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.
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.
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.
Things are warming up in the Santa Clarita Valley and so are we are all looking for ways to cool down and save money. Well, Carl Reese Construction has another great way to put money back in your pocket! Right now Southern California Edision is offering a $200 rebate if you purchase and install a qualifing Two-speed pool pump or Variable-speed pool pump before December 31, 2009. Why is this something you should be interested in? Upgrading your single speed pump to a slower variable speed pump is good idea because it takes alot less energy to move the water in a pool slowly then it does to move that same water faster. So replacing your older pump with a more efficient variable speed is a great way to save energy and money. A great example from Edison is
• A single-speed motor takes 6 hours to cycle at an average cost of about $870 per year.
• A variable-speed motor takes 12 hours at an average cost of about $436 per year.
And as if saving over $400 annually on energy bills isn’t reason enough to upgrade your pool pump, the new pumps and motors run more quietly and last much longer than single-speed models. AND your pool water will be much cleaner and healthier with daily filtration. Making this simple upgrade is a great way to save energy and now is the time to do it so you can get your $200 rebate back. Click here http://www.sce.com/NR/rdonlyres/1B87D698-3B01-4BCE-A760-E2E2EDA1815A/0/081126_PoolPumpQPL.pdf to see the list of qualifing pumps. After installation, simply fill out the rebate form and turn it according to the guidelines from Southern California Edision (http://www.sce.com/residential/rebates-savings/pool/pool-pump-motor.htm) . So call Carl Reese Construction today at 661-877-1499 to have you new pump installed. But hurry, the funds are limited and with such a great way to save energy and money, this rebate may not last long!
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
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.
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.
Looking for a great, low cost way to upgrade the look of your home? CR Construction has the answer for you, shutters. That is right, we can improve your home’s curb appeal and have your neighbors talking in no time! Whether replacing old worn out shutters, or installing them for the first time, we can meet your shutters needs, and most times, without even painting! The new shutters are available in many colors, with one sure to compliment your home perfectly. So give us a call at 661-877-1499 to schedule your free estimate. Or visit our website at www.carlreese.com to learn more about us.
CR Construction installed these shutters, a perfect match, no painting necessary!
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.
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
Upside down in your home? Don’t give up yet…There’s some good news to homeowner wanting to save their home. The fed is finally making some headway with modifying mortgages that it controls.
“The goal of this policy is to avoid preventable foreclosures on residential mortgage assets that are held, owned or controlled by a Federal Reserve Bank,” Bernanke said in the letter. “In addition, the Board has decided to apply this policy more widely. In particular, the board has determined to apply the policy to the residential mortgage assets that serve as collateral for the discount window loans extended by the Federal Reserve.”
The Federal Reserve will instruct mortgage servicers who service those mortgages to identify borrowers who may be falling behind on payments and may be eligible for relief. Those borrowers will be contacted perhaps by letter, perhaps by phone. It has not yet been determined how to let them know they may be eligible for mortgage relief.
If you’re 60 days behind or you have an ARM that is about to adjust, you may qualify for
a. Reduction in the interest rate.
b. Extension of the term of the loan
c A deferral or reduction of the outstanding principal balance of the loan; or
d. Changes to other terms of the loan.
If you want to modifiy or get into a fixed rate mortgage personally recommend contacting Rudy Flores at 661-305-7363 or email him at RFlores@PRMG.NET Rudy is hardworking and straight shooter. I can recommend Rudy for several reasons , but mostly because he handled my mortgage and I couldn’t be happier.
Letter from Ben Bernanke to Barney Frank on Home Ownership Preservation:
CR Construction is the leading home inspection company in Santa Clarita, CA. We are seeing a rise in home inpections in the lower price range. It seems in my opion, investors and first time buyers are coming off the sidelines. With homeprices at record lows, deals are outt there. We do home inspections for the best realtor in Valencia. If you need a referral for a great realtor send us an email. For over 14 years, we have been the best handyman service in Santa Clarita Valley. The top 10 Realtors or SCV have used are services for years. If you live in Santa Clarita Valley and need: Certified Home Inspection, Certified Mold Report or Inspection, Going Green, Home Energy Audits, Adding Insulation, Changing to Energy Saving windows, Attic Fans, Whole House fans, Garbage disposals, GFI’s or GFCI’s, Ceiling fans, Granite Countertops, Stucco Repairs, Bathroom Remodels, Patio Covers, General Contracting advise, email us or give us a call.
Carl Reese Construction (ENERGY STAR PARTNER) works hard to save you money, but here is an easy way, The Gas Company. Yes, save money with the new 2009 rebate plan from the Socal Gas company on qualifing purchases and upgrades to your home. The Gas Company has a few rebate programs you can take advantage of. The first one is the Instant Rebate, this plan takes the work out of rebates by offering the rebate savings in-store, at the time of purchase. Just purchase a qualifing ENERGY STAR clothes washers, ENERGY STAR dishwashers, or ENERGY STAR natural gas water heater and pick up the rebate coupon at the participating retailer and use at the time of purchase to save now. Visit http://www.socalgas.com/residential/savemoney/ for more information.
Other great rebates are available for ENERGY STAR clothes washers, ENERGY STAR dishwashers, ENERGY STAR natural gas water heaters, ENERGY STAR central natural gas furances, attic and wall insulation and tankless water heaters. Visit http://www.socalgas.com/residential/savemoney/ for more information. Please keep Carl Reese Construction in mind for all your energy savings repairs, and call us today at 661-877-1499 to schedule the installation on your new rebate qualifiying appliances!
My clients demand the very best from their Santa Clarita Home Inspector and Licensed Contractor. I strive everyday to exceed their expectiations. There are many things I do to stay current and keep my clients informed with new products for the home. In the passed year I’ve attend classes at Edison on: Home Energy Savings, Rebates, Solar Power, Lighting, etc. We don’t stop there.. online webinars, symposium for ASNT (Association of Non-Destructive Testing). But one thing stands out above all ..Once a year the NAHB (National Home Builders Association) puts on the “BIG SHOW” the largest building show in the United States. You would not believe the amount of new products for the home. One Million square feet of exhibitor space! Back in 2007 I flew to Orlando and walked over 11 Miles and didn’t get to see 1/5th of the show !
I enjoy visiting the booths and seeing large indoor displays. New products are great but my main interest is Home energy and efficency.
The Highlight of this year was meeting with Tom Silva of “This Old House”.
Celebrating his 22nd year during the 2008-09 season as a proud member of America’s favorite home improvement team, general contractor Tom Silva has provided years of expert advice to home enthusiasts across the country on This Old House He also brings his endless expertise to This Old House’s sister show,Ask This Old House. Tom and I discussed the changes to Home Building Industry, Energy Efficency, and we discussed ways to combat the growing problem of mold. Big manufactures like Ownes-Corning Insulation come to the show, displaying their latest developments in Home Insulation ”Think Pink !”™
If you live in Santa Clarita , you’re living in Climate Zone 10, Pink Panther…errr Owen-Corning says you should have 15″ of insulation. Bad News is the builder in most homes built in the late 80’s only installed 6 to 10″ inches if your lucky.” Improving your level of insulation in your home will lower your utility bill, while improving your comfort. Payback is less than 3 years, and every 3 years after is 100% return on your investment.
As you know we are a Proud EnergyStar Partner. We have great news for Santa Clarita residents, EnergyStar is lauching a newHome Performance program in 2009 for Southern California.
This program will allow for homeowner to get money and Federal Tax credits for energy efficency improvement for their homes. This is not an income quaifying program anyone can apply. With this program CR Construction will come to your home and conduct a whole-house analysis on the home and make a comprehesive list of energy saving recommendations. EnergyStar thru sponsors such as the Energy Commision, will grant money to homeowners to make improvements to homes.
All New articulating kitchen faucets like the Karbon from Kohler and their shower heads that save home owners 5,800 gallons or 30% each year! Over 2.5 showerheads or handshowers.
Kohler has perfected the Bidet with the add on “C3″, this seat can be added to your current toliet. With Heated Seat and retractable self cleaning pulsating water wand.
If toliet seats left in the up position is a hot topic around your home you might want to look into Kohlers “automatic toliet seat” that is watersaving !
Want to save money,water and protect the environment ? Water Optimizer Inc offers a “smart” sprinkler system that uses sensors to determine if the soil needs water. Rather than just overwatering and wasting water that just runs off the lawn and down the drain. This system responds to weather chages, Moisture senssors monitor the soils in indivdual zones, when applied to reclaimed water systems the water optimizer helps utilities manage reclaimed water.
Installing these products pay for themselves in water and energy savings.
Many clients have rooms of the house that are Hot, no mater how long the AC unit runs these rooms never seem to cool off in the summer months. These west and south facing rooms are often times get a large amount of sunlight during the summer months. Attic Foil is your answer.. These foil radiant barriers for attics is nothing new for us, we’ve installed foil for sometime. Helping our clients build homes that reduce energy costs and increase comfort. Ask us about making a hot room more comfortable without spending alot of money.
Okay lets talk about Patio covers and outdoor living spaces Santa Clarita. We have built patio covers from Palmdale to Hasley Canyon.
Now available for your one of a kind outdoor livings space is the Tempest Torch.
A gas appliance that swirls a flame that illuminates your patio cover in a very unique way. This glass enclosed unit even provides you with some heat. Now this isn’t something you see everyday!
