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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KSPR) -- The family of a couple from Springfield who died in their home from carbon monoxide poisoning filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
Dwaine and Judith Crigger died in their home last July. The medical examiner found lethal levels of carbon monoxide in their systems.
Experts say the number one way to prevent this type of death is with a carbon monoxide smoke detector. It's also recommended to have a regular inspection of your hot water heater.
"Check them over once a year, flush them out, that's a good idea because sediment builds up in them from the calcium in the water," said David Brammell.
Brammell is the plumbing manager at Air Services Heating and Cooling, and All Service Plumbing in Springfield. Brammell says, during those annual inspections, they often find some of the same problems.
"The obstruction is a bird's nest, or a dirt dauber nest, or a tree falls on the roof and crushes the wind cap. If you're not venting correctly there's a little sensor down here," Brammell said.
Inspectors blame a faulty hot water heater for a carbon monoxide leak in July 2016 that killed the Criggers.
The lawsuit shows the Crigger family claims 11 points of negligence against another company: DeLong Plumbing, Heating and Air of Springfield. According to the lawsuit, DeLong was negligent in installing and maintaining the Criggers' hot water heater and venting system.
Among the allegations in the lawsuit: DeLong was negligent in the installation of the heater back in 2000, and in the regular inspections up through December 2015. The lawsuit claims DeLong failed to use screws at any joint or fitting of the vent connector, the connector was too short, the company failed to install proper supports, failed to obtain proper permits, and failed to detect and warn the Criggers of a problem.
KSPR tried to contact the family's attorney in Springfield, as well as DeLong Plumbing, Heating, and Air for comment, but we have not received return calls.
In the wrongful death lawsuit, the Crigger family requests a jury trial against DeLong Plumbing, Heating and Air for "reckless and willful misconduct" for the deaths of the Criggers.
Experts say other ways you can protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning: don't use an oven to heat your home, and keep your vents and flues free of debris, which can block ventilation.
According to the CDC, about 430 people in the United States die every year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Family sues for couple's deaths from carbon monoxide in Springfield - KSPR
(BPT) - What would you rather do: Pay your utility bill or take a much-deserved vacation? With an endless stream of bills each month, you might wonder where you can find the money to jet off to the beach or mountain resort of your dreams. Read on for the solution.
The average U.S. household spends more than $2,200 yearly on energy bills, with about half of that for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). As a large portion of that energy is wasted, making your home more energy efficient will pay big dividends.
With only a couple weekends of work, these three simple low-cost DIY projects can significantly reduce your home heating and cooling costs, freeing up money year after year so you can take vacations or do other fun activities. Best of all, the three actions work together to not only reduce your utility bills, but to make your home more comfortable year-round.
1. Add insulation
Chances are your home lacks sufficient insulation, despite when it was built. Some 90 percent of U.S. homes are under-insulated, reports the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). Fortunately, adding insulation is simple, with products readily available at your local home improvement store.
One of the most cost-effective and easiest types of insulation to work with is expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid foam boards. EPS panels are simple to cut to size without creating a mess, are recyclable and can be installed throughout your home, including in walls, floors, ceilings and foundation walls. A similar material, graphite polystyrene (GPS), also is easy to work with, and provides even higher insulating power, according to manufacturers. One of the EPS and GPS brands available at home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes is R-Tech insulation from Insulfoam. R-Tech EPS and GPS insulations offer some of the highest insulating power per dollar, says Michael McAuley, Insulfoam general manager.
2. Seal air leaks
While inadequate insulation allows heat to pass out of your home in winter or to come in during summer, another path for energy loss is air leaks. Insulating your home and sealing air leaks can save you up to 20 percent on home heating and cooling costs, notes the DOE. Common places to look for leaks include attic access hatches, around windows and doors and in crawl spaces. Readily available weather stripping, caulks and spray foams can help keep your home airtight. For step-by-step instructions, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys DIY Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR."
3. Install a programmable thermostat
With your newly insulated and sealed home, a third step you can take to cut energy bills is to install a programmable thermostat. Todays sophisticated thermostats enable you to better manage your furnace when youll be away from home at work or to lower the setting when youre already in your warm bed. Either way, automatically turning down the heat can save you up to $180 every year in energy costs, says the DOE. Thats enough for a one-night hotel stay or a fancy dinner out.
These three utility bill-busting tips are within the skill set of many homeowners, but if you want a little extra help, hiring a contractor is also cost effective, as these are not large projects.
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3 ways to quickly and economically save big bucks on home heating and cooling costs - Mcrecordonline
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NAMPA Thanks to the financial aid of two grants, the Canyon County Historical Society is making some modern upgrades to the historic train depot building in downtown Nampa.
Scorching-hot summers and frigid winters tend to deter potential visitors to the Nampa Train Depot and the artifact-filled building next door, commonly called the Red Building, officials say. At times, summer temperatures inside can get close to 130 degrees or as low as 10 degrees during the winter season.
Until Tuesday, the Red Building lacked a heating and air conditioning unit.
Inside the Red Building, historic artifacts abound, including a steel-gray metal high school sign for Kenwood High School, a polished black typewriter and Rosabelle, a mechanical dairy cow mascot that at one time could talk.
The first phase of upgrades, now underway, involves installing a heating and air conditioning unit and insulation in the Red Building so visitors can more comfortably enjoy their visit throughout the year.
Maintenance Director Daryl Hood, who is helping with the project and gives tours in the building, enjoys when visitors explore the Red Building because he likes seeing them learn. Sometimes, he said he even learns something new in the process.
Theyll see something they relate to and start talking, Hood said. That building creates a lot of learning both ways.
The upgrade, being done by Carlon Heating & Air and two volunteers, will cost about $13,100 and is funded by a grant from the Canyon County Board of Commissioners.
Later this summer, a retired baggage room in the Nampa Train Depot will be repurposed as a research room, where visitors can investigate their family ties to the city.
The room will have a desk and a computer, which can be used to click through digitally-preserved photos. Other resources will include bookshelves lined with yearbooks, old newspapers, locally-published books and more.
The room is currently being used for storage.
Its pretty amazing, what we want to do, said volunteer coordinator Gail Christiancy,
The new heating and air conditioning unit in the baggage room, also put in by Carlon Heating & Air, is funded through a $8,123 grant from Union Pacific Railroad Co., which the historic society will recognize this weekend when a steam locomotive passes through Nampa.
Hood is seeking a grant from the states historical society to get equipment, such as a computer, for the research room.
Were trying to improve things all around, said historic society director Larry Cain. Well keep doing that as long as theres funding.
Alx George is the IPT education reporter. Contact her at 465-8178 or ageorge@idahopress.com. Follow @missalxgeorge.
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Historic building at Nampa Train Depot gets modern upgrades ... - Idaho Press-Tribune
SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --
This April, the Air Force joins our nation once again in observance of Earth Day. This year's theme: "Conserve Today. Secure Tomorrow," encourages us to do more than be aware. In addition, Schriever members are encouraged to take action.
The 50th Civil Engineer Squadron leads the effort to remind Team Schriever how crucial energy and water savings are for our nation and the world. These savings only happen when Air Force members are aware of how we consume energy, and engage in taking action to continue using it wisely.
Earth Day reminds everyone that we all share the planet, said Abe Irshid, Schriever energy manager. Sharing the Earth means taking responsibility for what people use and how they use it. It is a day to think about the environmental challenges people face and how to solve them.The best thing anyone can do for the environment is rethink the way they use resources and to use less; the fewer resources and products used, the less waste there is.
The term "energy" consists of fuel oil, electricity and natural gas utilities.The Air Force energy program includes the conservation of water as an important part of the total Energy Program.The Schriever Air Force Base program focuses on reducing demand and cost for electricity, natural gas and water.
Energy, in its various forms, is absolutely critical to the success of the Air Forces operations, said Albert Fernandez, 50 CES civil engineer. Fuel makes it possible for the flight of our aircraft, the launch of our satellites, the running of our support ground vehicles and the power, heating and cooling of our buildings in support of our main weapon systems.
More than ever, it is crucial to understand just how important energy is for our Air Force and why we need to do our part to conserve it.
The Air Force estimates it spent more than $8.45 billion on energy in 2016.Schriever alonespent more than $7.4 million last year to power its facilities, including water costs.
Irshid said the typical way they measure savings is through reduction in the installation's financial obligations for electricity, gas and water.During the past five years, these bills have been reduced by approximately $1 million.
Schriever continues to reduce energy intensity, reduce water intensity and increase renewable energy, he said. Initiatives taken toward this include replacing large boilers and chillers to provide cheaper heat and cooling for buildings, evaluating and reducing building energy loss using aerial infrared technology and searching for aging water pipe leaks.
The 50 CES is also evaluating future efforts such as capturing wind energy, installing solar arrays and replacing multiple facilities interior lighting systems with LED lights.
Conserving water and energy can be accomplished by following a few simple tips everyone can apply to both work and home environments. Some of these include turning off lights and equipment when not in use, using energy-efficient lightbulbs, recycling aluminum cans and not leaving a water faucet running.
Although only one day of the year is dedicated to Earth Day, the goal is to incorporate energy and water savings awareness into daily activities and to continue our efforts year-round, Irshid said.
Prior to Earth Day, the 50 CES will distribute Earth Day posters at the North and West Entry Portals and the outside lobby of the Satellite Dish in Building 300.
Saving energy is everyones business, because it benefits everyone. For any questions, suggestions or comments, contact the 50th CE customer service at 567-2300 or the Energy Team at 50SW.energy@us.af.mil.
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Team Schriever celebrates Earth Day - Schriever Air Force Base
Sick of high energy costs or looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint? There are some simple things you can do to improve the efficiency of your household's energy usage. Which of these tips will you apply to your home this summer?
1. Maintain your heater and air conditioner
Once a year, it's a good idea to have a certified HVAC technician inspect your equipment to check for component failure, refrigerant leaks, and assess ductwork. Changing your air filter once a month and clearing grass and leaves from outdoor units also helps keep your equipment functioning at full capacity.
Clean systems are more efficient and a proper routine maintenance helps your system last longer. If your system is still under warranty, most manufacturers require annual maintenance to maintain your warranty.
2. Fix weather-stripping
Weather-stripping is the material around doors and windows that seals your house from the elements. It naturally breaks down, tears and peels up with age and use. If you see damage to your stripping or feel a draft when you hold your hand near a crack, that's a sign that it's time to replace your stripping.
This Old House estimates you could save 10 to 15 percent on your utility bill simply by improving the insulation around your windows and doors. Stripping is easy to install and usually only requires you to measure, cut and nail it to fix it in place.
3. Install insulating blinds or drapes on your windows
According to Spark Energy, the average home loses 25 percent of its heated or cooled air through windows. Older windows allow the most extreme losses, but even newer double-paned, properly installed windows let some heat and cold seep through.
Installing new windows is a good option when you have the budget and your windows need updating, but if you cannot afford the investment, insulating drapes or blinds could do the trick. There are a variety of options on the market with styles and colors to match any home decor. Plus, most homeowners can install drapes or blinds themselves.
4. Use a programmable thermostat
Rather than manually raising and lowering the temperature on your thermostat, consider buying a programmable thermostat that will handle the adjustments even when you forget.
Programmable thermostats can save money by automatically adjusting temperature at night time or when away. Experts at Addcox say dropping the temperature between 2 and 3 degrees can save an estimated 10% on your utility bills. Dropping the temperature in your house more than 4 degrees can cost you higher utility bills and make your equipment work harder and longer.
All electric systems, may greatly benefit by adding an outdoor temperature sensor in addition to your programmable thermostat. This will give the system the ability to manage when and how the emergency heat is being used. Most utility companies will offer a cash incentive to have a heating contractor install a programmable thermostat and outdoor sensor.
5. Replace old heaters and air conditioners with high-efficiency versions
If your air-conditioning unit is 10 years or older or your furnace is 15 or older, it could be time to replace them with upgraded units. Energy Star says you could save 20 percent on your utilities with a high-efficiency air conditioner and 15 percent with a new furnace.
Upgrading your system not only saves you money on your utility bill, but high efficiency systems come with rebates and tax credits from your utility company and the state. According to Energy Star, 2017 will be the last year to get Tax Credit rebates on new heating equipment.
To get your systems assessed, call Addcox Heating and Cooling. The Addcox Heating family has been selling, servicing and installing heating and cooling systems for over 30 years. Addcoxs experts can look over your systems to identify efficiency and duct issues and save you money on your energy bills. Addcox Heating Center offers the best warranties in the industry and can maximize all your incentives on a new system. Learn more at http://www.addcox.com.
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The Top 5 Ways to Save Money on Heating and Cooling - KVAL
From using reusable shopping bags to driving hybrid cars, consumers have been persuaded they can do their part to protect the environment by changing their behavior. Everyones going green these days, even Americas housing industry.
Homebuilders and renovators are installing a variety of high tech energy saving appliances, heating, and cooling systems. And, more and more theyre using cellulose insulation because, they say, it makes homes more energy efficient.
Green advocates back it all even though the use of cellulose insulation (chemically treated recycled newsprint) may not be all it is cracked up to be.
The Better Business Bureaus National Advertising Division dinged a major cellulose insulation manufacturer for using studies from the late 1980s and early 1990s to back up claims its made related to the efficiency of its product. According to the report, the evidence for such assertions as cellulose is from 20 percent to 50 percent more effective than fiberglass and cellulose insulation can reduce your utility bill by up to 40 percent is insufficient, yet these claims commonly appear in industry marketing materials.
This matters because its just these kinds of unsubstantiated performance claims that earned glowing endorsements for the material from many green advocates. Its a concern, obviously, but not nearly so much as the now uncertain claims made about cellulose insulations safety and toxicity.
On some promotional materials, the producers of cellulose insulation claim boric acid the second largest ingredient, added as a fire retardant lowers the risk of some cancers and is six times less toxic than table salt.
That not what the National Institutes of Health thinks. Its a dangerous substance, so much so that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration classified it hazardous under the Hazard Communications Standard. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services toxicology study identified boric acid as a reproductive toxin.
A 2006 joint study by HHS and NIH on cellulose insulation exposure in the work place concluded the research on any association of cellulose insulation and respiratory disease in humans is insufficient. One would hope the lack of any epidemiological studies would prevent the industry from making outlandish claims regarding non-carcinogenicity, but thats not where things seem to be going.
The red flags dont stop there. Per OSHA protocols, workers that install cellulose insulation are required to wear dust respirators and other protective gear when handling the material. You dont have to think too hard about that to conclude the material is dangerous in some form or fashion. Just ask Dirty Jobs Mike Rowe, who tackled the subject on an episode of his hit TV show.
Contrary to claims from cellulose insulation manufacturers, it is also not the cure all for preventing residential fires. Federal government safety agencies require cellulose manufacturers to label their products as fire hazards. Since 2016, there have been multiple fires attributed to cellulose insulation around the country. These fires, in Waterloo and Carroll, Iowa; Rexburg, Idaho; Gladwin and Burtchville, Michigan; Asheville and Kinston, North Carolina; Limerick, Pennsylvania; Layton, Utah; and Yuba City, California, have destroyed homes and apartment buildings alike and left families devastated.
Increasing the energy efficiency of the home is a good idea, just not at the expense of safety. Consumers deserve to know what going into their homes. The cellulose insulation folks need to clean up their act.
Peter Roff: can be reached atPeter.Roff@Verizon.net.
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Don't go green with cellulose - The Star Beacon
LASER Electrical has come a long way since Gary Edwards started it in 1981.
Back then it was known as Moama Electrical Service before the business joined the Laser group family.
With more than 35 years under its belt, the business has a range of professionals specialising in commercial, domestic, electrical, refrigeration and mechanical services.
That includes four A-grade qualified electricians (including three accredited solar designers and installers), five local electrical apprentices, a fully-qualified refrigeration mechanic and two local plumbers.
Not to mention its three friendly office staff, such as Jo Lowndes.
We have a strong reputation for reliable and quality service and strive to be connected with numerous organisations within the local community, she said.
We dont just install air conditioning, solar and electrical products we are expert designers.
We source quality products and are committed to meeting the needs of our customers; hopefully we can exceed their expectations.
One of Laser Electricals most popular services is advice and installation for its air conditioning products.
Through dealing with both domestic and large commercial sites, it has accumulated years of experience with design and installation of a variety of cooling and heating products, and is a dealer for Brivis, Mitsubishi Electric, Cannon and Real Flame gas log fires.
Ms Lowndes said natural gas was proving popular for heating in the region and customers could access rebates for the coming cooler months.
We have joined the Australian Gas Network Campaign to support gas appliance rebates and can advise on the savings each customer may be eligible for, she said.
The Victorian Government offers additional incentives for turning to gas heating, particularly when you are moving from electricity for heating and hot water.
Laser Electrical is at 32 Meninya St, Moama.
Phone 5482 1380 or contact [emailprotected]
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Laser Electrical delivers a cutting-edge approach - Riverine Herald
Leadwood city officials will soon be conducting business in a brand new city hall building rather than inside the basement of a church or the local fire house as the new structure gets ever closer to completion.
Charlie Lewis, the projects contractor and member of the Leadwood Board of Alderpersons, said his crew is currently working on installing the flooring. Meanwhile, hes waiting on the heating and cooling contractor to finish installing the HVAC system so that his crew can then install the last two portions of ceiling.
Then well set some cabinets and well be done with our part, he said.
Once the new building is finished, it will be up to city officials to make arrangements for the final finishing touches, including leveling the dirt outside the structure and installing an asphalt parking lot.
Theyve got some work outside to do, Lewis said. Get the asphalt done and any dirt work they wanna do.
Providing furnishings and office supplies will, of course, also be up to the city board.
A look around the inside of the new building reveals that the new city hall will look much different than the old structure, with a combination courtroom/city meeting room, an office area for the city clerk and water/sewer department clerk, a public restroom near the entrance and other small rooms along the back of the building.
The room for public meetings and court proceeding will have an elevated bench with seating for the municipal judge during court and for the mayor and alderpersons during city meetings.
The wall (of the bench) is actually bullet-resistant, Lewis said. Its full of sand We built the wall and took it (out) and shot it multiple times to ensure that it was constructed properly."
The city clerk and water/sewer department clerk will also be protected within their work area in the next room.
They get people in from time-to-time that wants to yell at them or whatever, said Lewis, so theyll be able to step back from the counter and tell them when they wanna calm down, theyll finish doing business with them Itll be a lot more secure than what they had before. A lot safer.
A move-in date has yet to be set, but Lewis said it might happen sometime in early to mid- May.
The old building, which was damaged in a fire on Sept. 17, 2015, was torn down about a month later after city officials set up a temporary city hall office in the basement of the Leadwood United Methodist Church, directly across the street from the former city hall.
Although the investigation into the cause of the fire by the State Fire Marshals Office was, and is, still ongoing, city officials were given the go-ahead just a couple of weeks after the fire to begin cleaning out the building and salvaging any content that had not been completely destroyed by fire or smoke.
Less than a month after the fire, in early October, a preliminary insurance settlement was reached and board members began to make preliminary plans for a new city hall. The initial settlement included $39,405 for the building, $25,000 for contents and city property and up to $10,000 to tear the building down.
Despite some disagreement among city officials about the economic feasibility of building a new structure, they began to cautiously move forward with the construction project by soliciting bids from contractors in mid-January.
Some controversy over the bid process ensued after receiving only two sealed bids for the construction project one from then-Mayor Pro Tem Lewis with numerous residents voicing their claims that it was unethical, and perhaps illegal, for Lewis to submit a bid in the first place. It was also argued that his position with the city gave him an unfair advantage in the bidding process.
The vote on the bids was tabled until advice and counsel could be obtained to address the residents concerns, which turned out to be unfounded. The Missouri Ethics Commission and Eric Harris, the citys attorney, both came to the conclusion that Lewis involvement in the project, within certain limits, did not violate any ethical or legal concerns and the project briefly recommenced.
The project stalled again with the upcoming April 2016 election and a chance that the composition of Leadwoods governing body would change rather significantly.
As it turned out, Lewis, who had been serving as mayor pro tem since the previous mayor resigned shortly after the April 2015 election, lost his bid for mayor to Dennis Parks. In addition, the board gained two new aldermen.
Things started to get back on track in June, however, when board members voted (with Lewis abstaining due to his direct involvement in the project) to follow through with getting financing costs from a lending institution in order to determine if the city could actually afford to have a new building constructed.
Despite two aldermen voting against the city borrowing such a significant sum Parks voted in favor to break the tie a measure that established the authority for the city to enter into a lease agreement with a finance agency was approved during a public meeting in late October 2016.
The agreement with FS Leasing, LLC provided the city with $225,000 in financing for construction of the building, which was added to the nearly $40,000 insurance payment for the former city hall building.
The pace of progress picked up immediately with a groundbreaking ceremony taking place on Oct. 28, 2016, and construction beginning less than a week later at the beginning of November.
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New city hall almost finished - Daily Journal Online
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