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Your TES Machine |
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QUESTIONS: |
ANSWERS: |
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Where do I buy my TES? |
TES is manufactured by
Bridgepoint Systems and sold exclusively through the
Interlink Supply network of
carpet cleaning supply and
restoration supplydistributors. Visit
www.InterlinkSupply.com to find your local InterlinkSupply distributor. |
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What is included inthe basic TES package?
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The TES base unit includes the Stainless steel power plant, 4 roto-moldedthermal exchange (TEX) boxes, 600' of insulated hose including quick connects, insulation wraps, owner's manual and basic instruction guide.
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What accessories oroptions will I need? |
This will depend uponthe type of job you do and the equipment you already have.You need five air movers to be able to run all four TEX boxes and the exhaust. If you need dehumidifiers, thePhoenix 200 HT is a perfect compliment to TES.
A dual or single stageexhaust controller and lay flat ducting will also be neededto run the system. Sand bags, pad pins and foam wedges arehelpful time savers that you will also want. Floater Pinswill be needed to float carpet with furniture that stays inthe room. One set of 4 floaters for each piece of furniture.
If the unit is notpermanently installed in a trailer or van, the wheel kit maybe necessary. If installed in a trailer or van, the manualmust be consulted to ensure proper ventilation and ducting.
Other items are helpful for some jobs but may not be neededon a regular basis.
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Is there an accessoryto fit into the window that allows the hoses to go throughwithout allowing people or pests in through the window?
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The hose rods and foaminserts can be used to block the windows to only allow thehoses to pass through the window. Some contractors will cuta piece of wood and place in the window and place a largewooden dowel in the window track to hold it in place for security reasons.
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How powerful of airmover is needed for each TEX box? |
Most centrifugal airmovers (whistle style) will work fine (1/3 Horse Power orlarger). More powerful air movers are helpful when dryinglarger rooms of carpet but are not needed on most jobs. Infact, the smallest amount of air flow possible, while still maintaining a proper float is what works the best.
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What is the warranty onthis machine? |
The exchanger insidethe TES unit is warranted to be free from defects in material orworkmanship for five years from the date of purchase. The roto-molded body of the TEX box is warranted to be free fromdefects in material or workmanship for five years from the date of purchase. All other components of the TES Thermal Energy System are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date ofpurchase.
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What is the lifeexpectancy of a TES unit? |
TES is built to the highest standards and built to last.Stainless steel and other rust proof metals make TES a very durable machine. Virtually all the components arerated to much higher limits than they will ever reachrunning on the TES unit. The TES Thermal Energy System is designed to give you years ofreliable service. If a problem should arise, use thetroubleshooting section in the operation manual to diagnoseand correct the problem if possible. If you are unable todetermine the cause or solution to the problem, contact yourdistributor or Bridgepoint Systems for assistance.
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Operation |
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QUESTIONS: |
ANSWERS: |
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How many square feetcan be dried with the basic TES package? |
The drying capacity of TES is only limited to how quickly you would like a structure todry. If the area is quite large and only one TES unit is applied, drying may be extended to typical dry timesusing currently available technology. As a guideline, hereare some estimated coverage's where average dry times rangefrom 18 to 72 hours depending on the class of loss.
Commercial applications with glue down carpet or other hardsurfaces: 5,000 sq. ft maximum per TES unit. Additional fans/air movers may be required.
Residential: 3,000 sq feet when combining stretched incarpet over pad and other hard floor surfaces. TES, using all four TEX boxes will float up to 1,200 sq. ft. of carpet.This would be for class 2 losses (floor wet and walls wet upto 24"). Where a class 3 loss (walls wet from floor toceiling, ceilings also wet) is involved, less square footagemay be dried or drying times may be somewhat extended.
TES is designed to be used in conjunction with the buildingsexisting HVAC system. If there is no heat or airconditioning available from the HVAC system, then the amountof an area you can cover may be reduced depending on outdoorconditions.
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How much propane willit take to dry an average job? |
The TES boiler uses 1 ½ gallons of propane per hour at full heat inmost cases. However, the efficiency of the 2-stage boilermeans it will not always have to operate at full heat. How many TEX boxes are attached and the current ambientconditions will determine how much propane will be used. 2or 3, 100 lb tanks is recommended for optimum performance.Using only one tank may cause it to freeze up and not allowsufficient propane flow. When propane is flowing too quicklyfrom only one tank, it is possible to freeze the regulators.
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How long does it taketo set-up / take down the TES unit? |
This will vary with jobsite conditions and the experience of the person doing theset-up. 60 to 90 minutes may be required the first time atechnician sets up TES. This should reduce greatly withexperience. Once you have done it a few times, you should beset up in 30 to 45 minutes. A trailer mounted unit wouldreduce this time even further. Significant time savings areexperienced by TES users because daily monitoring is cut to only one visit inmost cases as opposed to the 5 or 6 visits needed withconventional equipment.
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What is the difference between the single stage controller and the two-stage controller? |
The single stagecontroller simply turns on/off one fan at a preset temperature. The two-stage controller will turn on/off twofans at two different temperature settings. The advantage of the two-stage controller is one exhaust fan could be set andrunning between 80 and 95 degrees and a second fan could beset to turn on at 95 degrees to ensure that the temperaturenever exceeds that setting.
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Can the furniture be left in the room during drying? |
Yes and there arespecial accessories that will allow the carpet to floatunder furniture that is left in the room. However, we dorecommend removing as much furniture from the room as thesituation will allow.
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What about security?People don't want to leave the windows open when no one ishome. |
Security is a concernin any loss situation and has been dealt with on jobs usingtrailer mounted desiccants, etc. If it isn't a whole houseloss, many times the owner can and will remain in thestructure over night. In the jobs done to date with TES , allhomes and businesses have been secured with little or noconcern from the owner. Here are a few suggestions shouldthis concern arise on one of your jobs:
1. Windows are usually not opened far and can easily be blocked so as not allow entrance into the structure.
2. Restorers have been very creative in designing special access points that are placed in windows or can replace anoutside door.
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Why do you float thecarpet? Don't people object to this? Don't they expect toget new carpet? |
Floating carpet hasbeen done for 30+ years; however this is not the typical float. We are simply lifting a corner and installing the TEX between the carpet and cushion. We also use sandbags wherethe folded carpet is off the tack strip to keep the carpetfrom "flopping" which can cause damage. We are using thecarpet to contain the energy (heat) and need only a "softfloat" to accomplish this. An answer to objections toleaving the carpet is simply to say that the carpet is usedfor containment for the system. The decision to remove thecarpet can be made once the structure is dry and evaluationof the contents and structure can then be made. Studies havebeen conducted and it is verified that a flooded and thendried carpet is stronger than when new. This is inclusive ofcarpet that has been floated. When heating, while drying,the increased strength is even greater.
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What does 2-stageboiler mean? |
This means TES has a high and a low fire. The machine senses how much heatis needed and adjusts accordingly. This can also be adjusted manually. For example, if you are using all four TEX boxes it will be in high fire mode to keep up with the demand, if you use only two TEX boxes the demand for heat is reducedand the boiler will fire in low to use less propane. This isadjusted manually at set up by a valve that is on the TES machine.
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How many TEX boxes canyou run off of one TES unit? |
Four TEX boxes is the maximum for one TES machine for optimum efficiency. You can buy an extra box, hoses and tees to connect another box, and it will not hurt the machine, but the performance will be reduced. It is recommended that you never use less than two TEX boxes with the TES unit.
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What is the maximum length of hose you can run to a single TEX box? |
TES has been run out tolengths of 300 feet to a single TEX box with good results.Hoses have been run up to 4 stories (40 feet). Higher runsmay be achievable but have not been tested. Any extensions in length or height should be made using the ¾" hoses.
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Are there anytemperatures, or weather or atmospheric conditions that makeit so TES cannot be used? |
TES is designed to workoutside in the elements - snow, sleet, rain, etc. It canoperate in temperatures from -30°F to 115°F. When mounted ina closed vehicle or trailer, good ventilation is a must. For temperatures below 60°F, at least 200 sq. inches ofventilation must be available. For temperatures above 60*F,a forced air fan (see operator manual) must be used toprevent overheating in the vehicle or trailer.
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What if the ceiling iswet or what if the walls are wet all the way to the ceiling?
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The energy from TES can be utilized to dry all structural materials. Just allowthe temperature in a room that is completely wet to gohigher. Increase the energy to the water using additionalfans if needed. Ducting TEX and/or pointing TES directly at the ceiling may be effective ways of getting theenergy to where it is needed.
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What if I have a roomfull of wet contents? |
TES can be used to drythose contents in place. Just allow the temperature to get alittle warmer and put airflow over the contents.
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What are some of thelimiting factors with TES? What is the downside or what canit not do? |
It can be used in anydrying situation you would use conventional equipment. Forultra high speed drying, the size of the loss is somewhatlimited to less than 1200 square feet, however it may beused as a large loss unit if you choose to heat the entirestructure, but this will be a little slower process. Forvery small jobs of one room or less, TES may not be the most economical solution.
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Is it safe to runaround people, pets or plants? What are the hazards if leftoutside? |
1. Heat may havedangers and people should be made aware of the areas toavoid such as quick connects, (should be wrapped)
2. Pets and plants should be removed from the areas to besafe. Pets and plants are hard to predict as to how theyreact to ambient temperatures and air movement. Children,pets and plants should not be in any type of dryingenvironment.
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What do I do with allof my dehumidifiers and fans I currently own? |
Continue to use them asyou have. Your TES system(s) will soon become your primary unit(s), but whenyou have surges and multiple jobs, you will need equipmentto cover those situations. They can be utilized on verysmall jobs where TES may not be economical or they can be utilized for contentsdrying when needed. They can also be utilized in a wet areauntil a TES unit becomes available.
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Do people need to moveout of their homes? |
As with any dryingmethod people (other than the restoration technicians)should be kept out of the area being dried. Occupants maystay in unaffected areas if this is practical. According toalmost all the adjusters we have talked to, by far the greatest number of jobs continue to have the people livingor working in them. TES makes this much more feasible because the process is overmuch quicker, the noise is greatly reduced, and with theusual negative pressure, no odors or humidity reaches theother areas of the structure.
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Is this covered by BlueBook, Exactamate and other estimating software?
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Both of these companiesare very excited about TES and have been to our location or classes to view itpersonally. TES is now in the 2006 updates for both programs.
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What happens if I havematerials with visible microbial growth? With the airmovement the way it is, can TES still be used?
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Mold should be dealtwith according to the S520 guide. However, TES can be used to dry these jobs once the microbial growth hasbeen dealt with properly. |
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What happens if I spillthe fluid in the home or if the hose leaks? |
TES uses a food gradeglycol mixture with water. It dries to a non re-soilingresidue but should be wiped off hard surfaces or extractedfrom soft surfaces. A general pre-spray such as Zone Perfectshould be sprayed on the affected area and extractedthoroughly. The Spot Claw by Water Claw may be a good optionin this instance.
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Maintenance |
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QUESTIONS: |
ANSWERS: |
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How hard is this unitto work on if something goes wrong? |
TES is quite easy towork on and troubleshoot. The panels are easily removed foreasy access to components should the need ever arise.
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How long does the fluidlast and do I have to change it? |
The fluid should befiltered after the first 200 hours of use and should bechanged out every 2,000 hours. This can take place at thedistributor location and be completed in about 30 minutes.
TES does not "use up" the TES fluid while in operation. It is possible however, to loseapproximately one teaspoon of fluid when the quick connectsare disconnected. There is a sight tube on the front of the
TES machine. If you notice the fluid getting low, you need onlyto add additional fluid to the storage tank on the top of the machine. You can purchase the TES fluid in gallons at your local ILS dealer.
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What do all the lightsand gauges mean? |
The lights indicate theprocesses going on with the machine during operation and areimportant to pay attention to. Refer to the Owner's Manualfor a more complete description of what each individuallight indicates.
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What do the low flowand high limit lights mean? |
These are safetyswitches referring to the flow and temperature of the liquidin the machine during operation. TES must maintain a certain flow in order to work properly. Ifthe flow rate drops below a certain point, the machine willshut off. If the temperature rises above a certain point,the high limit switch will kick in and also shut the machineoff.
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Technology |
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QUESTIONS: |
ANSWERS: |
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Does drying floors thatfast damage wood? |
Using energy (heat)improperly, to dry can be abused as with any system.However, when properly monitored, we have not had anyproblems with damage using TES and the Reets Evaporation System.
The greatest enemy ofwood flooring is moisture! Evaporating excess moisture isgood for wood not bad. Some experts think wood floors can beharmed by the sudden changes in moisture content produced byan accelerated drying system such as TES. However, there isno testing to prove this one way or the other. To date, wehave had no reports of damage done by accelerated drying onhard wood floors. We can be sure that if any damage is doneby faster drying, it is less damage than if the wood were toremain wet.
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How is TES different than other heat based systems? |
All heat based systemshave merit when utilized properly and in the right setting.What makes TES special is the application of heat directly at the sourcewhich greatly increases evaporation and drying. This is why
TES is able to achieve these amazing dry times (Most jobs in 30hours or less). We encourage you to listen to and/or readsome of the testimonials of current TES owners, or contact your local ILS Dealer for ademonstration.
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What is the evaporationcalculator and how does it work for me on the job? |
The EvaporationCalculator measures the drying potential that you havecreated with your equipment no matter what type of equipmentyou are using.
To use the calculator you only need 3 pieces of information:
1. Temperature of the air
2. Relative humidity of the air
3. Temperature of the wet surface that you are trying todry.
Plug these numbers in and you get your Evaporation Potential(EP)! Try the Evaporation Calculator for free at www.tesdryingsystem.com. Adjust the numbers that you enterto simulate what conditions you might create with yourequipment. Then plug in the conditions that TES can create to see what Evaporation Potential you aremissing. Please feel free to contact us at 800-660-5803 if you need assistance. |
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How is TES different than the Dragon? Why would I pay $18,000 when Ican get a Dragon for less than $4,000? |
It would take multipledragons to equal the true BTU output of a TES unit when efficiency is factored in.
A Dragon cannot be used to reheat warm air in the structurelike TES can. That means the Dragon must heat the outside air. Ifoutside temperatures are below 60°F, the Dragon will neverproduce the temperature output that TES can because the Dragon can only add approximately 81°F tothe air that it draws in. Since you cannot control theoutside air temperature, you cannot control the inside airtemperature either. You can liken drying with a Dragon todriving a car with no steering wheel, brakes or accelerator.You will go somewhere, you just can't control when, where orhow fast.ADragon can only be ducted a maximum of 15 feet. Ducting itfarther than that can cause the unit to overheat. You aregiven 30 feet of duct with unit but there are two ducts sothe unit must be within 15 feet of the wet area.
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Marketing |
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QUESTIONS: |
ANSWERS: |
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Who can I talk to thathas actually used TES in their restoration business? |
The list of satisfied TES owners is growing every day. Your ILS dealers receive anewsletter on a regular basis and have access to several testimonials.
Contact your local ILS Dealers for copies of these testimonials or contact Interlink Supply in Salt Lake City,UT. (800-658-5314)
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Are ServiceMaster, ServPro and some of the other large restorers currently usingthis unit?
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Several franchises areevaluating TES and have had or will have demonstrations scheduled. So farthe feedback has been very positive. Many franchisees havealready purchased a TES unit.
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Are the insurancecompanies agreeable to this new technology? |
Yes! Where TES has been in use for some time, major insurance companies areactually coming to the restoration contractors asking towork with them. What a great way to market. The insurancecompanies call on you, the restorer!
Putting the insured back in their home or getting a businessback in operation days faster saves additional livingexpenses (ALE) and pay outs for business continuationcoverage. In addition, there are usually fewer repairs &replacement and other construction work on most jobs. Carpetand pad are more likely to be saved. This is a major savingsto insurance companies.
Adjusters can close files sooner. This is another benefitthat makes accelerated drying an attractive technology.
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Pricing |
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QUESTIONS: |
ANSWERS: |
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What are the insurancecompanies willing to pay for TES rental? |
Restorers would notwant to invest in a system that makes them less money. Therestorer should charge about what he would have charged forequipment rental if he had dried by conventional methods.The advantage to the insurance company is that they gettheir policy holder back in their home sooner. This savesthe insurer in many ways.
See suggested price sheet below:
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| DESCRIPTION |
RENTAL / LABOR |
Delivery &Set-up
(90 min., 2 men-1skilled,1 unskilled) |
$95.00 |
Power Plant
(200,000 BTU Boiler;pumping heated formula through 600 feet of insulatedhoses) |
$600.00 |
TEX - TES Exchanger Units (4)
(Receives and exchangesheat into contained areas) |
$200.00 ea.
(up to 4) |
Air Movers (4)
(To transfer heat toaffected / wet materials) |
$25.00 ea.
(up to 4) |
Thermostat andExhaust Control System
(Controls Air Temperatureand Humidity; Air Mover included) |
$75.00 |
Propane Usage
(includes handling) |
$120.00 |
Dismantle andPick-up
(60 min., 2 men) |
$60.00 |
Additional hour charge
(after 24 hours) |
$55.00 |
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How does the distributor charge their customers for using TES? |
As with other rental equipment, most distributors arecharging 40% - 60% of the end-user's rental. Some willcharge an additional fee for consulting and monitoring, etc.Contact your local ILS Distributor for their specificcharges.
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What do I tell anadjuster that is unfamiliar with TES and does not want to pay our fee?
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The pricing should becomparable to conventional drying in 3 or more days. Comparejob cost and not per day cost. Adjusters so far have beendelighted with the results, as well as the insured.
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