6.26.2010

Green and Eco-friendly Home Remodeling

The following Article is a follow up on previous articles in regard to Energy Efficiency in your Home and the Steps to become energy Efficient. As the Article points out- Small Steps make a Difference. Every Step you make leads to Energy Savings. Many of the Steps are DIY Projects-Such as the Blanketing your Water Heater or Water Heater Blanket.

Scotty, Scotts Contracting recommends a Water Heater Blanket that also has a Radiant Barrier Built in. This Barrier will Direct/Reflect the heat back into the Water Heater.
Lighting Issues:

Article: Eco-friendly home remodeling and care with environmental journalist Simran Sethi.

Small Steps Toward Energy Efficiency (and Away From Moving Anxiety)

6/6/2010 5:09:56 PM

By Simran Sethi

Tags: Environment, greening house, home, insulation, door stopper, CLFs, LED, water heater, thermostat, energy-efficiency, Simran Sethi

This is my internal refrain: "I don't know how to do this."

This is my beloved friend Eric's response, "Yet. You do not know how to do this yet. You are the alpha and the omega."

What he means is there is no right or wrong way to do this move. Yet, for me, there has been. I've been hesitant to do anything that might reveal I am an amateur or in any way mar my 84-year-old house. Paint a wall? Better leave that to the experts. Hang a painting on plaster and lathe walls? Seriously? I just learned what plaster and lathe are — how am I possibly equipped to drill into the wall? What are all those different drill bits for? And why is every color in my house some variation of red or brown? SimpleStepsPic

For some strange reason, I feel like I should know how to drill, hammer and select perfect colors — and I feel mighty ashamed that I don't. Fortunately, I have Eric in my life to cut that refrain and remind me that learning is incremental, and I am progressing just fine. There is, however, a reason for my anxiety. Moving is one of the top 10 stressors in our lives, ranking third after death and divorce.

Yesterday, Eric accompanied me (i.e. made me go) get supplies. I try to frequent locally owned, independent businesses because buying local is a key part of being a responsible consumer. It keeps money in our local economies and supports our friends and neighbors. The prices are sometimes (not always) a little higher because a small business doesn't have the aggregate purchasing power of a big box store that's buying items for hundreds or thousands of retail outlets, but that small investment goes well beyond the few extra cents we might pay for a bolt or screw.

This particular excursion was to the big box store. We entered the store somewhere in the lumber section. I felt overwhelmed by the dizzying number of planks, fixtures and unfamiliar gadgets and desperately wanted to leave. But, of course, Eric was doing all of this incredible work to help me so I had to pretend I was into it. He looked for fasteners for the plaster and lathe and some of the energy efficiency products on my "to buy" list while I veered off and tried to do the same. Somewhere during hour two of our big box field trip, I started to settle in and — dare I say — get excited about what I was doing. I picked up items I knew I would eventually need (ahem, rake) and almost kind of started to believe I could pull this whole homeowner thing off.

A recent acquaintance, Charlotte, described this uncomfortable transition into a new home as the "getting to know you" phase, analogous to what happens when starting a new job or meeting a new community of people. It takes a while to settle in. So while I am settling, I have decided to slow down a bit and scale back to micro-movements.

In that spirit, here are five things to make your home more energy efficient that you can complete in less than fifteen minutes. These tasks are strategic and touch upon the most impactful things you can do to reduce your energy consumption and limit carbon dioxide emissions. (I'll talk more about this in my next post.) The timing doesn't include buying the items — all of which should be readily available at your local hardware store. (I challenge you to best me: skip the mega-store and seek out your local, independent hardware shop.)

Stuff to buy:

1) Draft doorstopper. Mine was overpriced at $15—if you are crafty, chuck my timing and make your own draft stop.

2) Tape measure (about $4) and scissors (about $2).

3) Hot water insulation blanket (and a knife with which to trim the blanket). Mine cost $20. Look for the blanket with the highest R-value.

4) Duct tape (about $6).

5) LED or compact florescent light bulbs (a six-pack of CFLs cost me $10 on sale). LEDs are pricey upfront but can last up to a decade and provide the greatest energy efficiency. If you are going with CFLs (that can fit into most standard outlets), opt for the soft white hue, that is, unless you like the high school cafeteria cast of bright white fluorescents.

Stuff to do:

1) Start the clock.

2) Make sealing all air leaks a priority. Doors and windows are two big areas to tackle. In the interest of time, I started with a draft stop for my front door. It took two minutes to measure the width of my door, trim the foam, and slide the stopper underneath the door. I spent an extra thirty seconds reveling in the newfound warmth around the door.

3) Locate your hot water heater and then find the temperature dial on your unit (see the photo). For each 10º F reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3 and 5 percent in energy costs so turn that sucker down to 120º F.

4) Unfurl your hot water heater insulation blanket. If it's lined with fiberglass be careful and avoid skin contact. (I hate fiberglass. That is why I put people-friendly and eco-friendly cellulose insulation in my attic.) If you have a friend nearby, ask her to help you position and tape the blanket around the heater. Make sure the blanket is nice and snug and cut around any faucets, controls, vents, and pipes. Adding insulation won't win your hot water heater any beauty contests (see the photo) but it can reduce heat loss by 25 to 45 percent and will save you around 4 to 9 percent in water heating costs. That's pretty.

5) The clock is ticking! Grab a chair or stepladder and change any incandescent light bulbs for CFLs or LEDs. I know you have heard it (and I have said it) a million times, so do it already. Lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of an average home's electricity bill. This will save you money and time changing bulbs.

6) In the remaining seconds you have left, turn down your thermostat. You will save roughly 1 percent on your heating bill for each degree your thermostat is lowered. Your best bet is to install a programmable thermostat that will do the work for you but that doesn't fit in our fifteen-minute challenge.

Congrats! These small changes are the first steps to a cleaner, greener life. Know that strategic small acts can reap great results, whether it's changing a light bulb or, like Eric, being there for a friend in a time of need.

Embracing the micro-movements — and feeling gratitude for shelter and support,

Simran

P.S. I am not the world's greatest tweeter but I do drop whatever house gems I find on Twitter @simransethi.

Photo by Jessica Sain-Baird

Scotts Contracting is available to assist with your Home Projects Large or SmallClick here to email Scotty and Set up a No Cost Green Site Evaluation

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Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com
scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com

6.25.2010

Part 3 of 5 Decks Patios Out Door Living Spaces

When it comes to designing a Deck, Patio or Out Door Living Space

Scotty, Scotts Contracting offers the following tips:

Research the Materials you would like to incorporate into your Deck, Patio, or Out Door Living Space
Take notes and pictures of similar designs you would like your project to look like
Inspect the area you choose to build your project.
Sketch or Draw out your design.
Determine a Material list-with your Material list in hand-your can ask the Pro Department at your Local Home improvement Store for their Lowest Bid.
Build your project as outlined by the Manufacturers Guidelines and Local Building Codes
Enjoy the outdoor living space you have created!

If you choose to Contract out your next project-
Scotts Contracting Offers the Following Services: Design-Build Projects for Residential & Commercial Buildings--Construction,Remodeling and Rehab's - to include: Carpentry, Weatherization, Roofing, Flooring, Interior and Exterior Finishes, Painting/Staining, Wood Finishing, Custom Wood Working, Solar & Wind Renewable Energy Systems, Doors, Windows, Home Repairs & Upgrades, Basic: Plumbing, Electric, HVAC,-

"Including: Decks, Porches, Patios and Other Out-Door Living Spaces"

"We will be offering: Home Energy Audits Soon!!!"
Scotts Contracting is a Proud Supporter of the Green Building Industry & Green and Eco Friendly Products !!!
Click Here to email scotts contracting and set up a Free Green Site Evaluation and Bid for your next project

DIY Home Center looks to give DIY types an edge with premium products for your decking (like Tiger claw hidden deck fasteners for nail free deck surfaces or deck drainage with under-deck) to recycled outdoor furniture from Polywood. With amazing online tools, videos, & calculators make sure you get the job done right the first time.

Prep a Deck: Strip Old Stain

Removing old stain with a chemical stripper is relatively uncommon with decks, but it can do an excellent job, leaving wood noticeably cleaner than using a power washer alone. A stripper is particularly valuable for areas where old stain still adheres tight, such as on railings and other areas exposed to less wear than the main deck surface.

Prep a Deck: Pressure Wash the Surface

Pressure washing, the standard in deck cleaning, efficiently removes dirt, old stain, and debris from wood. Most pressure washers can be used with trisodium phosphate (TSP) or other deck cleaners for an even better result. When you use a pressure washer, don't let the spray linger in one spot too long, or it may gouge the wood. Discoloration or stubborn stains are better removed with a stripper than with overly aggressive power washing.

Tip: Consider Nearby Plants

Wet nearby foliage before using deck cleaner or stripper to reduce chemical damage. After you finish cleaning the deck, spray plants again to wash off any chemical residue.

Stain a Deck

Once your deck is clean and dry, it's time to apply finish. Finishes come in clear, tinted, semitransparent, and solid colors. The look you choose is mainly a matter of personal preference, but there is a practical consideration: Clear or tinted products usually last just a year or two, depending on the climate. Semitransparent and solid stains may last two to four years.

Tip: Before You Stain

Before applying the finish, allow ample time for the deck to dry. Read the product label for guidance. Also, reset popped nailheads and replace warped or split boards.

Stain a Deck: Use a Roller

An ordinary paint roller can make easy work of staining a deck, especially if you attach an extension handle so you don't have to kneel. (Check product recommendations—some finishes are not suitable for roller application.) To reduce overlap marks, roll no more than a few deck boards at a time, completing their length before starting the next.

Paintbrushes can be used on decks too, but they're not efficient for large surfaces. They are, however, useful for railings and recesses that rollers can't reach.

Stain a Deck: Grab a Sprayer

Sprayers are excellent for applying stain because they allow you to cover large areas quickly and uniformly. Another advantage is the ease with which sprayers treat railings and other awkward hard-to-paint surfaces. Power sprayers are available, but even simple pump-type sprayers will work. (Not all deck finishes are appropriate for sprayer application; check the product label.)

Stain a Deck: Use a Pad

Browsing stain aisles at home improvement centers can reveal some nifty innovations. For instance, gel stains applied with pads are easy to use without drips or runs, and various pad applicators are designed to reach difficult spots. The application process is longer, however, so limit pad applications to smaller or difficult-to-reach areas.

'BPs First Good Decision In Weeks'

During this Oil Spill Crisis I've been Posting Interesting Stories from around the World that I've came across while browsing the Internet.

Today I'm Finally Reporting Some Good News From the BP Company:

Costner cleanup device gets high marks from BP

It was treated as an oddball twist in the otherwise wrenching saga of the BP oil spill when Kevin Costner stepped forward to promote a device he said could work wonders in containing the spill's damage. But as Henry Fountain explains in the New York Times, the gadget in question — an oil-separating centrifuge — marks a major breakthrough in spill cleanup technology. And BP, after trial runs with the device, is ordering 32 more of the Costner-endorsed centrifuges to aid the Gulf cleanup.

The "Waterworld" actor has invested some $20 million and spent the past 15 years in developing the centrifuges. He helped found a manufacturing company, Ocean Therapy Solutions, to advance his brother's research in spill cleanup technology. In testimony before Congress this month, Costner walked through the device's operation—explaining how it spins oil-contaminated water at a rapid speed, so as to separate out the oil and capture it in a containment tank:

The device can purportedly take in thousands of gallons of oil-tainted water and remove up to 99% of the oil from it. On Thursday, BP posted to its YouTube page a video of the news conference featuring Costner and BP Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles announcing the news. You can watch the video here:

"Doug Suttles was the first guy to step up in the oil industry," Costner said at the presser, "and I'm really happy to say when he ordered 32 machines, it's a signal to the world, to the industry, where we need to be."

Suttles said the additional machines will be used to build four new deep-water systems: on two barges and two 280-foot supply boats.

"We tested it in some of the toughest environments we could find, and actually what it's done — it's quite robust," Suttles said. "This is real technology with real science behind it, and it's passed all of those tests." He added that Costner's device has proved effective at processing 128,000 barrels of water a day, which "can make a real difference to our spill response efforts."

In his congressional testimony, Costner recounted his struggle to effectively market the centrifuge. He explained that although the machines are quite effective, they can still leave trace amounts of oil in the treated water that exceeds current environmental regulations. Because of that regulatory hurdle, he said, he had great difficulty getting oil industry giants interested without first having the approval of the federal government.

[Before 'Waterworld': See Kevin Costner in the '90s]

It's true, as Fountain notes in the Times, that innovation on spill technology has been hobbled in part by the reach of federal regulation — though Fountain also notes that oil companies have elected to devote comparatively little money for researching cleanup devices in the intensely competitive industry.

Costner said that after the device was patented in 1993, he sought to overcome oil-company jitters by offering to allow U.S. oil concerns to use it on a trial basis. He'd extended the same offer to the Japanese government in 1997, he said, but got no takers there either.

— Brett Michael Dykes is a national affairs writer for Yahoo! News.

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Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com
scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com

Home Air Quality Issues

The following article will help you improve your Homes Air Quality. If you are worried about keeping the Air Clean in your Home this Article is for YOU and Covers: Air Quality, Mold Spores, Radon, Dust, Dust Mites, and other Pollutants that are in your Home

Scotts Contracting Offers the Following Services- Design-Build Projects for Residential & Commercial Buildings—Construction, Remodeling and Rehab's - to include: Carpentry, Weatherization, Roofing, Flooring, Interior and Exterior Finishes, Painting/Staining, Wood Finishing, Custom Wood Working, Solar & Wind Renewable Energy Systems, Doors, Windows, Home Repairs & Upgrades

"Home Energy Auditing will be available soon- If you would like to Pre-Register for an Energy Audit for your Home use the following link" Click Here

Scotts Contracting is a Proud Supporter of the Green Building Industry & Green and Eco Friendly Products !!!Click Here to email Scotts Contracting to Schedule a Free Green Site Inspection or to Pre-Register for Energy Audit

Room by Room Tips: Attic, basement and garage

Help keep the air clean in these most common storage spaces

Are your storage rooms storing more than off-season clothing, bikes and tools? We're talking mold, dust and other allergens, not to mention carbon monoxide and radon.
Below are the usual suspects that may be hiding out in your attic, basement and garage. Read up on what may be lurking, and how to minimize their presence.
Dust & Dust Mite Debris
In a storage space, it doesn't take long for a layer of dust to accumulate. Dust, and the dust mite debris that live in it, can trigger allergies and allergy-like symptoms1 for sensitive people. To keep dust and dust mite debris at bay:

Dust surfaces with a damp cloth
If you're storing fabric or upholstery items, keep them in tightly sealed plastic containers
Cut down on airborne dust with a Filtrete™ Air Purifier

Mold Spores
Excess moisture and humidity can easily become a problem in storage spaces, which are often packed tight and closed off. According to the American Lung Association®, to reduce the presence of mold spores, it's important to control moisture and keep humidity below 50%. Here's how:

Inspect the attic, basement and exterior of your house during heavy rains to detect leaky roofing
Keep an eye out for leaky plumbing
If you do find a leaky spot, mop up the water within 24 hours and call a plumber
Make sure that your clothes dryer is properly vented to the outdoors
Help increase airflow by moving stacks of boxes and other stored items away from walls

Toxic Chemicals
If you're like most, you store paint cans and extra tubes of window caulk in the basement or garage. If not stored properly, these products can leak toxic components into the air. Here's how to prevent that:

Make sure cans and bottles are tightly capped
Store toxic products on a high shelf, where young children can't reach them
If working with paint, aerosols or other chemicals in the basement or garage, keep the space well ventilated

Combustion Pollutants
When you burn fuels like natural gas, oil or wood in your home, you may be exposed to carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Help minimize the effects of fuel vapors by following these tips:

In the basement, service your clothes dryer, water heater and furnace — all combustion appliances — as often as suggested by the manufacturer
Install carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home, including the attic and basement levels
When using fuel-burning appliances, be sure they vent to the outside
Don't leave the car running inside the garage, where CO and exhaust fumes can build up

Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the soil. It's colorless and odorless, and long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking)2.

Test for radon. You can buy an inexpensive test kit at almost any hardware store
If the test reveals radon in your home, the EPA has resources and recommendations to help you reduce it. Learn more on the EPA website

FOOTNOTES
1 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Dust Mites
2 EPA: Radon

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Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com

Scotts Contracting - StLouis Renewable Energy

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