AMES, Iowa For an Ames woman 2015 is a lot warmer than 2014.

For the past two months, Sheli Dougherty was warming her house with an oven and space heater after her old furnace quit working.

I was like oh Im okay. I was like the oven is doing great. I`ll put on another sweatshirt. Everything is fine,Dougherty said.

Dougherty was able to buy a furnace on E-bay but couldnt afford to have it installed.

But leave it up to social media to lend a hand. Word got around on Facebook and within hours heating and cooling technician, Brett Linder, offered his services for free.

If we can make someones holiday a little brighter and they dont have to use their oven to heat their house anymore, that`s the bottom line, Linder said.

Linders company, Ames Heating and Cooling has donated furnaces in the past but it was especially nice to finish the year with a random act of kindness.

The cost to install a furnace would cost close to $1,000.

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Woman Without Heat Posts To Facebook, Receives Random Act of Kindness

Amanda Hansen would have been 22 today, a graduate of the University of North Carolina working as a Spanish teacher, said her father Ken Hansen of West Seneca.

She wanted to be a Tar Heel, Hansen said, referring to the nickname for University of North Carolina students.

But the 16-year-old high school student died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a defective boiler during a sleepover at the home of a friend in 2009. The swimmer with a sunny smile also wanted to help others, former classmates said.

Thats why Amanda would have been tickled by the furnace drive her parents mounted to help homeowners who cannot afford to replace their faulty furnaces.

In the past year, with the assistance of friends and heating companies, the Amanda Hansen Foundation has collected 17 furnaces to be donated to area families.

The first furnace was installed last January in the home of Candee Camillo, a Town of Tonawanda single mother of two.

Thomas Tarnowski, a single father of three, received a furnace after a flood swept through his Lackawanna home and ruined a 40-year-old furnace he could not afford to replace.

Ken and Kim Hansen established the foundation in 2010, one year after their daughters death. They started by donating carbon monoxide detectors. The nonprofit organization has worked to raise awareness and funds to prevent deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning.

From 1999 to 2004, an average of 439 people died annually from unintentional, non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States, according to the National Center for Environmental Health. In New York State, approximately 200 people are hospitalized each year because of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

From 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, the foundation will kick off carbon dioxide awareness month at Amandas high school, West Seneca West, on 3330 Seneca St., by giving away its 17,000th detector. As a rule, Hansen said, carbon monoxide detectors are good for five years.

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Foundation to give away furnaces in fight against carbon monoxide poisoning

Manassas, Va (PRWEB) December 31, 2014

AC systems damage can sometimes be a pain in the neck. Thats aside from the impending discomfort that a homeowner will experience a lot later. But with HVAC services offered by Local HVAC Experts in Manassas, all the worries could be gone in the blink of an eye. Whether it is a home or a company building, theres no way they wont be able to fix, maintain and install air conditioning and heating units. Get more information about this now! Just dial 703-348-9740 for more details about this HVAC service provider.

With their team of experts from Manassas, Virginia, a homeowner in need wont have more things to worry about since they are good at repairing heating and air conditioning units. With work experience for more than 25 years, these guys totally are knowledgeable at what they do. Their technical staff are being administered additional training so their knowledge regarding HVAC technology is surely up to date.

Some of the task that they perform would be AC installation as well as AC repair. This company also would recommend the best air and heating companies that would fit in ones financial status but will not deny the customer with the highest quality. Other air conditioner installation companies might over sell their services and this is what distinguishes Local HVAC Experts from the rest of the HVAC service providers out there in Manassas.

With the 24 emergency air conditioning repair service from Manassas' heating and air conditioning Local HVAC Experts, one will surely get what services are needed in the fastest possible time. Emergency occurs in heating or cooling system and this is definitely unavoidable. With these experts from Manassas heating and air conditioning, one does not have to suffer from the extreme weathers. May it be the chilling cold air of winter or the blazing heat from summer, Local HVAC Experts will definitely help a customer in need become comfortable.

Local HVAC Experts is fully licensed, bonded and Insured. Their technicians are certified and they provide warranties as well as 24/7 repair services. Call them now at 703-348-9740 and to inquire on how they could be able to provide heating and air conditioning repair or maintenance services to ones office or home.

For more information please visit url http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe268DD9xds

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Heating and Air Conditioning Repair Manassas VA: New Video Release by LocalHVACExperts.info

San Antonio, Texas (PRWEB) December 31, 2014

Homeowners are always looking for ways to save, and the experts at Jon Wayne Air urge San Antonio residents to consider these changes as part of their New Years resolutions to have a more energy efficient and cost-effective year:

System Size When its time to upgrade to a new heating and cooling system, the size of the system is essential for maximum efficiency. A system that is too large will not cycle properly, and a system that is too small will not heat and cool effectively, costing more to run.

Schedule HVAC Services with Certified Professionals Jon Wayne Airs technicians are NATE certified, ensuring customers receive the highest service quality. The cost of poor services can be great when the wrong system is recommended or improperly installed, the result could be more than 20 years of excessive utility and repair bills, as well as poor comfort. Get into the habit of only working with certified contractors for all of your home maintenance needs.

Regular System Maintenance The number 1 reason for HVAC system failure is dirt. This is something many HVAC companies dont want to disclose, because it could mean the loss of a sale of a new system. Homeowners should invest in a maintenance program to prevent system failure and to save big all year.

Central High Efficiency Air Filtration System Typical disposable furnace filters do not adequately protect heating and cooling equipment or protect those living in the home from invisible particles. The best practice is to install a new high efficiency filter on the equipment. Filters need to be changed seasonally, or according to the manufactures specifications.

Air Duct System Check Possibly the biggest waste of energy in San Antonio homes thats often overlooked by most contractors is the ductwork. In San Antonio, most ductwork runs through unconditioned attics. The largest issue is typically that ducts leak large amounts of air. Even a perfect heating and cooling system wont be able to manage comfortable indoor air if there are hidden ductwork problems. Dont neglect ductwork and schedule an inspection along with HVAC system maintenance.

Air Purification The inside of air conditioning systems and ductwork are dark, cool areas that are the perfect breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and dust mites, if left unattended. When this happens and the system turns on, the unclean air will be circulated throughout the home. By installing an in-duct whole house air purifier, the heating and cooling system can be turned into a whole house air treatment system.

System Controller There are now advanced system controls available that not only solve humidity concerns, but also have features such as touch screens and WiFi, enabling control of the system from a phone or tablet. The right system controller or thermostat will allow the temperature to be set to reflect when the home is occupied versus empty (when everyone is away at work or school), so an empty home isnt being heated or cooled for no reason. This will result in savings on monthly energy costs.

Thermal Envelope According to the US Department of Energy, 50-70% of homeowners energy bills go towards heating and cooling. Residents of San Antonio are at the top of that range. Any heating and cooling system is only as good as the homes ability to retain the indoor temperature. To avoid the loss of cool indoor air in the summer and warm indoor air in the winter, proper insulation is essential. Without proper insulation, energy and dollars will be wasted, and the indoor air will be less comfortable. Consider speaking to a Jon Wayne technician about recommended insulation.

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San Antonio HVAC Service Company Offers Energy Savings for the New Year

Manassas, Va (PRWEB) December 31, 2014

The long wait is over for residents of Manassas, Virginia as Turners Service Co. now offers their SMART Home Automation service to Manassas and Northern Virginia residents. This beneficial feature has the ability to enhance home security along with heating and cooling systems.

Turners Service Co. is known to be one of the pioneering HVAC service-provider in Northern Virginia and nearby areas. Their existence for almost two decades has proved them to be one of the best in the industry of HVACs. Their quest for innovation is never ending and now, they present their existing clients and prospective clients with the SMART home automation service.

Home automation services give their users enhanced control over their home systems and devices. It would definitely be a smart choice to avail this service for those who want to manage their houses right at their fingertips. Using smartphones or tablets, install apps which could give unlimited access to a homes HVAC systems even remotely. Among those that could be controlled by the said apps are thermostats, energy meters, smart locks, sensors, and surveillance cameras. Basically, anybody who has the app installed becomes the boss and may adjust system settings and even access energy management data.

Even your security devices such as door locks and cameras could be easily controlled using SMART home automation. Leaving car keys inside automobiles may be a common problem but with home automation, one may lock or unlock doors even without keys. Unlimited access to surveillance cameras may also be obtained. One may setup the system in a way that the app would alert the individuals who have the app installed once motion is detected. With a feature like that, homeowners are well protected from theft.

With home automation, energy is efficiently managed and prevented from getting wasted. One doesnt need to go back home and setup their HVAC or surveillance systems as a single click in the app could take care of the situation. With SMART home automation, a mobile application is the sole solution to either simple or complicated HVAC or surveillance problems.

In terms of managing energy, SMART home automation does not disappoint. Just by looking at statistics readily prepared by the app, a homeowner could easily identify and strategize efficient ways to cool or heat their own homes in the least expensive ways possible. One may even plot schedules on when HVAC or security systems need to be operational. This has been possible through the data that the applications collect directly on a certain households consumption practices.

Home automation has a lot of benefits and maintenance is relatively very easy as everything has gone digital now. Glitches are easily fixed and problems undergo immediate troubleshooting. Give Turner's Service Co. a call and they would gladly help no matter how simple or complicated an issue is.

For further inquiries about smart home automation, give them a call at 703.361.0816.

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Turner's Service Co. Announces New SMART Home Automation Services to Manassas, VA Residents

During this holiday season, you've likely been busy gettingready for all the parties, activities and family moments ahead. To make sure your home is as prepared as you are, here are six home maintenance projects suited to the colder months of the year:

1. Replace Your Windows

Energy Star estimates that you can save between $130 and $470 a year on your energy bills by replacing your single-pane windows with double-paned windows. If you dont have the money to replace your existing windows -- they can cost at minimum $1,000 -- repairing them is a cost-effective alternative. (For related reading, see: Ways To Slash Your Home Energy Bill.)

2. Repair Your Roof

Another area for maintenance is your roof. If it snows, you may find yourself with a moisture problem in your attic, which can lead to mold and mildew. This is one project youll want to have done before it gets too cold, as it could prevent shingle cracking and breakage. Hire a roofer to inspect your roof as soon as possible this winter to ensure its in good condition.

Financially speaking, winter can be one of the best times to have your roof repaired or re-roofed, since it is the off season and you may be able to get a discount. If you only need a partial re-roofing, its probably more cost-effective to have your entire roof repaired. That way, youll pay for labor just once instead of paying again when other parts of your roof start to fail. (For related reading, see: Home Improvements That Really Pay Off.)

Roof image courtesy of Clear Choice Roofing

3. Update Your Floors

If your carpets are starting to thin out, or if your hardwood floors feel like an ice rink in the morning, its probably time for you to give your floors an upgrade. Save money by buying flooring from an independent retailer rather than a large company. Independent retailers usually build 5 to 10 percent of bargaining room into their prices, so dont be afraid to negotiate. Another advantage of upgrading your floors is that it can increase the value of your home.

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Winter Home Maintenance Projects You Need To Know

JACKSON, Miss. It's tempting to crank up the thermostat when temperatures outside are falling. But did you know that's one of the main ways to increase your energy bill?

When the thermostat's cranked up, energy use increases and bills rise, too, said Robbin Jeter, Entergy Mississippi vice president of customer service. Heating and air conditioning make up more than half of most energy bills. The best way to manage your electric usage during cold weather is to keep your thermostat set on 68 degrees. Each degree warmer will increase your bill by about three percent.

Other ways to stay comfortable and save energy when the temperatures drop are:

Seal the duct work. In the South, leaky ducts waste more energy than any other problem. To stop this loss, your ductwork should be made airtight everywhere ducts attach to vents, each other and the heating/cooling unit. Use mastic (preferred) or foil tape. Some do-it-yourselfers can handle this job; other homeowners may want to hire a professional.

Think long term. Making your home more energy efficient is a good move for lowering bills all year round. You can start by checking out Entergy Mississippi's Entergy Solutions program. Through the Residential Lighting Program, you can get instant discounts on ENERGY STAR certified CFL and LED lighting. Through the READI (Residential Energy Audit and Direct Install) Program, residential customers can sign up for a free home audit and get energy efficiency information and energy-saving items installed in the home at no additional cost. More energy efficiency programs for residential and business customers will roll out in early 2015.

Entergy Mississippi, Inc. Provides electricity to approximately 441,000 customers in 45 counties. It is a subsidiary of entergy corporation. Entergy corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including more than 10,000 megawatts of nuclear power, making it one of the nation's leading nuclear generators. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.8 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $11 billion and approximately 14,000 employees.

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Entergy Mississippi Offers Tips for Managing Energy Usage, Costs

We'll always need buildings, so long as the wind blows and the temperature drops, but the virtual reality of contemporary life has changed our relationship to physical space. Buildings, particularly in the public realm, aren't as essential as they used to be.

How important is a convention center in the age of webinars? Schools, libraries and workplaces when information is so easy to share digitally? Airports and hotels when friends connect via Facebook and FaceTime?

Architects have felt the pressure and sweated the possibility that their once-enviable profession is headed toward irrelevancy. We'll always need them, too, but how much depends on what they can bring to the table beyond four sturdy walls and a roof.

The good news is that the profession is changing. Slowly, and with some good ideas leading the way, architects, planners and designers have begun moving from defense to offense, creating spaces that do more than protect us from the elements. The best new buildings actually make us healthier by encouraging exercise and better diet. They improve our energy levels and attitudes by balancing our exposure to light and sound. Well-designed public places strengthen communities by drawing users from across social and economic divides to shared experiences.

Architecture's next step is to build on the green movement that has made structures more energy-efficient and earth-friendly and to develop spaces that work as doctors, coaches and counselors for 21st-century life.

At Canal Park in Washington, D.C., an interactive water fountain becomes an ice rink in the winter. The park's storm-water management system recycles runoff from neighboring buildings, saving 1.5 million gallons of potable water each year. (Photo provided by Land Collective)

Mariposa, a Denver Housing Authority development that has been opening in phases, combines several of these ideas into one residential mini-city. Planners are designing the block apartment buildings with ample community garden spaces where residents can grow their own food, and integrating colorful playgrounds into the front yards. The units go for varying rents from highly subsidized to market rate so every building and floor has a mix of occupants. Located near an affordable commuter rail line in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the development makes walking a few blocks to the train each morning more attractive than walking a few steps to the car.

Mariposa's biggest contribution to the movement may be the Mariposa Stair, a brilliant multimedia art installation that inspires residents in one new building to skip the elevators altogether. As the stair rises four floors, a Mayan folktale called "The Chocolate Tree" unfolds in chapters. Climbers can read about the plants and animals in the story's jungle setting and push buttons to hear bird calls and thunderstorms. A chandelier it's not lavish, just plastic panels and LED lights strung together with cables hangs down the center, illuminating the space in gentle red, blue and green hues.

The stair, designed by Rezan Prananta and a team from the Denver architecture firm Shears Adkins Rockmore, has a pleasant vibe and, so far, people are using it.

This holistic attitude is architecture's greatest promise and seems to be steering trends. More and more, landscape architects a subset of the profession that used to enter building ventures late in the planning to finish parking lots and lawns are emerging as project leaders, devising how sites will be organized, used and maintained. These days, they might be the ones to hire building architects to complete their vision.

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Architecture future: How buildings will begin to make our lives better

The owner of a southeastern Wisconsin startup company thinks the building system he has developed could transform the construction industry.

Theres nothing out there like this, said Jim Jendusa, president of Lightweight Structures LLC. This could take off.

Lightweight Structures workers assemble a FORTECO composite frame for the Good Harvest Market store that is being built in Waukesha.

Workers pour concrete on a FORTECO frame at a job site.

Insulation decking is installed between the frames. Rebar is run through the frames. Then concrete is poured over the frames. Lightweight Structures takes the completed wall and floor pieces to the job site and installs them. Once installed, the frames are ready for drywall and the steel pieces come with pre-punched holes for wiring.

The system has numerous advantages, Jendusa said. It is more energy efficient and offers better soundproofing than wood frame construction. It costs considerably less than precast concrete construction.

Our price point is quite a bit less than what is out there in the market, Jendusa said.

Assembly of the frames requires little labor and the system can be installed quickly, both resulting in major cost savings, Jendusa said.

The labor to put this together is very reasonable, he said. Its not that complicated.

The system could be particularly in demand for big box retail construction and high rise construction of commercial and residential buildings, Jendusa said. The reduced costs of the system, improved energy efficiency and better soundproofing make the system a strong fit for high-rise construction and could provide costs savings that help more high-rise buildings get built, he said.

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Wall and floor framing system provides energy efficiency at low cost

On sunny days, Bill Cook likes to check the meter that tracks electricity produced by the solar array installed at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs. If its running the other direction, he says, it means the church is saving money rather than paying for electricity. Cook, who is the chair of the churchs Capital Improvements Committee, is especially proud on those days.

First United, whose project the Post Independent featured over the summer, is just one Garfield County congregation to install energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy systems. Since 2011, Garfield Clean Energy, which is managed by CLEER, has helped 10 church congregations across the county become better energy stewards.

Churches in Parachute, Rifle, Glenwood Springs and Carbondale have invested in solar arrays, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and controls, insulation and LED lighting.

Churches that save money on energy costs will have more funds to focus on their primary mission, said Shelley Kaup, an energy coach for Garfield Clean Energy. They are also practicing good stewardship for the Earth and helping to preserve its resources for future generations.

Such was the case for First United Methodist, when its capital committee forged ahead with major energy upgrades in 2014. Energy efficiency improvements to the sanctuary roof solved longstanding heat loss and water damage issues. And an 11.3-kilowatt solar electric system will offset about half of the churchs annual electricity use.

With the solar panels, it was pretty much a win-win thing because that ended up being a savings of 50 percent, Cook said.

Built in 1940, the church sanctuary has a beautiful interior ceiling, but it had no insulation and no attic where insulation could be placed. Over time, the roof began leaking, damaging the tongue-and-groove ceiling. A full roof replacement would have endangered the planks and exposed timbers and joists key interior design elements that church members wanted to preserve.

So Cook consulted with an engineer and architect along with Kaup for energy coaching. The team recommended replacement of the exterior roof with structural insulated panels, or SIPs. The panels created a thick layer of insulation on the sanctuary roof, and created a strong surface for the installation of solar panels.

Most of the solar electric system was paid for through community grants and rebates, with energy coaching guidance from Kaup.

CLEER made us aware that rebates were available, Cook said. It was nice to have people helping us who are closely involved with energy conservation; they know about these programs that are going on.

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10 Garfield churches take steps to boost energy efficiency