Archive for April, 2010

» Work Continues

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

Work continues on one of our residential projects in Glen Ellyn. It has been almost two years of design, drawings,  models and construction. But it looks like it will be wrapping up soon. Siding and trim has been installed on the exterior. Mike Wilson’s custom made, furniture inspired, kitchen cabinets have been installed. Most of the tile work has been completed. All the interior trim has been installed and painted and the walls primed. Just a few more months and this vintage four square will have been completely transformed while still retaining the character and language of the original home that was so loved by our clients.

» Heat from the Earth

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

Geothermal power (from the Greek roots geo, meaning earth, and thermos, meaning heat) is power extracted from heat stored in the earth.  As we all know temperatures on the earth’s surface can vary greatly but did you know that approximately10 feet below the surface the temperature is relatively constant at 50 to 60 degrees.  That is amazing. 

One of the most environmentally friendly, extremely energy efficient and cost-effective systems for temperature control are a geothermal heat pump.   These pumps help extract heat from the below the surface and use to help cool and heat your home.  I ran across this video http://www.geoexchange.org/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=243&video_id=2 from the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium that explains how a geothermal system works.  Check it out, very helpful.

As of December 1, 2009 homeowners who install geothermal heat pumps with the ENERGY STAR are eligible for upto a 30 percent federal tax credit.