Month: June 2021

When we purchase a home, one of the biggest things that we’ll need to be aware of is the HVAC unit for the house. This will be the system that will help regulate the air conditioning and heating services of your home. Especially with the summer months approaching, there’s no better time than now than to make sure your HVAC unit is in tip-top shape.

Another big part of your home’s heating and cooling system is the energy recovery ventilator (ERV). This device is a ventilation system that transfers stale air from your home with fresh outdoor air. Since maintaining good indoor air quality is important, the ERV is a great addition to any home. This energy recovery ventilation system is just as important as its sister system, the HVAC system. We’ll focus today on why energy recovery ventilators are so helpful.

You receive indoor air quality.

An energy recovery ventilator can help with improving the air quality of your home. The air in your home is composed of various particulates that float around, in many cases unseen. These particulates can include dirt, pollen, pet dander, dust, and stale air. These contaminants can be harmful to the health of adults. The health of children is also put at risk by allowing these particles to float around your house unheeded. One of the benefits of using energy recovery ventilators is that it can help to clear out these airborne particles.

You want your air to have an acceptable indoor air quality so you won’t find yourself coughing all of the time. In addition to ridding your home of the aforementioned contaminants, the energy recovery ventilator also helps to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which circulate throughout your home. These include ethanol, xylene, acetone, and benzene.

You’ll often find these in commercial cleaners and air fresheners. With an ERV, your home will be able to get rid of such VOCs, while also providing better air quality and energy savings. High indoor air quality is a great reason why you should invest in an energy recovery ventilator for your home.

Energy savings are good.

We touched on this a little in the previous section, but saving on energy is one of the many reasons why energy recovery ventilators are helpful. An energy recovery ventilator can help with heating or cooling air. The machine does this by transferring heat or away from the outgoing air. Working through such a method, an ERV can help with energy savings, ultimately lowering your utility bills.

An ERV unit is a solid investment for any home and will help you to save money over time. Over time, it can also help to increase the value of your home for potential buyers. If your goal is to increase your energy efficiency while also save money, it might be best to add an ERV system to your house.

Increases the life of your HVAC system.

In addition to cycling out contaminants through its ventilation system, an ERV will also be able to increase the life of your HVAC system. An ERV will help to keep your heater and air conditioner from running so often. It can also prevent such contaminants as dirt, pollen, pet dander, dust, and stale air from clogging your air filter. Ultimately such clogs can lead to dirty or leaky ductwork.

When this occurs, you don’t have to worry so much about costly HVAC system repairs. Your HVAC system will continue to work longer and will stay in perfect shape. These repairs can be extremely costly, taking money out of your pocket. These types of repairs fall between $150 to $450.

On average, homeowners spend $319 on air conditioning service, while they pay approximately $268 on repairs involving a furnace. Your energy recovery ventilator will help to prevent you from having to spend these large amounts of money. Increasing the life of your HVAC system is one of the many reasons why you should invest in an ERV.

If you spend any time around your house, you will probably discover several projects that you’ll want to tackle. On your list of projects to complete might be replacing a broken handrail or fixing a squeaking floorboard. When it comes to keeping your home in working order, however, it’s not only the obvious issues that might need to be addressed. More often, the subtle problems usually lead to the biggest repairs. This is why it’s important to investigate new cracks, strange noises, funny smells, or water spots as warning signs of problems. From the evidence of mold to indications of a plumbing issue, you shouldn’t ignore signs that there’s something wrong with your house.

Your house is more than just where you live. Your home is a place where your family makes memories and where your life story takes place. Your home is also a significant investment that you’ll want to be sure to maintain. While your house can’t talk, however, it can tell you when something is wrong. There are numerous signs of trouble that some people might miss if they aren’t paying attention. Let’s take a look at how to spot home warning signs.

HVAC Problems

Your HVAC system is among one of the most expensive systems in your home. Depending on where you live, your furnace and air conditioner could be essential to your family’s comfort. If your system fails during an extremely hot or cold day, it could turn into an emergency. This is why it’s important to take note of the warning signs of an aging furnace. From noises to temperature troubles, there are a few things that you should look out for. While a slight hum from your unit is normal, if you notice thunderous noises or rattling, it could signal trouble.

Additionally, you might find that it’s harder to maintain a consistently comfortable temperature in your home. This could mean that your furnace is having difficulties keeping up with demands. You might also notice that your energy bills are higher than usual as a result of inefficiency. An aging furnace encounters increasing problems with efficiency. Expert technicians and manufacturers agree that HVAC systems last 10-15 years on average. As units age, you’ll want to pay attention to warning signs that you require a furnace repair or replacement.

Electrical Problems

Some homeowners with electrical issues report an odd, fishy smell, while others see it as a urine smell. Either way, a smell of this kind could mean an electrical issue in the home. This fishy smell could be the overheating and melting of the insulating plastic or ­rubber around electrical wires. Since the National Fire Protection Association says that electrical fires account for 13% of all residential fires, you’ll want to pay attention to any strange smells. Additionally, if an outlet smells like it’s burning, you’ll want to take immediate action. Protect yourself and your home from an electrical fire by addressing potential problems right away.

Hot Water Problems

Aside from HVAC systems and your home’s electrical network, another essential for many homeowners is the water heater. This is another appliance that is needed for many things around the house. If you don’t have enough hot water or you have problems with varying water temperatures, it could be a signal that your water heater is failing. Additionally, if you notice any corrosion or leaking around the bottom of the tank, you will need to consult a plumber for a repair or replacement recommendation. However, not all water heater problems are catastrophic and might require something as simple a removing sediment buildup from the tank.

Paying attention to warning signs around your home could help prevent major damage and repairs. With all of the systems working together to make your home comfortable and livable, it isn’t a matter of if something will go wrong; it’s a matter of when. However, the key to good home maintenance is paying attention so that you can prevent much larger issues.

It doesn’t take much for your belongings to take over your space and make it feel as if you have nowhere to go. Knowing how to efficiently utilize your storage space is the best way to avoid being overwhelmed with clutter. Many homeowners tend to abuse their storage solutions and overstuff them. Just because you have storage options doesn’t mean they need to be filled. There are plenty of ways to ensure that you’re making the most use of your storage.

Decluttering goes a long way.

Before deciding you need to rent out a storage unit, declutter your home and get rid of anything not being used. The best way to maximize your storage is to get rid of unnecessary clutter. Go through one room at a time, and start going through drawers, closets, and cabinets. Taking the time to remember what you have allows you to get organized, avoid buying duplicate items, and spend less time looking for things.

Not all cars feature the same type of storage, but you can find ways to maximize the spaces your car does have. When you find you have outgrown your current car and need a new car, it’s a good idea to shop for used cars. O’Brians Automotive is a premier dealership with an impressive selection of used cars Saskatoon from popular auto brands such as Jeep, Dodge, Cadillac, Volvo, and Toyota. Customers enjoy daily specials and promotions on service and parts, inventory, and financing options. You can search by model, make, and year to find the perfect compact car, sedan, crossover, SUV, van, pickup truck, or small truck for your needs.

Assess your storage situation.

Take a look at what kind of storage space you have, and consider the size. It’s important to find the best solution for your storage situation that will make it more efficient. Think about what you need to store before adding any new storage solutions. Sometimes open space is a better option than shelving or bins, especially if you can stack things neatly. Always consider what you need to store, how big, and how heavy your things are.

It doesn’t take long for a garage to become cluttered, and you find you don’t have enough space for car storage. Leaving your car in the driveway exposes it to the elements, especially during the winter months. Renting a vehicle storage unit is a great option for extra space that’s easy to access and secure. US Storage Units offers vehicle storage that provides the extra space you need from storage facilities across the U.S. You can search for car storage near me to find storage units by unit size, price, and amenities. Whether you need outdoor car storage, indoor car storage, boat storage, RV storage, or canopy parking spaces, a car storage unit provides the extra space and protection your car needs.

Use uniform storage solutions.

The best way to keep your decluttered items in check and stored properly is to invest in uniform storage solutions. Keep your items in durable storage bins that are similar in size, see-through, and labeled. Storage bins keep your things safe from the elements, bugs, and any water leaks. You can buy differently sized storage bins, depending on what you are storing, such as craft supplies. Avoid using opaque bins, as they are notorious for accumulating odds and ends. It’s a good idea to keep like items together to make it easier to find things.

When there’s a place for everything and everything is tucked away, it’s easier to display decor and sentimental items. Bookcases are a great way to add interest and storage for the things you use daily like your NRSV Bible. You can find thousands of religious products and supplies, including New Revised Standard Version Bibles, scripture, translations, and more.

The best way to store is vertical.

The best way to maximize your storage option is to think vertically. Take advantage of as much space above your head and below your feet as possible. These spaces are the best solution for seasonal, holiday, and little-used items. You should always avoid storing heavy items up above and keep things like appliances and large, heavy bins on the ground. Small lightweight containers should be used for higher spaces. Plastic storage bins stack well and make it easy to quickly find what you need.

Place the things you use more in front.

Just because something is in storage doesn’t mean you don’t use it. Whether backing up a home storage closet or a storage unit, it’s a smart idea to pack items that you’ll need to access frequently in an easy-to-reach place. Seasonal clothing, decorations, and other things that are only used once a year can be placed towards the back of your storage. Keeping items that are used more frequently in an easy-access spot near the front saves the hassle of digging through mountains of boxes.

Keep these tips in mind as you tackle your storage needs and find ways to maximize your available storage space.

The quality of your indoor air has a big impact on your health. Indoor air is full of pollutants, contaminants, allergens, microorganisms, gases, and indoor ozone (O3). There are also bio-contaminants such as bacteria and viruses that live on most surfaces and can easily be breathed into your respiratory system. Ultraviolet light air purification addresses the infectious microorganisms and viruses that can be spread through the air. Ultraviolet light disinfection has been used in the medical field for years to prevent drug-resistant bacteria from spreading hospital-acquired infections.

How does UV lighting purify the air?

The UV lighting in a UV air purifier works to disinfect potentially infectious bacteria and viral material from flowing through the filter. UV light works by destroying bacteria and viral matter DNA, much the same way damaging UV rays from the sun can damage skin cells and cause skin cancer.

UV radiation makes it so that bacteria can’t reproduce, which prevents them from growing and forming colonies in your body that can lead to infectious diseases. Radiation inactivates the DNA and RNA material in viruses so that they can’t attack organic cells.

Most residential air purifiers don’t use UV lamps, but it’s a good idea for homeowners in humid environments. A professional HVAC technician that specializes in indoor air quality services can assess your indoor pollution sources and recommend the most effective way to mitigate air quality issues. Trustworthy professionals have years of experience installing UV light technology that’s ozone-free and results in the reduction of airborne pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. The best companies offer installation, repair, and service of commercial and residential HVAC and plumbing systems. Professional technicians can design custom cooling systems that match your specific needs to ensure your system runs efficiently and reliably.

There are different types of UV light.

There are different types of UV light and UV sources, but only some are used in UV lamps and purifiers. The three main forms of UV light can be distinguished by their wavelengths and effects on organic matter. UV-A has the longest wavelength and light particles that vibrate faster than those in visible light. UV-A rays come from the sun and are the most likely type to penetrate human skin and cause skin cancer with long-term exposure.

UVB has shorter wavelengths than UV-A, but their light particles vibrate even faster, making them more damaging to DNA. This UV source typically can’t pass through the atmosphere, but those rays that do are linked with skin cancer. UV-C light has the shortest wavelengths and is the kind of UV light used in UV air purifiers. These UV rays transmit the most vibrational energy, giving them high efficiency in killing bacteria and viruses.

How does UV light technology work?

UV light doesn’t neutralize airborne pathogens or surface contaminants instantly. It takes sufficient exposure time and energy for UV light to destroy viruses and bacteria. Different pathogens and contaminants require different exposure times to be effectively destroyed by UV radiation. The efficacy of UV light depends on the exposure time and wavelength range. It can take anywhere from 6.6 seconds to effectively destroy the influenza virus to 60 seconds to effectively destroy SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 coronavirus).

UV lights effectively kill mold and bacteria, but they don’t have any impact on dust, pet dander, or other allergens. UV lamps are typically installed near the coils of the HVAC unit to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. UV radiation kills growths in the air as the air passes through the coils and filter.

Ultraviolet lamps effectively kill airborne pathogens, bacteria, and viruses in the air before passing through the air filter.

For homeowners, the proper maintenance of the household’s air systems is one of the most important tasks. Aside from providing their family with needed safety and comfort throughout the years, a broken air conditioner or heating system can lead to large expenses in a homeowner’s wallet. With that in mind, many HVAC professionals recommend regular maintenance of a household’s air systems for numerous reasons.

Whether you live in an older house or are a first-time homebuyer, responsible care of your HVAC system should be a top priority. Here, we will look at some of the most important ways air conditioner maintenance impacts your home.

HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality

Although there are many reasons that your home’s HVAC system needs to stay well-maintained and operational, a family’s health and safety are the number one concern to most homeowners. It’s important to remember that your indoor air quality is directly affected by the air system’s functionality no matter what type of HVAC you have at home. One of the best reasons to schedule air conditioner maintenance to ensure that your living space is always circulating clean, healthy air for its occupants.

According to HVAC professionals, your home’s indoor air quality is linked to the AC unit’s filtration system. The best time to replace each air filter is approximately every two months. The numerous filters throughout your unit’s ductwork and ventilation system catch all of the dust, debris, and allergens coming from the outside air. Over time, the dirty filters can become clogged with those various contaminants, preventing normal airflow. Not only does this blockage prevent the air conditioning unit from producing the needed cool air meant to circulate throughout your home, but it also allows incoming allergens and biological toxins from entering your indoor air. Any family members with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems may first notice poor indoor air quality. Over time, however, it will affect everyone.

Although changing out your HVAC’s dirty air filters for clean ones is a relatively easy task for homeowners to perform independently, a proper HVAC maintenance plan will include this task as part of its comprehensive preventive maintenance checklist.

HVAC Maintenance and Energy Efficiency

The main reason homeowners choose to purchase a professional maintenance agreement is the peace of mind that the routine HVAC maintenance provides year-round. Aside from annual checkups, a maintenance plan includes preventive maintenance for the entire system. Both the HVAC and heating system receive the needed inspections, allowing a professional technician to spot the potential problems that could lead to costly repairs or complete unit breakdown. In addition, a maintenance plan also covers needed emergency repairs, as well as an inspection of your home’s thermostat.

However, the financial savings that an HVAC maintenance plan provides is, perhaps, the greatest additional benefit. For example, the proper functioning of your air conditioning unit and heating system increases your home’s energy efficiency. Your air filter changing needs are taken care of with regular service calls, your thermostat is perfectly connected to the dual units, and any replacement energy sources (such as fuel or natural gas) are refilled and inspected for hazardous leaks.

This type of priority service ensures that your systems are always functioning safely, guaranteeing that your home’s energy consumption is a peak efficiency. This is immediately noticeable with lower energy bills. Keep in mind that ventilation blockages within an air filter force families to pump their AC units to higher capacity, quickly spiking their energy bill. In the same way, leaks or cracks within the ductwork waste high levels of cool air that they’re paying for in their utilities. An HVAC maintenance plan is one of the best investments that a homeowner can make.