What’s New
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is pleased to acknowledge and support The International Code Council Foundation’s May 2011 Building Safety Month.
Recent Projects
- Prepared plans for the alteration of an existing structure in Monsey, NY
- Assisted in the preparation of a zoning analysis report for the redevelopment of several properties in Congers, NY
- Identified HVAC contractor installation deficiencies and provided criteria for system improvements for a mixed use structure in Upper Nyack, NY
Residential Programmable Thermostats’ Usability Impacts Effectiveness
Homes with programmable thermostats are not saving as much energy as expected and might even be using more compared to homes without them, according to research by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Tests and surveys conducted for the study found that users frequently had difficulty performing various tasks on programmable thermostats. One survey found that half of residential programmable thermostats are set to long-term hold, and 20% had the wrong time of day set on the units’ internal clocks. Also, 89% of the respondents rarely or never used their thermostat to set a weekday or weekend program. One intention of the study is to develop a usability “score” for programmable thermostats.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to consult with builders, building owners, property managers, and property purchasers regarding the selection, specification, installation, set-up, and operation of their HVAC systems and controls. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients.
Sherwin-Williams To Defend Against Liability In Lead Paint Lawsuit
On March 14, 2011, the AP reported that the Mississippi Supreme Court will hear arguments from paint maker Sherwin-Williams Co. that it is not liable for the brain damage of a boy “who ate lead-contaminated paint chips.” A 2000 decision in favor of the company was overturned in 2007 and a new trial was ordered. That trial won the family seven million in damages. The suit alleges the boy consumed lead paint chips “from sanding, scraping and other steps recommended by Sherwin-Williams to remove the lead paint from the house before other paint could be applied.” The homeowner and the boy’s grandmother said the house was painted “four times between 1974 and 1994.”.
Yarmus, Engineering, P.C. is available to provide consulting and testing services for lead-based paint. We have provided such services for building owners, property managers, property purchasers, attorneys, and government agencies. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients.