Environmental TLC

Posted by & filed under air pollution, energy efficiency, energy use, environment, robin aire .

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, available on our Facebook Page for a limited time: Energy Use in Your Home Affects the World Around You.

Is Your Home Trying to Tell You Something?

Posted by & filed under hvac, maintenance tips, robin aire, seasonal tips, spring tune up .

Sometimes you can hear little noises that tell you your home has a concern to address. You know, something like the drip, drip, drip of a faucet that says “fix me.” Or the sound of wind that’s coming through a crack that should be patched.

Spring is a good time to walk through your home just to “look and listen” to the maintenance issues that cropped up over the winter months. That way you’ll know what needs tending to.

Along those same lines, be sure to add your home comfort system to your maintenance list. Routine maintenance is one of the most practical ways you can preserve the life of your system and preserve your pocketbook at the same time. Maintained systems run more efficiently, which saves you money.

What else should your maintenance tour include? For ideas, give us a call today!

Know the Signs of a Home Improvement Scam

Posted by & filed under avoid scams, contractors, home improvement, scams .

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.

Don’t Invite an Invisible Killer to Your Home

Posted by & filed under carbon monoxide, chimney, co poisoning, furnace, heating system, home inspections, hvac, vents .

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.

 

Does Cold Weather Cause Colds?

Posted by & filed under cold weather, hvac, tips, winter .

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.