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What Happens If A Gas Line Leaks?

October 17, 2024

Gas leaks are extremely dangerous. If ignored, they can cause explosions and major damage to your home. Gas leaks can also harm your health because they expose you to dangerous chemicals that can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea and fatigue. Here is an in-depth look at how to recognize a gas leak, what to do if you find one and how to keep your home safe in the future. What Are the Different Types of Gas Lines in a Home? The two most common kinds of gas lines found in residential buildings are

Energy-Efficient Heating Solutions For The Modern Home

October 10, 2024

Your heating system keeps you cozy and safe all winter long. It may also shock you with the size of your heating bill, but there are options to avoid excessive costs. Let’s explore options for modern homes that will lower your heating expenses and reduce your household’s carbon footprint. Heating Efficiency Ratings The Department of Energy (DOE) uses two rating systems to measure heating efficiency. It uses annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for systems that generate heat, such as furnaces and boilers. The DOE uses heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) for systems that transfer heat, such

Tankless Water Heater FAQs

September 17, 2024

Traditional water heaters store and heat water in a tank. Tankless or on-demand water heaters don’t store hot water but rather heat the water as needed. While tankless water heaters aren’t a new invention, there have been many innovations since their original designs. Those improvements have made them one of the hottest trends in home improvement. Let’s explore some common questions homeowners have about switching to a tankless system. Is a Tankless Water Heater More Expensive? Yes. The equipment costs are higher because on-demand water heaters are more intricate than traditional ones. The installation costs are

7 Ways to Transition Your HVAC From Summer to Fall

September 10, 2024

Your HVAC system is an important appliance that keeps you comfortable throughout the year. However, for your HVAC system to operate effectively, you need to properly maintain it and ensure it is ready for a change in seasons. While you are using your air conditioner in the summer, the components that operate your furnace sit unused and can run into issues when you go to turn on the heat for the first time. Here are seven ways you can help your HVAC system transition from summer to fall and be ready for the upcoming demand you will place on your

How Humidity Affects Your HVAC Efficiency

August 19, 2024

Humidity is a natural and needed part of the air, helping keep things moist, and weighing down airborne contaminants so they drop from the air. However, uncontrolled humidity is problematic for your HVAC system, comfort, and health. Use this guide to understand the ideal indoor humidity, four ways poorly controlled humidity affects your HVAC efficiency, signs of high or low humidity and how to better control your home’s humidity throughout the year. What Is Humidity and What Is the Ideal Indoor Humidity? Humidity is the moisture that’s naturally part of the air. It’s typically measured in

What Can Go Wrong with DIY Toilet Installation?

August 13, 2024

Owning a home can be expensive, which is why many Salem, OR homeowners look for DIY solutions to common household problems and installations. If you need to install a new toilet, you might have researched how to complete this process. While installing a new toilet can look quite easy in a tutorial video, looks can be deceiving. There are quite a few things that can go wrong in a DIY toilet installation. Should these mishaps occur, they won’t just result in a poorly functioning toilet, they can lead to serious damage to your home. Improperly Sealed

Understanding Water Treatment Systems: Ensuring Clean and Safe Water

July 18, 2024

The importance of clean water in homes cannot be overstated. Every aspect of human life relies on access to clean water — from cooking and drinking to showering and cleaning. Remarkably, the human body itself is composed of 60% water, which needs constant replenishment. However, increasing pollution and environmental contamination have made tap water less reliable for safe consumption. As a result, more households are turning to home water treatment systems to ensure access to clean and safe water. Here’s what you need to know about these systems. Understanding Water Quality Before diving into home water

How Your HVAC System Can Help With Wildfire Season

July 10, 2024

Wildfires are becoming increasingly common and creating serious issues for people in many different parts of the country. It isn’t just wildfires near your home that you need to worry about. The smoky air from wildfires can travel hundreds or thousands of miles. The concern is that wildfire smoke creates serious air quality issues since it contains fine particles that are unhealthy to breathe in. These particles can lead to your eyes and nose running and even cause bronchitis. Smoky air is especially a concern to people with chronic lung or heart disease since it can exacerbate these illnesses and

Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips for a Smoother Kitchen Experience

June 12, 2024

If your kitchen has a garbage disposal, you can mulch and cut up soft food waste instead of filling up trash bags. The waste is liquefied and sent down the drainpipe, which ensures easy disposal. However, the components that make up a disposal can become clogged or damaged if they aren’t properly maintained. Follow these maintenance tips to avoid clogs and other issues. How Garbage Disposals Work Once a garbage disposal is installed in your home, you should see a rubber splash guard along the bottom of your sink. The numerous components that are housed

14 Ways to Reduce Your AC Bill This Summer

June 3, 2024

Summertime in Salem, OR, is the time of year that most people look forward to scheduling vacation time and spending more time outdoors. However, one part of summer you’re likely not looking forward to is the rise in your energy bill. Fortunately, by implementing some of the tips that we’re going to go over below, you can help reduce your AC usage and lower your energy bills this summer. Block Out the Sunlight Direct sunlight can cause a tremendous increase in temperature. If you’re letting direct sunlight pour into the rooms of your home, your air