Mold tends to grow in moist places in a home and can cause a variety of issues. When it becomes airborne, it can be inhaled and lead to a variety of health issues. Identifying the presence of mold can be done in a variety of ways and improve the quality of the air in your home. Detecting Mold in Air Using home test kits can help you determine if there are mold spores circulating around various parts of your home. Mold often grows in the bathroom, areas that have been damaged by floods, behind refrigerators, and underneath piles of cardboard or paper. Placing the test kit Petri dishes around various parts of your home can allow them to collect mold spores as they float by. After 48 hours, the dishes can be closed up and placed in a dark place to allow any mold spores to multiply. After three to five days, you can check the dishes for any sign of mold growth and see if there is mold present in your home. Hire a Professional The best way to identify areas of mold growth in your home is to hire a professional. IAQ experts can detect both airborne and...
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Is the air inside your home healthy? Improving the quality of the indoor air you breathe is a big component of any health strategy. Spring is a great time to review your current air quality and identify ways to remove contaminants. Get started with our air quality tips. A Fresh Air Filter is Best If you are already replacing your system’s filter every three to six months, keep up the good work. This is the simplest way to get rid of dust, pet hair, and dirt in your air. It costs very little to do. In fact, buying the right type of filter in bulk can save you even more. Replacing the filter also keeps your system running better. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations for the right size and type of filter. Enhance Your Home’s Ventilation System Improving your ventilation system can require up-front costs, but the long-term benefits are definitely worth it. Older ductwork is more likely to have leaks, inadequate insulation, and hidden dirt and contaminants. Replacing the whole system or adding an air filtration product can give you more control over the quality of your indoor air. offers air quality testing and solutions for customers in Lincoln. Our...
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The decision to replace a furnace is usually an investment that most people try to plan for in advance. However, if you are facing a major repair, replacing your furnace sooner rather than later could be a better option. Here are four reasons why you might want to replace your heater before the next winter in Lincoln, Nebraska. 1. Your Furnace Is Reaching the End of Its Expected Lifespan Unfortunately, your furnace will not live forever. An older unit may have an expected lifespan somewhere between 15 to 30 years. However, its lifespan will also depend on: Its make and model Whether it has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations If its air filters were changed as needed to prevent extra wear and tear related to compromised airflow Exposure to high humidity levels that cause rust Whether the furnace was installed correctly 2. Your Heating Bills Are Out of Control As your old furnace runs less efficiently, your costs to heat your home will continue to increase. Today’s heaters are more energy-efficient than those installed in houses a decade or more ago. Replacing your system now will give you immediate savings on your heating costs. You may also be...
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What You Should Know About Changing a Furnace Filter Changing your furnace filter offers a cost-effective way to boost your furnace’s efficiency in Lincoln and the surrounding areas. A clean furnace filter improves indoor air quality and eliminates allergens. Indoor air particles can get trapped in your furnace. When this happens, dust can damage your furnace’s coils, fan or other components. If you want to extend the life of your furnace, change the filter before the dust piles up. Here’s how. Determine Your Filter Options There are several types of furnace filters on the market. Your options include disposable paper filters and reusable electrostatic filters. Some filters are more expensive than others. When it comes to replacing your air filter, it isn’t necessary to break your budget. Buy a quality air filter that’s the appropriate size for your furnace. Consult the Furnace Manual Your furnace’s manual offers a wealth of information. Manuals provide detailed instructions about changing the air filter. If you can’t locate the furnace manual, you may be able to find a copy of it online. However, replacing the furnace filter without the manual shouldn’t be a problem. The most challenging part is determining the filter’s location. Furnace...
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Do you need to replace a thermostat that has stopped functioning? Perhaps yours is functional, but it’s somewhat outdated. In either case, you may be wondering if a smart thermostat is the way to go. Here are a few of the advantages to investing in this technology at your location. Saving Money A smart thermostat can set a schedule for your climate control system that’s based on the way you live. It can also accurately adjust your temperature based on external weather. You’ll still have the advantage of manual control, but these new features will produce considerable savings on your monthly utility bill. Remote Control From Your Phone Would you like to save energy costs while you’re away but have your space properly heated or cooled before you arrive home in the evening? Maybe you have a tendency to forget whether you’ve set the thermostat correctly when you leave the house in the morning. A smart thermostat will allow you to monitor its functions, switch it on or off and set the temperature remotely. All you have to do is download the appropriate app to your smartphone. Adapting to Your Needs Many smart thermostats can learn your habits from your...
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You’ve probably heard of heaters and air conditioners before, but are you familiar with heat pumps? A heat pump is a popular alternative to traditional residential heating and cooling systems. They’re perfect here in Lincoln, where we experience milder winters than the far northern states. Our technicians here at are heat pump experts, and they’re well-versed in the many benefits of adding a heat pump to your home. 1. It’s Two Systems in One Most houses have a separate furnace and air conditioner, but that’s not the case with a heat pump! Instead of needing to pay for the operating costs of two units, you only need to finance one. This makes a big difference when it comes to repairs and replacements. 2. They’re Energy-Efficient Heat pumps are designed very differently than traditional heaters and coolers, and it just so happens that this makes them much more energy-efficient. Instead of heating or cooling air from the outside, the heat pump transfers air between your house and the outdoors. This makes heat pumps more environmentally friendly than traditional HVAC systems. 3. Cleaner Indoor Air Quality Traditional furnaces and air conditioners circulate the same air throughout your residence day in and day...
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Unusual noises may be a warning sign that something’s amiss with your furnace. An experienced HVAC technician can diagnose your issue and perform any repairs that may need to be made. Noises Associated With Blower Wheels A noise that sounds like metal scraping on metal could signify that something’s up with your blower wheel, which is the piece of equipment that blows warm air out of the furnace and helps circulate it through the house. Blower wheels are sometimes called squirrel-cage fans. When furnace air filters go unchanged for too long a period of time, dust can begin to accumulate on the blower wheel. This means your blower wheel has to work harder to do its job. As little as one-tenth of an inch of dust on your blower wheel can decrease the overall efficiency of your blower wheel by a whopping 20 percent. When your blower wheel has to work extra hard to do its job, it has a much higher risk of breaking. A scraping sound could indicate a broken blower wheel motor mount or a loose or broken blower wheel. Whining noises often indicate problems with the blower wheel’s belt or motor. Unusual Noises Associated With Furnace...
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It’s time for your AC to pass the baton to your furnace in the relay race that determines your comfort. Since the furnace has been inactive for a few months, there are a few things you should do before turning it on ahead of the colder months. 1. Inspect your Heating System Go around your home and check for the following potential trouble areas: Buildup of residue on furnace Loose duct connections Wear on blower belt Problems with chimney vent Insulation issues 2. Change Air Filters and Clean Air Ducts Although you should be changing your air filters approximately every three months, you should consider replacing them before you start up your furnace for the season. Removing debris from air ducts will ensure proper airflow, which will make your HVAC system more efficient and keep your indoor air clean and healthy. If you want to avoid the hassle of cleaning the ducts yourself, don’t hesitate to have a professional perform the task for you. 3. Check the Vents Vents are one of the most common areas where debris will build up and block airflow. Check to see that the vents are clear, and be sure to wipe them down to...
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Having clean, sparkling windows makes your home look fresh and filled with light. However, did you know that the benefits of window cleaning can be more than just aesthetic? It turns out that the cleanliness of your windows also has a big effect on how efficiently your home uses energy. Reasons Window Cleaning Boosts Efficiency There are several positive effects of clean windows that lead to better energy efficiency in your home. One of the biggest things is that it lets sunlight into your home. This gives you the option of opening your blinds and windows on a chilly day to let the sun naturally heat your house. Window sills and ledges can be among the biggest repositories of dust in the home, and this can cause more efficiency problems. By cleaning the dust that collects on the sill, you can prevent it from building up on your HVAC system. Otherwise, you may need AC maintenance services to get your system operating efficiently. How to Improve Your Home’s Efficiency by Cleaning Windows If you want true efficiency in your house, take the time to clean your windows carefully. Spray both the inside and outside with either a commercial window cleaning...
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is proud to serve the air conditioning needs of Lincoln, NE, residents. Our skilled technicians have years of experience in keeping all makes and models running at their best. However, even the best systems wear out over time. Here are some clues that it is time for an AC replacement. High Utility Bills You know that it costs a lot to run any appliance in your home, and your air conditioner is no different. However, as the system ages, it will lose some of its power. The air conditioner will have to work extra hard to provide enough cool air for your home. More work means more energy, and more energy means higher utility costs. If your utility bills are surprisingly high, it may be time to invest in a more efficient air conditioner. Inconsistent Cooling Another sign of an aging system is it losing the ability to provide enough cold air. On the hottest days, it may not be able to keep up with your cooling needs. You may also notice that at times it is blowing cool but not cold air. Multiple Repair Calls You expect a few repair calls now and then. Parts wear out and need...
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