Something as simple as changing your furnace filter can make a world of difference when it comes to the air quality in your home. But how do you know which furnace filter is best for your furnace or your home? Watch this quick video to learn about the different types of filters.

Video Transcript

When it comes to home maintenance projects, nothing could be easier than changing your furnace filter. How do you know which one to buy? I’m Miriam Johnson, co-host of the tv series Hometime. Changing your furnace filter on a regular basis can help improve the air quality of your home. It can extend the life of your furnace and air conditioning system, and it can save you energy dollars. How do you know which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at three common types.

First, we have a disposable fiberglass filter. These have been around for years and they’re fairly inexpensive. Now the problem is these do little more than prevent the large particles like dust and lint from damaging your furnace. Smaller particles like mold and pollen will fly right through and back into your house. This is a disposable pleated filter made from cotton or polyester. These are pretty good at removing smaller particles. But they need to be changed more frequently because they’re so dense they fill up fast. This one is a 24 volt polarized media air cleaner. I like this one because when particles pass through they get electronically charged and they stick to the filter. Even the smallest particles including pollen, pet dander, flu viruses, and airborne germs get trapped. This filter turns your furnace and air conditioning system into a whole-house air cleaning system. Pretty cool! There’s also contractor grade filters that are available through your heating and cooling service company that’ll do a great job. Selecting the right filter depends on your furnace and your needs. If you’d like more information on the right filter for your home, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help you out!

If you’re tripping your circuit breaker when you turn on a light, or if your charger plugs are falling out of your outlets then these could be signs that your switches or outlets are worn out and need replacing. Don’t ignore these signs, they could mean that your home needs more serious, professional electrical attention!

Video Transcript

Have you ever thought about how many times you turn on a light switch or plug something into an outlet well over the course of 20 years that could be thousands of times. Hi, I’m Miriam Johnson, co-host of tv series Hometime. Switches and outlets wear out with daily use. When they wear out they can become dangerous. Here are a few things you can do to make sure your outlets and switches are safe to use.

If a switch doesn’t work or it trips a breaker, it’s time to replace the switch. If it’s really loose or it sticks when you use it, that could be a sign that something is broken inside the switch. When the plug slides right out of the outlet that means the outlet has become too weak to hold the plug. When that happens it’s time to replace the outlet. Now that’s because there’s a loose connection between the plug and the outlet. Space creates an arc of electricity that can jump between the plug and the outlet, and that can create a fire hazard. If electrical outlets or switch plate covers are discolored, this is a sign that the connections behind the faceplates are overheating. And believe it or not, I’ve seen switches and outlets that smoke when they’re used, which is a pretty dangerous situation that needs to be addressed immediately by a qualified electrician. If you’d like more information about outlets and switches in your home, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help you out!

Plumbing checks give professional plumbers the opportunity to find potential problems in your plumbing systems before they become disasters. This not only keeps you and your family safe but can also save you money in the future!

Video Transcript

An annual plumbing check is a great way to keep plumbing repair costs to a minimum by catching small problems before they become big expensive disasters. Hi, I’m Miriam Johnson, co-host of the tv series Hometime. A home’s plumbing system can wreak havoc if it fails.

Normally most plumbing problems don’t happen all at once. They start small and slowly grow over time. Catching problems early is precisely why the check is so important. So what is a plumbing check, let’s review some of the things it includes.

First, they’ll check the overall condition of your water and drain system. Experts know where to look and what to look for. They’ll also look at your water heater to make sure there are no leaks, check the water pressure, and inspect the venting system to make sure it’s properly attached and in good working order. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion and a faulty vent could introduce these dangerous gasses into your family’s living space. Plumbing checks also include faucets and sinks, toilets, garbage disposals, septic systems, and more. A big part of the check is what you can’t see. Using video technology, experts can look into your sewer pipe, deep underground, making sure there’s no root infiltration that could lead to deteriorating, collapsed, or blocked sewer lines. One common cause of blocked sewer lines is tree roots. They slow and eventually stop the flow of water in the drain, which could cause it to back up into your home. For the peace of mind, a plumbing check could provide, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help you out.

LED lighting can be used anywhere and everywhere throughout your house. We take you on a tour of the best uses and benefits of LED lighting around your home.

Video Transcript

This is an LED light bulb, and so is this. And so are all of these, they can be used throughout your home. Hi, I’m Miriam Johnson, co-host of the tv series Hometime. LED stands for light emitting diode. Good quality LED light bulbs last longer, are incredibly energy efficient and offer comparable or better light quality than other lighting options. Lighting colors range from warm, soft white, to cool bright white, and even daylight. So, where can you use an LED light? Pretty much in every room.

In the living room, general or ambient lighting provides a uniform amount of light, and now most LEDs are dimmable so you can set a mood. Recessed LED lights can be used all over the house. They’re very popular in hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens. LEDs work well outdoors too. They’re used in landscape lighting, wall lighting, and security lighting. Decorative LED lighting is like jewelry for your home. The main function of this fixture is to enhance the look of a particular room or area. Kitchen under cabinet lighting is one of the most popular uses for LED lighting. They’re small, directional, and ideal for lighting up the countertop for reading recipes and cooking. They also add warmth by lighting up dark spaces. If you’d like to discuss LED lighting for your home, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help you out!