Your furnace is your home’s largest energy user. Help ensure safe, efficient operation with a yearly clean and check by a qualified service technician.
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An air exchanger brings fresh outdoor air into your home without opening a window, helping you improve indoor air quality without heat loss. Regular maintenance is critical, so keep fans and intake openings clean and remove and rinse filter monthly. A clean and check is recommended on a yearly basis by a qualified service technician.
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Humid air feels warmer than dry air. Increasing the humidity in your home with a whole house humidifier helps you resist colds and moisturizes dry skin. We sell the Aprilaire line of humidifiers.
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If your home has a sump pump and sump basket, it should be inspected once every three months. Check the basket for debris, which can clog intake or jam the float switch. Make sure the float operates freely and does not hit on the sump wall or hang up on pipes or the power cord.
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If you have a sump pump hose on the outside of your home, you need to remove it during the winter months to prevent the hose from freezing and burning your pump out. If your pump only runs during the rainy season or spring thaw, it is also recommended to test your pump by filling your sump basket with water to ensure the pump runs normally before the season starts. We strongly recommend that you check with your insurance provider about its endorsement for the backup of sewer, sump pumps or drains.
This system is not 100% reliable to prevent water/sewage from entering into your home, but with homeowner maintenance, it will greatly reduce the chance it will occur.
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Are you living with a drip? A dripping hot water faucet can cost more than $35 per year. Fix the drips and save on your utility bills.
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Change or clean your furnace filter monthly – even in the summer!
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Get your equipment serviced annually.
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Remember to shut off your outside faucet valves and drain and remove hoses before the temperature drops below 32 degrees F.
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Keep your plumbing stacks, which are located on your roof, clear of ice and snow. This will prevent any sewer gas from entering your home.
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Periodically, run water down any drain that is not being used frequently to prevent any sewer gas from entering your home.
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For your safety, have your carbon monoxide levels checked annually. B & D carries the Night Hawk carbon monoxide alarm (currently on special)
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In the fall and spring, change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
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If you notice moisture on your windows and don’t have an air-to-air exchanger, we have a solution to your problem. Call us and we will be happy to assist you.
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Use heavy-duty car wax on fiberglass fixtures for less spotting. Use light wax on all chrome.
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When cleaning a B & D installed garbage disposal, place 1 cup of vinegar evenly in an ice cube tray, fill with water and freeze. When frozen, dump cubes down the disposal and grind for 5-10 seconds. Flush the disposal with cold water.
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Start your furnace before the weather gets cold. If the furnace fails to start, check your thermostat to see if it is in Heating Mode. Your circuit breakers should be in the On position.
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Start your air conditioner before the weather gets hot. Run just long enough to confirm startup. If the unit fails to start, check your thermostat to see if it is in Cooling Mode. Your circuit breakers should be in the On position.
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Clean your outside A/C unit of leaves, grass cuttings, and any obstructing debris to ensure proper ventilation.
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If B & D installed your humidifier, turn the damper to the Summer setting and shut off.
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If B & D installed your humidifier, turn the damper to the Winter setting and turn on. Clean or replace the filter 1-2 times per season.
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In the early fall, remove the core from your air-to-air exchanger and wash, air dry completely, and return to the exchanger. Clean small foam filters 2-3 times each season. Check outside air intake and keep it clear of debris.
