This essential guide will inform you on everything you would ever need to know on how to keep your home energy efficient: from latest insights to expert advice to beginning and managing energy efficient projects for your home. 

The Homeowner's Guide to Home Energy Efficiency

EL CERRITO — Some people think air filters are all the same, but this is far from the case. While the heating and cooling systems in many homes have standard, one-inch fiberglass filters, the reality is that these do little to improve indoor air quality—they’re only good for filtering out very large airborne particles. To get better filtration for your HVAC system, consider upgrading to a MERV 13 air filter. This four-inch pleated filter removes particles down to the level of viruses and bacterium, which makes it at least 60 times more effective than a standard filter. In addition to the quality of the filter you choose, another consideration is how often you replace it. Read more

<h1>Tim Hassler: A Brotherly Opportunity</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter</h6>
EL CERRITO — Tim Hassler used to have a fruitful career in the biotech industry, but when his brother suggested they join forces in the HVAC field, he knew it was a good opportunity. “I was working as a regional manager for a service company in the biotech field,” he recounts. “My brother, Mike, founded Hassler Heating &amp; Air Conditioning in 1999 and the business was growing a lot, so we began talking about partnering up. Not only did it offer a chance for me to progress from management to ownership, I was also excited to get into an industry that focused on improving home performance.”
Today, as CFO of Hassler Heating &amp; Air Conditioning, Inc., Tim says his past management experience comes into play in the company’s day-to-day operations. “Right now we’re up to five installation teams, so between scheduling, pulling permits and completing jobs in a timely manner, there are a lot of logistical challenges. Fortunately, that happens to be one of my strengths, so I enjoy coordinating things so our operations run smoothly and efficiently.” Tim also likes working alongside his two stepsons, Paul and Chris. “Paul is one of our energy auditors and Chris is a service technician. They’re not just family; they’re great employees as well.”
Originally from Truckee, Tim now resides in Marin County with his wife, Tamara, where he expresses his appreciation for the region’s natural beauty. “I’m a big hiker and runner, so I really enjoy all the nature trails and open spaces in this area. The Mt. Tamalpais Watershed and Point Reyes are great places to spend time, especially with family, so I feel really blessed to live here.”
In his professional life, Tim espouses the importance of keeping customers satisfied. “Our goal is to give our customers quality products and great service,” he affirms. “We go the extra mile to provide each customer with a good experience, and even though that sometimes affects our bottom line, it’s crucial to our long-term success.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Tim says he’d take a breather. “I’d probably take a nice, relaxing vacation and do some traveling. My brother and I both work six and sometimes seven days a week, so it’d be great to have a chance to slow down and just breathe. Right now, we’re trying to put systems in place and get the right personnel so we can do that.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: New Zealand.
Q: What are your favorite sports teams? 
A: The Oakland A’s, the Oakland Raiders and, as a UC Berkeley graduate, the Cal Bears.
Q: Coffee or tea? 
A: Definitely coffee.
Q: Ever read a book more than once? 
A: “Hawaii” by James Michener.
Q: What was your favorite video game as a child? 
A: It’s a tie between “Defender” and “Donkey Kong.”

Tim Hassler: A Brotherly Opportunity By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter EL CERRITO — Tim Hassler used to have a fruitful career in the biotech industry, but when his brother suggested they join forces in the HVAC field, he knew it was a good opportunity. “I was working as a regional manager for a service company in the biotech field,” he recounts. “My brother, Mike, founded Hassler Heating &amp; Air Conditioning in 1999 and the business was growing a lot, so we began talking about partnering up. Not only did it offer a chance for me to progress from management to ownership, I was also excited to get into an industry that focused on improving home performance.” Today, Read more

Tim Hassler is a 17-year veteran of the HVAC industry and CFO of Hassler Heating &amp; Air Conditioning, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2014. He can be reached at (510) 400-5759 or by email.

Tim Hassler: A Brotherly Opportunity

SACRAMENTO — In addition to upgrading your insulation and installing a radiant barrier, a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency is with attic air sealing. The purpose of attic air sealing is to prevent the transmission of conditioned air (air that has been heated or cooled by an HVAC system) between the attic and the living area below. While this may not seem like a significant issue, sealing the gap between these two spaces can have a substantial impact on your home’s energy output. Most houses contain numerous air gaps between the attic and living space, including spaces between light switches and receptacles; joints where walls meet ceilings; and spaces through which electrical wires, Read more

<h1>Greg Sutliff: A Light in the Attic</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SACRAMENTO — While he enjoys both the hands-on and operational aspects of the construction trade, Greg Sutliff says what he loves most about his job at Alcal Specialty Contracting, Inc. is his ability to make a positive impact on the environment. “I tell people I’m saving the world one attic at a time. A big part of what we do is helping people reduce their energy usage by implementing energy-efficient methods and products. I find satisfaction in simply knowing that a homeowner who previously used 20 kilowatts of energy will only use 15 after we’ve completed our work.”
Long before he was saving the world, Greg got started in the industry by sweeping up jobsites after class in middle school. “As a seventh grader making $3 an hour, I was pretty happy,” he laughs. “Over time, I worked my way up to cutting wood and hammering nails, and I eventually became a skilled laborer.” Following college, Greg went to work for a window company, where he gained a working knowledge of the administrative side of the business. Later, after earning his MBA in Finance and Marketing Communication, he sought employment that would incorporate his industry experience and formal education—an opportunity he eventually found with Alcal Specialty Contracting, where he currently serves as Home Services Division Manager.
Greg was born in San Francisco and raised in Corte Madera, but today, he lives in Sacramento with his wife, Liz, and their two children, Emerson and Ellie. As a lifelong Bay Area resident, he says he values the progressive mindset that characterizes the region. “There’s a great appreciation for quality of life and social equality here, and yet there’s also a strong work ethic that rewards those who are diligent and have good ideas. In terms of ideology, it’s the best of both worlds.”
Outside of work, Greg prefers to spend the bulk of his free time outdoors. “My family and I love going hiking and camping at places like Lake Tahoe,” he says. “I also go backpacking with friends a couple times a year through areas like Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Almost all of California’s 14,000-foot mountains are located in that area, which makes for some pretty spectacular views.”
In his professional life, Greg says a crucial part of his success has been his ability to make things right after they’ve gone wrong. “Anyone who’s in construction understands that sometimes things don’t go as planned, but at the end of the day, those things need to be corrected. At Alcal, our motto is, ‘Good people making things right,’ which means we not only strive to do things correctly the first time, but if things don’t go as planned, we won’t leave until we’ve made it acceptable to the customer.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Greg says he wouldn’t change a thing. “This is an exciting time in my career, and I really enjoy working for this company. If I had to retire tomorrow, I’d probably continue showing up at work and doing what I’m doing.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite sports team? 
A: The San Francisco Giants.
Q: Have you ever read a book more than once? 
A: The Harry Potter series. I read all the books when they first came out, and now I’m reading them to my kids.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Mulvaney’s B&amp;L in Sacramento.
Q: If you could be transported to any fictional world, where would you go? 
A: Either the Star Trek or Star Wars galaxy—one of those complex, panoptical multiverses.
Q: Captain Kirk or Captain Picard? 
A: Picard.
Q: What do you like on your pizza? 
A: Olives, sausage, peppers, tomatoes, cheese and red sauce.

Home Services Division Manager

Greg Sutliff: A Light in the Attic By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SACRAMENTO — While he enjoys both the hands-on and operational aspects of the construction trade, Greg Sutliff says what he loves most about his job at Alcal Specialty Contracting, Inc. is his ability to make a positive impact on the environment. “I tell people I’m saving the world one attic at a time. A big part of what we do is helping people reduce their energy usage by implementing energy-efficient methods and products. I find satisfaction in simply knowing that a homeowner who previously used 20 kilowatts of energy will only use 15 after we’ve completed our work.” Long before he was saving the world, Read more

Greg Sutliff is home services division manager at Alcal Specialty Contracting, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (877) 312-3532 or by email.

Greg Sutliff: A Light in the Attic

SAN JOSE — When it comes to choosing materials for a new roof, there are a couple of ways to go about it. Many homeowners opt to trust the expertise of their roofing contractors and let them use the materials they would normally use. However, a much better option is to ask your contractor to install a complete roofing system. The problem with leaving the choice of materials up to a contractor is that some roofers will install the cheapest ones they can find. When materials are chosen based on price alone, the quality between components like shingles, underlayment, and ventilation can vary significantly and potentially jeopardize the integrity of your roof. In contrast, Read more

<h1>Cameron Radonich: Bring it on Home</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN JOSE &mdash; Aiming for a career in professional sports, Cameron Radonich was in the process of earning his master’s degree when a simple realization led to an abrupt change in direction. “I was working on a master’s in organizational leadership, with the intention of coaching professionally,” he explains. “Halfway through the program, however, I realized I wasn’t willing to take a job outside of the Bay Area.” Recognizing that this provision was incompatible with his coaching aspirations, Cameron opted to take a route that would fulfill both his personal and professional criterion: he joined his father’s business, Los Gatos Roofing. “Going to work for my father gave me an opportunity to remain in my hometown while applying my formal education in a professional capacity.”
Today, as Los Gatos Roofing’s marketing director, Cameron says he enjoys his daily interactions with co-workers and customers most of all. “My favorite part about my job is the people I work with. I like the mentality of the people who work in construction, and I also enjoy being able to work with homeowners.”
Residing in San Jose with his wife, Katie, and their daughter, Gulianna, Cameron expresses his appreciation for both the local community and the region’s topographical attributes. “There’s a highly educated population base here in the Silicon Valley, so there are always good conversations to be had,” he says. “I also love the Santa Cruz Mountains. We have a family ranch up there, and I have a lot of fond memories from spending time there during my childhood.”
Outside of work, Cameron engages in a variety of pastimes, from playing sports to winemaking. “My favorite thing to do is play baseball and softball, which I do at least once a week, whether with friends or in my local league. I’ve also become very interested in winemaking—in fact, we recently started looking into developing the land on our ranch into a vineyard.”
In his life and career, Cameron finds inspiration in a quote from 19th century American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson. “The quote I have on my wall is basically Emerson’s definition of success, which is to have left the world a better place,” he explains. “My favorite parts are where he says, ‘To laugh often and much’ and ‘to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children.’ I try to apply this in my own life by making my business a place where employees enjoy coming to work and customers feel appreciated.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Cameron says he would redirect his vocational efforts and apply them toward winemaking. “I’d spend more time developing our family’s vineyard and trying to make that successful.”
<h8>Ask Me Anything!</h8>
Q: Do you have a favorite sports team? 
A: The Oakland A’s and the San Francisco 49ers.
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future? 
A: The past—there are parts of history I’m fascinated with and would like to see firsthand.
Q: If you could drive any car, what would it be? 
A: A 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback.
Q: What do you like on your pizza? 
A: Basil and tomatoes.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child? 
A: Any kind of ball—baseball, softball, tennis ball, whatever.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: Air Jordan basketball shoes. I have about 30 pairs!

Marketing Director

Cameron Radonich: Bring it on Home By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SAN JOSE &mdash; Aiming for a career in professional sports, Cameron Radonich was in the process of earning his master’s degree when a simple realization led to an abrupt change in direction. “I was working on a master’s in organizational leadership, with the intention of coaching professionally,” he explains. “Halfway through the program, however, I realized I wasn’t willing to take a job outside of the Bay Area.” Recognizing that this provision was incompatible with his coaching aspirations, Cameron opted to take a route that would fulfill both his personal and professional criterion: he joined his father’s business, Read more

Cameron Radonich is marketing director at <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/los-gatos-roofing">Los Gatos Roofing</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2005. He can be reached at (408) 256-3960 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/los-gatos-roofing">email</a>.

Cameron Radonich: Bring it on Home

PALO ALTO — An overlooked problem found in many homes is rodent infestation in the attic. Most attics contain gaps, cracks and spaces that are big enough for rodents to pass through, and since attics are typically uninhabited, this makes them attractive to rodents looking for a quiet, dry place to nest. However, when rodents make themselves at home in an attic, it can negatively impact the home in several ways. For example: •  They can chew through electrical wiring, which can cause outages that require repairs. •  Their feces can impact the home’s indoor air quality. •  They can carry mites into the home. •  They can damage attic insulation, Read more

<h1>Sean Koriat: An Energy-Saving Career</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
PALO ALTO — Upon moving to California from his native country of Israel, Sean Koriat traded a career of saving lives for one of saving energy. “Before I came to the United States, I worked as a paramedic in Israel,” he remembers. “I met my wife on a vacation to California and ended up moving here permanently.” When it came time for him to establish a new professional livelihood, Sean decided to try his hand at a trade that had always interested him: HVAC. “The idea of making people’s homes more energy-efficient and comfortable really appealed to me. I started out working for a local HVAC company and eventually decided to start my own company that specialized in attic cleaning and renovations.”
Today, as owner of Attic Crew, Sean says his favorite part of his job is making customers happy. “Typically, when we show up at a customer’s house, they’re pretty miserable, but by the time we leave, they’re happy and comfortable. That’s a very rewarding transformation to help facilitate.”
A resident of San Jose (where he lives with his wife, Chemda, and their two children), Sean spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “Personally, I like sports activities like bowling and soccer. However, what I enjoy most is spending time with my family. We like going on walks at nature parks and vacationing at spots like the Monterey Bay.”
When asked what he would do if he were to retire tomorrow, Sean says he would spend more time with his family. “I love my job, but I certainly wouldn’t mind the opportunity to spend more time with my wife and kids. My career keeps me very busy, but it’s worthwhile to know I’m providing a good life for them.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite sports team? 
A: The Golden State Warriors.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Pars Kosher Market &amp; Deli in San Jose.
Q: What’s your favorite snack? 
A: Chips.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Stay home and spend time with my family.
Q: Music or talk radio? 
A: Talk radio.

Owner

A glimpse into the life and career of Sean Koriat, owner of Attic Crew.

Sean Koriat is owner of Attic Crew, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (650) 238-6897 or by email.

Sean Koriat: An Energy-Saving Career

SAN LEANDRO — Are your heating and air conditioning bills out of control? Do you often find yourself feeling uncomfortable in your home? Believe it or not, the problem (and the solution) may be just overhead. Few homeowners realize the impact that attic insulation can have on things like in-home comfort and energy costs. Attic insulation helps regulate a home’s indoor temperature by keeping conditioned air in the living space. Unfortunately, most homes in the United States have under-insulated attics, which allow conditioned air to easily escape from living areas. In this scenario, a home’s heater or air conditioner must work harder to maintain the desired temperature, which results in higher energy costs. Read more

<h1>Sean Madar: One for All</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN LEANDRO — When asked the secret to his success with Atticare Construction, Sean Madar credits a trifecta of unique talents contributed by the company’s three owners. “Atticare Construction is owned and operated by Zack, Scott and myself—all good friends who served together in the Israeli military,” he explains. “We share a similar perspective on operations and our goals for the company, but each of us brings a unique set of skills to the table. Zack is a natural strategist who makes sure we stay ahead of the competition; Scott specializes in systems and operations; and I focus on marketing, customer service and business relations. So, we each get to do what we love and it makes for a great combination.”
Today, as co-owner of Atticare Construction, Sean says he enjoys making a positive impact on customers’ lives—an impact that sometimes goes beyond expectations. “One time, we did a full cleaning of a customer’s attic that had been infested by rats. We cleaned and sanitized everything and made some attic improvements. A month later, he called to thank us. Not only had his energy bills gone down, his daughter’s allergies had greatly improved as well. That’s when I realized our work could do more than just save energy; it could also enhance our clients’ comfort and health.”
Outside of work, Sean spends his free time on a variety of active pastimes. “I enjoy playing guitar, reading, and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking,” he details. “Additionally, my wife and I really enjoy nature, so just about every weekend we’re out in our Jeep, exploring the Bay Area.”
In his life and career, Sean espouses the value of being passionate about one’s work. “If you’re in a career you’re passionate about, you won’t work a day in your life,” he says. “You know you’re enjoying what you do when you lose track of time—for me, every day feels like the middle of the week. The fact that I get to help people and improve their lives makes it that much more enjoyable.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Sean says he wouldn’t. “My mom asked me about this recently, and I told her, ‘The day before I die, I want to go to work.’ The thing is, besides being in a career I’m passionate about, I already get to do what I want outside of work, like traveling. It’s not like I’m waiting to retire to pursue my bucket list, so why retire?”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite book? 
A: “Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos. I love the book’s core message: No matter how difficult business can be, if you just do the right thing, you can get to the next level.
Q: What was your first job? 
A: When I was 15, I worked as a landscaper.
Q: If you could instantly pick up a new skill, what would you choose? 
A: I’d like to speak Spanish fluently. I work with a lot of Spanish-speaking people and I love their cultures.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: Musical instruments—mostly guitars and percussion instruments.
Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? 
A: New Zealand.

Co-owner

A glimpse into the life and career of Sean Mader, co-owner of Atticare.

Sean Madar is co-owner of Atticare Construction, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (408) 758-5718 or by email.

Sean Madar: One for All

MARTINEZ — Fifteen thousand homes burned. Fifteen deaths. Four hundred injuries. $99 million in property damage. Contrary to what you might expect, these disturbing annual figures aren’t the result of arson or wildfire. The real culprit is much less probable: clogged dryer vents. Surprised? Small wonder—like most homeowners, you likely pay little mind to this hidden component of your laundry center. However, by doing so, you leave yourself vulnerable to a substantial risk. Before we talk about dryer vent safety, it’s good to get an understanding of how dryer vents function. A closed dryer vent works by forcing hot air out of a rigid galvanized pipe to the exterior of the home. This process typically generates condensation, Read more

<h1>Rafi Benbenishti: Home Repair Extraordinaire </h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
MARTINEZ — Following an unplanned relocation to an unfamiliar country, Rafi Benbenishti found his professional calling in the home maintenance and repair industry. “I’m originally from Israel,” he explains. “In 2000, I went traveling abroad and visited Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines, to name a few. Eventually, I came to the United States, where my brother was living at the time. What was meant to be a short visit ended up being a permanent stay. I started working in the home repair industry and spent the next several years learning everything from duct repair to insulation upgrades. In 2011, I opened my own home maintenance and repair company, and I’ve been going strong ever since.”
Today, as owner of HSR, Rafi says his favorite part of his job is solving his customers’ problems. “A lot of times, when we go out to a job, the customer will tell us they’ve already had another company out and they weren’t able to solve the issue. It’s very satisfying when we’re able to find the solution and take care of everything for an affordable price.”
A resident of Martinez (where he lives with his wife, Shirley, and their two children), Rafi spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “I love extreme sports like surfing, jet skiing and snowboarding,” he details. “My family and I like to do a lot of these things together. For example, in the summer, we’ll get together with friends and family at the lake and spend the day jet skiing. I also like playing with RC cars, drones and pretty much any other kind of gadget.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Rafi says he strives to bring a family dynamic to his company. “Our employees know that as long as they care for the business like it was their own, they’ll be taken care of as one of our own. We work together as one big family toward the shared goal of making our customers happy. I know that if I take care of my employees, they’re going to take care of our customers, and that’s a foundation for a successful business.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: I’m an early bird.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: Bali.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Relax and watch a TV show.
Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music.
Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The Golden State Warriors.

Rafi Benbenishti: Home Repair Extraordinaire By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter MARTINEZ — Following an unplanned relocation to an unfamiliar country, Rafi Benbenishti found his professional calling in the home maintenance and repair industry. “I’m originally from Israel,” he explains. “In 2000, I went traveling abroad and visited Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines, to name a few. Eventually, I came to the United States, where my brother was living at the time. What was meant to be a short visit ended up being a permanent stay. I started working in the home repair industry and spent the next several years learning everything from duct repair to insulation upgrades. In 2011, Read more

Rafi Benbenishti is owner of HSR, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 344-6763 or by email.

Rafi Benbenishti: Home Repair Extraordinaire

SAN JOSE — When properly installed, a home air conditioning system should last for at least 20 years. However, in order for the system to reach its expected lifespan, ongoing maintenance must be observed. In addition to prolonging the system’s operating lifespan, maintenance will help prevent problems and sustain energy-efficient performance. Consider the following maintenance steps: 1. Clean out the condensate drain line on a regular basis. This small, plastic pipe conveys condensation created by the air conditioning unit to the outside of the home. Typically, a condensate drain line has an access point that’s located near the unit. Find the access point and pour half a cup of bleach down into the line. Read more

<h1>Lior Zeevi: East to West</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN JOSE — After starting his HVAC career on the East Coast, Lior Zeevi decided to pack up and head west. “I began my HVAC career in 2003 while I was living in Miami, Florida,” he recounts. “What drew me to the industry was an interest in the science of HVAC, particularly air conditioning. Pretty much everyone has air conditioning in Florida, so there was plenty of work, and I ended up opening my own HVAC company. In 2012, I sold that business and moved to the Bay Area, where I started a new company.”
As he became more familiar with his new environment, Lior noticed some new opportunities to expand his professional repertoire. “I discovered that a lot of homes in the Bay Area have asbestos in the ducting,” he explains. “That got me interested in the field of asbestos removal, and I ended up becoming licensed to provide that service to my customers. Additionally, I found there was a lot more opportunity for upgrading insulation in the Bay Area, as it is rarely done in Miami. So, I became licensed for doing that as well.”
Today, as owner of HVAC &amp; Insulation Gurus, Lior says his favorite part of his job is making his clients’ homes more energy efficient. “By replacing insulation and installing new heating and cooling systems, we help our customers save a lot of money over the long term. So, besides the satisfaction of doing a good job, it feels good to know I’m making a positive impact on people’s lives.”
A resident of San Jose (where he lives with his wife, Lee, and their two young children), Lior spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “I enjoy outdoor activities like camping, off-roading with ATVs, boating and jet skiing,” he says. “Our kids are still very young, so it has been fun to introduce them to these new things. Of course, sometimes I like to just stay home and relax.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Lior says he’d see the world. “I would take four or five months and just travel. There are lots of places I want to see, like Thailand and Australia, so it would be a great opportunity to do that.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee.
Q: What’s your favorite season?
A: Summer.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: I’m an early bird.
Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I collect cars. I have a 1984 Mercedes-Benz SL convertible, a 1968 Mustang GT and a 1965 Pontiac GTO.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A:  Oren’s Hummus in Sunnyvale.

Lior Zeevi: East to West By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SAN JOSE — After starting his HVAC career on the East Coast, Lior Zeevi decided to pack up and head west. “I began my HVAC career in 2003 while I was living in Miami, Florida,” he recounts. “What drew me to the industry was an interest in the science of HVAC, particularly air conditioning. Pretty much everyone has air conditioning in Florida, so there was plenty of work, and I ended up opening my own HVAC company. In 2012, I sold that business and moved to the Bay Area, where I started a new company.” As he became more familiar with his new environment, Read more

Lior Zeevi is president of HVAC &amp; Insulation Gurus, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (408) 763-3543 or by email.

Lior Zeevi: East to West

This essential guide has everything you need to know about keeping your home energy efficient, from the latest insights to expert advice.

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Diamond Certified

<div class="article-entry">When it comes to home improvements, most homeowners tend to focus on living areas like kitchens and bathrooms. However, unoccupied parts of the home also play an important role in the functioning of the whole. Take the attic, which can impact everything from the comfort level of the living areas to the energy efficiency of the heating and cooling systems. That

James Florence

When it comes to home improvements, most homeowners tend to focus on living areas like kitchens and bathrooms. However, unoccupied parts of the home also play an important role in the functioning of the whole. Take the attic, which can impact everything from the comfort level of the living areas to the energy efficiency of the heating and cooling systems. That’s why it’s worthwhile to have your attic professionally inspected and invest in recommended improvements. Here are five ways you can improve your attic:
&nbsp;
<h2>1. Evict unwelcome tenants</h2>
You may think your attic is uninhabited, but are you sure? Attics are common areas for rats and mice to set up lodgings. Rodents can cause a lot of problems in an attic, from chewing through electrical wires, ductwork and insulation to defecating all over the place. Worse still, if they get inside the ductwork and defecate inside, the HVAC system could be spreading unsanitary germs throughout the home’s air stream.
If you suspect there are rodents living in your attic, it’s time to call an <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/attic-and-crawl-space-cleaning/">attic cleaning professional</a>. Besides removing the rodents that are present in your attic, they’ll perform the equally important jobs of sanitizing the area and sealing all entry points to prevent reinfestation. Many attic cleaning professionals can also handle related work, including the subsequent tasks on this list.
&nbsp;
<h2>2. Upgrade insulation</h2>
<div id="attachment_433945" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-433945" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-433945 size-medium" src="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Atticare-example-of-work-6-rgb-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Atticare-example-of-work-6-rgb-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Atticare-example-of-work-6-rgb-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Atticare-example-of-work-6-rgb.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Upgraded attic insulation typically pays for itself within a few years. Photo: Atticare Construction ©2022</div>
Another way to improve your attic is to bring its insulation up to modern standards. Over the years, building code changes have called for increasingly higher grades of insulation. So, if your insulation hasn’t been upgraded in more than two decades, it’s likely outdated and underperforming. By improving the home’s energy efficiency, replacing substandard attic insulation with R38 grade or better usually pays for itself within two to five years.
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<h2>3. Seal the gaps</h2>
Individual air gaps between the attic floor and the living space below may be small, but altogether they can constitute a substantial amount of energy loss. This includes joints where walls meet ceilings, as well as gaps where electrical wires and mechanical equipment enter the attic. When conditioned air escapes into the attic through these areas, the home’s HVAC system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable climate, resulting in higher energy consumption. Sealing these air gaps is a permanent solution that will curb energy loss and lower your heating and cooling costs.
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<h2>4. Install a radiant barrier</h2>
<div id="attachment_433947" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-433947" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-433947 size-medium" src="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Atticare-example-of-work-4-rgb-300x225.jpg" alt="installing a radiant barrier in the attic" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Atticare-example-of-work-4-rgb-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Atticare-example-of-work-4-rgb.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />A properly installed radiant barrier can help lower an attic&#8217;s temperature on hot days. Photo: Atticare Construction ©2022</div>
On hot summer days, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate your home’s roof and enter the attic, which can increase the temperature in the living areas. While proper insulation and air-sealing will help diminish this effect, there’s another step you can take to cool down your attic: installing a radiant barrier. Either in the form of aluminum-infused paint or foil sheeting applied on the underside of the roof, a radiant barrier reflects incoming solar energy back out of the attic. When properly installed, a radiant barrier can lower an attic’s temperature by 20 to 50 degrees on a hot day.
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<h2>5. Install a whole-house fan</h2>
After being closed up during a hot day, it can be difficult to ventilate your home in the evening, even if the outdoor temperature is significantly cooler. A great solution is to install a whole-house fan in your attic. A whole-house fan pulls in cool air from outside while simultaneously exhausting stale indoor air, providing natural ventilation and temperature reduction. As a low-energy supplement to your home’s air conditioning system, a whole-house fan can also help reduce your energy bills.
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When it comes to home improvements, most homeowners tend to focus on living areas like kitchens and bathrooms. However, unoccupied parts of the home also play an important role in the functioning of the whole. Take the attic, which can impact everything from the comfort level of the living areas to the energy efficiency of the heating and cooling systems. That’s why it’s worthwhile to have your attic professionally inspected and invest in recommended improvements. Here are five ways you can impr

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