Summer Heat Isn't the Only Cause of Mold

Depending on where and how you live, it may be necessary to operate an air dehumidifier in the wintertime to prevent mold. Summer heat isn't the only problem!

Did you know that when heating your home you could create conditions ripe for mold growth? This is because anytime the temperature controlled air in your home contacts a cooler surface such as pipes in the basement, glass windows, mirrors, and other cool surfaces, condensation can form. The warm air of the home, combined with a buildup of condensation can allow mold to grow in bathroom areas, windowsills, basements, and other vulnerable spots. You can control the relative humidity with home dehumidifier, but also run ceiling fans to help prevent condensation on skylights or roof windows. Shorter showers, cooking with lids on your pots, and cracking open your windows slightly can also help prevent moisture buildup.

Summer Energy Saving Tips

This time of year as the weather heats up, there are always lists of summer energy saving tips. And while most people know that replacing your conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, and not using your oven during the hottest part of the day are wise moves, there are some tips that do not immediately come to mind. For example, most people do not think about the placement of their secondary refrigerator or deep freezer as an energy hog. If either (or both!) of those are in an uninsulated area, such as a hot garage, then they are having to work even harder to stay cool, as opposed to if they were in an insulated room or basement. Many energy saving lists mention turning a dishwasher to the “air dry” option, instead of the heat drying cycle. However, most would not think about also doing other heat and moisture producing tasks when the day is cooler. Moisture in the home is going to mean humidity, after all. And while many people use an outdoor grill in the summertime, it is not typically as an energy saving measure—the grill will use less energy than the oven, and the air conditioner will not have to make up for the extra heat within the home. So, you have our permission: grill out soon, in the name of energy efficiency!

Routine Plumbing Maintenance

Everyone knows that routine maintenance is needed to keep things running smoothly on expensive items, that is no mystery. Cars get oil changes every three thousand miles. Home air conditioners get new filters every month. But most people do not think about routine plumbing maintenance in their homes, to keep it running as well. While plumbing problems should be left to qualified professionals, like those at Gehringer Mechanical, general maintenance can be within anyone's grasp. A sluggish bathroom drain can be avoided with periodic treatments of baking soda and hot water. Water filters in the refrigerator’s ice maker can be checked and changed. Sediment in a traditional-style hot water heater can be drained. Poorly preforming shower heads can be cleaned. All of these are easy treatments that could spare a homeowner from misery, days of trouble, and of course, costly repairs.

9 Tips for Spring Cleaning and Relieving Allergies

Most people associate springtime with increased allergic symptoms and an overwhelming desire to clean the home. Fortunately, cleaning your home can help relieve common allergies, and not just in the spring. Although outdoor pollen counts may be elevated during these months, indoor air quality can cause allergies all year round. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your spring cleaning and improve your indoor air quality throughout the year.

1 – Although allergens can be found on almost any surface, airborne particles are most likely to cause the respiratory symptoms most commonly associated with spring allergies. Using high quality portable room air purifiers with High Efficiency Particle Air (HEPA) filters that remove 99.9% of airborne particles can help to drastically reduce allergic reactions. Models like the IQAir HealthPro can process large amounts of air and remove most of the dust, dander, pollen, and spores that cause discomfort.

2 – Use a vapor steam cleaner to disinfect and deodorize the surfaces in your home. Pure, chemical-free steam naturally disinfects windows, appliances, counters, floors, carpets, and upholstery and kills harmful bacteria, mold and mites. Although you can hire a professional to perform this service, there are small, affordable cleaners that allow you to clean and disinfect your home throughout the years. Purchasing a unite, like the Whitewing vapor steam cleaner, can actually save you money in the long run.

3 – Although vacuuming is important, it doesn't do any good if you don't have the right vacuum. Improper techniques and poor quality devices can leave both your home and your air dirtier than before you started. Some vacuums throw dust and allergens back into the air while bagless vacuums create even more problems if you empty the container inside the home. Be sure to use vacuums with HEPA filters that trap airborne particles while it sucks in dirt. And empty out bags and containers outside the home and away from any open windows or doors.

4 – If you are unsure about the types of air pollutants in your home, there are test kits available for you to test your air. Cockroach allergens, pollen, dust mites, fiberglass, formaldehyde, and pet dander are only a few of the common allergens found in most homes. Testing airborne allergen levels can help you determine specific problems and tailor your cleaning accordingly.

5 – Wash your bed linens at least twice a week and keep your pets off the bed. Although most people like to sleep with their animals, dogs and cats leave dander and hair on your bed, potentially causing respiratory problems for you in your sleep. Dust mites and dirt can also build up on bedding and sheets should be washed in hot water twice a week to kill these small mites.

6 – Shower before bed. Although cleaning your sheets is important, pollen and air pollutants collect in your clothes and air throughout the day. If you don't shower prior to climbing into bed, these allergens build up on your sheets and can cause respiratory problems for you when you sleep.

7 – Use dehumidifiers in areas of your home with high moisture levels in the air. Mold and mildew love basements, bathrooms, and kitchens because of their high humidity levels and keeping proper ventilation and dehumidifiers in these areas helps prevent against growth of harmful microorganisms. Small dehumidifiers, like those produced by Danby, take up very little space but provide essential moisture relief in any room. Also, make sure to properly fix and clean any leaks in plumbing and keep areas ventilated to the outdoors.

8 – Use air filters whenever possible. Most furnaces and vents come equipped with areas for removable filters. Although filters should be replaced regularly, some can be cleaned to help save you money. Be sure to read the instructions and labels on any filter to ensure proper use and installation. Furnace and vent filters help trap larger airborne particles and work well when used in conjunction with portable room air purification units.

9 – Indoor air quality is traditionally worse than the air outside. While cleaning and whenever possible, open windows and doors to facilitate air exchange and remove any dust particles that became airborne during cleaning.

You should use these tips to improve your indoor air quality all year round. Although springtime is the traditional season for cleaning, consider using these techniques to reduce indoor allergens throughout the year. Dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants can cause respiratory problems in sensitive individuals and asthma suffers need to be especially careful when it comes to indoor allergens. The installation of air purifiers and HEPA filters coupled with proper cleaning techniques can go a long way in improving the quality of life for you and your family.

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Spring and Summer HVAC Tips

Have your Air Conditioning system tuned-up for the season, so that you are running at peak efficiency. Operating at peak efficiency will save money because the system doesn't have to work as hard to do it's job.

Replace your furnace or air handler filters on a regular basis. Lack of regular filter changes and maintenance is the Number 1 cause of system breakdowns and costly repair bills.

If you disconnected the power to your central air conditioning system in the winter, wait 24-hours after turning power back on to the system to run it. Your compressor needs that time to warm-up.

Keep the thermostat constant. Continuously adjusting the thermostat can be very inefficient. You can, however, raise the thermostat 2-3 degrees during the day while you're away to save money. For every degree you raise the setting, you can expect to cut energy consumption by up to 3-5%.

Flip the fan switch on your thermostat into the "fan on" mode when cooling the house. This process will ensure that air is always being stirred to prevent hot and cold pockets from forming.

Set air vents on the second floor to receive approximately 75 percent of the conditioned air. This will help even out the temperatures from the first to the second floor of the home.

Keep the shades and curtains drawn to reduce the radiant heat of the sun.

Install awnings or plant trees that will shade southern facing windows. This keeps the hottest rays of the sun from shining directly into the house.

Replace older windows with more efficient low-E glass. These windows help to reduce the effect of the suns warming rays. Also, keep storm windows closed. The above 3 tips will reduce the heat load gain on your home which means your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard to keep the home at a comfortable temperature. This saves money and extends the life of the system.

Install an attic fan to help ventilate some of the hot air out of the attic. Attics can reach temperatures of 140 - 150 degrees and this build of warm air can make the upstairs of a home warmer than it needs to be. This makes the air conditioner work harder to do it's job. It costs you more to cool your home and the life of the system can be decreased.

Run a dehumidifier in the basement if the basement is humid. A damp basement can add moisture to the whole house. With the humidity levels as high as they are around here on their own, you don't need that! A dehumidifier in the basement will help to reduce the humidity levels in the home, making it more comfortable throughout in the hot summer months.

Clear or cut back shrubs and bushes from the outdoor unit. The sides of the unit require at least 12-18 inches of clearance for proper performance.

Keep fallen leaves, grass clippings, foliage and other dirt and debris away from your outdoor unit. And keep the a/c coils clean, following manufacturers' instructions.

Don't block vents or ducts inside the house to assure air flow in the home.

Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors (especially the attic) to close air gaps.

Avoid using the oven during the day. Run the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer in the evening, when electricity rates may be lower and heat from those appliances won't increase a/c demands.

Turn off lamps, TV and other appliances when not in use.

Consider use of a programmable thermostat to automatically increase or decrease temperatures during day and night to suit a family's lifestyle and reduce energy cost.

Use shades, blinds or curtains to keep sunlight out of the house.

Keep windows and doors closed when the a/c is on.


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SmartWatt Energy Completes Energy-Efficient LED Lighting Upgrades at NOR-AM Cold Storage Logistics

SmartWatt Energy has helped NOR-AM Cold Storage Logistics achieve savings of 218,761 kilowatt hours at their facility in Schuyler, NE after a LED lighting retrofit.

Representatives from Cornhusker Public Power District were at NOR-AM on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 to present a $24,016.08 incentive check for the energy efficient lighting upgrades. The funds are made possible through the Energy Wise program offered by Cornhusker Power partnered with its power supplier, Nebraska Public Power District.

"Upgrading technology and generating energy savings is a win-win situation," said David Johnson, Plant Manager for NOR-AM Cold Storage Logistics. "The improvements are estimated to save more than $14,132 annually, which would pay for the project in 4 years."

SmartWatt Energy's engineering team completed a detailed energy audit (DEA) at the facility, then proposed improvements which included 109 lights being retrofitted, a majority of which were metal halides, to LEDs. Occupancy sensors were added to most of the lights, resulting in additional energy savings. LED lighting technology introduces very little heat into the facility, which is an added benefit for cold storage facilities and results in additional "coincidence cooling."

"Our goal is to support our customers to become more
efficient," said Karen Schlautman, Marketing Director for Cornhusker Public Power District. "Lighting technologies developed during the past 10 years can help cut lighting costs 30 to 60 percent, while enhancing lighting quality and reducing environmental impacts."

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Energy Efficiency

     As temperatures begin to drop and your energy bill begin to rise, most people think the most cost saving thing to do is buy the expensive "energy saving" light bulbs. However, in most cases, this does not do the trick. The best way of going about lowering your energy bill is simply being energy efficient.

     One way of being energy efficient is insulating the entirety of your house. Insulation will keep the hot air inside your house, and the cold air out. By doing this, even if it's a blizzard outside, you will still be nice and cozy inside your house. So you can feel comfortable setting your heater down lower, because all the heat is staying inside, and not escaping out, you stay much more efficient and not have to have your heater running full blast all winter long.

     A second way of remaining more energy efficient through the winter weather is to unplug any electronics you are not using at the moment. As long as a device is plugged into a wall plug it will constantly use electricity, even if it's not turned on. For example, say you have a microwave in your kitchen, whenever you aren't using it immediately, unplug it.  That way the microwave isn't using the immediate electricity it needs when it's on stand by, and you become much more energy efficient.

     One final tip for remaining Energy Efficient is to not waste electricity. Make sure you turn off lights when you leave a room. If you aren't watching the television, turn it off (also unplug it as stated above.) This way you don't waste electricity by leaving lights on all day in your bedroom, or leaving the television on when you go to the store. This way you remain energy efficient and build good habits as to  not waste energy.

     Staying energy efficient is a fantastic way to lower your electric bill this winter. By insulating your home, unplugging electronics, and not wasting electricity, you can save a lot of money. For more information about energy efficiency visit our website here.