5 Things You Can Do to Get Ready for Winter

By the time the cold winds start to blow, it is too late to worry about whether or not your home is ready for the cold winter ahead. What’s done is done, and what’s not done – well, it could cost you hundreds of dollars in home repair.  Luckily there’s no time like the present to make sure you’re prepared before your hindsight kicks in…

1. Have your heating system cleaned and tuned.  A pre-season tune-up is a good investment – it reduces the chances of breakdowns in the middle of winter, improves safety, and pays for itself through more energy efficient operation.
2. Test your system for hazardous carbon monoxide, which can be produced by a dirty or malfunctioning furnace or water heater. We can also install a low level carbon monoxide alarm. 
3. Have your duct system tested for air leaks. According to recent research by the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical duct system loses 25 to 40 percent of the energy put out by the central furnace, heater or air conditioner. 
4. Get your home’s air checked to find out if the air you breathe is unhealthy. Your indoor air can be much more polluted than what is outside, and with all the time spent indoors during the winter, you’ll want to ensure your family’s health, safety and comfort. 
5. Consider replacing your old furnace or heat pump. Just like a car, heating equipment doesn’t last forever. If your system is more than 12 years-old, and you are planning to stay in your home more than a few years, it is wise to consider replacing it before it fails permanently. A new system is safer, more dependable, and can pay for itself through energy savings as it is up to twice as energy efficient.

Click here for a special discount on an Energy Squeezer Tune-Up! (Good through February 15, 2012)

Natural Remedies for Fall Allergy Sufferers

This time of year makes for beautiful weather, but also for a huge rise in allergy suffering. Some over-the-counter medicines may work fine, but can have bad side effects. Some cause nasal bleeding, others have “rebound effects” (where the patient must keep using the product to stay clear).

Natural remedies have been coming on strong in recent years for several reasons. They’re deemed as good as or more effective than prescriptions; they cost less, and many Americans are needlessly becoming resistant to chemicals.

Here are some natural ways to help reduce your Fall allergy effects:

• Quercitin: This natural antihistamine is a component in fruits and vegetables. You can find it at health stores. Most people take 300mg twice a day from early Fall until the first frost.
• Stinging Nettle: This oddly named plant extract is also a natural antihistamine used with great results. The dosage would be slightly higher than Quercitin.
• Vitamin C: Can be taken in higher doses (1000mg) during allergy season, but reduced significantly or eliminated during the off-season.
• Saline nasal spray: Using 1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved per 1/2 cup of water just before bedtime as a nasal wash can significantly reduce your “morning stuffiness”.
• HEPA filtration is the most efficient form of heating and air conditioning filtration that still allows good airflow. (Call us to get one in your size). You can also get them for your vacuum cleaner.
• Avoid overuse of moth cakes, scented candles. These can release a high degree of chemicals known to trigger allergies.
• Radon is still highly dangerous. Many people thought the “scam” of Radon negated the need for detection. Radon fears have plummeted, however, Radon is carcinogenic (causes cancer) and quite prevalent. You may have it checked by a home professional very easily. Web help: www.epa.org.
• Weird Science: Emptying the dishwasher can trigger allergies. It can release chemicals through volatilization. If you find yourself sensitive to this, run your stove fan while emptying (or make your spouse do it!)
• Duct Sealing or Cleaning is about the most natural thing you can do! Simply having clean air in your home can rid you of the source of your aggravation. Call us or fill out the form below to help you or to get more information on this service. (You may not need any medication)!

Contact us for an Indoor Air Quality Review. We’ll review your entire air delivery system. Plus, we’ll also electronically test for Carbon Monoxide (CO) to spot this odorless, colorless killer. (This test alone is worth calling us now.)