Why Most Renovations Start In The Kitchen And What Homeowners Might Be Missing

Posted on May 7, 2013 by admin

TORONTO, May 7, 2013 /CNW/ – Each year, OutRank by Rogers helps small businesses connect with potential customers by securing placement in the results of relevant consumer Google searches. When it comes to general contracting and home renovations, OutRank’s clients appeared in website results for over 2 million of these searches in 2012.

So what is the word most often used by Canadians when searching for a contractor online?

For over 850,000 searches that word is ‘kitchen’. This single room of the house is the focus of 44% of keywords filtered through the OutRank database.

A conversation with contractors helps shed some light on what drives this key search term. “The kitchen is an essential room and people take pride in making sure it’s stunning.” said Nick Rudnicki, contractor and owner of Rude Works. “When you buy a home it’s the place where paperwork is signed. It’s also the reason why so many realtors are great at baking cookies. When most people call or email our company it’s because they feel their kitchen is no longer in style, but I’m from the East coast and we invented the kitchen party, so I get it.”

If the kitchen is the crown jewel of entertaining and the first room that many home buyers notice, it begs the question – what aren’t people searching for that might drive even more value to their homes?

For Rudnicki, “There’s a simple rule to keep in mind before setting a budget for your kitchen reno, take a look at the areas of your home that have gone the longest without being renovated. Kitchens are frequently updated and may not be an indicator of the overall health and efficiency of a home.”

In B.C, Jim Frost of Frost Homes recommends investigating what you can’t see. “Electrical is a big one, especially in heritage homes. Some older homes still have knob and tube wiring. It’s essential to look at areas like these. They can be a major risk to the lasting value of a home. In fact a lot of insurance companies charge a premium if your home is still wired this way.”

Even within the kitchen there is more a homeowner can do. Rudnicki suggests “a quick look for water damage or mold, especially before thinking about a renovation, can help identify big problems before you peel back a floorboard.” For Frost record keeping is essential. “Keep track of jobs that have already been done, especially permitted jobs and who did them”, he advises. “This information can be great to have, especially to share with a contractor before your next renovation.”

OutRank recommends searching for renovators who are equipped to handle more than just kitchen renos; remodeling, refacing, remediation, redesign are unique specialties among general contractors. If you are worried about electrical or piping problems in an old house, a search for a General Contractor who is licensed to deal with these systems can make a big difference. These infrequently used search terms can go a long way to telling you how qualified your contractor is to handle problems that might be invisible when a renovation starts.

“Every search matters,” says Carrie Shaw, Director Of Marketing, Outrank by Rogers. “A search can seem small, but the impact can be huge to a homeowner looking to build their dream home. Standing back and looking at the data as a whole gives context to just how big the home renovations market really is. We want to make sure that not only are we helping our contractors find the best jobs for them, but also that homeowners find the information that matters to them most in a sea of search results.”

In striving to connect the best contractors with the right job, OutRank’s data analysts have outlined 3 tips to help with your next Google renovation search.

Three Tips For Broadening Your Internet Search And Adding Value To Your Home

Know when to search “Licensed” vs. “Unlicensed” Contractors

Each province has its own requirements on what a contractor is required to know before becoming a provincially licensed contractor. For example an Ontario licensed contractor requires a speciality as a Master Electrician. Knowing what skills you’re paying for when you search Licensed General Contractor can save you money or save you heartache.

Add specificity to your search with the 4 R’s: Remodeling, Refacing, Remediation, Redesign

Each of these R’s means something specific in the home improvement world and can improve your search. Remodeling refers to improving a structure, refacing refers to aesthetic changes (frequently in cabinetry and counters), remediation refers to the removal of pollution or contaminants from the home environment and redesign is normally used in reference to changes in layout and aesthetic.

Search for specialists with specific materials

Often subcontractors are necessary for a major redesign or remodel. Specifying the key trouble spots or must haves such as flooring, plumbing, or by preferred material types may help narrow down your search by more than a half million results. A search for “bamboo floors installation Toronto” will yield better results than “hardwood floors” when you know what you want.

About OutRank by Rogers

Rogers is a diversified public Canadian communications and media company. We are Canada’s largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services and one of Canada’s leading providers of cable television, high speed internet and telephony services. Through Rogers Media we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, and sports entertainment. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit www.rogers.com

SOURCE OutRank by Rogers

Kohler Co. Debuts Stunning Guest Rooms at The Carriage House at The American Club Resort

Posted on May 3, 2013 by admin

The last phase of a multi-year renovation is complete with the 55-room annex above the Kohler Waters Spa boasting enhanced rooms, striking decor and unique amenities

KOHLER, Wis., May 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – Kohler Co. announced today the completed renovation of The Carriage House at The American Club resort in Kohler, Wisconsin. The 55-room annex boasts a prime location above the Forbes Five-Star Kohler Waters Spa and offers guests the ultimate KOHLER experience, from Five-Star hospitality to top-of-the-line bathing experiences. The Carriage House renovation is part of a multi-year renovation to the guest rooms at The American Club, one of 45 hotels in the world to be honored with the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond designations.

The Carriage House offers a unique guest experience in a variety of ways, most notably with access to the common areas of the Kohler Waters Spa – a tranquil spa known for its innovative hydrotherapy treatments and top-level service. Guests who stay at The Carriage House also enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cordials, all while never having to leave the comfort of the building. Many guests enjoy the entire facility in their robes, changing only to venture for dinner at one of the 11 restaurants throughout the resort. Each room in The Carriage House also features a KOHLER bathtub for complete relaxation.

The Carriage House has a brand new entrance off Highland Drive, providing guests with a special greeted arrival from the front desk staff. The renovated historic building continues to serve as a brilliant showcase of the company’s plumbing and interiors products and as a resort destination for the discerning traveler who seeks the finest in hotel surroundings, amenities and service.

“The Carriage House offers a truly memorable experience for our guests,” says Christine Loose, Director of Hotels for Kohler Co. “From the new entrance to the renovated rooms, every part of the experience has been enhanced and elevated. Many of our Carriage House guests rarely leave the building and are able to have the ultimate relaxing getaway while enjoying the spa’s relaxation pool, roof-top deck and fireplaces.”

With a nod to the history of the unique building, each room of The Carriage House is named after a famous carriage or carriage manufacturer. The decor is on par with the major renovation at The American Club hotel, incorporating dark wood accents, elegant furnishings and rich colored draperies.

Furthermore, 12 rooms of the rooms include Mark David trunks near the bedside as a nod to the interior of a historic carriage. The guest room renovation incorporates plumbing, furniture and tile products from Kohler Co.’s diverse product portfolio. The products are incorporated from the following brands: KOHLER, Kallista, Baker, Mark David, McGuire, Ann Sacks and Robern.

Just as in The American Club, The Carriage House rooms include a porcelain Karner Butterfly, made at the Kohler factory across the street. “This butterfly is a unique way for the guest to communicate to the housekeeping staff if they desire fresh linens,” said Loose. “We choose the Karner Blue Butterfly because of its special story in Wisconsin. This particular species was endangered but is now flourishing in the State of Wisconsin. This is our way of helping tell that success story through our conservation efforts.”

The company is continually renovating the hotel and its properties to provide Five-Star amenities and the latest Kohler Co. products. This cycle of hotel renovations began in December 2009 and is complete with The Carriage House reopening this May. This renovation follows the recent on-property enhancements of the Kohler Waters Spa, Cucina Italian Restaurant, Sports Core Health & Racquet Club, Inn on Woodlake and Horse & Plow.

For reservations, please call 800-344-2838 or visit www.AmericanClub.com for more information. Stay up to date on news and happenings on Facebook facebook.com/americanclub and on Twitter, www.twitter.com/theamericanclub.

About Kohler Co. Hospitality & Real Estate Group

The Kohler Co. Hospitality & Real Estate profile includes The American Club, boasting the first and only Forbes Five-Star hotel property in Wisconsin, and world-renowned championship golf courses Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Acquired in 2004, its sister property, The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in the birthplace of golf, St Andrews, Scotland, is a AA Five Red Star property and recognized as one of the most luxurious resorts in the world.

About The American Club resort

The American Club resort, a 2012 Forbes Five-Star Recipient and the Midwest’s only AAA Five Diamond resort-hotel was named #3 Golf Resort in North America, by Golf Digest Magazine. The resort is one of only 45 hotels with both the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond distinction. Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, Wisconsin is the first and only Forbes Five-Star spa in Wisconsin and one of 35 spas worldwide to hold this distinction. The resort features 11 dining establishments from the Forbes Four-Star Immigrant Restaurant to traditional pub fare at Horse & Plow and rustic Italian at Cucina. The resort is located in the Village of Kohler, Wisconsin, one hour north of Milwaukee and two and a half hours north of Chicago.

SOURCE The American Club

New Mechanical Insulation Measures and Reports Temperatures and Savings

Posted on April 19, 2013 by admin

Smart Jacket from Thermaxx Jackets & EET Adds Digital Insight to Industry.

West Haven, Connecticut (PRWEB) April 16, 2013

We have been waiting for this technology for a while.

Most industrial insulation is a single-function device. It keeps steam components hot or refrigeration units cold and provides little insight about the process. Smart Jackets change that by reporting insightful data.

The new digital insulation cover monitors temperatures, evaluates health status and notifies upon deviation from the norm. The automated insulation product is the result of collaboration between sensor specialist Embedded Energy Technology and insulation fabricator Thermaxx Jackets.

Large scale steam distribution and heating systems represent over 10 percent of our nation’s annual energy consumption, and nearly all of them suffer from radiant heat loss and steam leakage. Each facility can recover tens of thousands of dollars annually by installing removable Smart Jackets to prevent heat loss and quickly detect failing components.

Smart Jackets record internal and ambient room temperatures with a wireless sensor. Every data point is reported to an online dashboard, allowing plant technicians to monitor efficiency from anywhere. But who wants to constantly watch a temperature gauge? Custom email and text message alerts can be set to notify maintenance staff in the event of fluctuation or critical levels. By the time steam system failures are typically visible, thousands of dollars can be lost. Smart Jackets catch potential failures before they become costly problems, increasing responsiveness and decreasing energy consumption. The Utility Distribution Superintendent at the University of Georgia, Robert White, expressed his enthusiasm for Smart Jackets.

“We have been waiting for this technology for a while,” White said. “We currently have more than 170 buried steam vaults, some of which require road or lane closures to access. Being able to open my computer and see the real time temperatures gives me total piece of mind. We have previously tested other standalone monitoring systems that were more difficult to install and service and also did not provide the added insulation benefit we get from the Smart Jackets. Thermaxx Smart Jackets are now in 80% of our steam pits and will be in the remainder as soon as funding allows.”

About Thermaxx

Thermaxx LLC is located in West Haven, CT and provides removable insulation covers for steam components. Staff engineers and designers with cross-disciplinary experience can tailor custom solutions to almost any insulation challenge.

About Embedded Energy Technology

Embedded Energy Technology (EET) specializes in harnessing technology such as non-invasive sensors, wireless, and remote monitoring, to help industrial facilities realize energy savings. EET provides Smart Jacket electronics and support exclusively to Thermaxx Jackets. You can visit the website at http://www.eetinside.com.

To learn more about Thermaxx Jackets’ Smart Jackets, contact Brian Bannon at (203) 931-2122 or bbannon(at)thermaxxjackets(dot)com. You can also visit the website at http://www.thermaxxjackets.com.

Spring Cleaning is a Good Time for Preventative Home Maintenance

Posted on April 17, 2013 by admin

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Pennsylvanians are starting spring cleaning projects, but should give a thought to insurance too. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department recommends taking the time for minor fixes now, to save homeowner insurance claims later.

“Making sure things are in good working order this spring can make a big difference in home safety, as well as insurance matters,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine.

“One of the most commonly overlooked areas during spring cleaning is behind your washer and dryer. Lint can escape a poorly-connected dryer filter hose and build up against the wall, causing a fire hazard. Household appliance fires are one of the most common reasons given for homeowner insurance claims.”

Other homeowner damage and claims can be prevented with these simple tips:

Kitchen fires – The majority of fires begin in the kitchen due to food left unattended on the stove or the ignition of built-up grease. Thoroughly clean the oven and stove top.

Fireplace ashes – After cleaning out the fireplace, don’t discard ashes in a combustible container and don’t store them in, or around, the house or garage. Store discarded ashes away from your home and be sure you have poured water into the container so that any remaining embers are extinguished.

Washing machine hose – Check the washing machine hoses for dry rot, cracking and tightening. Hoses should be replaced every few years. Water to the unit should be turned off when not in use.

Refrigerator ice maker line – Check lines annually since they can become pinched and start to leak, causing damage to flooring and cabinets.

Sinks and toilet valves – As your home ages, regularly check all plumbing fixtures and connections. Look for corrosion and rust around valves. If your home is more than 20 years old, consider having a plumber check and replace all connections and hoses.

For other helpful spring insurance tips, go to www.insurance.pa.gov and click on the Springtime Insurance tips icon.

Media contact: Rosanne Placey or Melissa Fox, 717-787-3289

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Insurance

Spring Has Arrived: Is Your Home Prepared?

Posted on April 11, 2013 by admin

Fremont Insurance offers tips for protecting a home from water damage during Michigan’s rainy season.

Water Damage Michigan FREMONT, Mich., April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Spring has finally arrived in Michigan and with the warmer temperatures comes melting snow and heavy rains which can wreak havoc on a home through backed up sewers and drains, as well as sump pump overflows. Many homeowners don’t realize until it’s too late that their insurance policy doesn’t cover water damage resulting from backups, unless specifically purchased. Now is the time to make sure your home is prepared for Michigan’s rainy season. Fremont Insurance, a Michigan-based property and casualty insurance carrier, offers a few tips to help Michigan homeowners assess and minimize the risks to their home.

“Many homeowner policies contain exclusions for water damage to dwellings and personal property as a result of backup of sewers or drains,” revealed Kurt Dettmer, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Fremont Insurance. “It’s important to examine your policy and understand what protection you have, but you should also be proactive and take steps to prevent any damage from occurring whenever possible.”

As we enter into the spring melting and rainy periods, special consideration and maintenance of systems should be undertaken to avoid potential water hazards. Sump pump systems should be checked for age and working condition, including ensuring that sump back-up systems are installed and maintained. The most effective sump back-up systems are gravity-driven because they are not dependant on an electrical power source in the event of an outage. Vulnerable or perishable personal property susceptible to water damage should be elevated off surfaces such as basement floors and crawl space foundations to limit damage exposure. Regular cleaning and maintenance of gutters and downspouts as well as sub-surface drainage lines will help avoid ground over-saturation near foundations.

Exclusions in insurance for water damage were created in the 1950′s in response to extensive basement flooding following heavy rains. They continue to be utilized today because many municipalities maintain antiquated sewage systems which fail to meet capacity requirements. Fremont Insurance Company offers a homeowners endorsement that covers loss to both dwelling and personal property as a result of water back up through sewers or drains or from an overflow within a sump pump, well or similar system designed to remove subsurface water that drains from the dwelling’s foundation areas.

This endorsement from Fremont, however, does not cover “flooding”, which usually refers to water damage from natural sources or bodies of water rather than from manmade sources such as plumbing systems. In fact, virtually every homeowner’s policy excludes flood coverage. However, flood coverage is available through the government’s National Flood Insurance Program and can be obtained through most agents. We recommend that you consult with your agent to thoroughly assess your needs, evaluate all of your policy coverages, conditions and exclusions and answer your questions.

About Fremont Insurance

Fremont Insurance is an affiliate of the Auto Club Group, servicing the Independent Agents of Michigan. The company has been a Pure Michigan company since 1876. Dynamic Products, Exceptional Service, and Competitive Pricing have made Fremont Insurance one of the fastest growing and most respected companies operating in Michigan. For more information about Fremont Insurance you can visit the company online at www.fmic.com, find them on facebook at www.facebook.com/FremontInsuranceCo, or follow them on twitter at www.twitter.com/FremontIns.

Report Shows Record Solar Industry Growth – Solar Energy International (SEI) Responds by Expanding Solar PV Technical Training for Renewable Energy Professionals

Posted on March 26, 2013 by admin

A recent report released by the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research shows record growth in the solar industry year-to-year through 2012. With this rising demand for a clean energy workforce, SEI expands professional technical training offerings in 2013.

Paonia, Colorado (PRWEB) March 26, 2013

Solar Energy International (SEI), the nation’s leading Solar PV Training organization with the largest alumni association of certified solar professionals, is responding to the recent report released by the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research showing record growth in the solar industry.

“SEI is, of course, very well respected by Namaste Solar and the rest of the Solar Industry. This is taken into account when reviewing employment applicants’ resumes and where they received their training.”
Blake Jones
CEO – Namaste Solar

SEI is responding to this report by expanding their in-person and online solar pv training sessions. These sessions satisfy the prerequisite training to be able to register for hands-on labs and professional certificate program completion.

Chris Turek, SEI’s Director of Online and Student Services said, “Thousands of people are coming to SEI to get training to enter the clean energy workforce. In response to this large influx of interest, we are excited to announce SEI’s 2013 Solar and Renewable Energy Training schedule.”

SEI is offering Solar Photovoltaic training sessions all through 2013. New for 2013 is an additional special offer of a free textbook / eBook bundle for all students who take the PV101 Online Course.

* PV101: Solar Electric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct)

RDOL101 Renewable Energy for the Developing World
MH101: Micro-Hydro Design & Installation
PV201L: Solar Electric Lab Week (Grid-Direct)
PV202: Advanced PV System Design and the NEC (Grid-Direct)
PV203: Solar Electric Design (Battery-Based)
PV301L: Solar Electric Lab Week (Battery-Based)
PV206: Solar Business and Technical Sales
PV351L: PV Systems – Tools and Techniques for Operation and Maintenance Lab Week (Grid-Direct)

From SEIA’s report: “Today the U.S. Solar Energy Industries Association along with GTM Research released the results of its annual year in review, and 2012 numbers give the solar industry another reason to celebrate.

In 2012, solar proved once again to be the fastest growing energy source in the U.S. The Solar Market Insight annual addition shows that as a nation, the country installed more than 3.3 GW of solar capacity, an increase of 76 percent over 2011. In terms of market size, at $11.5 billion, the solar market is 34 percent larger than it was in 2011 and SEIA points out that this figure doesn’t include any of the trickle-down industries that also benefit from the increased growth in the solar market.

Total U.S. PV Installed Capacity Approaching 10 GW

The United States accounted for 11 percent of the growth in the global solar installed capacity in 2012, this is the largest market share that U.S. has taken for at least fifteen years, according to the report. The residential market saw 83,000 installations and eight of the 10 largest PV installations were completed in 2012. In total, the installed PV capacity in the U.S. now stands at 7.2 GW, equivalent to the power capacity of seven nuclear power plants. By the end of 2013, the industry expects that it will top 10 GW.”

Kathy Swartz, Interim Executive Director for Solar Energy International said, “This report is definitely in line with the steady increase of student registrations and inquiries about our solar PV and other renewable energy training opportunities.

We have hundreds of students travel to our world-class Solar Photovoltaic (PV) lab facility in Paonia, Colorado every year. The interest continues to increase every year and we needed to find a way to offer flexible educational opportunities that would allow our students to get their prerequisite course work completed so they could come to the week long hands-on labs in the summer.

The SEI Online Campus has made this training a reality for thousands of people from all over the world while maintaining SEI’s rigorous quality standards of teaching and learning.”

Another recent report from The Solar Foundation and the third annual National Solar Jobs Census report found that the U.S. solar industry currently employs 119,016 Americans. This figure represents the addition of 13,872 new solar workers and a 13.2 percent employment growth rate over the past 12 months.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the overall economy grew at a rate of 2.3 percent during the same period, signifying that 1 in 230 jobs created nationally over the last year were created in the solar industry.

The report, produced by The Solar Foundation and in partnership with BW Research and Cornell University, was released at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s Clean Energy Workforce Education Conference in Albany, NY.

When asked about the quality of graduate from SEI’s Solar Professionals Certificate Program, Blake Jones, SEI Alumni and CEO of Namaste Solar said, “SEI is, of course, very well respected by Namaste Solar and the rest of the Solar Industry. This is taken into account when reviewing employment applicants’ resumes and where they received their training. Establishment of the SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program will help formalize proof of a rigorous training program completion and make it easier to distinguish training certificate holders from other employment applicants.”

About Solar Energy International
Solar Energy International (SEI) was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization to help others to use renewable energy resources and sustainable building technologies through education and technical assistance.

Our vision is focused on helping create a more sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants. Through our work, we see clear opportunities to influence people’s thinking and behaviors towards energy efficiency and the use of natural, sustainable methods of energy production and utilization.

Solar Energy International is a 501(c)(3) Equal Opportunity Institution and Employer, and is not affiliated with any dealer, manufacturer, distributor, or any other renewable energy commercial enterprise.

Media contact for SEI is Christopher Turek, Director of Online and Student Services – chris(at)solarenergy(dot)org – 970-963-8855 x115 – http://www.solarenergy.org

Fireplaces Plus Launches New Social Media Sites to Serve Chicago and North Shore Fireplace Customers

Posted on February 4, 2013 by admin

Chicagoland’s single largest source of fireplaces and accessories, Fireplaces Plus, embraces new technology as means to communicate to current and potential customers with the launch of company Facebook and Twitter pages.

Vernon Hills, IL (PRWEB) February 04, 2013

These new social media sites will offer us a chance to engage with customers, clients and the public in a way we have never had the opportunity to before.

Located in Vernon Hills, IL and Chicago, IL, Fireplaces Plus has been providing the Chicago area and North shore with unique, top-of-the-line fireplaces and accessories, as well as personalized and unparalleled customer service for over 20 years. Part of this customer service means staying actively involved with their customers through all possible medias. And in today’s world, as more and more people turn to social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter for general information, it is becoming a necessity for businesses to engage with their current and potential customers though these means. It is for this reason that Fireplaces Plus has recently launched both a Facebook and Twitter page.

“Fireplaces Plus is the best of what’s old and what’s new –that’s what helps to make us unique in our field,” noted Neil Kaplan, CEO and Founder of Fireplaces Plus. “These new social media sites will offer us a chance to engage with customers, clients and the public in a way we have never had the opportunity to before.”

On the one hand, Fireplaces Plus is an old-fashioned family business: founded in 1992, still headquartered in the same community where they started (Vernon Hills), and still passionately committed to the personalized customer service that has been their hallmark for over 20 years.

Yet, on the other hand, as the Chicago area’s single largest source of fireplaces and accessories, Fireplaces Plus is all about providing customers with the best of what’s new in the business: the newest styles and designs, materials and technologies. Social Media is just one of the many new technologies, which Fireplaces Plus looks forward to using to actively communicate with its customers all across Chicago.

About Fireplaces Plus

Since its inception in 1992, Fireplaces Plus has been the Chicago area’s single largest source of fireplaces and accessories. Located in Vernon Hills, IL, Fireplaces Plus offers Chicagoland and North shore all of the latest in fireplace technology, styles and designs, all the while, being passionately committed to personalized and speedy customer service. Visit http://www.firesidecollection.com to learn more.

Contact :

Mike Templeton
MA Interactive Group
847-716-2260

Professional Equipment Announces The Addition Of TED Home Energy Monitors

Posted on January 28, 2013 by admin

Professional Equipment is excited to announce the addition of TED® (The Energy Detective) Home Energy Monitors to the product mix.

Janesville, WI (PRWEB) January 28, 2013

Professional Equipment is excited to announce the addition of TED® (The Energy Detective) Home Energy Monitors to the product mix.

The first step to lowering skyrocketing energy costs is knowing how much energy you’re using.

TED systems allow homeowners, energy auditors, HVAC technicians, electricians, solar/wind integrators and more monitor actual energy consumption (room by room and in real time) and project the cost of supplied energy of up to five individual appliances. “The first step to lowering skyrocketing energy costs is knowing how much energy you’re using,” says Lisa Sympson, Professional Equipment Brand Manager. With The Energy Detective, viewing real-time and historical energy usage is easy—each system stores up to 10 years of detailed data.

Users can wirelessly transfer readings to a smartphone or PC to view real-time kilowatt per hour readings (updated every five minutes) and will have visibility to monthly bill projections, voltage use, power factors and more. “The included software lets you create real-time charts and graphs for a visual representation of how much power you or your clients are using, where and when,” says Sympson. “You can see—and show your kids–just how much energy you could save by turning out the lights when you leave a room.”

Choose from four affordable TED Home Energy Monitor series—from a basic single-component system for single electrical panel homes (starting at $199) to a four power source system for larger homes with alternative energy installations. Each series offers a standard model and a C-Model, which includes a wireless handheld display with charging stand. The C-Model lets homeowners instantly discover phantom loads and check usage of individual appliances.

With innovative product additions, like TED, Professional Equipment makes it easy for customers to reach their full business potential.

About Professional Equipment

Professional Equipment, founded in 1987, is the leading national distributor of top-quality testing, diagnostic and measuring equipment used by home inspectors, energy auditors, restoration contractors, HVAC contractors, electricians, property managers, general contractors, roofing specialists, insulation installers, architects, commercial building inspectors, insurance adjustors and other construction-related trades.

The PE catalog sports more than 150 pages of full-color photos of testing equipment, safety supplies and building trade support products from the best brands in the industry, including FLIR, Extech, Bacharach, Tif, Fluke, GE, Tramex, Delmhorst, Leica, Streamlight, TPI, Amprobe, UEI, The website, ProfessionalEquipment.com, boasts even more equipment with thousands of items complete with product reviews.

To request a catalog, visit ProfessionalEquipment.com.

Contact:

Lisa Sympson
Professional Equipment
608-757-4836

WEATHER GUARD Van Solutions Announce New RED ZONE Accessories

Posted on January 19, 2013 by admin

WEATHER GUARD® Van Solutions now offers a complete range of new and re-engineered van storage accessories for professional users, and all commercial van models.

Crystal Lake, IL (PRWEB) January 18, 2013

WEATHER GUARD Plumbing Van Solutions.

WEATHER GUARD® Van Solutions now offers a complete range of new and re-engineered van storage accessories for professional users, and all commercial van models.

The WEATHER GUARD® Van Solutions Red Zone Accessories include a wide range of items designed to improve productivity and organization, including end panel accessories, tool and parts cabinets, cases and bin boxes, specialty equipment including tank holders and wire racks, window screens, floor mats, a secure Strong Box, Cab Command Center (a between-the-seat organizer), and the Grab & Go tool cart.

The culmination of years of research, WEATHER GUARD® Van Solutions identified
“Red Zones,” or work zones in the back, side, and cab of the van, that can be organized to maximize productivity and efficiency.

“The new WEATHER GUARD® Van Solutions Red Zone accessories encompass a variety of items that help professionals be more organized and productive,” states senior product manager, Jeff Kotz. “All accessories are easy to install, and heavy-duty for years of dependable service.”

WEATHER GUARD® Van Solutions products and professional trade packages can be viewed in a comprehensive, new catalog, along with complete Vehicle and Roof Rack Fitting Guides at http://www.weatherguard.com. All WEATHER GUARD® Van Solutions offer an exclusive, Limited Lifetime Warranty.

About Knaack LLC

Knaack LLC manufactures and markets a complete line of WEATHER GUARD® truck and van equipment, including drawer units, shelving and cabinets, and racks for full size and compact pickups, vans and utility vehicles, as well as KNAACK® jobsite storage equipment, including storage chests, work stations, rolling work benches and hand tool boxes.

About WERNER CO.

Werner Co. is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of ladders, climbing equipment, ladder accessories and fall protection products under Werner, Green Bull, Keller and other licensed brands. Werner is North America’s #1 brand in ladders and has built a reputation of excellence in safety for professionals and consumers. Backed by over 60 years of product innovation, Werner ladders are recognized for their durability and quality. All Werner Ladders meet or exceed applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) codes and standards for strength and structural integrity. Werner is headquartered in Greenville, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit http://www.wernerco.com.

For more information, please contact Knaack LLC, 420 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Toll Free Phone: 800-456-7865. Web: http://www.Knaack.com, http://www.WeatherGuard.com. Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KnaackStorage and http://www.facebook.com/WeatherGuardStorage. For media inquiries, please contact Heather Hawes at heather(at)ModernMarketingPartners(dot)com.

Contact:

Heather Hawes
Modern Marketing Partners
630-868-5060

Evolve Composites Introduces Unrivaled Garden Block Into Houston Area Home Depot Stores

Posted on January 15, 2013 by admin

Evolve Composites continues to expand their presence in the home improvement market by unveiling the highly sought after Garden Block in Houston Home Depots.

Columbia, MD (PRWEB) January 15, 2013

Houston Home Depot customers can look forward to enjoying the lightweight, user friendly attributes of our Garden Block in the upcoming weeks, just in time for all their garden planning projects.

Evolve Composites has partnered with Home Depot to offer the innovative Garden Block to their hardscape lineup this spring starting with 45 Home Depot locations in the Houston, Texas area. Home Depot will be stocking the latest face pattern Ridgestone in Limestone and Terra Cotta colors. The Ridgestone face design has a unique blend of stacked stone and natural stone blends. Weighing only a third the weight of traditional landscaping blocks, the Garden Block provides the user with a unique ability to resize each individual block to accommodate those hard to fit places found while completing a lawn edging or garden bed project. “Evolve Composites is very excited to be able to offer these to the public through Home Depot stores,” explained Steve Rizoti, Evolve Composites’ Director of Sales – Home Improvement and Building Materials. “Houston Home Depot customers can look forward to enjoying the lightweight, user friendly attributes of our Garden Block in the upcoming weeks, just in time for all their garden planning projects.”

Not only are the Garden Blocks being widely accepted in the marketplace, but the popular Polyslab Utility Base will also be available through Orgill, the country’s largest wholesale distributor. Polyslab Utility Bases are a high-quality engineered, injection molded component. Polyslab is extremely durable, easy to install and ultimately the most cost effective pad on the market. Extensive detailed structural analysis has been carried out to maximize the strength to weight ratio of the Polyslab Utility Base. “The Polyslab Utility Base can be used all around the home, on RV’s, at the beach and even sporting events. The list can go on and on because depending on the individual user’s need, this extremely practical utility base can be adapted for any situation. The versatility of the Polyslab makes it a great tool for any homeowner to have,” Rizoti said. The Polyslab Utility Base is offered in a variety of sizes and in both black and gray colors.

Evolve Composites will also be showcasing the newly designed Garden Blocks, Polyslab and Selleys at the upcoming Orgill Spring Market. The Selleys’ lineup includes BBQ Tough Wipes, a durable grease and grime cleaning cloth with rubberized nodes to scrub without scratching. Also included in the lineup will be a BBQ Tough Grease and Grime cleaner spray-on bottle, BBQ Exterior Clean & Shine to keep grills looking new and a BBQ Area and Furniture Cleaner that can be used to keep the entire outdoor area clean.

Also on display at the upcoming Orgill Spring show will be Evolve’s Fire Pit Kit. The Fire Pit Kit is growing in popularity by being the lightest, most long-lasting concrete fire pit on the market. “Its durable construction and easy installation have made it a backyard sensation.

Evolve Composite’s Fire Pit Kit.

Buyers are able to take this kit home in the back of their car unlike other kits on the market today,” explained Rizoti. The 3-ring concrete fire pit weighs only 250 pounds, much lighter compared to other fire pits of its caliber that can weight up to 1500 pounds.

Continuing to lead the way within the deck building community is the popular Handi-Block. Handi-Block is an ultra lightweight, precast concrete deck pier constructed of a special formula that utilizes concrete and recycled poly fibers to create a product that is super strong and produces a much smaller carbon footprint. “The Handi-Block is a proven multi-purpose foundation block for the home improvement DIY customer or contractor that can be used for a broad range of projects that include garden sheds, decks, patios and more,” Rizoti explained.

Evolve Composites manufactures their products with Evo-Crete, which is a fiber reinforced cellular concrete. This technology creates a dynamic cellular structure with a fiber reinforcement to provide extreme strength and durability while weighing up to three times less than traditional aggregate based concrete. Other products manufactured by Evolve Composites include: Evo-Crete Generator Pads, Evo-Crete Hurricane Pads, EvoCrete HVAC Equipment Pads, Evo-Slab HVAC Equipment Pads, Evo-Lite HVAC Equipment Pads, Polyslab Equipment Pads and the new PolyconX Polyslab connector. Evolve Composites also distributes a variety of PVC pipe and PVC fittings, as well as innovative accessories such as the Magjumper, a magnetic tipped testing and troubleshooting lead.

Evolve Composites will be showcasing all of these innovative products, as well as their new Selleys BBQ Grill Cleaning products, at the Orgill Spring Market February 21-23, 2013 in Orlando, Florida.

Evolve Composites is a Columbia, Maryland based company with manufacturing plants in Alabama, Florida and Maryland along with sales and marketing offices in Houston, Texas and Mooresville, North Carolina.

For more information, call toll free 1-877-386-5522 or visit http://www.evolvecomposites.com