An All-Around Great Idea

Logic. Intelligence. Prudence. Practicality. Fear. These are among the guiding qualities that people rely on when they decide to maintain their furnace. It’s a smart decision because it preserves an investment and assures continued comfort in cold weather. And it also protects against very real dangers, such as carbon monoxide leaks.

But what makes this idea even better is when you can bundle all of the above (energy savings, less repairs, safety checks, longer equipment life), plus additional discounts, priority service and twice-a-year tune-ups on your heating and cooling system. That’s what’s called a maintenance agreement program, and it one-ups the good idea of a tune-up into a great idea.

To learn more about the value of making routine maintenance a part of your seasonal routine, contact us today. Just call or email, and we’ll take care of you!

Sources of Pollution in Your Home

There could be a problem with the air you’re breathing. With airtight construction prodded by energy-efficient building practices over the last few decades, homes are less likely to exchange air as quickly – meaning the natural ventilation from times of old now no longer allows for the routine exchange of air between inside and outside. That means what’s inside your home stays inside your home, including the pollutants that collect over time. What’s more, because Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, these pollutants are potentially reaching right into your family’s breathing passages.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are several common pollutants found in homes these days. They include:

Combustion Pollutants – Gases or particles that come from burning materials, major residential sources of combustion pollutants are improperly vented or unvented fuel-burning appliances such as space heaters, wood stoves, gas stoves, water heaters, dryers and fireplaces. Common combustion pollutants include carbon monoxide (CO) which is a colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. Carbon monoxide causes headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and even death. Additionally, nitrogen dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that causes eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath and an increased risk of respiratory infection.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – These are chemicals found in paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, varnishes and waxes, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment, moth repellents, air fresheners and dry-cleaned clothing. VOCs evaporate into the air when these products are used or sometimes even when they are stored. VOCs irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and cause headaches, nausea and damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Some of them can cause cancer.

Asthma Triggers – These include mold, dust mites, secondhand smoke and pet dander. Asthma triggers cause symptoms including coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and breathing problems. Molds produce spores that float in the air, land on damp surfaces and grow. Inhaling or touching molds can cause hay fever-type symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks.

For peace of mind on any of these pollutants, contact us today for an Indoor Air Analysis. Just call or email, and we’ll take care of you.