Tag:Tips
Dewstop Fan Switch
Excessive condensation is an issue in bathrooms, particularly those with showers. The Dewstop Fan Switch by GTR Technologies is designed to prevent this problem. Code requires that all new bathrooms have exhaust fans. Often the fan does not get turned on when it is needed. Conversely, it may get left on and forgotten. The old solutions to this problem are motion sensors and timers, but neither of those solutions actually run the fan for the correct amount of time.
The Dewstop switch has a “Condensation Sentry” which detects condensation on nearby surfaces and automatically activates the exhaust fan, airing out the room until it reaches an acceptable humidity level. The fan then automatically shuts off. This means that the fan runs the correct amount of time and doesn’t waste energy by running too long and doesn’t risk moisture problems by not running long enough. That makes this a green solution to the problem.
The fan can be activated manually as well, so it can be run at other times as well. It is also available in a Fan/Light combination.
What’s missing here is a timer or motion sensor for the light switch. This would make it truly hands-free device. That would enhance it as a green device as well. Possibly that’s something that will be coming down the pike.
Color Matching Apps
Sherwin Williams and PPG Industries (Olympic Paint) have color matching applications for Android, iPad, iPhone and iPad Touch. Both applications allow a comparison of colors snapped with the device’s camera where applicable or from pictures downloaded or found online. Olympic Paint’s version is ColorClix. Sherwin Williams has ColorSnap.
I haven’t tried either of these yet, but I’m intrigued. I will try the ColorSnap since Sherwin Williams is in Plymouth and easily accessible. It is generally our go-to place. I’ll try to report back when I’ve tried it. I have it on my phone, so we shall see!
Follow up 10-8-12: I tried it and it has flaws. See details in a post here.
Write a Bike
Well, it’s a cool concept but there seems to be a few issues remaining before they go to production, i.e. I notice that none of the bikes shown have pedals and several of them don’t even make a connection between some of the letters. Other than that, it’s interesting…
Butler Manufacturing Company SunLite Strip
We have always promoted Butler Manufacturing Company’s (BMC) MR-24 Roof System for new commercial buildings as well as large reroof projects. In Culver we have installed this roof on the Edgewater Grille (now Lakehouse Grille), the Culver Ambulance Garage and part of the Culver Street Department Facility. In Plymouth we have installed this on the Grace Baptist School, the Boys & Girls Club Gym, the Marshall County Highway Department Garage, Pioneer Auto as well as others. We’ve installed this roof throughout the region with excellent results. We’ve been pleased with the Pittsburgh double-lock standing seam that is used to make the panels weathertight. (See GIF at right) BMC now has a Sunlite Strip Daylighting System for use with MR-24 roofs. It can be retrofitted to existing roofs as well as included in new construction.
Daylighting has become one of the “Green” initiatives, allowing natural light to be brought into buildings. The new systems harvest natural light in a much more efficient manner than traditional skylights and the old translucent panels that were often installed on metal buildings. The raised profile is also safer, since it is visible when walking the roof on a day when the roof is snow covered, or the panels are otherwise obscured by roof debris.
BMC has also created a program called SunLite Calc which allows modeling of different levels of daylight. The program then generates simple payback calculations to determine if the system is right for your facility. Let us know if you are interested in discussing these options for your facility. With the Sunlite Calc we can help you determine if this is “Green that Saves Green“.
