Smart Thermostats - To Use or Not To Use

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:05:09 GMT

If you haven’t already, it may be time to update your analog thermostat to a programmable, smart thermostat.

Here’s why….

Save money on your energy bills. Smart thermostats can learn your schedule and habits, and then adjust the temperature of your home accordingly. This can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills, especially if you have a large home or live in a climate with extreme temperatures.
Improve your comfort. Smart thermostats can also help to improve your comfort by making sure that your home is always at the perfect temperature. For example, you can program your smart thermostat to turn on the heat before you get home from work so that your home is warm and cozy when you arrive.
Remote control. Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely using your smartphone or tablet. This means that you can adjust the temperature of your home even when you're not there. This can be especially helpful if you forget to turn off the heat or air conditioning before you leave for vacation.
Smart home integration. Many smart thermostats can be integrated with other smart home devices, such as smart lights and smart locks. This allows you to create a more automated and efficient home. For example, you could program your smart thermostat to turn off the heat when you leave for work and turn on the lights when you arrive home.

Overall, smart thermostats offer a number of benefits that can make your life easier and more comfortable, while also saving you money on your energy bills.

Here are some additional benefits of using a smart thermostat:

Peace of mind. Smart thermostats can send you alerts if the temperature in your home gets too high or too low. This can be helpful if you have pets or plants that need to be kept at a certain temperature.
Usage insights. Smart thermostats can provide you with insights into your energy usage. This information can help you to identify areas where you can save energy and money.
Environmental benefits. By using a smart thermostat to reduce your energy consumption, you can help to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment. Many smart thermostats have an “eco” setting that enables the thermostat to learn your usage habits and set your thermostat to be more energy efficient.

If you are looking for a way to save money on your energy bills, improve your comfort, and make your home more efficient, then a smart thermostat is a great investment.

MOLD. Don't let that four-letter word turn your dream home into a nightmare.

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:20:17 GMT

Toxic black mold. Toxic mold. Organic growth.

The horror stories are all over the news. A family moves into a home, only to have it condemned after they develop serious health issues because of toxic black mold…. If you hear that four-letter word, STOP. Don’t run for the door.

According to the CDC, molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases potentially toxic substances. While there is evidence to support a link between certain respiratory issues and certain molds, the above example is extremely rare.
Mold exists everywhere, both indoors and outside. There are good molds and bad molds. Mold grows very quickly – a perfectly healthy environment can become overgrown with mold in as little as 48 hours. Some molds can be easily remedied, and other mold conditions will require remediation by an approved contractor.

The important thing to remember is that the presence of mold can only truly be confirmed through testing by an approved lab. So, if you suspect mold or your home inspector suggests that your new home has “organic growth,” ask to have it tested.

A mold inspector will examine areas in the house that are conducive to water intrusion and look for signs of growth. The inspector will then take air samples and/or swab surfaces and submit the samples to a lab to determine if mold is present and, if so, what kind and at what concentration. Once you have the results in hand indicating elevated mold levels, your next move should be to

Determine the cause or source of the mold. Ask your mold inspector if the cause can be easily fixed or if a hygienist will be required to remediate. If the presence of mold is contained to less than 10 square feet, HUD says you can clean it yourself (or hire a contractor to clean the mold). However, if the presence is greater than 10 square feet, you will need to hire a hygienist to write a remediation plan. Remediation will involve finding where the moisture is entering the house or where it’s originating within the house as well as making necessary repairs. It also involves removal and replacement of damaged cellulose materials as well as drying out the damp areas.
Take the test results to your doctor or an allergist to determine if the molds found in your house are a potential health issue.

The bottom line is that most mold issues can be remedied. The key is to repair or remove the source of moisture and to clean the mold in a recommended manner to restore a healthy home environment.

Sources:

Mold, https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/mold/default.htm
Facts about Stachybotrys chartarum and Other Molds, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/data-research/facts-stats/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm
Molds and Moisture, Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/mold

dapavlik1

Smart Thermostats - To Use or Not To Use

If you haven’t already, it may be time to update your analog thermostat to a programmable, smart thermostat.

MOLD. Don't let that four-letter word turn your dream home into a nightmare.

Toxic black mold. Toxic mold. Organic growth. ﻿

Toxic black mold. Toxic mold. Organic growth.