I’m Glad You Asked…

“But why?” you may ask. “Why should I get my furnace tuned up when it seems to be working fine?” Well, I was hoping I’d get a chance to answer that question. It’s just something you might call “taking care of business.” There are certain things we do that may be inconvenient at the moment – but they keep us from having to take care of something much worse down the line.

It’s like going to the doctor for a checkup each year. Maybe nothing’s wrong, but if something is starting to develop, we want to find it quickly before it gets worse. Our health matters to us, so this makes sense. The same is true for going to the dentist. No one enjoys the ritual of cleanings and dental checks, but they keep our teeth “tuned up,” you could say, so we can keep enjoying our favorite foods.

Now that we’re headed into Winter, our furnace or heater will matter to us even more. So we want to do a preventive checkup to make sure it’ll be in good shape on the days and nights when we’re counting on it for our comfort and safety. Would you like to learn more? Take a look at this free report, What’s the Big Deal About Tune- Ups?

You’ve Been Breathing WHAT?

Quick question: what’s the worst thing you’ll breathe today? Yeah, I know. It’s an odd thing to ask, but you might not be aware of the odd things that end up in your indoor air.

For example, have you ever heard of something called a Volatile Organic Compound? Well, whether you’ve heard of it or not, there’s a chance you just breathed one in. That’s right. Just while you were sitting there, you may have just breathed in a Volatile Organic Compound.

Believe me, this is something that’s very common. That’s because VOCs are gases that are emitted by a wide array of common products, including paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, printers, glues, permanent markers and so forth. And the VOCs that fill our airtight homes are a part of what’s led to the declining quality of indoor air in recent years.

If you’d like to learn more (and I hope you do), take a look at this free report, Why Is Indoor Air So Much Worse than Outdoor Air?

Now or Later? And the Big Impact that Small Question Can Have

At some point any of us will say, “I’ll deal with that later.” There is, after all, only so much our “now” can hold. Whether limited time, limited money, limited mental energy, limited physical energy or a mix of all of those at once, the “now” that’s right in front of us for handling issues has to be well managed.

So you want to make good choices – the kind that looks past the now to what’s coming later. Maybe you’ll ask a set of questions like: In the future, will this action help prevent prospective problems that will cost me more time, more money, more inconvenience and be really uncomfortable at an unfortunate time?

That’s the sort of question you might ask yourself when you’re considering routine maintenance on your home comfort system. When you look at it in the context of “now or later,” it’s pretty easy to figure out the answer that makes the most sense.

Uncovering the Mystery of Maintenance

Maybe you’ve invited a service technician to your home before (yes, we do think of this as “invited” because we’re glad to be chosen by you). But once he got there, you started hearing clicks and clanks and simple expressions like, “Hmmm.” So you start wondering, “What in the world is he doing?”
Well, I can sympathize. It isn’t fun to have a stranger in your home sort of doing his own thing, as if you don’t need to be involved. That’s why our techs explain what they’re going to do, and then when they’re done, explain what they did. It takes the mystery out of maintenance. It reassures you about what’s taking place on a very important piece of equipment in your home.
Maintenance involves specific steps, particular to the equipment. In fact, we can tell you now what kinds of things are going to take place to save you energy, convenience and comfort.

Lost in Translation

How about a quick language test? Ever hear of the terms SEER and EER? Well, if it’s near dinnertime, you might think that SEER sounds like something you do to a steak, and EER sounds like corn just off the stalk. So maybe I’m just hungry, but I’m not talking dinner – I’m talking comfort.

And therein lies the problem. If you don’t share a common language, it’s hard to understand what someone is trying to tell you.

This concept is true in all sorts of ways – whether it’s English vs. French, or text message acronyms vs. correct spelling in complete sentences, or industry terms vs. what words people actually understand.

All industries seem to have an “insider language,” where words and technical terms are thrown around as if they should make sense to everybody. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t.

We see that often as our customers are trying to choose the most energy-efficient solutions for their home, but sometimes they feel like things are lost in translation. If that could be you, you might appreciate this brief report on, “The Language of Energy Efficiency.” 

When Waiting Doesn’t Make Sense

Here’s one of my all-time favorite phrases: “I’ll deal with that later.” Actually, I misplaced my sarcasm font or I would have used it just then. But a lot of people I know really do like that phrase.

Sort of like “deferred maintenance.” This is a concept known by businesses and institutions with property, buildings and equipment that basically means, “We don’t have the budget to repair what’s declining as it is declining, so we’ll deal with it later.” It’s easy to sympathize with the approach of waiting until something is broken until calling for a repair. But it can also be a costly approach.

Homeownership isn’t really any different. We have to keep an eye on the systems and infrastructure that keep our home running. Your air conditioning system, obviously, is in this equation.

By investing each year in routine maintenance, you can save long term on the cost of repairs, extend the life of your equipment and avoid inconvenient breakdowns. It’s simple logic, and only takes a little bit of planning, which means – dare I say? – dealing with it now. But that doesn’t have to be scary. Read "Make Plans for Air Conditioning Maintenance" for quick tips for maintaining your system.

Your Best Bet

How about taking a moment to reflect on one of my most favorite, most fun words in the whole world: maintenance.

Well, maybe it doesn’t sound like a “fun” word to you, like it does to me.

So why all the excitement? Well, I get excited about lower energy bills and fewer repairs – both of which are the results of maintaining your home comfort system. Not making sense yet? Think of it this way…

Maintaining your car keeps it in its best condition. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle keeps you in your best condition. Maintaining a steady income provides for what you need. No matter how you look at it, maintenance is the best bet for good results.

And your home comfort system isn’t any different if you want it to perform at its highest efficiency for your best comfort.

If you’d like to know more about how maintenance helps and what it involves, take a look at this free report, “The Perks of a Well-Maintained Air Conditioner.”

Lost in Translation

How about a quick language test? Ever hear of the terms SEER and EER? Well, if it’s near dinnertime, you might think that SEER sounds like something you do to a steak, and EER sounds like corn just off the stalk. So maybe I’m just hungry, but I’m not talking dinner – I’m talking comfort. And therein lies the problem. If you don’t share a common language, it’s hard to understand what someone is trying to tell you. This concept is true in all sorts of ways – whether it’s English vs. French, or text message acronyms vs. correct spelling in complete sentences, or industry terms vs. what words people actually understand. All industries seem to have an “insider language,” where words and technical terms are thrown around as if they should make sense to everybody. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. We see that often as our customers are trying to choose the most energy-efficient solutions for their home, but sometimes they feel like things are lost in translation.

Decisions, Decisions…

Are you the sort of person who says, “I may be indecisive, but I’m not sure.” If given the choice between “Yes, No or Maybe,” do you look for the checkbox that says, “All of the above?” You have my sympathies… Making decisions is no laughing matter, and homeowners are faced with a slew of them. Some are smallish, like selecting new towels for the guest bathroom. Some are a little larger, like choosing a new bed for the guest bedroom. Some are even larger – like figuring out how to avoid in-law houseguests once they find out about your new towels and bedroom set! And believe it or not, some decisions get even more sizeable than that – like whether or not to replace a home comfort system. Well, if you’re in the “fact-collecting” mode for that last one, we’ve got some information that can help. With the summer we’re having in Paoli, PA, your air conditioning unit is experiencing a heavy load. But is it up for the job?

What’s the Deal with All These Allergies?

Breathing is the most natural, normal thing in the world. Yet, for some people, it’s not as easy as it looks. Allergies kick in, and suddenly a pretty spring day becomes a nuisance for all the pollen it’s producing. Unfortunately, staying indoors doesn't always provide relief. And that’s because of all the germs that got trapped inside in winter, the dirt and pet dander the furry ones bring in, the cooking smoke that billows up at dinner time, not to mention the household products that come out during your rash of spring cleaning.It’s enough to make you sneeze and snort your way through the day. Still, there’s a way we can help. No, we’re not physicians, but we do know a thing or two about indoor air… and we’d be glad to share that info with you. Call us at (610) 482-4153 for more information!

How About a Little Extra Cash this Month?

Most of us would say, “Yes, please!” In fact, knowing that the air conditioners are going to get cranked up soon, some of us would also say we could use that extra cash for our energy bills. But here’s the other side of that thought: reducing your energy bill could be the way you get extra cash every month.

As home comfort systems get older and fall into disrepair, they start using up more and more energy – which sends your bills upward and onward. Yet replacing an energy-sapping system with an efficient energy-sipping system would make a significant difference in the energy costs you shell out each month. 

Finding the Right Solution to a Common Question

We hear this over and over from our customers: “What can I do about my high energy costs?” Actually, there’s a lot we can suggest, such as good energy habits at home.  That includes regular maintenance of your home comfort system – primarily because this can be the source of up to half of your home’s energy use.

As the years go by, however, at some point the better choice will be to replace an old, energy-guzzling home comfort system with a new energy-efficient model that costs less to operate month after month. This can be a big decision for the homeowner, but it doesn’t have to be a hard one. 

Taking Care of Your Investments

No, this is not an article on financial planning, but this is certainly an issue that could affect your financial well-being.
Your home comfort system is a big investment, no question about it. If you take care of this investment, it will take care of you – over a longer equipment life that is spent operating efficiently, saving you energy dollars and keeping you comfortable. Not a bad result for routine maintenance.
Yes, maintenance matters. But what does it involve? If you’d like to learn more, take a look at our free report, “A Quick and Simple Home Investment.”

Better Breathing

There’s something about spring… it’s sort of a “best of times, worst of times” season of the year. The crisp cool air can be quite nice after wintry mixes are done, and you feel that need to spend more time outdoors.

And yet, that nice, fresh air is also picking up a few particles from the lawn and garden that can make breathing a chore.

Inside, you’re not exactly safe either if the quality of your indoor air is affected by contaminants. High humidity, for example, can create a breeding ground for mold and dust mites that produce an unhealthy breathing ground for you and your family. 
If you’d like to learn more about these issues, take a look at our free report, “Is the Air in Your Home Making Spring AllergiesWorse?”

Environmental TLC

It’s not hard to see the value in being sensitive to the environment. Take air pollution in particular. The smog-like substances that spread out into our communities can find their way into our lungs, affecting our health.

Some of this air pollution comes from the fossil fuels that are burned to generate the electricity that runs our homes. So whatever we do to reduce our use of these fossil fuels is better for the air around us.   

Environmentally-conscious habits among homeowners can begin with steps as simple as turning off the light when you leave the room. Going further, energy-efficient appliances will help because they require less energy to operate.

If you’d like to learn more, take a look at our free report, “Energy Use in Your Home Affects the World AroundYou”

A Little Bit Here and A Little Bit There Makes a Difference

Save a little money here, save a little money there, and pretty soon it adds up, right? Well, one of the areas where we most like to see our customers save money is in your energy use.

When the days are very hot, your air conditioning can account for up to 70% of your utility bill. So it makes sense that whatever you can do to improve energy efficiency at home can help you keep more money in your own pocketbook (and send less to your utilities).

But the important point to make here is that you don’t have to take big steps to save energy. You can take small steps over time or make a few small changes in your habits. And you’ll find a lot of ideas for doing just that at the link below.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can keep more energy dollars for yourself while enjoying more comfort at home, we’ve got a free report with 10 good tips on how to “Save Energy. StayComfortably Cool.”

Carbon Monoxide: A Hidden, Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the greatest dangers that can affect the quality of the air in your home as well as put your family’s life at risk. The seriousness of carbon monoxide poisoning has partly to do with the difficulty of its detection: CO is an odorless, colorless gas. According to the EPA, because you can’t see it, taste it or feel its toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware that it’s in your home.

Additionally, the symptoms of CO poisoning are much like those of many other illnesses – headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. So you might mistake it for a bout of the flu and make the very wrong assumption that staying home will be good for you.

How CO poisoning affects you and your family members will depend on various factors, including age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure. Low concentrations of CO could produce fatigue in healthy people but chest pain in people with heart disease. Higher concentrations could produce impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. CO is fatal at very high concentrations.

What Causes CO Poisoning?

Exposure to carbon monoxide could come from variety of sources, including: unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke. In particular, worn or poorly maintained combustion devices – like boilers and furnaces – can be significant sources, or if the flue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or leaking.

What Should You Do?

First, install carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms and one near the main gathering area. And also follow this guidance from the EPA:

·                Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.

·                Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.

·                Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.

·                Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.

·                Open flues when fireplaces are in use.

·                Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.

·                Do not idle the car inside garage.

Have you had a tune-up and safety inspection on your heating system?  Schedule yours today. 

Five Reasons to Watch What You’re Breathing

The hidden dangers inside your home’s indoor air can cause problems for your family’s health and even create risks of serious, life-threatening illness. Here are five reasons why:

• Energy-efficient construction practices over the last few decades have created homes that are more airtight. Though energy costs were lowered, that also meant less air exchange. In other words, drafts of air that had been coming and going through leaky windows, ducts, doors, even walls, were plugged up. And pollutants from cooking, smoking, pets, germs and more stayed inside. 

• Most of us spend most of our time indoors, especially in winter, and we keep breathing in the same old bad air. The house itself starts to feel stuffy and stale. The people inside can start to feel a lot worse. According to the EPA, some pollutants cause health problems such as sore eyes, burning in the nose and throat, headaches, or fatigue. Other pollutants cause or worsen allergies, respiratory illnesses (such as asthma), heart disease, cancer, and other serious long-term conditions. Sometimes individual pollutants at high concentrations, such as carbon monoxide, cause death.

• Sources of indoor air pollution are varied and common. It could include what’s called “combustion sources” – like oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood or tobacco. It could be wet or damp carpet or household cleaning products. Maybe scented air fresheners and candles. Outdoor sources, such as Radon and pesticides, can sneak inside. Also, a faulty furnace can create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.  

• How individuals respond to indoor air pollution varies. Depending on the types of pollutants, the level and duration of exposure, a person’s overall state of health as well as other factors, health effects could show up immediately or could occur years later after long-term or repeated exposure. Because some of the symptoms of exposure look a lot like other illnesses – such as a stuffy nose – you might not realize that the problem is in the air.

The solutions for indoor air pollution can be fairly simple. If you know what’s causing the problem, for instance, you can simply remove the source or repair the equipment. With more knowledge about the hidden dangers in your home’s air, you’ll be better prepared for better decisions. And that’s where we can help…

Contact us for a Free, No Obligation Healthy Air Review. We’ll look for risks in your home’s air and also offer solutions for improving breathability.

Know the Signs of a Home Improvement Scam

I know how it is. Sometimes homeowners are concerned about calling a contractor to their home for a problem. They know they want a tune-up or repair, but they’re expecting the contractor to try to talk them into getting more than they need. It’s such a common concern that I want to reassure you that we do things differently here.

Our tech will come out for a thorough evaluation of the problem you’ve been experiencing. We’ll present a solution that we recommend. We’ll fully explain the reasoning behind this recommendation, and we’ll put the estimate and guarantees in writing so that you won’t have any surprises. Not only that, you always have the choice to say “no” or “not now.” There’s no pressure at all. And, should you have any additional concerns, we stand behind our work.

We used advanced technology to make sure you get the best evaluation and repair. And we keep your comfort and safety foremost in our mind. So call us whenever you need us.

In the meantime, if you want to get a better sense about people working in your home,take a look at this video that could help you know what to watch for when approached by a home improvement contractor. 

Winter Heating Bills Go Sky-high This Year

While some of the situation is out of our hands – the price of crude oil, for instance – there are many things we can do to keep a rein on our winter heating bills. 

Your heating system is the one element that should get the closest look before the cold, costly winter sets in.  Now is a great time to have a service tech give your system a thorough evaluation to make sure it’s running properly.

Additionally, the federal government’s ENERGY STAR program makes several recommendations about how you can heat your home smartly this winter, including: 

§  Replace the air filter in your furnace regularly.  Dirty filters reduce air flow, which makes getting the warm air to the registers a lot tougher. 

§  Install a programmable thermostat.  Why heat the home while you’re away?  Setting back the temperature in your household when you’re asleep or at work is another opportunity for energy savings – as much as $100 each year on energy costs. 

§  Seal up your home.  Sealing holes, cracks and openings and then adding insulation is one of the most cost-effective means of improving comfort and reducing energy use.  Cracks in windows and doors can be plugged through weather-stripping and caulking.  

How Much Do You Want to Overpay This Winter?

It’s not looking good. This time last year we had good reason to start yelling – I mean “forecasting” – that Winter would bring higher heating bills, and it doesn’t look like this Winter is going to be any better.

Okay, I’ve delivered my bad news for the day, but it will help to have an overall view of “why” this happens. At least it makes you feel less like a victim when you consider…

Prices – This Winter, tight global oil markets and elevated crude oil prices could result in higher heating oil, natural gas and propane prices..

Demand – Total U.S. natural gas demand is expected to be up this Winter over last. This is partly from colder weather in regions with large concentrations of gas-heated homes.

Supply – The severity of the Winter nationwide will be the biggest, single determining factor impacting the supply of energy. But even more unknown than the weather and how it will affect supply, is the stability of countries that export energy to the United States.

So what can you do about it?

The efficiency of your own home heating system, of course, is the factor that will help you best control increased heating fuel costs.

1.      A Home Energy Survey is a great tool to help you pinpoint problems and provide energy use solutions.

2.      Don’t forget to schedule your tune-up before an “elderly system” conks out on you. That’s the best way to make sure your system is running strong when the coldest days and nights hit.

3.      If your heating system is an older, inefficient model, a new system can pay for itself with energy savings and no repair bills.

To find out more about saving money on your heating bills, call us to schedule a free, no obligation Energy Survey.

See? There are things you can do to keep your energy dollars where they belong. And if you’d like us to review your equipment or ductwork in an Energy Survey, as a customer of ours, it’s free. Now that’s savings! Really, just call us at (610) 482-4153 and it’s done. Thanks.

Does Cold Weather Cause Colds?

I used to think so. (Hey, the name fits!) But even though fall and winter are the “prime time” for colds, researchers say that sniffles and air temperature aren’t necessarily related.

The seasonal occurrence may be due to spending more time indoors. And when indoor groups spend a lot of time together – such as in classrooms – the odds increase that germs will be spread.

Relative humidity may also be a factor. In colder months, humidity is low, and that gives cold-causing viruses a better chance for survival. Also, in cold weather, nasal passages’ lining become drier and more vulnerable to viral infection.

To prevent colds:

§  Wash your hands. Hand washing is the simplest and most effective way to avoid colds, especially after making hand contact with others.

§  Don’t touch your nose and eyes. Sneeze or cough into a facial tissue and throw it away. Be aware that others with colds put you at risk. Avoid close, prolonged exposure.

§  Check into a humidifier. These keep the moisture in your home at the ideal level for your comfort and can reduce your chances of getting a cold. (Plus, they can keep your furniture from swelling or cracking and doors from sticking!) Call us and we will give you more info on these health and comfort marvels! They really work.

§  Cold germs can live up to 3 hours on objects and skin. Cleaning surfaces with a virus-killing disinfectant also helps prevent spread of infection.

Don't Let Bad Air Crash Your Holiday Season

The cooler the weather gets, the more time families will spend snuggled into their homes and battening down the hatches against Winter. The extra time spent together can be enjoyable, but there’s nothing fun about what all the family togetherness is doing to your home’s air.

See, you’re probably aware of the dangers of pollution, smog, and allergens outside your home – but you may not know that your indoor air has the potential to be even more dangerous. The issue has become so pressing that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun to address it with special studies.

The Results

EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times, and occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.

Tip-offs

Irritated eyes, nose, and throat are some of the first indicators of poor indoor air quality. Since these symptoms can also accompany colds, the flu, or viruses, it’s important to pay attention to when and where the symptoms begin. Don’t be afraid to play detective. Dust or dirt around heating or air vents, on ceilings or stained walls should alert you that there is a problem.

Give Your Home a Little TLC This Winter

Give Your Home a Little TLC This Winter

In the lead up to winter weather, it’s a good idea to take stock of your home’s condition and tend to routine seasonal maintenance. After all, the steps you take now can help you and your family stays comfy and cozy when the weather turns bitter.

Winter home maintenance typically involves several areas of attention, including:

·         Gutters and Downspouts – Keeping gutters and downspouts clear of debris and fallen leaves should be a routine task, especially as winter approaches. Spraying water down the downspouts will help loosen and wash away debris. You may also want to consider gutter screens for your gutters.

·         Roof – Speaking of the roof, check for loose, damaged or missing shingles or tiles, or problems with flashing – any of which could lead to leaks. If found, make sure they’re repaired. Also, check the underside of the roof for any spots or odors that may be signs of a leak.

·         Windows and Doors – Check weather-stripping on doors, and check caulk on windows. Or consider both if you’ve done neither. Caulking helps seal gaps, keep heat in and keep moisture away.

·         Seal Leaks – While windows and doors are obvious sources of cracks, any cracks in the exterior of your house can let heat out. Check all exterior areas and fill and seal any cracks that are located with a caulking compound.

·         Home Heating – Schedule a cleaning and inspection of your heating system. Ask about duct cleaning, too, if it’s been awhile since you’ve had that service done. Also, inspect your fireplace and chimney.

·         Insulation – If you aren’t sure if your home is properly insulated, or if you’re concerned that your insulation may be damaged, give us a call (schedule online) and we can inspect it for you. Proper insulation can result in significant energy savings. Give us a call for a free inspection!

·         Other Areas – Once you’ve given your home a complete once-over, don’t stop there. Check the driveway and sidewalk for cracks, and check the curb and gutter near your driveway to make sure they are clear of debris.

Let us know if we can help by inspecting your heating system and other areas of your home that may need winterizing for you and your family to stay warm and cozy this winter.  Call (610) 482-4153 or schedule online. 

Don’t Invite an Invisible Killer to Your Home

You can’t see it, touch it, smell it or taste it, but it kills hundreds each year. Poisoning by carbon monoxide is a real risk of modern life. A professional inspection of fuel-burning appliances – including furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers and space heaters – could prove to be a lifesaver. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that the yearly, professional inspection include:

§  Checking chimneys, flues and vents for leakage and blockage by creosote and debris.

§  Checking all vents to furnaces, water heaters, boilers and other fuel-burning appliances to make sure they are not loose or disconnected.

§  Inspecting vent pipes on heating systems.

§  Inspecting appliances for adequate ventilation. A supply of fresh air is important to help carry pollutants up the chimney, stovepipe or flue, and is necessary for the complete combustion of any fuel.

Making sure ventilation air openings aren’t blocked

To Replace or Not to Replace

With temperatures in low digits like they are now, our heaters and furnaces begin to seem like one of the best inventions ever. Truly, the development of home comfort systems was more than just a good idea. They’re actually life-savers during the harshest weather days.

We always tell friends that maintaining your system year after year does two important things: it helps lengthen the life of the system itself, and it helps improve its energy-efficiency. After all, the quality of your system is directly related to the quantity of energy dollars you spend. And, for wintertime especially, system maintenance alerts you to lurking dangers, such as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty equipment.

Even so, no matter how well you maintain your equipment, at some point, replacement time comes. If you think that’s true for your home, we’ve got two important things we want you to know. 

In the meantime, stay warm. And call us if you need us!