Indoor Air Quality – Is Your Home Healthy?

Posted on May 23, 2013 by takadmin

Is Your Home Healthy and Comfortable?

IAQ in your homeIndoor air pollution can be a serious health risk. Studies by the Environment Protection Agency have shown that the air inside buildings can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside, and sometimes much more.  And since the average American spends so much time indoors, we have to take inside air quality seriously, especially for seniors, those with breathing problems,  and small children.

You probably care mostly about your heating and cooling keeping the temperature right, and may not think much about the quality of the air circulating through the house.  Whole house systems control temperature, but they also impact the air quality in terms of filtration and humidity levels of what we breathe into our lungs.  Both of those affect  our health.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor pollution sources can  release gases or microscopic particles into the air.  Such things as carpets, paint, insulation, spray cans, insecticide, cleaners, soaps, cosmetics and other common substances can cause indoor air quality problems in the home.  One key problem is a low level of ventilation; not bringing in enough fresh outdoor air to dilute the pollution sources, and also not carrying  out enough of them.   This can be worsened on warm days or during periods of high humidity levels.  HVAC systems must have an adequate free flow of outside air to work properly.  Newer homes are better sealed against leaks, and may have higher pollutant levels than older, drafty or leaky homes.

According to EPA officials, major pollutants also include combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood and tobacco products.  They can produce carbon monoxide and other invisible and potentially deadly gases.  Dust, mold and allergens can also easily and invisibly build up and spread throughout your home on air currents.  Even outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides and fertilizer can get in your home.

The effects of poor indoor air quality can be immediate or delayed.  Typical clues to air quality problems include headaches, dizziness, fatigue and irritation of eyes, nose and throat.  Some exposure such as carbon monoxide poisoning can kill in minutes, but longer-term effects might include respiratory and heart diseases, as well as cancer.

There are options and solutions available:

• Reduce the Sources: Eliminate harmful sources such as smoking, and wood or coal burning stoves; keep cleaning products outside; remove asbestos and insulation products.

• Ventilate the house: Open windows and use screen doors occasionally; run bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans; operate window or attic fans when weather permits.

• Use air cleaners and filters:  Use add-ons or modifications to your heating and air conditioning system to filter out contaminants and improve air quality.  Ensure you do regular filter changes according to your system’s recommended schedule.  You can also buy higher level filtration systems to remove more contaminants from the air.

If you aren’t sure that your indoor air quality is healthy, give us a call and let us take a look.  We can check it for you and recommend options that will improve it.   At Kaiser, we want your family to stay healthy, too!

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The TA Kaiser Satisfaction Guarantee

Posted on May 16, 2013 by takadmin

The TA Kaiser Satisfaction Guarantee provides you with our promise that you will receive excellent customer service from us and that providing it to you is our #1 priority.  We know you have a significant investment in your heating and cooling system, and we will safeguard your investment with quality technical work.  We will always provide you with clear and cost effective options as we care for your existing system, or in the installation of new equipment for you.

Our technicians are well trained, skilled in their trade, and appropriately supervised by experts with even more years of experience.  We pride ourselves on exceeding your expectations and delivering results.  This is our written guarantee:

working on site

T A Kaiser Heating & Air, Inc.’s installation technicians are the best in skill, attitude and workmanship. They will care for your home and complete the job with speed and precision. They will not wear shoes on your carpets. They will clean up when they are finished and take personal responsibility for your satisfaction. They will not smoke or swear in your home and they are drug-free. If, when they have finished in your home, they have not performed in accordance with these high standards, you don’t pay until you are satisfied with the results.

If you have any questions please contact our office.   Thank you for trusting us with your business.

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May is Military Appreciation Month

Posted on May 13, 2013 by takadmin

2013 military appreciation

All of us at TA Kaiser are extremely proud of the brave people in our armed forces, and deeply grateful for the sacrifice and service they give every day to keep us free.  We invite US veterans to  apply for employment in our company.

The United States observes Military Appreciation Month every May.  We honor all current and former members of the armed forces who have served the country and protected our freedoms. There are several significant days for celebration during this month.

  • Wednesday, May 8, 2013 is designated as Victory in Europe Day.  This is a remembrance that on May 8th, 1945, the Germans throughout Europe unconditionally surrendered to WW II Allies.
  • Saturday, May 11th, 2013, is Military Spouse Appreciation Day.  Coming just before Mother’s Day, it is a day to honor military spouses and recognize the important role our military families play.  They are a key component in keeping our Armed Forces strong and our country safe.
  • Armed Forces Day is set for Saturday, May 18.  This is a day for citizens to thank all of our military members for their patriotic sacrifices in support of our country.  This day honors everyone in all branches including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy.
  • The last special day of the month is Memorial Day, which will be Monday, May 27.  This one is a federal holiday in remembrance of our veterans.  It commemorates the men and women who gave their lives during military service.

Are there any veterans in your family that you are proud of?  What did they do to make you so proud?

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Reduce spring allergies with these solutions

Posted on April 24, 2013 by takadmin

Many Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, especially in the spring. The air inside your home can be a major contributor which intensifies your symptoms. Luckily, your HVAC system can help you reduce spring allergies with the use of some helpful enhancements that improve your indoor air quality.

High-quality air filters like HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filters offer better filtration solutions than the disposable filters alone. These advanced filtration solutions work to remove the tiny airborne particles which exacerbate allergies and increase the symptoms of sufferers in your household. A high-efficiency filter can help reduce spring allergies significantly, removing more than 99% of airborne contaminants from your indoor air.

If you only use disposable filters with your system, change them more frequently this time of year if you notice allergy symptoms worsening. In the spring, pollen and mold counts are typically high outdoors and can affect you inside as well. Reduce spring allergies by helping your HVAC system eliminate more of these contaminants. Check and change your filter every 30 days at the minimum.

April showers can bring more than just May flowers- the rainy conditions contribute to higher levels of humidity which can increase allergies. Humidity creates conditions which are perfect for mold and mildew growth. These weather conditions will affect the humidity levels inside your home if there’s no solution. A dehumidifier can help reduce spring allergies by balancing the humidity levels inside your home throughout the season. By removing excessive humidity and keeping humidity at the recommended levels, your dehumidifier will reduce the effects of allergens in the air and improve your home’s indoor air quality.

You can also reduce spring allergies with air sterilization equipment. These devices can be installed to work with your heating and air conditioning systems to alleviate common allergy symptoms. Spring weather can also leave your home smelling musty from excess humidity- air sterilization can help eliminate these unpleasant smells.

If there are allergy sufferers in your home, fight symptoms with your HVAC system this spring. Using these devices and filter changing tips, you can reduce spring allergies and help everyone breathe easier this season. For advice on which indoor air quality solution is best for your home or to install new equipment, call T.A. Kaiser today.

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Duct sealing improves air conditioner efficiency

Posted on April 18, 2013 by takadmin

If you haven’t already, it’s nearly time to turn on the air conditioner this year! Many homeowners prepare their homes for the coming months by scheduling a professional air conditioning tune-up, sealing around windows and doors, and more. One area that is often overlooked but plays a big role in the efficiency of your home is your duct work. Inspect your ducts this spring and see if duct sealing is in order.

When ducts leak, conditioned air can escape before reaching your living areas. When this happens, your air conditioner has to work harder to provide more cooling so you stay comfortable- this uses more energy, and contributes to higher energy bills. Duct sealing keeps your duct connections tight so air flows where it’s intended to, rather than leaking out into your crawl space, attic, or other unconditioned space.

This spring, perform a quick inspection on your home’s duct work to help determine if duct sealing is needed. Duct leaks are commonly found at joints and connections between sections of the duct. Be sure to inspect these areas: supply and return plenums (the sheet metal boxes attached to the furnace or air handler), fittings in the duct runs, and where ducts connect to registers indoors.

  • Visually inspect and note any obvious gaps, holes, or loose connections with the plenums, fittings, and around registers.
  • Check the insulation around your ducts. If there are tears in the insulation or wet spots, this is a good indicator that the nearby ducts are in need of attention.
  • Look for signs of rust and damage to the sheet metal, as well as old duct tape which may have fallen off.

Duct sealing can save you as much as 10% on your annual cooling and heating bills. Your quick inspection will give you an idea if duct sealing is necessary. If you suspect an issue with your ducts, call T.A. Kaiser to perform a thorough inspection and provide professional duct sealing solutions for your home.

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Where pet hair hides

Posted on April 11, 2013 by takadmin

If you have pets, you know your home sometimes needs extra cleaning to get rid of all their extra hair. Even during the deepest of spring cleanings, there are a few hiding spots where pet hair sometimes lurks unnoticed. When pet hair and dander piles up, it can diminish your indoor air quality and cause irritation if family members and guests are sensitive. Keep these key spots on your cleaning list to remove hidden pet hair and dander, and improve your air quality this spring.

In your filters and vents

Too much pet hair not only hurts your indoor air quality, it can burden your heating and air conditioning systems. Be sure to wipe down your register covers to prevent pet hair and dander from accumulating in your duct system. You also need to check and change your furnace filter frequently. Pet hair moving through your system can cause filters to clog quickly, compared to those in a home without pets.

Beneath appliances

Areas around heavy appliances don’t always receive a deep cleaning because they are large and cumbersome to move and get around. Under your refrigerator, oven, washing machine and dryer- these spots can fill up with pet hair and go relatively unnoticed. This spring, ask a family member or friend to help you pull these appliances out and clean these areas well to eliminate extra pet hair that has accumulated over the winter.

In your drawers

If you have pets, you know pet hair turns up in the strangest of places sometimes. Pet hair can get into little nooks and crannies, such as in the corners of drawers, shelves, and closets. While cleaning out the drawers may seem like a hassle, it’s a perfect spring task. When you switch those long johns out for shorts, take the time to wipe out your drawers and get rid of the pet hair and dander which has piled up inside.

cat windowOn your window treatments

If you’ve got a cat who loves to sit on the windowsill, you’ve probably noticed hair piling up here, or stuck on the curtains by his favorite spot. Even if your pets don’t get near your windows, your window treatments and windowsills still see a lot of pet hair. Just like tables, bookcases, and other surfaces in your home, your window treatments need a good dusting. You’ll probably be opening those windows more to enjoy the spring temperatures, allowing pet hair to be picked up by the breeze and moved back into your home. Give your windows and their coverings a thorough cleaning and remove the pet hair which has built up over the winter months.

 
The battle against pet hair never seems to end, but it’s a sacrifice we make for our furry friends. No matter how hairy your pals are, reducing pet hair and dander accumulations can help everyone breathe easier. T.A. Kaiser can help you with solutions to improve filtration and indoor air quality that are ideal for homes with pets. Call us today to learn more, and don’t forget to schedule your spring air conditioning tune-up- it should be on your spring maintenance to-do list every year!

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Time for air conditioner maintenance

Posted on April 4, 2013 by takadmin

It’s officially spring and before you know it, your air conditioner will be working overtime to keep you cool. Get your air conditioner ready for warm weather work with these air conditioner maintenance tips.

  • Clear debris away from your outdoor condensing unit. Grass clippings, leaves, overgrown vegetation, and more can accumulate around the unit, restricting air flow.
  • Replace your air filter. A clean air filter will improve performance and energy efficiency. Continue to check your air filter each month and replace when necessary throughout the year.
  • Inspect your registers and return grates. Make sure furniture or other items aren’t blocking them, which can restrict air flow and reduce the amount of cooling you receive in certain rooms.
  • Clean your vents. Dust the vent covers and clean the areas around them regularly to prevent excess dirt and debris from entering your duct system.
  • Remove clutter from around your indoor blower unit. If items are being stored around your blower, relocate them away from the unit.
  • Schedule professional air conditioner maintenance.

air conditioner maintenance

Professional air conditioner maintenance is recommended by equipment manufacturers and should be performed annually. It’s ideal to undergo air conditioning maintenance before you need to use your air conditioner. On the first hot day of the season, many homeowners get an unwelcome surprise when their air conditioning systems don’t cool, or don’t even start!

Air conditioner maintenance protects your system by improving efficiency and ensuring your air conditioner is prepared to cool your home. During professional air conditioner maintenance, a qualified technician will inspect and service your system’s crucial components, providing care where needed and troubleshooting for potential issues found. Having your air conditioner maintained by a qualified technician can provide peace of mind- you’ll know your system is tuned up and in shape for the coming months to supply you with comfortable, efficient cooling.

By following these tips and scheduling professional air conditioner maintenance, you can help your air conditioner perform at its best. T.A. Kaiser provides annual air conditioning maintenance as well as Preventative Maintenance Agreements which keep you on track for recommended maintenance each year. Call us today to schedule air conditioner maintenance this spring.

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Get your programmable thermostat ready for spring

Posted on March 28, 2013 by takadmin

Hopefully, we’ve gotten our last snow and warmer weather is on its way! It’s time to start thinking spring, and getting your home ready for the changing temperatures we’ll soon experience. A good place to start is with your programmable thermostat. You’ll be relying on it quite a bit as the seasons change, as spring weather can really fluctuate.

programmable thermostatDo you have a programmable thermostat?

If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, make the switch now! A programmable thermostat will help you maintain comfortable temperatures inside while conserving energy and cutting expenses. Check out our thermostat buying guide, which will help you choose a programmable thermostat to best fit your needs.

If you already have a programmable thermostat, does it have an auto-changeover feature? This feature comes in handy especially during the spring. From rainy to sunny, cold to hot, all in a matter of just a few hours, spring weather can cause us to flip-flop between heating and cooling in the same day. A programmable thermostat with auto-changeover will do the job for you, switching from furnace to air conditioning and vice versa to maintain comfortable temperatures any time of day.

Use your programmable thermostat

Spring can be an “in-between” time where you may turn off your heating and cooling systems to conserve energy when temperatures are mild. Forget to turn it back on, and you may wake up chilly in the middle of the night or come home to a hot house one afternoon. You don’t have to turn your heating and cooling systems off to save energy because your programmable thermostat will get the job done.

Keep your systems on and your thermostat will ensure systems will not be running if the temperature has been met, but will kick the systems on if temperatures fall below or rise above the set points. Keeping your systems on will allow them to heat or cool your home more efficiently when needed; turning them off can cause the temperature in your home to rise or fall several degrees beyond what you prefer, so your heating and cooling systems will have to work more to return your home to comfortable temperatures.

When setting your programmable thermostat for spring, consider weather factors besides just outdoor temperatures. Typically, spring is less humid than summer, so temperatures don’t always feel so hot. Whatever temperature you’re comfortable at in the summer, you can probably stand to have your thermostat set a few degrees higher than that in the spring. With lower humidity, you’ll still be comfortable and conserve energy.

When preparing your programmable thermostat for spring temperatures, don’t forget about your air conditioner! Your air conditioner should be professionally serviced before you need to use it each year. Contact T.A. Kaiser to schedule preventative maintenance for your air conditioner, or to have a new programmable thermostat installed.

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End of season heating system considerations

Posted on March 20, 2013 by takadmin

Spring technically starts today, although it may not feel like it! While warmer weather is on our minds, it doesn’t mean you should forget about your heating system just yet. Though you may be ready to turn it off shortly, making some important decisions regarding your heating system this spring may save you some hassles, and money, come fall.

Spring is a great time to plan your upcoming heating system purchase. Often times, homeowners must make hurried decisions when purchasing new heating equipment, because their old system failed in the dead of winter. With a break from those cold winter temperatures, you will have time to find the perfect replacement heating system for your home by getting an early start in the spring. Do your research, talk to heating system experts, and compare features of the heating equipment you’re considering for your next replacement. With more time to explore your options, you’ll feel more prepared and less rushed when it’s time to make your heating system purchase.

When faced with a decision to repair or replace a heating system that’s failed during cold months, homeowners may feel repairing their current furnace is their best bet to regain comfort. Unfortunately, this choice may mean you’ll be sinking more money into repairing a unit that is nearing the end of its service life. As heating systems age, more repairs are typically needed in the last year or two of service life; instead of repairing, a replacement heating system is another available option. In the rush to restore warm indoor temperatures, homeowners can overlook analyzing the benefits of replacement versus repair.

Exploring your heating system options in the spring may also prepare you to save more over the lifetime of your new equipment. If you feel rushed to purchase a new furnace fast in order to keep your family comfortable in winter, you may overlook some important equipment qualities which could help you save for years to come. Efficiency ratings are important numbers to evaluate, and can help you determine how much you’ll save monthly and annually while operating your new heating system, compared to alternative choices or even your current system. Manufacturer warranties also provide protection for your new heating system, should certain service needs arise down the road.

If you foresee the possibility of needing a new furnace or heating system soon, start planning in the spring to allow plenty of time for evaluating the options available. If you have questions about purchasing a new heating system, or finding an appropriate choice for your home, a trusted heating and cooling company can offer information and advice to help; call T.A. Kaiser today to learn more about selecting a new heating system for your home, and scheduling installation before we reunite with cool fall temperatures down the road.

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Thermostat settings for spring break

Posted on March 7, 2013 by takadmin

Spring break is right around the corner, and many families will be leaving the cold climates behind for a warm week elsewhere. While you may be taking a break from cool temperatures, your home won’t be. Temperatures below freezing are a risk when you’re gone, so you’ll need to keep the heat on in your home when you leave for winter vacations. Keeping the heat on while the house is empty may seem like a waste, but it is important to protect your home. Here are some tips that can help you save energy while you’re gone on over spring break.

thermostat settingThe ideal thermostat setting

Setting your thermostat between 50-55 degrees will conserve energy while you’re away. This thermostat setting should also prevent your pipes from freezing. Lowering the temperature in your home can save anywhere from 10% to 30% on your heating costs while you are on vacation. If you have pets that will be staying at home, check with your veterinarian to see what thermostat settings are appropriate to keep them safe, too.

Use your programmable thermostat’s vacation mode or hold feature to pause your regular schedules while you’re on vacation. Upon returning, you can resume your regular thermostat settings. If you tend to forget adjusting your thermostat settings when you go out of town, choosing a thermostat with internet connectivity can allow you to access and adjust your settings anywhere.

Check around the house before you leave on vacation. Make sure windows are sealed tightly as well as exterior doors. Air escaping through cracked windows and doors wastes heating energy while you’re gone; making sure everything is closed all the way works to keep your heat inside. It’s also a good idea to check these areas for safety and make sure windows and doors are also locked.

Water heater thermostat settings

Lower your water heater’s thermostat settings as well. Much of the costs associated with a tank storage water heater come from storing the hot water. While you’re away, you won’t need this water to be stored for use. Switch your water heater to the lowest thermostat setting, but do not turn it off; turning off your water heater in cold months can risk freezing pipes.

Lighting settings

Many people prefer to leave a light on inside or outdoors while they’re on vacation to give the appearance that someone is home in order to deter potential break-ins. Setting lights on timers will reduce their energy use while you’re gone, and may better protect your home. Leaving lights on day and night for extended periods, especially exterior lights, can become a clue to outsiders that your family isn’t home.

Don’t incur additional costs at home while enjoying your vacation. Follow these tips to maximize efficiency as well as protect your empty home.  Contact T.A. Kaiser if you have questions about programming your thermostat for vacation, or installing a new smart thermostat to help you save.

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