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It’s getting hot again; an air conditioner is something most of us take for granted, but most people don’t really know how it works.  Believe it or not, an air conditioner doesn’t actually cool the air.  Instead, it uses a process called heat transfer to remove the heat from the air; it’s an important distinction.

When you pay for a new heating and cooling system, the last thing you want to happen is to find out that it’s not covered under the warranty due to something that you did, or did not, do.  Many of us don’t take the time to read the owner’s manuals or warranty cards, even though we know we should.  While you’re trying to remember where you put your manual, here are some quick tips to help you stay within your manufacturer’s warranty.

 

April 30 through May 4 is the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Awareness Week; it’s a great time to take a moment to think about the air you’re breathing 95% of the time: indoor air. The average American spends virtually all of his or her time inside, breathing six to ten liters of air a minute. However, the EPA has listed indoor air pollution as one of its top five growing concerns.  So, what’s the scoop in indoor air pollution?

April 25 is National Plumber’s Day…but what exactly does a plumber do?  Most people think of toilets and sinks when they think of plumbers, but in reality there is a wide variety of tasks a plumber can be called upon to perform.

Earth Day is April 22; it’s a great day to make small changes that help keep our planet green and clean.  What can you do to help?  The list includes things as small as turning off the water when you brush your teeth and as large as buying energy-efficient appliances. The best thing about going green?  Using energy-efficient products can save about 30% on energy costs ($400 per year for the average family), while also helping the environment.

Everyday tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, along with pets, cigarette smoke, and stale indoor air, can all contribute to unpleasant odors throughout your home.  What steps can you take to ensure your home smells clean and fresh? The answer is not found in a spray can with flowers printed on it. For fresh, clean air, the odors in your home need to be neutralized and cleaned instead of covered up by potentially toxic scented deodorizers and air fresheners.

Every spring we all try and tackle a spring cleaning list; those hardworking machines that make our lives so much easier deserve a top spot. One or two afternoons are all you should need to check everything off your list and relax knowing you’ve made your home more energy efficient, with the added bonus of extending the lifespan of your appliances.

With the weather warming up so early this year, some homeowners are surprised to find out that their air conditioner isn’t ready; the best way to make sure your unit is in top shape is to schedule your tune up soon. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the number one cause of breakdowns in air conditioning units is the buildup of dust and dirt, which is easily removed during a tune-up.

Leaks in American homes account for, on average, 10,000 gallons of wasted per home ever year; that’s why WaterSense, a division of the Environmental Protection Agency, promotes Fix a Leak Week every year to remind Americans to check their fixtures for leaks. This year, Fix a Leak Week is March 12-18.

It doesn’t matter how fresh the spring air is outside, if the air ducts in your home are circulating dirt, mold, and dust mites, your home does not have clean air; the best way to ensure this isn’t happening is to have your ducts professionally inspected and cleaned.  Indoor air can be far more polluted than  outdoor air, thanks to our modern homes that are insulated and sealed against drafts for energy efficiency.  Unfortunately, not letting fresh air in also means that contaminants can’t get out and can accumulate in your ductwork and then circulate in the air you’re breathing.