Blog - Maeser Master Services

Let's face it, Louisville is notorious for people walking around with sniffles and watery eyes. As a matter of fact, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Louisville, Kentucky was third on the top 5 spring allergy capitals list for 2012. To make matters even worse for the typical allergy sufferer, our winter was extremely mild, therefore, flowers bloomed early causing discomfort earlier in the typical allergy season.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from allergies, the key to relief is to control allergy triggers – allergens. Since people spend 90% of their time indoors, the quality of the indoor environment should be a major concern for everyone.
Breathing challenges can be aggravated by polluted indoor air. There’s a lot you can do to make your home more comfortable.

Avoid Dust, Dander, and Pollen
Dust mites, pet – and human – dander (skin cells) and pollen, are common culprits that trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. The key is to have as few places as possible for particles to collect on, and to keep these places clean.

• Don’t use fans, which stir up dust.
• Have your HVAC unit cleaned and change your filter monthly to reduce dust.
• Use small rugs that can be cleaned easily.
• If replacing carpet isn’t feasible, vacuum it at least weekly. Use a vacuum with double bags or a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter.
• Replace carpet with hardwood or tile flooring.
• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning.
• Cover mattresses, box springs, and pillows with
plastic cases or special allergen-proof covers.
Avoid down pillows or comforters.
• Use wood, plastic, leather, or vinyl furniture that can be wiped clean.
• Replace dust-collecting blinds and long drapes with window shades or washable curtains.
• Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning.

Prevent Mold
Household molds can trigger allergy symptoms, so avoiding mold can help you avoid asthma, congestion, and other allergy-related symptoms. And the best way to avoid mold is to avoid moisture.
• Keep the house dry.
• Don’t leave wet clothes in the washing machine where mold can quickly grow.
• Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles with mold-killing products.
• Don’t have too many indoor plants -- especially in the bedroom; mold can grow in plant soil.
• Fix any leaks or seepage in the house.
• Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.

To combat the problem even more, use a dehumidifier which will absorb moisture and prevent mold growth, or install a whole-house air cleaner which captures and eliminates dust, pollen, pet dander, and many more allergens. Also, consider installing products that release purifying agents to destroy allergy causing mold, dangerous bacteria, viruses, chemicals, contaminants, and pollutants in the air 24 hours a day. A UV Treatment System provides a line of defense against spreading airborne bacteria.

Following all of this advice is not going to cure your allergy problems, however it will make you and your family more comfortable during the sneezing and sniffling season.

Remodeling your bathroom can give a whole new feel to your home, whether it is a half bath or a master suite. It should feel warm, welcoming and comfortable and be a private sanctuary where you can relax. Although functionality is crucial, in the bathroom you can focus on style and appearance by updating the sink and fixtures. Many homeowners are not using their tubs or whirlpools, so they are opting to install luxurious showers in order to get more use out of their bathroom. Other homeowners are needing to add a bathroom for their convenience and know this will increase the value of their home. If your bathroom is in need of a new look, or if it is running on an old and outdated plumbing system, consider transforming your ordinary bathroom into a peaceful haven and something you can be proud to show off.

This bathroom was typical of homes built in the 1990’s with a whirlpool tub that was not being used. The home owners decided to bring their bathroom up to date and make it more functional for their current needs. The bathroom was gutted, whirlpool and all. A beautiful walk-in shower was installed featuring glass tile, a culture marble base, a hand held shower head, grab bars for safety and a frameless glass shower door. A custom vanity cabinet with a culture marble top and brushed nickel fixtures complete this update.

Our customer’s lifestyle had changed and she no longer wanted the large whirlpool that she had installed many years ago. Her idea of the perfect bathroom was a shower that would accommodate two people at the same time. Maeser took out the whirlpool tub and designed a beautiful his/her shower. Her side has a shelf and a seating platform. The shower head and controls are attached to a mosaic backdrop. We also installed an octagonal-shaped window to allow sunlight in. The Italian marble floor and tile wall add to the beauty of this gorgeous bathroom remodel.

This guest bathroom is located in a St. Matthew’s home, built in 1948. Like most bathrooms of this era it contained a cast iron tub, commode and lavatory with ceramic tile on the walls. Everything in the bathroom was removed except for the black and white tile floor which the customer wished to save. A walk in shower with a frameless shower door was installed making it appear larger. A grab bar was installed in the shower for safety. The customer loves the fact that the shower faucet controls have been moved to a location where the water can be turned on without getting wet.

This remodel converted a half bath into a full bathroom. The toilet and vanity had to be rearranged to accommodate a walk-in tub since the customer could no longer use a regular tub. The toilet is a comfort-height toilet with a taller vanity. A pocket door was added to make room for the walk-in tub and the water heater was upgraded to handle the extra water need.

Consider making your bathroom just ducky by enlarging, rearranging, updating or just refreshing. From updated fixtures, stylish tile or appealing flooring, think yellow for any bathroom remodeling needs!

Geothermal is currently a big buzz word, but actually, geothermal heat pumps have been in use since the 1940s. So what is geothermal? To simplify its explanation, the ground acts as a huge solar battery that soaks up the sun's energy and stores it as heat. Geothermal technology takes advantage of that stored heat utilizing the earth’s constant 55ºF temperature. To simplify it even more, a geothermal HVAC system transfers the stored energy from the ground to heat and cool your home.

By tapping this steady flow of heat from the earth in the winter, and displacing heat in the earth in the summer, a geothermal heat pump can save homeowners 40% to 70% in heating costs and 50% to 60% in cooling costs compared to conventional systems.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal systems are “the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today.”

A fossil fuel furnace may be 80% to 95% efficient, traditional heat pumps range from 200% to 300%, while a geothermal heat pump is 500% efficient. Also, this does not take into account the benefit of the free hot water during the summer months from a geothermal system, which can save a homeowner around 60% to 80% on a water-heating bill.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems not only save money on energy bills, but also help create a better world. Through the use of sustainable energy sources, the warmth of the earth by the sun, they conserve our planet’s non-renewable reserves of fossil fuels.

Having a geothermal system installed is more expensive than the typical high-efficiency HVAC system, however, with current federal tax credits, state financial incentives, manufacturer rebates and energy savings, within a few years it will offset those costs. Plus, there is less maintenance required because there are no condensers, burners or chimneys to clean compared to conventional HVAC systems. The estimated system life for inside components is 25 years and 50 years or more for the outside ground loop.

Keeping money in our pockets and being responsible stewards of the earth make geothermal an option everyone should consider.

We had our speak, what do you think?

The MS Expo was this past Saturday, and for the people who don’t know anyone with multiple sclerosis, this may mean nothing to you. But for the people who suffer from this debilitating disease or have a loved one diagnosed with this disease, this expo was immeasurable.

What is MS?

According to the MS Center web site, multiple sclerosis is a progressively degenerative disease with devastating physical, mental, emotional, social and financial effects on a person’s life. It is the most common neurological disorder diagnosed among 20 to 50 year olds. Multiple sclerosis affects women three times more often than men.

What did the MS Expo provide?

There were lectures and exhibits at the expo. The lectures touched on multiple sclerosis research, dealing with pain and sleep disorders, getting your legal house in order and so much more. Maeser was one of the vendors exhibiting products and services that could empower people living with multiple sclerosis. We provided information and ideas on how their bathroom can be modified to increase comfort, safety and independence.

Solving MS challenges in the bathroom

One of our customers developed multiple sclerosis and was having difficulties balancing and standing. We removed her existing shower and enlarged it. The shower no longer requires a door and the curbless flooring allows her to roll her wheel chair into the shower. We installed personal assistant devices such as grab bars and a seat that can be folded flush to the shower wall. Our customer was thrilled and we were thrilled we could help her, in some small way, alleviate some of her challenges.

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, however, with continued research and awareness, perhaps soon MS will be a thing of the past.

Assistive Technology Program

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation has a program that may assist MS patients in enhancing their independent living by helping them locate a product or help them with funding. For more information, call (502) 206-4192

In attempting to achieve its goal of providing its customers' options and quality service Maeser has completed the Certified Aging-in-place Specialist (CAPS) program sponsored by the National Home Builders Association. The CAPS program teaches the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to provide home modifications for the aging in place. Maeser has completed all requirements and is now the only plumbing, heating and cooling company in Louisville, Kentucky with the designated of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.

Aging in place means having the opportunity to live safely, independently and comfortably in ones own home regardless of age, income or ability. Achieving this independence often requires making home modifications. Having completed the CAPS program has given Maeser the skills and understanding to help homeowners explore options that fit their needs and will allow them to maintain their independence.

Maeser Plumbing Heating and Cooling is a successful service company located in East Louisville and serving the surrounding community and counties with expert Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Bath Remodeling Services. To learn more about Maeser, call them at (502) 206-4192, visit them online at maeser.com, or find them on facebook at facebook.com/maeserservices.

Middletown Gaslight Festival
September 10-11, 2010

Maeser is excited to be participating in the Middletown Family Festival on September 10th and 11th 2010. Come join us for some family fun. If you’d like to get a look at the world’s largest claw foot bath tub look for our float in the parade on Saturday. With the tub’s running water and bubbles we’ll be splishing and splashing along to fun bath time songs. Stop by and see us at our booth and have your picture taken with the Maeser Duck.

Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival
September 16-20, 2010

If you miss us at this festival you can catch us at the Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival. We’ll have our float in the Gaslight parade on Thursday September 16th 2010. You’ll have another chance to have your picture taken with the Maeser Duck on Saturday September 18th and Sunday September 19th.

____