Craig Elliott asked:


If you are buying a home that needs a bit of love, then you will want to know exactly what kind of work needs to go into it, and you should insist on a home warranty for the home before you close the deal. The goal with a fixer upper is that you should be able to understand and repair what is wrong with the home, whether that is a leaky roof, a terribly paint job, or moldy carpets.

A fixer upper can be a major turn off for many buyers, but for other buyer the potential of the home shines through, and the home appears as a gem just waiting to be uncovered. If you want to dig down to that gem, then you will want to know exactly how deep you’re going to have to dig, and whether you are digging through dirt or manure to get there.

A home inspection is firs ton the plate, and you should make sure that you have contracted with an inspector that is reliable, handy, and very, very thorough. Find a good contractor through your local chamber of commerce, by contacting real estate agents, and by asking family and friends if they have any recommendation. You should be able to narrow down your choices through these kinds of suggestions. If the house is in a bad state or you want to be doubly sure of the work you are going to have to do, contact two contractors and have them both inspect the property to see what one or the other might have missed.

Once you have your inspection in hand and you see that the home does not have termites, other pest problems, or bad foundations or structure issues, then you can move forward with the sale. The number and types of repairs that you are about to subject yourself to should depend entirely on your budget and how comfortable you feel with your ability to handle each of them. Some things are harder than others, and it is perfectly acceptable to want to pass on certain kinds of repairs, like redoing an entire roof.

Acceptable repairs include things like carpets that are in need of repair or tile that needs to be replaced. You might feel up to the task of replacing the cabinets in the kitchen if they have seen better days, or you might think that the house needs a fresh coat of pain, possibly both inside and out. You might also consider that the landscaping could be in need of “repair” if the yard is in disarray. Especially if you are planning on selling the house after you fix it up, the yard will be very important.

Things to watch out for when it comes to buying a fixer upper, however, include the poor layout of the house, things like pools, and poor roofing. While you may have no problem hopping up on the roof, tearing it off, and replacing it yourself, others might find the prospect daunting at least, and the cost of replacing the roof, especially if there is damage and water rot, can be very high.

If you do not want to spend huge amounts of money refurbishing a fixer upper and trying to sell it again, then a home with a bad floor plan is not going to be a good purchase either. Tearing out walls to create a new, well thought out floor plan might sound like a great idea if you are in love with the exterior of a house, but doing so for the purpose of selling the house is not a good plan considering the cost of moving walls inside the home. As for pools, it can be very expensive to fix up a damaged pool, and not every buyer wants to deal with the hassle of maintenance. Filling them in can also be expensive, and can be way more trouble than it is worth.

Buying a house, even a fixer upper, is an exciting thing. Before you sign on any dotted line, though, consider that you should at least request that your seller purchase a home warranty for your fixer upper. Your home warranty should cover things like the plumbing; the home’s heating system, the water heater, the major appliances in the home like washers and fridges, the electrical systems, etc. You will not be able to get a home warranty if these are already in disarray, but if the structure of the home and the basics are sound, then you should certainly ask the seller to provide one. This will protect you from plumbing and electrical problems should they crop up, and some other problems as well.



Heat Pump Repair

R. L. Fielding asked:


The home buying process can be complicated, with many details to consider. Should you buy a house with two stories or just one? Hardwood floors or carpeting? Laminate countertops or marble? When real estate markets are hot, and energy costs are stable, buyers have had a history of only looking at the superficial elements of the home, with few taking the time to really analyze the type of heating system that is in place.

In times where home heating costs are on the rise, knowing what kind of heating system you are investing in can be a big deal. The home inspection report can let you know what type of heating system is installed in the house, along with the age and condition of the system. Knowing these details about the heating system can help save you thousands in repair expenses, high heating bills or expensive system upgrades.

Water-based heating systems have proven to be a reliable source of quiet, even heating for many years. There are two basic types of water-based systems to consider: steam and hot water. While these systems differ in their operation and controls, they both utilize a boiler as the vessel to heat the water and a piped distribution system connected to radiators (or convectors) to provide heat in the individual rooms of a house. The most common type fuels used with residential boilers are gas and oil.

Steam Heating Systems

In a steam boiler, water is heated in much the same way as it is in a whistling teapot. As water in the partially filled teapot or boiler is heated to 212°F (100°C), it turns to steam while the pressure within the system increases. In a teapot, the excessive pressure is vented through a hole in the spout. In a steam heating system, the steam rises under low pressure (less than 5 psi) through the pipes to the radiators. On each radiator, an air vent opens as the steam increases the air pressure within the radiator. When the steam reaches the vent, it closes. As the heat of the radiator radiates to the room, the steam eventually cools and condenses to water, and, by gravity-flow returns to the boiler to be reheated.

All steam boilers require a pressure relief valve and a low-water cut off. Most steam systems have a manual feed valve to allow for the periodic addition of water to the system. A “sight” gauge on the side of the boiler indicates the water level. Water normally needs to be added every few weeks in order to maintain the water level at the one half to two thirds full level.

A steam system should operate without any excessive noise. If there is a “knocking” noise in the system, it may indicate partially closed or malfunctioning valves or sagging pipes. Constant discharging of the air or steam indicates a vent malfunction.

Hot-Water Heating Systems

Modern forced hot-water heating systems utilize one or more pumps to quickly and quietly circulate the heated water through pipes to convectors (or radiators). This type system is a closed system, relying on the physical relationship of pressure, temperatures and volume for safe and efficient operation. When the thermostat calls for heat, an oil or gas burner is activated and begins to heat up the water in the boiler. Depending on the particular system, the circulator pump will either activate to begin circulating the water throughout the house when the thermostat calls for heat or when the water reaches a pre-set temperature.

Most modern hot water boilers have an automatic feed system. As the water is heated, it expands. The extra volume is forced into an expansion tank, which helps prevent the build up of excessive pressure. A pressure relief valve is also required to ensure the boiler pressure does not reach excessive levels. Boiler temperature and pressure can be observed on a gauge mounted on the unit. Under normal operating conditions temperatures will range from 160° to 220°F (70-105°C), with water pressure in the 12-18 psi (pounds per square inch) range. Readings outside these parameters generally indicate that the unit should be checked.

The original hot water systems operated by gravity flow, with the heated water rising by convection through the distribution system. This type system also uses a manual feed valve and open expansion tank, usually installed in the attic or an upper closet. Gravity systems are rarely found in their original state; most have been replaced or have been modernized.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Steam and hot water systems have an economic service life of approximately 20-25 years; many operate beyond that time frame. Regardless of the age or type system, annual servicing is recommended. One attractive feature of forced hot water systems is the ability to break the systems up into zones, allowing for the separate control of the heating in the individual rooms or areas of the house. This is done by way of multiple zone valves and one or more circulator pumps.

Another type distribution system occasionally found with hot water boilers is referred to as a radiant system. Plastic or metal pipes are installed in the concrete floor slab or in tracks in a wood floor system then covered with finished flooring. There are no radiators; the heat radiates from the floor as the concrete is heated. The advantage of this type system is that it provides uniform heating at the lowest or generally coldest point in the house. Disadvantages with radiant systems include difficulty in determining or locating leaks and limitations on the type floor coverings used. While carpeting can be used with radiant heat, heavy padding and/or carpeting can lower system efficiency.

Arming yourself with information about the types of home heating systems available can help you make a more informed decision about which home is right for you. The level of maintenance, expense, and replacement timeline can have a strong effect on your decision to purchase the home. Making sure that you know the details before you buy can save you a lot of money and hassle over the long haul.

About HouseMaster

HouseMaster is the oldest and most respected home inspection company, with a network of independently owned and operated franchises in more than 365 markets across North America. In operation since 1979, HouseMaster has collectively performed nearly 2 million inspections, consistently delivering high quality service, innovative industry practices, and solid business leadership. For more information, visit http://www.housemaster.com.



Furnace Service

Erol Orderland asked:


Currently, most people in North America live in a world of instant gratification. Fast food and microwavable meals almost instantly satisfy appetites; a click of the remote, and television instantly answers the need for information and entertainment. Similarly, credit cards are the immediate response to shortfalls in the budget. Not only are major purchases, like houses and cars, purchased on time, now gas, groceries, utilities, and entertainment can be immediately attained with a little plastic card.

Credit cards are not solely to blame for many individuals suffering the frustrations of repairing bad credit. However, $3 here and $50 there can quickly add up to financial chaos. Coupled with an excessively high mortgage or rent payment, rising costs in fuel and other necessities, credit card debt can be the nail in the proverbial economic coffin.

According to the standard assessment of income versus expenses, the mortgage or rent payment should not excess more than 25% of the total monies coming into the household each month. No wonder duel incomes are necessary to meet living expenses. Simply keeping a roof overhead can cost more than half of one man/woman’s total paycheck.

The cost of living, in many cities is based upon the residents living in the higher income bracket. Therefore, the guy trying to make an honest living on minimum wage is often left out in the cold-literally. Even without considering the remainder of the monthly bills, no wonder so many people are now repairing bad credit.

In addition to excessively high mortgage or rent, everyone in North America can relate to the rising cost in fuel. A visit to the local gas station is a constant reminder, regarding the steady climb in energy expenses. In the last month, or two, alone, gas is $.50-$1.00/per gallon greater than prior amounts. For the individuals required to commute through city traffic, travel great distances to and from work, or simple taxiing the kids and running errands, the total cost of fueling a vehicle can push a tight budget beyond reasonable limits, and a many people find themselves repairing bad credit.

While everyone is concerned with the rising gas prices at the pump, many individuals, in colder climates, are also experiencing a rapid increase in the cost of heating the home. A cold winter month, plus the increase in natural gas prices per thermal unit, and the family finances are totally out of control. Even turning down the thermostat and donning sweaters is not enough. The expense is still far above the previous totals. Thus, many people are falling into the trap of needing to repair bad credit.

Now, what about groceries and other household and personal contributions to financial woes? Two major issues are related to the rising cost in food and supplies. First, the weather has much to do with the rapid increase in food and fresh produce.

For example, oranges took a big hit, when snow and frost hit traditionally warmer climates. As an expected result, the law of supply and demand is enforced. Farmers need the income to feed their families; consumers still want fresh produce, yet only a limited supply is available. So, the price goes up, farmers recoup a small portion of their financial loses, and shoppers, who can afford the cost, can still purchase fresh produce.

In addition to natural causes, the other element affecting the rise in consumer cost of food and supplies is, once again, fuel. Imagine the expense of trucking supplies from one location to another. Florida oranges found in Montana have been transported across thousand of miles by a vehicle requiring large amounts of gasoline.

In order to offset the increased overhead expenses, the seller natural passes on the increase to the buyer. Again, the family expense account takes a double whammy, and many people will find themselves eventually repairing bad credit.

Thus, the credit card is often the answer to the inability to stay within the confines of a rapidly deteriorating budget, and ultimately the proverbial nail in the coffin. Forget going out to eat or a visit to the local theater. Never mind a much-needed vacation or a trip to the amusement park. Simply maintaining the everyday costs of living, with a credit card, can result in eventually repairing bad credit.

In summary, the person repairing bad credit is not necessarily irresponsible with his/her finances. He/she may be simply struggling to maintain a place to live, food on the table, and the necessary transportation.

However, repairing bad credit does not have to be the only outcome of financial hardships. Government agencies are available to help the individuals with genuine need, and credit counselors can help determine how and were to reduce the fat in the budget. Do not let personal pride lead down the path of bad credit. Professionals are available to help people come out the other side of economic tough times in good credit standing.



Furnace Service

Craig Elliott asked:


When you are looking for a home warranty service there are a few things that you need to consider. There are many different home warranties available from a variety of companies. Each of these companies and warranties differs – from company to company and from state to state. Let’s look at what you should know before deciding on a home warranty service, so you can be sure you are getting the home warranty that is right for you.

What’s covered?

One of the most important things to know when looking at home warranty services is what is covered. This can vary widely with different policies, different states and different companies. You need to know everything that is covered; including your appliances and which appliances are covered. As for the major systems in your home, such as heating, plumbing and electrical, you need to know how much of it is covered, if the labor is covered and to what extent you have coverage. It’s important to note that most home warranties cover major appliances only, such as your stove, fridge, dishwasher, washer and dryer but often do not cover smaller appliances such as a trash compactor or garbage disposal. Be sure that you know what is covered on your policy and if there is something that isn’t covered, that you discuss adding the additional coverage with your broker before signing for the warranty service. Most often, the following are covered with a home warranty service plan:

Air conditioning

Heating and furnace

Dishwasher

Doorbell

Water heater

Duct work

Plumbing and plumbing stoppages inside the home

Ceiling fans

Electrical systems

Oven or range

Telephone wiring

Garbage disposals (sometimes).

What isn’t covered?

You also need to know what is not covered with your home warranty service. Most often the following items are not covered with your home warranty:

Outdoor sprinkler systems

Faucet repairs

Garage door openers

Spas

Pools

Permit fees

Hauling away of old appliances

Garbage disposals (sometimes)

How could my claim be denied?

There are a few reasons why your home warranty claim could be denied. In most cases, these factors are across the board and the same for most home warranty companies. Reasons your claim and payment could be denied include:

Code violations

Improper installation

Improper maintenance

Unusual or excessive wear and tear

For any of these reasons, your home warranty could be ‘null and void’ and not cover your repairs or replacements if they need to happen.

How does the warranty work?

Once again, in most cases, the following information applies to all home warranty companies. However, you should double check with your home warranty company to find out if they have any different procedures to follow.

1. When an appliance or system stops working, you call the home warranty company.

2. The warranty company calls a provider to fix your appliance or system.

3. The provider calls you to set up an appointment.

4. The provider comes to your home and fixes the problem. If it cannot be fixed, they will contact the home warranty company. If your contract covers replacements, your home warranty company will pay to replace your appliance.

5. You pay a small service fee (which is usually under $100) for the work that has been done.

What is the service fee?

The service fee for home warranties ranges from $30 to $100 and depends on your policy. Be sure to ask your home warranty company what your service fee is. This is the fee that you will have to pay out of pocket each time you have a claim on your home warranty.

Terms and conditions

Always be sure to check out the terms and conditions of the home warranty before signing on the dotted line. This will ensure that you know exactly what you are getting – what is and isn’t covered, and if there are any special provisions on your policy that you should be aware of.

How much does it cost?

Of course, you will want to know what the bottom line of the home warranty is – this is a good thing to compare against other home warranties, but be sure that you are comparing similar coverage.

Your broker/agent

Of course, you will need to be sure that your broker and/or agent are legitimate – check with the Better Business Bureau and ensure that they are allowed to transact business in your state. Secondly, your agent or broker should be able to answer any and all questions you may have – if they can’t, it might be wise to select a different home warranty company.



Gas Furnace Service

Mark Rustad asked:


The arrival of colder temperatures is evident everywhere you look—sweaters and scarves have replaced shorts and sandals, the colorful leaves of autumn are long gone from the trees, and breezy open windows have given way to the familiar roar of the home furnace. But for some, starting up the furnace on that first chilly night of the winter season brings a grim reminder of a problem that has been pleasantly absent over the past few months: a disturbingly loud furnace.

Furnace noise originates from several sources. A loud furnace motor can be a major nuisance, and is the sound source targeted in most furnace soundproofing projects. Airflow through ducts can also be a source of unwanted noise, particularly when components are old or otherwise in poor condition. Even with a furnace situated in a basement or remote mechanical room, unwanted noise can travel easily through walls, ceiling and openings and carry throughout the home.

Furnace rooms are usually surrounded at least partly by a system of ducts and pipes within the walls and ceiling of the room. At the inception of any furnace sound reduction endeavor, it is important to realize that the presence of such openings makes it impossible to completely eliminate the transmission of furnace noise into other parts of the home. Therefore, the goal in controlling furnace noise is to minimize unwanted sound transmission by isolating the furnace room from the rest of the home as much as possible. If your furnace is particularly loud, it may be a good idea to rule out any mechanical defects before implementing a sound reduction treatment. Performing preventative maintenance, if needed, is better than an emergency repair on a frigid day.

Fortunately, combating noise from a furnace can be accomplished inexpensively and with minimal effort. Controlling furnace noise involves containing noise within the furnace room, a task that can be approached in a couple of ways. One option for blocking the transmission of furnace noise is lining all wall surfaces with a heavyweight soundproofing membrane such as dB-Bloc, and establishing a disconnected surface by adding a layer of drywall onto a set of horizontal furring strips that have been attached atop the vinyl membrane. The added density coupled with the disconnected wall surface serves to collapse a majority of sound waves before they have the chance to enter adjoining rooms. An even simpler and more popular solution is to line walls with sound control blankets, which can be custom cut by a soundproofing supplier to match the dimensions needed for optimal sound control in your furnace room. Such blankets are a simple and cost effective solution, and can even be customized with openings to fit snugly around pipes and ductwork to optimize results. Such sound control blankets may also be affixed to a ceiling for added noise control.

An important aspect of sound reduction treatments aimed at decreasing unwanted furnace noise is ensuring that adequate protection is afforded for the application. An experienced soundproofing consultant and supplier can provide recommendations as to what treatments would be most effective based on the individual characteristics of your project.



Furnace Maintenance

Gavin Dye asked:


We have been using the sun to help heat our homes for generations, and the design of homes throughout history have taken this into account. Modern technology has now completely changing the way this is done and with the rising price of gas and electricity making us look at some ideas that were in use before gas and electricity became cheap, but giving the ideas a modern slant.

For example, in the some areas during the 20’s hot water was supplied to homes by large storage tanks that were heated by the sun, until it became to expensive to compete with falling gas and electricity prices but with prices rising again the use of solar power in the home has been on the increase, and this idea is being used again but with a modern twist.

The simplest way to use solar power to heat your home is by the use of passive solar energy, that is ensuring that the majority of your windows face south so giving you the best chance of warming your home. This unfortunately can lead to certain areas of the home being to bright and getting to warm while other areas receive not enough light and heat. Modern solar systems can get around this problem by distributing the heat evenly around your home, so keeping all areas at a constant and comfortable heat.

The modern solution is to use solar energy to heat water that is then pumped throughout your home, the heat is released, keeping all areas of your home at a comfortable, constant and even temperature. The water is heated by passing it through small tubes that sometimes lie in small parabolic mirror-type troughs. This water is distributed throughout your home by running under the flooring throughout your home and giving you a even temperature regardless of location. One down side to this can be the fact water is used and if a leak was to occur in the system then it could cause damage to your home.

Another option is the use of air or similar gas, that can distribute the heat evenly throughout the home. Filling the tubes with air or other gas makes it possible to still absorb and deposit heat where it’s wanted. At the same time, because the gas is not a liquid, if a leak does occur there’s no major damage to the home and no major cleanup and repair bill. The draw back is that this isn’t as as efficient at storing heat as liquid systems because air is not as dense as water so doesn’t absorb as much heat.

If you start to investigate the possible applications that are available for your home and you’ll discover a wide array of options that will allow you to heat your home using the power of the sun. This help you save money in the long run, reduce your carbon footprint and help to stop Global Warming.



Gas Furnace Service

Bill Whitworth asked:


With so many advancements being made in the world of air filtration and furnace filters, it is commonplace for consumers to wonder what the experts think about various new options for filtration. One such innovation that has recently become popular is the electrostatic furnace filters. Many duct cleaning technicians, for example, are quickly becoming strong advocates for the benefits associated with these electrostatic air filters.

Here is a summary on the most important benefits associated with owning and using electrostatic furnace filters.

Save Money: Electrostatic filters keep heating components and air conditioning coils from becoming coated by dust and dirt particles. Dirt and dust are the number one cause for failures in heating and cooling systems. Cleaner systems are also capable of operating in more efficient ways, which means that you can save a significant amount of money both in equipment repairs, and in energy consumption as well. Electrostatic furnace filters are permanent rather than disposable, meaning that you save money by not having to replace your filters every so often. Get more information about electrostatic furnace filters and how they can help prevent air born allergies by visiting http://www.catsofaustralia.com/allergy_to_cats.htm.

Allergy Relief: When exposure to allergens like dust, mold spores, animal danger and pollen are controlled by the electrostatic properties of these filters, then respiratory problems, allergies and asthma can all be significantly reduced.

Ease in Housekeeping: Thanks to the electrostatic media that is found on the furnace filter, as long as your furnace or your air conditioning unit is running, household dust will be easily collected and taken out of your reach. A welcomed benefit to housekeeping, your electrostatic furnace filter will make your home require far less frequent dusting than before.

Friendly to the Environment: Electrostatic furnace filters serve as a permanent lifetime filter, which means you no longer have to worry about buying or throwing away the disposable filters that used to be a chore of yours every single month. The environment will absolutely love you for this reason alone.

Easily maintained: Rather than having to replace your standard replaceable, throwaway filter, electrostatic furnace filters only need to be periodically cleaned in order to achieve the best furnace efficiency and filtration results. Cleaning the same filter once a month should be the much preferable choice over having to replace the same filter every month. Learn more about quality furnace filters for your home by going to http://www.meredy.com/nursetips/allergytips.html.

Keeping Your Filters Clean:

Keeping your duct system cleaned is an essential part of improving the air quality within your home. Adding a high performance furnace filter will provide a number of additional benefits. Electrostatic furnace filters are high performance efficiency furnace filters that provide a number of benefits, including the removal of dust, mold spores, animal dander and pollen just while the air is naturally circulating through your central system. Your entire family will benefit from clear and filtered air. Children and elderly family members are both quite susceptible to air pollution, and therefore will reap great benefits from the clean air that is provided by these electrostatic furnace filters.

Electrostatic furnace filters work based on static electricity rather than regular electricity. The filter media contains a negative charge along the entire surface, and the air passing through the system enhances this. Then the tiny air particles like dust, mold and pollen come along with a positive charge, allowing them to be attracted like a magnet to the filter media.

These are the particular culprits that have been polluting our indoor air for so long. Electrostatic furnace filters are designed specifically to attract these particles, trap them, and keep them away from the fresh clean air that you’re your body takes in thousands of times every day.



Furnace Maintenance

Megan Cherry asked:


Many homeowners today neglect to change their furnace filters as often as necessary unfortunately not changing your furnace filter can lead to many costly repairs. Did you know that a clogged furnace filter will cause your furnace not only to work harder but could cause your furnace to get too hot and shut down? You certainly do not want your furnace to shut down as a rule of thumb this will always happen but in the middle of the night in the cold as part of the year. Not only is your furnace effected by a clogged filter your air conditioning will also be affected due to lack of airflow, the lack of airflow will cause your cooling coils in the furnace to freeze up when it freezes up the efficiency of your cooling is diminished in the eyes further restricts the air flow. When this happened you’ll need to turn off air conditioning long enough for the coil to thaw out.

So again we ask how often should we change our furnace filters? Furnace filters should be checked at least once a month they may not need to be changed every month but you should at least check them once a month by obviously during high cooling for heating times of the year If the filters will need to be changed more often. This brings us to the question of what type of filter do I need. There are basically three different types of filters are commonly used the first and least expensive But is they typical fiberglass filter these usually cost less than a dollar and do a fair job of cleaning the air. The next filter is a pleated filter these filters We’ll remove smaller particles of dust from your home than the standard fiberglass filter these filters do cost a little bit more And may need to be changed more often.

The next step in from its filter technology is a 4in. thick mechanical type air filter installing this filter will require changing your duct work and adding electricity. The main advantage of a mechanical type air filter is that it never needs changing but does require cleaning. It does cost more but does a much better job of removing small particles from your home.

No matter what type of filter you choose it will only be effective if it is maintained properly. Changing for cleaning your filters tie regular basis will increase the life of your furnace reduce maintenance costs and reduce energy costs in heating and cooling your house and will make your house cleaner by removing those particles.



Heating Service

Andrew Wroblewski asked:


Whether you are worried about your electricity bills because of your family’s budget or environmental impact, you can do a lot to improve your situation. The houses are the second place where the energy is wasted - only our cars are “better” when it comes to wasting energy. Fortunately unlike in case of cars, we can do a lot to make our houses more energy-efficient.

Here’s the first step: make sure that all your doors and windows can be really closed tight. If not, order to repair them or seal the leaks yourself. Your objective is to eliminate all drafts you can. If a cold air can’t get in, you will not lose energy heating it. Another important thing is either insulating your cellar too, or at least making the cellar doors well-insulated to prevent cold from entering your house from the ground.

The energy use can be also limited by keeping your heating and cooling systems in good condition. If you fail to install new filters every few months and schedule your furnace maintenance every ten years instead of ever second year, you can expect that those systems’ efficiency will be cut by half. Also, remember about checking the cooling system for coolant leaks regularly. If any of the systems you have is older than sixteen-twenty years, it is recommended to replace it - old technologies are usually much less efficient than modern solutions.

Keep your thermostat in the area of your house which is far away from any really hot or cold places. Otherwise you risk your thermostat to excessively heat or cool your house basing on false readings. You may reduce the risk by installing a programmable Energy Star rater thermostat, but it is much better to get it installed in another place.

If you make sure that your house is well-insulated, eliminate most of the drafts and keep your cooling and heating systems in prime condition, it’s usually enough to reduce your bills by a half. If you want to do more than that, you may want to consider some additional means, like installing a heat pump or using a fireplace insert instead of real fireplace.

Another simple, yet effective tip is to use shades to either keep the sun out or keep the heat in depending on what season it is. Keeping out direct afternoon sunlight during the summer, keeps your house cooler. For those in northern climates, you want the afternoon sun to come in during the winter to heat the house up a bit.



Air Conditioning Service

Jadran N. Transcona asked:


An important lesson in life is not to be caught unprepared at the last moment. So is with home or office heating and air conditioning systems. Leaving routine heating maintenance to the wind and chance is downright foolish. It’s dangerous as well as costly.

Everyone knows that the cost of gasoline has hit the roof. So is with home heating fuels which although gas prices have gone up and down and guaranteed to be more costly and expensive than last year. Not having routine heating system maintenance done ahead of time, long before winter’s chill is like putting you in a position of a chicken with it head cut off. It looks heroic and great but ultimately is a poor use of time and energy. . Perhaps you had a boss who planned ahead or did not plan ahead. Remember all the wasted time and energy spent. So is it with your home or office heating systems.

It you wait for the last moments so to speak when the snowflakes are just beginning to fall it can be an expensive and time wasting bargain. Worse yet at the time when your furnace malfunctions you run the risk of frozen pipes, extensive damage to your property There may even be additional costs to this equation - such as time taken off of work or even extensive expensive cell phone charges . Worse yet you may have to deal with an angry as well as frozen wife, family members, pets and perhaps even tenants.

To make the whole situation worse you will be at the mercy of the heating contractor or furnace man. Gouge city. You will not be in a very good negotiation position at all. It’s like a situation of a gun to your head. Pay the repair people their pound of flesh or risk extensive property damage and costs. Forget about shopping around for the best furnace deals. You will not have any time to make up your mind or comparison shop for the best product and price. What you will be offered you will gladly take. You may well not overpay, but get poor service in the bargain (or non bargain). It will be almost as if you have to get on your hands and knees in the cold to beg and plead with the serviceman to get the diagnosis and repairs done on your furnace and heating system.

It is best now to prepare your furnace for the upcoming cold weather. You can count on three things in life - taxes, winter and mean relatives. It is best to call your heating contractor to have a qualified technician check, clean and lubricate your heating system. For safety, reliability and efficiency it is important to have your furnace and heating system in peak operating condition before the heating season begins. A malfunctioning furnace that uses natural gas, propane, wood or oil can create the potential for dangerous and deadly carbon monoxide problems. A tune up can help prevent and catch this - and make your furnace run more efficiently - thus saving you money.

In addition there re other ways that can keep your essential and often not thought of furnace ready for use. Inspect furnace filters regularly: then clean and replace them as required. Of course it is always best to use the correct and appropriate filters for your furnace. Always keep the area around your furnace clear, uncluttered and unobstructed.

Your furnace needs to breathe just like you. Never ever store flammable materials and liquids like paint, solvents, cleaners or gasoline in the same room as your furnace.

It is best to have your furnace cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional once a year and not your handy cousin Raymond. Always make sure to keep the return air grilles and supply air registers of your home heating system properly vented m clean and unobstructed. Lastly always operate your furnace according to the manufactures.

Maintenance instructions.

Why wait for spring or in this case a cold winter? Prepare your furnace now for winter.



Air Conditioning Maintenance