How to Reduce The Condensation On Your Windows

A big issue during the winter months in the midwest is condenstation on the windows.  Here are a few things to look out for courtesy of the folks at EHOW.

1.Why is there more moisture occurring on my windows this winter ? There are a few reasons. It may be colder outside. You may be trying to save money by turning down your thermostat (too low). Your house is built better, there are no air leaks. You are not bringing in any fresh (dry winter) air. You are not using your bathroom fan when you shower and kitchen fan when you cook. You are not getting warm air flow across your windows. You have older single pain windows.
2.To understand what is happening we need to look at some basic environmental science. Cool air is able to hold less moisture than warm air. Therefore, when the warm, moist air inside the house comes into contact with the cool glass surface, some water vapor that can no longer be held by the cooled air is deposited on the glass. The point on which the water condenses is called the "Dew Point" If it is the inside face of the glass - you want to change that.
3.If you can have more warm air flowing across the inside face of the window this will keep the water from condensing on it's surface. Do not have drapes or blinds closed on your window - they will impede the flow of warm air.
4.Don't lower the inside temperature of your home too low. Colder air cannot hold the moisture and it will condense on your windows.
5.Turn on your bathroom fans when you are running water, showering or bathing. Turn on your kitchen fan when you are boiling water in the kitchen.
6.On days when the temperature is not too cold - open a window and turn a fan on. This will draw dry air from the outside in and push the moist air out.
7.Consider installing ceiling fans in large open areas - this will push the warm air back down and across any large windows.
8.Wipe off any moisture before the water leaks down inside your walls and causes mold. Eventually you will find a balance between comfortable humidity levels and too much moisture on your windows. Buy a hygrometer and try to keep your humidity levels around 35-40 during the winter months. (Hygrometers are instruments used for measuring humidity)
How to Reduce The Condensation On Your Windows eHow.com

To learn more about what ServiceOne can do to help you with your window condensation problem call 563-556-0666 today! ServiceOneDubuque.com

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

With everyone trying to save money these days on their energy bills the curiousity for tankless water heaters has risen dramatically.  Here's a great article for you courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy

Demand (Tankless or Instantaneous) Water Heaters

Demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heaters provide hot water only as it is needed. They don't produce the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which can save you money. Here you'll find basic information about how they work, whether a demand water heater might be right for your home, and what criteria to use when selecting the right model.

How They Work

Demand water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. Therefore, they avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. Either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water. As a result, demand water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. You don't need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water. However, a demand water heater's output limits the flow rate.

Typically, demand water heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2–5 gallons (7.6–15.2 liters) per minute. Gas-fired demand water heaters produce higher flow rates than electric ones. Sometimes, however, even the largest, gas-fired model cannot supply enough hot water for simultaneous, multiple uses in large households. For example, taking a shower and running the dishwasher at the same time can stretch a demand water heater to its limit. To overcome this problem, you can install two or more demand water heaters, connected in parallel for simultaneous demands of hot water. You can also install separate demand water heaters for appliances—such as a clothes washer or dishwater—that use a lot of hot water in your home.

Other applications for demand water heaters include the following:

·         Remote bathrooms or hot tubs

·         Booster for appliances, such as dishwashers or clothes washers

·         Booster for a solar water heating system.

Although gas-fired demand water heaters tend to have higher flow rates than electric ones, they can waste energy if they have a constantly burning pilot light. This can sometimes offset the elimination of standby energy losses when compared to a storage water heater. In a gas-fired storage water heater, the pilot light heats the water in the tank so the energy isn't wasted. The cost of operating a pilot light in a demand water heater varies from model to model. Ask the manufacturer how much gas the pilot light uses for the model you're considering. If you purchase a model that uses a standing pilot light, you can always turn it off when it's not in use to save energy. Also consider models that have an intermittent ignition device (IID) instead of a standing pilot light. This device resembles the spark ignition device on some gas kitchen ranges and ovens.

For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand water heaters can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. They can be 8%–14% more energy efficient for homes that use a lot of hot water—around 86 gallons per day. You can achieve even greater energy savings of 27%–50% if you install a demand water heater at each hot water outlet.

Selecting a Demand Water Heater

Demand water heaters cost more than conventional storage water heaters. However, you may find that a demand water heater may have lower operating and energy costs, which could offset its higher purchase price.

Before buying a demand water heater, you also need to consider the following:

·         Size

·         Fuel type and availability.

·         Energy efficiency (energy factor)

·         Estimate costs.

For information about specific demand water heater models, see the Product Information resources listed on the right side of this page (or below if you've printed out this page).

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance of your demand water heater can optimize its energy efficiency.

Proper installation depends on many factors. These factors include fuel type, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues, especially concerning the combustion of gas-fired water heaters. Therefore, it's best to have a qualified plumbing and heating contractor install your demand water heater. Do the following when selecting a contractor:

·         Request cost estimates in writing

·         Ask for references

·         Check the company with your local Better Business Bureau

·         See if the company will obtain a local permit if necessary and understands local building codes, etc.

If you're determined to install your water heater yourself, first consult the manufacturer. Manufacturers usually have the necessary installation and instruction manuals. Also, contact your city or town for information about obtaining a permit, if necessary, and about local water heater installation codes.

Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts that extend their life by many more years. In contrast, storage water heaters last 10–15 years. Periodic water heater maintenance can significantly extend your water heater's life and minimize loss of efficiency. Read your owner's manual for specific maintenance recommendations.

Improving Energy Efficiency

After your demand water heater is properly installed and maintained, try some additional energy-saving strategies to help lower your water heating bills. Some energy-saving devices and systems are more cost-effective to install with the water heater.

To find out more about tankless water heaters in Dubuque contact ServiceOne today at 563-556-0666

Heating and Air Conditioning Fun with ServiceOne Dubuque

ServiceOne Is Just Right at Business P.M.

Our ServiceOne folks dressed up as Goldilocks and the 3 ServiceOne Bears for this years annual Main Street Business P.M. and things couldn't have gone better.  More than a hundred people stopped by the ServiceOne booth to say hello and register for a great prize.  Lily McKinlay from Dubuque joined the fun to play Goldilocks for the night and help spread the word about ServiceOne.  It must have worked because Lily won best dressed woman in the nights contest.  Congrats Lily and thanks for the help.  Check out our photos to the left and tune in for the winner of the new installed programmable themostat Wednesday.

Find Out Why Goldilocks Loves ServiceOne in Dubuque

Lily McKinlay as Goldilocks

A friendly reminder that tonight is the annual  Business P.M. at the Hotel Julien from 5-7. Find out what Goldilocks was looking for and why she is so happy with ServiceOne.

The event is a great chance to meet and learn about area businesses and network in a fun filled environment.  This year’s theme is "Once upon a time in downtown Dubuque..."
Make sure to stop by our ServiceOne booth (#37) to say hello to Goldilocks and The Three ServiceOne Bears!
As part of the fun you can register to win a FREE Honeywell programmable thermostat with installation and a Free furnace inspection. 

Are You Leaving Cash On The Table?

As part of the Iowa Energy Efficiency Programs Black Hills Energy is releasing it's 2011 rebate forms and information. 
Iowa residents may be eligible for the following:
Appliance Rebates
Furnace Replacement Rebates
Home Envelope Rebates
Innovative Heating Technologies Rebates
Water Heater Rebates
Thermostat & Furnace Maintenance Rebates
Free Residential Energy Audit (Required Prior To Qualifying For Home Envelope Rebates)

To Find out more CLICK HERE now!

For more information on how to save on your utility bills you can also call 563-556-0666 or head over to our website at ServiceOne Dubuque.

Goldilocks and The Three ServiceOne Bears?

You are cordially invited to stop by and visit with us at this year’s annual Business P.M. at the Hotel Julien on Tuesday February 15th from 5-7.

The event is a great chance to meet and learn about area businesses and network in a fun filled environment.  This year’s theme is "Once upon a time in downtown Dubuque..."
Make sure to stop by our ServiceOne booth (#37) to say hello to Goldilocks and The Three ServiceOne Bears!

As part of the fun you can register to win a FREE Honeywell programmable thermostat with installation and a Free furnace inspection. 
The Downtown Business P.M. is scheduled for Tuesday, February 15, 2011, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hotel Julien Dubuque.

ServiceOne Omaha Rolls Out The Barrel for Omaha's Needy

In an effort to make sure Omaha residents don't go without, employees organized a canneed food drive to help out the Omaha Food Bank.  Spearheaded by Brenda Stuart and assisted by the Plumbers, Accounting, and Dispatch folks, ServiceOne came through with large donations of food and cash! Brenda will be going out later today to buy even more food from the cash that was given by the employees. 

To aid in our effort you can make a donation at the Omaha Food Bank yourself.

http://www.omahafoodbank.orgFood/
Bank for the Heartland6824 J StreetOmaha, Nebraska 68117
402.331.1213

Heating, Cooling and A Whole Lot More With ServiceOne in Dubuque

After countless hours of listening to the needs of our clients and even more time researching consumer trends in heating and cooling, we are proud to introduce you to the new ServiceOne Dubuque website.  ServiceOneDubuque.com
It will soon be filled with how-to-articles and videos and offers great resources to improving your indoor air quality as well as all of the current rebates and specials available.  Please check out our site and leave us a few comments so that we can serve you even more.

Some Helpful Blizzard Survival Tips From the American Red Cross

Here are some great tips from our friends at the American Red Cross.  Please share them with anyone you may know.
WASHINGTON, Monday, January 31, 2011 — The American Red Cross is preparing to respond to the destructive winter storm that is bearing down on the country from just east of the Rocky Mountains to the coast of New England. The storm could impact a third of the population of the United States, and it threatens to bring blizzard conditions and heavy ice and snow.

This latest winter blast could further impact the Red Cross blood supply which has already seen more than 18,000 expected blood donations go uncollected over the last several weeks due to bad winter weather. People are asked to make an appointment to give blood by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting http://www.redcrossblood.org/. Those who live in the path of the storm are asked to schedule a donation time when it is safe to travel. All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with O-Negative, A-Negative and B-Negative blood.

People have been responding to the call for blood donors, and the Red Cross is grateful to those who are stepping up to donate blood to help build the blood supply back to where it should be. The Red Cross distributes blood products to approximately 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the United States.
“We are grateful for the upswing in donations which has occurred since we issued the call for people to give blood,” said Richard Benjamin, Chief Medical Officer, American Red Cross. “However, this latest storm is expected to further impact our ability to hold blood collections. We continue to need the public’s help to rebuild our blood inventory back to a safe and adequate level.”
Red Cross chapters all across the country are preparing to respond to the storm as needed. The Red Cross is working with state and local government officials and calling disaster workers, getting them ready to respond if necessary.
Weather experts are predicting the storm could affect about 100 million people. Heavy snow will make travel impossible at times, with snow drifting as high as eight feet in some locations. Some areas will experience a crippling amount of ice which could lead to power outages for hundreds of thousands of customers. Dangerously cold air could give way to wind chills reading below zero. Southern states will not escape the storm’s fury, as severe thunderstorms are predicted to sweep across the region, accompanied by damaging winds.
If possible, people should stay inside and avoid unnecessary travel. The Red Cross offers these steps people can take to stay safe and warm:

• Do not use stoves or ovens to heat the home.
• Place space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface.  Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away. 
• Turn off space heaters or extinguish the fireplace before going to bed or leaving home. 
• Keep all flammable materials such as newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves.

If someone must go outside, they should wear layered lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Covering the mouth will protect the lungs. Other safety tips include:

• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.
• If shoveling snow, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Avoid overexertion.
• Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if someone must be out on the roads …
  • Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
  • Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • The traveler should let someone know where they are going, the route being taken and expected arrival time. If their vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along the predetermined route.

For more information on how to stay safe and warm during this latest onslaught of winter, visit http://www.redcross.org/.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org/ or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org/.