Planning Ahead for a New Swimming Pool

SAN RAFAEL — When a homeowner decides to install a swimming pool, the goal is typically for it to be ready in time for the upcoming summer season. However, many people fail to realize that building a new pool is a lengthy process, which is why it’s necessary to plan several months in advance to meet your summer deadline.

The construction of a new swimming pool entails many phases, from the initial design and engineering to obtaining building permits to the construction itself. The permit process alone can take several weeks and potentially hold up the entire project. Add to that allowances for unexpected issues and it’s easy to see just how time-intensive a pool project can be.

If you want to ensure your pool is ready for the summer, contact a pool contractor no later than the beginning of the year. By getting the ball rolling in January, you’ll be sitting cool in your new pool by June.

Preparing your Pool for Summer

SEBASTOPOL — Following its winter dormancy, you’ll need to spend a little time getting your swimming pool ready for summer use. Preparing your pool primarily consists of two aspects: cleaning and sanitation.

Cleaning
Use a vacuum and/or handheld net to remove stray leaves and any other debris that has accumulated in your pool during the winter. In addition to cleaning the pool itself, you should clean your filter by disassembling it and using a garden hose to wash off the individual parts. Keep in mind that once you start using your pool again, you’ll need to adjust your filter’s runtime from the offseason minimum to about eight hours a day.

Sanitation
One of the main aspects of sanitation is obtaining a proper pH balance, which should fall between 7.2 and 7.4. You’ll also need to add chlorine—aim for a chlorine-to-water ratio of between 1.5 and 3 parts per million (ppm). A good way to determine if your pool’s chemical levels are correct is to take a water sample to your local pool supply store for testing (many stores provide this service for free). Once you have your pH and chlorine levels stabilized, all that’s left to do is enjoy your pool.

How to Choose the Right Window Frames

PETALUMA — In the past, homeowners who wanted to replace their windows were somewhat limited in their choices. Today, consumers can choose from a wide variety of window options and find a product that best fits their lifestyle, budget and personal preferences. Here’s some information about the most popular styles of window frames on the market today:

Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl window frames were originally created to replace aluminum, which were the most common frames installed in houses throughout the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Here are a few attributes of vinyl windows:

• Improved energy efficiency
• Virtually maintenance-free
• Less likely to collect condensation
• Almost all manufacturers offer lifetime warranties.

Wooden Window Frames

Wood frames are popular with homeowners who prefer the traditional look and feel they provide. Here are a few attributes of wooden window frames:

• Pleasing look and feel
• Improved energy-efficiency
• More expensive than vinyl
• Require regular maintenance
• Warranties for wood frames aren’t as strong as those that come with vinyl frames—instead of a lifetime guarantee, it’s usually 10 years for the wood and 20 years for the glass.

Fiberglass and Composite Frames

Fiberglass and composite frames are similar to vinyl frames, but they’re made of much stronger material. Here are a few attributes of fiberglass and composite frames:

• Unlike wood and vinyl frames, they can be painted on both sides and fitted with a wood veneer that gives the inward appearance of a wood window.
• Like vinyl frames, they come with a lifetime warranty.

Ultimately, the type of window frame you choose depends on factors such as your personal aesthetic preferences, your budget and your county’s building code. With the right information, you’ll be able to pick the perfect window frame for your home.

Going Above Minimum Standards with Air Filters

EL CERRITO — Some people think air filters are all the same, but this is far from the case. While the heating and cooling systems in many homes have standard, one-inch fiberglass filters, the reality is that these do little to improve indoor air quality—they’re only good for filtering out very large airborne particles. To get better filtration for your HVAC system, consider upgrading to a MERV 13 air filter. This four-inch pleated filter removes particles down to the level of viruses and bacterium, which makes it at least 60 times more effective than a standard filter.

In addition to the quality of the filter you choose, another consideration is how often you replace it. Depending on how frequently you run your HVAC system, your filter may need to be changed anywhere from once a year to every couple of months. To get an idea of an appropriate replacement interval, periodically look at your filter and take note of how fast it gets dirty. By maintaining a clean filter at all times, your home’s air will be cleaner and your HVAC system will operate more efficiently, which will save you money on your utility bills.

Air Conditioning System Maintenance

SAN JOSE — When properly installed, a home air conditioning system should last for at least 20 years. However, in order for the system to reach its expected lifespan, ongoing maintenance must be observed. In addition to prolonging the system’s operating lifespan, maintenance will help prevent problems and sustain energy-efficient performance. Consider the following maintenance steps:

1. Clean out the condensate drain line on a regular basis. This small, plastic pipe conveys condensation created by the air conditioning unit to the outside of the home. Typically, a condensate drain line has an access point that’s located near the unit. Find the access point and pour half a cup of bleach down into the line. This will clean the drain line and prevent clogs or bad odors caused by mold/mildew buildup.

2. Every couple of years, have your air conditioner’s freon level checked by a professional. When freon gets low, the system’s compressor must work harder, which wastes energy.

3. Every two to three years, wash the condenser coils in your air conditioning unit. Since condenser coils work more efficiently when they’re clean, this step can help you save on your electricity bills.

Understanding HVAC Maintenance

LIVERMORE — You’ve probably heard that HVAC maintenance is important, but you may not know why it’s important or what exactly it consists of. To provide further insight, here’s some basic information on HVAC maintenance.

Why is HVAC maintenance important?

•  It improves system performance, which lowers utility bills.

•  It extends the system’s operating lifespan.

•  It improves indoor air quality.

•  It decreases the chances of the system breaking down during periods of heavy usage.

What does HVAC maintenance consist of? 

Independent maintenance

This is maintenance the homeowner performs on their own, which mainly consists of changing the system’s air filter on a regular basis. Frequency of air filter changes will depend on your usage. If you only have heating, changing your filter twice a year should suffice; if you have air conditioning as well, you should change your filter every three months.

Professional maintenance

This is maintenance that only a professional technician can perform, which primarily consists of checking the heating and air conditioning components each year, in season. When performing a maintenance service, a technician will do several things, including:

•  Check and tighten electrical connections

•  Test the unit to make sure the heat exchanger’s flame is burning properly/has the right color

•  Check the Delta T (the temperature difference between the return air and the supply air)

•  Make sure the blower is clean

•  Check for any airflow issues or dirty components

By keeping up with both independent and professional maintenance, you can keep your HVAC system performing efficiently and avoid costly breakdowns.

First Step for Installing a New Pool

CONCORD — If you’ve decided to install a swimming pool on your property, you might be wondering what your first step should be. The answer is simple: find a qualified pool builder. While building a pool involves a multitude of crucial details, at the end of the day, the guidance of an experienced professional is the most important factor in achieving a quality result.

A qualified pool builder will oversee every aspect of your pool’s construction, including critical features like its structure and plumbing. As the foundation of your pool, the structure must be carefully designed and engineered, and built to last. Likewise, as your pool’s “circulatory system,” the plumbing must be designed and constructed with the utmost precision.

Besides ensuring general design and construction quality, a qualified pool builder will be able to address any unusual factors or concerns, such as challenging landscape or soil conditions. The builder will also be able to tell you exactly what needs to be done and how much it will cost, which will help you avoid mistakes or miscalculated estimates. Overall, by working with a seasoned professional, you can be sure to get an attractive, functional and durable swimming pool that you’ll enjoy for years.

Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioning Unit

SAN JOSE — If your air conditioning system doesn’t seem to be functioning properly, your first inclination may be to call a professional. However, in many instances, you may be able to identify and fix the issue yourself, which will save you the cost of an unnecessary service call.

When an air conditioner doesn’t seem to be operating at full strength or effectively cooling your home, you might assume it needs to be repaired. However, it’s possible that you’ve simply forgotten to set the thermostat to the “cool” setting or to a low enough temperature. Another factor that may affect the performance of your air conditioning unit is dirty or clogged components such as the filter or evaporator coil. Before calling a professional, clean these components and see if it makes a noticeable improvement.

Other times, an air conditioning unit may appear to not be working at all. In this instance, first make sure the unit is connected to power. Next, check your electrical circuit or fuse box to make sure the problem isn’t being caused by a tripped breaker or blown fuse. If there aren’t any power issues, it may be something more serious like a blown motor or compressor, in which case you’ll need professional assistance.

Improving Home Energy Efficiency with Attic Air Sealing

SACRAMENTO — In addition to upgrading your insulation and installing a radiant barrier, a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency is with attic air sealing. The purpose of attic air sealing is to prevent the transmission of conditioned air (air that has been heated or cooled by an HVAC system) between the attic and the living area below. While this may not seem like a significant issue, sealing the gap between these two spaces can have a substantial impact on your home’s energy output.

Most houses contain numerous air gaps between the attic and living space, including spaces between light switches and receptacles; joints where walls meet ceilings; and spaces through which electrical wires, water lines, vents and mechanical equipment enter the attic. While independently insignificant, when added together, these various apertures constitute a considerable source of energy loss. When air transmission is allowed to occur between the attic and living space, a home’s HVAC unit has to work harder to replenish the escaping conditioned air.

Consider the following example. On a day where the outside temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a house’s air conditioning unit will already be working hard to keep the inside at a comfortable 75 degrees. However, if that 75-degree air is continuously “ex-filtrating” from the conditioned space into the attic, the air conditioner will have to work even harder, which means it’ll consume more energy. By sealing areas where conditioned air is allowed to escape, you can reduce the workload of your HVAC unit and save a lot of energy and money in the process.

Awning Options

HAYWARD — When it comes to exterior shade solutions, awnings are a common choice for home and business owners. When choosing an awning, it’s important to be aware of your options, including fabric and metal designs. Here’s some basic information about fabric and metal awnings and the advantages of each:

Fabric awnings
The main advantages of a fabric awning are design customization and affordability. Awning fabric is available in a wide variety of custom color options, including both solid colors and multicolor patterns. You can even have a graphic or logo printed on your fabric awning—a particularly useful option for business owners.

In addition to fabric design, the method of installation can impact the aesthetic look of an awning. The best method is known as wire tack. With this method, the fabric is secured through a pocket sewn into the inside of the frame; next, a wire is inserted and then tacked to the frame with self-drilling screws. This method provides a nice, straight line and even spacing between the screws, creating a more symmetrical appearance than other frame attachment methods.

On average, a fabric awning will last about 20 years before it needs to be replaced. However, it’s important to note that regular cleanings are required for the awning to reach its full expected lifespan.

Metal awnings
The main advantages of a metal awning are ease of maintenance and durability. Unlike fabric awnings, which need to be removed and cleaned by hand, metal awnings can be cleaned by merely spraying them with a hose or wiping them with a cloth. In terms of durability, a metal awning’s metallic constitution enables it to take a lot more abuse than a fabric awning. It won’t rust and it can withstand high winds, falling tree branches, and other potential sources of damage. Additionally, metal awnings don’t need to be recovered or replaced. While they come at a significantly higher price tag than fabric awnings, their durability and longevity provide long-term value that’s well worth the additional investment.

Is Your Attic Under-Insulated?

SAN LEANDRO — Are your heating and air conditioning bills out of control? Do you often find yourself feeling uncomfortable in your home? Believe it or not, the problem (and the solution) may be just overhead.

Few homeowners realize the impact that attic insulation can have on things like in-home comfort and energy costs. Attic insulation helps regulate a home’s indoor temperature by keeping conditioned air in the living space. Unfortunately, most homes in the United States have under-insulated attics, which allow conditioned air to easily escape from living areas. In this scenario, a home’s heater or air conditioner must work harder to maintain the desired temperature, which results in higher energy costs.

Considering the impact attic insulation has on in-home comfort and energy costs, it’s worthwhile to invest in adding more as needed. So, how can you tell if your home has an under-insulated attic?

Fortunately, this is something you can quickly check yourself. Simply go up to your attic and look at the level of the insulation. If it’s level with or below the wood framing beams (roughly 3 to 3 1/2 inches high), you probably need to add some more. However, if the insulation is higher than the beams, you’re probably all right.

If you find that your attic lacks adequate insulation, your best bet is to hire a professional to add some more. While they’re at it, they can inspect and clean your attic and address any additional problems, such as air leaks and rodent infestation. In the end, you’ll feel good knowing your home is as comfortable, energy-efficient and sanitary as it should be.