What Energy Star’s ‘Most Efficient’ Label Means To You
A major concern that consumers have when purchasing an HVAC system, water heater or other home appliance is the energy efficiency and how much money they will save over time. One way to find the most energy-efficient model is to choose one that carries Energy Star’s Most Efficient label. This means that the product meets […]
Cold Showers Mean It’s Checkup Time For Your Water Heater
If your morning shower isn’t quite as hot as it used to be or the hot water runs out before you’ve had a chance to rinse, chances are that there’s trouble brewing in your water heater.
How Air Cleaners Help Sufferers Of Breathing Ailments
Sufferers of asthma, hay fever, emphysema, allergies and chronic bronchitis are always looking for ways to breathe better. It can be particularly trying if you live with smokers as secondhand smoke can cause symptoms to worsen. Air cleaners may be worth considering, as they remove small particles in the air, as well as dust and allergens, helping […]
Your Furnace’s Heat Exchanger: Cracks Can Be Serious — Or Not
A furnace heat exchanger is a barrier that prevents toxic fumes generated by the burner from contaminating the warm air that circulates into the living area of your home. Rather than warming the air directly, the flame heats the metal surface of the heat exchanger, which then radiates that warmth to the air above it […]
Get In On The 2013 High-Efficiency Improvements Tax Credits
On New Year’s Day of this year, Congress approved a legislative package that extends previously expired tax credits. The fiscal cliff avoidance legislation will benefit many homeowners, often retroactively, for efforts they made to improve energy efficiency in their homes in 2012. The tax credits apply to efficient energy improvements made on new and existing […]
Ventilation Systems: HRVs, ERVs Can Improve Your Los Angeles Home’s Air Quality
Air quality is literally on the daily radar screen for Los Angeles-area residents. But did you know the EPA warns that indoor-air quality in the average home is actually several times more polluted than outdoor city air? If you’re concerned about the indoor-air quality of your home, you can breathe a fresh sigh of relief […]
If Your Garage Isn’t Sealed From The Rest Of Your House, Carbon Monoxide Is Of Concern
If you’re like many other Los Angelenos, chances are that that in addition to sheltering your car, your garage also houses your gas dryer or furnace. Unfortunately for homeowners who have attached garages, these carbon monoxide-producing appliances can put your household in danger. Here’s how you can keep your family safe from the threat of […]
UV Lights Should Be Part Of Your Home’s Clean Air Strategy
Now that we’re in the midst of the cold and flu season, we should be concerned with protecting ourselves and our families from the abundance of germs in the air around us. We naturally focus on the common sense methods that we have been taught since childhood, such as washing our hands, covering our mouths […]
Whole-House Humidifiers: 5 Tips To Keep Them Running Right In Your Los Angeles Home
During the drier seasons in Los Angeles, your whole house humidifier may be working overtime to keep you more comfortable and to help prevent illness and annoying static electricity. When your humidifier is operating around the clock, periodic maintenance is essential to keep it operating efficiently. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your humidifier in […]