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How To Replace Weather Stripping

October 8, 2016

Would you like to make your home more energy efficient? Replacing your weatherstripping can go a long way to bringing down your heating bill and keeping drafts out of your home. Here’s how you can do it yourself: Windows You will need adhesive-backed weather stripping for the top, bottom and sides, and V-channel weather stripping for the meeting rails on double-hung windows (that is when there is a sash on top and bottom, and one or both of them move up and down). Step 1: Wash in the jamb and on the rails

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Avoiding House Fires

October 8, 2016

No damage is scarier or more irreparable than a house fire. If the fire doesn’t get you, breathing in too much of the smoke can cause death by asphyxiation. There is always the fear that it will flare up in the night and someone won’t wake up in time to get out. The best thing you can do to prevent this is to make sure you have smoke detectors in all the major areas of the house. Test them and replace the batteries as soon as they are low. The following are some of the most common

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Choosing the Right Size HVAC System

October 8, 2016

Purchasing a system that is too large for a home is wasteful both in the initial investment and in the cost of utilities. But making the mistake of purchasing a system that is too small for a house means that you will struggle to heat it in the winter and cool it in the summer. It just won’t keep up with the demand, because it cannot process air fast enough to cool the whole house. Choosing the correct size HVAC system is as simple as following about 5 steps. That being said, it is usually best for

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Thermostat Recommendations

October 8, 2016

Not all thermostats will work compatibly with all HVAC systems nor are they all created equal. It is important to understand a few basic things about selecting the appropriate replacement thermostat before you make your purchase. With the right recommendations, you can avoid that annoying trip to the return counter at your local home improvement store. First of all, you need to figure out what type of control your system requires. Most utilize a low-voltage thermostat control (about 24v) but verify what your needs are before you buy. It could be a line voltage (110 or 220v)

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Temperature Wars: He Likes it Cool, She Likes it Warm

October 8, 2016

Do you ever wake up dripping in sweat without any covers on, only to look over at your partner who is comfortably laying under a comforter, blanket, and sheet? Often, they are also under the layers of comforter, blanket and sheet that you tossed off yourself who knows how long ago. If you’re experiencing this; you’re not alone. It is very common in relationships. Typically, it’s the husband is hot and the wife is cold, but it sometimes works the other way. This temperature balancing act can get quite heated. Some couples

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Cleaning Your Heating Ducts Step by Step

October 8, 2016

Lurking deep within your home’s vents and air ducts may be a shocking amount of dust, pollen, and other debris. Keeping vents clean is an important step in improving or maintaining air quality in the home, especially if someone in the home has allergies. Cleaning your vents can increase the life of your furnace and other household appliances by reducing the amount of dust that gets sucked into their motors. At a minimum, you should clean out your vents at least once a year; some people prefer to do it every couple of months.

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How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Buildup

October 8, 2016

If you use appliances or motors that run on fuel, you are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide or CO is let off by any combustion process (burning material). This gas is very dangerous since you cannot see or smell it. Its molecules attach to red blood cells more quickly than oxygen, which means oxygen doesn’t get to your vital organs. In high concentrations, carbon monoxide can kill. Carbon monoxide buildup happens when there is not enough oxygen in a combustion system to burn material efficiently. If the level of carbon monoxide inside your home

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Leaving for Winter Vacation? Read This.

October 8, 2016

Thinking of leaving your home for the winter to catch some warm sun? You’ll want your home to be in good working order when you get back, so make a checklist of what you need to do to winterize it properly and keep thieves away. You’ll enjoy your vacation more if you know your home is safe. Water Turn off and drain out all your water including the toilet, faucets and all appliances. After the water is off, open faucets to get water out of the pipes. Drain the washers and refrigerators according to

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Old furnace: Replace or Repair?

October 8, 2016

Good question. Let’s answer that question with some more questions. Run through this list and you should be able to figure out which option is best for you. Is it safe? If it’s releasing carbon monoxide into your home and can’t be fixed, well, that’s a clincher. You will need a new one. How old is it? If you don’t know, look for a date of manufacture on the unit. If there isn’t one, call the manufacturer with the model and serial number. You may need to turn off the heater and let it

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Warm Floors, Even in Winter

October 8, 2016

When it’s cold outside we turn up the heat, but it doesn’t always help our feet. It doesn’t have to be that way. Whether your floors are wood, carpeted, or concrete, there is a way to get rid of drafts and warm your floors (and feet) up. Most of your options take some manual labor or having a professional installation, but the benefits are … toasty. Insulation is the first step The first thing you’ll have to do is check the insulation under your floors and in your walls. Since each room is affected

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