September 1st, 2010 by KateM
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Many homeowners pay little to no attention to their duct work, but if you have flex duct in your home, it probably deserves a good inspection, because it could be costing you hundreds of dollars annually not to! Flex duct is a type of duct work that consists of wire, plastic, and insulation. It is very flexible, ergo the name “flex duct”, and has been used by thousands of contractors as a cheap and easy way to install duct work in a home. The problem lies in the installation of flex duct. Unless your contractor really knew what he was doing, odds are it was installed improperly. Improper installation of flex duct can lead to poor airflow, and it may be chocking your HVAC systems.
Big Problem #1
The first major problem with flex duct is air friction. Flex duct creates more air friction than any other type of duct work even if it is installed properly. Unfortunately, this problem only gets worse when it is installed improperly. Many contractors assume that, because flex duct work is so bendable, it is ok to bend it around tight corners. Just because it is capable of doing something, it doesn’t mean that it should. Bends and kinks in the duct work increases the air friction which decreases air flow into the various rooms of the house. » Read more: Flex Duct Disaster
August 30th, 2010 by KateM
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Tank-less hot water heaters seem to be the new craze in the world of plumbing and HVAC. Their claim to fame is their ability to heat water instantly and efficiently. Sounds good right? It does, but there are several points to consider before converting to a tank-less unit in your home.
How Tank-less Units Solve the Problems with Old Hot Water Tanks
Traditional hot water heaters use a large tank to store the water they heat before sending it to the different parts of a home. Whether the unit is gas or electric, the water is warmed by heating elements and then held inside a tank until it is needed. The problems associated with this type of unit are:
August 27th, 2010 by KateM
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Refrigerant, or Freon, is the substance that your air conditioning unit uses to provide cooling in your home. An air conditioner is a closed system, so adding refrigerant to your unit should be a onetime thing. However, if your unit springs a leak, you may want to know a little more about the type of Freon your unit uses before you decide on a costly repair.
The Old Standard
Air conditioning units used to use a compound called CFC’s or chlorofluorocarbons. This is a combination of carbon, fluorine, and chlorine atoms that when put together create a compound that is a destroyer of the ozone. These types of compounds have been banned by the EPA since 1996, and therefore have pretty much disappeared from the market. » Read more: R-22 and R410A: What You Need to Know About Refrigerant
August 25th, 2010 by KateM
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Every air purifier is not created equal. In the world of air purifiers, there are several options to choose from. From HEPA to ionic to ozone air purifiers, the process of choosing the right unit for your home can become confusing and maybe even a little overwhelming. But, you can check ozone air purifiers off your list right now! Contrary to what you may have heard about ozone air purifiers, these units are in reality very dangerous and most don’t even effectively purify the air.
What is Ozone?
Many of us have probably already heard about ozone. This is the gas that is commonly associated with our atmosphere. It is made up of 3 oxygen atoms. We normally breathe oxygen in its most stable form that consists of only 2 oxygen atoms. The third atom of oxygen that is present in ozone makes the molecule unstable. This instability is what allows that third oxygen atom to break off and combine with other organic molecules in the environment. The combination of the lone oxygen atom will alter the chemical make-up of the molecule it binds with. » Read more: Ozone Air Purifiers: Harmful or Helpful?
August 23rd, 2010 by KateM
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If you own a home in the United States of America, more likely than not you have a forced air furnace heating your home. Though this type of unit makes up the majority, hot water and steam boilers are in a close second. But, is a furnace really what is best? There are certain things that every homeowner should consider before converting or buying a new system to meet their HVAC needs.
The Pros and Cons of Furnace Ownership
Do you want to hear the good news first? Furnace units have gained so much popularity with homeowners and building contractors for two main reasons. First, forced air furnaces allow a room or home to heat quickly. Second, air conditioning units are easily hooked up into a forced air system, and this type of cooling system is the best way to cool home when compared to the other options out there: window or wall units, portable air conditioners, fans, etc… » Read more: Boiler or Furnace: The Battle between Hot Water and Hot Air
August 20th, 2010 by KateM
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Here comes the snow, ice, and bitter cold nights. Is your furnace ready? Chances are you haven’t even thought about it yet, but now is the time to act. The winter season will be here soon enough and if you do not prepare your heating equipment you may find yourself without heat on a below zero night.
However, there is still time to act and get your unit in shape. There are several checks that you should make as an educated homeowner to get your unit ready for the upcoming change. » Read more: Pre-Season Furnace Maintenance Tips
August 19th, 2010 by KateM
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Many of us barely have time to notice the big things that are happening to our homes. If you are one of the many people who recently suffered from flood damage, you know how long your list of “to do’s” became after the flood waters receded. Most of us will recognize the obvious things that need to be repaired, but what about the things that we can’t see? Molds may be microscopic, but if left to grow and multiply, the consequences can be detrimental to your health and the safety of your home.
What Is MOLD and Where Does It Come From?
A mold is a microscopic fungus that lives and grows in nature. Its purpose in our environment is to break down dead organic matter. Most are characterized by their ability to create and release spores into the air or water. That is what allows them to spread easily and contaminate other surfaces. When the surfaces they contaminate is a part of your home, you need to be informed of the risks associated with their growth, and be prepared for a safe and thorough removal of the problem. » Read more: Mold: The Microscopic Enemy in Your Home
August 17th, 2010 by KateM
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With winter encroaching on our summer fun as every day passes, now is the time to check the heating system and make sure that we are all prepared for the snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures that are soon to become our reality. If you have a boiler system, you have special steps that you must take to properly care for your type of system.
Testing the boiler
Clean out the boiler room-
No matter where your boiler is located in your home, the space should be kept impeccably clean. This room should not be used for storage unless it happens to be fairly large, and the boiler can have a good 4 feet of space between it and anything else. You should sweep out the area to keep any dust or debris away from the boiler fan or pilot light. Dust can clog up these parts and cause system failure. If the pilot is blocked you are risking a gas leak. Also by keeping the area clear, you will be able to see if there are any leaks in the tank while there is still time before a fire or explosion. » Read more: Get Your Boiler Ready for Winter
August 6th, 2010 by KateM
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Chances are if you have experienced a flood in your home recently you understand the frustration, damage, and expense involved in returning your home to its pre-flood state. This is one experience you will never want to relive, and you don’t have to! After assessing the damage and replacing or repairing the equipment, there are several waterproofing measures you can take to ensure the protection of your basement and the valuables within it. » Read more: Defend Your Home from Flood Damage
July 12th, 2010 by admin
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Are you interested in getting your ducts cleaned and not sure where to go for a reputable company to perform the work. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you get started.
- Where do you start?
- Why do companies seem to be all over the map on pricing?
- What will you get for the money you spent?
These are all valid questions and it’s understandable why consumers may have questions. » Read more: Need your air ducts cleaned?
