Last weekend, I attended the Texas Home and Garden Show at Reliant Center in Houston to pick up new trends and ideas, as I dive into residential custom home building and continue home rehabilitations. These shows are allows filled with vendors who have the latest in technology and energy saving ideas; which is the direction I am headed as I start to build. Building a highly efficient low maintenance home with a livable (functional) floor plan are my main objectives; as well as making existing homes more energy efficient wherever and whenever possible.
Probably the most fascinating feature I saw was the “Solar Air Conditioning Systems” offered by Brazos Valley Services. This unit requires a relatively small solar panel that helps increase the efficiency of your unit when you need it most – during the sunniest times of the day! I wished I would have gotten the name of the gentleman that explained this system in great detail to me, because he was very knowledgeable and courteous. You can find out more about these systems at: http://brazosvalleyservices.reachlocal.net/solar-ac-systems/
Speaking of HVAC Systems – I would like to recognize Henry Newsom with One-Hour Air Conditioning & Heating. Henry listened to my HVAC questions regarding tonnage, zoning, etc. and spent a good 30-45 minutes explaining, educating, and demonstrating how a system works and how to make it the most efficient. Henry also spent time to tell me about the gadgets that are not really necessary, but will generally be “up-sold” to uninformed customers. Integrity and honesty go a long way in my book, and Henry represented himself and One-Hour Air in both of these areas. Learn more about One-Hour Air Conditioning & Heating at http://www.onehourhoustonac.com/
Attics are obvious where most of our homes hold heat that
make our HVAC systems work hard. I spent
some time talking with Greg Pruitt’s wife with www.rock-cretefoam.com about the advantages and disadvantages of completely
sealing your home with foam insulation; primarily under the roof decking versus
radiant barrier. Although I am still not
100% convinced to go the complete sealed envelope route, I am convinced foam in
the walls and ceiling are the only way to go in new construction.
I spent some time with Jim Decker with
Attic Innovations www.atticinnovations.com
speaking about the application of a radiant barrier to preexisting homes – a must
if your home does not have a radiant barrier decking, or if you don’t choose to
retrofit with foam (my opinion, only use foam
in new construction). Jim also demonstrated
their solar powered attic fans – and speaking of honesty and integrity – he admitted
that the fans will most likely need to be replaced every 7-10 years. Not bad when
you consider the savings, though.
Lastly, I would like to recognize Doc Greene with Pet Floors
of Houston www.petfloors.com. You have seen these floors in many places,
but just didn’t know it! They look like
real wood, and are just as beautiful – however, they are much more durable and
virtually maintenance free with a lifespan that will outlive any other flooring
I have seen. I plan on using these
floors in most of my rehabilitation projects, whether there are pets in the
house, or not!
I hope you take the time to go through these vendors’ web sites
and learn more about their products. I don't get any referral fees or kickbacks from them – in fact, they didn’t even
know I was going to mention them in my blog!
I just enjoy sharing information about individuals and companies that
appear to be upfront and honest – they were all out at the home show just trying to
earn a living – rather than sitting at home waiting for the government to give
them food, clothes, or healthcare. Any
chance I get to recognize hard working honest Americans, I love to do so.
For more
commentary from Julius, pick up a copy of his book entitled “The
Truths and Myths of Real Estate” – available at LuLu.com at: http://www.lulu.com/shop/julius-zatopek/the-truths-myths-of-real-estate/paperback/product-21118216.html
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