A constant stream of evidence confirms performance losses up to 30% from roof curbs due to poor manufacturing, installation, or maintenance. Such curb defects reduce the performance of a 14-EER unit to a system performing below 10 EER. The problem is, unless you look for it, curb defects and the resulting efficiency losses are invisible.

How Does a Curb Function? Roof curbs are accessories resembling a pedestal that sit below a rooftop-packaged unit. A well-designed and installed curb provides a transition for the supply and return air from the unit to the air distribution system.

In theory, a properly built and installed curb should have little effect on airflow through the system. In an ideal world, there should also be no temperature change through the curb. However, any difference in the air temperature entering or leaving a curb signals the possibility of leakage from outside the curb into the airstream. It can also indicate air bypassing between the supply and return ducts within the curb.

The Most Common Curb Defects Because the curb constitutes less than two feet of the typical duct system, you may assume it has little effect on system performance. The purpose of this article is to change that assumption.

In the field, weve found new construction curbs have little negative impact because a new project is built from scratch. The manufacturer builds a curb matching the equipment and duct penetrations are custom built to match the curb. The roofer professionally ties the new curb into the new roof so there is little chance of an air or water leak.

Airflow Losses -- Curb problems often begin when equipment is replaced. An aftermarket curb is often used to connect the footprint of the old unit to the footprint of the replacement unit. Since the average curb height is only 12 inches, the curb manufacturer whips up a 12-inch transition connecting the replacement unit to the roof with little regard for airflow.

If the discharge duct of the unit is offset 24 inches from the supply duct roof penetration, to meet SMACNA duct standards, the roof curb would need to be 48 inches tall. So, low-bid work often takes these shortcuts and gets low-bid results with a 30% reduction in airflow.

Temperature Losses Curb leakage is often the result of sloppy work during equipment replacement. Aftermarket curbs are included in hopes of reducing the amount of required labor. Since the labor budget is blow-and-go, the care and attention needed to assure good workmanship is missing.

Improperly sealed return duct curb penetrations are very close to the fan where duct system pressures are highest. Highest pressure equals increased leakage. Air can be pulled into the duct system from a hot attic, or directly from outside.

Leakage between the supply and return inside the curb is another serious problem that is often impossible to see once the unit is set. The result is very poorly performing equipment shutting off on high limit or a screwed-up refrigeration charge.

Pressure Testing to Discover Curb Airflow Restrictions The first test: measure pressure drop of the supply and return duct through the curb. Do this by installing test ports in the supply and return before and after each duct enters the curb.

In the illustration below, pressure test locations are marked P1 to P5. Take and record the four pressure readings. Subtract the pressure measured in P1 from P2 to find the return duct pressure drop through the curb. Then, subtract the pressure measured in P4 from P3 to find the supply duct pressure drop through the curb.

Field measurement has documented supply and return duct pressure drop through the curb in a well performing system averages less than 10% of fan rated pressure. An example of this is a system where the fan was rated at .50, the pressure drop of the supply and return duct combined through the curb would be no more than .05. If the measured pressure were higher than this rule of thumb, system airflow could be lower than required.

To correct this problem, the duct needs to be oversized throughout the system to compensate for the excess resistance to airflow.

Test port P5 shows one additional pressure test that may indicate air leakage within a curb. Install a test port into the hollow area of the curb. Drill the hole behind the flashing to assure there is no water access into the curb. Connect the tubing to your manometer and measure the pressure within the curb. Ideally, the pressure should be zero.

If the pressure within the curb is positive, this indicates a supply duct leak. If the curbs internal pressure is negative, this indicates a dominant return duct leak. You can normally get access to the duct within the curb by reaching down through the equipment.

Temperature Testing to Identify Curb Airflow Leakage When equipment is set on the curb, several opportunities for leakage can be created. These include:

Temperature testing can help identify curb leakage and pinpoint the cause of the problem as well as the needed solution. Any total temperature loss measured in the supply and return duct through the curb exceeding 1 degree Fahrenheit in cooling mode or 2 degrees in heating mode indicates a defect needing repair. Under ideal circumstances, there should be no temperature change through the curb. No temperature change is evidence the curb is performing correctly.

Refer to the Curb Temperature Troubleshooting Illustration above. Subtract to find the temperature difference between T1 and T2 to identify temperature loss or gain in the return duct. To find leakage in the supply duct subtract to find the temperature difference between test ports T3 and T4. Test port T5 can identify any bypass by measuring the temperature in the hollow area of the curb.

As you apply these testing and troubleshooting principles to the curbed systems you service, sell, and install, you will be able to correct invisible defects that have gone undetected for decades.

Rob Doc Falke serves the industry as president of National Comfort Institute -- an HVAC-based training company and membership organization. If you have additional comments or questions about performance diagnostics, contact Doc at robf@ncihvac.com or call him at 800-633-7058. Go to NCIs website at nationalcomfortinstitute.com for free information, articles, and downloads.

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Troubleshooting Rooftop Unit Curbs - Contracting Business

WACO, Texas, March 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter Storm Stella provided much of the U.S. with one more dose of frigid temperatures, and as homeowners continue to set furnaces on high, Aire Serv is sharing tips to protect homes from what many refer to as the silent killer - carbon monoxide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 20,000 Americans visit the emergency room yearly for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The gas is colorless and odorless, making it otherwise unnoticeable without a carbon monoxide detector. While high-level exposure can cause permanent damage or even death, even low concentrations can be harmful enough to a household's indoor air quality.

"Carbon monoxide can be produced from any system or appliance that burns fuel. While all home appliances are designed to vent properly to the exterior, cracks or blockages can cause leaks into the home," said Steve Truett, president of Aire Serv. "That's why Aire Serv stresses the importance of scheduling annual maintenance for all equipment including furnaces, water heaters and space heaters. Routine upkeep and other preventative measures, such as installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home, can help ensure the health and safety of the entire household."

Aire Serv recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors on or near the ceiling of every floor of the home, especially outside of bedrooms. Other considerations to keep in mind when placing detectors:

Aire Servoffers premium residential and commercial services for every type of heating and cooling system.Home services, which include heating and air conditioner repair, replacement and maintenance, are charged by the job and not by the hour. In addition, Aire Serv conveniently offers 24-hour emergency heating and air conditioning repair and service to its residential and commercial customers. For more information about Aire Serv and its HVAC services, please visitAireServ.com.

About Aire Serv:Established in 1992, Aire Serv is a global franchise organization providing installation, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and indoor air quality systems. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its "Franchise 500," Aire Serv franchisees provide services to both residential and commercial customers from more than 180 locations worldwide. Aire Serv is part of Dwyer Group family of service franchises. For more information or to find the location nearest you, visit AireServ.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aire-serv-shares-tips-to-prevent-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-300432574.html

SOURCE Aire Serv

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Aire Serv Shares Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - PR Newswire (press release)

100 years later, Texas is still a key market for J.C. Penney Dallas Business Journal ... like refining its Sephora partnership and opening new concepts, including rolling out appliances to additional stores and piloting home installation services like bathroom remodeling, home heating and cooling systems, quick-ship and installed ...

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100 years later, Texas is still a key market for J.C. Penney - Dallas Business Journal

Precision Air & Heating , KPNX 3:43 PM. MST March 28, 2017

Do you find that one or more rooms are either warmer or cooler than others? This is one of the most common problems we run into here at Precision Air. Your heating and air conditioning unit should always heat or cool your home evenly, but this isnt always the case.

A home that is properly balanced will not only feel more comfortable, but will help save you money as well. If you find that your home isnt maintaining a consistent temperature in every room, there are a few common issues that could be to blame.

Ductwork Problems

Leaks:One of the main issues with ductwork is leaking. If there is a portion of your ductwork letting air escape, it wont properly distribute air across the entire house. This will lead to uneven temperatures and cause your HVAC unit to cycle on more frequently, costing you more money than necessary.

Insulation:Maybe your ductwork is not properly insulated. This will also allow conditioned air to heat up or cool down as it passes through your system (depending on what time of year it is). Ductwork should always be properly insulated to minimize temperature changes as the conditioned air travels through the ducts and out of your vents.

Air Conditioner Issues

HVAC Losing Power:If your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, it wont be able to adequately push air through the ductwork. That means while a more powerful stream is blowing into one room, a much weaker volume of air could be coming into your furthest rooms.

Wrong Size Unit:Most people who run into this issue believe their AC unit must simply be too small when in fact the opposite is true. A unit that is too large for a home will not cycle on long enough to allow the home to heat or cool evenly.

Needs Service/Repair:Of course your HVAC unit might simply need to be serviced or repaired. If your refrigerant levels are low, it could cause your home to cool unevenly. On the other hand, if there is an issue with your heating system, youre likely to have rooms that are too cold and others that are closer to your desired temperature.

Fixing this issue could be as simple as a routine tune-up, or it could be a sign of a larger problem. The best way to know for sure is to consult with a professional. At Precision Air, we can handle everything from HVAC service, to installation and repair. Our expert technicians can also repair and install ductwork and make sure that ductwork is properly insulated throughout your home.

Other Causes of Air Leakage

Windows and Doors:Air could be escaping through your windows and doors, which will contribute to uneven air conditioning in your home. A great way to combat this is installing efficient windows with the Energy Star rating and re-sealing all your doors to ensure no air is seeping out.

Construction: Heres another problem we see all the time: someone puts an extension on their home without considering the size of the air conditioner. If youve recently added a room to your home and find that it just doesnt get to the right temperature, its likely youll need to upgrade your HVAC unit to accommodate the new size of your home.

Solving Your Air Balance Issues

When it comes to solving issues related to uneven heating and cooling, its best to get the help of a qualified professional. At Precision Air, we have the experience needed to diagnose your issue and make sure it is taken care of.

Get in touch today by calling 602.Fix.MyAC (602-910-2758). Well help get the temperature right back where you want it in every room.

2017 KPNX-TV

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Why your home isn't heating or cooling evenly - KPNX 12 News TV

The cost of powering your home and all your assorted appliances and devices can be significant. The price of everything, from running your air conditioner on hot days to charging your phone as you sleep, can add up.

Getting a handle on your electric bill is important. While utility companies dont typically report payments to the main credit bureaus, missing payments could potentially eventuallydrop your credit scoreas they can get sent to collections. (You can check two of your scores for free every two weeks on Credit.com).

RELATED: How to recharge electronics to get more out of them

But you can significantly reduce the electrical energy your home consumes by taking a few simple steps. Here are 11 ways you can lower your electric bill.

Home energy auditors are professionals who come to your home to evaluate your power usage, assessing your home and your past power bills. Theyll look for areas where you can increase efficiency. Many electric suppliers provide this service for free, but you can also find a local paid professional.

When the audit is complete, the auditor can recommend energy-saving methods and products.

The overhead lights in many rooms often provide more illumination than we need. With dimmer switches, you can adjust the amount of light youre using. Modern dimmers also reduce how much electricity lights use.

Ceiling fans circulate air through your home and can cool you off. While they use electricity, they may reduce the workload of your air conditioner.

Sunlight coming in through windows can heat up your home and make your air conditioner work harder. You should close the curtains or blinds on your windows when you dont need them open and consider installing tinted window film. (If heating or cooling your home is the main cause of your high electric bills, heres how you can keep temperatures comfortable without spending too much.)

Of course, you should shut off all electronics and lights when you leave a room to reduce energy usage. But electronics and appliances can use energy even when theyre turned off.

RELATED:This is why you should always unplug your electronics when theyre not in use

Gadgets and appliances like TVs, laptops, coffee makers, printers, space heaters and cable boxes continue to suck energy even when turned off, said Andrea Woroch, a consumer finance expert. Get in the habit of unplugging all these electronics and appliances when you arent using them. Power strips are an easier and less timely alternative some even come with a remote control for easier use.

LED light bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. While LED bulbs can cost more, they have a longer lifespan, so you could save money on light bulbs in the long run.

Air filters keep dust and debris from circulating through your HVAC system and clogging vents and air registers. Over time, these filters get clogged with dust and debris themselves, and your air conditioning system will have to work harder to cool your home. You should swap your air filters out every few months to reduce the energy needed to regulate your homes temperature.

Programmable thermostats reduce energy costs by adjusting your home temperature when youre away, at work or asleep. Your energy usage will be reduced because you wont be wasting electricity cooling an empty home.

The HVAC system uses the most energy in your home, and running the air conditioner or heater can blow your budget. However, installing a programmable thermostat takes the guesswork out of fiddling with temperatures and allows you to preset temps when you are home or away at work or school so you dont waste energy, said Woroch.

Just be careful. Smart thermostats are one of a few household objects that might make you vulnerable to hackers.

If youre looking for big savings and energy reduction, solar panels may be the way to go. Typically installed on the roof, solar panels harvest the suns energy and convert it into electric power.

Solar panels continue to improve. The prices of solar panels have become cheaper, their ability to capture the suns photons and convert them to electricity is becoming more efficient, and the technology is changing as solar shingles emerge as a more mainstream item, said Sage Singleton, home maintenance specialist at Safewise. The time before payoff on solar panels is also getting shorter the average rooftop solar system will pay back a homeowner in seven-and-a-half years. The sooner you install your solar panels, the sooner you will see the average savings on your lowered energy bills.

Solar panels might also lower your tax bill.

Many electric suppliers have programs you can participate in to reduce the cost of your bill. These include rebates for buying energy-efficient appliances, rewards for reducing energy usage during peak hours and programs that spread the cost of your peak usage for months across the year. Visit your energy providers website or call to find out what programs might be available.

If you have alternative energy providers in your area, you can always shop around to see if you can find a cheaper option.

One common way that consumers reduce their electric bill is to shop for a new electric supplier. Many states in the U.S. are deregulated, meaning the residential customers can shop for electricity, said Kelly Bedrich, cofounder and president of ElectricityPlans.com. In these states, homeowners and renters can shop for electricity in the same way you can shop for cable and internet service. By being able to shop for their energy, the homeowners can often save as much as 30% to 40% off of their energy bill simply by switching their supplier.

This article originally appeared on Credit.com.

Brian Acton, Credit.com | Posted on 7:41 am

Originally posted here:
11 ways to save on your shocking electric bill - Rare.us

Lillie News

Kath: a no-brainer for any homeowner Lillie News The company's warranty is not an added charge or promotional gimmick -- it's just how Kath does business. Kath's expert staff treat customers right, providing top-notch installation and service for heating, cooling and electrical jobs, and their long ... and more »

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Kath: a no-brainer for any homeowner - Lillie News

The cost of powering your home and all your assorted appliances and devices can be significant. The price of everything, from running your air conditioner on hot days to charging your phone as you sleep, can add up.

Getting a handle on your electric bill is important. While utility companies dont typically report payments to the main credit bureaus, missing payments could potentially eventuallydrop your credit scoreas they can get sent to collections. (You can check two of your scores for free every two weeks on Credit.com).

But you can significantly reduce the electrical energy your home consumes by taking a few simple steps. Here are 11 ways you can lower your electric bill.

1. Perform a Home Energy Audit

Home energy auditors are professionals who come to your home to evaluate your power usage, assessing your home and your past power bills. Theyll look for areas where you can increase efficiency. Many electric suppliers provide this service for free, but you can also find a local paid professional.

When the audit is complete, the auditor can recommend energy-saving methods and products.

2. Install Dimmer Switches

The overhead lights in many rooms often provide more illumination than we need. With dimmer switches, you can adjust the amount of light youre using. Modern dimmers also reduce how much electricity lights use.

Ceiling fans circulate air through your home and can cool you off. While they use electricity, they may reduce the workload of your air conditioner.

Sunlight coming in through windows can heat up your home and make your air conditioner work harder. You should close the curtains or blinds on your windows when you dont need them open and consider installing tinted window film. (If heating or cooling your home is the main cause of your high electric bills, heres how you can keep temperatures comfortable without spending too much.)

5. Turn Off Unused Items &Unplug Electronics

Of course, you should shut off all electronics and lights when you leave a room to reduce energy usage. But electronics and appliances can use energy even when theyre turned off.

Gadgets and appliances like TVs, laptops, coffee makers, printers, space heaters and cable boxes continue to suck energy even when turned off, said Andrea Woroch, a consumer finance expert. Get in the habit of unplugging all these electronics and appliances when you arent using them. Power strips are an easier and less timely alternative some even come with a remote control for easier use.

LED light bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. While LED bulbs can cost more, they have a longer lifespan, so you could save money on light bulbs in the long run.

7. Replace Your HVAC Air Filters

Air filters keep dust and debris from circulating through your HVAC system and clogging vents and air registers. Over time, these filters get clogged with dust and debris themselves, and your air conditioning system will have to work harder to cool your home. You should swap your air filters out every few months to reduce the energy needed to regulate your homes temperature.

8. Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats reduce energy costs by adjusting your home temperature when youre away, at work or asleep. Your energy usage will be reduced because you wont be wasting electricity cooling an empty home.

The HVAC system uses the most energy in your home, and running the air conditioner or heater can blow your budget. However, installing a programmable thermostat takes the guesswork out of fiddling with temperatures and allows you to preset temps when you are home or away at work or school so you dont waste energy, said Woroch.

Just be careful. Smart thermostats are one of a few household objects that might make you vulnerable to hackers.

If youre looking for big savings and energy reduction, solar panels may be the way to go. Typically installed on the roof, solar panels harvest the suns energy and convert it into electric power.

Solar panels continue to improve. The prices of solar panels have become cheaper, their ability to capture the suns photons and convert them to electricity is becoming more efficient, and the technology is changing as solar shingles emerge as a more mainstream item, said Sage Singleton, home maintenance specialist at Safewise. The time before payoff on solar panels is also getting shorter the average rooftop solar system will pay back a homeowner in seven-and-a-half years. The sooner you install your solar panels, the sooner you will see the average savings on your lowered energy bills.

Solar panels might also lower your tax bill.

10. Look for Energy Provider Programs

Many electric suppliers have programs you can participate in to reduce the cost of your bill. These include rebates for buying energy-efficient appliances, rewards for reducing energy usage during peak hours and programs that spread the cost of your peak usage for months across the year. Visit your energy providers website or call to find out what programs might be available.

11. Shop for an Alternative Provider

If you have alternative energy providers in your area, you can always shop around to see if you can find a cheaper option.

One common way that consumers reduce their electric bill is to shop for a new electric supplier. Many states in the U.S. are deregulated, meaning the residential customers can shop for electricity, said Kelly Bedrich, cofounder and president of ElectricityPlans.com. In these states, homeowners and renters can shop for electricity in the same way you can shop for cable and internet service. By being able to shop for their energy, the homeowners can often save as much as 30% to 40% off of their energy bill simply by switching their supplier.

Related Articles

This article originally appeared on Credit.com.

Go here to read the rest:
11 Ways to Save on Your Shocking Electric Bill - Atlanta Journal Constitution

James Nani Times Herald-Record @JamesNani845

MIDDLETOWN - A large-scale replacement of city residents' water meters is expected to begin in the next few weeks, part of a $12.7 million conservation project approved last year.

The first of nearly 8,000 state-of-the-art Sensus water meters arrived last week at the city's former water-treatment plant near Monhagen Lake.

Subcontractor Professional Meters Inc. isstaging its operation there as it gets ready to canvas the city and install the meters in homes and businesses, according to Jacob Tawil, commissioner of the city's Department of Public Works.

The new meters will be attached to radio transmitters and will beam hourly radio signals providing information to the city about water usage.

About 7,500 homes and 400 businesses will get new meters, Tawil said. Letters will go out to recipients in the next few weeks.

Older meters will be collected and stored for about a year in case residents lodge complaints about the new ones.

The installations are expected to take from April to October.

Tawil said the new meters will be more accurate, will allow people to see exactly how much water they're using and will save on manpower because city workers won't need to drive by homes and businesses to pick up radio signals.

But Tawil said the biggest reason for the change is to save water.

"I've been trying to do this forten of my lasttwelve years here, since I've been at City Hall," Tawil said.

According to the Sensus website, the meters are able to capture low-flow water that other meters cannot- flow rates as low as 0.1 to 0.3 gallons per minute.

The meters will also allow users to check online and monitor leaks and drips to help save water.

The installation, which Tawil said is expected to cost about $5 million, is part of a $12.7 million package of energy- and water-conservation projects for which the city has hired Energy Systems Group (ESG), based in Tennessee.

Middletown is using bonds to pay for the work.

The upgrades are ongoing. The city is preparing to install solar panels next to the water-treatment plant to reduce the plant's energy costs.

Old boilers and heating and cooling systems in several city buildings have been replaced.

And last week on West Main Street, subcontractors climbed up ladders to replace incandescent bulbs with LED lights.

In total, the changes are supposed to save the city $18.6 million over 15 years, according to the contract.

If the energy savings aren't met, the contract says ESG will cut a check for the difference.

The project is supposed to be completed within 12 to 18 months.

jnani@th-record.com

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Middletown to install new high-tech water meters - Times Herald-Record

Advanced technology has brought a lot of convenience to people, from smartphones to smart appliances. Home automation systems have been a huge hit especially with people who want to have easy access and control to their appliances. Automation systems are controlled through smart gadgets and can be installed with 12v actuators in order to obtain comfort and elegance. That is why selecting the best linear actuator is also important. Linear actuators are becoming more popular for automation and smartification. Actuators allow for a free range of motion depending on an application that an engineer or a home builder alike. The system can control the lighting, heating, ventilation, and even security locks inside the house. The appliances should be compatible with each other and are all connected to a centralized control unit. To even make things easier, mobile gadgets such as iPad, iPhone, tablets, and android phones can be used to control the smart appliances.

Using home automation systems gives a comfortable, convenient and safe lifestyle to families. By simply tapping your phone, you will be able to monitor everything that is happening around your house through the smart security gadgets like video cameras, smart locks, and smart doors. The use of automation systems increases energy efficiency while reducing the heating and cooling costs.

Making a Home Automation System with android is something that requires a lot of skill, patience, and resources. The project aims to allow the users control appliances wirelessly by integrating a specific system to the buildings electrical system.

Any mobile device with Bluetooth or WiFi can be used to control the system. The server will be a microcontroller powered box. There will be minimum costs for the installation and hardware since users already own mobile gadgets.

If you are planning a DIY smart home automation project, there are a couple of things that you have to know first. You must be knowledgeable with some basic carpentry, programming, and some basic electronics. Starting a DIY home automation project will also require some hardware which requires some technical materials. You can easily search the internet for electronic circuit board designs to design the set-up of your home system. Here are the things that you need to create and arrange so that you can finally have the home you deserve.

A block diagram is a simple visual aid that shows the basic components of the home system that you are creating. It shows the centrality of control, the presence, and features of the home automation system and the major electronic components and devices that will be installed. Here is the block diagram of a home automation system.

The Circuit diagram is a more complex diagram which will show the circuitry of all the electronic components that has to be set-up. To make a circuit diagram, you need technical knowledge with electronic components and how to handle and put them together. If you are in doubt with your Circuitry skills, you can simply try and learn from the internet.

A PCB or a plastic circuit board is a specially designed electronic diagram. It physically connects the different parts and components of the system. You might need the skills for arranging and soldering parts together. The circuit board must be made precisely to prevent short circuiting.

The automation system is managed with small computers. One brand is the Arduino, which is popular due to its easy interface and coding flexibility. Many home automation enthusiast choose Arduino as it is compatible to any appliance and can easily be programmed with Android devices. Androids software is easily one of the most popular since it uses complex codes that can be programmed with anything.

The final element that is needed in a home automation project is, of course, the Android App. This Application offers the centrality of control of your home automation system. The applications interface depends on the appliances, sensors, and actuators that you install with your home automation system. The app can regulate temperature, automatically switch lights on and off, analyze the users preferences and track sleep patterns.

Making a DIY Home Automation system is hard work but it is also worth it. The process can be enlightening in many ways but most importantly, you are bringing comfort, elegance, and ambiance to your house. You are turning the physical spaces and materials of your house into a cozy home.

Read more:
DIY Smart Home Automation Using Android - TG Daily (blog)

COUPEVILLE Private air-jet massage tubs for mothers-to-be. Skylights shining above waiting rooms. Patient rooms larger than apodments in Seattle and tiled bathrooms nicer than most motels.

Shades of the colors Quietude, Humble Gold and Nomadic Desert.

Those are among the more obvious differences between the old and new of WhidbeyHealth Medical Center, set to open its $33.3 million-plus addition this year. That amount doesnt include taxes, legal fees, architects, permitting, water, sewer, power, engineering, said Patricia Duff, a WhidbeyHealth spokeswoman.

The two-story, 60,000-square-foot expansion will replace the current intensive care unit, medical and surgical patient rooms and labor and delivery suites.

All 39 rooms are single patient rather than shared. This trend in hospital design the past decade has shown to reduce infection rates and increase patient privacy and rest.

Theres also many more subtle state-of-the-art features of the renovation that are part of the upgrade.

An innovative heating and cooling system developed in Japan is expected to substantially lower energy bills.

And a myriad of infection control features, including smooth, non-porous and easily cleanable walls and floors, increased hands-free sinks and more airborne infection isolation rooms should mean a safer hospital.

Preventing transmission of infectious agents to vulnerable patient populations, health care personnel and visitors is a priority at WhidbeyHealth, said nurse Colleen Klamm, the hospitals infection preventionist.

The $50 million project bond, approved by voters in 2013, costs property owners an estimated 32.2 cents per $1,000 assessed property value over 25 years.

Patients can expect a more healing environment when the medical centers new wing opens in late spring, said WhidbeyHealth CEO Geri Forbes.

We have always provided great care, she said. Now we will have an environment that is as good as our doctors and nurses.

Attention to detail is based on the experience of other recently-constructed hospitals around the country and extensive studies of inpatient care, Forbes said.

In the past 50 years, inpatient care has made enormous strides in treatments, quality, technology, equipment, infection control, safety and privacy, she said. The new wing will reflect these advances while eliminating the complexity of double patient rooms.

Construction is about 74 percent complete, said George Senerth, executive director of facilities for the health care system.

Interior work began in December.

Andersen Construction is the main contractor. HDR Architecture and Engineering Firm, a global company with 50 years experience planning health care facilities, designed the addition.

In addition to paying for the new wing, the bond also provides for remodeling of existing patient rooms into pre- and post-operative areas, a new loading dock, an expanded parking lot and a new exit area to discharge patients.

Whidbey General was built in 1970 and voters approved three expansions over the past 46 years, said Keith Mack, community relations manager for WhidbeyHealth.

Some 20,000-square-feet of the additions first floor will remain undeveloped and available for future use, said project manager Mark Estvold.

The new wing is divided into east and west pods separated by a corridor, reception desk and waiting areas. The central corridor will house nutrition, medication and other supplies.

Every room will be a mirror image, with beds, cabinets and supplies all located in the same places, said Annette Himelick of HDR Architecture.

Theres nothing more disconcerting than a doctor coming into a room and looking around wondering where the gloves are, she said. Standardizing the room is done through design.

The new one-patient medical/surgical rooms measure 280 square feet. Thats bigger than the current patient rooms that hold two beds and measure 160 square feet.

Labor and delivery suites will also be noticeably roomier at 392 square feet with bathrooms measuring 87 square feet.

Large white soaking tubs in the birthing suites bathrooms are not standard hot tubs and they arent used during delivery, Klamm said.

The tubs work like a geyser shooting out streams of heated air so water is constantly circulating, providing a gentle therapeutic massage that may help induce labor.

Last year, 181 babies were born at WhidbeyHealth Medical Center.

Additionally, almost every room has a motorized lift above the bed.

This not only helps handicapped patients but saves the backs of staff, said nursing manager Patsy Kolesar-Hynson.

Huge, huge, is how she describes the impact the new wing will have on patients and her 80-person staff.

The rooms we have now look great when you dont have any patients, she said, but add the patient, equipment, family, it gets very cramped, very quickly.

Nurses can also expect to spend more time with patients because of a design change. Instead of a large centralized desk where they typically gather and record information, theyll work from small work stations in the hallways directly outside patient doors.

Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital in Tacoma studied time its nursing staff walked up and down hallways getting to patients versus time spent with patients before and after a similar upgrade, Himelick said.

Nurses spent only 31 percent of their time with patients before the renovation. After setting up small stations outside every other room, time with patients increased to 75 percent, she said.

A nurse server pass-through slot on patient doors is another design change. Accessible from the inside and outside, supplies, linens and trash can be slid through the slot, meaning more peace and quiet for patients because staff wont be in and out so often.

We want to minimize the disturbance to patients as much as possible, Himelick said.

And we dont need nurses walking six to 10 miles a day.

Coffman Engineers, a consultant to HDR Architecture, is leading the installation of an innovative heating and cooling system known as a variable refrigerant flow heat pump system. It transfers heat from an unoccupied room to a room in use, potentially reducing energy use by 40 percent.

Students with the University of Washingtons Integrated Design Lab are tracking the project to gauge energy savings.

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$50 million hospital expansion set to open later this year - The Daily Herald