Is Dust Causing a Problem?

Its funny how a simple little thing like dust can cause so much trouble especially for those prone to allergies and respiratory ailments. It can affect the quality of your indoor air as it collects, and even as it gets cleared away.
Backing up a minute, dust isnt actually one single thing. Its a combination of substances, including human skin cells, pet dander, fabric fibers and your basic dirt and debris. All these substances gather together to form dust which gathers on lamp shades, end tables, tops of refrigerators and pretty much everywhere else.
Your electronics like to collect dust. So does your furniture, your door frames, baseboards, even ceilings. Keeping these spots dust-free helps reduce allergies that flare up indoors. Weve got some more information on that topic in a free report, Is There a Dust Storm in Your Home? Please check it out.

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Are You in This Camp?

"Tough it out." "Grin and bear it." "Get over it."

If that sounds like a few choice phrases you tend to tell yourself, that might mean youre a long-term allergy sufferer. After all, theres not much you can do about the air, the pollen, the seasons of the year. So you just push on through.

In Valparaiso, we do have our share of allergens in the outdoor air. Unfortunately, coming inside does not always provide the protection allergy sufferers seek. For one thing, your indoor air quality can be compromised by the outdoor allergens you carry into your home on your clothes, your shoes or your body. Plus, if your pets are entering and exiting, theyre picking up allergens too. Then you mix that with their pet dander for a little sneeze-fest.

And thats only the beginning. Your homes indoor air can also hold within it pollutants from cooking, cleaning and bathing; furnishing or carpeting your home; tending to your hobbies; and basically living life. Whats more, in an airtight home, allergens tend to stay inside and keep recycling themselves with the help of your air conditioning and heating system.

So wed like to suggest an alternative. If toughing it out is your normal response, theres a better way. Click here for more information!

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The Shady Side of Energy Savings

Theres a simple principle at work here. If you want less heat in your house, dont let in so much sunshine. Blocking the suns entry points through your windows, in particular is one way to keep cooler while saving energy. And the statistics back up the logic.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and by 77% on west-facing windows. South or west, thats a pretty sizeable reduction. Interior blinds on sunny windows help too. As a matter of fact, highly reflective blinds reduce heat gain by around 45% when completely closed and lowered.
Then there are draperies. Their ability to prevent heat gain depends on fabric, color, etc., but as a general rule, you can know that studies show medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.
Now, were obviously not interior decorators at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, so you may be wondering what all of this has to do with our area of specialty, your heating and air conditioning system. Its a simple connection: a number of areas in your home affect your energy use, and we can show you some easy ways to save.
If youd like to learn about some simple steps to improve your cooling comfort while holding down energy costs, take a look at our report, Common Sense Ways to Stay Cooler This Summer.

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Whats Your Comfort System Telling You?

Do you sense that your heating and air conditioning system is holding a piece of information you really need to know? Well, it wont take much detective work to figure that out because what your system is telling you about the summer heat isnt a secret.
You can pretty much guarantee that if youve got a well-maintained, fairly new energy-efficient home comfort system, its saying, No problem. Ive got this. But if your heating and air conditioning system has been chugging through summer heats for a while, the message could be a bit different.
For example, if you can tell that your home comfort system is undergoing strain trying to keep up with rising temperatures, it could be giving clear signs that you need to make another plan for your home comfort this summer. Some of the signs youll see will be inconsistent comfort, more repairs than ordinary, higher energy bills and just an overall sense of uncertainty about whether its time to make a change.
Well, weve got some news that can help you through that uncertainty and be very comfortable with whatever decision you make. This info explains what Im talking about. Please take a look.

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Extreme Weather Patterns and Your Home Comfort

Have you ever noticed that sometimes life feels like youre going from one extreme to another? Like, low, high. Cold, hot. Weve certainly seen those extremes in weather this year and will be seeing even more.

Youd think that serious cold would be followed by a milder summertime. But thats not what the weather people see happening. Instead, after a really cold winter pretty much across the country, were moving right into another extreme: a really hot summer.

So those really low temperatures are headed really high, and those uncomfortably cold days are about to become uncomfortably hot.

But heres the good news. This fact of weather life does not mean that you have to be uncomfortable, especially in your own home. In fact, theres an important step you can take right now to ensure that your home comfort stays steady whatever ups and downs the thermometer shows.

This info tells you lots more. Please take a look.

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If AC Repairmen Made Predictions

Were used to the weather folks giving us a heads-up about whats going to happen during the day you know, something along the lines of, Most parts of Northwest Indiana will see a few showers this morning, but sunshine returns in the afternoon as highs head toward the 90s.

But if youre holding your breath that your air conditioning system will hold out for another summer, youd probably do well with a report along these lines: The morning will start off calm but strange noises coming from your air conditioning system will indicate that youre going to have some real problems staying cool in the afternoon as highs head toward the 90s.

Obviously, our service technicians dont make predictions like that, but even so, we do know a lot about how air conditioning systems work and how the effects of time impact their performance and leave them vulnerable to poorly timed repairs.

If youd like to know how well your air conditioning system is going to perform this summer, weve got some guidance that could be very helpful. Take a look at this report, How to Predict Your Next Air Conditioning Breakdown.

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Being Uncomfortable Is a Matter of Degrees

Thermostat settings on your air conditioning system are most times directed by personal preference as well as energy savings preference.

For example, the Energy Star program recommends a setting of 78 degrees for conserving energy and staying comfortable while youre in the home plus, programming your thermostat for higher temperatures when youre away during the day.

Others might be more comfortable at 75 degrees, or lower. Again, its a balance between your personal comfort and your desire to save on energy usage.

Then there are those other very unfortunate times when the temperatures in your house are not at all what you want them to be. And with growing discomfort, you watch those temperatures inside your house rise to 80, 85, 88 Not good. Not good at all.

However, theres one solution we recommend as your best option to avoid this scenario. Please take a moment and look at this report, Why Your Air Conditioning System Needs Prep Work for Summers Long, Hot Run.

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Discovering Cracks in Your Energy Efficiency

The common expression One thing leads to another certainly holds true in your household energy use. A cracked door here, an open window there while your air conditioning system is churning out cool air will lead you from energy efficiency to extra energy usage. And that leads to higher energy bills.

Any number of vulnerabilities in the airtightness of your home can cause your home comfort system to work overtime needlessly sending your energy bills upward. In your minds eye, you can almost picture your nicely cooled air escaping through these various openings.

But now with a special test, you dont have to settle for your imagination or guesswork. You can get a very clear picture of whats happening with your energy use throughout your whole house.

Weve got some information about how trained technicians employ high-tech equipment to pinpoint trouble spots, and you can find out more in this report, How to Look at Your Energy Use from All Angles. Please check it out.

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Why We're Here

Most of you dont call us just because you feel like chatting (unless our moms are reading this blog). Most of you get in touch with us because you have something on your mind. Were glad that you do.

We want to know whatever problem youre experiencing with your home comfort, because we want to help solve it. Thats why were here. Its to serve customers who want to be comfortable indoors, who want to breathe clean indoor air and who want to save on their energy bills.

Were part of the air conditioning and heating industry for a reason. And its not because were afraid of hard work. This kind of residential contracting work that takes us into attics, basements and all other parts of the home on really hot days can get quite messy. But that is not a problem for us.

In fact, we like knowing that were going to make your life better and a lot more comfortable by the time were done with our service or installation. After all, it sure does feel great to restore someones air conditioning system on a very hot day and see the relief on their face when they feel the relief in their cool home.

So, if we can ever be of service to you, be sure to let us know. Were happy to help.

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The Down and Dirty of Your Home Comfort System

As with most things, the better care you take of your heating and air conditioning unit, the better it will perform and the longer it will last. If you neglect your system, then it could be underperforming, and this can really show on your energy bill.

There are simple things you can do to help take care of your system like changing your air filters. This keeps dust and dirt from getting into the system and clogging it up. However, through your systems months and years of service, it still can collect dust. This dirt buildup reduces airflow through your system which makes it have to run longer to heat or cool your house. If your system is outside, it can also pick up debris from items like your dryer vents, leaves and lawn mower dust.

Its important to get your system cleaned and tuned up at least once a year to keep it running safely and efficiently. Read this report about "The Cost of Neglecting Your Home Comfort System" to see more about the hidden costs of putting off maintenance for your home comfort system.

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Did You Know...

About half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. That means your home comfort system can have a big effect on your utility bills. So taking care of it can save you a lot of money on your energy bills and also improve your home comfort.

A good way to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently through each season is to get a tune-up. I know what youre thinking; thats what you do for a car. But your home cooling system, like a car, requires maintenance to run well. Just like a tune-up for your car can increase your gas mileage, a tune-up for your cooling system can increase efficiency and comfort.

If you are interested in learning more about how to get your system tuned up and ready for the weather change, read Smart Home Value. You can get your home comfort system where it needs to be and start seeing instant savings.

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The Wear and Tear of Heating and Air

As your heating and air conditioning system gets older, general wear and tear can lead it to stop working as efficiently. Your system works very hard to keep your home comfortable and that can take its toll. Your system has so many intricate parts that a number of things can affect it over time.

The number one cause of system failure is the buildup of dust. Changing your air filters indoors monthly, and having your system cleaned once a year can prevent this. Your system may also find itself having to work harder and longer season after season to maintain the level of comfort that you would like. But thats to be expected, right?

Learn more about The Purpose of Your Heating and Cooling System in this free report and find out how can help you cut down on your energy costs and get your system back into working order.

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Ready for the Winter?

Lets face it: It seems like its getting colder every year. As the temperatures go down, we depend more and more on our home comfort systems. If youve got a well-maintained, fairly new, energy-efficient home comfort system, youre probably thinking No problem. Ive got this. But if your heating and air conditioning system has struggled to make it through the last few winters, then you may be thinking something quite a bit different.

Your system may be trying to warn you of a bigger problem. You may have noticed inconsistent comfort, or even more repairs than usual. Your energy bills could even be higher due to your home comfort system under-performing. These colder temperatures are going to put more strain on your system and consume even more energy.

And as if that is not enough, we are also going to see an increase in natural gas prices to go along with these lower temperatures. If your system is not working to its full capacity, it can end up costing you a lot come this winter.

If you want some help beating these high natural gas prices, then we have some good information thatll get you through this price surge. Read Beat Natural Gas Prices to learn more.

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Why Your Heater Could Give You the Cold Shoulder

Does your home heating really have to be so sensitive? You ignore it intentionally neglect it, even for six months. Then when you have a real need, you ask, How about a little heating help? Then your system practically coughs in your face. If that.

Sounds like the two of you could use a little professional help. Im actually not kidding about that part. Before you ask your heater or furnace to keep you toasty warm for winter, you should give it the resources it needs to do the job right. That means getting your system professionally serviced so you wont have to worry about it breaking down during freezing temps and you can rest easy knowing its operating safely for your family.

To learn more about a terrific offer on system service, take a look at this info, Prevent Costly Winter Heating System Repairs.

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The Answers Are in the Questions

Sometimes, when facing decisions, the answers we seek are in the questions we ask. Well, not always directly. If you ask, Whats for lunch? hamburger and fries show up nowhere in those words. But it does start the thinking process about the problem of lunch that eventually leads to a solution (hamburger and fries).

In homeownership, you see this happening with questions that begin with, Are these energy bills ever going to stop going up? Or maybe youre asking, Does it feel too cold in here to you? Can you do something with that thermostat? How old is this thing anyway? Didnt we have a breakdown last year too?

When questions like these keep popping up, you know youre heading into a decision-making mode in your home comfort. Are you there yet? Getting closer? Take a look at this info, which asks important questions about your home heating.

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Making Sense of Maintenance

Being the intelligent reader that you are, I know you know that it makes sense to maintain a piece of equipment that represents a sizeable investment on your part. You wouldnt let anything you value sit idle, untouched, uncared for and then expect it to perform for you year after year.

Thats why maintenance of your furnace or heater makes so much sense. It preserves your investment, increases comfort and improves safety. And the way maintenance makes the very most sense is to tie the energy-saving, repair-reducing perks of a tune-up with the priority service and discounts that come from being part of a regular maintenance agreement program.

Hope youll find out more about how you can save year after year on regular maintenance (and lots of other things). Start by taking a look at this report, The Mechanics of Furnace Maintenance.

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Can Your Furnace Pass the Confidence Test?

Is your furnace good for one more season, or can you expect a collapse at the most inopportune (AKA coldest) moment possible? This is what a lot of homeowners wonder when theyve been patching the same system for several years now. But heres another question to consider: what could you expect if you made the decision to upgrade to a new furnace now?

Confidence is the main answer. Theres just something very worry-free about feeling that chill in the air and knowing that your thermostat is about to trigger all those wonderful operational sounds youve come to recognize as heat on its way. And pretty soon youre wrapped in warmth and comfort.

Youve also got the confidence that hidden problems in an old furnace arent about to create very real trouble in your indoor air especially through dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.

Then theres improved energy efficiency. Instead of cautiously keeping your thermostat set just outside your comfort range in order to save energy dollars a new system keeps you comfortable and saves on your energy bills.

Time takes a toll on our household systems. If youd like to know how to make a good decision on when to upgrade, take a look at this report.

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Questions Youd Like to Ask Your Furnace

Do you ever get the feeling that your old furnace has a mind of its own? Sometimes it probably seems that way. These older models do appear to get more and more stubborn over time not unlike the rest of us!

Its as if all youre asking is, Can we have a little heat? And they say, Wait and see. Worse, they refuse to do what you ask, which is simply, Will you keep me warm this winter and save on my energy bills?

As your household systems age, how they answer these questions become less and less of a sure thing. In many cases, you can count on more and more unwelcome repairs, plus a larger use of energy. When you add it all up, oftentimes a replacement makes the most sense for your budget as well as your comfort.

If youre in that decision-making mode about your new furnace, this free report, Making the Case When Your Furnace Doesnt Make the Grade, tells you what to look for when its time to replace. Read and learn more.

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Is a Clean House Bad for Your Health?

Keeping air pollution out of your home is not just a matter of cleanliness. Just think about it. You could scrub your floors and countertops, light a perfumed candle even add a new coat of paint and new carpeting and while the look will improve, your indoor air could actually be even more compromised.

Household cleaners, perfumes, paint, new carpeting, some types of furniture any of these can contain chemicals known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that enter your air and, as a result, could soon enter your familys respiratory system.

There are a number of other very ordinary, common sources of indoor air pollution. Youll see more about them if youll take a moment to read this report, Sources of Air Pollution in Your Home.

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U.S. Government Breaks Your A/C System

Most of us probably dont think about the ozone day in, day out. But some folks do. And the groups and agencies who keep a close eye on environmental concerns have prompted some actions in recent years that will ultimately affect the operation of central air conditioners across this country.

The issue is the refrigerant, R-22, also known as Freon, which has been the predominant refrigerant used in air conditioners for the last 40 years. The federal government has begun a phase-out of equipment that uses this refrigerant because of concerns about ozone depletion. So, as of 2010, no new R-22-based equipment has been manufactured. Sure, the pre-2010 systems can still be operated and repaired, but youll still be looking at some logical limits.

The R-22 refrigerant cant be produced or imported after 2020 (only recycled), and the reality is that will affect the cost and availability of this replacement refrigerant as well as the availability of replacement parts for equipment that is no longer being manufactured.

To learn more about this issue and how it could affect you, take a look at this info, Why Did the Government Secretly Break Your Home Comfort System?

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What Everyone Should Know About Contractor Scams

Weve all heard these stories and seen the images. When a natural disaster hits a community, friends, neighbors and charities rush in to help. It always warms the heart to see the outreach in services and donations. And yet theres that other side of the response. There are selfish people who try to take advantage of a bad situation and use the natural disaster as an opportunity to scam.

Often during these times, law enforcement agencies make announcements about what you should and should not look for when hiring someone to work on your home. People become aware, alert. And yet scam artists come into communities and neighborhoods even when our fellow citizens are warned to be hyper-vigilant, even when the skies are blue, and the wind is calm, and the weather is perfect.

In other words, contractor scams get more attention during natural disasters, but they can occur at anytime, anyplace. And that means right here in Northwest Indiana. Oh, I dont mean to scare you about any particular situation. Im not reporting news, just tendencies. Im talking about possibilities that call for wise practices. For example, here are some of the tips the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends for hiring someone to work on your home:

• Get recommendations from friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, insurance agents or claims adjusters.
• Deal only with licensed and insured contractors. Check with the local Better Business Bureau and Home Builders Association to see if complaints have been lodged against any contractor youre considering.
• Get a written estimate that includes any oral promises the contractor made. Remember to ask if theres a charge for an estimate before allowing anyone into your home.
• Take your time about signing a contract. Ask for explanations for price variations, and dont automatically choose the lowest bidder.

Please know, well be glad to help you with whatever home comfort problem you may be experiencing. At , were proud to have grown a business through referrals and recommendations from satisfied customers, and we hope our list of satisfied customers includes you too. So, if you need us, just email or call.

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How a 1987 Treaty Changed Air Conditioning in 2010

Ever heard of the Montreal Protocol? Like many things that happen among and between nations, even if you havent heard of it, were talking about an event that could affect your life or, in this case, your home comfort.

Offered up in 1987 for nations to sign and adopt, the Montreal Protocol was an international treaty that focused on a concern for how chemicals and other things in the atmosphere were depleting the ozone layer that was protecting life as we know it on earth. The treaty was amended in 1992 to set a timetable for phasing out chemicals known as HCFCs which includes in this list a refrigerant that has been used in air conditioning systems since the early 70s.

Now, fast forward to today and what this means in practical terms for you: Air conditioners manufactured after 2010 can no longer use the refrigerant R-22 (also known by the brand name Freon) as the coolant of choice. While this refrigerant can still be produced and used to service existing equipment for the time being, in 2020, the production and import of R-22 will end, and it will only be available through recycled and reclaimed processes.

That means simply this: any air conditioning that uses R-22 is looking at a time limit. As you face repairs with any pre-2010 system, well be glad to talk with you about the best ways to extend the life of the equipment (hint: regular maintenance!), and when the time is right for replacement, well give you our best guidance there too.

In the meantime, to learn more about whats going on, take a look at this info, What Every Homeowner Should Know: Government to Take A/C Refrigerant Off Market.

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Which Direction to Turn

You could say, seasons never change alone. When summer rolls over to fall, we also start reshuffling a lot of the things we do. For example, we change what we wear. Head back to school. Spend more time inside or outside. Follow a different sport. Watch a new TV season.

Yes, a shift in season shifts a lot of the things we do. You could say, it feels a little like a change in direction. If you want to stay comfortable in your home, theres something else that calls for a change in direction too.

The rotation of your ceiling fan helps you stay cool during the summer. We all know this, of course, but what many are surprised to learn is that ceiling fans can also help keep you comfortable in winter once you change the direction of their rotation.

So, the change in season doesnt mean you have to put your ceiling fan into hibernation. Simply reverse the rotation of the blades, and itll help you stay warm. Confused? Dont be. Weve got a video that tells more about it. Please take a look!

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The Hidden Danger of Breathing

These are the kind of statistics that really make you catch your breath:

• Indoor air is said to be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air and in some cases, it can be 100 times more polluted!
• Whether we are asleep, working, going to school or staying in for the evening, we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors.
• The EPA estimates that the home is the place where the average person gets 72 percent of his/her exposure to chemicals. In other words, nearly three-fourths of chemical exposure is taking place right at home.

So, poor indoor air quality can be a problem and a big problem if anyone in your family has a sensitive respiratory system or is prone to allergies and asthma. But how do you know if its a problem at your house?

Well, you can start here. If you want to learn more about seeing, feeling and smelling the signs, take a look at this info, What Are Your Lungs Telling You About Your Home.

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Its Not Rocket Science, Its Common Sense

There are many things we do each and every day to keep our body and minds working efficiently. We eat, drink, brush our teeth, comb our hair, exercise, take our vitamins (if we remember)... and so on.

We do these things because if we dont, we know we cannot function properly. If we do not take care of our teeth, they will fall out. Without teeth, we are extremely limited in what we can eat. If we cannot eat, we certainly cannot function the way we were made to.

We know this about our bodies, and we also know to apply this same concept about other things we use on a daily basis. If we dont take care of things properly, they will not work properly, but when it comes to our homes cooling systems, we act as if this logic doesnt apply.

If theyre simply ignored year after year (unless there is a problem), they are not working efficiently and it is costing you money on your energy bills. It could also be affecting the air you are breathing inside your home.

To take care of your air conditioning system so it performs effectively and efficiently (and, of course, safely), you should have it serviced before each season of high use. If you missed your Spring Maintenance, its important to get this taken care of. The heat of Summer is here and your system will be working overtime to keep you comfortable.

It is just common sense to take care of the things you depend on, including your valuable home cooling system. Reading Dont Be Fuelish can help you see more energy savings and lower utility bills this Summer.

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Is Your Furnace Keeping Secrets?

With winter setting in soon, this is the time to make sure your family will be able to stay warm and comfortable in the months ahead.

First order of business: get your furnace ready for service. Sure, its had a good long rest over the warmer months, but that also means its had a chance to collect dust, rust and gunk. None of that will help on a cold winters night.

The number one reason for your system failing isnt age, brand, lightning or that you play with your thermostat too much its dirt. Thats right, a furnace that isnt regularly cleaned and tuned will most likely be the reason the heat doesnt come one night.

There are a lot of other reasons seasonal maintenance is a good idea like saving energy dollars, increasing the life of your system and protecting yourself from dangerous problems like carbon monoxide poisoning. This quick video explains more, so please take a look!

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