Eficiencia de energía en el hogar

El despilfarro energético no sólo es dañino para el medio ambiente, sino también para el estado de tu hogar.

¿Suena complicado? ¡Pues no lo es! El concepto de eficiencia energética nos habla del conjunto de acciones que permiten optimizar la relación entre la cantidad de energía consumida y los productos y servicios utilizados; es decir, nos impulsa a aprovechar al máximo la energía para no desperdiciarla sin necesidad.

Esto se puede lograr mediante la implementación de diversas medidas e inversiones en tecnología, servicios básicos, gestión y también en nuestros propios hábitos, indicando así que de igual manera depende de nosotros.

La eficiencia energética no es más que usar bien la energía, pues a la larga permite ahorrar sin perder en calidad de vida ni de producción.

Universal Group INC: ¿cómo puedo hacer que mi hogar sea eficiente a nivel energético?

El gasto de energía eléctrica supone un una constante pues es un servicio que no dejamos de usar día a día, al menos no en situaciones comunes. El problema radica en que también representa una contribución irrefutable a la contaminación del planeta.

En la mayoría de los hogares, los equipos que contribuyen en mayor proporción al gasto energético son los de iluminación, de refrigeración, aparatos de cocina y equipos electrónicos; en su conjunto representan una parte importante de la factura de consumo eléctrico mensual.

¿Qué debemos hacer? En realidad, es necesario hacer todo lo que esté en nuestras manos. Por fortuna, cada vez es más fácil condicionarse a tener hábitos más eficientes, empezando por conocer trucos tan sencillos como efectivos para lograr hacer la diferencia. A continuación, presentamos algunos de ellos.

Instala bombillos de bajo consumo: los bombillos incandescentes (de luz amarillenta) pierden energía en forma de calor; al cambiarlos por bombillos de bajo consumo conseguirás reducir el gasto energético de forma notable.

Mantén tu hogar aislado: lo ideal sería que una casa tenga un buen aislamiento en techos, paredes y suelos. Eso sí, para conseguirlo es necesario hacer obras o tener en cuenta su importancia a la hora de su construcción. Un aislamiento de mala calidad puede suponer la pérdida de un 30 por ciento de la energía. Pregunta por nuestros presupuestos para estos servicios en Universal Group INC.

Evita el consumo fantasma: el ‘’consumo vampiro’’ o ‘’fantasma’’ de los electrodomésticos que siguen gastando luz aún estando apagados (es decir, en modo stand by) también es un despilfarro innecesario. Evitarlo requiere sólo de la precaución de desenchufarlos cuando no están utilizándose o emplear una regleta con interruptor para conseguir el mismo efecto.

Otros consejos prácticos y simples para prácticas que promueven la eficiencia de energía eléctrica son:

• No abusemos del agua caliente (en cantidad o temperatura).
• De ser posible, mantén horarios de encendido y apagado de los distintos aparatos.
• Desenchufa el cargador del celular cuando ya se haya cargado. Si se deja enchufado, seguirá gastando energía.
• Usa la lavadora (o el lavaplatos automático) siempre con carga completa.
• Adapta la caldera doméstica para que consuma gas natural.
• Aprovecha la luz solar en días despejados.

Esperamos que hayas disfrutado leyendo nuestro artículo y que te sea de utilidad práctica en el hogar. En Universal Group INC nos ocupamos tanto de tu confort como de preservar al medio ambiente y sus recursos. Síguenos en nuestras redes sociales y no dudes en contactarnos para cualquier pregunta, sugerencia y contratación.

¿Interesado en nuestros servicios? Encantados de trabajar contigo, para hacerte el proceso más fácil, tenemos un link mediante el cual podrás ingresar tus solicitudes y especificaciones: http://ugroupinc.com/quote-and-application/

La energía eléctrica es uno de los servicios más importantes en el hogar y puede afectar el funcionamiento de toda la casa.

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Types of Air Conditioners

Some air conditioners are best suited for a small space, while others are for bigger areas.

Let’s start with the basics: we can define as air conditioning system any air cooling mechanism that is used (whether it be domestically or industrially) to combat heat and generate comfort. It is a device that is installed in houses, establishments, and other closed spaces to provide fresh air that is cyclically renewed.

When choosing your system, consider notions such as the size of the area to be cooled, the actual temperature inside the enclosed space, among others. Our Universal Group INC professionals take into consideration all the related parameters when proposing the most suitable system for your area.

Types of air conditioning according to the space of use

Here at Universal Group INC, we ensure that you always make the best decisions when improving your home as a more comfortable place, that is why we present a list mentioning the different types of air conditioners that exist in the market.

Domestic: it is considered domestic to appliances that heat up to 60 square meters and are common in homes or small premises. The required voltage is 220v.

Commercial: these air conditioning equipment have a range that goes from 60 to 120 square meters. They can be seen in department stores, galleries, large offices, etc.

Industrial: machines with a range of more than 120 square meters, with no set limit. They are used in shopping centers, supermarkets, hotels, etc. It is also important to classify them into two subtypes that are known as direct or indirect expansion.

Direct expansion: all equipment whose internal cooling or heating mechanism is the same is called direct expansion.

Indirect expansion: those airs in which the refrigerant is not the first element that intervenes to change the temperature of an area. What do we mean by this? Simple: the operating cycle of an air conditioner is based on the compression of a refrigerant gas which, when flowing through a closed cooling circuit, alters the temperature; then, this is exchanged with another element, which can be water or air.

In case of direct expansion, the equipment interacts with the air from the environment to be heated; therefore, the exchange vehicle is the refrigerant. For indirect expansion systems, the air conditioner cools or heats another medium that will exchange with the space to be cooled (for example, this cools the water that, in turn, cools the air in an area).

Types of air conditioning according to its structure

When purchasing one of this equipment, the area they occupy is not the only element to take into consideration; its structure is also essential. Below are the different models that exist in the market, as well as their installation and operation mechanisms.

Window: this belongs to the family of domestic equipment and direct expansion. Capacity range goes from 9,000 to 24,000 BTU (British thermal unit). The main advantage is that it is an integral equipment and its installation is simple.

Portable: it belongs to the group of direct expansion and domestic type. Its main characteristic is that has a mobile format. Its capacity range goes from 7,000 to 12,000 BTU and is used in homes or offices. Their main disadvantage is that they are not very efficient when compared with other equipment.

Split wall: one of the most popular equipment, it is from the domestic family, and its expansion is direct. The capacity range goes from 9,000 and can reach up to 32,000 BTU. As main advantages, we find that it is efficient and hushed.

Sky floor split: it belongs to the domestic and commercial groups simultaneously, since its capacities range goes from 12,000 to 24,000 BTUs to be domestic and 32,000 to 60,000 BTUs to be commercial. Its structure allows it to be suspended like a kitchen hood or placed on the floor like a stove. It belongs to the direct expansion group.

Split cassette: this equipment is part of the two groups, domestic and commercial since it has capacities ranging from 12,000 to 24,000 BTU (domestic) and from 32,000 to 60,000 BTU (commercial). It should be placed suspended and looks like a fluorescent box. It belongs to the direct expansion group.

Duct split: belongs to the two groups since its capacities allow it to go from 12,000 to 24,000 BTU domestically and reach 32,000 to 60,000 BTU in its commercial model. It goes hung in the ceiling, and the air is distributed through ducts and diffuser grids. It belongs to the direct expansion group.

Dear readers: our experts and professionals at Universal Group INC know what your home needs to be both operative and comfortable, all while saving you money! Please follow us on our social networking if you have any questions or want to contact us for future contracts.

Air conditioners are one of our specialties here at Universal Group INC.

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Seasonal Cautions: Insulating the House Pipes

A frozen pipe is a winter disaster that you'll regret when the spring comes. Here at Universal Group we can help with that problem.

Harsh weather can bring along some troubles to pipe systems in and around the house, such as bursting due to freezing temperatures and mold brought by condensation. As winter arrives in the United States, it’s important to us here at Universal Group INC, that our customers understand the importance of pipe insulation.

There are two main reasons for insulating your house pipes: the first one is to prevent sweating and the second is to avoid freezing. Either situation can lead to expensive reparations if not attended on time.

When and if the right amount and type of insulation is applied, you can not only evade the damaging impact of extreme weather on your structure, but the tubes will help your home operate more efficiently and with less trouble throughout the year.

Why is pipe insulation important?

Pipe insulation is probably something that seldom crosses through a homeowner’s mind. The reality of this, though, is that most home builders don’t think about it much either. Proper tubes insulation is one of the most important facets of your home’s infrastructure, nonetheless. Not only does the insulation improve the overall performance and life of your plumbing, but it also protects them against damage from extreme temperatures or weather such as the mentioned above.

If you feel that your home’s plumbing system is not adequately insulated, you should consult one of our Universal Group INC professionals right away. Here are some issues that can be prevented by accurately protecting your tubes.

Frozen pipes: most vessels are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. When the mercury drops, standing water left in tubes can freeze and expand, causing tiny cracks that may break open or burst altogether. It is an essential matter that exposed ducts are well insulated; this should be a priority in areas prone to below-zero temperatures.

First things first, outdoor pipes should be insulated right away, but even expose, thin tubes in your home can freeze if the temperature gets very low. Make sure to look over pipes in rooms like the basement, attic, crawl spaces, under the sinks, in utility rooms, garages or the laundry room and insulate them all.

Energy costs and bills: believe it or not, insulating pipes can significantly impact your overall energy consumption (think green). As utility costs keep rising year after year and amid growing concerns about the welfare of our environment, homeowners all over the country are paying more attention to how they use energy, which is a good thing.

Proper insulation around tubes limits the heat transfer and provides a thin but helpful vapor barrier against moisture, which improves the thermal efficiency of your home and saves you money as well as it benefits the environment.

Water damage: most of the poorly insulated pipes allow water to condense around them, which leaves pipes susceptible to standing water that can freeze when cold weather comes again.  This, in time, will bring along water damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. Condensation can also speed the detriment of pipes, causing erosion and rust as well as leaks, cracks, and gaps. Universal Group suggests extra insulation; with it, you can eliminate the potential for water damage from bursting and erosion.

Dear readers, our experts, and professionals at Universal Group INC know what your home needs to operate to its full potential, all while saving you money! Our professionals will visit your home, inspect the current operation of your pipes, and provide valuable insight on your plumbing and piping. Please follow us on our social networking if you have any questions or want to contact us for future contracts.

Universal Group is your best alternative for pipes insulation.

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Tipos de ventanas para cada espacio del hogar

Cada ventana da un aire y un estilo diferente a las habitaciones de un hogar.

Encontrar las ventanas ideales para tu hogar no es tan fácil como podría parecer, ya que sus finalidades estéticas y funcionales son de suma importancia. Hay tantos tipos diferentes de ventanas y opciones disponibles en la actualidad que para algunas personas puede resultar abrumador elegir las más adecuadas para sus necesidades.

Las ventanas vienen en diversas formas y tamaños: pueden ser cuadradas, rectangulares, octogonales e incluso triangulares. Además de la estructura, algunas se abren hacia un lado, otras se deslizan hacia arriba o se mueven hacia arriba como un dosel.

Cada uno de estos tipos ofrece algo especial a tu hogar y sólo un propietario o contratista que comprenda sus características puede tomar una decisión informada para elegir las ventanas correctas.

Otro dato que se debe tener en cuenta es que dependiendo del modelo que se escoja, se puede modificar la forma y la estética de la casa, ayudando a definir el estilo de la construcción para adaptarse a los gustos y necesidades del dueño. Además, las ventanas permiten que la luz natural llene las habitaciones durante el día y dejan que entre el aire para mantenerlas frescas.

La utilidad práctica se debe tener en mente a la hora de elegir un modelo. Por ejemplo, las ventanas dobles son una opción mucho mejor desde un punto de vista práctico y de mantenimiento, ya que son más versátiles y fáciles de limpiar, pudiendo moverse para llegar a ambas partes de la ventana desde el interior del hogar. También cuentan con la opción de inclinarse para permitir una mejor entrada de corrientes de aire.

A continuación, presentamos una lista con los factores específicos a considerar cuando se debe seleccionar o instalar una ventana:

• Ubicación de la habitación.
• Tamaño de la habitación.
• La dirección en la que el viento fluye.
• Condiciones climáticas.
• El propósito de la habitación.
• Puntos de vista arquitectónicos y estéticos.

Tipos de ventanas para el hogar

• Ventanas fijas: se instalan en la pared sin necesidad de una maniobra de cierre o apertura.
• Ventanas corredizas: se mueven mediante la disposición de rodamientos de rodillos (ya sean horizontales o verticales).
• Ventanas pivotadas: el pivote es un eje que ayuda a oscilar el obturador. El balanceo puede ser horizontal o vertical según la posición de los pivotes.
• Ventanas colgantes dobles: consisten en un par de contraventanas unidas a un marco. Las pantallas se colocan una encima de la otra.
• Ventanas con persianas: son similares a las puertas con persianas, que proporcionan ventilación sin visión externa. La mayoría de las veces se usan para lugares privados, como baños.
• Ventanas abatibles: cuentan con contraventanas que están unidas al marco y pueden abrirse y cerrarse como puertas.
• Ventanas metálicas: a menudo son muy baratas y tienen más fuerza que una ventana promedio. Hoy en día son utilizadas especialmente para edificios públicos.
• Ventanas de guillotina: consisten en una barandilla superior, inferior e intermedia. El espacio entre los rieles se divide en pequeños paneles.
• Ventanas en esquina: al usar este tipo de ventanas, la luz o el aire pueden ingresar a una habitación en dos direcciones diferentes y llevar una hermosa atmósfera al espacio.
• Ventanas de bahía: se proyectan más allá de la pared, ya que se usan para aumentar el área de la abertura y así obtener más ventilación y luz del exterior.
• Ventanas abuhardilladas: diseñadas para techos inclinados.
• Ventanas para plantas altas: si las habitaciones de un edificio tienen diferentes alturas de tejado, estas ventanas son mejores para habitaciones con techos más altos.
• Ventanas tragaluz: deben ser instaladas en techos planos. El objetivo principal de ellas es el de proporcionar más flujo de luz y aire a las habitaciones.
• Ventanas de aguilón: ideales para edificios con tejado inclinado en sus extremos a dos aguas.
• Estilo ventilador: los obturadores pivotados horizontalmente son proporcionados para funcionar con ventiladores.
• Claraboyas: generalmente se usan en la parte superior de los techos inclinados para dejar pasar la luz a las habitaciones.

Esperamos que hayas disfrutado leyendo nuestro artículo y que lograras aprender más sobre los distintos tipos de ventanas. Aquí en Universal Group INC, nos encargamos de mantenerte informado y de ayudarte a mejorar tu hogar. Por favor, síguenos en nuestras redes sociales y no dudes en contactarnos para presentar cualquier pregunta, sugerencia o futuras contrataciones.

Universal Group te ofrece un equipo de profesionales si deseas abrir una nueva ventana en tu hogar.

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Frequently asked questions to a contractor

Right communication with your contractor is vital to the success of the project.

When a house needs a remo, a good contractor is vital in the overall process. As a homeowner (and maybe a future client) you’ll want to find a contractor with a strong reputation and standards to do the work, who won’t go over the estimated costs so that you don’t get in trouble with the remaining bill.

FAQ’s by clients to our Universal Group Contractors

These are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) that our clients have made for us over the years here at Universal Group. We’ve decided to answer them publicly and help you have an idea of what working with a contractor for a home remodeling would be like.

Q: Do I need a permit?

A: The ‘rule of thumb’ for this is that a permit will be required whenever structural alterations are necessary or if the general living area of the home is to be changed. This is true for bathroom design, a kitchen makeover or other remodeling services.

Q: Can I perform a part of the remodeling by myself?

A: In a way, you may choose to take on some aspects of the project yourself. These responsibilities will be outlined in a contract document. As the homeowner, you can (but is not always recommended) be involved in the demolition, and do any painting or staining that is required.

Q: What do I need to do as a customer?

A: As our client, you will be responsible for removing all of your items from the area to be remodeled. We recommend you to remove pictures from walls adjacent to the work area and to keep a clear and safe walkway for the workers to access the project.

Q: Will my family need to move out of our home during construction?

A: If you plan to have the whole house remodeled, then yes, you will most likely need to find other living arrangements during the construction period for practical matters (and your comfort). In just about every other type of home remo project, do not worry, you should be able to still live in your house.

Q: How long will my home renovation project take?

A: Every home improvement is unique, so this question isn't as simple as you might think. The duration of your project depends on multiple aspects; some of them are the size of the renovation project, scope of work and materials/finishes used. Here at Universal Group, we create a construction schedule for each remodeling project based on our full understanding of the scope. We also work together with the homeowner to guarantee that it can be completed within the estimated time frame.

Q: Will the remo be noisy?

A: Yes, construction is inherently noisy. There will be noise at varying levels throughout the home project. We will give you notice during the noisiest phases, such as concrete cutting, tile cutting, floor sanding, etc., so that you can plan your days to be less disturbed by this.

Q: Will it be dusty and dirty?

A: Not always, the dust and dirt will be present just t in the demolition phase. Once we've got things stripped down to the frame, things will be fairly clean. Stages like drywall installation and sanding will create a coat of very fine dust for a few days over the house surfaces. It's a good idea to put on a plastic sheet over nearby delicate items like electronics or furniture during this phase.

Q: Will I be without power/water/gas during the remodel?

A: It depends on the scope of your home remo project, there will likely be some brief interruption to utilities but they do not last for long. During the demolition phase, and when we bring in the rough trades (electrical or plumbing, for example), electrical, water and gas may need to be shut off anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. If we are connecting new gas pipes to your pre-existing pipes, we will need to deactivate your gas appliances and test the whole system looking for leaks. This could take a whole day. On the other hand, moving an electrical panel or upgrading an electrical panel will probably also take a whole day. In any case, we will give you advance warning so that you can plan accordingly.

Were all your questions answered? When it comes to contractors and home remodeling projects, here at Universal Group INC, we pride ourselves on working with professionalism and effectiveness. Put your home in our hands, and don’t forget to follow us on our social networks to learn more about what we can do to improve your home! Don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions, suggestions and future contracting opportunities to make your home or business use energy in the most efficient way possible.

Contractors play a vital role in a housing project, so we have to understand their language to make ourselves understood.

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