by Dependable Construction | Jun 19, 2017 | Uncategorized
It is always possible to save money on heating bills by making some minor improvements. Low income households may qualify for weatherization expenses through state-administered programs.
In this season of political positioning, it seems like all we hear about it the need for American energy “independence;” otherwise known as being free from the need to import foreign oil and the political concessions that may require. But the discussion of energy independence isn’t limited to a presidential debate; homeowners are also interested in freeing themselves from high energy bills, especially when cold weather approaches.
Is your home in need of an “Energy Efficiency Makeover”?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can account for up to 30% of your home energy usage. While you could certainly tackle some of the problem by utilizing a good old-fashioned draft snake, that isn’t always enough. Remember, drafts could also be giving your thermostat a false reading so it’s important to look for other solutions for energy efficiency.
Here are some important steps to take if you want to achieve “home energy independence” –
- Replace and clean your furnace filters every month, especially during the heating season. Dirty furnace filters restrict airflow and increase the demand on your furnace in colder months. Why not make a check mark on a specific date on your calendar to remind you to make the switch. Alternatively, look for long-life air filters that are designed to last 3 months or longer. Better yet, switch to a permanent electrostatic filters. They trap about 88 percent of debris, compared to disposable filters which only trap 10 – 40 percent. A genuine HEPA filter can remove 99.7 percent of airborne particles, and come recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Drain air conditioner pipes and any hoses. Turn off your exterior water spigots and make sure any hoses are drained and stored neatly. Don’t forget to remove any window air conditioner units and store them away for the winter.
- Turn down your hot water heater. While many conventional hot water heaters are set to a standard 140 degrees, most households don’t need quite that much steam. Lowering the temperature to about 120 degrees F will reduce the cost of hot water by 6 to 10 percent.
Keep in mind that if you need to replace your air conditioner unit, hot water heater or furnace, there are some federal tax credits available. The more environmentally-friendly your system, the greater the tax credits will be, so be sure to take advantage of them.
- Install a storm door. While this may seem like a simple renovation, adding a storm door can improve energy efficiency by up to 45%. Look for an Energy Star-certified model. They are highly effective in sealing drafts and restricting air flow, plus they can also let in natural light and ventilation all year-round.
- Put in the storm windows. Similar to storm doors, storm windows can help keep your home well insulated from storms. It may not be your favorite chore, but it’s well worth getting them out of the she or the attic before the cold weather begins.
- Give your furnace a “tune up.” You probably already know the importance of regular tune-ups for automobiles, but did you know that it’s just as important to tune up your heater? Schedule a service visit now before the heating season begins. This is also a good time to get a special deal on HVAC inspections.
- Turn the heat down. This may seem obvious, but few people realize how keeping a close eye on the thermostat can reduce their heating bill. It is much easier to keep tract of this when you have a programmable thermostat. Or take it a step further by asking your local utility company to install a smart meter.
- Pick up a window insulation kit. Surprisingly, for just a few dollars each year you can pick up an easy window insulation kit at a local hardware store. When properly installed, window plastic should be invisible, yet it acts a buffer against drafts that are caused by extra air space in your window. Find out how much a simple thing like this can boost your home’s ability to hold heat.
- Measure your savings with an Energy Monitor. Many people don’t realize this; but there is a simple device that can measure your electrical usage in real time, while projecting your monthly expenditure for electric utilities. If you want to reduce your energy consumption, look for a TED (The Energy Detective), starting at $139.
- Check the corners, chimneys and gaps in the foundation. Wherever you see wires exiting your foundation or when corners meet at a chimney on your roof, you could be losing hot or cold air. Once identified, there are plenty of ways to weatherize your home to prevent these drafty spaces from affecting your energy bill.
Regardless of your financial situation, it is possible to save money on heating bills this winter. Low income households may qualify for weatherization improvements through state-administered government programs. Contact your local energy agency to find out more.
by Dependable Construction | Jun 16, 2017 | Uncategorized
When homeowners have a cement siding product installed on their home, thye can expect it to last a lifetime, sometimes longer.
Dependable Construction is often asked “What’s the difference between Hardie Board and cement board siding?”
Most contractors know they are relatively the same thing. Hardie Board is the best known brand of cement board siding, which is often called fiber cement board. This product is so familiar in the building industry that people often forget that it is a brand. Like calling all hook and loop Velcro, which is actually a brand.
Homeowners in the Dayton area are starting to prefer cement board siding because its now made to resemble other building materials. Example, homeowners can choose from not only a smooth plank, but wood grain finish, and stucco look, some appear more like vinyl siding.
Cement board siding is durable & easy to maintain;
If your installing a cement board siding product on your home, you can expect it to last a lifetime, and sometimes longer. This has become a major selling point for the product because it increases the resale value of the home, but there are other reasons that homeowners choose cement board. First, cement board siding is low maintenance. Unlike a lot of other popular siding materials, it resists mold and mildew, and doesn’t have to be cleaned any more often than vinyl or wood.
Cement siding is easy to install & versatile;
Each plank of cement siding is pre-primed and ready to go. You can also find pre-painted and/or pre-colored cement board siding at many contractors, which can be a real time saver after installation is complete. Many contractors like Dependable Construction will recommend buying the pre-primed siding and having it painted to your specifications; mainly because it will never chip or peel later on.
Quality Vs. Cost of Cement Siding
Taking all the benefits into account, it’s no wonder that cement board siding is the new trend that is sweeping the Dayton area. Homeowners have become more practical and they don’t mind spending a little more upfront to get quality that will last a lifetime. Plus as we all know, resale value is a very important thing these days and due to its long life and quality, cement siding adds to the resale value of your home. Also fiber cement siding is waterproof and designed to hold up in extremely strong rain, winds, hail and salt air. Another great plus that helps add value is fiber cement siding extremely fire resistant.
Whether your selling your home or planning on having parties its important that you remember the exterior of your home is the first thing that people see when they drive up. Homeowners should choose a tough, good looking exterior product such as cement board siding to help make that first impression really stick.
When homeowners are looking to replace their siding, its also a good time, and idea, to consider replacing your windows as well. Home improvements are best done together, this helps save both time and money. Best to contact a construction company ahead of their down time to get the best price.
by Dependable Construction | Jun 14, 2017 | Uncategorized
Energy saving windows pay for themselves in the long run. Dependable Construction explains the math to help show homeowners how replacements window will save them money.
A lot of home improvement contractors will try and sell you on how much their particular product will save you in energy costs, or how much it will increase the resale value of your home. The truth is, many of these projects are less about cost savings than they are about curb appeal. The next time you hear a claim about energy savings, ask your contractor how much you can expect to save on your energy bill. After all, if the benefits don’t outweigh the cost of the improvement it would hardly be a worthwhile investment.
Calculating the energy savings for replacement windows
When it comes to determining the savings for new, energy-efficient windows, there are many factors involved. Most contractors will tell you that some of their clients have been able to save more than 50% on their heating and cooling costs, but not every homeowner will see such a large return on investment. A more realistic savings is in the 30% range, but a lot depends on how “old” your old windows were. Installing insulated replacement windows will keep your utility bills to a minimum, but the actual amount of this savings is determined by a couple of key factors.
- The type of window you had before and what you will have after installing replacement windows
- The U-Values and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ratings of the window you are installing
- The type of material used in the window frames
- The method of installation
While the other factors are certainly relevant, most of the savings from heating and cooling will be realized by the difference in energy-efficiency between your old and new windows. If you switch from single-pane aluminum windows to gas-filled double pane Fibrex-framed windows, your utility savings will be noticeable right away. However, if you were to upgrade from double-pane vinyl windows to the same gas-filled Fibrex windows, the savings might not be so drastic.
Architectural and Landscaping Considerations
Some of the other indicators for energy savings will include the number of windows and the relative size of them in relation to the entire home. The placement of the windows can also play a role, such as west or south facing walls. Shade around the home that comes from other buildings or trees can also impact the energy usage of your home, or glass that is covered by an awning or overhang.
The direction and method in which light and heat enter your home will also determine the amount of savings you will get from upgrading your windows. For example, if you live in a home without eaves or overhangs, and without trees to block the sun in the summer, getting energy-efficient windows will likely decrease your cooling costs significantly. In addition, new windows that block UV rays will also keep your floors, pictures and carpets from fading out. These windows can also make it more comfortable to dine in a room that was once too bright from direct sun.
Utility Habits and Other Factors
Some of the other factors that influence your heating and cooling costs include the amount and type of insulation in your home. Where you set your thermostat will also play a role, as will the age and condition of your air conditioning unit. With new windows, your air conditioner will run less, which will add more life expectancy to your system.
While there’s no scientific formula to measure energy savings, it’s easy to see how some people save more than others when installing replacement windows. However, if you choose a high quality window and have a well-qualified, professional, experienced Dayton’s trusted window installers at Dependable Construction for your windows, you can expect a minimum of 25% and a maximum of 52% savings on your energy bill.
Reviewing the math
If a homeowner were to spend $10,000 on replacement windows but were able to realize a 40 percent savings on a $3,000 yearly energy bill, the savings would be about $1,200 per year, or more than enough to pay the cost of the windows in less than ten years. But more importantly, you will enjoy the enhanced beauty and comfort of your new windows as well as a higher resale value for your home.
by Dependable Construction | Jun 14, 2017 | Uncategorized
Remodeling? Then Dependable Construction can bring your design ideas a reality. Helping transform our customers house into the home of their dreams!
So you’re in the market for a few home improvements, but you can’t do everything. As a homeowner it can be hard to decide which improvement to do first. Should you invest in new windows and doors or new carpeting? Which is more important – that deck you’ve always wanted or new siding? The answer will be different for every homeowner, but if you plan to sell your home in the next five years then curb appeal may take precedence over comfort. Could now be the time for new James Hardie siding?
Homeowners in Dayton have been taking a closer look at fiber cement siding for quite a while now; primarily because of its designer appeal; but it doesn’t just look good. James Hardie fiber cement siding also boasts natural durability, warp resistance and better insulation than vinyl siding.
If you’ve spoken with some contractors like Dependable Construction, no doubt you’ve heard arguments for and against vinyl. Perhaps you appreciate the look of wood siding, only to find out it has just as many negatives. Anyone who has ever wished for a “middle-of-the-road” option will be happy to know that there is one product that combines the best of wood and vinyl siding. It is James Hardie® fiber cement siding, and it just might be the perfect solution for you.
What are the benefits of James Hardie siding?
The James Hardie Siding Company is a leader in manufacturing and developing technologies for strong, long-lasting building products. James Hardie® siding products offer unlimited creativity for the homeowner. One of the most durable building products available today, fiber cement siding is made from a combination of wood fibers and cement, pressed into a mold that takes on the character of wood grain, and offers the ideal surface for any color paint.
Whether you’re starting from scratch with a custom-built home or remodeling an older one, James Hardie offers an incredible array of affordable building products to beautify your home’s exterior. Weather resistant and very low-maintenance, fiber cement shingles resist the punishing winds Ohio has seen as well as the cracking and rotting that is common in wet climates. But even more important than these practical features is how terrific this product looks on your home. James Hardies’ unique collection of Hardie Board products can transform the look of your home in a way that vinyl never could, adding new textures, designer accents and colors that give new meaning to the phrase, “curb appeal.” Even up close, it has a rich appearance that looks a lot like wood, but it holds color better and requires very little upkeep.
Designers who renovate older homes rely heavily on products like James Hardie fiber cement siding because they can give the home a unique and historical look without exceeding the homeowner’s budget. Whether it is a Victorian home with a cupola or a brand new lakeside retreat with cedar shake shingles, fiber cement boards can be used to make all the difference. The design possibilities are endless, so prepare to get creative with your home’s new exterior!
A Hardie Board Contractor in Dayton.
As you search for a contractor to install your new siding, you will find that vinyl siding contractors are everywhere, but it may not be easy to find an experienced installer of James Hardie® siding. Fortunately, in Colorado Springs you can rely on one of the James Hardie Company’s most experienced installers – Dependable Construction – to bring your design concepts to realization. Since 2004, Dependable Construction has been serving the Dayton area with reliable and professional installation of roofing, gutters, siding, windows and doors.
by Dependable Construction | Jun 9, 2017 | Uncategorized
Adding insulation to an existing home helps homeowners save money while improving comfort. Dependable Construction recommends having a home energy audit done, this can help you find areas to reduce heating and cooling costs!
As homeowners approach the coldest part of winter, many homeowners are preparing for the highest energy bills of the year. Unless homeowners heat their home with a wood-burning stove, chances are that insulation may be on your mind. But regardless of how important a well-insulated home is to heating costs, it is equally as important in protecting the home from high cooling bills during the summer months. And as if that isn’t enough, properly insulated homes are more protected against rot, decay and mold.
While many Eco-friendly homeowners have complained about the use of standard insulation products, prolonging the life span of an old house is far more ecologically sound than building a new one in the current housing market.
Here are 5 of the easiest ways a homeowner can go about insulating their home;
- Start with the attic, crawlspace and walls – In the wintertime, the most important way to insulate your home is in the attic. Since heat rises, it is more likely to escape through the top of the house. The same rule applies when dressing for a cold day: always wear a hat and you won’t lose heat through the top of your head. A contractor like Dependable Construction can inspect your attic or crawlspace for leaks and recommend the right type of insulation to use.
- Windows don’t always get much attention when insulating a home, but they are a very important part. In fact they account for about 25% of heat that is lost in the home. Energy panels are the least expensive way to insulate, or try some quilted drapes for extra warmth during cold weather months.
- Check all doors, some may be drafty, pick up a weather-stripping kit for under $20 will help stop the draft. The same method you use for entry doors can also be used on storm doors.
- Check the chimney, make sure it isn’t leaking hot air. If so invest in a better flue damper and a chimney balloon, but don’t forget to close off the fireplace. Get an insulated glass door for the front of the fireplace.
- Lastly, don’t forget the caulking. Surprisingly, warm air can leak out through your electrical outlets and even your plumbing fixtures. Foam insulation and caulking can usually solve these problems, but be sure your home also has enough ventilation. Take the time to speak with a contractor who is familiar with the latest home insulation solutions.
Why add insulation to your home?
Adding insulation in an existing home saves money and improves comfort. Not only will it reduce your heating and cooling costs and likely pay for itself in short order, it will make your home more inviting and livable.
Will insulation make a difference in a newer home?
Dependable Construction is a trusted home improvement specialist in Dayton, Ohio, this means we get asked this question frequently. Our answer is always something like this: unless your home was specially constructed for energy efficiency, homeowners can always reduce your energy bills by adding more insulation. New homes will often develop drafts in some of the strangest places after the house has settled.
How do I know if I should add insulation?
To determine whether you should add insulation, first you will need to find out how much you already have and where it is located. This kind of inspection is best conducted by a qualified home energy auditor or contractor. Some companies offer this as a service when installing new doors and windows. Ideally, you will want to have a whole-house energy assessment completed before determining which areas are in need of insulation and sealing. Keep in mind that just because you live in an older home does not mean you need more insulation. While it’s true that many older homes have less insulation than homes built today, it’s also likely that the previous owners added more insulation over the years.
Inspecting and Evaluating Your Insulation
A qualified contractor Like Dependable Construction can check the walls, floors and attics near an unheated space such as the garage or basement. Exterior walls can be inspected by using an electrical outlet. First turn the power off to the outlet, then remove the cover and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box. This will show if insulation is there and how thick it is. You might need to pull out some of the insulation to determine which type it is. Repeat this process by checking the outlets on all floors.
Determining Recommended R-Values
When you learn more about the insulation that has been used in your home it will be easier to determine the R-values. These values can be applied to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zip Code Insulation Calculator to figure out the amount of insulation that should be added to achieve maximum energy efficiency. The calculator will provide an estimate of the insulation cost, as well as the rate of return on your home improvement dollars.
by Dependable Construction | Jun 7, 2017 | Uncategorized
With the heavy rainfall we see in Dayton, homeowners sometimes see their house or basement start to leak.
All homeowners hope that no flooding occurs, but to think you’ll just deal with the aftermath if it happens, think again. As flood damage can be costly and can happen very quick. With the re-occurrence of rain almost every afternoon, as soon as damage is found its important to fix the problem immediately to avoid further damage. It would be smarter for homeowners to avoid flooding altogether by taking some easy flooding precautions. There are preventative measures you can take around your house and yard to lessen any flooding and damage to your property. Dependable Construction would like to list a couple we tell our homeowners.
Windows and doors:
One of the easiest places to prevent flooding and window damage during heavy rain is in a window well or low-sitting window or door.When a basement has a window, it is accompanied by a window well to allow sunlight and for emergency exit purposes.
The bottom of the well is typically a PVC drain pipe that is capped and then drilled to allow rain or water to pass through. The top of the drain is then covered with large rocks to allow water to flow through but to prevent any blockage or drain clogs.
During the fall or winter months, it’s easy to allow leaves, dirt and debris to fall into the window well and to plan to remove it once summer comes, but if the the debris is not removed it can cause a clog in the drainage system and water can build up in the well. This can cause a number of problems and situations. If the windows are not new and sealed correctly, water can leak through the window and into the basement. Mold can form in the window and the wood surrounding the window can rot.
To prevent flooding in the basement through a window well, inspect your basement window to be sure there are no cracks or sealing problems. Be sure to check all window wells for debris and clean them out consistently. Lastly, consider installing a window well cover. The cover will fasten over the window and can be fully covered to keep any rain from entering the well or can be grated to keep debris from falling in.
Gutters and downspouts
Cleaning and maintaining gutters is one of the most inexpensive and important ways to prevent flooding damage. Keeping gutters free of leaves, dirt and debris and making sure that downspouts are positioned away from the house and to an area where the water won’t sit can make a big difference in water pooling and damaging the house. Water can be damaging to a house’s foundation so it’s good to make sure the downspout is directing water a few feet away from the house and that there is no blockage to keep the water from draining.
Landscaping
Landscaping a yard is a great way to add curb appeal to your home, but it can also be a preventative measure for flooding and rain. A certain slope in the yard or the way plants are set throughout your property can contribute to the flow of water when it rains. Try to make sure the lawn slopes away from the house. Plant flowers or bushes to block some of the water drainage toward the house.
House Foundation
Moisture in itself can be damaging to a house’s foundation but add cracks to the mix and you’re asking for some pricey repairs. By addressing any cracks in the foundation of your home right away you can avoid water intrusion such as basement flooding, molding inside of the house, and even unsafe foundation shifts. Inspect your house for cracks when possible and if you come across any damage, call a professional to get the proper restoration advice.
Sump Pump
Installing a sump pump is one of the most popular and easiest ways to keep your basement floor from filling with water and causing damage. A sump pump pumps the water back to the top of the yard and is quite effective at combating flooding and the nightmares of cleaning and repair that come with it.
There is one caveat, though: for a sump pump to work it must be maintained. A sump pump, like any machine, can fail. It’s important to check to make sure the pump is set up properly and is continuing to work. During extremely heavy rainfall or if it rains for a long time, it’s always a smart idea to continue to check to make sure the sump pump is working. Loss of power during a heavy storm is always a possibility, so think about investing in a generator for the sump pump to continue to work through an outage.
Septic Systems
Cleaning your septic system is probably not the first chore on your honey-do list, but that doesn’t make it any less important than any other regular house maintenance. Inspecting your sewer and cleaning the septic tank is a good way to avoid sewer backups and clogs, which are common when the systems aren’t maintained. This is the type of chore that seems messy, but could end up much messier if the septic tank overflows into your yard – gross!
Skylights
Inspecting and maintaining skylight windows may seem easy enough, but with the continuous downpour of large hail, it’s important to check the windows after storms. Although it isn’t likely that the hail will completely shatter your skylight, it could cause small cracks or damage which could potentially lead to leaks and flooding.
If there does seem to be damage, be sure to hire a professional window replacement in Colorado Springs to fix the skylight, which can be quite dangerous to replace on your own. A local window replacement company will be able to evaluate the typical weather in Colorado Springs and suggest options that make sense in this environment, whereas ordering a window online can be confusing and risky.
Even when taking every preventative measure necessary there’s still always the chance that flooding can still occur. Flooding can be a small annoyance at first but can cause larger issues like mold, foundation cracks and a ruined yard, which is why it’s important to check with your homeowner’s insurance to be sure that flooding is included in your insurance costs and to check to see under what conditions you’re covered.
Some policies require houses to have sump pump installed as a preventative measure or it won’t cover damage costs. If you’re unsure about your insurance and all that it entails, talk to your agent and make sure you’re covered, just in case. Being a homeowner is a big responsibility and it isn’t always easy, but knowing what your insurance covers and taking the preventative measures to avoid flooding issues will help you to keep your home running smoothly.
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