Spring is here, and we’ve reached that unique time in the Mid-Atlantic region when we’re not quite ready to turn off the heat, but also need to turn on the air conditioning on particularly warm days. Most homeowners in the area assume that if their cooling system is working now, it’s going to last through […]

If you find that you’re sneezing indoors, you may need to look to your IAQ (indoor air quality). IAQ in the typical American home is often as bad or worse than that found outdoors. Airtight construction of newer homes may be a key factor in promoting a buildup of pollutants, leading to allergies and other […]

Drain and sewer clogs are frustrating to deal with in addition to being a little gross. If you have a clog, your first inclination might be to put it off because its nasty business. But it is important you fix the clog as soon as possible in order to avoid other issues such as odors, […]

Growing up, some of you might not have been allowed to wear shoes inside the home. While it might have seemed like an inconvenience at the time, you have probably grown to understand the benefits of it. However, if you still aren’t sure why you shouldn’t wear shoes inside, that’s understandable since it’s a very […]

Air ducts are an important component of your HVAC system. All the indoor air you’re exposed to is transferred throughout your house through these air ducts. That is why it’s important to ensure they are clean and free of debris, dust, dander, pests and mold. These allergens and toxins can significantly worsen your indoor air […]

Does your water have a strange taste? Does it smell like bleach or chlorine? Recent research into the contaminants found in our water supplies shows that we don’t know really know what’s in our water. According to a 2017 report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, around 77 million Americans were using drinking water from […]

A smart device is a gadget that can be controlled via an app. A smart home contains multiple smart devices that can be controlled remotely or automatically (based on your settings). If you want to make your home smart, start with one or two smart devices that can make the most difference in your life. […]

Do you have any idea how much energy you use every month? Or do you simply pay the bill and move on with your life? Considering the average American household spends about $2,000 every year on home energy bills, it’s a good idea to start thinking about ways to reduce our energy use. A few […]

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is most evident during the winter months. Due to the low humidity, our nasal passages dry out and are more susceptible to the airborne contaminants in our home. This results in increased rates of sickness and respiratory problems. Here’s how to improve your indoor air quality for winter: 1. Exhaust […]

Ice that gathers along the roofline can lead to harmful ice dams and costly repairs. In order to maintain the structure of your roof, eaves, gutters, and home interior, learn how to prevent ice dams from forming in the first place. What Causes Ice Dams? 1. Heat from inside the home warms the roof but […]

You may have made New Year’s Resolutions that have to do with personal health and wellbeing such as losing weight, quitting smoking, traveling more, eating healthier, and learning something new, but we forget that our personal environment plays a huge factor in all of our life changes. From natural lighting and climate control to water […]

Insulating your water pipes is great way to prevent frozen pipes when the temperatures drop in the winter months. Even in more moderate climates, when freezing temperatures are infrequent, pipe insulation can help limit heat loss and condensation as water travels through your plumbing. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “insulating your hot water […]

Having dirty air ducts has a far greater impact on your home than you might imagine. The obvious concern is having dirty air circulating in your home, which is bad enough. However, dirty air ducts can also disrupt the flow of your HVAC system. The dirtier air ducts become, the greater the concern becomes that […]

When the holidays roll around, making sure your guests are comfortable is high on your list. Some of the things that can hinder a nice visit are clogged toilets, running out of hot water, and broken garbage disposals. While some of us may be traveling to visit relatives, the rest of us will be hosting […]

If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your home, you may have considered getting your ductwork cleaned. Many companies advertise duct cleaning as an effective way to improve the quality of your indoor air using before and after images showing extremely dirty ducts next to immaculately clean ducts. But before shelling out money […]

Pests have a propensity to get into homes and HVAC systems. When they do, all sorts of problems can develop, such as increased energy costs, indoor air quality problems, compromised functionality, and more. They can chew through electrical wires, urinate on equipment, and get stuck inside HVAC components. Pests can also carry diseases, and if […]

Leaky air ducts can bring unwanted contaminants into your living space, reduce heating and cooling efficiency by up to 20%, and make it harder to heat or cool rooms. Sealing your air ducts can help with all of these problems. Here are some of the benefits of sealing your air ducts: Comfort Sealing and insulating […]

Do you know how plumbing works? While it may seem like magic since nearly everything happens out of sight, these inner mysteries have simple and elegant explanations. Let’s start with the main water-supply-drain-waste-vent system. The water supply system brings hot and cold water into the home and the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system drains water and waste […]