Carl Reese

Energy Audit….not a bad thing.

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

What you need a permit for in Santa Clarita

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

Pool Pump Rebates

April 21st, 2009

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!

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 acertified 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 athermal 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 .