Common house problems in winter

Nov. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- Brian Paterson, Vice President of New Buffalo Impact (NBI), said, “Addressing common winter time home problems can make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. Knowing what causes these issues and doing something about it can also help a homeowner save money on utility bills and protect the environment as well”  

NBI is a Tonawanda, NY based home energy improvement contractor recently named as the top contractor in the state by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Paterson listed several common problems homeowners face at this time of year.

He said, “Mold or mildew often comes from water leaks or high humidity.  That can lead to wood rot, other structural problems and heath issues as well. High humidity can sometimes be linked to poorly installed air conditioning. In other cases, humidity can be a result of a damp basement caused by moisture migrating in through the foundation.

Insufficient insulation or air filtration issues can cause floors to feel cold.

Cold, drafty feeling rooms is normally the result of cold air coming into, or going out, of the house.  A common cause can be of air leakage and poor air sealing.

Heavy condensation, frost or water accumulating on windows or window sills can be a sign of inefficient windows, or high moisture levels inside the home.

Hot or cold spots, or rooms, within a home can be the result of inadequate insulation; air leakage and poor air sealing; poor heating or cooling systems; ventilation or air leak issues; or poor duct installation, sealing or performance.

Icicles hanging off the gutters of your home can be a sign of improper insulation.  Warm air inside the home flows upward into the attic where it warms the underside of the roof.  That, in turn causes the ice and snow to melt and then re-freeze as it runs off the roof.”

Finding an accredited home improvement company is the next step to ridding a home of these problems according to Paterson.

Paterson concluded, “NBI is a Participating Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor, and a Building Performance Institute (BPI) accredited contractor as well. We help homeowners identify their specific energy issues and develop a plan to improve the home. We conduct a comprehensive home energy assessment and do all the required work ourselves."

New Buffalo Impact is a non-profit corporation established in 1998 to assist homeowners, both single and multi-family, to achieve energy savings in their homes.  NBI offers a free, or low cost Comprehensive Home Energy Assessment which provides homeowners with a complete analysis of suggested energy related improvements and solutions.  

According to Paterson, NBI also provides all the work necessary to meet the improvement specifications including insulation, air sealing, windows and doors, furnaces, air conditioners and the purchase and installation of energy efficiency appliances. NBI also works with homeowners to identify, and use, various financial assistance programs.

Paterson pointed out that NBI is currently offering a cash back incentive program for home energy improvement for area homeowners.

Paterson said, “We recently began offering a free, or reduced cost, Comprehensive Home Energy Assessment in conjunction with Green Jobs - Green NY.  We are now able to assist a home owner in getting a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® incentive on the cost of eligible energy efficiency improvements up to $3,000.  In addition, we are providing an additional NBI 10% cash back incentive on top of the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR  incentive. “

For more information about New Buffalo Impact (NBI) call 716 881-1477, or visit www.newbuffaloimpact.com.

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New Buffalo Impact is a non profit company and energy efficency resource that not only conducts a comprehensive home energy audit, but also performs the necessary home energy improvement work including insulation, air sealing, windows and doors, furnaces, air conditioners and the purchase and installation of energy efficiency appliances.