Month: May 2014

May 29, 2014

My air conditioner is not working, what is the problem?

If you’re like most people in the Midwest, you finally had to turn on your air conditioner over Memorial Weekend.  You may have found it not working and called your local HVAC dealer as soon as you discovered this.  Here are some tips for finding what’s causing your air conditioner to fail.

If my air conditioner is no longer cooling properly, what is the most likely problem?

It could be as simple as replacing a fuse or filter, resetting a circuit breaker or checking to see if the thermostat is set properly.  If an electrical problem isn’t the cause, the refrigerant may be low if the system still runs but does not cool properly.  This can be corrected by having a certified technician add necessary refrigerant and fix any possible leak.  Most likely, if the problem involves any major part, such as the compressor, you would hear strange noises similar to those of any mechanical equipment not running correctly, or the unit might not run at all.

Can homeowners repair their own air conditioners?

In most cases, definitely not.  Cooling systems today are more complicated to service and usually require expert attention in order to comply with federal regulations.  An EPA certified air conditioning contractor or service technician should be called at the first sign of trouble.  Let us know if you have any concerns about your air conditioner.

May 15, 2014

How often should I change my air filter?

Check it at least every month during peak use, and replace it when it looks dirty enough to significantly impair the air flow through it.  Some filters, such as media filters or electronic air cleaners, are washable; others are disposable and must be replaced.

J & R Heating carries a large supply of filters and if we don’t have your size, we can order it for you.  Mention this blog post for a 20 percent discount on your next purchase of filters.

 

Get additional tips and inspiration for relaxing in absolute comfort year round, while saving every month in energy costs.  Comfort Matters Blog.

If you have these symptoms when you enter specific buildings you may have BRI (building related illness): cough , chest tightness, fever, chills, and muscle aches.  For prevention and treatment tips read more on IAQ (Indoor Air Quality).

May 8, 2014

Onion Garlic Bread

My mother has been making this for years and it’s always a crowd pleaser.   This is my favorite garlic bread ever!

Onion Garlic Bread

Directions: Use French or Italian bread.  Split loaves lengthwise and spread mixture on both sides.

Put back together and slice.  Wrap in foil and warm in 350° oven for 10-15 minutes on each side.

 

Spread:

– 1 lb. melted butter

– Package of dry onion soup mix

– 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

– 3 Tablespoons parsley flakes

– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

NOTE: This amount will do 2 or 3 loaves of bread, depending on how much you like to put between loaves.  If you’d like to only do 1 loaf at a time you can either refrigerate or freeze the rest of the spread.

May 2, 2014

Healthy Habits for Warmer Weather

Warm spring breezes and inviting sunshine are among the best parts of springtime; seasonal allergies are among the worst.  The reawakened growth in our landscapes also brings pollen, which causes problems for those with seasonal allergies.

When pollen counts are high, allergy sufferers should stay indoors, keep the windows closed and run the air conditioning.  You can check the pollen count locally at http://www.aaaai.org, the site for the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.

Also, when you’ve spend time outdoors, bathe before you go to bed to reduce the amount of allergens clinging to your skin.  Speaking of…

Remember to take care of your skin.  Wear sunscreen with an SPF15 or higher.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you look for sunscreen with the words “broad-spectrum” on the label – because it will screen out both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays.  It should also be water-resistant or waterproof and reapplied every two hours.

Also, don’t forget your hat.  According to the AAP, you should wear a hat with a brim of at least three inches.  What you want is to provide shade for the face, head and neck.  An added extra: a hat that comes with a neck drape provides extra coverage to the neck.