¨       High Energy Bills

¨       Mold, Mildew or Musty Odors

¨       Damp Basement

¨       Cold Floors in Winter

¨       Drafty Rooms

¨       Excessive dust

¨       Condensation on windows

¨       Ice Dams

¨       Peeling Paint

¨       Hot or Cold Rooms

¨       Dry Indoor Air

These are common household problems your Mega-pro addresses year around.  Having your home assessed for these types of problems and correcting them will make your home more comfortable, and improve its energy efficiency — saving you money on utility bills while helping to protect the environment at the same time!

High Energy Bills – High utility bills in summer and winter can often be traced to air leaks in your home i.e., inefficient windows, inefficient or incorrectly installed heating and cooling equipment, or poorly sealed or insulated ductwork.

Mold, Mildew or Musty Odors – Water leaks or high humidity can lead to mold and mildew. This can cause wood rot, structural damage, peeling paint, and a variety of health problems. Often, high humidity in homes with central air conditioners can be traced to improperly sized or installed air conditioners.

Damp Basement – Damp basements are commonly caused by moisture migrating through the foundation. As moisture evaporates, it increases indoor humidity and can promote the growth of mold — resulting in odors and potential health risks.

Cold Floors in Winter – Some types of floor finishes (such as wood, stone, tile, or concrete) will naturally feel cold on bare feet. However, insufficient insulation or air infiltration can also cause cold floors.

Drafty Rooms – Cold air coming into or going out of your house, especially through leaks hidden in the attic and basement, can cause rooms to feel drafty and uncomfortable.

Excessive Dust

Increased dust could be a sign that it is time to change your air filter or that your ductwork is not well sealed.

Condensation on Windows or Skylights – Inefficient windows, skylights or improperly set thermostat/humidistats can cause excessive, indoor moisture levels.  This can potentially lead to further, more extensive damage to drywall, trim, etc.

Ice Dams – Warm air inside your home will penetrate into the attic and warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice to melt and refreeze as it runs off your roof — forming icicles and ice dams.

Peeling Paint – Peeling or cracking paint on your home’s exterior may be a sign of a humidity problem or improper paint application.

Hot or Cold Rooms – Significant differences in temperature from one room to another can be caused by inadequate insulation in walls and attic, air leaks, poor duct performance, and improperly installed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Dry Indoor Air in Winter – Air leaks in your home allow warm, humid air to escape and draw-in drier, cold air.

If you’re looking for recommendations to improve the energy efficiency in your home, call Mega today to request an insulation expert come to your home, assess where the energy problems are, and recommend solutions that will not only improve the comfort of your home, but save you money on your monthly utility bills.

Cement board

¨    Cement board (commonly called Hardi Board)

¨    Resists warping, cracking and splitting caused by exposure to weather and temperature extremes.

¨    Resists damage from high winds and hail

¨    Won’t sag or lose shape over time

¨    While there are tremendous benefits of Cement Board it is on the high end as far as price.

Cedar

¨    Good protection from the weather

¨    Many natural properties making it durable.

¨    Resistant to rot, bacteria, fungi and mildew.

¨    Low maintenance.

¨    Variety of finishes and types.

Vinyl

¨    Low maintenance, won’t split, peel or rot.

¨    Long lasting colors

¨    Textures that resemble wood

¨    Durable against the elements

¨      MEGA is proud to be an Alside Select Dealer.  Exclusively selling Alside vinyl siding.

We will be having an open house October 1, 2011 showcasing the Alside line of windows and siding.  Space is limited so if you are interested in coming please call 847-658-8989 to reserve your spot.

What are some quick and easy things I can do to keep my wood deck looking great? 

. 

Start by walking around your deck and tighten all loose or popping fasteners.  Giving it a good power washing will knock off the environmental effects.  Finally by keeping the wood sealed with a coat of paint or stain will prolong the life of your deck.

By taking a short amount of time each year to inspect and maintain common household fixtures, you’ll save time, money and energy costs. Set a monthly or quarterly schedule on a yearly basis, choosing one or more items to address. It will keep your home well-maintained without that overwhelming feeling of having a whole list of “to-do’s”.

• Septic System: Hire a professional to inspect and pump-out the tank. Ask the professional how often to pump the tank as there are variables to consider that determine the frequency.
• Main Cleanout Drain: Have a “rooter” professional clean out the main line, particularly if you have mature trees in the yard whose roots can crack the pipe in search for moisture.
• Water Heater: Drain water until it runs clear of sediment; test temperature and pressure relief valve; clean burner and ports (gas heater).
• HVAC System: Hire a professional to inspect, service, and clean your heating and air conditioning system; heating in fall and air conditioning in spring.
•Filters: Inspect and clean dryer vent, stove hood, air conditioner, etc. filters once a month or as needed. Replace furnace filter once a month. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from obstruction.
• Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
• Fireplace: Clean-out ash regularly from woodburning fireplaces. Once each year, inspect the chimney for loose or missing mortar, and hire a professional to clean the flue.
• Safety Equipment: If not hardwired, replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors at least twice each year. Test the device to ensure it is working properly. Check that fire extinguishers are in good working order, and have serviced as needed.
• Refrigerator: Inspect your refrigerator door for an airtight seal. Test seal by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced. If you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year; your refrigerator will run more efficiently. And did you know? A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one, so stock up!
• Windows and Doors: Inspect doors and windows for tight seals; if you feel drafts then replace the seal. When you add up all of the small cracks where warm and cool air can escape from a home, it’s like having a window open!
•Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in the kitchen and bathroom(s). Replace washers as necessary.
• Basement: Inspect the basement walls and floor for dampness and cracks where moisture can leak in. Call a professional to seal any cracks found, and remember to clean the dehumidifier regularly, if you have one.