News - Fresh Air with Blair Mechanical
A heat pump is an efficient method of cooling your home in the summer and warming it in the winter....
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A kitchen sink spray has a spray head attached to a hose, which is connected to a diverter valve in the faucet body. When you squeeze the spray head handle, the diverter valve reroutes water from the faucet to the spray head hose....
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When replacing the outdoor unit of an air conditioner or heat pump, should the indoor unit also be replaced? The answer is YES, and here are the reasons why!...
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Though routine use of chemical drain cleaners to prevent clogs may eventually damage your pipes, these cleaners can be helpful in opening clogged drains. If water is draining somewhat, but plunging has failed to open the drain completely, you may want to try using a drain cleaner....
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Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization ratio (AFUE), which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed. Like the miles per gallon on your car, the higher the AFUE rating, the lower your fuel costs. All furnaces manufactured must meet at least 78% AFUE. If your furnace is 10 to 15 years old, it probably falls well below the current furnace minimum and wasted energy....
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We were once able to achieve natural ventilation in our homes by merely opening a window. However, with the concern for energy efficiency in recent years, we have been busy making homes “tighter” from an energy standpoint. But, thanks to some innovative engineering, it isn’t necessary to throw energy efficiency out the window in order to grab a breath of fresh air....
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The plunger is a good drain-clearing tool, but it often fails to work because it's incorrectly used. Don't make the typical mistake of pumping up and down two or three times, expecting the water to whoosh down the drain....
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Two-stage technology allows furnaces to automatically adjust heating output to maintain consistent comfort throughout your home. More consistent airflow results in quieter operation and enhanced indoor air quality....
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There are many reasons for choosing a variable speed furnace, but the main reason is comfort. The term “variable speed” refers to the furnace’s fan motor, which moves at different speeds to precisely control the flow of heated and cooled air throughout your home. Better airflow control means a better balance of temperature and humidity....
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A stopped sink drain isn't just an inconvenience; it can sometimes be an emergency. It's always best to prevent clogs before they happen...
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Maybe. When you install a new indoor comfort system if your home, you’ll probably notice it operates differently than your old system. Radical changes have taken place in the technology of the comfort industry in recent years....
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When an electric heater has problems, suspect the heating elements, their thermostats, and the high-temperature cutoff....
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), your home is most likely a very toxic environment. Believe it or not, your home is 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside....
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The old cliché “what you don’t know can’t hurt you” has been proven true many time, but never so poignantly as it is when applied to state of indoor air quality. Believe it or not, your home is 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside.
Tips brought to you by:
Blair Mechanical Services Ltd.
250-491-2700
www.blairmechanical.com
blairservice@shawcable.com...
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We recommend annual air conditioning check-ups in the spring and furnace check-ups every fall. Although regular checkups will not absolutely guarantee that a unit will continue to work perfectly throughout the season, they will reveal most small problems that can lead to major, far more expensive problems if left unattended...
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Make sure the heat pump is the right size for your space. If it is too small or too large it may not heat the space effectively....
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BIO-CLEAN is... a blend of bacteria and enzymes. The bacteria are natural, not genetically-engineered. The enzyme concentration is the most powerful on the market....
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Renovating or building your home should be a positive experience free from stress and worry. But did you know that electrical and gas installations and renovations can pose some of the most serious safety risks in the home?...
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Deciding when it’s time to repair or replace your heating and cooling system can be difficult. As with a car or any other mechanical system, there are many factors to consider, including the age and condition of the equipment....
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When your forced air heat needs repair, the problem can be either in the furnace itself, the venting that carries the heat throughout the house, or in the electrical system connection with the thermostat that regulates the temperature....
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Warm air sucks moisture out of people and furniture. That's when throats start feeling scratchy, noses dry out, static electricity sparks start flying and, in drastic cases, furniture gets loose or even falls apart. Dry air results in warping and splitting of furniture, woodwork and hardwood floors....
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Boilers and radiators are not often installed in new homes, but many older residences feature this type of heating system, and steam or hot-water heating is still the system of choice for many apartments and multi-family dwellings....
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In a plumbing emergency, you need to stop the flow of water quickly. To do this, you and each member of the family needs to know the location of the shut off valve for every fixture and appliance, as well as the main shutoff valve for the house, and how they operate....
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Does my furnace have a filter? What is the purpose of a furnace filter? How often do I need to change my furnace filter? How do I determine which filter to buy for my particular model of furnace?...
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Thinking of ways to make your home more energy efficient? Here's what you can do to reduce your energy consumption and receive grants through ecoENERGY Retrofit....
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This new system marks the first time that plumbing hardware and electronics have been integrated to deliver a system that detects moisture by using electronic...
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Does my furnace have a filter? What is the purpose of a furnace filter? How often do I need to change my furnace filter?...
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Is there anything a homeowner can do to assure proper operation and safety of their furnace?...
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Toilet leaks can waste as much as four to five gallons of water per minute and cost you up to $100.00 per month in increased water and wastewater bills. Toilet leaks occur in two ways and are often very difficult to detect....
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To prevent drafts and heat loss, close windows and doors, and seal gaps with weather stripping....
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Thermostats control nearly all types of heating and cooling equipment, keeping room temperatures within a set range. By doing so, they ensure comfort, cut energy waste, and offer considerable convenience....
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Pipe noises range from loud hammering sounds to high-pitched squeks. The causes may be loose pipes, water logged air chambers, or water pressure that’s too high....
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Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning....
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Insulate your house - Move furniture, rugs, and drapes away from air grills and heating vents so that heat can circulate efficiently throughout the home - Set your water heater to 49 degrees Celsius...
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A leaking faucet can waste 5,000 gallons a year. A leaking toilet left for one month can waste 1,500 gallons. Not sure if you have a leak? Read your water meter before and after a 2 hour period when you are not using any water sources....
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Drains can usually be cleared easily and inexpensively, but taking some simple precautions will help you avoid stop-ups. Proper disposal of kitchen waste will keep sink drain clogs to a minimum....
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Here are a few tips for keeping you and your home cool when it's hot outside....
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In this age of high energy costs and environmental awareness, choosing the right cooling system for our homes is a crucial decision. The two main options are air conditioning systems or heat pumps. Let's take a look at how they compare....
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Air Conditioners are powered by electricity, and a lot of energy is needed to run them. They also use a refrigerant to transfer heat from indoors to outdoors....
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Here I will be explaining some Hvac tips that you can do around the house that could save you some money on your electric bill. These tips will be most aimed towards keeping your house cool and getting the most out of your central air conditioning unit....
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Common A/C problems: If your central air conditioning isn't performing up to par or isn't performing at all, here are some easy troubleshooting tips that you should try before contacting a Service Professional....
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