/index.php/library en support@rocketmedia.com Copyright 2011 2011-09-29T20:13:59+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/will_your_heating_system_be_safe_this_winter/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/will_your_heating_system_be_safe_this_winter/#When:20:13:59Z October is National Fire Safety month. Your heating system, when not properly maintained, is one of the biggest fire and safety hazards in your home. In 2008, U.S. fire departments responded to 61,000 home fires that involved heating equipment, resulting in 480 deaths, 1,660 fire injuries and $1.1 billion in direct property damage. Heating & Cooling 2011-09-29T20:13:59+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/winters_affect_on_indoor_air_quality/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/winters_affect_on_indoor_air_quality/#When:16:03:51Z As temperatures cool off outside, most of us find ourselves spending more time indoors. Looming cooler temps also prompt us to tightly seal any cracks in our homes, preventing cold drafts from entering. Air Quality 2011-08-31T16:03:51+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/interesting_plumbing_facts/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/interesting_plumbing_facts/#When:20:44:06Z Plumbing is the system in our homes consisting of “pipes and fixtures for the distribution of water or gas in a building and for the disposal of sewage.” Sounds straightforward enough, however, you might be surprised by some of these interesting facts about household plumbing... Plumbing 2011-08-01T20:44:06+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/cut_costs_stay_cool_this_summer/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/cut_costs_stay_cool_this_summer/#When:17:41:03Z As electricity prices are expected to rise along with hot summer temps, it’s causing many to look for ways to cut back on expenses. Beat the heat this summer, reduce your air conditioning (a/c) usage, and enjoy savings with these simple tips. Heating & Cooling 2011-06-30T17:41:03+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/money_down_the_toilet/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/money_down_the_toilet/#When:15:15:16Z When looking for ways to cut costs many homeowners try to do the around-the-home projects themselves. However, there are certain jobs, especially those dealing with plumbing, which should be left to the professionals. Plumbing 2011-05-23T15:15:16+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/breathe_easier_this_spring/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/breathe_easier_this_spring/#When:14:51:34Z For many Americans spring means uncomfortable outdoor allergies. Coughing. Sneezing. Wheezing. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma and allergies strike 1 out of every 4 Americans and are the leading chronic diseases in the U.S. among all age groups. Air Quality 2011-04-29T14:51:34+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/spring_clean_your_plumbing1/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/spring_clean_your_plumbing1/#When:14:38:36Z Each season brings its own set of household tasks and spring certainly has its share. While it’s okay to do little plumbing jobs around your home, the big plumbing projects are best left to the professionals. Plumbing 2011-04-04T14:38:36+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/if_it_aint_broke_dont_fix_it/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/if_it_aint_broke_dont_fix_it/#When:22:41:41Z Isn’t that the old adage most of us go by? When things are moving along smoothly in our lives we often don’t pay attention to the details, one of those details being regular maintenance on our heating and cooling system. Heating & Cooling 2011-02-24T22:41:41+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/traditional_vs._variable_speed_furnace/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/traditional_vs._variable_speed_furnace/#When:22:51:56Z Technology has increased greatly in the heating and cooling industry over the last 10, even 5 years. For example, let’s compare a traditional furnace to a variable speed furnace. The difference is like comparing a regular light switch to a dimmer switch. Heating & Cooling 2011-01-31T22:51:56+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/holiday_overspending_leads_to_long-term_cost-cutting/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/holiday_overspending_leads_to_long-term_cost-cutting/#When:17:42:00Z It’s January and the mad rush of the holidays is over, so take a deep breath, sit back, and relax. But no – wait - you just realized that you over spent during the holidays and now you need to look for ways to cut costs! Heating & Cooling, Plumbing 2010-12-29T17:42:00+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/is_peace_of_mind_a_gift_worth_giving/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/is_peace_of_mind_a_gift_worth_giving/#When:20:41:37Z During the holidays every year heating service companies experience a large number of  “no heat” calls from panicked homeowners whose furnace has broken down and they’re expecting a house full of guests.  It happens every year, but it doesn’t have to. Heating & Cooling 2010-11-30T20:41:37+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/warranties_vs._maintenance/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/warranties_vs._maintenance/#When:16:38:48Z In the HVAC (heating, cooling & ventilation) industry, we often hear the comments, ”We don’t need planned maintenance, we’re still under warranty.”   Nothing could be further from the truth! 2010-08-24T16:38:48+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/save_water_energy_and_money_with_green_plumbing/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/save_water_energy_and_money_with_green_plumbing/#When:15:25:13Z “Going green” is not a new term for most of us, however, it might be as it applies to the plumbing in your home.  Green plumbing is plumbing that is designed to be the most energy efficient and at the same time conserve the most water. Plumbing 2010-08-03T15:25:13+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/is_water_pressure_getting_you_down/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/is_water_pressure_getting_you_down/#When:15:10:34Z When you open the faucet in your home most of us take for granted that the water will flow out.  Of course, this is really dependent upon the pressure that water is under.  Water pressure is created by water forcing its way through the distribution system to your tap. Water pressure should generally be between 60 and 75 PSI inside your home.  Plumbing 2010-06-16T15:10:34+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/times_have_changed_what_you_might_be_missing_and_not_even_realize/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/times_have_changed_what_you_might_be_missing_and_not_even_realize/#When:16:22:11Z If you have an older heating and cooling system, you need to be aware of all of the changes that have occurred over the last 20 years. We have seen a true revolution in heating and cooling equipment. Heating & Cooling 2010-05-25T16:22:11+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/help_the_environment_go_green_save/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/help_the_environment_go_green_save/#When:17:15:51Z Going green is a popular trend these days, and by going green you are helping conserve our natural resources.  Fortunately for homeowners, the by-product of conserving natural resources is often a reduction in monthly utility bills.  The home services industry (i.e. heating & cooling and plumbing) offers products on the market today that are more efficient than ever.  By choosing these energy efficient products you can save money and “go green” without losing anything in home comfort. Heating & Cooling 2010-05-04T17:15:51+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/basics_of_air_conditioning/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/basics_of_air_conditioning/#When:21:43:11Z Most people don’t realize how their central air conditioner actually works.  They think that an air conditioner functions by pumping cool air into their home.  But your air conditioner actually removes warm air and recirculates it as cool air. Heating & Cooling 2010-03-26T21:43:11+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/why_you_shouldnt_super_size_your_new_heating_and_cooling_system/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/why_you_shouldnt_super_size_your_new_heating_and_cooling_system/#When:23:33:43Z We as Americans, think that bigger is better and buy products that are “jumbo”, “extra large”, or “mega” size.  We generally think we are getting a better value and more of what we want.  But when it comes to a home’s heating and cooling needs, super-sizing your system can cost you in both money and comfort. Heating & Cooling 2010-02-26T23:33:43+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/inside_your_air_ducts/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/inside_your_air_ducts/#When:15:05:01Z The air duct system within your home is responsible for distributing air (cold or hot) throughout your home and returning it back to your equipment so that it can be treated, heated or cooled again, and then redistributed.  Clean, maintained and well-installed ductwork enables your heating and cooling system to run more efficiently and maintain consistent temperatures, while providing better overall comfort to you and your family. Heating & Cooling, Air Quality 2010-02-04T15:05:01+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/hot_water_on_demand/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/hot_water_on_demand/#When:17:50:54Z The average household spends $400-600 per year on water heating, making it the second largest energy expenditure after heating and cooling. Water heaters have come a long ways in the last 20 years and are now much more efficient. Plumbing 2009-12-18T17:50:54+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/the_value_of_quality_installation_and_maintenance/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/the_value_of_quality_installation_and_maintenance/#When:17:33:21Z These days the internet has become a very valuable tool for price comparing when considering purchases, especially major purchases. Everyone uses it. However, if you are considering a new heating and cooling system you need to consider more than just what the best price is and who carries the top brand. The largest factors when buying a heating and cooling system are the installation and maintenance. Heating & Cooling 2009-11-30T17:33:21+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/plumbing_101/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/plumbing_101/#When:17:06:08Z If you're lucky, you rarely need to worry about your plumbing. Your toilet flushes and your sink drains smoothly; you have plenty of hot water and your shower has good water pressure. But luck doesn't last forever. Many problems can occur in this system. Pipes can break, drains can plug, and valves can leak. When trouble arises, it's helpful if you know how the system works. This knowledge can help you save money, prevent damage to your home and keep your family safe. Plumbing 2009-10-21T17:06:08+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/basics_of_heating/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/basics_of_heating/#When:16:43:18Z According to the U.S. Federal Government heating and cooling accounts for around 45% of Americans’ annual energy bills. They estimate that on average homeowners will spend more than $10,000 for heating and cooling over a 10-year period. Heating & Cooling 2009-09-30T16:43:18+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/the_importance_of_heating_cooling_system_maintenance/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/the_importance_of_heating_cooling_system_maintenance/#When:17:21:14Z According to Energy Star, a division of the EPA, “Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of heating and cooling system failure.” Most people wouldn’t dream of driving their car without performing regular oil changes and tune-ups. Heating & Cooling 2009-08-28T17:21:14+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/product_manuals/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/product_manuals/#When:21:20:38Z Downloadable Air Cleaner, Humidifier, and Thermostat Product Manuals. General 2009-08-26T21:20:38+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/were_setting_the_green_standard/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/were_setting_the_green_standard/#When:21:19:12Z Today's gas and oil prices are so unpredictable, it's hard to know what next month's utility bill total might be. Combine that anxiety with the pressure to reduce greenhouse emissions and it's no wonder more homeowners are investing in the best green innovations they can buy. Heating & Cooling, General 2009-08-26T21:19:12+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/20_ways_to_lower_your_energy_bill_this_winter/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/20_ways_to_lower_your_energy_bill_this_winter/#When:21:10:35Z Ideas, tips and tricks to lower your energy bill this winter. Heating & Cooling 2009-08-26T21:10:35+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/important_changes_regarding_the_r-22_refrigerant_freon_used_in_air_conditio/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/important_changes_regarding_the_r-22_refrigerant_freon_used_in_air_conditio/#When:17:47:58Z As of January 2010, R-22 refrigerant, a HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon), will no longer be manufactured. This refrigerant has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air conditioning systems for over four decades. Heating & Cooling 2009-08-13T17:47:58+00:00 http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/problems_of_poor_indoor_air_quality/ http://www.blindandsons.com/library/article/problems_of_poor_indoor_air_quality/#When:17:42:22Z There are a variety of health and environmental effects that are caused by poor air quality. According to the EPA, asthma is a growing public health problem with about 23 million people suffering from asthma, 6.8 million of which are children. Other problems caused by poor air quality are rhinitis, bacteria, sinusitis, dust and dirt build-up, excessive molds and mildew, smoke, increased utility bills (decreased air flow) and unpleasant fumes and odors. Fifty percent of illnesses, such as colds and flu, allergies and asthma, are caused or aggravated by mold, mildew, bacteria and fungi according to the American College of Allergists. Air Quality 2009-07-29T17:42:22+00:00