Home Improvement Archives - Page 4 of 5

October 4, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

The Pros and Cons of Air Duct Cleaning

How do you know if you need to have your air ducts cleaned? You may be attracted to advertisements promoting duct cleaning, but before you hire someone to do the dirty work, consider the pros and cons. Here’s some valuable information on air duct cleaning from HouseMaster:

According to the (NADCA), National Air Duct Cleaners Association, a professional association based in Washington, D.C., air duct cleaning is a buyer-beware service. Some companies promoting duct cleaning may be either bait and switch operations or companies that do inferior jobs with unprofessional equipment.

Any professional cleaner would question a company that would employ only shop-vac sized machines with a single 2-inch hose. To do a good job, powerful machines mounted in specially equipped vehicles with varying types of hoses and attachments will be needed in most cases to adequately reach all duct areas.

But even if the technician is prepared, the above information begs the question: “Is air duct cleaning really worthwhile?” You can check some of your own ducts with a mirror and a flashlight. Unscrew several of your wall or floor vents and, using your mirror, look into the ducts.

If there aren’t any large deposits of dust, dirt or mold, or if no one in your home suffers allergies or asthma, having air ducts cleaned is probably unnecessary, according to advice provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Also, just because you have dirty return grilles doesn’t mean you have dirty ducts. It’s normal for dust-laden air to be pulled through the grates leaving telltale black streaks that can often be easily vacuumed or cleaned at the return.

The NADCA notes that ducts are more likely to need cleaning under the following circumstances:

The home has been remodeled.
Water has damaged the home.
There are four-leg pets.
Someone smokes.
Your carpeting is old.

According to industry experts, in cases where there are truly dirty ducts in a 2,000-square foot house, duct cleaners may fill three grocery sacks with dirt and debris. Expect to pay $250-500 for a typical home’s duct cleaning by a qualified professional. Larger homes with a more extensive duct system will cost proportionately more.

If duct cleaning is done improperly, or needlessly, the outcome can do more harm than good. Disturbing a basically intact and inert dust layer and then not removing the residue creates air borne contaminants that might not otherwise have been a problem. Homeowners should seek the advice and information on the pros and cons of duct cleaning before hiring a contractor.

The EPA advises that a professional cleaning should include:

Opening duct access points to allow the entire system to be inspected and cleaned.
Use of only high-efficiency particle (HEPA) air vacuuming equipment.
Protection of the carpeting and household furnishings during cleaning.
Use of well-controlled brushing equipment with powerful vacuums to dislodge dust and other particles.
Taking care to protect ductwork including sealing and re-insulating any access holes.

For more information on duct cleaning visit the EPA website: www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue.

If you are thinking about buying and selling a home in St. Charles, working with a Real Estate expert can help you make your home a safe and clean home. Sandra Meranda specializes in the St. Charles and St. Louis county home markets. Contact me for help with finding or selling your home.

August 21, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Windows Can Affect Cooling Efficiency

If you are thinking about upgrading the windows in your home, consider options designed to help cut energy loss. Here’s some good information on what to consider when you are thinking about new windows for your home from HouseMasters:

If shopping for windows for your home, be sure to examine the energy performance numbers. Years ago window manufacturers used R-value, a measurement of a materials resistance to heat flow transfer, to rate windows. But this provided to be an ineffective way for homeowners to evaluate overall windows performance.

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), a nonprofit collaboration of window manufacturers, government agencies, and building trade associations, however, has developed a set of standardized rating procedures to help consumers compare and select windows. The NFRC labels use whole-window U-value (or U-factor), which is a measure of the amount of heat transfer through a window. U-value is the inverse of R-value, thus the lower the U-value the better the energy performance of the window. Always choose a window with a low U-value.

Other criteria, such as certified air leakage rate, solar heat gain coefficient, visible light transmittance, and warranty on the seal should also be taken into consideration when purchasing windows.

In addition to using double-pane, insulated glass units for low U-values, modern window technology also incorporates one or more of the following features in the more efficient, low U-value windows available:

Low-emissivity glass (low-e glass)
Heat-absorbing (tinted) glass
Reflective glass coatings
Gas-filled windows
Low-iron glass

Any one of these features can improve window efficiency; however, it is very common to now find combinations of these features in any particular new windows. Radiant heat gain is a very big factor in the summertime, especially in houses with large window surfaces facing south or west. Low-emissivity glass or any tinted or coated windows help reduce the radiant heating factor to not only keep occupants more comfortable but also to limit solar damage to furnishings.

If you are unable to or just don’t want to upgrade older windows, simply closing the blinds or curtains on the windows is an economical way to keep out the sunlight (and heat) during the day.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue.

If you are thinking about buying and selling a home in St. Charles, working with a Real Estate expert can help you make your home a cost-effective, energy efficient home. Sandra Meranda specializes in the St. Charles and St. Louis county home markets. Contact me for help with finding or selling your home.

August 7, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Fans Move The Air; Cool The Body

Here is another way to help stay cool in this brutal summer in St. Charles. Ceiling fans are more of a fashion statement than an effective way of cooling your house; however, the air they move can make you feel cooler. Here’s more on ceiling fans from HouseMaster:

Finding a ceiling fan to meet functional needs as well as match any interior decorating style is not a problem these days. Fans come in several sizes with blades made in just about any shape and/or material, sometimes making them the center of attention in a room and not just an accessory. And the style of lighting fixtures that can be added to the fans is equally varied. Prices are surprisingly low for a basic but quite adequate model to over $1,000 for decorator styles. Many now come with remote controls as well.

Aside from style, features to consider when selecting a fan include the size and height of the room. A basic 36-48 inch fan can fit in just about any room; if needed, a larger fan or multiple fans can be used. If the ceiling is high or slanted, as would be the case with a cathedral or vaulted ceiling, a special hanger and extension rod will be needed. Years ago, there were a lot of problems with the mounting components, actually allowing fans to fall. Now however, fans that have been tested and are listed as complying with certain manufacturing standards come with the necessary hardware. That leaves it up to the installer to make sure in is installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

As far as the function of the fan, a properly installed unit with a good quality motor should be fairly quiet. Fan blade pitch is a consideration for air movement as well as fan noise. The more air moved the noisier it may be. Blade pitch varies from about 11 to 20 degrees. Most units are multi-speed; at high speed, a 15 pitch fan will move considerable amounts of air.

The airflow direction produced by the fan can be changed to accommodate personal preferences for both the heating and/or cooling season. Setting the fan to blow the air down in the summer will provide a strong cooling breeze; while setting it to draw air upwards will pull the cool air toward the ceiling and circulate it around the room for more mild air flow. In the winter, running the fan at low speed with the airflow directed downward is helpful in rooms with high ceilings, as the fan will push the hotter air that accumulates at the ceiling down to the occupied areas. Alternately, setting the fan to pull the warm room air upwards, causes it to wash over the colder outer wall surfaces, reducing the uncomfortable feeling caused by convection cooling on a cold winter day.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue.

June 26, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

10 Top Home Improvement Myths

Home Improvements can satisfy many needs. But not all home improvements are equal when it comes to adding value to your house. Knowing which home improvements to make for the best return on investment is key.

This article on the top home improvement myths provides valuable information. So before you decide to take on that home improvement project, talk with a top real estate agents. Top agents understand the trends and the time tested strategies to improve your home and add to it’s value.

Sandra Meranda specializes in the St. Charles and St. Louis county home markets. Contact me for help if your are thinking about a home improvement project and how it might impact the resale value of your house.

August 17, 2011 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget: Tips & Ideas

trendykitchen-300x239

Kitchen remodeling has value whether you continue to live in your home or you decide to sell your home. Did you know that there are many great kitchen remodeling ideas that you can do on a budget? Here’s an article that talks about tips and ideas to remodel your kitchen on a budget.

Feb 2011 from American Home Shield:

The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in a home, so why not make yours really stand out? Whether you’re selling or simply want to upgrade, here are some simple tips and ideas to get you started without breaking the bank:

Plan ahead and find patterns, colors and textures that you like from magazines, home improvement stores and the Internet.
Set a budget! Know what upgrades will give you the most value for your money and do your best to stick with your budget.
Make a plan and do one thing at a time, especially if you’re going to do it yourself.

So where should you start?

Cabinets
Repaint or stain your cabinet doors and add new hardware. This is one of the easiest and least expensive upgrades you can do that makes a big difference. If you need advice on what works best with the cabinets you have, take a door into your local home improvement store and ask for professional advice.

Kitchen Counter Tops
Counter tops can be expensive if you’re going for granite, but that’s not your only option. You can opt for concrete or granite overlay. Do your research to find what suits your budget and style best.

Kitchen Floors
Your choices are endless when it comes to updating your kitchen floors. From peel-and-stick tile to laminate wood flooring and travertine, the sky is the limit— but be mindful of your budget! Bring home samples of the flooring based on your style and budget before you make a final decision. Many real estate professionals agree that a kitchen remodel splurge should be saved for the countertops and not the floors, so keep this in mind when deciding. You want to make sure you get great value from any upgrades you do.

Saving Money on Kitchen Appliances
If your appliances are in good working order and match in color and style, save your budget for more beneficial upgrades. If your appliances look really dated or don’t match the new look of your kitchen, you may want to consider finding some great scratch and dent deals.

Did you know that appliances can be painted? A professional paint job can turn your white appliances into fresh, new-looking ones. You can also buy appliance-safe paint at your home improvement store and do it yourself.

Kitchen Lightening
Installing modern lighting is amazingly simple if your kitchen is already wired for overhead lighting. A new chandelier can make a big difference, and you can find options for less than $150! To make an even bigger impact, be sure to install a dimmer switch. You’ll be surprised what a difference a little “mood switch” can make.

The options are endless for remodeling your kitchen on a budget. The hardest part is deciding which upgrades will make the biggest difference on the smallest budget. Just be sure to do your research and to set realistic goals. And last, but not least, enjoy the project by making it your own.

A top real estate agent can help you make an informed decision about kitchen remodeling to help you sell your St. Charles or St. Louis Missouri home. My team specializes in St. Charles County and St. Louis County. If you are considering selling your home, please contact Sandra Meranda and I’ll get you moving!

Image: mod kitchen 7, a Creative Commons Attribution image from kitchendesigner’s photostream

Contact Sandra

Follow Sandra