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Adding a Cigar Room at Home? The Right HVAC System Makes All the Difference

It’s every cigar enthusiast’s dream—a room at home where you can enjoy the pleasures of the hobby without worrying about residual aromas or smoking up the house. As you might expect, there are a lot of logistics to consider to make it happen, first and foremost being an HVAC setup that can handle the job. So we asked A.N. Roth’s General Manager Richard Roth for some pointers on planning the perfect cigar room for your layout…

What kinds of HVAC systems work best for a cigar room?

Assuming the cigar room is a place to smoke and not store cigars, the best option is a ventilation system that exhausts the smoke while in use and replaces it with outside air. Called a DOAS (dedicated outside air system), this unit is a great solution in terms of performance, but can be expensive and often a challenge to install. Because the outdoor air is seldom ideal for indoor comfort, the ventilation equipment is specially designed to handle the extremes of seasonal temperatures, which leads to a premium price tag.

A more cost-effective solution would be a combination of exhaust, fresh outside air, and filtration capable of handling smoke particulate. With this kind of system, you can expect the room to get a bit smokey while in use, but to recover with fresh air in time. The good news is, like with a DOAS, the room maintains negative pressure relative to the rest of the building so no smoke would leave the cigar room, keeping the house smoke- and odor-free.  There is a bit of added maintenance, however. The filters become loaded with smoke and tar, requiring frequent cleaning or replacement.

How much space is usually needed for a separate cigar room HVAC system?  

It really depends on the size of the room and expectations of performance. A DOAS is usually a self-contained outdoor unit that requires a run of ducting to and from the room. You can expect to use approximately a 10’x10′ area outside for the unit, which then connects to the necessary duct pathways inside the home.

A non-DOAS system also requires space for hardware, though not as much. An 8’x 8′ room plus pathways for exhaust and fresh air ducts will usually suffice. However, the system size is ultimately determined by the size of the cigar room.

When building a cigar room, at what point in the construction process should homeowner’s contact an HVAC professional?

Getting an HVAC professional to help with the plans should be the first thing you do, even before talking to an architect or designer. They can determine whether there’s enough space for HVAC hardware and where the ventilation pathways should be placed. Otherwise, you might design a room and layout you love, only to find out the equipment you need won’t fit or work within your parameters.

If you are interested in adding a cigar room to your home or have questions about the process or equipment required, please Contact Us today!

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Choosing the Right Generator for Your Home and HVAC System

We’ve all been there. A power outage knocks out electricity in the home and with no air conditioning or heating, inside temperatures can become extreme. That’s why homeowners are increasingly turning to generators to ensure their systems can continue to run when the power grid fails. If you’re thinking of adding a generator to your setup, here are a few things to consider…

Finding the Right Generator for the Job

Not every generator can manage the amount of electricity your home will need during an outage. Specifically, portable generators like the ones you find at your local home improvement store likely will not provide enough power and can potentially lead to electrical damage during power peaks. We always recommend permanent, stand-by generators to ensure you can keep things running safely and effectively. But even stand-by generators should be sized appropriately for the items you want to keep running when the power goes out. So ask yourself: Do you want to simply keep the pipes from freezing, the sump pump running, and the fridge and freezer cold? If so, a small generator would probably do the trick. However, if you want no drop in quality of life, including full HVAC functionality, a larger whole-house unit is best. While these do come at a higher price tag and may require an additional gas line and a larger meter, the peace of mind is priceless. Although A. N. Roth does not install stand-by generators, we can recommend a qualified installer who can do a walkthrough of your home to perform a load calculation to properly size a unit that can handle your needs.

Location Is Everything

Placement of your generator requires careful thought. They can be relatively noisy when running, so placing them near a bedroom may not be ideal, especially if it ever needs to run for several days at a time. But more importantly, natural gas and propane generators release carbon monoxide exhaust which can be deadly if not managed properly. Generators should be installed so that the exhaust is vented away from doors and windows. It’s also a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide detector as an added failsafe. Another thing to consider is that exhaust puts out heat that can negatively affect landscaping. A qualified installer will help you find the perfect spot in terms of safety and convenience.

Maintenance Is Key

Regular maintenance is required for all stand-by systems. Generators will need to be exercised weekly, which means turning them on and letting them run for about 15 minutes. As a result, even if you don’t experience a power outage, the generator’s oil and air filter will need to be changed annually. Regular maintenance also helps you get familiar with your unit so when you do have an outage, you know how everything works and how to check and maintain the oil level.

Leave Installation to the Professionals

Installing a whole-house, stand-by generator is not a task to be taken lightly. It involves accessing your high voltage electrical panel, running new gas lines, and possibly even upsizing your gas meter. While to some these may not sound like perilous tasks, working with electricity and gas is best left to professionals. Even the smallest leak or issue can mean big problems down the line.  However, when installed correctly, a stand-by generator can do wonders to quell the worry and inconvenience brought on by unexpected outages.

 If you have any questions about installing a generator at your home or business, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us today!

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A Pet Owner’s Guide to Better Air Quality at Home

There’s no question our furry little friends do a lot to brighten up our lives. But for some of us—especially those with pets that shed excessively—it can be a struggle to keep the hair and dander (and allergies!) at bay. We asked A.N. Roth’s General Manager Richard Roth for some helpful HVAC tips for pet owners and here’s what he had to say…

Is there a specific schedule you recommend to pet owners for changing their HVAC filters?  

If you’re using a 1” pleated filter, we recommend checking the filter when once per month. To tell if the pleated filter is dirty, you can hold it up to the light and verify it is still opaque or that you can see light through it, which means it’s still got some life left in it. Just because the white media has turned grey doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ready to be replaced. Once you get a feel for how often you need to change your filter, you should set a reminder on your calendar. It’s also a good idea to write the current date on the filter when you replace it.  We also recommend at least a MERV 8 filter and no higher than a MERV 11 for 1″ filters.

Another thing to be aware of with shedding animals is keeping return air grilles clean. This is the side of the system that pulls air in so pet hair can collect on the grille surfaces and restrict flow. Regularly checking the grilles and cleaning out the collected hair can be just as critical as checking the filters when it comes to alleviating pet hair and dander.

Should I be doing anything different for cats vs. dogs? 

When it comes to dogs, if your pet has access to your outdoor unit, it may choose your air conditioner as a regular spot to lift its leg. Over time the acidity of pet urine can dissolve the aluminum fins and ruin the performance of the system. It’s always best to encourage them to do their business elsewhere.

Do you recommend a specific air filtration system for pet owners?  

If protecting your HVAC equipment is your primary goal, a MERV 8 pleated filter will do the job, but we recommend using a MERV 11 if available. You can find a quality, reasonably priced MERV 11 filter at A.N. Roth’s online filter store. If you’re trying to catch particulate-sized pet dander, you’ll need to consider a polarized media filter or a HEPA style like the IQ Air Perfect 16.  More information about both of these can be found in the Healthy Home section of our website.

Is there anything an HVAC system can do to help with pet odor?  

Generally, odors should be handled at the source (that means you, Fido!), but there is technology that can be added to your HVAC system to neutralize odors. We use products called the PureAirX FM2 and RM2, which are UVC systems that produce a small amount of ozone. When applied correctly, ozone will mix in the air moving through the duct system, neutralize odor, and dissipate before leaving the duct system. This is the same process Mother Nature uses to neutralize odors by using sun rays, oxygen, and water present in our environment. (Click here for a more in depth video on the topic.)

If you have any other questions about HVAC and your pets or any other issue related to your home’s heating and air conditioning system, call A. N. Roth at 502.584.8502 or contact us today.

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Q&A with Richard Roth: Energy Efficient Ways to Heat & Cool Your Home on a Budget

As we say goodbye to the winter’s cold and prepare for the upcoming change in weather, we thought we’d ask A.N. Roth’s General Manager Richard Roth for some pointers on heating and cooling your home without breaking the household budget.

What are some simple things homeowners can do to reduce heating and air conditioning needs throughout the year?

A couple of really simple things to do in the summer would be to close your blinds and use ceiling fans. In the winter, you want to do the opposite. You’d be surprised how much heat the sun can generate in the home, as well as how much a fan can help you feel more comfortable at high temperatures. But for those looking to better address high bills or comfort issues, I suggest an energy audit performed by a home performance professional. The audit typically includes an infiltrometer test, infrared thermography, and sometimes a duct blaster test. I find this is the best way to get actual results. We always refer clients to Building Performance Group here in town, who are very thorough and helpful.

For those who have a traditional HVAC system, are there most efficient ways to use it?

This can be a loaded question. Generally speaking, programming a gas furnace in the winter when you aren’t home can save money. But programming an air conditioner is another story because we are also dealing with moisture removal.  I generally tell customers with conventional furnaces and AC to program heating for savings and AC for comfort. By this I mean furnaces are almost always oversized to efficiently heat the house when it is 0 degrees outside. In other words, they usually have plenty of capacity to catch up.

AC units on the other hand are sized to keep the house around 72-75 degrees when it’s 91-93 degrees outside. That means they usually don’t have lots of extra capacity. So programming for comfort means if you like it colder when you sleep, allow the thermostat to drop the temperature for sleeping but do not set the temp high when you are gone because you may not be able to recover on hot days. The AC also works much harder and uses more watts of electricity when it’s trying to recover in extreme conditions. That could add to your monthly bill.

For those with heat-pumps, these systems usually have electric resistance supplemental heat which costs 2 to 4 times as much to operate. This is important to know because if you let the house get too cold and try to warm it up the thermostat will usually use the electric resistance heat to recover.

If radiant or geothermal are beyond your budget, are there other options in traditional systems that are more environmentally friendly?  

This is another tricky question to answer because low operating cost doesn’t always mean more environmentally friendly. Generally in the U.S., the push is for electrification so I usually encourage clients to electrify their house as practically as possible. The first step is to make your home as easy to heat and cool as possible. That’s why, as mentioned before, I always recommend a home performance test. A high efficiency heat pump is also something to consider. Since heat pumps run the entire cooling season and most of the heating season, investing in a higher end unit pays off.  In contrast, air conditioners run about 1/3 of the operating hours per year as a heat-pump and the lifespan is about 75%, so there are less operating hours to recoup investment dollars.

For environmentally-motivated clients, we push them towards inverter compressor systems. When these first came out they were only in very high-end units but now there are mid-tier product offerings so you are getting most of the same utility and comfort without the Ferrari price tag.

As you can see, while there are some basic things you can do to keep costs down in the height of winter and summer, it’s not always that simple. However, with a little help or an upgrade or two you can find the right balance of comfort and expense. If you have other questions about heating and cooling on a budget, please CONTACT US. We love to talk shop!

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New Energy Efficiency Standards Coming in 2023

On January 1, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) is making critical changes to the minimum energy efficiency standards and installation requirements for newly-manufactured air conditioners and heat pumps—and they are a bit different depending on whether you live in Kentucky or Indiana.

Here’s what you need to know…

Increases to Minimum Efficiency Requirements

The new DOE standards will increase the minimum efficiency of residential equipment approximately 7%, or the equivalent of 1 SEER point and .6 HSPF for most equipment. OEM ratings will be based on a new test procedure and result in new metrics — SEER2, HSPF2, and EER2.

Requirements for Installation and Manufacture Differ by Region

There will also be different date-of-installation and date-of-manufacture requirements based on product type and by region. In the North (which includes Indiana), the sale of residential air conditioning units built prior to January 1, 2023 is permitted on or after January 1, 2023, but newly manufactured SEER2, EER2 products must meet the 2023 minimum requirements in addition to being tested to a new DOE test procedure.

Units in the Southwest and Southeast (which includes Kentucky) are classified as date-of-installation products and must be completely installed no later than December 31, 2022.  AC units that do not meet the new 2023 SEER/EER minimums can’t be legally sold.

Have Questions?

Needless to say, A. N. Roth always takes every precaution to ensure our new installs meet every requirement. If you’d like to know more about the new standards and how they might affect your HVAC project, please give us a call and we can run you through the finer details. You can also click HERE for comprehensive regulatory resources including downloadable summary sheets and guidebooks.

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Geothermal Buyers Benefit Big from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The Senate recently passed the sprawling Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 with over $370 Billion for energy and climate programs. Included are some valuable tax credits for Geothermal customers!

Residential Geothermal Tax Credit:

  • Increases credit to 30% through 2032
  • Reduces to 26% in 2033
  • Reduces to 22% in 2034
  • 0% in 2035
  • Credit takes effect immediately and is retroactive to Jan 1, 2022

Commercial Geothermal Tax Credit:

  • 30% credit for 10 years through 2032
  • Direct IRS payment for tax-exempt entities, and state, local, and tribal governments
  • Additional 10% credit for products that are substantively made in the United States
  • Section 179D deduction increased from $1.80 to $5.00/ft2 for building owners or for designers of tax-exempt projects

To read more about the bill and how it helps Geothermal customers, click here or read the full bill here. If you’d like to learn more about adding geothermal to your home or business, let’s talk!

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Looking for a sustainable, renewable and cost-effective way to heat and cool your home? Hint: it’s right below your feet.

Looking for a sustainable, renewable and cost-effective way to heat and cool your home? Hint: it’s right below your feet.

Conventional heating and cooling is not the most sustainable or environmentally friendly concept as it uses non-renewable fuel sources like coal or fossil fuels. The answer to a better energy source is just under your feet: Geothermal Energy.

Still largely untapped in the HVAC market, geothermal energy is completely renewable, like wind or solar power, but it is more reliable. Geothermal energy can be used at any time and it is consistently the same. The reason for this is the temperature of the earth remains constant and temperate, unlike the outside temperature, which can range from burning hot summer to freezing cold winter. This is truly a greener solution to comfort.

Better yet, it is a system that you get rewarded for using. Currently through the end of 2022, the government is offering a 26% tax credit for geothermal energy installations. Read more about this under “Benefits” below.

How to get a Geothermal System

The key component of a geothermal system is an earth loop, which is a pipe system buried underground right at the point where the temperature is a consistent 50 to 55 degrees. The first step is to determine what kind of earth loop is best for your property. The three most common are vertical, horizontal or pond loops. The most common in the Louisville area are vertical due to the vast amount of limestone close to the surface. All loop types are equally effective if designed and installed properly.

Installing the geothermal system is the most expensive part of this process with the upfront costs of the earth loop. There is the cost of the system and the cost of drilling down into the earth to implement the earth loop, thus disrupting the landscape temporarily. Both of these are short-term issues as the landscaping can be repaired and the earth loop will pay dividends because once it is installed, it should last the life of the home.

Homes can be retrofitted to include a geothermal system or one can be installed in a newly-built home.

Benefits

Maintenance

These systems are known for being low maintenance. Routine maintenance is recommended and includes the same procedures that conventional systems require. The difference is instead of cleaning an outdoor unit, service technicians will check pressures on the earth loops and take temperatures.

Tax Credit Advantage

A 26% federal tax credit for residential ground source heat pump installations has been extended through December 31, 2022, so act quickly to save the most on your installation.

Long-Term Solution

Not only do earth loops last about a hundred years, geothermal equipment in general lasts much longer than conventional equipment, up to 25 years. Depending on your home’s fuel type and utility rates, most systems can pay for themselves in less than half their usable life.

Water Heating Included

Geothermal systems are not just for heating the air. They can also incorporate water heating, which allows for domestic water heating, radiant floor heating and sometimes even pool heating. This heating source is much more efficient than natural gas or propane.

Conclusion

The potential for geothermal energy is huge, especially since it can meet heating, cooling and electricity demands all while having a negligible carbon footprint. Right now, it is very underutilized, not because of its performance, but because of its upfront costs. Expect to pay a little more in the beginning for installation and equipment and then know that your costs will never be that high again. Consistency is the key with this renewable and reliable energy source.

To learn more about how A.N. Roth can bring geothermal to your home, call us at 502-584-8503 or CONTACT US through our website today. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Here at A.N. Roth Company, our saying is “Don’t Wait for It to Break”

Instead of praying that your furnace or AC is working when the temperature changes outside, why not ensure that your house is going to be comfortable year-round? Or better yet, why not have a professional check to see that all systems are functioning and thriving, taking your worry away?

Yes, you can protect your household with routine preventative maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment. The easiest way to do this is to enroll in our Performance Plus Service Plan that ensures year-round coverage.

The Performance Plus Service Plan provides twice-a-year preventive maintenance for your heating and cooling equipment by one of our licensed technicians.  At your request, we can even custom design the most appropriate and economical blend of coverage for your home or office system.

While maintenance is not usually top of mind, it is just like any other aspect of your life —keeping your systems maintained ensures a longer life, a higher-quality performance and peace of mind. We propose that your system is checked twice a year to ensure this. Fall service checks for the upcoming winter and spring service checks for the upcoming summer months.

Here are the integral reasons for having a maintenance plan:

  1. All HVAC systems, from the most expensive to the most affordable, are not perfect and they can break. Maintenance checks can keep your system operating to its optimal levels.
  2. If a repair part is needed Plan Members get a free extended warranty on the repair.
  3. Plan Members also receive priority service if a breakdown happens. This means you get bumped to the front of the line.
  4. The life expectancy of your HVAC system will increase exponentially with professional maintenance twice a year. Think of a lifespan of 20+ years rather than a neglected system that lasts less than 10 years max.
  5. Cost savings are premier here. It is much less expensive to maintain your system than it is to incur costs from big repairs. As part of this maintenance plan, there is also a 15% discount on all repairs.

While the above five reasons are all important, this final reason is the most important:

A.N. Roth Company’s highest priority is customer service.

These maintenance plans are intended to save our customers valuable time, money and worry. By focusing on our customer’s needs first, we hope to have your business and support over and over. 

Here is a detailed list of what is included in our Performance Plus Checklist for your furnace:

  • Inspect and clean the burner assembly to improve combustion.
  • Tune burners or gas pressure for more efficient combustion, saving energy.
  • Clean ignition assembly to ensure reliable operation on demand.
  • Test the furnaces combustion efficiency with a combustion analyzer. This ensures the heat exchangers are sounds and the furnace is safe to operate.
  • Verify Flue Draft to ensure dangerous gas by-products are properly venting to the outdoors and flue pipes are free from obstruction.
  • Inspect Flue Pipe to ensure no corrosion is present which can lead to cracks and the introduction of dangerous fumes into your home.
  • Inspect Controls & Safeties to keep operating costs low and prevent failures.
  • Verify blower is on proper fan speed.
  • Check filters to reduce energy use, reduce overheating, improve indoor air quality, and improve comfort (filters additional).
  • Check blower assembly to extend motor life, improve air quality, and reduce sound.
  • Check air flow to ensure proper air flow across the heat exchanger.
  • Visually Inspect duct connections at the equipment.
  • Inspect electrical connections to ensure uninterrupted system operation.
  • Measure & record voltage & amperage to identify baseline operating conditions.
  • Check for gas leaks at furnace.

To learn more or to sign up for our Performance Plus Service Plan, call us at 502-584-8503 or CONTACT US through our website today. We look forward to hearing from you!

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A.N. Roth Offers Long-Term Career Opportunities Different From Other HVAC Companies

For those in the HVAC industry, the pandemic did not slow the workload or the need for service. But throughout the pandemic, A.N. Roth stayed the course, steadily serving its loyal customers. They have a business that has stood the test of time; starting in 1866, this family company is now in its fifth generation.

Currently, A.N Roth is hiring. Working at A.N. Roth looks different than other HVAC companies. This is because A.N. Roth is offering not just a job, but a career. And not just a career, but a career lifestyle that is more family-friendly. A.N. Roth views hiring and retention as an investment.  Employees are the heart of an operation and deserve to be valued.

What differentiates A.N. Roth from its peers in the industry?

The answer is their company culture and their core values. Here’s an explanation of what is important to A.N. Roth and why.

  1. Investment in Employee Education and Training – A.N. Roth helps its new technicians get the appropriate education and licensing so that they can master their trade. It also invests in its employee’s continuing education and training. There are always opportunities for advancement in this company.
  1. Sustainable Lifestyle – Unlike many of the other HVAC companies locally, A.N. Roth’s employees have a consistent low-pressure schedule. Work weeks average 40 hours with very little overtime. There is not a high-pressure sales mentality. There are few weekend or night emergencies.
  1. Steady Work – A.N. Roth fosters a culture of consistency with a loyal clientele, both residential and light commercial. Employees have a normal workday schedule, where they arrive at work and receive their schedule.
  1. Highest quality products – A.N. Roth is known for having top of the line products and using innovative technology. Sustainable solutions are a part of this company’s repertoire. For example, they specialize in radiant flooring and hydronics – a most modern option. There will always be a demand for this technology, hence always a steady workload.

The pandemic brought many things to light in regard to careers, work life balance and workplace cultures. What is important is being able to have a career and a life, all while working in an environment that is sustainable to your overall health and welfare. Working at a family company, with a familial atmosphere, is optimal for many.

Benefits are ideal here:

  • Very competitive wages
  • Medical
  • Vacation pay
  • Retirement
  • Company car (for some positions)
  • Steady consistent work schedule
  • Little overtime or weekend work

Please contact A.N. Roth by calling (502) 584-8503 or visit our website to apply here: https://anroth.com/careers/

 

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Renovating your historic home? Consider your HVAC system FIRST.

Renovating a historic home is a commonplace occurrence. What is not commonplace is considering the “thermal envelope” of the historic home BEFORE renovations occur.

What exactly is a “thermal envelope”?

A thermal envelope includes everything on a house that shields the interior from the exterior elements: exterior walls, doors, windows. All of these elements contribute to having either a tight thermal envelope (good) or a loose thermal envelope (bad). A tight thermal envelope has little heating or cooling loss; a loose thermal envelope includes drafts and discomfort.

That being said, it’s important to consider that older homes were built during times when central heating and air were rudimentary or, in many cases, non-existent. Present day, we demand certain amenities that might be difficult to achieve in an older home. The major amenity we desire is a perfectly controlled indoor climate, no matter what the weather conditions or temperature is outside.

It is necessary to determine how to attain this ideal level of interior comfort before you renovate.

Here are some important considerations before renovation:

Find the Breaches in your Thermal Envelope

This involves doing a blower door test to find the breaches from the attic to the basement. This test determines where the leaks exist so that the house can be shored up, tightening the thermal envelope. Fixes include installing energy efficient/weatherproof doors and windows, enhancing insulation and adding air sealing to your house.

A common breach involves the Stack Effect (read our blog about this here), which is a very real problem in many of these historic homes. Essentially, this is the way air moves in and out of a building. Warm air rises, going out of the top of the house in the winter. While the warm air is moving out the top, cold air is pulled in through the lower floors. The summer brings the opposite effect: cold air falls to the bottom floors while hot air is sucked in through the upper floors.

2. Ductwork

As we stated before, historic homes were built during a time when central heating and air was not the norm. As a result, the ductwork in these homes can be too small, old and even leaky. Assessing the viability of your ducts before renovating is crucial to the future comfort of your home. A new HVAC system cannot operate with a faulty delivery system. Your HVAC professional can determine if your current ductwork can be salvaged, modified or if it needs to be replaced.

3. Furnace/Air Conditioner Size

After addressing all breaches to the thermal envelope, the homeowner needs to determine if the HVAC system is an adequate size to comfortably regulate the temperature in the house. Is it too small? Too large? A professional will be able to determine the best size for your house and your needs.

By prioritizing your comfort in your new space with the help of a HVAC specialist, you can stave off future problems that are hard to remedy once construction is complete.

At A.N. Roth Heating and Cooling, the most common problem they see is that they are not asked to get involved with a renovation until AFTER there are comfort issues. General Manager Richard Roth advises that if you don’t address your air sealing and balances before your renovation, “no air conditioner can help you.”

It is difficult to achieve a perfect “new construction” feel in an older home with respect to comfort levels. But with attention to ventilation and temperature which involves improving insulation, making your home energy efficient and air sealing throughout the space, an ideal temperature can be achieved and you can thoroughly enjoy your newly renovated space.

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