DryCon’s Home Sense Spring 2012 Ed.

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The Benefits of Spring Cleaning
For most people it’s a welcome sign when the days get longer, and you don’t need the heater as much (if at all). Of course, that also means it’s time for Spring cleaning…

Spring cleaning gives you the chance to get rid of clutter and start anew. Not only can you get rid of the dust and dirt from the corners of your home, but you can also take stock of household items that you no longer use. An important area not to overlook?
if you have been running your heater all winter long.

Make sure that having your air ducts cleaned is on your Spring checklist.
You will get rid of bugs, mold, mildew and dust which can make your whole family sick. If your son or daughter has been sniffling and sneezing, even after the cold weather has come and gone, it is probably time to have your ducts cleaned. If you are unsure, call for an inspection. You never know what may be lurking in your air ducts, especially if you have been running your heater all winter long.

After you’ve sorted through the closets, nooks, crannies and are breathing a little easier from your clean air ducts, it’s time to consider your upholstery and floors. Having them cleaned is an easy and affordable way to spruce up a room. Or, if you simply want a new look, now’s a good time to get a quote on a new hardwood floor for your family room. Why?

Spring is a time for the birth of new things, and that includes your home. There’s never been a better time to make it look its best. Let us know how we can help.

Why “Going Green” is the Way to Go

We’ve all heard the term “going green,” but have you ever actually wondered what it takes to go green? With phenomena such as global warming and air pollution constantly making headlines, industries have tried to make more environmentally friendly products. Now you have the chance to save the environment (and money!) with these easy tips:

  • Use a high-efficiency showerhead – this will save up to 3,000 gallons of water a year, as well as reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,000 pounds.
  • Compost – Buy a compost bin. Depositing food and lawn wastes in a compost bin will create nutrient-rich soil perfect for spring planting.

  • Increase the efficiency of your water heater - we all love hot water, and now you can reduce your carbon emissions and energy bills by 25% or more. Set your water temperature to 120o and wrap the heater in a water heater insulating blanket. Insulating the first 6 feet of your pipes will also reduce energy costs.
  • Replace Current Lights with Compact Fluorescents – Buying compact fluorescents may be more expensive; however, they pay for themselves in less than two years. Compact fluorescents last longer than normal light bulbs, and can significantly reduce yourenergy costs.
    • 5 Easy Ways to Save Money on Gasolmine

    We all hate seeing the dollar ticker increase as wait for our gas tank to fill. So, enjoy these quick tips that will help you save money the next time you fill up:

  • Combine trips. Every time you start your car, you’re using a lot of gas. To avoid starting your car several times a day, just combine your errands.
  • Premium isn’t always best. Avoid paying for “premium” and “high-octane” gas unless your car requires it. For most cars, the cheapest gas will work just as efficiently.
  • Keep your trunk clean. Remember that 11th grade physics course that you never paid attention in? Here’s a quick refresher: the heavier an object is, the more energy it will take to move. While having your prized cinderblock collection inyour trunk at all times “just in case,” may seem like a great idea, you’d be better off taking it out. The lighter the car, the more fuel efficient it will be.
  • Seek out the cheapest prices. While this may sound pretty simple, we sometimes choose convenience over logic. Gas stations often change their prices around noon, so try to fill up in the morning if possible.
  • There’s an app for that. Apps like GasBuddy or www.GasPriceWatch.com search your location for the cheapest gas around.
    • Fight Fires With Safety Facts

    Some things are too hot to handle, and home fires one of them. They pose a very real threat to homeowners – yet, like many things, fire safety isn’t thought about until it’s too late. Since statistics show that over 3,500 Americans die each year in fires, that’s a dangerous mentality. So what can you do to keep your family safe in the event of a home fire?

    Have an evacuation plan.
    No, this is not a “Hey, let’s just meet somewhere outside in case of a fire” plan. Have a real plan, where you have contingencies for each room in case of a blocked exit. Every member of the family should be aware of the plan and know what to do in case of a fire.
    Leave the possessions behind.
    We know that there are important items in your home that you would want to save but is that so important that you would sacrifice you life for them? The number one priority in case of a fire is to get out of the house as safely and as quickly as possible.
    Stay low to avoid the smoke.
    Also, never open a door that is hot to the touch.Use your hand to feel the doorknob or gap between the door and door frame. If it is hot, use your secondary escape route.

    Designate a a meeting place.
    Creating a specific place to meet after your escape is essential to a fire safety plan. Everyone knows where to go and it will be easier to see who has made it out of the house safely.
    Once out, stay out.
    Once you have made it to the meeting area, call 911. As much as you may want to go in and snag your favorite Snuggie, leave it to the professionals. The firemen are muchbetter equipped to go into the house and save someone/something than you are.
    Detectors save lives.
    Check your smoke detector at least once a month for dead batteries. Placing a smoke detector on every floor of your house dramatically increases your chances of survival.
    MyWord

    By Jeff Henson

    Dear Friends,
    An article in The New York Times not long ago had one of those stories that makes you go “hmm.” It seems there are historians concerned about preserving historic artifacts – on the moon.
    While there aren’t plans to go back to the moon anytime soon, what would happen if the next folks carelessly drive their lunar ATVs across Neil Armstrong’s footprints? Some want a way to “rope off” these world-history-changing sites.
    It’s human nature to want to protect and preserve your investments as well as important memories.

    But you don’t have to live in an old home to want to preserve your investment and the place where family memories were created. And we can help you preserve some important features. The passage of time affects the systems that run the home, including air conditioning and heating equipment. Routine maintenance is your best bet for lengthening the life of your system. Tending to small repairs before they become big expanses is another sound practice.
    So, if you haven’t already done, so please call to schedule and air duct system inspection. Think of it as a way to “preserve” its energy efficiency for the next generation.

    Sincerely,
    Jeff Henson
    P.S. Hope you’ll use the offers in this newsletter for helpful savings – or share them with a friend!

    The Benefits of Spring Cleaning

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    When the daffodils and jasmine start to bloom, and the weather starts to warm up, spring is in the air. For most people it is a welcome sign to the end of winter when the days get longer, and you do not have to use the heater as much, if at all.

    For decades families have performed the spring cleaning ritual. It gives people the chance to get rid of clutter and start anew. Not only can you get rid of the dust and dirt from the corners of your home, but you can also take stock of household items that you no longer use. Holding on to junk can be a health hazard. Unwanted magazines and newspapers need to go. If you haven’t clipped that article by now, you never will. Go through your closets and sort through dresses, skirts, pants, shirts and shoes. Take a look at what you wore this past winter, and if that coat at the back of your closet hasn’t seen the light of day in 10 years, it needs to go to charity.

    Open up the windows and let the fresh air in. Spring cleaning will leave your home fresh. When you begin, make sure that you clean your air ducts. You will get rid of bugs, mold, mildew and dust which can make your whole family sick. If your son or daughter has been sniffling and sneezing, even after the cold weather has come and gone, it is probably time to have your ducts cleaned. If you are unsure, call for an inspection. You never know what may be lurking in your air ducts, especially if you have been running your heater all winter long.

    After you have sorted through your clothing and household items and have had your ducts inspected, it is time to get your floors and upholstery cleaned. It will do you no good to clean everything else if you still have dirty carpets and furniture. If you are tired of your old floors and want a new look, get a quote for a new floor. Get rid of the carpet in your family room and put in hardwood. Spring is the birth of new things, and if you want to spruce up your tired kitchen or living room floor, there has never been a better time.

    Start your spring cleaning today. When day light savings time rolls around, you will be a step ahead of your family and friends.

    Your Home Could Be Making You Sick

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    There is nothing worse than getting sick during the winter, or anytime of the year for that matter, but colds and flu can actually be prevented if you keep your home clean and tidy. One of the best ways to prevent your winter illnesses from returning is to have your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis. Air ducts get dirty over time, but there are certain types of debris that can make your air ducts worse. Mold, dust and even pet hair can clog your air ducts. Pet dander and hair can also cause problems with your air ducts.

    Dirty air ducts not only spread polluted air throughout your home, but they can also make you sicker and cause the rest of your family to become ill as well. One of the best ways to tell if your air ducts are dirty is to pay attention to how you are feeling. If you and your kids suffer from watery eyes, it could be a sign. Another indication is a runny nose, headaches and constant fatigue. If your throat has become increasingly dry and scratchy it may be time to call in the professionals.

    Most people have no idea how often they should clean the air ducts in their home. Of course every property is different, but it is better to be pro-active. If you wait for one of your family members to get asthma, or they already have it, you could be asking for real trouble. Mold can be detrimental to allergy and asthma sufferers. If you are unsure, have Dry Con come out and inspect your air ducts. Some things to consider are the age of your house, how old the people are that live in your home, whether or not you have plumbing issues that can lead to mold, and the area in which you live.

    Keep in mind that there are several reasons to have Dry Con come out and inspect your cooling and heating systems. These include home flooding, rodent or insect problems, mold odors and condensation. If you live in an area that has recently had a fire, it is imperative that you have your air ducts cleaned. If you have just moved into a new home you should have your ducts inspected. You don’t want to breathe what the previous homeowners left behind.

    Do not wait until it is too late. Contact Dry Con and find out if your indoor air quality is 100 times worse than outdoor pollution. The wellbeing of your family and your pets depend on it.

    DryCon’s Home Sense Fall 2011 Ed.

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    Energy Efficiency: Don’t “Duct” Your Responsibility

    You’d think twice about putting a new engine in an old car, right? But many households don’t take this same approach when it comes to their heating and cooling systems. They purchase new, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and then attach it to a clunker of a duct system. The equipment may heat and cool the home, but the system never performs at its full potential. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program recommends that you have your duct system checked – either during an equipment replacement or a service call. Ask us about this when you call to set up your next appointment. By fixing your ducts, you could save up to $140 per year in energy costs. Do you have a clunker of a duct system?

    1. Do your filters get dirty quickly? Are there dirt streaks showing at the corners and seams of duct connections?
    2. Do you have rooms that just don’t get much air flow and never seem to feel comfortable?
    3. Do you have ducts in your attic or crawl space?

    Any or all of these conditions may be attributable to poorly performing ducts. For contractors fixing your ductwork, here are a few of the recommendations the EPA offers:

    • Inspect the whole distribution system, including attic and crawl spaces.
    • Seal leaks and connections with mastic or metal tape. Don’t use duct tape!
    • Determine if additional air returns dampers or new zones are needed.

    Want to know more? Give us a call and we can perform a thorough video inspection on your duct system.

    Home Safety Alert: Falls Are Leading Cause of Home Injury
    Everyone trips and stumbles from time to time. But a simple moment of “not watching where you’re going” can have serious consequences. According to the Home Safety Council, falls at home cause more than 5 million injuries each year – and even account for nearly 6,000 deaths. The Council recommends that you take a look at several areas, including:

    • Stairs and Steps – For better protection, have handrails installed on both sides, and make sure they extend from the top to the bottom of the stairs. Use safety gates at the top and bottom with small children in the home.
    Also, keep the stairs clear of toys, laundry, books or other clutter. Finally, if any steps are broken, have them repaired.

    • Lighting- Lighting helps us watch where we’re going, see hazards ahead and make adjustments. Make sure you have adequate lighting at entrances, on your porch and walkways and at the top and bottom of the stairs. Also, place nightlights in the bedroom,
    hall and bathroom to prevent stumbling in the dark during unplanned visits to the bathroom or tending to snack attacks in the kitchen.

    • Reduce Slips- A big injury can start with a small slip, and that can start with a small rug. Secure small rugs by taping them to the floor (or don’t use them at all). Place a mat or non-slip strips in the tub and shower and add grab bars. Also, use a bath mat with a non-skid bottom on the bathroom floor.
    • Other Good Practices – If you have a two-story (or more) home, place window guards on upstairs windows to keep children from falling out.
    Don’t Lose the Air You’ve Paid to Heat or Cool
    You might not be familiar with the inner workings of the systems that run your home, but you’ll know when you’re comfortable, whether the utility bills seems sky high, or if the air inside is aggravating allergies and asthma problems. Oftentimes issues like these can be traced back to your ducts. Ducts are used by your heating and cooling system to distribute comfortable air throughout your home. But according to the EPA, in typical houses, about 20% of the air that moves through the duct
    system is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts. Duct sealing is a practical solution for these losses – which can lead to higher utility bills and can make it difficult to keep the house comfortable. When your duct system is properly sealed, here are some ways you can benefit:

    • Comfort – You’ll be less likely to experience common comfort problems, such as rooms that are too cool or too warm.
    • Indoor Air Quality – Sealed ducts reduce theopportunities for air pollutants to enter your home. They can also reduce the risk of a “backdraft” of combustion gases coming into your living area from gas appliances such as water heaters, clothes dryers and furnaces.
    • Save Money – Sealed ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, lowering energy bills.

    Just give us a call if you would like us to conduct a Duct Review on your home.

    Reducing Air Pollution
      If most people were asked to do a quick word association about air pollution, chances are strong words like “city” and “traffic” would be among the first to come to mind. However, while large cities with heavy traffic are certainly susceptible to air pollution, city dwellers and drivers aren’t the lone culprits when it comes to causing air pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), what we do inside our homes, regardless of where we live, can be polluting the air both indoors and out. To do your part, consider the following tips for reducing air pollution:

    • Recycle. One of the easiest ways to help reduce air pollution is to participate in your community’s recycling program. Recycling helps reduce air pollution by reducing production emissions.
      Plus, recycling helps to conserve valuable – and expensive (as you’ve probably noticed on your utility bills!) – energy.

    • Proper storage and disposal of common household items.

    Many items around the house can be very harmful to the environment if not disposed of or stored properly. One easy thing you can do to help the environment is to make sure your paints, pesticides and solvents are stored in airtight containers.

    • Inspect your appliances regularly.

    Inspecting heating and cooling systems (filters, in particular), can help reduce the emissions of harmful

      gases into the air both inside and outside your home. Have a professional (like us!) check your home comfort system in the Spring and in the Fall. If your system isn’t operating efficiently, it could be costing you significant amounts of energy dollars.
    • Look at things in terms of your physical health.

      • If you or your loved ones are struggling to adjust to a more air-friendly lifestyle, perhaps the context of personal health can help put things in a better, and more effective, perspective. Exposure to air pollution can aggravate asthma, lead to potential lung damage, cause coughing or shortness of breath and could result in premature death for people with existing heart or lung diseases.

    Since these issues affect over 50 million Americans, chances are air pollution is affecting someone you know and care about.

    My Word by Jeff Henson
    Dear Friends,
    It’s great to have this chance to stay in touch with you – I hope you’ll enjoy the articles in this newsletter. We’re committed to staying in touch with our customers because you’re why we’re here. Of course, there’s more than one way to communicate with friends. Our newest way is our new website, which you’ll find at Dryconknox.com. We welcome you to visit this site to learn more about our services, schedule appointments, ask questions and make suggestions. You’ll find our blog here too! The Web, online communication tools and social media have
    transformed the opportunities to stay in touch. That’s true for our customers too. So, if you’re there, we want to be there. Maybe you’ve signed up for a Facebook account and are reconnecting with people whose faces you barely remember. Or take in tweets like you can’t survive without 140-character news breaks. Or double-check travel, shopping and services decisionson the Internet before you do nearly anything. That’s why we’ve also launched even more ways to stay in touch. Yep, we’re tweeting – so be sure to follow us on Twitter.com/dryconknox.
    We would love for you to like us on Facebook – search for Drycon. And here’s the main purpose of all of the above:
    • To stay connected with you
    • To gain your input and hear your feedback
    • To let you know when we have specials

    Hope to see you soon – online, in your home and wherever else we may meet.
    Jeff Henson
    P.S. Check out the discounts in this newsletter for some big savings. If you’re not going to use them, though, feel free to pass them on to a friend.