Earth Week and Indoor Air

It's hard to believe that this week marked the 33rd anniversary of Earth Day. A lot has changed since 1970. The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act became law. Fuel efficiency standards have increased and battery powered cars are transporting more and more people.

More recently, environmental protection efforts and Earth Day observances are focusing on the indoors as well as outdoors. Indoor air quality has become a major concern globally as familes battle the growing epidemic of allergies and asthma. Electrolux, manufacturer of BEAM Central Vacuum Systems and BEAM HEPA Air Filtration Equipment has provided important contributions to better indoor air quality with products that remove allergens from the living environment, resulting in healthier homes.

Spring. Finally!

Here it is, the week before baseball season begins and the TV weather guy is saying that 49 percent of the country is covered in snow. The only bear dirt to be found is the sand and slop my  car dragged into the garage.

The whole place needs a thorough cleaning. A few years ago I bought a 21-inch wide bare floor brush from BEAM that's perfect for the job. It's called the DustDriver. Just plug a hose into the utility valve on the central vac power unit, attach the brush to the other end and clean the garage floor in no time -- without kicking dust into the air. 

Building a New Home?

At long last the housing market in the U.S. is starting to recover. New home construction this year is expected to climb to its highest level in more than four years. Interest rates remain at historic lows and home values are rising in most major markets in the U.S.

The upturn was evident at the 2013 International Buildlers Show where both builder and exhibitor attendance was up sharply from last year. And the mood among builders was decidedly upbeat. Many stopped by the BEAM exhibit at the Builder Partnerships pavilion at the show to learn more about how they can provide their customers with healthier indoor air quality -- and differentiate their homes in a competitive market by installing BEAM Central Vacuum Systems.

They weren't disaappointed.

The BEAM Allliance System -- more powerful, quieter and more convenient with advanced communication technology and a sleek, contemporary design will be introduced in coming weeks. It will be a game changer in home cleaning technology.

BEAM Earns Top Ratings from Bulders

BEAM by Electrolux is the most frequently chosen brand of central vacuum systems installed in new homes, according to a survey of builders, developers and contractors by Hanley Wood, the publisher of BUILDER magazine. Builders also rated BEAM as the highest quality central vacuum systems for the ninth year in a row.

Improve Your Indoor Air

As you prepare your home for the winter season, don't overlook the importance of safe indoor air. There are several steps you can take to prepare and keep your home healthy.

1. Get your heating system inspected. It's work a few extra dollars to have the system checked by a trained technician to make sure the system is in good working order and that there are no gas leaks that endanger your family's health and safety. Also, be sure to change the furnace filter.

2. If you don't have a carbon monoxide detector in the home, you should intall one.

3. Take the time to clean your home more frequently to remove dust and allergens from the home, especially if a family member has allergies or asthma. A BEAM Central Vacuum System offers the best way to remove surface allergens because it completrely removes all contacted dust from the living area.

4. Take advantage of whatever mild weather comes your way. Open up a window when you can to let in fresh air.

Amenities Key as Homebuilding Begins Slow Recovery

For the first time in nearly four years, new home construction is showing signs of a belated, albeit slow recovery in many communities around the country, with new home sales rising 19 percent in May compared with the same month a year ago and permits for future residential construction rising by 25 percent from May 2011.

Photo Courtesy of Classic Homes

Mark Fuerstenberger, purchasing manager for Classic Homes, Colorado Springs, Colo., senses a change in consumer attitude with the uptick that started around the first of the year.

“I think a switch triggered in everybody’s mind. All of a sudden there was a lot less negativity,” Fuerstenberger says.

Classic Homes sold 167 homes during the first half of 2012, well over one-half of the company’s goal of 250 sales for the entire year.

“With interest rates as low as they have been for home buying and costs at the moment being down and knowing there’s only one direction they could possibly go, a lot of buyers think now is the time to buy,” he notes. “We’ve had a stellar start to the year. “

He said that consumers remain very cost-conscious when shopping for a new home. However, they are increasingly interested in adding high-end finishes and other amenities to the home. Builders are working to accomplish both.

“We bumped a few things down a little bit without compromising the quality of the home, but we put that money back into the home in finishes and the things that buyers would want to touch and feel,” Fuerstenberger adds.

Central vacuum systems are among the “touch and feel” preferences for many buyers because of their contributions to indoor air quality. Classic Homes works with BEAM Central Vacuum Systems by Electrolux. The two companies are exploring ways to pre-pipe Classic’s homes so buyers can either complete the installation of a system now, or adding a central vac later with minimal installation.

“People are looking at a new home as a longer-term investment than they did in the past. Protecting the investment and maintaining a healthier living environment are a high priority,” notes Jay Rollie, National Business Development Manager for BEAM. “As a result buyers are choosing products that are durable. They want more built-ins. And they want products that are convenient and easy to use.

“Central vacuum systems pass each test,” Rollie says.

BEAM Cited as Innovative Addition to Vision House

Editors of Green Builder magazine have selected the BEAM Serenity QS Central Vacuum System as one of the 25 top innovations included in Vision House LA. The system improves the indoor air quality of the home by capturing more dirt and allergens and completely removing them from the living space.

Read the cover story in the May-June issue.