Monthly Archives: February, 2013
10 Gas Furnace Maintenance Tips
Gas furnaces, although an easy to operate and excellent heating source, has a number of specifications when it comes to maintenance. A lot of things can go wrong with an ill-maintained or neglected gas furnace, including gas leaks which can cause poisoning and fires.
- Check for gas leaks.
- Make sure the thermostat is running properly.
- Make sure the control valve is turned open.
- Clean your furnace regularly
- Check the tension belt.
- Make sure the pilot light is lit and working properly.
- Add oil to the motor every season or as needed.
- Check the venting regularly.
- Shut the system off post cold season.
Unique Cooling Gadgets
Now that warmer days are just around the corner, it may be time to equip yourself with gadgets to keep yourself comfortably cool. Yes, you’re trusty AC is in tip-top shape, however, why not try and get yourself an alternative cooling source to give yourself not only options, but also to prevent overworking your air conditioner. These gadgets are cost-effective while providing you a portable and unique solution to all your cooling needs.
- Dyson Air Multiplier Fan – Rather than just spin blades to move the air around us, the Dyson design pushes air through a tiny crack along the edge of the fan, to create its own steady and powerful blast of cool air.
- Brookstone Bed Fan – It can draw 100 cubic feet of air every minute to direct at your bed. Its height is adjustable so you can aim it precisely at your sheets, and comes with a remote control that you can use to adjust the temperature while you are in bed.
- USB Portable Cooling Pad – This USB Mini Portable Cooling Pad cools your hands and wrists as you type by positioning air vents underneath them, which also offers some support for your wrists thanks to its half-moon shape.
- USB Cooler Cushion – With more and more cars becoming equipped with a USB connector, this USB Cooler Cushion from Thanko could keep your seat cooler on your next road trip. You can even use it on your office chair at work.
- USB OptiWind Mouse – With a built-in fan and air vents that shoot cool air into your hand from the mouse, the USB OptiWind Mouse can help your hand stay cool and your mind alert as you work.
Air Conditioner Efficiency Standards
Over the years, as new models of air conditioners have been created by manufacturers, energy efficiency has increased and fossil fuel consumption has decreased. As older appliances are continuously being replaced by newer ones, the Earth also benefits from the energy consumption decline. A positive impact on energy efficiency standards will persist growing as well.
How to Drain a Water Heater
Most people rely on their heaters as their main or only heating source when winter rolls in. Since they rely so much on heaters, they never give much thought on whether their heater is working properly. The most common problem that may occur with heaters is sediment build-up; this happens when a heater isn’t properly or regularly drained.
- Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply – Turn off the breaker box on electric water heaters or put it on “pilot” for gas heaters. Connect a hose to the drain valve located close to the thermostat, but don’t open the valve yet. Turn off the cold-water supply that feeds the water-heater.
- Step 2: Drain the Hot Water – Open up one of the hot-water faucets in one of your sinks or tubs to prevent a vacuum. Go back to the water-heater, and open the drain valve to drain the hot water out of the tank.
- Step 3: Flush out the Remaining Sediment – Once the water stops flowing out of the far end of the hose, turn the water supply back on. This will flush out any remaining sediment left behind in the heater.
- Step 4: Test the Pressure-Release Valve – Turn the power-supply to the water heater back on. Once the water temperature has been brought back up, test the pressure-relief valve according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tulsa Expecting the Possibility of Snow Monday Night
Tulsa should expect the possibility of snow Monday night. As a Winter Storm Warning as well as a blizzard warning is in effect in the area, rain should be expected to change to snow in the course of the night. The same can be expected in the North and West.
Travis Meyer, Chief Meteorologist for News On 6 stated that the main portion of the blizzard would be in Osage County that’s around Ponca City, and which also extends into Kansas. It also extends to the West into Stillwater and back to Enid and even to Oklahoma City’s northwest.
The temperature is expected to drop into the upper 30’s during the latter part of the afternoon. And then rain will be changing to snow throughout the night.
To see and read the original article, please go here.… Continue Reading
Proper Understanding of Extreme Weather Today
Extreme weather events were experienced in the US this past year. Those occurrences of extreme weather have accounted for billions of dollars worth in damages and there’s been much speculation on how much can really be blamed on climate change.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science recently hosted a session that deals with weather extremes in the US. It was meant to bring some clarity on the discussion regarding climate change and extreme weather.
A variety of talks were included in the session. From among all of the things that were talked about, there were three in particular that really stood out and basically captured all of the challenges facing everyone right now: one about the recent climate event, another one about the state of the climate in the US, and another about the effort to convey all of it to the public.
For the full article, please go here.… Continue Reading
Annual Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips
During the summer months, your air conditioner is your best friend. But before you go blasting your AC, make sure your trusty appliance is in good condition. Annual check-ups and maintenance work must be done to make sure your air conditioner is in tip-top shape.
- Change the filter.
- Check to see if you’re blocking the condensing unit.
- Clean the vents.
- Check your freon levels.
- Check everything else.
Things to Ask Your Potential AC Contractor
During long periods of extremely hot climate, your AC is your best friend. However, time will come when your trusty old cooling unit just isn’t working the way it used to and repairs just won’t do the trick. Having to spend on a brand new model isn’t so bad because not only do you get more coolness out of your unit, it can also be more cost-effective than your 8-year old AC.
- Will the contractor address your air conditioner replacement using a house-as-a-system approach?
- How will the new air conditioner be sized?
- Does the contractor test for duct leakage?
- Does the contractor assess the air flow in the duct system and make recommendations for repairs?