For healthy family fun in the summertime, nothing beats the enjoyment of a backyard swimming pool. But hot summer days are numbered, especially if you live in the Northeast, and no one wants to swim in cold, uncomfortable water. So before you dive into an investment this deep, be sure to consider the many benefits of pool heat pumps to keep your water warm and inviting.

One of the most economical and energy-efficient ways to warm an outdoor pool, a pool heat pump uses a small amount of electricity to capture heat from the outside air and transfer it to the pool’s water. Unlike conventional oil or gas pool heaters that generate heat by burning fossil fuels, heat pump pool heaters are environmentally friendly and offer significant benefits for homeowners in the Northeast, from efficient, quiet operation and long-term performance to reduced fuel costs and a longer swimming season.

Starting at around $1,500 for a basic standard unit, pool heat pumps do have a higher start-up price than conventional pool heaters. After the initial purchase and installation, however, these cost-effective heating systems operate at 1/3 the cost of a traditional oil or gas pool heater, saving homeowners serious money on long-term energy usage.

Using the same principles as refrigerators and air conditioners, a swimming pool heat pump pulls water from the pool’s pump as it circulates the pool’s water and passes it through a filter. A fan in the heat pump draws in the outside air and directs it over an evaporator coil. As long as the outside temperature remains above 45°F, liquid refrigerant within the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the outside air and becomes a gas. The warm gas in the coil then passes through a compressor, which increases the heat, creating a very hot gas that then passes through a condenser. The condenser transfers the heat from the hot gas to the cooler pool water as it circulates through the heater. The heated water then returns to the pool. The hot gas, as it flows through the condenser coil, returns to liquid form and back to the evaporator, where the whole process begins anew.

Pool heat pumps are available for both in-ground and above-ground pools and should be sized according to the pool’s surface area as well as the difference between the pool’s water temperature and the average air temperature. Wind exposure, humidity levels, and night temperatures can also affect the heating load of an outdoor pool. Heat pump pool heaters are rated by Btu output and horsepower (hp), with standard sizes ranging from 3.5 hp/75,000 Btu to 6 hp/125,000 Btu.

The energy efficiency of heat pumps for pools is measured by the coefficient of performance, or COP, and ranges from 3.0 to 7.0, with seven being the maximum. This measurement refers to the relation of electrical energy put in and the amount of heat put out. Typically, manufacturers measure the COP by testing a heat pump heater with an outdoor temperature of 80°F and a pool temperature of 80°F.

With proper installation and maintenance, your heat pump pool heater can offer the utmost in efficiency. It’s best to let a qualified pool professional install your heat pump and perform any complicated maintenance and repairs, particularly the initial electrical hookup. Because of a heat pump’s many moving and electrical parts, periodic service and annual tune-ups should also be done by an experienced pool heating professional.

One of the cornerstones of successful small business management is having procedures in place to address technical problems or equipment repair needs. When essential office equipment, such as copiers, fax machines, and computers break down, it can take a heavy toll on business productivity and customer service. Malfunctioning computers or computer networks can also result in the loss of important documents and data, missed deadlines, or vulnerability to Internet security threats.

Establishing a relationship, early on, with a dependable copier repair, fax repair, and computer service can be vital to the ability of a small business to operate efficiently and profitably. When vital equipment breaks down, it can adversely affect the quality of client communication, record keeping procedures, and profitability.

One aspect of effective business planning that’s often overlooked or postponed by small business owners involves anticipating problems and developing plans for dealing with them. Having a list of prescreened technical services, such as computer repair, fax repair, and copier repair service can shorten downtime and help ensure that problems are fixed correctly, the first time around.

Although this may not be a realistic goal for all businesses, the ideal scenario would be to find one dependable technical services company that provides small business IT support in addition to copier, business fax machine, and computer repair. Finding local technology services that are dependable and affordable is a business management practice that can help keep a small business on an even keel when things go wrong.

If your office equipment is new, it probably came with a service contract or warranty. If that’s the case, your need for computer repair services or a copier repair service may already be taken care of. However, service contracts can expire when you’re busy running a business and managing employees, so it’s always good to be prepared with a backup plan.

As with any kind of service professional or business, the best way to identify dependable contractors is through a trusted referral. That’s one of the benefits of participating in local business organizations and networking groups. Not only can you share potential sales leads and management techniques, but you can also compare notes on local companies that provide good fax repair service, Canon copier repair service, and business computer services. In some LinkedIn social networking groups, it’s also appropriate to ask group members if they have any recommendations for a local computer networking company, a business fax machine repair service, or a reputable firm that provides IT technical support.

If you’re just starting out in business or you haven’t had a chance to develop your professional network, you can always ask your business accountant, attorney, or commercial landlord if they know of any dependable office machine repair services or small business IT support companies in the area.

Most of us pay regular attention to cleanliness inside our homes, but we often forget to keep up with the outside in the same way. However, exterior home elements, such as siding, decks, and garden structures, get dirty just like interior carpets, floors, and walls. If you notice that your outside walls or deck surfaces are looking a little lackluster, getting a professional pressure washing business on the job can make a huge difference. Keeping your home’s exterior clean will keep your property looking great and ensure that your exterior remains in good condition for as long as possible.

Cleaning your siding or your deck requires a different approach than most of us are used to, or even have the capacity to do on our own. No matter how much you scrub, typical cleaning tools, solutions, and efforts simply won’t cut it when it comes to the exterior of your home. This is because, over time, dirt, pollen, and mold actually become embedded in exterior surfaces. This doesn’t mean that you, as a homeowner, have done anything wrong–it’s simply the reality of those surfaces’ exposure to the elements day in and day out. That said, however, you don’t have to let the elements simply have their way. Call a power washing pro to get out all of that debris! Power washing works by applying a combination of pressurized water, heat, and detergent to the outside surfaces of your home. Your cleaning professional will hook up his or her pressure washer machine to your water source, then apply the solution to the surfaces that you want cleaned using even, steady strokes. This will get out all of the embedded grime without damaging anything, leaving a beautiful, clean surface behind.

Just like deep cleaning your carpets or washing your walls, a pressure wash treatment isn’t something you need to do all the time. The microscopic debris that causes your home’s exterior to look a little world-weary doesn’t accumulate overnight, so there’s no reason to clean it off constantly. However, building in a power washing session to your home upkeep schedule on a regular basis–say, once a year–is a great way to keep your home looking in peak condition. This regular deep cleaning will also help those outside surfaces stay in good repair over the long term. When you regularly remove all the stuff that can get embedded in your siding or deck surfaces, you help preempt any deterioration that that debris might cause. Your power washing professional will also be able to bring to your attention any structural issues that they find or observe during the cleaning process. Armed with that information, you can address and repair any minor problems before they cause major damage.

Pressure washing is a simple and effective way to clean the outside surfaces of your home. This cleaning work has an immediate, positive impact on the look of your property, and, when done regularly, helps keep the outside of your home in good condition in the long term.

Durability and longevity are two of the most important factors when it comes to floors for commercial and high-traffic spaces. That’s precisely why linoleum and VCT (vinyl composition tile) flooring is so popular in schools, office buildings, commercial properties, and everywhere else floors need to be able to stand up to daily use and abuse. However, despite their sturdy construction and long-lasting attractiveness, VCT and linoleum floors need to be maintained properly to keep performing and looking their best for years and years.

Over time, VCT and linoleum can develop scratches, dings, and even yellowing in their protective wax coating. But unlike other flooring materials like laminate or carpet that have to be replaced when they start to show their age, linoleum and VCT can be refinished through a process of stripping, waxing, and buffing.

Linoleum and VCT floors are typically covered in several layers of wax. This creates a wear coat that’s subjected to the scratching, scrubbing, and rough treatment of heavy traffic. It’s when these wax layers begin to deteriorate that you need to have your floors stripped and refinished. Keep in mind that re-waxing your floors is about more than just superficial looks; because the wax protects your floors, it can help them last longer and look better over the course of their entire life span. By having your floors refinished, you can keep them in top condition for longer.

VCT and linoleum refinishing is a relatively straightforward process, but because it requires special tools and chemicals, it’s best to have your office cleaning service tackle the job rather than trying to take it on yourself. First, a chemical stripping agent and floor scrubber will be used to remove all of the old wax and floor sealer, if applicable. Once all of the wax has been eliminated, several coats of fresh new wax will be evenly applied across the entire floor. The wax is then buffed to a gleaming, sparkling luster.

Today, most flooring tiles referred to as “linoleum” are actually synthetic VCT tiles composed of a vinyl material. True linoleum, made primarily from natural substances such as linseed oil, is found less often. To preserve the best appearance of your flooring, make sure your cleaning service knows whether the floor is actually linoleum or VCT. Some floor strippers can irreparably damage real linoleum, so it’s important that your janitorial service understand which products should be used for your flooring.

Oftentimes, the wax on your floors can slowly yellow as it ages, making your flooring look dingier than it really is. With the old wax removed and a smooth, clear new layer of wax applied to your linoleum or VCT floors, you’ll be amazed at how clean and fresh they’ll look. Buffed to a shine by your professional cleaning service, your newly refinished floors are ready to go on helping your commercial space look great for years to come.

Basement remodels can expand your square footage, but they do have a few different requirements from other remodeling projects. Keep egress and moisture prevention issues in mind from the planning stages, and these concerns will not add excessive complications to remodeling your basement.

Finishing the basement is one of the most common residential remodeling projects in the country. When you think about it, it makes sense: by taking advantage of the unfinished space you already have in your basement, you can increase the square footage of your home without having to build a whole new addition. But whether you’re planning on having a remodeling contractor in to do the work, or you are considering tackling your own basement finishing project, it’s important to remember that remodeling basements requires a few special considerations. Educating yourself on these specific issues is the first step toward a successful basement remodel!

Egress

Residential building codes, although varying by municipality, all require two ways out of a bedroom, no matter where it is located in your home. Called “egress,” this is to provide safe exit for occupants in the event of a fire or other emergency in which one of the exits has been blocked. For ground-floor and upstairs bedrooms, this second way out is easily accomplished with a window, but for basement bedrooms, the situation can be more difficult. Installing a window as a basement emergency exit is certainly doable, but it definitely requires more planning. For starters, most basement egress windows will require a window well to hold back surrounding soils and provide passage to the outside. The window will also have to meet specific size requirements:

• 20 in. minimum width
• 24 in. minimum height
• 5.7 sq. ft. minimum opening size
• 44 in. maximum height from floor to bottom of window

These numbers reflect the common egress requirements according to IRC code, but be sure to check with your area building inspector for the exact regulations in your area. Also, keep in mind that window styles like casement windows often open in a way that can obstruct part of the opening, so the minimum area for egress will have to be calculated for the actual opening size, not just the size of the window frame.

Moisture

Because of water in the surrounding soil, basements tend to have moisture issues. That’s typically not a huge deal when the basement area is just used for storage or a hobby shop, but if you’re planning to finish your basement into living space, you’ll need to eliminate the moisture first. Water can ruin building materials and foster mold growth, creating unsightly stains, structural weakness, and even health problems for your family. Depending on the extent of your wet basement issues, there are a variety of different solutions. Most minor problems can be resolved by sealing any cracks with a flexible crack sealer (like an epoxy) and sealing the interior foundation walls with a water-blocking paint. Dehumidifiers can also help keep moisture in the air from condensing in the basement. However, for major water issues, you may need to install an interior French drain system or consider a sump pump. These solutions do require professional installation, but they can handle large volumes of water and provide you with the peace of mind that your basement remodel won’t be ruined by damp.

Basement remodels can be an extremely cost-effective way to expand your home’s square footage. However, due to their subterranean construction, basements require some special considerations when it comes to remodeling. With a little planning, neither moisture prevention nor basement egress windows will be prohibitively expensive or excessively complicated, but it does make it easier to keep these requirements in mind from the very beginning stages of your basement finishing job. For more information on specific local codes for remodeling basements, make certain you contact your local planning board or building code inspector.

Your work space should fulfill two basic roles: it should represent your business well and it should foster good workplace attitude and productivity. When your office space is dirty or unkempt, that not only reflects poorly on the organization, but it also makes it more difficult for workers to complete their tasks. In order to address both of these issues, contact your local commercial cleaning services provider to find out about the various office cleaning options available. When you contact a cleaning company to help maintain your workplace, you’re sending a positive message to anyone who visits the space, and to the people who work there. These cleaning experts will be able to help with both regular cleaning services and other, less frequent cleaning tasks–whatever you need done, they’ll provide competent, timely service to keep your workplace running smoothly and looking good.

Maintaining cleanliness on a daily basis in the workplace is extremely important. If there is excess trash, grime, or odors in an office space, no one is going to look forward to coming to work there. Those elements not only create an unpleasant environment, but they also serve as distractions to workers, which means that workers will have a more difficult time doing their work. In addition to that, no client is going to want to do business with a company that doesn’t take care of the space that it occupies. The good news is that office cleaning experts are able to provide regular cleaning and janitorial services to address any workplace cleaning tasks that you need to have managed. Every office space is different, so the first thing to do is to determine exactly what you need done, and how often. Your cleaning service representative will be able to work with you to figure out the best setup for your company so that your workplace stays clean, pleasant, and positive.

In addition to providing regular cleaning options, professional cleaning services can also help your company coordinate less frequent cleaning tasks that are just as necessary as the daily ones. Whether you want to employ these experts to clean all the office carpets once a year or to do bi-monthly window cleaning, your cleaning professionals can help you with any job. These larger tasks may not need to be done as frequently as cleaning the office bathrooms, for example, but they are no less instrumental in demonstrating your care for your workers and your clients. Doing these types of large-scale tasks can help to periodically invigorate the workplace with new energy and can also be instrumental in presenting the space and the company in the best light possible if there’s any kind of special event happening. Whatever your reason for doing a big cleaning task, your office cleaning service will make sure that it’s done impeccably so as to best show off and benefit your company.

Keeping your office space clean can make a huge difference in how people feel about working there and how clients feel about doing business there. In order to keep your workplace looking nice and running smoothly, contact your local professional cleaning services provider. These experts will be able to assist you with regular cleaning and janitorial services, such as keeping your restrooms clean, and with less frequent cleaning tasks, like carpet cleaning. Call a cleaning service company today to see how they can help you and your business.

If you’ve been in a collision or if your car has simply suffered normal wear and tear, you need to make sure that you get any potential problems checked out at one of the auto body shops in your area, even if the damage doesn’t look serious. Professionally trained technicians will be able to evaluate any external or internal issues and get your car back on the road looking and driving its best.

Your car represents an investment, and so it’s in your best interest to take care of any body or frame issues with the vehicle right away when they come up. In addition to that, your safety, and that of other drivers, on the road depends on having a fully functional car. If your car has been damaged, call your local auto body shop right away to set up an appointment to have it looked at even if the damage seems minor. These professionals will be able to accurately asses the extent of any problem and have the tools and materials on hand to fix whatever is wrong. Then, when you pick your car up you’ll be able to drive away knowing that your car is in great, safe condition.

Little problems such as scratched paint or dents may not impair your car’s ability to drive, but they certainly affect the look of the vehicle and the image that you project to others. Additionally, some seemingly minor damage can actually signal larger problems. If you’ve been in a collision, for example, a dent on the surface of your car may actually only be an outward sign of more extensive internal damage. Scratched paint may not seem like a big deal on its own, but if left untreated, it can lead to rust damage that will slowly eat away at your car’s exterior. In order to protect your car in the long term, getting minor surface damage checked out by an auto body repairer is essential. They will be able to survey the whole vehicle, find out the extent of the damage, and take appropriate steps to fix it. You’ll protect your investment and will end up with a car that will look great for years to come.

When it comes to internal damage, it is also sometimes hard to tell if there’s a problem. In many cases, you’ll know right away that there’s an issue because your car doesn’t work properly, but your car can still drive fine even if there’s some damage to the frame. Having a properly aligned frame, though, is central to how safe your car is, so even if your car can be driven, that doesn’t mean it should be. The frame is designed to act in a certain way in the event of a collision, so if it is at all compromised, you are putting yourself and anyone who rides with you in unnecessary danger. If you’ve experienced any type of collision that may have affected the internal structure of your car, call your local body repair shop immediately. They can perform tests, frame repairs, and realignments to make sure that your car’s structure conforms to industry safety standards. By taking your car in, you’ll be secure in the knowledge that your vehicle is in the best possible shape.

Auto body shops can address all kinds of car-related repairs, from fixing damaged paint to straightening the entire frame of your car. For your own safety and for the sake of your car itself, call your local repair shop as soon as you have any type of auto body issue.