|
What's new at Concord Carpenter?
January is typically a quiet month for remodeling but we've been fairly busy with energy audits and retrofits as wall as reviewing great tools in the ACC workshop.
It's no surprise that the cost of heating and cooling a home is top of mind for homeowners. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average household spends at least $2,000 a year on energy bills - over half of which goes to heating and cooling costs.
On our energy audits we us the DEWALT 12 v Imaging Thermometer. When purchasing an IR thermometer there are three standout features to examine when looking at this new technology and considering home heating loss.
- Distance spot ratio is key for accuracy. A 12:1 ratio is quite suitable and will ensure the tool is accurately displaying the temperature changes around the home. Though it sounds complicated most quality IR thermometers have a 12:1 distance to spot ratio which simply means that 12 inches away from a surface the IR thermometer will take an average reading within a one inch circle and provide a temperature reading that will fluctuate within two degrees. Some lower price units have an 8:1 distance to spot ratio, which means you would have to get closer to get the same accuracy.
- The ability to store readings is also important. This allows you to record measurements in different locations or remember readings in hard-to-reach areas.
- A third feature to consider is a temperature indicator beam. This indicator allows the easy identification of temperature changes in a room. The color of the beam changes when a difference in temperature is detected as it's scanned across an area. For example, a green beam could be the reference point, a blue beam could identify a cool spot, and a red beam could show a hot spot.
Use the IR thermometer to investigate around windows and doors, the attic hatch, fans, vents and electrical outlets to determine home energy loss. These are the most common areas where energy leaks occur. Note the areas where you find vast temperature changes and use caulk, weatherstripping, insulation, rigid or spray foam to address the problems.
ShowCase Your Bathroom Products
This entire month we are planning to take a large over-sized bathroom at the ACC workshop and convert it into two smaller side-by-side full bathrooms.
During this remodeling project we will be showcasing, reviewing and writing abount the entire remodeling process and many of the different products used.
On a fun note we will be setting up a time-release camera to capture the progress and use it to assist with several of videos subsequently created for the project.
Several of the products we will use will also be chosen and published in a popular trade magazine.
If you have a innovative or bathroom relat
ed product you'd like to see featured in the ACC bath remodel contact me here to discuss it.
Become A Product Tester
A manufacturer I trust is looking for professional tool users to participate in product testing throughout the year. Take this survey to see if you qualify and receive a gift card to Home Depot or Lowes.
| 
