Posts Tagged ‘Home inspection’

Unhealthful Air in your Santa Clarita Home?

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

Concerned about unhealthful air in the SCV ?  Mold inside your Home?  Do you have Allergies or Asthma?  Well your Santa Clarita’s Best Home Inspector is here to answer questions about Air Quality.

Fact: The EPA studies show the air in our homes is 4 to 5 times more polluted than the outside air! (see video below)

We cannot control the air we breath when we are outside the home.  However, We can clean and control the quality of air we breath inside the home.   Santa Clarita air quality is moderate to unhealthy the majority of the year!  Frankly, majority of us, are breathing unhealthy air in our homes.

IQAir Healthpro has been chosen by Consumer Reports as “The Best”.    As a home inspector many new residents to Santa Clarita Valley often ask me questions about their new home.  Experienced Home Inspectors will tell you mold and other allergens exist in the home.  To reduce these particles along with smoke.   I personally own the IQAIR and recommend it highly installing this unit.  Having a home inspection done on a new home? Make sure the home inspector checks the duct work for leaks.  In June I was inside an attic, recently purchased home 3/4 of the ducts were loose or disconnected in attic.  It’s odd that the home was just inspected and this was missed.  Most residents never go up into their attics, so how long have they been disconnected?  Since the home was build… 8 years!    That means dust, fiberglass and dirt all mixing and dispersing through your air conditioning vents.   If your home is really dusty it’s possible your ducts are loose and reducing the quality of the air your breathing.   Take steps today to a healthier life.

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

Still not sold on your health?   Watch the video part 1 and 2 below.

The IQAIR is not a OZONE or ION type purifier. I’m sure you’ve heard that Ozone is bad for you, The IQAIR is not that type.  And let me settle the debate… I’ve been asked about ION filters and are they unhealthful? Well lets find out Video about Ozone purifier.

IQAir can trap mold spores but if you have a mold growth problem the first step is to Call a professional, second step is stop the moisture that is causing it.  Carl Reese Construction is a Certified Mold Remediation company.  We test for Mold and Air Quaility.  A IQAir is a ideal way of capturing mold spores that enter our home thru windows and doors.

Top  8 Reasons to buy a IQAIR

1. HyperHepa - The Most powerful Air Filtration Available

Most air purifiers can only filter down to 0.3 microns in size - But 90% of all particles in the air  are smaller than 0.3 microns! IQAir’s patented HyperHEPA filtration filters down to 0.003 microns with a guaranteed minimum efficiency of 99.5%. This means that HyperHEPA can remove  up to 100 times more allergens than conventional air cleaners.


2. Rated #1 by Top Reviewers

IQAir has received more #1 product reviews than any other air purifier manufacturer. We are proud and honored so many experts agree.

3. American Lung Association Partners

IQAir was selected by the American Lung Association as their exclusive partner for indoor air quality. Every IQAir product comes with educational materials to help you improve your indoor air.

4. Trusted by Hospitals

Hospitals around the world rely on IQAir to help protect staff and patients from infectious diseases like tuberculosis and MRSA. When the dreaded disease SARS began to spread in Hong Kong hospitals in 2004, the Hong Kong Hospital Authority tested dozens of air cleaners. They determined that IQAir made the only room air cleaners suitable to be used in the fight against SARS.

5. #1 For Allergies & Asthma

IQAir is the only air cleaner clinically proven effective for allergic asthma. IQAir passed the most comprehensive double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial.

6. Advanced Gas & Odor Control

Protect yourself from household chemicals. Common household products like cleaners and detergents can emitdangerous fumes. Some ait purifiers filter particles, but not chemicals or gases. IQAir offers the best gas filtration technology to remove the widest range of airborne chemicals.


7. 100% Ozone-Free Technology
All IQAir air purifiers are 100% ozone-free. They are certified by the IAACM (International Association of Air Cleaner Manufacturers) to produce absolutely no ozone. Ozone is a lung irritant emitted from ionic and electronic air cleaners. Even small amounts of ozone are undesirable for allergy and asthma sufferers.

8. Ultra Quiet Design

The HealthPro Plus produces more clean air with less noise. Unlike most air cleaners, which have the fan motor located after all filter stages, the HealthPro Plus has the fan in the center, between its noise absorbing filters. A unique double-walled housing design and eight vibration-absorbing rubber pads make the HealthPro Plus even more quiet. The HealthPro Plus is suitable for even the most noise-sensitive environments and virtually inaudible on the low fan-speed settings

Ultra High-Performance Particle Control for Allergy Sufferers in a Smaller Design

IQAir systems are recognized around the world as the most advanced room air cleaners ever designed. Whether used in homes for allergen control, or in hospitals for infection control, IQAir has just the right air cleaning system to provide the best possible air quality.

IQAir systems are the only air cleaners to feature H13 certified HEPA filters.

The HealthPro Compact features micro- and nano-particle filter technologies  in a smaller housing to make it more convenient in size for small apartments and offices.

The HealthPro Compact effectively removes every type of particulate air pollutants with the same ultra high efficiency as the larger models, including all common allergens, microorganism and all types of dust.

This makes the HealthPro Compact the ideal choice for allergy sufferers and other health-conscious individuals that need high-efficiency particle removal in a smaller size.

Applications:

Mold spore control
Pet dander control (cat, dog, etc.)
House dust mite allergen control
Pollen control
Wild-fire smoke control
General dust & particle control
Light tobacco smoke control

Featured Filter Technology

Micro-particle filtration
Eliminates micro-particles such as pollen, pet dander and mold spores.
HyperHEPA® filtration
Eliminates bacteria, viruses and combustion particles from automobiles and smoke, through a nano-fiber structure. IQAir’s patented HyperHEPA filters are certified to remove 99.5% of all particulate down to 0.003 microns in size. This is 100 times smaller than what is achieved with ordinary air filtration technology and 10 times smaller than a virus.

Carl Reese Construction Santa Clarita, CA
Certified NACHI© Home Inspector • EnergyStar© Partner • Certified Mold Remediation & Testing • Certified Thermographer • Energy Consultant • Licensed General Contractor #B878946

Energy Saving items that pay you money!

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

Quickly Lower Energy Bills Santa Clarita Residents


1. Switch to Compact Florecent lighting
Why?  Bulbs pay for themselves in 6 months.  Over 1/3 of your energy usage is lighting, CFL bulbs reduce that usage by 75%!
Bulbs now look like regular bulbs, come in Warm inviting light (2700K) best of all they don’t flicker now !
Click here to buy Click for estimate

2. Seal Heating and Air Ducts
Why? $20 worth of sealant will save you $100.’s !    Dept. of Energy says “Average home leaks 35% of your Conditioned air”
Click here to buy Click for estimate

3.  Put Additional Insulation in attic
Did you Know?  Goverment tax credit will pay 30% of the cost?  Yes up to 1500.00 in cash tax credit.   Insulation will pay for itself in 3 years in energy savings.  Immediatly reducing your electric bills.
Click for estimate

Carl Reese is Santa Clarita’s #1 Handyman.  Our clients are span the Santa Clarita Valley, from Movie and TV personalities (who will remain nameless) to our 15 Year steady clients ….we cherish each one of you.  These tips for energy savings are the items that pay you back the quickest.  You can also sign up for the summersavings program from Southern California Edision that will pay you 200. Each year in energy savings.  Carl Reese is Santa Clarita’s Only Energystar partner.  CR Construction strives to lower your energybills.  These simple energy saving tips will change they way you look at your electric bill.  If your looking for the easiest way to lower your electric this is it.  We Serve Valencia, Saugus, Canyon Country, Stevenson ranch and more.   CR Construction offers Certified Home Inspection service, Energy Audits, Thermal Imaging, General Contracting Services.  When it comes to a house we have you covered.

Carl Reese Construction Santa Clarita, CA
Certified NACHI© Home Inspector • EnergyStar© Partner • Certified Mold Remediation & Testing • Certified Thermographer • Energy Consultant • Licensed General Contractor #B878946

Great Summer Rebates You Won’t Want To Miss!

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

As summer approaches, folks in the Santa Clarita Valley are turning their attention to cooling their homes down.  And whether you are considering purchasing a Window Air Conditioning Unit, Energy Efficient Evaporative Cooling System, a Whole House Fan, or are ready to start running your home AC unit, Carl Reese Construction has some information you will want.  Be sure to stop by Southern California Edisions website at http://www.sce.com/residential/rebates-savings/heating-cooling/ to take advantage of some great rebates.  To start with, if you are in the market for a new window air conditioning unit, you may qualify for a $50 rebate.  Or how about installing a qualifing Whole House Fan to beat the heat this year?  Edision is offering a $50 rebate on those too.  Or if you are looking into installing an energy efficient evaporative cooling system you could get up to $600 back.  And another great way to save money this summer is to join the Summer Discount Plan from Southern California Edision, this program is an easy way to get up to $200 credit this summer.  With this program, the electric company will install a small remote control on your air conditioning unit and during the summer months, June through October, when there is an energy emergency they will cycle your air conditioning compressor on and off to conserve energy when it is needed the most and you will receive credit on your electric bill.  Southern California Edision offers two residential Summer Discount Plans with your choice of three different cycling options within each program, and your credit amount based on the cycling option you choose and the size of your air conditioner.  Please vist http://www.sce.com/residential/rebates-savings/heating-cooling/summer-discount-plan.htm for more information.  So as you are looking for ways to beat the heat this summer keep these great rebates in mind and take advantage of the savings.  And for all you installation and home improvements needs please call us at Carl Reese Construction, we are here to serve you!   661-877-1499

Carl Reese Construction Santa Clarita, CA
Certified NACHI© Home Inspector • EnergyStar© Partner • Certified Mold Remediation & Testing • Certified Thermographer • Energy Consultant • Licensed General Contractor #B878946

What you need a permit for in Santa Clarita

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009


The city of Santa Clarita requires all construction activity to be covered by a valid permit. Some examples of construction activity that require a permit include:
• Construction of new buildings
• Construction of tenant improvements
• Additions and remodels
• Installation of signs
• Upgrading service panels
• Adding or moving outlets, lights, switches or other electrical equipment
• Adding or moving registers, ducts, or mechanical equipment
• Adding or moving plumbing lines or plumbing fixtures
• Patio covers and decks
• Pools and spas
• Retaining walls supporting a surcharge
• Fences over 42 inches high
• Accessory structures
• Re-roofs
• Re-pipes
• Water heater change-outs
• Window and door change-outs
• Drywall replacement
• Repairs of damaged areas

Know your permits
There are five types of building permits available from the city of Santa Clarita for a construction project. They are:
Building Permit — A building permit covers construction of the building and may include related trades only if specifically indicated on the permit.
Mechanical Permit — A mechanical permit covers construction of the mechanical systems of a building. If this work is being performed in conjunction with building construction, it should be noted on the permit application so it can be included in the building permit.
Electrical Permit — An electrical permit covers construction of the electrical systems of a building. If this work is being performed in conjunction with building construction, it should be noted on the permit application so it can be included in the building permit.
Plumbing Permit — A plumbing permit covers construction of the fire sprinkler system, gas lines and the plumbing lines and fixtures of a building. If this work is being performed in conjunction with building construction, it should be noted on the permit application so it can be included in the building permit.
Sewer Permit — A sewer permit covers construction of the drain lines outside the building. If this work is being performed in conjunction with building construction, it should be noted on the permit application so it can be included in the building permit.

Applications for each of the above noted permits can be downloaded to your printer from the city Web site at: www.santa-clarita.com/cityhall/pbs/building/forms.asp.

SOURCE: www.santa-clarita.com

Carl Reese Construction Santa Clarita, CA
Certified NACHI© Home Inspector • EnergyStar© Partner • Certified Mold Remediation & Testing • Certified Thermographer • Energy Consultant • Licensed General Contractor #B878946

Stimulus Provides Over $30 Billion for Green Energy

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

President Barack Obama signed the $787 billion stimulus package last Tuesday, and with over $30 billion devoted to green energy measures, the act serves as a critical step in making energy efficiency the nation’s top priority.

“Energy efficiency is a winner for the nation on so many levels,” commented Brad Penney with the Alliance to Save Energy. “The stimulus law’s $20-plus billion for energy efficiency projects will put Americans to work making buildings more efficient; cut energy bills for consumers, businesses, and governments; and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Together with provisions for renewable energy and clean transportation, energy efficiency allocations promise to help put the nation back on track.
Provisions include:

  • $6.3 billion for energy efficiency and conservation grants.
  • $5 billion for the Weatherization Assistance Program to upgrade modest-income homes. The act will also increase the eligible income level under the program and increase funding assistance to $6,500 per home, including homes weatherized as recently as 1994.
  • $4.5 billion for the repair of federal buildings to increase energy efficiency using green technology
  • $6 billion for new loan guarantees aimed at standard renewable projects such as wind or solar projects and for electricity transmission projects.
  • $11 billion for smart-grid related activities, including work to modernize the electric grid and smart grid grants.
  • $1 billion for energy efficiency programs including smart and energy efficient appliances, alternative fuel trucks and buses, and transportation charging infrastructure.
  • $4 billion to the public housing capital fund to enable local public housing agencies to address a $32 billion backlog in capital needs, especially those improving energy efficiency.
  • $500 million to help workers train for green jobs.
  • Tax incentives: About $20 billion for renewable energy and energy efficiency over 10 years including extended tax credits for wind and other renewable energy sources. The solar provisions in the bill are expected to help create 60,000 jobs in the solar industry in 2009 alone and a total of 110,000 jobs in the next two years.

Much of the stimulus will be channeled through the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), resulting in a nearly tenfold increase in EERE funding from 2008. Californians have already experienced some of the benefits of energy efficiency and clean energy measures, including increased dollar savings at home and burgeoning job opportunities in local communities. The new stimulus acts as an affirmation of this success and reminds us that we must continue to do more.

Energy Audit….not a bad thing.

Thursday, February 19th, 2009

Best ways for Santa Clarita Home Owners to save Energy?  CR Construction is an Proud EnergyStar partner that offers Energy Audits on Commercial and Residential property Owners.  Lets face it .. we all dread giving money to the utility companies.  With some quick  and inexpensive fixes around the house you can invest in your future, and pay less in monthly utilities.

How do I recover hundreds or even thousands of lost energy dollars without spending a fortune?

Home Energy Savings starts with a Thermal Home Energy Survey (audit).  This inexpensive scan pays dividends in monthly savings once you locate the leaks in your homes energy envelope.  Your home energy report will come complete with digital photographs, information specific to your home, and numerous low cost ways you can improve your monthly savings.  Rebates and Grant sources are provided as well.   The report will prioritize your energy savings that will pay you back in the shortest amount of time.

Carl Reese Construction uses a hi-tech thermal imaging camera to locate:  Loose duct work, missing or compromised insulation, electrical issues, costly home energy drafts, hidden water leaks or mold sources.   We have over 17 years experience, Proud EnergyStar Partner, and continued education includes Certifications at SoCal Edison © CTAC School on Energy Efficiency, Rebates, Lighting, and Title 24 Duct Leak Testing.  As well as Certified NACHI Home Inspector, Certified IAC2 Air Quality and Mold Testing.  Start Saving Immediately!  Often times these items can be corrected by the home owner and $9.00 worth of foil tape.   The US Dept of Energy says “every home including new construction should be thermally scanned.”   Thermal Imaging sees what the naked eye cannot see.   Infrared scanning sees temperature not light, so even the smallest duct leak can be detected with a Certified Individual operating the themal imager.  Leaking Ducts Waste Money!!  Unseen leaking ducts can cost you hundereds of dollars worth of lost energy each year.  Simple duct fixes can bring that 20 to 35 % loss back into your pocket.  If you have a $400. electric bill in the summer, that means $80.00 could be lost in attics or crawl spaces every month, as that conditoned air leaks into uncondition spaces of the home.  These corrections are simple and not to difficult to repair.  In my opinion,  CFL’s and Duct leak sealing are the two greatest increases in substancial energy saving you’ll see.   Now some would say insulation, but remember we are talking low cost , and quick returns.   Insulation I would rank 3rd or 4th.  Depending on the amount of airleaks in the home.

Cut your Electric Bills, Santa Clarita residents…order a Home Energy Survey Report of your Home.  We are the number one choice for Home Inspections, Home Energy Audits and Handman Services in the Santa Clarita Valley.   Call 661-877-1499 to book your Home Energy Audit Report, or Home Inspection Today!

Visit our Home Page for details, and our online store for energysaving products and video!  www.carlreese.com

Carl Reese Construction Santa Clarita, CA
Certified NACHI© Home Inspector • EnergyStar© Partner • Certified Mold Remediation & Testing • Certified Thermographer • Energy Consultant • Licensed General Contractor #B878946

Quality Santa Clarita Home Inspection

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

Carl Reese Construction (www.carlreese.com) has taken home inspections to the next level here in the Santa Clarita area.  Purchasing a home is often the biggest investment you will make and we at Carl Reese Construction understand that this is not the time to skimp on quality.  Carl utilizes his years of experience and knowledge to give you peace of mind about your new home.  Carl Reese is a certified NACHI home inspector, certified thermographer, and certified in mold remediation and air quality testing.  What does that mean for you?  It means that Carl is able to address all the areas of a home inspection with knowledge and expertis that will put your mind at ease.  Carl Reese takes the time to give each home buyer a through inspection, including a thermal scan.  This latest technology uses infra-red to see areas of concern in the walls that are invisible to the naked eye.  Carl uses the thermal scan to find things like, past water damage, and compromised insulation.   For more information see our website at www.carlreese.com .  Our inspection reports are available within 24 hours, and include digital pictures of the problem areas and a summary sheet.   Carl Reese Construction also offers mold and air quality testing.  Did you know that toxic molds are known to cause health problems, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with asthma.  You can take advantage of this service to insure that your new home is a safe place for your family.   Carl Reese Construction also provides a Limited 100 Day Free Warrenty with all our home inspections, just another way we are looking out for you.  It is true that you may find a cheaper inspection out there, but that is just what you will get, a cheaper inspection.  As it is often said, you get what you pay for.   So if you are looking for peace of mind when making the one of the biggest investments of your life,  Carl Reese Construction is the only choice for the highest quality home inspection in the Santa Clarita area.  Call us today to book yours 661-877-1499 or visit us at www.carlreese.com .

Carl Reese Construction Santa Clarita, CA
Certified NACHI© Home Inspector • EnergyStar© Partner • Certified Mold Remediation & Testing • Certified Thermographer • Energy Consultant • Licensed General Contractor #B878946

Carl Reese Construction © 2008

Carl Reese Construction is proudly powered by WordPress
Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS).