Recent Questions for Adam:

QUESTION

I saw part of your webcast and interview on Fox2 this past weekend.  I'm looking for ways to reduce our energy use, and there was some talk about tankless water heaters being more energy efficient.   Does it really make a difference? 

ANSWER

Thanks for watching the webcast, Jenna!
Everyone today is concerned about “going green” - as long as it doesn’t compromise our comfort too much.  Tankless systems actually improve the supply of hot water in your home, by supplying hot water on demand - even with multiple morning showers and laundry!  Jason Crain from Pritchard, Inc. said on our recent webcast:  “Everybody hears about ‘high efficiency’ furnaces or air conditioners - this is truly a high efficiency system, as it uses 30% less natural gas and 50% less electricity than traditional systems.  And, it ends the ‘family feuds’ around shower time!”

I couldn't agree more!  If you're looking for energy savings with the benefit of endless hot water - it's my favorite "green tip" of the month.   Thanks for logging in to our weekly webcast on myfoxdetroit.com.   We're on every saturday at 10am - so keep coming back!  - Adam

QUESTION

Hi Adam,

ANSWER

Erich - Good Questions!

The gable vent is a "dirty job" and really should be done from the inside.  A handyman would be my choice.  It is a job that doesn't land on the top of anyone's list!  I wish I could help you more.

Your water heater question is also great:  the water runs out based on the flow of the shower head.  Old heads run at 8 gals/minute... Some at 5 gals/minute, and new heads go 2.5 gals/minute.  So, if you have 40 gallons of hot water, you would potentially run out after 10-20 minutes.  Now some water heaters have "quick recovery" which may extend that time a bit, but not by much.  A couple of solutions:  get another 40 gallon hot water heater and piggyback it to your existing, or go tankless - where you have unlimited hot water!  Tankless is a bit more expensive but I believe it is worth the investment. 

I hope this helps you out.  Thanks for the kind words as well!  Cheers - Adam

QUESTION

Hi Adam-

I would like to know who you recommend for me for a new furnace and air conditioning.  What brands of furnace do you think are the best?  Thank you!

ANSWER

Dorothy-

I feel that the best furnace is the one that is installed properly.  There are some great brands available today.  I like Lennox and some Carrier products.  The better way to go is with a contractor who can match your needs based on your home situation.  Please visit hireitdone.com and "request a quote" for new furnace or A/C, and I will match you up with the best HVAC contractors in Metro Detroit!  

Thanks - Adam 

QUESTION

Hi Adam, 
First, I love your show, and listen to it every week!! One of your shows had to  do with Econo-Heat's heat panels.  I've checked out their website and was interested in buying one. Do you know if there is a company in Michigan that sells them?  I would rather pick them up than have to wait for them through UPS.

ANSWER

Hey Jessica! Thanks for the kind words! The Eheat panels aren't available locally but if you use discount code: RADIO15 you get a 15 percent discount. That will help offset the UPS charges. I hope this helps! Adam

QUESTION

Hello Adam,
I enjoy listening to your show on Sundays.  I am writing to you for your advice. I have a 1200 sq. foot house built in the 1950's.  It is half brick and half vinyl siding. The vinyl siding was replaced about 3 yrs. ago. Some of the bricks are discoloring, cracked and chipped out. Several areas of the mortar are cracked, chipped out, and separated from the bricks leaving gaps.  Also, some of the brick sills are slanted backwards instead of forward. I am considering having all the bricks replaced.  But, someone mentioned, that I should just have the bricks sandblasted and replace only the bad bricks, and have the bad areas re-tuckpointed.  In your opinion, would you recommend sandblasting? Or ,do you have any other suggestions in restoring the bricks?  Also, can you give me the names of reputable masons and companies that sandblast. Thank You for your time and opinion.

ANSWER

L.C.,  without seeing your brick work I am not sure if sandblasting the brick will solve your issues. A good brick mason that knows restoration work should be able to help you. I know of two companies that you can call:  KC Masonry (586) 795-9401. Ask for Ken Calverley -the owner. Also call Tittle Brothers construction and ask for Greg Tittle (313) 522-8345.  I hope this helps you. Also thanks for the kind words about my show! Cheers! Adam