Kozy Services Blog

Make Money Through Our Cash Referral Program

Oct 082011

Cash

Did you know that you can earn extra cash using Kozy Service’s online cash referral program? This is the type of program that pays you a cash reward for referring people to our services by paying you a referral reward after we complete the installation. We’re able to do this because it helps keep expensive advertising costs down.

Many strategic companies utilize referral programs. The way most referral programs work is you sign-up or refer someone to a company’s site and then receive a discount on their next service or product. At Kozy Services, we reward you with cash. The amount you can earn depends on the size of the home improvement cost associated to the referral. The range in cash rewards is $25 – 500 and can be found on cash referral page.

Kozy Services provides many services including heating and air conditioning, attic insulation/radiant barriers, attic ventilation, duct work, home energy efficiency audits including carbon monoxide testing, and much, much more! Therefore, there is a great chance that your friend, family, and co-workers could benefit from out services. There is absolutely no limit to the cash rewards customers can earn! However, Referral Rewards Program only pays on the initial sale made from your referral.

We look forward to demonstrating our legendary service to your referrals!

Crawl Space Insulation Energy Saving Solution

Insulation No Responses »

Aug 242011

In a type of basement or crawl space where the height may be as little as one foot, crawl space insulation is necessary for protecting the portion of the house closest to the ground. Warm or cold air gets in direct contact with the crawl space instead of seeping through the floor of the house. Without crawl space insulation, the heating and cooling system will have to overwork to keep the inside of the house at the desired temperature. This can lead to higher utility bills and excessive wear and tear on your HVAC system.

Types of crawl space and how each is insulated

Crawl spaces fall under two types: ventilated and unventilated. In traditional building constructions, the basement used to be ventilated to avoid problems related to moisture. Proper vents aid in keeping the moisture out from the crawl space. However, it is more difficult to keep vented crawl spaces warm during winter compared to unventilated basements. During summer, unventilated crawl spaces are also more effective in dehumidifying indoor air. In terms of construction, ventilated crawl spaces open to the outside, while unventilated constructions are just part of the basement.

For ventilated crawl spaces, the under-floor, which is in direct contact with the ground, should be insulated. Opposite the under-floor, a similar insulation must be installed on the ceilings of this type of basement. Crawl space insulation of unventilated types, on the other hand, requires installation of insulating materials along the perimeter walls. This type of basement also eliminates the separate insulation of each water pipe or heating duct in the crawl space.

Crawl space insulation for ventilated types

In insulating vented basements, any holes on the crawl space ceiling must be covered and sealed so that unregulated air temperature is prevented from entering the house. Between the floor joists, one may use an excellent insulating material like rolled fiberglass. Every loose end must be sealed carefully. Although fiberglass and wood joists have enough adhesion to attach to each other, mechanical fasteners are still recommended to provide adequate support and keep the insulating material in place.

Crawl space insulation for unventilated types

Instead of prioritizing the sub-floor for insulation, the foundation walls must be sealed and insulated first in the case of unventilated types. Unlike the vented type, unventilated crawl spaces do not require critical air sealing. Furthermore, less insulating material is required since what needs to be insulated is the perimeter wall.

Whether the basement is ventilated or unventilated, crawl space insulation is very important since it can save a lot of energy for air conditioning or heating inside the house.

Picking a Home Repair Contractor

Contractor No Responses »

Aug 192011

After a homeowner has decided to remodel or perhaps expand their home, the next step is to go about picking a contractor. Contractors are one of the few professionals that still market themselves the old fashioned way. Contractors still receive most of their business via word of mouth. A quality contractor does not have to advertise in circulars or on the television or radio. Their work speaks for itself. That is why a homeowner’s first step when picking a contractor should not be going online or flipping through the yellow pages, but instead should be to ask their friends and family for recommendations.

After receiving recommendations from friends and family, the next step in picking a contractor does involve the Internet. The homeowner should venture onto the web and begin researching the contractors that have been recommended. Most contractors have a website where they show examples of past projects and list areas of specialization. Though it is helpful to see examples of a contractor’s completed projects online before picking a contractor. It is important to see finished projects up close. Most quality contractors will be happy to supply a list of references that a prospective client can visit or call. A homeowner should not be afraid to ask questions both of the contractor and his past clients before picking a contractor.

Another resource to use is the local Better Business Bureau. The BBB keeps records of past complaints against companies. One or two minor complaints should not dissuade a homeowner from picking a contractor, but a pattern of complaints over several years should give any homeowner pause. Some municipalities require a contractor to be licensed for certain types of work. The homeowner should check with the appropriate agencies to ensure that a contractor is qualified to perform the required work. Picking a contractor that is licensed by the appropriate agencies can save a lot of hassle when it comes to getting the appropriate permits before breaking ground. Once a list of contractors has been verified it is time to bid the job. The lowest bid is not always the best bid. The owner should consider things such as overall reputation, skill, and time before picking a contractor for the job.

When picking a contractor a homeowner should consider whether they require the services of a general contractor. A general contractor oversees the work of other subcontractors on large projects. It is their job to do the picking a contractor who specializes in things such as cement work and electrical wiring. This can relieve the homeowner of the responsibility of picking a contractor for each job and making sure that the work is being done correctly and on time. If the job is relatively small a general contractor will not be required and the homeowner should go about picking a contractor who specializes in that particular area or multiple areas like Kozy Services.

The Importance Of Home Air Leak Sealing

Insulation No Responses »

Aug 172011

Home owners rarely give much consideration to home air leak sealing unless their energy bill escalates to higher amounts, cold air drafts make them uncomfortable, or mold and mildew begin to present a problem. There is many places that air leaks can be detected in the average Dallas area home that should be taken into account. Areas that need to be checked for air leaks, where air either enters inside or escapes outside, are windows, doors, cracks, holes, gaps, electrical outlets, knee walls (short wall in a room with sloped ceiling), attic and attic hatch, crawl space (rim joists, where foundation meets wood framing), vents (such as bathroom fan or kitchen fan and dryer vents), open soffits (box that hides recessed lights), furnace flue or fireplace, duct chase ways (the hollow box that hides ducts) wiring holes, plumbing stack vent, and outdoor faucets.

When you consider that 31% of air leaks are in floors, walls and ceilings, with approximately 14% lost in a fireplace or furnace flue, that amounts to just less than half of your air flow. Insulation is important, but insulation will not always block air leaks or movement of air. You may do the home air leak sealing yourself, but a professional uses special diagnostic equipment to determine how well your house is ventilated, so that a buildup of water vapor does not occur, or dangerous gases.

A professional will address any safety or health issues that could arise (such as condensation, mold and rot) and seal air leaks in your home’s envelope (the walls, ceiling, windows, floors and outer shell). Use weather stripping around doors and windows to reduce air flow. Install a threshold or sweep for doors that have gaps between the door and the floor. If you place foam gaskets inside electrical outlets or switch plates, it will also decrease air leakage. Use caulk for small cracks or gaps that are up to a quarter inch, while spray foam sealant can be used for larger cracks.

Whether you choose to do-it-yourself or hire a certified contractor is your choice, but keep in mind that some areas will be difficult to handle without the help of a professional. Home air leak sealing will not only be more cost-effective (reducing energy bills), but it will also be more energy efficient; holding a steady temperature without excess moisture. Using less energy improves air quality, but more importantly, it reduces your carbon footprint. Contact a local home air leak sealing specialist today.

Insulation Removal: How and Why?

Insulation No Responses »

Aug 152011

The need for insulation removal can be attributed to many factors. Sometimes insulation becomes contaminated due to water, fire, or gets infested by insects and other small animals found in the attic. In these unfortunate circumstances, attic or crawl space insulation needs to be replaced. Insulation removal can also be necessary if family members are allergic to the material used for insulating or if a re-wiring project requires the removal. Older attic insulation, in some cases, may contain dangerous asbestos, which should be immediately removed for safer materials. Renovations, such as roof replacement, are another common reason for insulation removal.

DIY or Hire a Professional Insulation Removal Company?

Contaminated or damaged attic or crawl spacer insulation can be very difficult to work with, not to mention unsafe. Over 30 different types of diseases are associated with rats and their droppings alone. Proper precautions should be taken when handling insulation removal yourself.

Opting for professional insulation removal services can be a wise move, especially considering that the removed insulation will need to be replaced. Professionals will handle the job safely, dispose of the old insulation, and remove the insulation without making a big mess. They are well trained to handle such situations and know exactly how to proceed further, including recommendations for the new insulation.

A good insulation removal company will offer both insulation removal and disposal services. Some companies however, consider these two as separate jobs. The professionals use a large vacuum cleaner to remove the waste. They carry the huge device on a large trailer or truck. The cost of insulation removal is usually quite affordable. Some insulation removal companies include the cost of removal as a part of installing new insulation, so be sure to ask which solution you are getting.

Insulation is usually used for preventing the home from getting heated-up and for saving energy in the summer months, while helping to keep a home “Kozy” in the winter. However, insulation has come a long way in the last 10-15 years, so the potential energy savings of new insulation is far greater than an equivalent amount of older insulation.

Some people try to install the new insulation over the old insulation. This is not a good practice because it can easily damage the new layer or cause moisture problems. So the best option is to go for insulation removal and get a new layer installed. New, fresh attic insulation, combined with a radiant barrier is a great investment in your home that will be an energy efficiency combo you can “feel.”

Energy Saving Attic Tents

Ventilation No Responses »

Jul 312011

Attic tents are wonderful products for saving money on energy consumption. Homeowners work hard throughout the year to keep energy cost manageable, but with so many areas to address, this can sometimes be difficult. Many families have experienced the need to turn the thermostat up during cold evenings, finding lower levels of the house to be too cold. This escaping heat is expensive and should be used by your family, not the outdoors. With transportation and gas prices continuing to climb, heating and cooling costs can be effectively reduced through the use of attic tents.

The air from your heating and air conditioning system tends to leak out of small cracks and seeps into your attic through the attic opening/stairs area. Losing energy through windows and doorways is a common expectation, but considering the amount of heat lost through the attic, it just makes sense to stop one of the biggest holes, your attic stairs, with an attic tent. Rather it be cold air you want to keep out or hot air from getting in, and attic tent helps “seal off” the attic area and keeps the offending air at bay. Additionally, attic tents help keep insulation, attic dust, bugs, and other “goodies” separated from your living area, which can improve indoor air quality.

Attic Tents – Are They THAT Good?

Creates an air-tight barrier, reducing energy loss year round
Stops transfer of humidity, dust, and insulation particles
Insufficient attic ventilation can bring on destructive effects to the roofing area of your home.
Reduces Energy Bills
One of the simplest “upgrades” you can do to start saving money immediately

Keeping energy inside, where it can circulate to heat or cool a home, makes excellent use of your HVAC system. Benefits are year round with attic tents, they are easy to install and convenient to use. Attic tents are designed in many sizes, materials, and they are excellent insulators. With the amount of heat that accumulates in attic openings it is important to have strong installation that gives the needed barrier to keep your air conditioning system working at it highest efficiency.

Keep your home Kozy with heat saving attic tents. A cold afternoon is better enjoyed without the worry of outrageous heating cost. Most families have a budget and the more of your spending dollar you can keep the more secure your families future. Attic tents can help you put more money back into your pocket. Invest in an attic tent today.

Does Your Home Need A Whole House Dehumidifier?

Indoor Air Quality No Responses »

Jul 262011

Temperature and humidity are two different areas that can affect your comfort level in your home. A central air conditioning system is simply designed to control the temperature, not the humidity levels. Sure, A/C systems do help remove moisture from the air, but they are not designed to control optimal moisture levels within your house. To effectively remove the humidity and dampness present inside your home, you will need a whole house dehumidifier unit.

A whole house dehumidifier is used to control the humidity levels within the entire house, not just one room. These units are helpful in removing the moisture from the atmospheric air present in your room in order to lower the overall humidity level in your home. Usually, the level of humidity recommended is between 40 and 50%. Dehumidifying control units are mostly used in southern climates, like Dallas, TX, where dampness and moisture is likely to be more than normal. Therefore, anyone in the greater Dallas area might want to consider installing a whole house dehumidifier. It has some remarkable advantages such as, occupying less space, fully automatic operations, very low maintenance, and a favorable attachment and installment of the unit in any part of your home.

The best part about a dehumidifier system is they are quite energy-efficient and effective when it comes to removing the humidity out of a room or your house. As mentioned before, the installation of the unit is very easy, comfortable, and can be set up anywhere in the house. Many people prefer it in the central heating and cooling systems where removing the moisture is more specific and simple. Others prefer to install it in their crawl space, where the chances of humidity levels are very high, resulting in stickiness and heat in your home.

Why Get a A Whole House Dehumidifier?

For starters, they can save up to 25% of your annual energy cost.
They remove mold spores, odors, and any sort of musty smell from a home environment.
Combined with air duct cleaning, it can drastically improve allergies.
Simply raising your temperature to 85 degrees and setting your dehumidifier to 59% RH can help you save up to 44% on your energy bills.

Savings and comfort are the two main reasons to invest in a good whole house dehumidifier today. In the Dallas area, contact Kozy Services today at (972) 276-2544.

Professional Drain Cleaning vs. DIY

Plumbing No Responses »

Jul 212011

When you do not properly maintain the drainage system around your house, it can cause serious problems that can lead to expensive drain cleaning. Some of the problems that can occur include pipe blockages, tree root infestation, and corrosion build-up, all of which can lead to pipes bursting. One solution is professional drain cleaning inspections, from time-to-time, to ensure that the pipes are kept in good working order and prevent that unexpected problem. There’s many do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions available and professional drain cleaning services as well. This article will shed some light on when to use each solution.

Drain lines can accumulate debris and other items which will create a clog in the system. For example, hair, toilet paper/wipes, and soap scum can all create clogs which are hard to remove. In some cases, if you are 100% sure of the cause, numerous store-bought drain cleaners can work. The downside to DIY solutions is when they don’t work, you now have taken on an added cost of the solution in addition to the expense of professional services. Moreover, a professional drain cleaner can use a camera to inspect your drain system and possibly prevent further expenses. They will also have specialized equipment like high powered water jets to remove any blockages from the pipes. When you engage professionals to complete the task, you can be sure that they have the knowledge and experience to do a good and proper job.

Drain Cleaning Warning Signs

You will know instantly when a drain system is clogged as the pipes will be slow to drain off. Other symptoms of a clogged drain include low water pressure, garbage disposals that do not work properly, and toilets that cannot flush completely. It is recommended that you engage professional drain cleaning experts to handle regular maintenance on the drainage system so that such issues do not occur. Of course, you can call the experts in only when you have a problem but the cost of having to repair a damaged system will be much higher than paying for a regular maintenance service.

Once the professionals have completed their task, you should check if the drains have been properly cleaned. Try running water through all the pipes in the house to see how fast the water is draining through the pipes. Another way to check if the tasks have been completed properly is to flush the toilet and see how quickly the bowl empties. For further proof, you can request that the experts show you video footage to prove that the pipes are clean.

The plumbing system is one of the most important components of house and has to be maintained properly. Drain cleaning is part of the plumbing system and must be looked after from time to time to prevent major problems from happening to the plumbing system. Make sure you choose a good plumbing company to service your drain cleaning needs.

Factors That Can Trigger Slab Leaks

Plumbing No Responses »

Jul 192011

Slab leaks under the slab foundation of houses can be one of the most troublesome issues that a homeowner has to deal with if the home does not have a basement or crawl space to physically inspect for leaks. Many times, home owners do not realize that there is a slab leak under the foundation until they find themselves facing a huge water bill. It is only after they call a plumber to detect the cause of the excessive water bill that they are made aware of the slab leak.

Slab leaks largely take place in homes with an outgoing sanitary sewer line or with potable water line lying under the slab foundation of a house. Water leaks caused due to the potable water line can cause a great deal of damage to the slab foundation under the building as the supply water causes tremendous pressure on the concrete slab while running beneath it. Houses that experience high water pressure are likely to see corroded copper pipes as the diameter of these pipes are too small to bear the pressure with which water flows and hence the leakage problem occurs. Points where pipes change direction or bend are also more susceptible to form leaks.

Slab Leak Concerns

Incoming water lines are one of the most probable causes of water leaks/slab leaks. Home owners utilizing copper pipes are more likely to face the dreaded experience of water leaks in the lines lying under the slab foundation. Water running through the copper pipes often leads to pinhole leaks because of the chemical composition of the pipe and water. Slab leaks can also occur due to poor installation of water pipes or the shifting of water pipes under the slab foundation. Change in the moisture content under the base of the house can also pull the pipes apart causing dents. Here in the greater Dallas area, our soil is very sandy, leaving the potential for soil shifting if not kept at the proper moisture level.

Poor design and craftsmanship at the time of laying down the slab foundation of a house and use of inferior quality plumbing supplies can also be one of the reasons for the occurrence of water outflow problems. Twisted pieces of pipe installed, imperfections in material, and poor workmanship by an installer can cause the concrete slab to suffer from a water seepage problem.

Slab leaks can sometimes be detected by wet spots on the floor or carpet, dampness on the surface above the foundation, or a drastic increase in your water bill. It is important to repair slab leaks immediately, as soon as detected, by a good plumbing company or it may cause lead to more damage to the house.

Benefits of Foil Radiant Barrier

Insulation No Responses »

Jul 172011

There are many kinds of radiant barriers and one of them is a foil radiant barrier. The installation is done in homes, mostly in attics. This is done for the purpose of eradicating the effect of the summer heat gain, which plays a part in diminishing the cost of air conditioning expenses. The material used here is highly reflective, which re-emits the effulgence of heat rather than imbibing the hotness. Nevertheless the foil radiant barrier does not accomplish heat conduction such as thermal insulation materials. There are lots of benefits attached to foil radiant barriers and few of these are discussed below.

Foil Radiant Barrier Benefits

Not only does this product promote efficiency in terms of accomplishing the purpose of lower rates, but it is also verily effective for both winters and summers. For the summers it takes the heat away from the home and does not let the outside temperature affect the inside ambiance. As for winter it keeps the warmth of the house secure and safe from the harsh coldness of the outside weather. In terms of cost reduction, there are two dimensions to this benefit.

Not only does it reduce the costs of air conditioning and heating as compared to the regular insulators, the United Department of Energy is also offering tax credits to those consumers who chose to utilize this particular product. As for the regular reduction in energy costs as a result of this particular configuration, one can easily save about 70% to 35% of the actual costs on a monthly basis. This is definitely a productive prospect in this era of recession.

There are three determinants that reflect the level of performance of the foil radiant barrier. The first one is its capacity of emission, which is calculated by the ratio of the effulgent energy (that is left by a surface) to the ratio of a black body, which operates at the same degree of temperature and within the same region. Basically it is something between zero and one and the closer it is to one, the greater the degree of emitted radiation. Then the second factor is the capacity of reflectivity which signifies the measure of heat being reflected by a certain material. The third one is the difference of temperatures on both sides of the barrier (the greater the temperature the better). All in all, these factors are very important in judging the performance of a foil radiant barrier.

Older Entries

Kozy Services Blog

Make Money Through Our Cash Referral Program

Crawl Space Insulation Energy Saving Solution

Types of crawl space and how each is insulated

Crawl space insulation for ventilated types

Crawl space insulation for unventilated types

Picking a Home Repair Contractor

The Importance Of Home Air Leak Sealing

Insulation Removal: How and Why?

DIY or Hire a Professional Insulation Removal Company?

Energy Saving Attic Tents

Attic Tents – Are They THAT Good?

Does Your Home Need A Whole House Dehumidifier?

Why Get a A Whole House Dehumidifier?

Professional Drain Cleaning vs. DIY

Drain Cleaning Warning Signs

Factors That Can Trigger Slab Leaks

Slab Leak Concerns

Benefits of Foil Radiant Barrier

Foil Radiant Barrier Benefits

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