Year-round, comfort is the goal. In the summer, your air conditioning system not only cools your homes air (sensible cooling), it removes moisture (latent cooling). In the winter, your heating system must keep you comfortable without causing high utility bills. Make sure that your HVAC contractor uses the Manual J residential load calculation procedure. Insist on it! Manual J is the official standard for residential load calculation and is required by many building codes around the country. By accurately performing a Manual J calculation you can be assured that your HVAC system has been sized properly for optimal performance and maximum energy efficiency.
Your HVAC contractor will carefully measure your home and evaluate its levels of insulation. Windows, sizes and quantity will be noted, levels of infiltration will be estimated and internal loads including lighting and kitchen appliances will be taken into consideration. A computerized analysis will be completed that indicates just how much heating and/or cooling capacity your new system should provide. After the installation of your new system is completed, you will receive a copy of the computerized load calculation for your records. As an Asheville NC Custom Builder and certified green professional we only use qualified HVAC contractors that properly perform Manual J calculations on all new heating & cooling systems installed in our fine, luxury custom homes. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on Toxic Carpets
If you are considering wall-to-wall carpet for your home or project, stop, look, and read on. Take a minute to think about the pros and cons of your carpet choices before you buy that next roomful. Carpet is synonymous with comfort, it is soft, absorbs sound, and makes a house warmer, literally and figuratively. Unfortunately, it also contributes to poor indoor air quality (IAQ),off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), absorbing and retaining moisture that can lead to mold, and is a huge sinkhole for dirt and dust mites. Carpets containing high VOC materials and compounds can be extremely hazardous for your health by affecting the indoor air that you are breathing.
If your heart and feet are set on carpet, go with natural fibers, like wool, hemp, silk, linen, and sisal. My favorite is wool: The innate beauty and durability of pure wool provides a natural soil barrier, adds warmth and comfort, is inherently flame resistant, plus, it comes from a renewable resource. Look for natural fiber carpets free of toxic dyes, pesticides, herbicides, and flame retardants. Two of my favorites are Earth Weave and Natures Carpet, both 100% wool complemented by solid environmental practices. Ensure healthful carpet installation by using tack strips instead of adhesives, which can be loaded with VOCs and make the carpeting harder to remove/replace/reuse/recycle later on. Padding increases softness and the carpet's life, so, again, look for natural wool and rubber; there are many made from recycled products. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder and certified green professional that is always educating clients on potential health risks of different types of building materials so that more green products can be chosen. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.
If your heart and feet are set on carpet, go with natural fibers, like wool, hemp, silk, linen, and sisal. My favorite is wool: The innate beauty and durability of pure wool provides a natural soil barrier, adds warmth and comfort, is inherently flame resistant, plus, it comes from a renewable resource. Look for natural fiber carpets free of toxic dyes, pesticides, herbicides, and flame retardants. Two of my favorites are Earth Weave and Natures Carpet, both 100% wool complemented by solid environmental practices. Ensure healthful carpet installation by using tack strips instead of adhesives, which can be loaded with VOCs and make the carpeting harder to remove/replace/reuse/recycle later on. Padding increases softness and the carpet's life, so, again, look for natural wool and rubber; there are many made from recycled products. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder and certified green professional that is always educating clients on potential health risks of different types of building materials so that more green products can be chosen. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on Radon Mitigation
Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can not see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims about 20,000 lives annually. Learn how you can protect your family Test Your Home for Radon, It is easy and inexpensive Fix your home if you have a radon level of 4 pCi/L or more. Radon levels can be high in mountainous areas and as such Advantage Development Co. installs a radon mitigation system in every home we build to assure best indoor quality for our clients.
Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. The untimely deaths of Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve have raised public awareness about lung cancer, especially among people who have never smoked. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented if radon systems are in place. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Builder we are very concerned with a home owners health and always install radon mitigation systems to avoid radon leakage into the interior living space of our fine luxury homes. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.
Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. The untimely deaths of Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve have raised public awareness about lung cancer, especially among people who have never smoked. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented if radon systems are in place. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Builder we are very concerned with a home owners health and always install radon mitigation systems to avoid radon leakage into the interior living space of our fine luxury homes. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on Paint Health Risks
With good reason, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates paint within its Top Five environmental hazards, and has produced research that shows VOC (volatile organic compound) levels indoors while paint is drying are 1000 times higher than outdoors. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the dangers faced by people who work with paint. It reports that painters have a 20% increased risk of a range of cancers and a 40% increased risk of lung cancer, in particular.
In general, it is recognized that children and older people are particularly vulnerable to solvent vapors. When added to headaches, other allergic reactions, skin problems, heart stressing and effects on the reproductive systems, conventional paint is something you should think hard about before inviting into your home. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning custom builder in Asheville NC that has recognized the health hazards of indoor paints for years now. We always recommend low or no VOC paints and finishes to our clients for indoor applications on their new homes. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us as a custom builder in Asheville since 1990.
In general, it is recognized that children and older people are particularly vulnerable to solvent vapors. When added to headaches, other allergic reactions, skin problems, heart stressing and effects on the reproductive systems, conventional paint is something you should think hard about before inviting into your home. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning custom builder in Asheville NC that has recognized the health hazards of indoor paints for years now. We always recommend low or no VOC paints and finishes to our clients for indoor applications on their new homes. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us as a custom builder in Asheville since 1990.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on Foam Insulation
In recent columns, we have looked at cellulose insulation as well as fiberglass and other batt insulation materials. The other option for filling wall and ceiling cavities is foam insulation that is sprayed into the cavity. There are several such materials that are used for this application, all installed by professional insulation contractors. Closed Cell foam-in-place insulation is by far the best and also the most expensive type of home insulation. As an award winning Asheville NC Custom home Builder we educate our clients on all building materials relative to cost versus performance gains.
Polyurethane is by far the most common foam-in-place insulation material used for homes, but there are several quite different formulations. Closed-cell polyurethane has been around for decades, though the ingredients have changed considerably in the past 15 years as ozone-damaging blowing agents were replaced with safer chemicals. The polyurethane is sprayed into the wall or ceiling cavity as a liquid (much like spray paint), and as the components mix they instantly expand, foaming to create the insulation. The material fully cures in a few hours to form a quite hard, high-density (2 pound per cubic foot) material. In a wall cavity, enough material is typically used to expand to several inches thickness, but not so much that the foam bulges beyond the inner face of the framing. Closed-cell polyurethane insulates to between R-5.8 and R-6.8 per inch, a considerably higher insulating value than any other cavity fill insulation. Advantage Development Co. has been the builder of choice in Asheville NC since 1990, and is a multiple Asheville Parade of Homes Winner. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about our company and why we win awards year after year.
Polyurethane is by far the most common foam-in-place insulation material used for homes, but there are several quite different formulations. Closed-cell polyurethane has been around for decades, though the ingredients have changed considerably in the past 15 years as ozone-damaging blowing agents were replaced with safer chemicals. The polyurethane is sprayed into the wall or ceiling cavity as a liquid (much like spray paint), and as the components mix they instantly expand, foaming to create the insulation. The material fully cures in a few hours to form a quite hard, high-density (2 pound per cubic foot) material. In a wall cavity, enough material is typically used to expand to several inches thickness, but not so much that the foam bulges beyond the inner face of the framing. Closed-cell polyurethane insulates to between R-5.8 and R-6.8 per inch, a considerably higher insulating value than any other cavity fill insulation. Advantage Development Co. has been the builder of choice in Asheville NC since 1990, and is a multiple Asheville Parade of Homes Winner. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about our company and why we win awards year after year.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Asheville NC Custom Builder says Build Green to Save Green
Green building is good for the environment. It is energy efficient, which reduces the need to burn fossil fuels and helps fight climate change, one of our countrys most pressing environmental issues. It also makes efficient use of water and other resources, minimizes pollution and waste, and reduces overall environmental impact. But, as building professionals and consumers are increasingly discovering, there are as many advantages to building green as there are techniques. As an award winning custom home builder since 1990 we have come to realize that green building is just plain smart building.
Green buildings cost less to operate because, among other things, they use less energy and water, and require less maintenance. They have better indoor air quality because they minimize chemicals, mold and other harmful substances. And they have excellent resale value-because green buildings are quality buildings and they're built to last. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC certified green professional home builder here to build that fine custom home while getting you any level of green certification ranging from NC Healthy Built, NAHB Green or LEED Certified. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more.
Green buildings cost less to operate because, among other things, they use less energy and water, and require less maintenance. They have better indoor air quality because they minimize chemicals, mold and other harmful substances. And they have excellent resale value-because green buildings are quality buildings and they're built to last. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC certified green professional home builder here to build that fine custom home while getting you any level of green certification ranging from NC Healthy Built, NAHB Green or LEED Certified. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Asheville NC Custom Builder shares on Granite
Granite is a natural stone that is among the most popular materials used for home decor. In fact, it is a very hard stone and as far as hardness quotient is concerned it ranks right after the diamond. Different continents including Africa, Asia, America and Europe produce granite in good quantity. Like diamond granite too, has an innate beauty that has achieved a perfect blend with its toughness. So, granite has a history that is old, strength that is extraordinary and beauty that is unsurpassable. As an Asheville NC Custom and Green Builder we love installing granite on both the exterior & interiors of fine custom homes that we build.
No wonder therefore, that granite has become one of the greatest choices for the home makers to decorate their houses. In fact, the brilliant colors and textures of granite are sure to add beauty to your home. When it comes to granite counter tops, the color ranges from white to red, green, black, blues and many other exotic shades. Since it is constructed naturally out of molten rocks, different minerals and other elements have resulted in the variations in color and texture. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning custom home builder that truly appreciates the beauty & durability of granite in the fine homes we build. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/about.html to learn more about us, and why we are better.
No wonder therefore, that granite has become one of the greatest choices for the home makers to decorate their houses. In fact, the brilliant colors and textures of granite are sure to add beauty to your home. When it comes to granite counter tops, the color ranges from white to red, green, black, blues and many other exotic shades. Since it is constructed naturally out of molten rocks, different minerals and other elements have resulted in the variations in color and texture. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning custom home builder that truly appreciates the beauty & durability of granite in the fine homes we build. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/about.html to learn more about us, and why we are better.
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