tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650244137655549722024-03-12T22:06:38.105-05:00Working Today for Tomorrow's EnergyHeating and A/C will use about 60% of the energy in a home today. Commercial Buildings can be even worse. An easy way to do your part of "Being Green" is to start here. Today's technology now offers many ways to save energy while saving money on your gas and electric bills. Plus a properly installed and clean HVAC system will last much longer saving you money.Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-64524509024002034212012-01-31T07:54:00.003-06:002012-01-31T08:06:46.051-06:00Whole Home Humidifier InstallationIs it feel dry in your home? Are you sick of filling up portable humidifiers? A whole home humidifier is a great way to control the humidity in a dry winter home. This will make your home feel warmer, protect your wood floors, and help your family stay healthier keeping your sinus humidified so it can catch the bad winter cold and flu bugs.<div><br /></div><div>There are many ways but a Flow-through Humidifier is one of the most popular styles installed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other Midwest states. <br /><div><br /></div><div><table width="100%" border="0" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><tbody><tr><td valign="top" align="left"><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-style: inherit; font-size: 18pt; font-family: 'Arial Black'; vertical-align: baseline; "><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=3">Flow-through Humidifier</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="100%" border="0" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><tbody><tr><td valign="top" align="left"><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; "><i>The best way to humidify your home</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table width="100%" border="0" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><tbody><tr><td valign="top" align="left"><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline; ">With the proper level of humidity in your home, you will feel more comfortable and breathe easier. You can eliminate that dry eye, nose and throat feeling you have when you wake up in the morning. Humidity also reduces or eliminates static electricity. It protects the investment in your home and your furniture because proper humidity prevents wood from cracking and peeling.<br /><br />A flow-through humidifier can be easily added to any forced air heating system. The advantage with this type of humidifier is that it provides humidity without breeding or spreading mold or mildew. This is in contrast to the humidifiers that use a reservoir where water can stagnate--a perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. A flow-through humidifier is easy to maintain. It has no moving parts and is designed to operate with no mineral or mold buildup.<br /></span></td><td align="left" width="1%" halign="top"><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=248" target="_blank" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); "><img src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=248" border="1" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; " /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-size: 12px; font-family: tahoma, arial, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=3#ixzz1l2oWWtAW" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); ">http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=3#ixzz1l2oWWtAW</a><br />All content may be subject to copyright by Online-Access, Inc. To view the Terms & Conditions, visit http://terms.online-access.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=1&CO=1 </span> </div></div>Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-25306200074104076972011-06-02T06:18:00.000-05:002011-06-02T06:19:53.255-05:00How much is to much for natural gas?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> 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<w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Have you looked at how Centerpoint Energy now charges you for your natural gas?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Centerpoint has put in place a new rate structure that charges you more money per therm of gas the more you use.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Centerpoint says this is to promote high gas users to find more efficient heating options and conserve gas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What I find strange is usually the more of something you buy the cost goes down.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When you buy bulk at Costco you get a discount because the cost per transaction goes down when volume goes up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With the new plan a tier 3-5 customer will pay 25-48% above the cost of gas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Minnesota Attorney General is now investigating this program as they have found 42% of Centerpoint customers in MN top 10 highest poverty communities are paying the max tier 5 rates.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These are the people that have old homes and heating systems that they can’t afford to improve the efficiency.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So is it fair to charge them an inflated high price because of this?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Especially knowing if one customer uses a lot of a product looking at a business side they should be paying the lowest rate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Comfort Matters is a huge supporter of helping our customers save money on energy use and we want people to come to us for answers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But why could a company just raise their rates like Centerpoint when a homeowner has no other option but buy gas from them?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You can read the Fox News article about the Attorney General request to suspend the current rate structure here: <a href="http://ow.ly/58n89">http://ow.ly/58n89</a> </p>Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-26805020786693794842011-03-13T20:16:00.009-05:002011-03-13T21:02:30.090-05:00Why day light savings time? Why not Arizona?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vamw70Ldz3s/TX1yvviqMMI/AAAAAAAAADs/Er450dolHXc/s1600/clock.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vamw70Ldz3s/TX1yvviqMMI/AAAAAAAAADs/Er450dolHXc/s320/clock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583745277550538946" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Did you ever wonder why there is daylight savings time?</span><br /><br />Energy savings is the root to this all. Thank you to <a href="http://www.abc15.com/">www.abc15.com</a> Chris Kline for helping answer some of these questions. So as you will learn below saving energy in America is what started this, but as everything there is always a catch.<br /><br /><p>The history of daylight saving is tied to energy conservation. Switching to DST in the summer means more sunlight at night, which in turn means homes don't have to turn on lights as early.</p> <p>According to the U.S. Government , that leads to energy and fuel savings.</p> <p>Over the course of the last 100 years, the United States (including Arizona) has gone on Daylight Saving time in both World War 1 and World War 2, but then gone off after the wars were over.</p> <p>In 1973, a more permanent federal law was enacted to help with the oil shortages of that time. But Arizona asked for – and was eventually granted an exemption. Unlike almost everywhere else, Arizona doesn't observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), and hasn't done so for the last 40 years.</p> <p>According to an Arizona Republic editorial from 1969, the reason was the state's <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=54">extreme heat</a>. If Arizona were to observe Daylight Saving Time, the sun would stay out until 9 p.m. in the summer (instead of 8 p.m., like it does currently).</p> <p>"[Data] clearly show that we must wait until about 9 p.m. DST to start any night-time activity such as drive-in movies, moonlight rides, convincing little children it’s bedtime, etc," the editorial stated. "And it’s still hot as blazes!"</p> <p>Another Arizona Republic editorial from 1968 stated, "Drive-in theaters, the parents of small children, the bars, the farmers and those who do business with California" were against Daylight Saving time while "power companies, the evening golfers, the late risers, and the people with business interests on the Eastern seaboard" were for it.</p> <p>But don't be fooled by Arizona's DST stance. Not every corner of Arizona is exempt from Daylight Saving Time today.</p> <p>The Navajo Indian Reservation follows DST, but the reservation stretches across four different states.</p> <p>If all of Arizona were to re-evaluate its stance and choose to observe DST, here's what would change.</p> <p>Instead of sunrise at 5:30 a.m. during most of the summer, the sun would come up at 6:30 a.m. And at the end of the day, the sun would set at 9 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. Winter sunrise and sunset times would remain the same.</p><p style="font-weight: bold;">So what's the catch?</p><p>DST has many benefits on sporting, entertainment and other activities after work, but have had questionable effects on farming and other night time entertainment that is tied to sunlight.<br /></p> <p>A 2009 Michigan State University published by the American Psychological Association study showed that DST has adverse effects on the American workplace.</p> <p>"Following [the start and end of DST], employees slept 40 min less, had 5.7% more workplace injuries, and lost 67.6% more work days because of injuries than on non phase change days," explained the study, which looked at mining injuries between 1983 and 2006 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.</p><p>If you are feeling pretty board or just got that geeky urge like I did you can also find a lot of info on DST at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time">Wikipedia</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-46565836788143133972010-11-26T20:29:00.001-06:002010-11-26T20:30:42.209-06:00New Furnace Can Reduce Heating Costs<div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><h1><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">New Furnace Can Reduce Heating Costs</span></h1> <blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Heating bills across the country are the highest they have ever been, with out any relief in sight. Even if your older furnace runs, from an economic standpoint it would be wise to replace it. With the proper furnace selection, your central air-conditioning bills can be lower too.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Compared with a 17-year-old furnace, a new furnace can save the typical family hundreds of dollars per year. Based on the efficiency of your old furnace, probably 60% at best, a new furnace can cut your utility bills by 40%. You can do the arithmetic to determine your annual savings.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Not only will you have lower utility bills, but the comfort and quiet operation of a new system will surprise you. The contractor should install a computerized thermostat with it. This thermostat, coupled with the electronic controls in the new furnace, will maintain even room temperatures.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">You can choose from two basic designs of furnaces: condensing and non-condensing. The condensing models (this refers to the type of heat exchanger used) are the most efficient and the best choice for most homeowners. The efficiencies of condensing models range from about 90% to over 95%.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">These models are very efficient, and so little heat is lost in the flue gases that a chimney is not needed. The gases are exhausted by a 2-inch-diameter plastic pipe through an outdoor wall. With no need for a new chimney liner, a condensing furnace is often cheaper to install.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Some models also offer sealed combustion for better efficiency. The combustion air is drawn in from outdoors through another plastic pipe instead of being drawn from inside your house. Being sealed, there are fewer indoor drafts, less noise and less chance of hazardous back drafting.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">For the ultimate in comfort and efficiency, but at a higher initial cost, is a two-stage heat output furnace with a variable-speed blower. This type of blower is needed if you want the best central air-conditioning.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">In all but the coldest weather, the gas burners operate at a low heat level. This allows the furnace to run more continuously with fewer uncomfortable on/off cycles. The blower also runs slower and quieter at this low level. During very cold weather, it automatically switches to high heat.</span></p> <div><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If your budget allows, also install a quality air cleaner. Since a two-stage unit runs more, the air cleaner is more effective for allergy sufferers. </span></div></blockquote><span><br /><br />Read more: <a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);" href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=105#ixzz16RiFLMwG">http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=105#ixzz16RiFLMwG</a><br />All content may be subject to copyright by Online-Access, Inc. To view the Terms & Conditions, visit http://terms.online-access.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=1&CO=1 </span></div></div>Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-17699988220902234372010-06-11T06:08:00.003-05:002010-06-11T06:12:03.020-05:00Trapped in furnace, Conn. man tries to cut off his own armNow I have heard many stories trying to fix a furnace. But this would have to be the most difficult one I have heard. There are many reason's to be careful when repairing an appliance in your home.<br /><br /><br /><p>HARTFORD, Conn. -- Jonathan Metz had been trapped for two days in his basement with his left arm stuck in a broken furnace. Smelling rotting flesh, he decided that amputation was his only hope. </p> <p>So he fashioned a tourniquet near his shoulder and began cutting. He made it almost all the way through, but wasn't able to free himself. </p><a href="http://www.kare11.com/news/whatsup/whatsup_article.aspx?storyid=852623&catid=333">Read the rest of the story...</a>Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-85130758576328627112010-04-17T11:26:00.005-05:002010-04-17T11:39:15.061-05:004 Reasons Your Home May be UncomfortableThere are many reasons you may have hot and cold rooms in your home. It is amazing that so many homes have the same problems, so don't feel like you are the only one. Everyday people tell me there upstairs is too hot or bedroom is too cold. Many times the repair is not major. An NCI Company can do some simple and quick tests to your home in about 60-90 minutes and see what is going on. Majority of the time the fix does not mean you have to buy a new furnace or A/C. Below is information provided by <a href="http://www.certaincomfort.org/">NATIONAL COMFORT INSTITUTE</a>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=765">Four Reasons Why Your Home May be Uncomfortable</a></span><br />If you asked a number of people to define a comfortable home they might say; a place with nice furniture, a place that is warm and dry, a place that has a lot of space. When we get a call from a customer who says their home is uncomfortable it usually means they are having problems controlling temperatures and humidity within the home.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Undersized or Oversized Furnace or Air Conditioner</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/S8niX7oEeWI/AAAAAAAAADM/V02fABQSbII/s1600/al+checking+air+unit+C-Os.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 204px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/S8niX7oEeWI/AAAAAAAAADM/V02fABQSbII/s320/al+checking+air+unit+C-Os.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461144923934062946" border="0" /></a><br />When someone designed your home, part of the design included the heating and cooling system. As with most homes, yours may have been modified since that original design. Or, if your home is new, the comfort system design may not be adequate for the home you are living in. We can evaluate the comfort and performance of your system based on the way your home is now. This includes any design changes, new insulation, windows, the addition of furniture, draperies, carpets and the hundreds of other items that can affect the way your comfort system performs.<br /><br />For example, if your heating system isn't able to "keep up" on colder days, there's a good chance it's undersized. If it turns on and off constantly, chances are it's oversized. If your cooling system just won't cool your house down on the warmest days, there's a good chance it's undersized, or wasn't installed correctly. If it cycles on and off constantly and doesn't seem to pull the humidity out, it's likely oversized. This condition also wastes a great deal of energy and causes unnecessary wear and tear on your equipment.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Incorrect Duct System</span><br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/COREYH%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />Most homes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/S8niCLT06mI/AAAAAAAAADE/gxdX4nbbet8/s1600/duct+line+arts.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 101px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/S8niCLT06mI/AAAAAAAAADE/gxdX4nbbet8/s320/duct+line+arts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461144550187002466" border="0" /></a> have a heating and cooling system that was designed for ideal scenarios. Unfortunately most homes are never ideal and often the air delivery systems do not work the way they were designed. In some cases, a duct system may be installed improperly or was damaged at some point so that it's not delivering the correct air into each room. This usually results in an uncomfortable home. Our technicians can check the airflow into each room and evaluate if your system is delivering the correct amount for the size of each room in your home.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Poor Air Quality</span><br />The funny thing about air quality is that you can't always smell it, but you can often feel it, and it can be a major contributor to discomfort in the home. Poor air quality can be anything from excess humidity in the air to bacteria and mold spores or even gasses emitting from your furnace or air conditioner. We have a variety of methods to check your home's air quality and report back to you. Some problems may be a minor nuisance and others could be life threatening.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Home Ventilation and Pressure</span><br />Even when you're not home, there are a variety of physical activities taking place that you can't see. Your home is a living and breathing entity with constant air movement - even when the heating or cooling system is turned off. The degree to which your home is sealed up or unsealed affects pressures that determine the way air travels throughout the home. This pressure can be controlled through proper venting and ducting depending on what is required. Air balancing can help correct these pressure imbalances. This process should only be performed by technicians who are trained and certified, and have the right instruments to measure and adjust the air in your home.Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-82066105834076093012010-03-26T07:08:00.005-05:002010-03-26T07:27:53.810-05:004 Additional Considerations When Replacing Furnace and Air Conditioners<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/S6yoKpl9d2I/AAAAAAAAAC8/4Qa-60BYCxw/s1600/AC_2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 198px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/S6yoKpl9d2I/AAAAAAAAAC8/4Qa-60BYCxw/s320/AC_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452918149756057442" border="0" /></a>
<br />Here are some additional things you should consider when purchasing heating or air conditioning systems. The information provided below by <span style="font-style: italic;">Service Roundtable</span> will help you make the best investment.
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mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoFooter"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:6pt;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">© 2006 Service Roundtable</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<br />Because of the investment, replacing a heating and air conditioning system necessitates more due diligence. The best company to select for a replacement is a contractor who has performed satisfactorily for you in the past. An established, successful relationship is always the best gauge of what you can expect in the future. Relationship or not, the following are four items you should insist upon.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Will the company offer an AHRI Certified combination?</span>
<br />The Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute certifies product efficiency. If you are replacing your air conditioner or heat pump, a reputable contractor will present you with a certification of performance from ARI. Without replacing the condensing unit (outdoor unit) and the evaporator (air handler or indoor unit), a contractor cannot promise you will receive the efficiency you pay for, or even that the system will operate correctly over time.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Will the contractor permit equipment replacements?</span>
<br />If you replace your heating or cooling system, you should insist that the job is permitted. When jobs are permitted, a municipal inspector will review the installation to ensure the job can at least meet current building codes. Like licensing, building codes are the minimum standard.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Is the company willing to provide references?</span>
<br />If you do not know anyone who has done work for a company, ask for references. The contractor should be willing to provide you with three to five recent customers you can call.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Will the company provide you with a copy of a “load calculation?”</span>
<br />A load calculation is a method of sizing equipment. It’s often called a “Manual J®” for the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s Manual J®, the standard for sizing residential equipment. Once measurements are taken, load calculations can be conducted quickly using computers. Contractors should be able to show and review the load calculations and provide you with a copy if you authorize the company to proceed with the replacement.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3 Things to Beware</span>
<br />Be especially careful about the following four pitfalls.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Beware the lowest price</span>
<br />You want to spend the least amount possible, which often eliminates the lowest price. Cheap contractors typically cut corners, which costs more in the long run. Cheap contractors cannot afford to fix mistakes, resulting in the need to pay twice. Often the lowest price is not the lowest at all.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Beware the yellow pages</span>
<br />Selecting a contractor from the yellow pages is tantamount to throwing a dart. Maybe you will get lucky. Maybe not. The yellow pages should be used as tool of last resort.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Beware anything that sounds too good to be true</span>
<br />Usually, something too good to be true really is too good to be true.
<br />Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-20079151147995539832010-03-25T07:33:00.006-05:002010-03-25T10:39:18.017-05:00Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor Selection Checklist<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CCOREYH%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CCOREYH%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CCOREYH%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> 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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><span style="font-size:78%;">Selecting a company to install heating or air conditioning in your home can sometimes be difficult because there are so many to choose from. Below is a list provided by <span style="font-style: italic;">Service Roundtable</span> of things you can look for to help make your decision.</span></span><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >
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<br /></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor Selection Checklis</span></b><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >t<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >12 Things to Look For, Before Calling</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; text-align: center;">
<br /><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:14pt;" ><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >With just a little observation, you can determine much about a company. You can find the following by direct observation, talking with friends and neighbors, and a quick review of the company’s website or advertising. If you do not k</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >now an answer, ask when you call.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;">
<br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11pt;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >1.<span style=""> </span>Is the contractor referred by a friend or neighbor?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >The best source of information about the quality of work, friendliness, and customer service is the experiences of friends or</span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" > neighbors.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >2. <span style=""> </span>Does the company fleet reassure you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Contractors driving unmarked, beat up, dirty vehicles and likely to treat your home similarly.<span style=""> </span>In addition, these contractors may be skating on the e</span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >dge of bankruptcy and unwilling or unable to fulfill their warranty requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >3.<span style=""> </span>Does the company have a physical address?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >While many contractors may operate out of a home office when starting, they do have a physical address.<span style=""> </span>Fly-by-nights and moonlighters, </span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >who will not remain around to stand behind their work, do not.<span style=""> </span>They operate companies from cell phones.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >4. <span style=""> </span>Are company employees neat, clean, and professional?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Companies that provide employees with uniforms and insist on moderate levels </span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >of grooming tend to take a more professional approach across the board.<span style=""> </span>Fly-by-nights are more likely to wear dirty jeans and tee shirts.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >5. <span style=""> </span>Does the company employ NATE certified technicians?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Similar to the ASE program for the automotive industry, NATE is the heating and </span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >air conditioning industry’s technician certification program.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" > </span></b></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >6.<span style=""> </span>Does the company have a website?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Similar to a physical address, a website is a sign of legitimacy. Most heating and air conditioning companies have a web presence today.</span>
<br /><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >7.<span style=""> </span>Will the company guarantee a price before work begins?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Most contractors utilize a national flat rate pricing service today.<span style=""> </span>The service uses national standard times for repairs, allowing the contractor to offer a fixed price quote before work begins,</span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" > rather than an open-ended parts and labor estimate.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >8.<span style=""> </span>What warranties are offered?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Better contractors, who are more confident in their work, offer better warranties.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >9.<span style=""> </span>Is the contractor licensed?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Licensing is a minimum requirement.<span style=""> </span>Under no </span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >circumstances should you allow an unlicensed contractor to work on your equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >10.<span style=""> </span>Is the contractor fully insured?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >If an employee of an uninsured contractor is hurt on your property, you can be held liable for medical </span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >expenses.<span style=""> </span>Reputable contractors will provide copies of their general liability and workers compensation insurance.<span style=""> </span>If the contractor uses subcontractors (e.g., an electrician or an insulation company), ask for copies o</span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >f their insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >11.<span style=""> </span>Is the company part of your community?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >A company that’s involved in your community has a greater stake in their local reputation than one not involved.<span style=""> </span>Problems will arise from time to time and companies with a stake in the community tend to put forth an extra effort to resolve </span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >problems.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >12.<span style=""> </span>Is the company part of a professional community?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >Companies that belong to a trade association or business alliance are companies committed to t</span></i><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >heir craft.<span style=""> </span>They care more.<span style=""> </span>Quality is better.<span style=""> </span>The level of professionalism is higher.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 24pt; line-height: 18pt;">
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<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoFooter"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:6pt;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">© 2006 Service Roundtable</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-29208424674407767662010-03-06T12:38:00.000-06:002010-03-06T12:40:14.325-06:00Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers<span style="font-family:Arial;"><h1><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers</span></h1> <blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"> <p><i><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Your children will breathe easier</span></strong></i><br /></p> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="5" width="569"> <tbody> <tr> <td rowspan="3" valign="top" width="118"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Act now </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"></span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">against<br />asthma at home.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"></span></td> <td valign="top" width="421"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Asthma is a <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;">serious</span> lung disease.</span></strong><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">During an asthma attack, the airways get narrow, making it difficult to breathe.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Asthma can even cause death. </span></li></ul></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="421"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If you have asthma or a child with asthma, you are not alone.</span></strong><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">About 17 million Americans have asthma. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Asthma is the leading cause of long-term illness in children. </span></li></ul></td></tr> <tr> <td><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">The air that children breathe can make a difference.</span></strong> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Asthma may be triggered by allergens and irritants that are common in homes. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Help your child breathe easier: consult a doctor and reduce asthma triggers in your home.</span> </li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><strong></strong></span></p> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers</span></h2> <table align="DEFAULT" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="75%"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Below are five common asthma triggers found in homes and what you can do to reduce you and your child's exposure to them. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Not all of the asthma triggers listed here affect every person with asthma. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Not all asthma triggers are listed here. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">See your doctor or health care provider for more information.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table> <table style="margin-bottom: 10px;" align="DEFAULT" border="1" cellpadding="5"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="25%"> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Secondhand Smoke</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Asthma can be triggered by the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar and the smoke breathed out by a smoker.</span></p></td> <td valign="top" width="75%"> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Choose not to smoke in your home or car and do not allow others to do so either. </span></li></ul></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="25%"> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Dust Mites</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;">Dust mites are too small to be seen but are found in every home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;">Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, and stuffed toys.</span></p></td> <td valign="top" width="75%"> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Choose washable stuffed toys, wash them often in hot water, and dry thoroughly. Keep stuffed toys off beds. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zippered covers. </span></li></ul></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="25%"> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Pets</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;">Your pet’s skin flakes, urine, and saliva can be asthma triggers.</span></p></td> <td valign="top" width="75%"> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Consider keeping pets outdoors or even finding a new home for your pets, if necessary. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Keep pets out of the bedroom and other sleeping areas at all times, and keep the door closed. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys. </span></li></ul></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="25%"> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Molds</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;">Molds grow on damp materials. The key to mold control is moisture control.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;">If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: underline;">and</span> get rid of excess water or moisture.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lowering the moisture also helps reduce other triggers, such as dust mites and cockroaches.</span></p></td> <td valign="top" width="75%"> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Wash mold off hard surfaces and dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, with mold may need to be replaced. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Keep drip pans in your air conditioner, refrigerator, and dehumidifier clean and dry. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking, or using the dishwasher. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Vent clothes dryers to the outside. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers which are available at local hardware stores. </span></li></ul></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="25%"> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Pests</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;">Droppings or body parts of pests such as cockroaches or rodents can be asthma triggers. </span></p></td> <td valign="top" width="75%"> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Do not leave food or garbage out. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Store food in airtight containers. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Try using poison baits, boric acid (for cockroaches), or traps first before using pesticidal sprays. </span> </li><li> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If sprays are used: </span></p> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Limit the spray to infested area. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Carefully follow instructions on the label. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray, and keep the person with asthma out of the room. </span></li></ul></li></ul></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="25%"> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Also...</span></strong></p></td> <td valign="top" width="75%"> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">House dust may contain asthma triggers. Remove dust often with a damp cloth, and vacuum carpet and fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up. Allergic people should leave the area being vacuumed. Using vacuums with high efficiency filters or central vacuums may be helpful.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">When your local weather forecast announces an ozone action day, stay indoors as much as possible.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><strong>For more information:</strong></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">You can request information from EPA's:</span></p> <blockquote> <p align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO)<br />P.O. Box 37133<br />Washington, DC 20013-7133<br />(800) 438-4318, or<br />(703) 356-4020 (local)<br />(703) 356-5386 (fax)<br />iaqinfo@aol.com</span></span></p></blockquote> <p align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Other related sites:</strong></span></p> <blockquote> <p align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">National Academy of Sciences Report - "Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures" </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Two years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asked the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to undertake an assessment of the role of indoor air quality in the growing asthma problem. EPA asked NAS to characterize the state of the science on health impacts and prevention strategies, and to provide recommendations on needed research. In response to this request, the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine has issued a report, <i>Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures</i>, on the role of indoor environmental pollutants in the development and exacerbation of asthma. The report affirms the Administrator's asthma initiative to educate the public about the ways they can help control asthma by managing indoor air quality. The report concludes that exposure to indoor pollutants is an important contributor to the asthma problem in this nation. Asthma sufferers should consult with their doctor about reducing their exposure to secondhand smoke, dust mites, pet dander, molds, and cockroaches. The executive summary of the NAS report is available at </span></p></blockquote> <div align="left"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><i><br /></i></span></div></blockquote></span><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=72#ixzz0hQIT44mc">http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=72#ixzz0hQIT44mc</a><br />All content may be subject to copyright by Online-Access, Inc. To view the Terms & Conditions, visit http://terms.online-access.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=2&CO=1Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-76126440382904168782010-02-13T15:08:00.005-06:002010-02-13T15:27:06.393-06:00Safe use of gas range and ovens<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/S3cXK6zmNqI/AAAAAAAAACk/bPf-dRJAaz0/s1600-h/range.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437840551424964258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 123px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/S3cXK6zmNqI/AAAAAAAAACk/bPf-dRJAaz0/s320/range.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Gas Range and Ovens</strong> <strong>Carbon Monoxide Risk</strong><br /><br /><div align="right"></div><br /><br /><div>A typical gas oven will produce high amounts of <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=354">carbon monoxide (CO). </a>This is normal and allowable by design. But what homeowners miss is you need to run a vented rangehood while cooking. When I say vented hood I mean one that actually vents outside. Not the style that just suck the air up and blow it back into the home.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>A gas oven will commonly produce 200-300 PPM of CO. According to <a href="http://www3.abe.iastate.edu/human_house/aen205.asp">Iowa State University </a>they are allowed to produce upto 800 PPM. When testing gas ovens in homes I have found this to be true. Homeowners commonly do not understand this and will cook with out turning on the rangehood vent. There are many homes that don't even have a vented rangehood.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>This is one of the many reasons you can not use an oven to heat your home. Long use of the oven can over come the home with high levels of CO which can be very dangerous. </div><br /><div></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/S3cYN-j_ztI/AAAAAAAAACs/4IPNM7Lrpt8/s1600-h/nsi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437841703484509906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 102px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/S3cYN-j_ztI/AAAAAAAAACs/4IPNM7Lrpt8/s320/nsi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It is very important that any home with a gas range has a low level Carbon Monoxide Monitor. Not just a carbon monoxide alarm. Some states like <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=492">Minnesota require CO alarms </a>in homes, but not CO Monitors. A CO Monitor will alarm you with levels as low as 5 PPM in your home. A Carbon Monoxide alarm from your hardware store will not notify you until levels as high as 75 PPM in the home.</div></div>Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-131429891802691782010-02-11T08:00:00.002-06:002010-02-11T08:15:00.913-06:00Tap Water Scalds: Safety Alert<br /><br />The temperature a water heater should be has multiple answers. Below is a document from the "U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission". 120 degrees has been a common answer. Homeowners that have electric off peak water heaters commonly need to keep water warmer. There has also been studies that say you need water to be 140-145 degrees to prevent bacteria growth. When you do set your water heater higher than 120 degrees you need to add a mixing valve. A mixing valve will allow you to have the tank temperature 140 degrees, but it will mix cold water with the outlet water lowering it to 120 degrees or what ever you set it at. Mixing valves are also called Anti-scald valves. <br /><br /><br /><br />Document #5098<br /><br />Each year, approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in the home due to scalding from excessively hot tap water. The majority of these accidents involve the elderly and children under the age of five. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to preventing accidents, this decrease in temperature will conserve energy and save money.<br /><br />Most adults will suffer third-degree burns if exposed to 150 degree water for two seconds. Burns will also occur with a six-second exposure to 140 degree water or with a thirty second exposure to 130 degree water. Even if the temperature is 120 degrees, a five minute exposure could result in third-degree burns.<br /><br />Various procedures for lowering water temperature in the home exist, depending on the method of heating. Here are some suggestions:<br /><br />Electric water heaters. Call your local electric company to adjust the thermostat. Some companies offer this service at no-charge. Hot water should not be used for at least two hours prior to setting. To make the adjustment yourself, start by shutting off current to the water heater, then turn off the circuit breaker to the heater or remove the fuse that serves the heater. Most electric water heaters have two thermostats, both of which must be set to a common temperature for proper operation. To reach these thermostats you must remove the upper and lower access panels. Adjust the thermostat following the instructions provided with the appliance. Hold a candy or meat thermometer under the faucet to check water temperature.<br /><br />Gas water heaters. Because thermostats differ, call your local gas company for instructions. Where precise temperatures are not given, hold a candy or meat thermometer under faucet for most accurate reading first thing in the morning or at least two hours after water use. If reading is too high, adjust thermostat on heater, according to manufacturers instructions, and check again with thermometer.<br /><br />Furnace heater. If you do not have an electric, gas, or oil-fired water heater, you probably have an on-line hot water system. Contact your fuel supplier to have the temperature lowered. If you live in an apartment, contact the building manager to discuss possible options for lowering your tap water temperature. Reducing water temperature will not affect the heating capacity of the furnace.<br /><br />The CPSC notes that a thermostat setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) may be necessary for residential water heaters to reduce or eliminate the risk of most tap water scald injuries. Consumers should consider lowering the thermostat to the lowest settings that will satisfy hot water needs for all clothing and dish washing machines.<br />Never take hot water temperature for granted. Always hand-test before using, especially when bathing children and infants. Leaving a child unsupervised in the bathroom, even if only for a second, could cause serious injuries. Your presence at all times is the best defense against accidents and scaldings to infants and young children.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Read more: http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=98#ixzz0fEgJn9Te<br />All content may be subject to copyright by Online-Access, Inc. To view the Terms & Conditions, visit http://terms.online-access.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=2&CO=1Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-50720129017041340712010-02-05T07:13:00.005-06:002010-02-05T07:34:06.533-06:00Minnesota Energy Saver Rebate ProgramThe State of Minnesota started a new energy rebate program for homeowners to make improvements to there home. The short version is you can make your home more energy efficient by upgrading heating system, air conditioning, windows, insulation, light fixtures, and a few other items. <br /><br />The state's advantage is trying to help American become more energy independent. <br /><br />The homeowners advantage is you get a very large rebate for items that can drastically lower you monthly gas and electric bills. If you look at long term what it cost to heat and cool your home it is amazing. Average Minnesota home cost $1,000/year for natural gas and $1,200/year in electricity. That is $2,200 per year or $22,000 over 10 Years. And if gas and electric rates keep going up as they have it will cost even more. <br /><br />The heating and cooling system upgrade has been a great thing for homeowners. There never has been a time you could install a new 95% Efficient Gas furnace and cooling system for so little money. You can use federal tax credit up to $1500, local utility gas rebates, utility electric rebates, plus get another 35% rebate from the state. The state rebate is 35% of the total installed cost with a maximum rebate of $10,000 per home from the State of Minnesota.<br /><br /><br />One requirement is you must finance the installation, but you get a great 5.9% interest rate.<br /><br />FIX UP FUND GENERAL ELIGIBILITY<br /><br />-Must be owner occupied<br />-Decent credit history<br />-Current maximum household income of $96,500 (updated annually)<br />-Single family homes, duplexes, triplexes, four-plexes, and a unit of a condominium or town home (no common areas)<br /><br />You can learn more about this loan at www.mnhousing.gov. <br /><br />Or contact Comfort Matters Heating and Cooling at 763-493-2665 or info@comfortmatters.com and you can get more details or have an information package sent to you with details.<br /><br />You can find participating banks at http://www.mnhousing.gov/consumers/home-buyers/programs/index.aspx.Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-31045787977532821342010-01-29T07:05:00.007-06:002010-01-29T07:24:14.166-06:002010 Minnesota Centerpoint Energy RebatesMinnesota Centerpoint Energy Rebates<br /><br />Centerpoint Energy is the primary natural gas supplier for Minneapolis Twin City area. 2010 has brought a nice increase in rebates. In 2009 a customer would get $150 back if the installed a new 95% Efficient furnace. With energy being a major effort in our country there have been increased rebate programs.<br /><br />Below is the list of rebates a homeowner can get. A quality heating installation company will be able to walk you through this process. Some of the companies take care of 100% of the paperwork for you. After you have a new qualifying heating system installed you will receive your rebate check in the mail typically 4-6 weeks after installation. <br /><br />2010 Centerpoint Rebates:<br /><br />$150 92% AFUE or greater gas furnace<br />$300 95% AFUE or greater gas furnace<br />$400 96% AFUE or greater gas furnace<br /><br />$300 83.5% AFUE or greater gas boiler<br />$500 91% AFUE or greater condensing gas boiler<br /><br />$25 Install programmable thermostat with qualifying heating system.<br /><br /><br />I would not concern yourself much over a 95% or 96% furnace. Most manufactures don't even offer a 96% efficient furnace. And in real world homes you will never see a difference on fuel savings between a 95% or 96%. Carefully screen the company installing your furnace because there installation methods can make a big difference on how efficient the furnace actually operates in your home. How the company designs the duct work connections will also effect how noisy the furnace is and how much electricity it will use. At completion there should be a combustion performance test done to tune the furnace for maximum energy savings. Companies using NCI (National Comfort Institute) standards will far our perform others.Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-53922317700179059442009-10-14T05:32:00.002-05:002009-10-14T05:33:53.738-05:00Wood Stove Changeout Clears the Air in LIbby, MontanaContact: Deidra Darsa<br />(703) 522-0086 ET<br />darsa@hpba.org<br /><br />Wood Stove Changeout Clears the Air in Libby, Montana<br />U.S. EPA Declares Libby Area Air Quality Meets Fine Particle Standard <br /> <br />Arlington, VA (October 13, 2009) - The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) is excited to announce the final success of the Libby, Montana, wood stove changeout program. This effort led by HPBA, the U.S. EPA and Montana state and local officials replaced 1130 outdated wood-burning appliances with new cleaner burning EPA-certified wood stoves donated and installed by HPBA member companies. <br /> <br />Prior to the changeout, the Lincoln County town of Libby was predicted to fall short of meeting the new 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM2.5) federal standard according to state-validated air quality monitoring data for the three years, 2005 through 2007. However, data for the most recent three years - 2006, 2007 and 2008 - proved the area was meeting the standard. It is now an official attainment area. <br /> <br />"These results show that new technology wood-burning stoves, fireplace inserts and pellet stoves have a positive affect on the environment - both outdoors and in," said Jack Goldman, president of HPBA. "Not only do they burn cleaner than old-model stoves, they burn far more efficiently and use one-third less wood to heat the same space than previous stoves. This is great news for the people in Libby. They can now continue to warm their homes safely with wood, their main fuel source for home heating."<br /> <br />According to U.S. EPA, PM2.5 is a by-product of fuel combustion from wood burning, gasoline automobiles, diesel-powered vehicles such as trucks and busses, power plants and industrial processes and has been associated with a variety of serious health problems including heart attacks, chronic bronchitis and asthma. By removing old technology wood-burning stoves and replacing them with new clean-burning stoves, residents of Libby, MT, are breathing easier.<br /> <br /><br /><br />Consumers interested in clean-burning wood- or pellet-burning appliances can now receive a federal tax credit for up to $1,500 on the purchase and installation of a 75% efficient appliance. For information on clean-burning wood stoves and the federal 30%/$1500 consumer tax credit for wood and pellet burning stoves, go to www.hpba.org/taxcredit. <br /> <br />For more information on wood stove changeouts and Libby, Montana, go to www.woodstovechangeout.org. <br /> <br />About Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)<br />The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association is an international trade association first established in 1980 to represent and promote the interests of the hearth products industry in North America. In 2002, the Hearth Products Association (HPA) merged with the Barbecue Industry Association (BIA) to form HPBA. The association includes manufacturers, retailers, distributors, manufacturers' representatives, service and installation firms, and other companies and individuals - all having business interests in and related to the hearth, patio, and barbecue products industries. For more information, please visit www.hpba.org or www.woodstovechangeout.org.Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-20005349772012906912009-09-12T20:58:00.003-05:002009-09-12T21:18:17.497-05:00When to change oil on your furnace.When is the last time you changed the oil on your furnace? Ok, I got you thinking now. You are right, you don't change oil on a residential gas home heating furnace. But I bet you change oil on your car every 3,000-6,000 miles. It seams that everyone knows you need to change the oil on your car but we forget about the furnace that heats our home.<br /><br />If you didn't change oil on your car it will still keep working for a long time. You may be able to drive 30, 40, maybe 60,000 miles without changing your oil. But the efficiency will go down, you will waste fuel, and the motor will definitly fail earlier than it should. Same goes for your furnace. If you never have a profesional HVAC company clean and inspect your furnace you will waste money on your heating bills and it will also fail early. Could you imagine living in Minnesota and going on vacation for a week in January when the average temperature is about 15 degrees and night can be -15 to -30 degrees and your furnace fails. Well it happens every day. If you lose heat in your home and you are away you could freeze the water pipes and flood your home. <br /><br />Is freezing pipes worst case senoiro? Or is having a gas leak, carbon monoxide poisioning, or cold house with a 6 month old baby. All of these are bad and happen very commonly. But the most common problem by not having your furnace profesionally tuned up is wasting money every month on your gas bill and having to buy a new furnace 5-7 years earlier than needed. <br /><br />Lets play some numbers. Pretend running an unefficient furnace waste $15/month. 6 month heating season equals $90/year. Next if a new furance install cost $3,500 and should last 20 years but now only last 12 years. That is like wasting another $116/year. So total waste is $206/year. That is $2,060 over 10 years. Well you can have a HVAC company do a quality inspection and cleaning for less money than $206/year typically.<br /><br />So having a furnace tune up annually can save you money, drastically reduce chance of break down, save money on service, and provide a safer home for your family.Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-90407470108377054952009-09-05T08:34:00.001-05:002009-09-05T08:35:47.937-05:00EnergyGuideLabels<span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><h1><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=142"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">EnergyGuide Labels</span></a></h1> <blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">The U.S. government established a mandatory compliance program in the 1970s requiring that certain types of new appliances bear a label to help consumers compare the energy efficiency among similar products. In 1980, the Federal Trade Commission's Appliance Labeling Rule became effective, and requires that EnergyGuide labels be placed on all new refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, dishwashers, clothes washers, room air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers. These labels are bright yellow with black lettering identifying energy consumption characteristics of household appliances. Although these labels will not tell you which appliance is the most efficient, they will tell you the annual energy consumption and operating cost for each appliance so you can compare them yourself.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">EnergyGuide labels show the estimated yearly electricity consumption to operate the product along with a scale for comparison among similar products. The comparison scale shows the least and most energy used by comparable models. The labeled model is represented by an arrow pointing to its relative position on that scale. This allows consumers to compare the labeled model with other similar models. The consumption figure printed on EnergyGuide labels, in kilowatt-hours (kWh), is based on average usage assumptions and your actual energy consumption may vary depending on the appliance usage.</span></p> <div><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">EnergyGuide labels are not required on kitchen ranges, microwave ovens, clothes dryers, on-demand water heaters, portable space heaters, and lights.</span></div> <div><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></div> <div align="right"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"> <p align="right"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><a href="javascript:history.go(-1)"><img alt="" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=66470&width=12&height=19" style="margin-right: 5px;" align="middle" border="0" /><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;">Back to previous page.</span></a></span></span></span></p></span> <hr /> </div></blockquote> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(105, 105, 105);">Source: U. S. Department of Energy</span></span></p></span></span>Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-3669898268926168802009-08-31T20:53:00.000-05:002009-08-31T20:54:09.155-05:00What is NATE Certification<p align="center"><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=333"><span style="font-size: 18pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 128); font-family: Arial Black;">What is NATE Certification?</span></a></p> <p align="center"> </p><table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">Why is it important?</span></p></td></tr> <tr> <td> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">What does it mean to me?</span></p></td></tr> <tr> <td> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">How do I know if a technician is NATE certified?</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 128); font-family: Arial Black;">The Answer Guide<br /></span><img src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=35349&width=116&height=59&zfilename=image.png" alt="" border="0" /><br /> </div> <hr style="color: rgb(0, 0, 113);"> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">People want their comfort systems fixed fast, fixed right, and fixed the first time. But how do you pre-judge the quality of service you will receive?<br /><br />No matter how reputable the company is that you call for service, the quality of your experience is ultimately dependent upon the quality of the technician dispatched to your home. How do you know whether a company employs qualified technicians?<br /><br />One way is NATE certification.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;">A Few Facts</span></p> <p><img src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=34957&width=90&height=88&zfilename=image.png" style="margin-left: 10px;" alt="" align="right" border="0" /><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">NATE is the North American Technician Excellence™ program. Modeled after the ASE certification program in the automotive industry, NATE is the industry standard for technician certification.<br /><br />NATE is the industry’s national certification program and is supported by the entire industry.<br /><br />Broad national surveys indicate that consumers overwhelmingly desire certified technicians. In fact, seven out of eight homeowners want their equipment serviced by a nationally certified technician.<br /><br />NATE certification is far from certain, even for experienced technician. Nationally, passing rates for NATE certification exams are about the same as passing rates for the “bar” to earn a license to practice law.<br /><br /><strong>Why is NATE Certification important?</strong><br />Heating and air conditioning equipment gets more sophisticated with each passing year. Many of today’s comfort products include computer control boards and high tech sensor systems. Installing and servicing equipment requires more in-depth knowledge and training than ever before. NATE certification was designed to reflect a consensus of the knowledge industry experts determined technicians needed to be able to install and service equipment properly.<br /><br /><strong>Should I allow a technician without NATE Certification to work on my comfort system?</strong><br />NATE certification is voluntary and many excellent technicians have yet to sit for the NATE exams. In other words, there are good technicians who are not NATE certified. However, the odds of finding a good, qualified, competent technician increases when you insist on NATE certification. NATE certification means the technician is well-grounded in the knowledge he or she needs. NATE certification also reflects a commitment by the technician to the heating and air conditioning industry as a profession. NATE certified technicians are serious about their craft and self-motivated to perform well.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=34956&width=100&height=93&zfilename=image.png" style="margin-right: 20px;" alt="" align="left" border="0" /><strong>How do I know if a technician is NATE Certified?</strong><br />For starters, ask for a NATE certified technician when you call for service. Beyond requesting one, identifying a NATE certified technician is often as simple as looking for the NATE patch on the sleeve of their uniform. If you unsure, ask the technician if he or she is NATE certified. NATE also maintains a database of contractors employing NATE certified technicians at <a href="http://www.natex.org/" target="_blank">www.natex.org</a>.</span></p> <span style="font-size: 8pt;">© 2003 Service Roundtable</span>Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-70453783291519834572009-08-30T19:44:00.001-05:002009-08-30T19:47:39.892-05:00A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home<h1><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"</span></span></h1> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Contents </span></span></h2> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="petrei dishes with mold" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=925" vspace="6" align="right" border="0" hspace="6" /><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><strong><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=155#MoldBasics">Mold Basics</a></strong></span></span></p> <ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Why is mold growing in my home? </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Can mold cause health problems? </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">How do I get rid of mold? </span></li></span></ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=155#MoldCleanup">Mold Cleanup</a></strong></span></span></p> <ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Who should do the cleanup? </span></li></span></ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=155#MoldCleanupGuidelines">Mold Cleanup Guidelines</a></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=155#WhatToWear">What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas</a></strong></span></span></p> <ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">How Do I Know When the Remediation or Cleanup is Finished? </span></li></span></ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=155#MoistureMoldPrevention">Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips</a></strong></span></span></p> <ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Actions that will help to reduce humidity </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Actions that will help prevent condensation </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Testing or sampling for mold </span></li></span></ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=155#HiddenMold">Hidden Mold</a></strong></span></span></p> <ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Cleanup and Biocides </span></li></span></ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=155#AdditionalResources">Additional Resources</a></strong></span></span></p><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"> <h2><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a name="MoldBasics"></a>Mold Basics</span></h2></span> <ul type="square"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">The key to mold control is moisture control.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. </span></li></span></ul> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img usemap="FPMap0" alt="" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=922&width=175&height=261" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-bottom: 5px; cursor: pointer; margin-left: 15px;" onclick="window.open('/wahelper/GetImage?id=922')" vspace="6" align="right" border="1" hspace="6" /></span></p> <h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Why is mold growing in my home?</span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.</span></span></p> <h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Can mold cause health problems?</span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.</span></span></p> <h3><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=923" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); cursor: pointer; margin-left: 10px;" onclick="window.open('/wahelper/GetImage?id=923')" vspace="6" align="right" border="1" hspace="6" /><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">How do I get rid of mold?</span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.</span></span></p> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a name="MoldCleanup"></a>Mold Cleanup</span></span></h2> <h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Who should do the cleanup?</span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="" usemap="FPMap0" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=931&width=400&height=250" style="margin-bottom: 10px; cursor: pointer; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 25px;" onclick="window.open('/wahelper/GetImage?id=931')" align="left" border="1" />Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, following the guidelines below. However:</span></span></p> <ul type="square"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types. It is available free by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318, or on the Internet at epa.gov/iaq/molds/mold_remediation.html.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><img alt="" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=918&width=240&height=213" style="cursor: pointer; margin-left: 15px;" onclick="window.open('/wahelper/GetImage?id=918')" align="right" border="1" /></span>If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to the system), consult EPA's guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building. Visit epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html, or call (800) 438-4318 for a free copy.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup. </span></li></span></ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a name="MoldCleanupGuidelines"></a>Mold Cleanup Guidelines</span></span></h2> <h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Tips and techniques</span></span></h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=917" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" border="0" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The tips and techniques presented in this section will help you clean up your mold problem. Professional cleaners or remediators may use methods not covered in this publication. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is restored. </span></span></p> <ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold (see discussions: <a href="http://default.online-access4.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=155&co=1#WhatToWear">What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas</a> and <a href="http://default.online-access4.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=155&co=1#HiddenMold">Hidden Mold</a>).</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> <p align="center"><img alt="" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=920" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" border="0" /></p> <p>Be sure to ask for and check references. <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations. </span></p></span></li></span></ul> <h3><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a name="WhatToWear"></a>What to Wear when Cleaning Moldy Areas</span></span></h3> <ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. In order to limit your exposure to airborne mold, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet. (They cost about $12 to $25.) Some N-95 respirators resemble a paper dust mask with a nozzle on the front, others are made primarily of plastic or rubber and have removable cartridges that trap most of the mold spores from entering. In order to be effective, the respirator or mask must fit properly, so carefully follow the instructions supplied with the respirator. Please note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that respirators fit properly (fit testing) when used in an occupational setting; consult OSHA for more information (800-321-OSHA or osha.gov/ ).</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Wear gloves. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. When working with water and a mild detergent, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. If you are using a disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC (see <a href="http://default.online-access4.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=155&co=1#Cleanup%20and%20Biocides">Cleanup and Biocides</a>). Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Wear goggles. Goggles that do not have ventilation holes are recommended. Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes. <div align="center"> </div></span></li></span></ul><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=916" style="cursor: pointer;" onclick="window.open('/wahelper/GetImage?id=916')" border="1" /></span></p></span> <h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">How Do I Know When the Remediation or Cleanup is Finished? </span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">You must have completely fixed the water or moisture problem before the cleanup or remediation can be considered finished. </span></span></p> <ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">You should have completed mold removal. Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">You should have revisited the site(s) shortly after cleanup and it should show no signs of water damage or mold growth.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Ultimately, this is a judgment call; there is no easy answer. If you have concerns or questions call the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318. </span></li></span></ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a name="MoistureMoldPrevention"></a>Moisture & Mold Prevention and Control Tips</span></span></h2><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=929" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 15px; margin-right: 30px;" onclick="window.open('/wahelper/GetImage?id=929')" align="left" border="1" /> </span><ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Moisture control is the key to mold control, so when water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity. </span></li></span></ul> <h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Actions that will help to reduce humidity:</span></span></h3> <ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.</span> </li></span></ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc. </span><h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=915" style="cursor: pointer;" onclick="window.open('/wahelper/GetImage?id=915')" border="1" /></span></span></p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Actions that will help prevent condensation:</span></span></h3> <ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Reduce the humidity (see above).</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Increase air temperature.</span> </li></span></ul> <h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Testing or Sampling for Mold</span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations. </span></span></p></span> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a name="HiddenMold"></a>Hidden Mold</span></span></h2> <h3><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=928" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); cursor: pointer; margin-left: 10px;" onclick="window.open('/wahelper/GetImage?id=928')" vspace="6" align="right" border="1" hspace="6" /><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Suspicion of Hidden Mold</span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).</span></span></p> <h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Investigating hidden mold problems</span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.</span></span></p> <h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Cleanup and Biocides</span></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain - these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.</span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><img alt="" usemap="FPMap2" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=926&width=500&height=336" style="cursor: pointer;" onclick="window.open('/wahelper/GetImage?id=926')" border="1" /></span></span></p> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a name="AdditionalResources"></a>Additional Resources <img alt="" usemap="FPMap1" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=924&width=425&height=200" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); cursor: pointer; margin-left: 15px;" onclick="window.open('/wahelper/GetImage?id=924')" align="right" border="1" /></span></span></h2> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">For more information on mold related issues including mold cleanup and moisture control/condensation/humidity issues, you can call the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318.</span></span></p> <ul><span style="font-family:Arial;"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">EPA's Mold Resources page (<a href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html" target="_blank">http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html</a>)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">The EPA publication, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001), is available.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Other Indoor Air Quality Publications - <a href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs" target="_blank">www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs</a></span> </li><li> <div><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetFile?fid=%7B17B39155-C029-4AE8-9914-741F37D07B4F%7D">PDF Formatted Version</a></span> </div></li></span></ul><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> <p align="right"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="javascript:history.go(-1)"><img alt="" src="http://www.comfortmatters.com/wahelper/GetImage?id=66470&width=12&height=19" style="margin-right: 5px;" align="middle" border="0" /><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;">Back to previous page.</span></a></span></span></span></span></p></span></span>Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-17272594906791207392009-08-29T18:21:00.001-05:002009-08-29T18:25:08.518-05:00Dryer Fire Fact Sheet<span style="font-family:Arial;"><table style="width: 95%; border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td><h1><a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=113"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Dryer Fire Fact Sheet</strong></span></a></h1> <blockquote> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Statistics and Implications</span></h2> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Dryer exhaust fires now surpass creosote (chimney) fires in frequency on a national level. In 1998, the most recent statistics available, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that over 15,600 dryer fires occurred killing 20 people, injuring 370 more and causing over $75.4 million in property damage. According to the CPSC, in most of these cases the culprit was lint getting into the machine’s heating element, sparking and fueling a fire. In response to this growing trend, many dryer manufacturers now employ a device that shuts the appliance down when airflow is obstructed. However, these safeguards are subject to wear and have been known to fail. Not surprisingly, some fire departments and insurance companies now require that dryer vents be inspected and cleaned regularly.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">With gas dryers, there is also concern of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Since lint and flue gases use the same avenue of exit from the house, a blocked vent can cause CO fumes to back up into the house. These fumes are colorless and odorless and they can be fatal. Low-level CO poisoning mimics flu symptoms (without the fever): headache, weakness, nausea, disorientation and deep fatigue. At higher levels, occupants can fall asleep, lapse into a coma and die.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></li></ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Anatomy of a Dryer Fire</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Dryer fires usually start beneath the dryer when the motor overheats. Overheating is caused by a build-up of lint in the duct that increases the drying time and blocks the flow of air, just like cholesterol in your arteries can build up and block the flow of blood to your heart. Naturally, any lint that has collected under the dryer will burn and the draft from the dryer will pull that fire up into the duct. Since the duct is coated or even blocked with lint, many times a house fire results. Other contributing conditions may include failure of the thermostat and limit switches in the dryer, lint inside the dryer, a missing or damaged lint screen, a crushed hose behind the dryer, or a bird’s nest or other debris blocking the vent.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Higher Risk Situations</span></h2> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Residential dryer vent lengths may not have an equivalent length greater than 25 feet. Five additional feet for each 90-degree bend must be added to the actual physical length to compute the vent’s equivalent length. This will determine the vent’s actual resistance to the airflow.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Homes with larger families or where dryers are used heavily are at greater risk. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Flexible plastic duct is no longer code-approved for clothes dryers</strong>. It is normally one of the first things burning lint will ignite, having been shown to flame in as little as 12 seconds. Lower cost and high flexibility often make it attractive to unadvised homeowners installing their own machines</span>. </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Flexible duct made of thin foil is not recommended for clothes dryers</strong>. It’s tendency to "kink" and stop airflow makes it dangerous to use.</span> </li></ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Warning Signs</span></h2> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Dryer is still producing heat, but taking longer and longer to dry clothes, especially towels and jeans. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Clothes are damp or hotter than usual at the end of the cycle. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Outdoor flapper on vent hood doesn't open when dryer is on. </span></li></ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Additional Benefits to Dryer Vent Cleaning</span></h2> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Allows your dryer to operate more efficiently, using less energy and saving you money.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Protects your dryer from excess wear and premature death.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Helps clothes dry faster—a time savings for busy families. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Reduces excess household dust and humidity </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Helps preserve clothing, as the life of many fabrics is damaged by excessive high heat. </span></li></ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Inspection Frequency</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Most vents need cleaning every two to three years. Some dryer vents need attention more often. If it is the first time that a dryer vent has been cleaned, having it re-checked again in a year can help to make a reasonable judgment. Determining factors include:</span></p> <ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">How heavily the dryer is used </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">How long the vent is and the materials used. Shorter vents usually blow better. </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">The age and type of dryer used. Full size dryers blow better than smaller stack dryers or older dryers </span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">The design of the vent. Those with a lot of turns and elbows blow worse and build up more lint. </span></li></ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires</span></h2> <h3><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Consumer Product Safety Alert</span></h3> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths, and 310 injuries associated with clothes dryers. Some of these fires may occur when lint builds up in the filter or in the exhaust duct. Under certain conditions, when lint blocks the flow of air, excessive heat build-up may cause a fire in some dryers. To prevent fires:</span></p> <ul type="disc"><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Clean the lint filter regularly and make sure the dryer is operating properly. Clean the filter after each load of clothes. While the dryer is operating, check the outside exhaust to make sure exhaust air is escaping normally, If it is not, look inside both ends of the duct and remove any lint. If there are signs that the dryer is hotter than normal, this may be a sign that the dryer's temperature control thermostat needs servicing.</span> </li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Check the exhaust duct more often if you have a plastic, flexible duct. This type of duct is more apt to trap lint than ducting without ridges.</span> </li><li> <div><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Closely follow manufacturers' instructions for new installations. Most manufacturers that get their clothes dryers approved by Underwriters Laboratories specify the use of metal exhaust duct. If metal duct is not available at the retailer where the dryer was purchased, check other locations, such as hardware or builder supply stores. If you are having the dryer installed, insist upon metal duct unless the installer has verified that the manufacturer permits the use of plastic duct. </span></div></li></ul> <p align="right"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><a href="javascript:history.go(-1)"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></blockquote></td></tr></tbody></table> </span><hr /> <p><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(169, 169, 169); font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission</span></span></p><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: rgb(169, 169, 169); font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></span>Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-25224501439643175612009-08-25T20:55:00.016-05:002009-08-25T21:54:03.546-05:00Keeping Minnesota State Fair Cold...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/SpSZTdSgZCI/AAAAAAAAAB8/VkD68LL9wRQ/s1600-h/CIMG0183.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 210px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/SpSZTdSgZCI/AAAAAAAAAB8/VkD68LL9wRQ/s320/CIMG0183.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374088814918657058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oh no... Summer's almost over?</span> Not yet, the <a href="http://www.mnstatefair.org/">Minnesota State Fair</a> is typically a hot and busy week. <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/">Comfort Matters Heating and Cooling, Inc</a> was able to help keep one of the food stands cold.<br /><br />Midway Food Company from Winchester, Texas area has a food stand called the Midway Grill and it gets pretty hot working over a grill at the fair. Well only a couple weeks away their air conditioning stopped working on their custom built portable 18,000 pound kitchen. The trailer was out in Montana at a fair when <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/">Comfort Matters</a> got the call that they were heading to <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/SpSaSNU98gI/AAAAAAAAACE/oD8SreBtzvk/s1600-h/CIMG0201.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/SpSaSNU98gI/AAAAAAAAACE/oD8SreBtzvk/s320/CIMG0201.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374089892965773826" border="0" /></a>Minnesota for the fair and needed to get the cooling fixed. Comfort Matters found a<a href="http://www.trane.com"> </a><a href="http://www.trane.com">Trane</a> rooftop air conditioner in <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=laramie+wyoming&sourceid=navclient-ff&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS283US284&um=1&ie=UTF-8&split=0&gl=us&ei=bZeUSpWTKo6oMZ_KtfoH&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1">Laramie Wyomin</a><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=laramie+wyoming&sourceid=navclient-ff&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS283US284&um=1&ie=UTF-8&split=0&gl=us&ei=bZeUSpWTKo6oMZ_KtfoH&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1">g</a> that would work. So within days before the fair the trailer was delivered to <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=120">Comfort Matters office in Hanover, MN</a>.<br /><br />"This became a very interesting and custom installation" said Corey Hickmann (owner of <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/">Comfort Matters Heating and Cooling, Inc</a>.) We brought in Crystal Welding to help custom build the aluminum frame and ducting so we could mount the new Trane unit on the Roof. Even though it decided to rain most of the day slowing down the work, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/SpSaqSdwaGI/AAAAAAAAACM/n151icBzlAI/s1600-h/CIMG0212.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/SpSaqSdwaGI/AAAAAAAAACM/n151icBzlAI/s320/CIMG0212.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374090306661673058" border="0" /></a>the new cooling system was up and running the next day and ready for delivery to the fair. The <a href="http://www.mnstatefair.org/">Minnesota State Fair</a> is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_State_Fair">largest fair in the country</a> for daily attendance and it is very important to the Midway Grill to have a successful event.<br /><br />So if you are out at the fair try a burger and fries at the Midway Grill, and if you miss it there it will be heading to Utah, Texas, and a few other stops before the year is over.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/SpSa9A9BGwI/AAAAAAAAACU/qfRD_FaDaGE/s1600-h/CIMG0209.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/SpSa9A9BGwI/AAAAAAAAACU/qfRD_FaDaGE/s320/CIMG0209.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374090628378467074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.comfortmatters.com"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 152px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/SpSgq24n4LI/AAAAAAAAACc/pFA6g6pj7n4/s320/CM+final+2color.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374096913507803314" border="0" /></a>Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-28866906370494301832009-08-18T21:43:00.002-05:002009-08-18T22:04:04.747-05:00How to select a contractor.There are many things to consider when selecting a contractor. This blog is around heating and cooling contractors, but the same <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">principle</span> applies if you are buying a furnace, deck, roof, kitchen, or a basement remodel.<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Check references:</span> I can not stress this enough. If you are spending $2500 or $10,000 you must check the contractor references. A new furnace or a/c should last 20 years. But even more important is in Minnesota for example you will spend $26,000 over those 20 years on average to heat and cool your home. <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=183">So ask for testimonials</a>. If the contractor surveys there customers ask to see the surveys. If you want to make the best choice ask to talk to customer they have done work for. Make sure they will call you back on Saturday when it is -20 or 95 degrees outside if your heating or cooling doesn't work.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ask for copy of liability </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">insurance</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> certificate: </span> Check to see what there coverage is. You want at minimum $1 million dollars coverage. Then if you really want to be safe call there insurance company to confirm there premiums are paid in full. To many companies can show a certificate but may not be late on payments. If something happens you the homeowner are responsible. If the contractor is not willing to give you this info "walk away".</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Confirm they have a current State Bond:</span> In Minnesota for example contractors are required to have a state bond to help protect the homeowner <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">in case</span> the contractor goes out of business.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Get Permits: </span> Ask for copy of the local permit at time of installation. Note: some cities do not require permits so you can't in those cases. But call your city hall to confirm that is true.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Back ground screened employees:</span> Does the company criminally screen there employees. The people installing your new furnace or A/C have access to your home, make sure they are safe.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Does the company work from home:</span> Confirm they actually work from a office. Some contractors may office from home and do great work. But the majority of bad contractors also work from home. Don't base <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">decision</span> on this but it will help.</li></ul><br />Don't worry about the brand of furnace or A/C you buy. If it is a Carrier, Goodman, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Amana</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Trane</span>, Bryant, Chevy, Ford, or BMW it does not matter as much as who installs it. What matters is how well trained the installers are, will they be there for you if it fails, and will it save you money on your <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=49">energy bills</a> for the next 2 or 20 years. (BTW: no Chevy, Ford, or BMW don't make furnace and A/C) <br /><br />The upfront cost of the installation will be determined by factors I listed above. Just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">because</span> someone offers a lower installation you are not saving money. I have learned that lesson over the years. When the cost is lower the odds say something is missing.Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-73388065883905527062009-08-17T19:38:00.004-05:002009-08-17T20:04:31.219-05:00Will 2-stage furnace save me money?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/Son8pWlN0qI/AAAAAAAAAB0/a7w9YoL8W_4/s1600-h/TraneFurnace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 128px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/Son8pWlN0qI/AAAAAAAAAB0/a7w9YoL8W_4/s320/TraneFurnace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371101817982538402" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Will a 2-stage gas furnace save me money?</span></span><br /><br />Well this is kind of a loaded question. For example I am going to use a 95% efficient gas furnace. The brand does not matter. If you buy a <a href="http://www.trane.com/Residential"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Trane</span>,</a> <a href="http://www.bryant.com/">Bryant</a>, <a href="http://www.residential.carrier.com/">Carrier,</a> <a href="http://www.goodmanmfg.com/">Goodman</a>, or <a href="http://www.lennox.com/residential/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lennox</span></a> there is not a measurable amount of difference. The bigger difference will be by what company installs it. Majority of furnaces installed are 1-stage. Which means when the house gets cold 100% of the heat comes on. The problem is if it isn't very cold out the furnace may only run for 5 or 10 minutes then shut off. A furnace needs to run at least 10 minutes before you can even get it up to 95% efficient. When if first comes on it will be maybe 50%, then 60%, and keep going up as it runs longer until it reaches peak efficiency. It is like a car, if you drive stop and go traffic your gas <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mileage</span> is low, but if you go on the highway for 60 miles and don't stop your gas <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mileage</span> goes up.<br /><br />So if your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">furnace</span> turns on and off to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">often</span> you will not ever get to save money because the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">furnace</span> doesn't get to peak efficiency. So back to the installing company. If they install a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">furnace</span> that is to large for your home it will turn on and off to many times during the day cost you money and making your gas company lots of money. So a very common problem is if the installing company selects a furnace that is to large it will run on low stage to often wasting energy. So it is possible to put in a new more efficient furnace but have it not save you any money.<br /><br />Today we have 1-stage, 2-stage, <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=647">3-stage</a>, and modulating furnaces. The advantage of multi stage <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">furnaces</span> is better comfort in the home. If the furnace runs longer it will get the temperature more even in your rooms. Plus the longer the furnace runs and less on/off cycles reliability does go up. So multi stage may help the furnace last longer which will save you money. But you may not be saving what you should be. Depending on model's the first stage (low heat) could be only 70-85% efficient, compared to high heat when it could be 95% efficient. A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">properly</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> installed </span>1-stage or multi stage furnace will give you far better long term results. As time goes on gas will keep going up. A well installed furnace could last your 15-20 years. So why over pay each month on your gas bill. Be very careful on selecting your installing contractor because that can save you $1,000's of dollars over the next 15-20 years.<br /><br />So the moral of the story is "just because your new furnace is 2-STAGE, that does not mean it will save you more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">money</span>".Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-62054379614041355732009-08-07T19:17:00.002-05:002009-08-07T19:43:37.884-05:00How to size a geothermal heating system.<a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=709">Geothermal heating systems</a> and not much different than standard air source heat pump <img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/AMYHIC%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" />system. The main difference is geothermal uses the earth to add or remove heat from your home instead of the outside air. With <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">geo</span> the ground will vary from 30-75 degrees typically depending on season. Air source heat pumps need to deal with air temps ranging from -30 to 110 degrees depending if heating or cooling your home.<br /><br />The big difference with air source heat pump is they can't provide enough heat from the home once outdoor temp gets below 20 degrees. So you need some sort of extra heat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">whether</span> it be natural gas, oil, LP, or electric heat. Geothermal systems can be designed to heat your home to what ever outdoor temp you want.<br /><br />Here is the catch to be careful of. If you are converting your current heating system to geothermal the duct work was designed for something else. For example <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">purpose</span> I am going to compare an average gas or oil heat. Now electric heat system won't be much different.<br /><br />EXAMPLES BELOW ARE FOR A MINNESOTA HOME<br /><br />Gas heat systems can provide higher temperature heat in the duct system with less air flow. So when a home is designed for gas the average home needs 1000-1400 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CFM</span>. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CFM</span>= cubic feet per minute of air) A home that has a duct system for 1000 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CFM</span> with gas heat may now need a 4 ton geothermal heating system. Average design is 400 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CFM</span>/ton of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">geo</span>. So a 4ton <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">geo</span> will need 1600 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">CFM</span>. The problem is over <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=324">50% of home duct systems are undersized in the first</a> place. An educated <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">HVAC</span> company will be able to test your home and see what you can do. Below is a typical solution that way to many heating companies do wrong.<br /><br />Home needs a 4ton <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">geo</span> which is 1600 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">CFM</span> but home has duct system only good enough for 1000 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">CFM</span>. A common answer is to select a 3 ton <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">geo</span> system with gas back up heat. The 3 ton <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">geo</span> will need 1200 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">CFm</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Usually</span> some minor modification can be made to the duct system to handle 1200 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">CFM</span>. Now when you get to the dead of winter in January when it is -10 and colder for a week straight the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">geo</span> may not be able to keep up so you will need to use the gas furnace a little. But by going from a 4ton to a 3ton <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">geo</span> you will save about $2,500 just in well drilling. Plus you don't have to tear your home apart making the duct system large enough for a 4ton system. So by going to a 3ton you may save $3500, 4000, maybe 5000. Yes the 3ton may cost an extra $200 per year to heat your home, but it could take you 20 years to equal the $4000 savings. <br /><br />So in short you maybe able to install a 3ton <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">geo</span> and have a 10 year pay back or a 4ton <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">geo</span> and have a 30 year pay back.<br /><br />Now these examples above are very general and will vary by area you live or type of home. Point to be aware of bigger <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">definitely</span> is not better when it comes to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">geo</span>. Now with the 30% <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=511">federal tax credit</a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">geo</span> is cheaper than ever to install and pay back is a lot faster. But don't let a poorly educated installation company steer you the wrong way.Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-31001527497497807422009-07-27T21:46:00.003-05:002009-07-27T23:04:51.498-05:00The "Post-It Note" of heating and cooling my home.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3m.com/us/office/postit/pastpresent/history_ff.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 123px; height: 73px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CcRD1h9KcDk/Sm53hZz9RXI/AAAAAAAAABs/0X2TwrAgWbU/s320/topnav_logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363355621993039218" border="0" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.3m.com/us/office/postit/index.html">Post-it note</a> is known as a great American invention. Back in 1974 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Fry">Arthur Fry</a> came up with<img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/AMYHIC%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /> way to make an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">experimental</span> glue famous while working for <a href="http://solutions.3m.com/en_US/?WT.mc_id=www.3m.com/us">3M in Minnesota</a>. The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/postit">Post-it note</a> changed the world of paper. So as I was thinking about this I wondered what major <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">innovation</span> changed the way we heat and cool a home. There are many things that have changed the comfort we feel in a home today.<br /><br />Early years we had a fireplace in our 1-room house. Now the average home has 2-3 bathrooms. In the early 1900's when coal fired furnaces were used a house could vary in temp 30-40 degrees <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">easily</span> depending on what room you were in because once you got the coal burning hot you couldn't just stop it.<br /><br />Today people expect to be comfortable when they sleep, keep the babies room warm in the winter, but still save energy. <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=180"> Zoned Heating</a> has been the technology that has allowed this. The average home has one thermostat in the hallway which tells the furnace to turn on or off. First who lives in the hallway, so why do we care what the temperature is there. Imagine if you only had one light switch in your whole house. Well that is what happens when you have one thermostat. Two story homes are a real problem because in the summer the upper level is hot and the basement is cold. The other <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=181"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">advantage</span> of zone systems</a> is why do you want to cool your bedrooms to 74 degrees during the day when no one is in there. Or why do you want your living room to be cooled at 3 AM when you are in bed.<br /><br />Zone systems allow a standard home to have multiple thermostats through out the house. So you can cool the bedrooms at night, but not waste energy cooling the living room. Or in the winter you can heat your basement over 65 degrees unlike the average home. People commonly spend well over $20k finishing a basement to use but then they freeze trying to watch <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">TV</span> down there. To get a better understanding how it works click <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=484">HERE</a> to see a short video.<br /><br />Honeywell says you can see up to 30% savings on your heating and cooling bills by zoning your home. One major energy savings people experience, is in the summer. Homeowners will set there thermostat to 70-72 degrees on the main level so they can hopefully get the upstairs to 76-78. When you have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">zoning</span> in your home you have a thermostat upstairs in your master bedroom for example and you set that thermostat to 75 degrees and you can leave the living room at 78 for example while you sleep.<br /><br />One thing you have to be concerned about is the installation of a zone system is who is the company designing and installing it. It is important to research who you buy a zone system from because if it is improperly installed you can shorten the life of your furnace and A/C and have a noisy operating system. But a properly installed zone system is like a <a href="http://www.3m.com/us/office/postit/pastpresent/history_ff.html">"Post-It Note"</a> to me.Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265024413765554972.post-61309569129980332042009-07-23T18:52:00.004-05:002009-07-23T19:17:03.783-05:00How long is the warranty on my air conditioner?<span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Air Conditioning Warranty... Some of the facts...</span></span><br /><br />Manufactures have made major changes to warranties over the years. Plus there are many untold parts also.<br /><br />First thing what is covered. Well there is 3 major components to the warranty.<br /><ul><li>Parts, this includes the little things like contactors, capacitors, and fan motors.</li><li>Compressor, this is the most expensive and important part of the unit. This is the main work horse, kind of like the engine in a car. Typical compressor replacement is $1,200-1,900.</li><li>Labor, this is the thing a lot of contractors miss lead to homeowners. Pretty much every manufacture of a/c units require the contractor to cover labor warranty on there own unless you purchase an extended warranty to cover labor. So becareful because if the contractor tells you 1 year, hope he is still in business then. Or are they the kind of company that will call you back when you have trouble. It is very common to see the low price contrctor also be the guy who won't return your call if your A/C stops working in 8 months. <br /></li></ul>One major part of an a/c is the refrigerant. Manufactures don't consider this a part on standard warranty. So if the unit gets a leak they may cover the $25 part that leaked, but you are stuck paying for the possible hundreds of dollars in refrigerant.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >2nd Major Issue:</span><br /><br />Almost all brands use to be 1 Year parts Warranty. Now as compitition has grown they started to increase warranty. A very common warranty today now is 10 Years on all parts. BUT.... you must register the unit within 60-90 days or else your warranty drops to 5 years. The registered warranty is also only good for the original buyer, not the second owner of the home. Example <a href="http://www.trane.com">Trane</a> use to have 10 Year parts warranty on there <a href="http://www.comfortmatters.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=368">XL systems.</a> You didn't have to register it and if you sold the home the new buyer got the remander of the warranty. Now the same XL unit will only give the original buyer 10 years and it drops to 5 years if you don't register it.<br /><br /><br />Guess what, people forget to register things. That isn't a secret to anybody. The problem you will find is most contractors may leave that detail out. Some contractors actually will register the unit for there customers so it doesn't get forgot. This is one difference between a quality installing company and the cheap guy.<br /><br />All this above is common to different brands. Weather you are buying TRANE, BRYANT, LENNOX, CARRIER, ARMSTRONG, YORK, LUXAIRE, HEIL, PAYNE, AMERICAN STANDARD, COMFORT MAKER, DAY NIGHT, GOODMAN, AMANA, FRIDGIDAIRE, MAYTAG, TAPPAN, KENMORE, TEMPSTAR, NORDYNE, or who ever they all are pretty much the same. Funny thing of the 20 brands I listed above that is actually only 6 different companys. Just like buying a Chevy, GMC, or Buick, same car just different stearing wheel.<br /><br />Research your contractor before you worry about the warranty or brand.Corey Hickmannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656489842273773215noreply@blogger.com0