Home Is Where the Health Is - HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric

Finding An Honest Heating and Cooling Repairman - Part Two

4). Get several estimates.  A reputable furnace repair company will give you an estimate for their work.  Do not be afraid to ask questions.  An honest repair person will educate you on the services they can provide.

5). Ask the repair company for references.  Even though you will only be connected to people who are satisfied with their service, you can ask the customers about the company’s timeliness, cleanliness and any other questions you may have.

6).   Call the company that made the furnace.  Generally, they have preferred repair companies that have proven to be trustworthy and whose workers have experience fixing your specific furnace.

Even though we may feel like there is great deal of dishonesty in our society, finding a trustworthy furnace repair company is possible.  The truth is there are honest furnace repair people looking to provide quality service.  Armed with a little knowledge, patience and perseverance, you can find them!

Finding An Honest Heating and Cooling Repairman - Part One

You do not have to look far to find dishonesty in our society—from government corruption to corporate irresponsibility, even dishonest local service providers.  Check your email inbox if you need an example of pervasive dishonesty – there are probably several Internet scams suggesting you can make thousands in get-rich-quick schemes.  Unfortunately, it seems dishonesty is more prevalent as information increases and the economy continues to falter.

Finding someone you can trust is difficult, but finding a reputable furnace repair man does not have to be.  There are trustworthy people out there; here are several useful suggestions to help you find an honest furnace repair person.

1). Learn about your furnace before calling a repair company – a little knowledge goes along way.  If you know the terminology, you will have a better understanding of what the repair person is saying and how to ask informed questions.  A Google search as simple as “learn about furnaces” can get you started.

2). Survey your friends and coworkers about their experiences with local repair companies.  Ask them if they felt comfortable with the work their furnace repair person did and if they feel that they were treated fairly.   

3). Use the Internet to check out consumer reviews.  Chances are if someone takes the time to write a review about furnace repair company, they feel strongly about the service they received.

Heating Units among Areas of Focus in a Home Fire Prevention Strategy

Fire prevention should always be at the top of a homeowner's priority list. It often starts with making sure that the major home appliances such as our heating units are clean and in good working order.

Pay Special Attention to Appliances

The importance of keeping our home’s furnace and overall HVAC system healthy and well-maintained  cannot be stressed enough. Both gas furnaces and electric heating units should be inspected and thoroughly cleaned at least annually by a professional heating and cooling specialist so that any issues can be addressed. Homeowners can play a role by staying aware of any potential fire hazards such as dirt and debris buildup, keeping clutter or flammable items away from heating units and by changing filters on a regular basis.

Homeowners also tend to neglect the lint screens in their clothes dryers, allowing lint to build up within these appliances. Lint is an extremely flammable material. Excess lint could cause the appliance to burst into flames if a dryer experiences an electrical fault or overheats. Roughly 15,000 lint-related clothes dryer fires occur each year in our nation, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Another appliance that homeowners must keep a close eye on is their water heater. The pilot light is always on in a gas water heater, so the area around it must be kept clear. Valves for controlling temperature and pressure must also be kept in good condition to prevent the possibility of a fire or an explosion.  

A combination of homeowner vigilance and regular inspections of all appliances from certified HVAC and plumbing professionals should greatly diminish the chances of a fire occurring in your home.

(Photo by Ardyiii)

Top Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Few people are aware of the hazards of indoor air pollution. However, indoor air pollution is very prevalent and can cause myriad health problems, including asthma, headaches, cancer, and poisoning, if toxins are at high enough levels. Learn the common sources of indoor air pollution and how to control them.

Toxins

The following airborne toxins are commonly found inside of homes.

Radon – a colorless, odorless radioactive gas linked to lung cancer

Carbon monoxide – also colorless and odorless; can cause poisoning and death

Chemicals in cigarette smoke – a range of carcinogenic chemicals that can cause respiratory problems, cancer, and other health problems

Mold and mildew particles –organic toxins that can cause and worsen breathing problems, including asthma, and even cause death in small children, if severe

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) – includes various toxic gases causing a range of health effects, from nausea and headaches to nervous system damage and liver toxicity

Respirable particles – small bits of matter that can be inhaled, causing breathing problems and cancer

Sources

So where are all those nasty airborne toxins coming from? The following products and activities are common sources of the airborne toxins that cause indoor air pollution.

Cigarette smoke – the source of cancer-causing cigarette smoke chemicals (obviously); also a source of respirable particles and carbon monoxide; can compound the effects of radon pollution

Moisture – when excessive, can lead to the overgrowth of mold and mildew particles

Building products – i.e., carpet, paint, pressed wood products; a major source of VOCs

Heating equipment – i.e., stoves, chimneys, furnaces, fireplaces; a source of respirable particulates and carbon monoxide

Other sources – cleaning supplies, pesticides, new electronics, upholstered furniture, glue, radon-contaminated soil or water supply

Solutions

In many cases, you can reduce indoor air pollution by removing the source. Not smoking cigarettes in the house is an obvious solution. It is also possible to test your home’s radon and carbon monoxide levels to determine if there is a problem and eliminate it. Excess moisture can be removed with a dehumidifier. Store toxic materials, such as paint and pesticides, outdoors. Regular heating system maintenance is also important for reducing emissions.

Increasing ventilation is another essential component of controlling indoor air pollution. Toxic gases, such as radon, carbon monoxide, and VOCs, can be vented outdoors; make sure there is adequate ventilation when using heating equipment and painting, and store new building products outdoors for a few days before bringing them inside. Strategically placed fans and air conditioners, along with open windows and doors, can be used to increase ventilation. Increasing ventilation also helps decrease humidity.

While toxins like radon or carbon monoxide must be vented outdoors or eliminated at the source, air treatment services can remove many airborne contaminants that cause indoor air pollution, including respirable particles, tobacco smoke, and others. Call 333-HELP to learn more about air treatment services to control your indoor air pollution.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Homemade Cleaners

If you’re looking for ways to clean your home without harsh chemicals, you can search the shelves for the newest organic product, or you could make your own. Homemade cleaning products are often inexpensive, less harsh on your home and family, yet they still get the job done.

For a good all-purpose cleaner, fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and water (half and half), mix well and use as you like.  White vinegar and water kill mold, bacteria, germs, and viruses. It even gets rid of mineral deposits and some stains. This cleanser is safe on most surfaces, except for marble, tile, or finished wood. It will work on windows, streak-free.

Clean your bathtub, shower, or sinks with a homemade scrub made of baking soda, a bit of dish soap, and a squeeze of lemon. Mix until it becomes the consistency of frosting or toothpaste. Use a cloth or a sponge to apply and scrub. If the area is particularly dirty, leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

You can even make your own dish soap, which can double as hand wash, if you don’t want to buy the store brands. All you need is soap flakes, water, and white vinegar or lemon juice. Glycerin is optional. You can also add a few drops of your favorite scented oil if you want. Homemade soap won’t have bubbles, which often leaves skin dry.

Many homemakers suggest that a lemon is really all you need to clean a home. Use lemon and salt to clean brass, copper, grills, chrome faucets and fixtures.

Clean your microwave by placing a cup of water and lemon juice inside it, heat until water boils, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, wipe the inside of the microwave down.

Use these tips to create a clean, safe home all at once.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Organic Cotton for a Healthy Home

Organic cotton comes at a premium to other cotton products. However, it provides important benefits for the planet and your family’s health, as well as being luxuriously soft. What’s more, organic cotton is used to make more than just clothes – many home products, from mattresses to cotton balls, are made from organic cotton. Learn the benefits and types of organic cotton home products.

Organic Cotton Benefits

Environmental – Organic cotton textiles must be grown in accordance with USDA regulations, which prohibit the use of pesticides and insecticides that contribute to pollution and agricultural worker illness. Compostable, biodegradable organic cotton products are also made with low-impact, eco-friendly dyes.

Health – Non-organic cotton is among the most pesticide-laden crops there is. As a result, it may be possible for it to cause health problems, especially in the case of linens, clothes, and personal products that come into contact with the skin.

Organic Cotton Home Products

Linens – Organic cotton is more absorbent than its processed non-organic counterpart, making it a better material for towels. Organic cotton sheets are another popular home product, with one queen-sized set preventing 1.25 lbs. of fertilizers and pesticides from being used.

Mattresses –Conventional mattresses contain petroleum-based products, some of which may release cancer-causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. With the peace of mind a petrochemical-free organic cotton mattress gives you, you can sleep more soundly.

Cotton Balls – There are organic cotton versions of cotton swabs, cotton balls, and other personal care products. Besides being free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals, organic cotton balls are compostable and biodegradable, so their use will not contribute to landfills.

Feminine Hygiene Products – Conventional feminine hygiene products usually contain a rayon-cotton blend that is treated with chlorine, and cancer-causing dioxins (a byproduct of chlorine bleaching) have been found in several major brands of tampons. Save the environment and your body from encountering these toxic chemicals and go organic.

Stay tuned to Home Is Where the Health Is for more information on keeping your household healthy!

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Flu-Proof Your Home

Though we are reaching the end of it, this year’s flu season is predicted to be especially long and especially severe. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do around the home to protect your family members from catching cold and flu viruses.

Disinfect high-traffic areas – These areas include remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, phones, sinks, and doorknobs. This is important because the main way the flu spreads is when you touch something someone who had flu germs on their hand previously touched. Therefore, disinfecting these areas of your home is especially important if someone in the family is already sick.

Sanitize your cleaning tools – Reusable cleaning tools like sponges, dish and dust rags, mops, and others can actually spread germs if they are not sanitized in between uses. Wash these tools at high temperatures in order to sanitize them (you can also nuke the sponge in the microwave), or rely more heavily on disposable paper towels during flu season.

Go with copper – You probably won’t get around to installing new sinks by the end of this year’s flu season, but the next time you remodel, you might consider installing copper sinks and fixtures if your family is prone to getting sick. Copper and copper alloys are EPA-approved germ killers, meaning that microorganisms that cause illness cannot live on copper surfaces for long. Besides copper sinks, you can also buy other copper fixtures, including doorknobs and switch plates.

Humidify your home – Research shows that having healthy humidity levels in your home can create an inhospitable environment for flu viruses. Thus, a whole-home air filtration system that includes humidity control may help prevent your family from getting sick during flu season.

Besides the above flu-busting recommendations for your home, the following general tips will also help protect you from the flu:

• Washing your hands often using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Not touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
• Staying away from people who have the flu.
• Protecting your immune system by getting plenty of sleep, managing stress, avoiding alcohol, and getting proper nutrition.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

Regular Home Furnace Maintenance Prevents Heating Hazards

Unless you happen to be an HVAC specialist or possess knowledge in the area of heating and cooling, an annual inspection of your furnace by a professional is strongly recommended. There are numerous potential health and safety hazards that exist within a home. A home’s furnace can be a major culprit in this regard if not well maintained.

Potential Hazards

A faulty or neglected furnace can present a number of safety issues. On the more severe side, these issues can even be life-threatening. For instance, cracks or other problems involving the furnace’s heat exchanger can result in carbon monoxide being dispersed into living spaces, which at elevated levels can be fatal.

Also, a neglected furnace and its ductwork can contain dust, mold spores and other contaminants that can make their way into living spaces and play havoc with occupants suffering from allergies or respiratory problems. Additionally, worn or exposed wiring and debris buildup within a furnace — especially around the pilot light area — can create a serious fire hazard.

Leave it to the Pros

By having your furnace annually inspected and serviced by a reputable heating and air company, its longevity will very likely be increased and furnace-related safety concerns will be mitigated. Generally, the service professional will:

● Examine the furnace’s interior and exterior for wear, damage or debris buildup. This includes filters, blowers, sensors, the heat exchanger and all mechanisms and ductwork.

●Check burners and clean them, if necessary.

● Conduct safety tests on the heating equipment and the household itself. This may include a carbon monoxide test.

When it comes to your home heating system, maintenance and upkeep must be taken very seriously. Though you can perform relatively simple tasks yourself, it’s best to have an experienced professional comb through the system to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Taking Care of Your Home While on Vacation

Getting ready for a long vacation can be exciting, but what will happen to your home while you are away? There are a few easy things you can do before you leave to make sure you’re home is in tip-top shape when you return.

Got houseplants? Don’t let them die while you’re away. Most plants can survive a week or maybe two without being tended to. However, if you’ve got a plant that needs special care, it would be worth purchasing a watering bulb that sticks into the soil and takes water as it needs it.

As for home security measures, consider leaving a light on inside or using a motion detecting light to ward off intruders. Leaving a car in the driveway instead of in the garage may also give the appearance of someone being home. Be sure to lock all gates, doors, windows, etc. before leaving.

Going on vacation is a good time to save on water and energy since you won’t be at home. Turn down the thermostat some. Don’t make it too cold for plants, pets, or even pipes, but it doesn’t need to be cozy. It’s also a good idea to turn down the hot water heater since it won’t be in use.

Since electronics are major energy suckers, unplug your computers and televisions. If your fridge doesn’t have much in it, don’t be afraid to make it a little warmer, too. Otherwise, it will continue to cool an empty fridge, which is unnecessary.

Make sure all of your faucets aren’t dripping so you don’t waste water. Also, if any of your toilets are running, just shut the water valve off and have it fixed when you get home.

Following these simple steps will make coming home from vacation as positive as it can be.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Holiday Home Safety

While the holiday season can be a time for fun and family, it’s also the time of year when careless accidents happen. Prevent any holiday hoopla this year by following these tips for home safety during the holidays.

Don’t let anything go up in flames. The basic rules of fire safety are especially important in the winter months. Never leave a candle burning unattended and make sure it is placed in an open area, away from papers, books, or decorations. Your best bet is to use battery-operated flameless candles.

Even if you’re not using candles, the holiday tree—real and artificial—is a big source of home fires. Make sure your tree lights aren’t old or aren’t full of exposed wires. If the bulbs get hot quickly, toss them and go for strands of LED lights, which stay cool to the touch. No matter what, turn off the lights when you are away from the house.

If you’re using a live tree, make sure it’s freshly cut and you keep it watered. Dry trees are a fire hazard. Going with an artificial tree? Make sure it’s fire resistant.

Have everything checked. It’s a great time of year to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Also, have your furnace tuned up and give your chimney and good clean and inspection. Don’t forget about your fire extinguisher—have it checked, make sure it works, or purchase a new one and keep it handy.

When cooking and entertaining, don’t leave kitchen appliances on when you’re not around. Pots of bubbling food or baking ovens left unattended are a sure way to start a fire. Enlist a helper to greet your guests while you stay in the kitchen until the meal is finished.

By following all of these home safety tips this holiday season, you’ll be sure to have carefree visit and less hassle to deal with.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

(Photo via Flickr)