level required, and with no suction or large, higher placed jets this makes the Thermo Masseur completely safe for the entire family to enjoy!

When choosing the perfect tub for you, don’t forget to consider the ease of installation of your product. We have received many positive comments on the simplicity and ease of installation of the Thermo Masseur. With the ability to install the turbine in a remote location, up to 15’ away, the bather can enjoy their spa experience quietly, with the water action being the only sound. Also, have a comforting knowledge that the remote pump installation will never develop leaks since only air moves through the pipes. For your added convenience, the easy to use standard control on most units allows you to adjust the turbulence and the temperature on the heated backrest. It can be mounted on the deck or any wall, or for further indulgence you can use the optional remote control.

Since Bain Ultra so highly regards total body and mind relaxation, it is no surprise that they use only top quality materials like an acrylic shell instead of fiberglass. Acrylic is stronger than fiberglass and the color is through the entire material, unlike fiberglass which has only a thin color top coat. To ensure your long term satisfaction, an industry leading 20-year warranty on the acrylic and turbine comes with each unit.

After learning about the features and benefits of an air jet system we hope you will better be able to decide which systems you personally will be the most happy with. If you would like more information on Bain Ultra’s Thermo Masseur or any other air jet and whirlpool systems please visit us at The Thos. Somerville Showroom, or on the web at www.tsomerville.com.

Although most homeowners don’t buy them for this reason, there is no doubt that the use of window coverings can help make your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Not to mention the substantial reduction in ultraviolet rays which can cause your furnishings to fade.

Let’s first consider some arresting numbers: 40% of the heat that escapes from your home leaves through the windows. And 50% of the solar heat that enters a room comes in through—you guessed it—the windows. Obviously, energy efficient treatments can translate into considerable utility bill savings, especially if your windows are on a cold north exposure in the winter or a sun-saturated west wall in the summer.

The most energy efficient treatments feature a honeycomb fabric construction. The cells actually trap the hot or cold air, decreasing the intensity of the temperature as it enters the room. A honeycomb shade with a triple cell construction will increase the energy efficiency of a single pane of glass by five times and more than double the energy efficiency of a double-glazed window.

These super efficient shades can also be specially manufactured for use in skylight windows. They will allow a soft filtered light to enter the room while keeping out the scorching heat all summer long.

Plantation shutters are extremely popular right now and they also do a great job of keeping out cool drafts from windows and sliding doors. Since wood is naturally insulating, they also can help keep rooms much cooler in the summer as well.

If honeycomb shades or plantation shutters don’t suit your taste, many other window coverings also protect from the heat and cold. Vertical blinds, woven wood shades, and Silhouette® Window Shadings are some of the many other energy saving products to choose from. And they too can help filter out over 95% of the sun’s damaging UV rays which means your furniture and flooring will last much longer without fading. An experienced window coverings dealer can help guide you to the products that will maximize energy efficiency while beautifying your windows.

There are many different options when configuring a game room. The first decision would be to determine what type of games you would enjoy the most and what would actually fit.

Today, one of the most popular games for your room is a pool table. Being a game that almost anyone can enjoy, a pool table fits any lifestyle. As far as space requirements, 13’ 4” x 17’ will give you enough space to use a standard 58” pool cue.

If space is an issue or you need more games to fill the space, other popular games include foosball, air hockey, shuffleboard or a multi-functional poker table. Most poker tables today are made with a reversible top transforming it into a regular dining table. The dining top can also be used for board games, puzzles, or any other everyday projects using a large table.When creating a game room everyone can enjoy, make sure enough space is given to each game for a comfortable and fun atmosphere. You’ll find more information and product options on our web site: www.barstoolsandbilliards. net.

And remember, “if it’s fun, we have it”.

This is a very good question and a legitimate concern. An addition can be a very large expense and you want it to be something not only you enjoy but will also be visually appealing and add to the value of your home. Computer CAD programs currently allow for this “design issue” to be solved. A designer can take your existing house

and draw it on the computer. From there he can add the addition, trees, sidewalks, garages, etc. and you have a 3D model of the finished project. You can sit down with the designer, view it on the computer, take a virtual tour of the home, and tell him your likes and dislikes.

If you don’t like the overall design, you can erase it and start again or make changes so it fits into the architecture of your house. This, of course, would be very expensive to do on site, but on the computer it is much more affordable and only takes a few clicks of the mouse. It also saves money because it helps the designer and homeowner find problems in the design prior to even getting a building permit.

You no longer need to rely on someone else’s opinion of the design. Instead, you can make that judgment for yourself. The peace of mind knowing that you will like the final product will make the whole building process much more enjoyable.

I hope this answers your questions and helps the process of building your home go smoothly. Feel free to call me with any more questions or visit my web site at www.goodyshomedesign.com.

In the early days (which really weren’t that long ago), you would’ve been right about your maintenance concerns. Fortunately, the spa technology and additives have evolved to such a degree that I’m happy to report that nothing could be further from the truth. Hot tubs today require very little time and, for that matter, very little money to maintain. Today’s spas are equipped with superior sanitation systems that allow the user to be confident every time they enter their spa.

Among the sanitation system components that are used today are ozanators, which are highly effective bacteria killers. Ozanators produce ozone which produces oxygen 3 which kills bacteria. Unfortunately, ozanators alone will not completely sanitize your spa—assistance is needed from chlorine. Some manufacturers use a combination of sanitizing agents, which include the afore’ mentioned ozanator coupled with a product called Microban. Microban antimicrobial protection was developed to neutralize bacteria and fungal growth in products. Interestingly enough the product never wears out. Microban is used widely in the Johnson and Johnson company, Playskool, Farberware, Fruit of the Loom, just to name a few. Again when using with spas it would be aided by chlorine.

The next line of bacteria fighters is the system commonly referred to as mineral cartridges or mineral filters. These are 2 metals combined to be toxic to micro organisms (but NOT humans). This is a highly effective method of sanitation when combined with ozone, Microban and trace amounts of chlorine. The very last item in the maintenance section would be what is called a 24-hour circulation pump. This is simply a pump that runs very efficiently and filters the entire body of water well over 100 times a day, every day.

Now, back to your original question. In total, the amount of time you’ll need to commit to spa maintenance is somewhere between a measly 5 to 10 minutes a week. Clearly the maintenance myth is just that—a myth. Happy spa shopping!

There are many considerations and steps involved in taking on a project of this magnitude. The advantages of hiring a contractor are varied and often not so obvious. Though the job seems simple as you are only pulling out old cabinetry, flooring, plumbing fixtures and appliances, there are multiple steps and trade partners involved in the process. Initially acquiring the necessary permits from the municipality is at the top of the list, and can be fairly simple, or as complicated and painful as a root canal. Nevertheless, there will be plumbing and electrical work involved that require the municipality’s blessing, and require plans and specifications, which are not always easy for the layman/homeowner to obtain.

A kitchen renovation will start with a kitchen design plan that can either be accomplished by an independent fee paid kitchen designer or by the cabinetry supplier who will include the costs of the plan as part of their kitchen package. The kitchen designer will work with you to get exactly the layout you want, but space requirements for appliances, sink, and faucet requirements and electrical specifications are not addressed by the kitchen designer, but must be addressed before products are ordered. A bath renovation will include much less cabinetry, but will require a plan showing the amount of space allotted to each of the fixtures, plumbing accesses, and electrical requirements. Plumbing showrooms showcase their products, but do not provide any type of working plans.

The most time-consuming and arduous task in the process is the one of coordination and scheduling. A typical homeowner isn’t skilled in knowing how long it will take to rip out the old floors, cabinetry, fixtures, etc. and as things are put back together, what order they go in. Would you know that if you don’t put the finished flooring under the cabinetry, when you are ready to install the dishwasher, will you have the necessary height requirement to accommodate it? Are you planning for solid surface or granite countertops? Will you know to allow at least two weeks lead time to schedule for them to “template” the top, and then will you realize the countertops will take another 2-3 weeks to be made, delivered and installed on the job? Will you know what size trash container to order and from whom? Will you remember to tell the electrician that you’re getting a gas cooktop and an electric wall oven and one is 110 volts and the other is 220?

The advantage that you gain from having an experienced contractor handle your job is that you get the most complete and satisfactory job with the least amount of stress. The contractor’s experience will give thought to all the things that go into making your newly renovated kitchen or master bath the one that you’ve been dreaming of for years. Contractors deal with every day issues that make the job challenging, and that experience provides them with the scheduling knowledge to accommodate backorders and delays.

There’s also the cost factor—yes, you’re paying them to supervise and coordinate, but the pricing structures that exist with other trade partners is not easily duplicated, and long-standing relationships provide the opportunity for cooperation if something goes awry. (If budget is a concern, some contractors may allow you to provide some DIY (do-it-yourself) labor, i.e. painting, with the understanding that this may impact the scheduling). These trade partners have also been selected with regard to the quality of work and the value they bring to the table. If there’s a problem down the line, they’re going to be there for the contractor and for you—the satisfied customer.

Today there are mortgage financing options specifically designed to fund major renovation projects. In the past, the only choices for most families were home equity loans and home equity lines of credit. These can be useful tools, but have their limitations. Most home equity loans are limited to shorter terms of 15 to 20 years, resulting in higher payments. Rates on most long term home equity loans are considerably higher than residential mortgages. Home equity lines of credit are usually based on a variable rate, which means your payments will vary and can go higher. Another significant limitation is that these products are based on the current value of your home, so you need to have significant equity in your home to finance a major project.

Mortgage lenders can now offer a longer term fixed rate mortgage solution, specifically designed to fund major home improvement projects. These renovation loans allow you to finance your project based on the future value of your home. This is achieved by completing an appraisal that establishes the new value of your home, based on the planned improvements.

With a renovation loan you can combine your existing mortgage and the cost of the improvements into one loan with one monthly payment, at today’s low fixed rates. You can lock in the rate at the beginning of the project, and take as much as 12 months to complete the work. And with terms up to 30 years, you can have the home of your dreams while maintaining a comfortable and affordable payment.

You should pay special attention to the glass which constructs your sunroom. Many sunroom companies use low-e glass, found in your home’s windows, which gets very hot in summer. (For a home’s windows, low-e glass is okay because it is a low percentage of the total wall surface.) Tinted glass, also popular, darkens a room but also gets very hot. Your car’s windows are tinted, and in summer, you can feel the heat inside your car!

Consider purchasing a sunroom with heat-reflective glass. This will reduce the relative heat gain, glare and UV damage that many sunroom companies can’t effectively combat with regular glazings. Heat-reflective glass reduces summer heat gain and reflects winter heat back into the addition allowing for comfortable, year-round use of the sunroom.

I also recommend that you look for a product wit