4 Factors Affecting Air Quality and Humidity During the Summer Months

• Air Conditioner Maintenance: An air conditioner coated in dirt cannot effectively remove humidity from the air in the home. Remove this dirt and you make it easy to remove humidity and create a cool, comfortable environment. A professional yearly maintenance check can do this for you, and as an added benefit, your a/c will lose less energy too!

• Filter Replacements: A/C maintenance is not enough to keep your system clean! Removing allergens and preventing excessive dirt and dust from obstructing the unit during the season is easy when you replace your filter on a regular basis. Monthly and bi-monthly replacements are the most common replacement times, but check your filter for a more specific time frame.

• Air Duct Cleaning: A clean air conditioner and clean air filter will vastly improve air quality, but filthy ducts can impede your results. A professional air duct cleaning will scrub every inch of your ducts clean.

• Too Low Humidity: The air conditioner does reduce the humidity in your home, but you don’t want to eliminate humidity all together. Excessively low humidity levels can actually harm rather than help asthma sufferers. Keep humidity between 30% and 40%. If the humidity levels drop below 15% you may need to consider using a humidifier to keep the air most enough to breathe.

Consider how these factors may be affecting your allergy or asthma symptoms, and act! Make the changes necessary to not improve home comfort but also to breathe easier all summer long!

Troubleshooting Your Broken Furnace

• Start With the Thermostat: Make sure that the thermostat is on heat and that the setpoint is placed above room temperature. If the furnace fan does not begin to run, you have encountered your first problem.
• Is the Power On To the Furnace: It sounds arbitrary, but ensuring the power is on to the furnace is a simple mistake that people make all the time. If the fan is not running continue to check the breaker, fuse, or switch for the furnace. If the breaker was tripped, leave it off and check the furnace for loose wiring.
• Is the Pilot Light Working?: If your furnace uses a standard pilot light, make sure the flame is lit and is touching the top of the thermocouple. If the pilot is lit but the burners do no turn on, it could very well be a problem with the thermostat, control board, or limit control.
• Does the Main Burner Try and Ignite: If the main burner does not try and ignite, the flue could be clogged, furnace control board could be bad, or the limit control could be at fault. If the main burner tries to ignite and goes out, it could very well be that the flame sensor is dirty and needs to be properly cleaned.
• Do the Main Burners Turn On: Once the pilot comes on, do the main  burners light? If not, ensure that gas is reaching your furnace by checking all of the manual isolation valves.
• Does the Blower Come On: If the blower does not turn on after all other troubleshooting precautions have been taken, you could have a broken capacitor or a faulty motor.

• Rattling: This is one of the most common air conditioner noises, and most air conditioners do make some vibration noise that can sound like rattling. However, significant rattling of the unit could indicate larger problems at hand. From something as simple as a loose panel to something as serious as a worn out fan motor, out of balance or bent fan blade, loud rattling often indicates that something is not where it should be. Keep track of any rattling noises coming from the a/c, and give your favorite HVAC contractor a call if it becomes louder over time.

• Squealing and Chirping: An old belt or dry bearings are typically to blame for squealing sounds in the air conditioner. Old belts need to be replaced, but squealing noises from dry bearings should lessen with use or with a maintenance cleaning. If the squealing persists, have the unit professionally assessed before the problem progresses.

• Chugging: Loud chugging and screeching sounds that overtake the air conditioner during the operation indicate compressor death. Shut the unit down immediately, and admit defeat. Odds are your unit will need replacement, but the sooner you have it checked out the sooner you will know the full extent of the damage.

• Knocking: This is the sounds that could indicate a spectrum of problems including:
  • Aging compressor that needs replacement
  • Too high or too low refrigerant pressures
  • Sticking valves in the refrigerant system
  • Loose compressor components

Call in a Professional Opinion!

Unfortunately, in many cases, the only way to truly diagnose the air conditioner’s noises is to have a professional take a look. Your yearly maintenance checkup may prevent or eliminate many of these noises in the system, but as the unit ages, these noises will result from increasingly expensive problems. However, acting quickly in response to noises could limit extraneous costs of repair. Take a moment to listen to what your air conditioner is trying to tell you and have a cool, comfortable, noise-free summer!

Our Go Green Initiative

• HVAC Recycling: In a 5 years span, Four Seasons recycles 70,000 furnaces and A/Cs. This accounts for 12,250,000 lbs. of copper, aluminum, and sheet metal! None of this material will ever see a landfill.
  • We also recycle the packaging used for each unit, accounting for a staggering 1 MILLION pounds of cardboard.
• Green Office: Our office has been very conscious in taking a “go green” approach. Our paperless office consists of recycling bins near every trash can, paperless payroll, paperless monthly newsletters, and moderated printer use.
  • Our technicians in the field are equipped with smart phones and tablets allowing all forms and sales materials to become digital.
• Green Fleet: We ensure that our cars are equipped to help, not hurt the environment.
  • Our fleet consists of Chevrolet Sparks, Ram Promasters, and Ford Transit Vans all equipped with Nitrogen filled tires resulting in 5-10% of less fuel used each year.

Keeping Up With Going Green

Continually being able to go green is an initiative that Four Seasons will continue to pursue. As technology progresses and new ways to help the environment become available, we will practice ways to eliminate waste and reduce our carbon footprint both within the industry and the plant.

UVC Germicidal Lights and What They Do

UVC Germicidal Lights are lights that are installed into your households existing duct work. They help eliminate the negative particles using ultraviolet rays that are unseen by the human eye. More importantly, they give off zero ozone emissions killing any organic contaminants that affect your indoor air quality. Air quality is becoming very important these days and making sure your family does not become accustomed to these harmful substances is essential.

Benefits of UVC Germicidal Lights

• HVAC Protection: Not only does this piece of equipment help keep the air in your home clean, it also protects your heating and cooling systems from the damaging effects poor indoor air quality may have.
• Installation: The ability to install and maintain this product in an exisiting HVAC system is simple and can be done to any model at anytime!
• No Ozone Emissons: This is very important to the health of your family. Ozone emissions damage the lungs and cause many respiratory problems. Although this product uses ultraviolet rays, it gives off zero ozone emissions making it a safe purchase.
• Helps to Protect Your Family: The last and most important benefit. The reduction in respiratory ailments and sickness will decrease in your home by tenfold when using this product. UVC Germicidal Lights help keep loved ones safe and sound.

Why Is Freon So Important to My Home Comfort?

Freon, or refrigerant, is the gas your air conditioner uses to extract heat from the air circulating over the coils. When it is held at the proper levels and pressures, the home is dehumidified and cooled, but when the levels are awry, comfort is hard to find. Wondering whether or not your Freon levels are off? Consider these common symptoms of a low Freon charge:

• High Energy Costs: This is typically the symptom that tips the homeowner off to a problem. No one wants to pay more than they have to for energy, and a significant increase in your bills will not go unnoticed. The air conditioner must consume more energy to keep the home cool when the Freon levels are low.

• Around the Clock Cycles: The air conditioner should cycle on and off every hour or so throughout the day. If your air conditioner runs nonstop all day to maintain the desired temperature, you may be low on Freon.

• Cool Vented Air:  Feel the air coming out of the vents in your home. It should feel icy cold to the touch. If it is cool, not cold, you won’t be able to achieve home comfort, and your Freon levels are to blame!

A/C Maintenance to Uncover A/C Problems

Having your yearly maintenance check performed should uncover the source of your problems whether the Freon levels be to blame or not. A professional HVAC technician will have the proper machines needed to check the pressures and Freon levels, so if you suspect this problem in your home, you know what to do. Schedule your cleaning with your favorite a/c pro today!

Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Repair

Thawing the system is your number one concern at this time as well as the prevention of irreversible damage. Follow these steps to make sure your air conditioner is as repairable as possible when the technician begins his assessment:

• Shut the A/C Down: Running the air conditioner while it is frozen wont cool the home, will encourage further freezing, and could even damage the compressor beyond repair. Shut the unit down to protect it and to facilitate thawing of the ice.
• Turn the Fan “On”:  You can encourage the ice to thaw more quickly by circulating warm air over it. To do this, go to the thermostat, and turn the fan setting from “auto” to “on.” The fan will continue to circulate air through the system without running the air conditioner’s compressor.
• Change the Filter: Air flow restrictions are one of the problems that can cause the air conditioner to freeze. Remove the restriction and you could eliminate the problem. The first area to inspect is the air filter. If it is dirty and clogged, it should be replaced.
• Trim the Hedges: Overgrown bushes and hedges around the air conditioning unit can smother air flow. Trim back unruly plants and you could eliminate the source of your problem.

Even if air flow was the source of your problem, having the technician out to perform a maintenance check and cleaning would still be beneficial for the system and could prevent problems later on this season.

The Most Common Cause of Frozen Air Conditioners

For many homeowners, air flow won’t be the problem. The problem will be a lack of refrigerant in the system. When the refrigerant is low, the system become too cool and freezes. Low refrigerant levels will require a leak check, leak repair, and refrigerant refill to truly restore proper function to the system. No matter the cause of your problem make sure that you have taken these steps while you wait for your professional assessment.

5 Ways to Reduce Humidity in Your Home

• Turn off the Humidifier: Humidity is your air conditioner’s enemy. In order to create a comfortable environment, the air conditioner must first remove moisture from the air. When you are using the humidifier you add extra moisture to already humid air. This places a strain on the air conditioner wasting energy and decreasing comfort.

• Maximize the Use of Fans and Vents: The kitchen and bathrooms have fans and vents for a reason. These are used not only to pump odors out of the home but also excess moisture! Leave the fan on while cooking and after showers to prevent extra moisture from building up in the home.

• Corral Indoor Plants: If you have a lot of house plants scattered throughout the home, you are adding extra moisture to the air. Plants should be kept together in one room or moved to the outdoors to minimize discomfort throughout the summer months.

• Take Shorter, Colder Showers: Steamy showers add a hefty amount of moisture to the air that the fan will work overtime to remove. Not all the moisture will be pumped out before it affects the air conditioner. Try taking cooler, faster showers to minimize this source of humidity in your home.

• Keep the Windows Closed: Hot summer days may force you to use the air conditioner, but cool summer nights may encourage you to open the windows and turn off the air. This could be a mistake. The air may be cooler but it is still laden with moisture. You let this moisture in during the night and the air conditioner has to work extra hard to get rid of it during the height of heat the next day.

Implement these concepts in your home and protect your comfort and energy bills from the effects of excess moisture in the air this summer.

Leaky Roof Damage

You could have a leak in your roof that drips into the attic for weeks or months before the water reaches the ceiling of the floor adjacent to the attic and roof. However, not inspecting your roof for leaks and damage after major storms could lead to some devastating problems in the home.

• Structural Damage: Wood, drywall, and many other building materials are easily compromised when exposed to water. That leak in your roof could expose your attic and eventually your home to costly structural damage.

• Mold Invasion: A leaking roof could be feeding a mold problem in your home. For many, the dark, damp attic becomes the perfect environment for mold to take hold, and with the help of a water supply from the leaking roof, there is no telling how far the mold will reach. Prevent the negative health effects of mold exposure and have your attic inspected and repaired regularly.

• Decreased Energy Efficiency: When water enters your home through an attic, it crosses through the insulation layer that protects the energy efficiency of the home. However, insulation doesn’t stand up well once exposed to water. The leaks in your attic could be increasing your energy costs by damaging this protective barrier.

Inspect, Repair, Replace Your Roof

After major storms, you need to inspect your roof and your attic for signs of damage and leaks. Missing shingles and pooled water in the attic are problems that should be addressed as quickly as possible. The longer a leak goes unchecked, the more damage it will do. Prevent these disastrous problems in your home and have your attic inspected today!

• Back-less Stools and Arm-less Chairs: Fit more people at your kitchen table by replacing arm chairs with arm-less versions. Where you may have only been able to fit 6 people with arm chairs, you could fit 8 or more with this minor change. If you have an island or bar, eliminate the table all together and go with back-less stools. They tuck easily under the overhang on the island or bar.

• Exposed Shelving: Sure you need storage space in your kitchen but a kitchen full of cabinets feels cramped and enclosed. Remove a portion of cabinets and replace them with exposed, open shelving. This will make the room look larger instantly!

• Mirrored Back-splash and Reflective Appliances: Reflective surfaces have a natural ability to make a space appear larger. You can add this feature subtly by installing a mirror back-splash or reflective appliances.

• Color Choice: Dark colored cabinets and paint will make a small kitchen feel even smaller! Refinish dark cabinets and repaint the room in a lighter pallet. Open up covered windows and add adequate lighting.  All of these steps will bring new light into your confined kitchen.

• Space Saving Accessories: Eliminate counter-top clutter and bring organization to your cabinets with space saving accessories. A Lazy-Susan and hanging spice rack are just a couple options to consider when clearing out the clutter.

#1 Rule Kitchen Re-Design Rule: Keep It Simple!

Simplicity is key when it comes to making a small kitchen appear larger. Don’t put your home on the market just yet, and instead apply these tips to your tiny kitchen. The space will magically expand and you may save yourself of hassle of having to move.

Replacing Your Invasive Trees

So, if you find yourself forced into this situation, consider replacing your invasive trees with species that are far less likely to invade your plumbing system. Typically these are smaller trees that have a maximum height less than 20 feet. This is due to the fact that the root systems will be as wide as the tree is tall. The shorter the tree is, the shorter the root system will be, and the lower the possibility of experiencing root invasion in your plumbing system.

What Trees Should I Look Out For?

These are some of the most invasive and least invasive trees to consider.

Several species in the maple, poplar, ash, sycamore, oak, willow, basswood, elms, birches, figs, and eucalyptus can also have invasive root systems when installed too close to a water source. The only way to truly know what tree will work best for your home is to consult an arborist. They will be able to give you the expert advice you need to choose the right tree for your climate and your landscape. Take the time to fix the problem properly, and prevent roots from filling your home with sewage ever again!

Many of us use toxic chemicals to clean the floors, windows, laundry, and other areas of the home that may become dirty with use. We wear protective gloves and masks to keep these substances off of our skin, but what are you doing to keep them out of the air you breathe every day?

Consider Green Cleaning Products

Sure these products produce immaculate results, but at what cost? When the air quality in your home suffers, so does your health especially if you have other illnesses that already make you sensitive to the quality of air you breathe every day, but what is the solution? You can’t stop cleaning your home but you can use green cleaning products instead!

Go Green When You Clean to Improve Air Quality

Green house cleaning products are all natural and will not affect the air quality in your home. There are many brands on the market these days that will not only clean your home as well if not better than the caustic products you are used to but they will also not negatively impact the indoor air quality in your home. So, do your research and find a green cleaning product that works for your cleaning tasks and your air quality too!

• Improve Comfort: Do you have cold and hot spots in your home? These are rooms that never become comfortable even when the HVAC system is working at its best, and leaky ducts could be to blame. When there are gaps and leaks in the duct work, the heating and cooling cannot reach the targeted room effectively and comfort suffers.

• Improve Efficiency: The average air leakage from existing residential ductwork is around 30% in the United States. That adds up to possibly hundreds of dollars wasted on heating and cooling that will never reach the rooms in your home to provide comfort. Sealing your ducts ensures that you get the most out of each cycle of the system and every drop of fuel.

• Improve Air Quality: Your duct work supplies heating and cooling to the rooms in your home but it also returns the air to the HVAC system. When there are leaks and gaps in the ducts, the returns can pull in more than air. They can pull in mold, bacteria, and any other contaminants that may be lurking in the spaces beneath your floor boards and the unconditioned areas of the home.

• Expanding Lifespan:  When heating and cooling escapes the ducts, the furnace and air conditioner have to work harder to cool the home. They may cycle for frequently and therefore take on more wear and tear than necessary. Seal the ducts to achieve full system lifespan from your heating and cooling units.

Sealing Your Duct Work: A Change for the Better

Seal and insulate the duct work throughout your home paying particular attention to the ducts located in unconditioned areas like attics and crawlspaces. The results will differ for everyone depending on how much leakage there was before the ducts were sealed, but even if the difference is minor it is still a change for the better. Don’t neglect this task this spring and seal your ducts today!

Broken Sump Pumps

The sump pump is a vital component of the plumbing system in your home especially if you live in an area prone to floods. Every time it rains, your sump pump is responsible for pumping gallon after gallon of water away from your home. If your pump is not working properly, a flood may be in the near future, and flood waters often lead to mold growth in the basement or crawl space of your home.

It is very hard to clean up after a flood when thousands of dollars worth of drywall, flooring, and other fixtures have been damaged by flood waters, but you can prevent a flood from occurring by properly maintaining your sump pump. Test your pump before the rainy seasons, spring and summer, and if there is a problem, have the system professionally repaired or replaced before a flood opens the door to mold growth in your home.

Leaking and Sweating Pipes

That seemingly harmless drip, drip, drip beneath your sink or sweaty pipe behind the toilet may be a potential source of mold growth in your home. Take care of these problems early on before mold sets in and feasts on the drywall, insulation, and any other organic material surrounding the leaks in your home. Repairing a leaky pipe may be as simple as tightening a connection or replacing a washer. To rid your home of sweaty pipes simply have them insulated.

If plumbing problems are putting your home at risk for mold problems, give your local plumber a call and protect your home from mold growth this spring and for years to come!

Does the start of spring have you itching for a change? Have winter blues gotten to you? If so, making some changes around the home may be just what you need to bring some light into your life. Redecorating a room, or a few rooms, can do this for you and your home!

Implementing Your Color Palette

Not sure where to begin? Well, the first step is to choose your color palette. To make it easy and to guarantee a successful result, stick to three colors and then apply the 60-30-10 rule to the design of the room. What is the 60-30-10 rule? It is basically a rule that you apply to the color palette you choose and it dictates how much of each color you will use in the space.

• 60% Dominant Color: This color is typically a neutral and it will be used as the main color in the room. This will likely be the color used to paint the walls. You don’t want to choose too bold a color for this portion. It will overwhelm the room and make it difficult to incorporate other colors into the room successfully.
• 30% Secondary Color: Your secondary color doesn’t have to be a neutral but it isn’t the boldest color in your room either. This color may be used in the furniture, carpets, or other decorations in the room. You may even use this color on an accent wall to offset the neutral dominant color.
  
• 10% Accent Color: This is the boldest color in the room. Pillows, lamps, art, and other decorative features are usually how this color is incorporated. This makes it easy for you to change out the accent color without having to redo the entire room.

Choose colors that complement one another and your style and get to work! Bring some light into your home this spring and start your home improvement project now!

A Review of the “Bait and Switch”

Scams often begin with an attractively low price. The coupon arrives in the mail and before you know it, you have found yourself on the phone with an illegitimate contractor scheduling a service. The crew arrives at your home and knocks about your HVAC system for an hour or so, and suddenly the price escalates. This is all part of a typical “bait and switch.”

Before you pay an outrageous amount of money on services that may not actually improve your indoor air quality, remember that the quality of the contractor is more important than the quality of the coupon. Especially when you consider that those low cost coupons often turn into high services once the crew is finished.

Consider More than the Cost

Choose your contractor based on factors other than their pricing alone. It is important to get a good price, but the lowest price isn’t always the best. Have a few estimates done before committing to one company for your duct cleaning, and enjoy cleaner air this spring!

How to Test Your Air Conditioner

Testing the unit is simply a matter of setting the thermostat to cool and lowering the temperature beneath the current temperature in the home. However, there are a couple precautions you should take before running the unit. The first step is to check the air filter. If it is dirty, change it out with a new one before running the unit. You want to make sure that you have adequate air flow through the air conditioner before the test.

Check the Outdoor Temperature

Next, check the temperature outside! Wait until the temperature is above 60° F before turning the unit on. If it is too cold outside, the compressor could suffer damage that may be irreparable. You don’t want to force yourself into buying a new unit because of a mistake like this, so make sure you test you air conditioner with caution.

Be Ready, Schedule Your Maintenance Check!

If everything is working well and the home is being cooled, schedule your cleaning with a professional as soon as possible. Likewise if you are having a problem, let your professional know what is going on and have it dealt with as quickly as you can. The heat will be here before you know it, but with these tips, you will be ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us this summer.

Spring is budding all over the United States, and for those among us that suffer from seasonal allergies, it is almost time to bust out the decongestants and anti-histamines. Allergy season is upon us, but there are steps you can take to reduce the allergens in your home. Work your way through the following areas and you may enjoy a more symptom-free allergy season, or at the very least, a more tolerable one!

Allergy Season Preparation

1. Duct Cleaning: Over the years our duct work accumulates bits and pieces of each passing season. Pollen, mold, and other allergens are likely lurking in large quantities in your duct work, and every time the HVAC system cycles, these contaminants are spread throughout the home. A thorough duct cleaning is the first step towards eliminating a large number of allergens.
2. Vacuuming and Carpet Cleaning: Invest in a vacuum designed for allergen removal. These may cost more than your typical vacuum but they not only pick up the allergens more effectively, but they also have a filtration system to capture the particles. Steam cleaning the carpet is another way to dig deep into the carpet and remove allergens.
3. Drape Cleaning: The drapes and any other fabric in the home should be cleaned as well. Steam carpet cleaners often have an attachment that will allow you to clean other fabrics in the home as well.
4. Filter Replacement: The filter in your HVAC system should be changed regularly to maximize the effectiveness of pollutant removal. You may want to consider investing in an air cleaner. These systems can remove smaller particles and handle a larger capacity than the cheap fiberglass filters many homeowners currently use.
5. Air Conditioner Cleaning: The air conditioner is often a source of mold growth in the home when it is poorly maintained. Have a professional heating and cooling contractor clean the system this spring and enjoy cleaner air and lower energy bills all season long!
6. Bedding Replacement or Cleaning: Your bed is often a major source of allergens. Consider replacing the bedding or have it cleaned if it cannot fit in your washer at home. Also, if you have not already, consider encasing your mattress in a cover to prevent it from accumulating allergens and exacerbating your symptoms.

Completing all of the items on this list should help you and your family avoid allergy symptoms this spring.  So, get to work and truly enjoy the upcoming beautiful spring season!

Our 4 Favorite Home Improvements for Your Tax Return Dollars

Home improvement projects are a smart investment for your tax return money, and these are our favorite projects that you should consider for your home this tax season.

• New Furnace or Air Conditioner: If you haven’t replaced your heating and cooling systems in the last 10 years or more, odds are these units are extremely wasteful with the energy they consume. A new furnace or air conditioner could save you hundreds if not thousands over the lifespan of the system in the form of lower energy costs.

• New Windows: Leaky windows can decrease the efficiency of the home and make it uncomfortable to live in. You will never lower your energy costs until these windows are either weatherized of replaced. Invest in this project and you will create a more comfortable, energy efficient and beautiful home.

• Basement Refinishing: Add more space and function to your home and invest your tax return wisely in a basement refinishing or remodeling project!

• Home Repairs: That crack in the drywall you have been ignoring and that slow draining sink in the upstairs bathroom can finally be repaired with the money you get from your return. The longer you ignore these problems, the worse they will become, and the greater the cost of repairing them in the end.

A Rare Opportunity

Having extra money to spend is not a frequent occurrence in this economy, so use this opportunity wisely. Invest your money in a way that will pay you back for years to come, and consider these improvement projects for your home this tax season.

Carbon Monoxide Leak Protection and Prevention

Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning, the Midwest’s largest and most award winning heating and cooling contractor, has gone above and beyond this year to support this awareness movement. One of the ways that they are getting the word out is through the graphic below. This diagram of a house is the perfect way to illustrate where to check for carbon monoxide leaks in your home and how to protect your home from this harmful gas. Check it out, and protect your home this spring, and all year round, from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

(Click for full sized image)