Mold Removal, Pest Control & Crawl Space Encapsulation Near Albany, Poughkeepsie, Rye New York & Pennsylvania

Dutchess County Fair

2012-08-22T00:00:00.05Z

It's that time of year again, fried dough, rides, and games at the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, NY. But while you are having all that fun do not forget to stop by and visit our booth B-31. Learn all about how mold and moisture can have an effect on your home and health. We can work with you on the solution to these tough problems. Stop by we will be there until 10pm each night!

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2012 Energy Conservation Code Raises Energy Standards

2012-04-25T00:00:00.05Z

Hyde Park , NY - Developed by the Washington, DC-based International Codes Council, the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will be used by federal agencies like the National Park Service, Department of State, U.S. Forest Service and the Veterans Administration. The IECC will eventually be used by many state and municipal building departments all across the country.

Even though the 2012 IECC focuses on new and commercial construction, green building experts, such as Dr. Energy Saver®- a nation-wide network of energy specialists, predict that this new building code will have a major impact on upgrading the energy performance of existing houses. Alex Wilson, founder of BuildingGreen, Inc. and executive editor of Environmental Building News, is certain that the new code will have a major impact on home energy performance.

“Simply having code language finalized doesn't mean that a code is in force,” Wilson explains. “But any time a new building code is adopted, designers, builders, and building owners change their practices. I’m hopeful that we will see a residential version of this code in the not-too-distant future.”

Highlights from the new Energy Conservation Code that will impact existing home performance

More airtight construction. Blower door tests are already performed on houses during a standard home energy audit, to measure and detect energy-wasting air leaks. The IECC calls for mandatory blower door testing on new buildings. In colder climate zones, airtight construction techniques should yield a blower door reading equivalent of just 3 air changes per hour (at 50 Pascals pressure). This tight construction standard reinforces the need to stop energy-wasting air leaks with expert air-sealing work.

Higher insulation levels. The new code stresses the importance of insulation in all areas of a building, from basement to attic. For existing houses, the best opportunities for insulation upgrades are in basement, crawl space and attic zones.
Well-sealed ductwork. Leaky ductwork wastes energy by increasing HVAC system run time. The IECC proposes a maximum leakage of just 4cfm (cubic ft./min.) for every 100sq.ft. of floor area. Even though it’s easy to seal ducts when a house is first built, this work is often neglected or entirely omitted. That’s why duct sealing improvements remain very important for existing houses.

More efficient lighting. Recognizing advancements in efficient lighting technology, the new code calls for at least 75% of a new building’s lighting to be “high efficacy.” Thanks to the widespread availability of low-watt compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and even more efficient LED lights, this standard is just as easy to achieve in existing houses as it is in new construction.

Contact Dr. Energy Saver today to schedule your home energy audit or estimate for any of their services, which includes: home insulation, air sealing, crawl space encapsulation, duct cleaning in Hopewell Junction, NY and more!

Make Every Day Earth Day With Dr. Energy Saver

2012-04-16T00:00:00.05Z

For more than 40 years now, we have set aside April 22nd, Earth Day, as a time to increase awareness and appreciation of the earth’s natural environment. Around the globe, individuals, communities and businesses volunteer in large ways and small to protect our resources, to foster learning and educational activities, all in the effort to save our planet.

Whether focusing on recycling, saving energy, indoor air quality, water pollution, sustainability and a myriad of other topics, people are eager to take action to help out around this time of year. They join community clean-ups, turn out the lights, walk vs. drive, and engage kids in workshops and festivals to do their part. And it all helps.

But not for long. To be effective, actions and results, need to be sustained for the long haul. Saving energy is topping the list of environmental protection because its effects are felt in so many ways. Dr. Energy Saver® focuses on saving energy all the time. Not for a day, or a week. All the time. It’s your prescription for lower energy bills®. As home-energy experts, Dr. Energy Saver shows you what you can do in your home to save energy while simultaneously reducing your energy bills, and improving your comfort and health . . . every day of the year.

We aim to provide you with cost effective solutions. In order to do just that, we first like to conduct a home energy audit. Here, we utilize a blower door test and evaluate your whole home—quite different from the typical audit performed by other companies. We then are able to properly diagnose the cause and recommend the best solution. Sometimes our homeowners are surprised to see what’s really causing the problem!

Once complete, we prioritize a list of solutions customized for your home!

Contact Dr. Energy Saver today to schedule an estimate for any of our many services including a home energy audit in Hopewell Junction, Poughkeepsie, Wappingers Falls, and more!

Weatherization and Home Health: Crawl Spaces, Air Sealing, Ductwork in New York

2012-04-09T00:00:00.05Z

Energy efficiency and a healthy home are so intertwined that a conversation of one demands inclusion of the other. After all, considering the time we spend inside our home, we are bound to be affected by its conditions. And affected we are. Total-home weatherization is the best defense against potential health hazards and problems. Here’s a look at how the connection between home health and energy efficiency works. We at Dr. Energy Saver offer the resources and tests to identify and solve your home’s specific problems.

Many homeowners may not realize the link between their home’s condition and unnecessary expenses such as: medical bills, high energy bills, illness, and more! As a company offering a whole-house approach to energy efficiency, comfort and health—Dr. Energy Saver performs a home energy audit to first identify the sources of your home’s problems and discomfort. Next, we suggest the repairs or upgrades to better seal and ventilate your home, decrease the moisture and relative problems, and make way for adequate duct function.

One of the greatest contributors to an unhealthy home and family is the existence of damp and musty environments such as those in basements and crawl spaces, poorly managed rainwater or groundwater, and plumbing leaks are sources of excess moisture in the home. Moisture leads to mold and mildew growth which can cause irritations of the skin, nose and throat, and respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, and nasal and sinus congestion.

Weatherization defense to control moisture includes crawl space encapsulation; diverting water from the foundation via drainage techniques, sump pump installation and dehumidification.

It’s clear that a more energy-efficient home leads to a healthier one. Understand the connection, make the necessary adjustments, and reap the rewards.

Federal and state initiatives continue to implement an integrated, whole-house approach to addressing the connection between energy efficiency and health allowing more homeowners than ever to benefit. Indoor air quality is a great concern for leading organizations and we aim to improve the quality of the air in your home.

We proudly offer crawl space encapsulation, air sealing and ductwork in Hopewell Junction, Poughkeepsie, Wappingers Falls, Hyde Park, Beacon, Saugerties, and more!

Free Home Energy Audit in Dutchess County, NY Through February 2012

2012-02-17T00:00:00.05Z

Hyde Park, NY – Dr. Energy Saver® Dutchess County is offering free whole-house energy audits to homeowners through February 29, 2012—a service that can cost anywhere between $100 and $500.

A whole-house energy audit is sometimes referred to as a home energy checkup or a home energy assessment. Through various tests, inspections and calculations, a complete energy audit evaluates all of the features that factor into your home’s overall energy performance.

Upon the completion of a home energy audit, the homeowner will see the precise areas where energy dollars are being spent and where they can be saved.

Once the sources are identified, these energy specialists will also prioritize and perform the necessary repairs and upgrades.

These experts are your trusted authority in energy savings, repairs, and home comfort. The price of $225 per audit will re-instate March 1, 2012.

Dr. Energy Saver Dutchess County is your resource for a home energy audit in Beacon, Hopewell Junction, Poughkeepsie, Wappingers Falls, Hyde Park, Saugerties, and all surrounding cities and towns!

Bed Bugs: Protecting Yourself From The Monster Under The Bed

2012-01-19T00:00:00.05Z

How Bed Bugs Get In Your Home – And How To Prevent Them

For a period of about 50 years, bed bugs were all wiped out in North America, and pest control companies were beginning to consider them a thing of the past. However, recent times have shown a reemergence in many areas – particularly New York and Ohio – and a promise of many, many more infestations to come.

Bed bugs are extremely difficult to completely eliminate. These little monsters have no natural habitat in the wild – they only exist in human dwellings, and only feed on humans. To continue their species, they've had to develop extraordinary survival skills.

The best way to protect yourself from bed bugs is to keep them out of your home in the first place. You can do this by checking for bed bugs at the points where their infestations spread. By taking precautions in these four key areas, you can help to reduce your chances of having a bedbug problem in your home.

1. Bed Bugs In Hotels, Motels, and Similar Locations

It's believed that bed bugs were brought back into the United States from overseas travelers, and were first seen in upscale hotels. Today, they can be found in almost any place that offers overnight lodging (hotels, motels, hostels, inns, B&Bs, resorts, etc.).

Protect yourself by inspecting the bed and sheets, and areas nearby before settling into your room. Telltale signs include dark, specked stains on cloth surfaces, a musty odor (often described as being similar to the smell of coriander), and bedbugs located along cracks and crevices. Keeping luggage in an airtight plastic tote, when possible, is also very effective at keeping bed bugs away from your things.

Since these pests like to hitchhike into your home through clothing, it's a good idea to wash all clothes right away in hot water when you get home. There are plastic bags in the marketplace that can be put directly in the laundry, dissolving away during the cycle.

2. Bed Bugs In Apartments & Rented Spaces

Residents of low-income housing, senior living centers, dorm rooms, and similar housing areas are at particularly high risk of moving into a bedbug-infested home. Bed bugs have been known to live for a year or more without a meal, and can survive in the nooks and crannies of a vacant room.

Did the previous residents move out because of an infestation? It doesn't hurt to ask your landlord – or better yet, get it in writing.

3. Used & Antique Furniture Infested With Bed Bugs

What do you do with your furniture after a bed bug infestation? Pest control experts all over North America are warning homeowners to be wary when buying furniture from estate sales, secondhand stores, and, especially, yard sales. Keep in mind that legitimate furniture sources can still become populated with stored along with infested furniture overnight.

If you choose to buy used furniture, be sure to check all nooks and crannies for a potential infestation before bringing it into your home.

4. “Brushing Shoulders” With Bedbugs In Public

Bedbugs are known to hitchhike in folds of clothing, shoes, purses, backpacks, suitcases, and similar areas. From here, they can be easily transferred to other individuals in public areas.

If you are living or traveling in an area with a high risk of bedbugs (such as New York City), it's a good idea to do a quick check of clothing and luggage before entering your home. Bedbugs have been found waiting in many high-traffic public areas, including theaters, libraries, taxis, buses, and even in changing tables in restrooms.

This article brought to you by Expediant – your source for pest control in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, and areas nearby. To schedule a pest inspection or to meet with a professional pest management expert, contact us by phone or e-mail today!

Clogged Gutters: Three Little-Known Issues That Are HUGE!

2012-01-19T00:00:00.05Z

A Little Maintenance Can Help Prevent Roof Damage, Foundation Issues, And Pest Infestations

When was the last time you had your gutters maintained? If it's been a year or more, your home may be nurturing several serious problems – ones that will potentially develop into a home improvement nightmare!

Managing water and moisture is one of the most important ways that you can maintain the integrity and value of your home. Gutters represent an important part of that moisture management system by collecting water from your roof and directing it as far away from your home as possible.

Gutter maintenance is not a DIY job! A professional will not only clean debris from your gutter system, but also inspect the system for cracks and leaks, and will check to make sure your system is pitched properly to eject water from your home.

But why clean the gutters in the first place? When asked directly, many homeowners do not have a clear answer. What follows are three excellent (and often unknown) reasons to clean your gutters:

1. Preventing Roof-Damaging “Ice Damming”

During the winter months, gutters and downspouts clogged with debris will collect water, which will then freeze into a barrier. As the eavestroughs become weighed down, they will become warped out of shape. Bent, warped gutters will not be pitched correctly, and will therefore be ineffective at directing water away from your home.

As a ridge of ice builds up against your roof, new water will become backed up, pooling up against the ice barrier. This water can then find its way up under the shingles of your roof, which leads to significant water damage.

2. Avoiding Foundation Flooding & Damage

One thing your gutters and downspouts accomplish is to direct this water away from your home, where it would otherwise pool around your foundation.

For an average house, an inch of rain amounts to about 500 gallons of water on your roof. If allowed to pool around your home, this water will contribute to any basement flooding issues your home may have.

On top of that, water is heavy! As the soils around your foundation become wet, it can add thousands of pounds of pressure to your walls – and there's nothing in your basement pushing back. If the soil pressure bearing down against your walls exceeds your walls' ability to bear it, they will begin to lean in at the top, slide in along the bottom, or bulge in the middle. Any additional moisture in the soil will be a contributing factor to this pressure, and can exacerbate a problem that already exists.

3. Preventing Pest Infestations

Give pests warmth, moisture, and a place to live, and they will gladly move right in. That being said, it's not uncommon to have ants, termites, or other pests nest directly in the debris present in your gutters – and spread from there into your home.

And since improperly maintained gutters will often mean pooling water around your home, there will also be a great environment for pests right around the base of your house. Moist soil around your home is particularly enticing to several termite species, who will gladly move into your home as soon as they discover a way in.

Along with maintaining your gutters, it's also a great idea to perform routine pest inspections on your home. Pests such as termites and cockroaches can sometimes infest a home for years before they're discovered – damaging your home and creating an unhealthy environment as they live, breed, and die in your living space.

All content provided by Expediant, your local experts for pest control or mold remediation in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York. To schedule a pest control inspection or pest control appointment with our professionals, contact us by phone or e-mail today!

Dr. Energy Saver Dutchess County Owner Featured in Poughkeepsie Journal

2011-11-16T00:00:00.05Z

Hyde Park, NY - Dr. Energy Saver Dutchess County’s owner, Richard Wasvary, has recently been interviewed for an article in the Poughkeepsie Journal entitled, “Keep Out Cold This Winter.”

Wasvary explains ways in which homeowners can conserve energy during the winter months, the time of year homeowners tend to use the most energy. He advises homeowners to invest in a hot water heater jacket, which will insulate the heater. Additionally, Wasvary cautions homeowners to repair air leaks by caulking around windows and putting door sweeps in front of doors.

Though seemingly small, these are effective ways to reduce energy bills during this winter season. To find all of the ways heat is escaping your home, Wasvary suggests scheduling a Whole House Energy audit. This is a diagnostic procedure where his team thoroughly inspects a home to identify problem areas, and suggest repairs/upgrades.

The Poughkeepsie Journal was established in 1785, making it New York’s oldest newspaper and the second oldest newspaper in the nation. It has won numerous awards over the years as it continues to provide news to Dutchess Country and the Mid-Hudson Valley areas.

Dr. Energy Saver Dutchess County is an expert insulation contractor in Poughkeepsie, Pawling, and other nearby areas! They also offer other valuable services including air sealing, HVAC, and more!

Visit the Keep Out Cold This Winter article online at the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Dr. Energy Saver Franchise Founders To Present At HVAC Comfortech 2011

2011-09-08T00:00:00.05Z

Dr. Energy Saver® founders, Larry Janesky and Tom Casey, Jr. are preparing to make waves at this year’s HVAC Comfortech—as part of HVACR Week. We at Dr. Energy Saver Dutchess County are so thankful to be a part of a franchise that truly aims to help others and improve our own abilities.

Larry and Tom will be hosting seminars, Larry’s class entitled “The Highest Calling” is named after his most recent published novel.

We want to invite you to attend this spectacular week! Where you can learn of influential products and services, hear from distinguished speakers, and network with fellow contractors.

HVAC Comfortech is being held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN from September, 21-23, 2011.

Read more about Dr. Energy Saver at HVAC Comfortech.

We are your local Dr. Energy Saver trained and prepared to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient! Contact us today for a free estimate for our many services including air sealing and HVAC in Poughkeepsie, NY and nearby locations!

Managing Your HVAC System for Even Household Temperatures

2011-08-26T00:00:00.05Z

Many homeowners tend to overlook cost effective options that over the long term can save energy and put money back in your wallet. By properly insulating your attic, verifying that your ductwork is intact, and by regularly changing the filters on your furnace, you can greatly reduce your home's heating and cooling costs.

Energy Management Systems

Several years ago, homeowners were not so concerned about the cost of electricity, natural gas and heating oil. The cost to heat or cool your home was low enough that homeowners didn't have to worry or be concerned about high monthly utility bills. But today many things have changed and the ongoing demand for energy has continuously caused fuel prices and electricity to skyrocket.

Many experts have predicted ongoing fuel shortages and a continual rise in utilities. Because your home's heating and cooling accounts for nearly one half of the energy budget, it's vital for your home's heating and air conditioning (HVAC) units to work as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Is every room in your home the same temperature?

There are several energy management and room by room temperature control systems on the market today. These units are specifically designed for homes that have forced air; both heating and cooling. These units solve one of the biggest and most complicated comfort problems homeowners face-- maintaining proper and comfortable temperatures in every living space in your home. They help eliminate cold and hot spots and uneven and uncomfortable temperatures in the downstairs and upstairs-- basically enforcing superior temperature control.

Hot Spots, Cold Spots

Un-insulated or leaky ductwork is one common reason homeowners suffer from comfort problems. If your home is having issues, and you request a home energy audit, an energy professional will closely examine and inspect the ductwork system that releases and distributes air throughout your home.

Leaky ductwork in your attic allows hot attic air to be sucked into your ducts during the hot summer months, and forces air into your upstairs living space. Having a professional properly seal and insulate your ductwork allows cooled air to remain cool and heated air to remain warm; delivering the right comfort you and your family deserve. This is exactly what you should expect from a properly functioning HVAC system.

Independent Airflow Control

The right airflow allows and controls air movement, while conditioning all the right rooms. The end result is a higher quality of comfort and energy efficiency in every living space in your home.

Financial Incentives

The United States federal government offers homeowners financial incentives to purchase energy efficient materials for their home. Such items are energy efficient windows, solar panels, added or new insulation, wind turbines and heating alternatives. These incentives or loans are for homeowners to finance energy efficient upgrades that concentrate on energy conservation.

Summary

If you’re a homeowner and your home is showing any of these symptoms, it is best to contact an energy professional for more information and to schedule a home energy audit. A professional can evaluate the situation, determine what suits your needs, discuss cost worthy and effective options that will meet your specific needs, and perform the tasks in a time effective manner.

Contact the experts at Dr. Energy Saver Dutchess County today for a free estimate for wall insulation in New York, and other services to help maintain even temperatures throughout your home!

Director of Operations

2010-07-06T00:00:00.05Z

Recently, Expediant Environmental Solutions was able to assist a local cancer patient who's home was making them sick after chemotherapy treatments. After inspection it was determined that mold was in the lower level of their home. Expediant provided a full remediation as a gift to the recovering patient.