My sister Ashley is one of the best bakers I know.

In fact, I think she is now even better than our grandmother.

It was our granny who taught us how to bake sweet treats and cakes. My sister had more interest in it, but my head was always outside. I am more in to adventures, hiking, and camping. Still, that doesn’t mean I can’t bake a few muffins for breakfast. Anyway, my sister is the baker in the family, and she had a thriving business out of her home. She bakes organic treats, and sells them in different markets. My sister also bakes for events and private customers. Last summer, she was baking cupcakes for a wedding and asked for my help. She asked for my help, and I went to her house so we’d get the order done. Unfortunately, just as we were busy at work, her AC failed. Imagine operating an oven in a home without air conditioning. I must admit there was a moment where I almost left to find a place with AC. However, my sister set out two portable cooling units to keep us cool. Come to find out, she hadn’t had any AC maintenance done in three years. I knew this was the reason her AC had failed. I get she is always busy, but that was no excuse to neglect her AC. I hoped she’d not need to pay for AC replacement, and it was only a repair issue. We forged on and managed to complete the orders thanks to the portable cooling systems.

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I had to meet up with Angela for lunch, but first I wanted to run to the big box store to get a few items.

I knew by the time we were done with dinner and had our cocktails, I’d not have any time to get to the stores.

My goal for the weekend at home was to binge watch my favorite series while moving when necessary. I planned to do so from Friday evening but Angela called. She said we had to have dinner then go out for cocktails, and perhaps a bit of dancing. That sounded amazing, so I changed my plans just a little. I did my shopping then drove home so I’d shower and get dressed for our meet up. My home felt just awful since I was having issues with my indoor air quality. I had tried to have it checked out, but nothing changed. So, I chose to order an air purifier and it had just arrived. I decided to unbox it then and turn it on. That way, the air purifier would improve my indoor air quality by the time I returned to my house. I showered, got dressed, ordered an Uber, and was on my way. We had the best time, and I even mentioned to Angela I was having indoor air issues. She told me not to worry since her partner is an expert in that department. I knew he was an HVAC tech, but I never knew he specialized in ductwork. The following day, he did me a favor by coming to check out my ducts, and said that’s why I was having indoor air quality issues in my home.

Rooftop HVAC

Paul is my only child and I love him so much.

I always say Paul saved my life, and that’s why I plan to give him all he needs in life.

I come from a poor background and I ran away from home when I was 16. Life wasn’t easy for a teen with no home or family to support them. I fell into some dark holes that almost ended my life. But, I always thank this young counselor who found me and gave me a new chance. He was from a local church, and he came to the camp where I was staying. Normally, I’d refuse to speak with such people, but he managed to convince me to leave the camp and go live in a shelter. It was safe, clean, and I finally managed to get clean when I found out I was pregnant with Paul. At the shelter, I completed my GED, then found some work, and went to college. Now, I live in my own home and run a successful business. The other day, I was packaging some orders when the HVAC tech arrived to check on my cooling system. It was spring, just in time for spring maintenance before turning on the AC when the heat came. The HVAC tech was a lovely older man, and he and Paul cliqued instantly. I led them both to the location of the AC and left the HVAC tech to work. I could hear him and Paul talk and laugh as he explained the purpose of the AC. This warmed my heart so much, and I am so happy the HVAC tech allowed Paul to be his assistant for the day.

a/c worker

When Dion was new to her area, she became fast friends with her neighbor.

They had come over to help her move furniture.

Dion’s neighbor had the loveliest sons and they helped her so much. Once she was settled, she baked them one of her famous chocolate cakes as a way to say thank you, and that sealed their friendship. The boys are always at her house when there’s something baking because they say she has magic fingers. Dion isn’t sure about that, but she always tells her granny thank you for teaching her how to bake. Last winter, Dion had arrived home on a Friday evening so tired. She got take out because she was in no mood to cook, and just wanted to relax. Her plan was to have something to eat, sit on the couch, turn on her favorite series, laugh a bit, then it’s off to bed. As she was finishing her meal, Dion’s phone rang and it was her neighbor. It seems something was wrong with their heating system and they were asking to come over. Dion didn’t hesitate to let them into her home since her heating system was working fine. She then changed the thermostat settings to make the house even warmer so they could be comfortable. Dion’s neighbor confessed she had skipped fall maintenance since she was so busy at work, and now their heating system had failed. There was nothing they could do until the next day when the heating specialist came to a diagnosis. Dion let the boys sleep on the sofas while her neighbor slept in the guest bedroom upstairs.

hvac installation

If left untreated, mold can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and even property damage. Your AC ductwork could provide the perfect breeding ground for mold growth because it is damp and devoid of light. Everyone in your home is affected by mold. Air conditioners give off a few telltale signs that mold is growing or that it’s already a problem. When the problem gets bad enough, you’ll be able to smell it. Using your air conditioner will release a musty odor into the rooms you’re trying to cool. Checking your air filters is another way to tell. Filters can develop mold within their fibers, or around their edges. Getting sick more often could be the result of breathing in mold if you and your family seem to be getting sick more often. It is only the beginning of a potentially dangerous situation. Start by finding out how much damage there is. Peer into your air intake duct for your AC with a flashlight after removing the air filter. Is there anything you can see? Are you able to reach it and clean it? Start by replacing your air filter and cleaning up any mold you see. Be sure to use appropriate cleaners and wear PPE to keep yourself safe. Inspect the vents throughout your home to see if it has spread beyond your air intake. Check the vents and any visible ductwork for mold using a flashlight. At this point mold may have spread throughout all of your ducts. When that happens, it’s time to call in a professional. In the absence of a thorough eradication, mold spreads rapidly and continues to grow. You may need to replace your affected ductwork depending on how much has accumulated. All signs of mold growth can be removed and prevented. If your ductwork isn’t sealed properly, mold can spread outside. Ideally, mold is confined to your ducts, and replacing them will solve your problem. When mold reaches your ductwork, it’s time to replace it. We can root out the problem, prevent it from happening again, and install new ductwork to restore your home’s air quality. It’s worth it.

Home owner solutions

As summer weather rolls around, people start to rely heavily on their air conditioning systems.

However, assuming that your AC will work seamlessly without any maintenance or tune-ups can lead to significant problems down the line. Here’s how to reduce the strain on your AC and keep it running efficiently throughout the season. First and foremost, it’s crucial to schedule annual maintenance and tune-ups for your air conditioning system with HVAC professionals. This allows them to remove any accumulated wear and tear, make necessary cleanings and adjustments, and identify and address potential malfunctions. One of the most common mistakes people make with their AC is forgetting to change the air filters. A clogged filter can obstruct airflow, leading to increased electrical bills, worn-out motors, decreased cooling levels, and other issues. Regularly changing your air filter throughout the season will ensure that your AC “breathes” easily. Another common mistake is shutting room vents, thinking it reduces the AC’s workload. In reality, closing vents can increase pressure within the HVAC system, leading to more strain on the blower and potential duct air leaks. Keeping all room vents open and unobstructed is the way to go. Ignoring repair issues is another mistake that people often make. Even if the AC is still cooling adequately, any malfunction needs to be addressed immediately to prevent further damage to the system. Running an AC with a malfunction can worsen the issue and lead to a system breakdown. By following these tips, you can reduce the strain on your air conditioning system and ensure it runs smoothly throughout the summer. Regular maintenance and tune-ups, changing air filters regularly, keeping room vents open and unobstructed, and addressing repair issues promptly are all essential steps to maintaining your AC’s longevity and efficiency.

Furnace filter

A home’s HVAC system’s ductwork is just as important as its air conditioner and heater.

In terms of how much attention it receives, it often ranks third because it is mostly hidden. Unless you can see the condition of the ducts, you won’t think they need repair. As ductwork ages, it can sustain damage from construction, temperature changes, vermin, and corrosion. When your old HVAC ductwork develops air leaks and gapping, you may need to arrange for HVAC duct repair. You’ll incur steep costs if your HVAC system loses air, resulting in reduced energy efficiency and effectiveness. Rising comfort costs, rattling and shaking noises, uneven heating/cooling, and musty and moldy odors from your vents may indicate duct repair needs. Ductwork is responsible for bringing comfort throughout the house if you use an air conditioner and furnace or a heat pump. Your utility bills may rise during peak periods when you use your HVAC system because of leaks in the ducts. As your HVAC system heats or cools, the metal portions of your ducts will change shape, causing a slight rattling sound. It is normal for this to happen. When you start hearing loud rattling or shaking sounds coming from non-metal ducts, this often means something is loose with the ductwork. In a damaged duct system, air conditioning will be distributed unevenly throughout the house, resulting in less conditioned air in some areas. One of the most likely causes of hot or cold spots around your home is leaking air ducts. A leaky or loose duct will draw air from closed-off areas of the home, such as the attic and between walls. Dusty or moldy odors can enter your house as a result. When you can trace this odor to the vents in your room, it’s time to have the ducts inspected by professionals.

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Spring is the ideal time to schedule regular AC maintenance to ensure your home stays comfortable throughout the summer months.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up; it also involves taking care of your heating and cooling system.

The harsh winter and scorching summer heat can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system, which is why scheduling maintenance each year is crucial. Annual AC maintenance can help prevent major issues during the summer and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner. On average, a well-maintained AC can last between 10 and 15 years, whereas neglecting maintenance can reduce its lifespan to as little as 5 to 8 years. Maintenance also increases the reliability of your AC, ensuring that it works efficiently and consistently when you need it most. Regular maintenance can also protect your AC warranty. Nearly 2% of ACs may have some factory flaws, but having regular maintenance performed keeps the warranty valid and prevents you from incurring additional costs. A well-maintained AC is also more energy-efficient, keeping energy bills low and avoiding costly repairs. More than 50% of the repairs ACs need can be prevented through maintenance, saving you both time and money. In short, scheduling regular AC maintenance in the spring can prevent costly repairs, protect your warranty, and extend the lifespan of your system. It ensures that your AC works efficiently and reliably, providing peace of mind during the hot summer months. So, add HVAC maintenance to your spring cleaning checklist and enjoy a comfortable home all summer long.

mini split air conditioner

Changing your air conditioner’s filters is an essential part of maintaining the system.

By removing material from the air coming into the system, these filters prevent clogs and dust from spreading throughout the house.

Many people don’t replace their AC filters often enough. You can prevent your system from overheating and shutting down by doing this every 1 to 3 months. Maintaining your air conditioning will prevent problems in the future. Make sure you don’t ignore your air filter. This could result in higher energy bills, less cooled air, less airflow, and frequent breakdowns for your system. Clogged air filters make it harder for the AC system to pull in enough air to operate properly. Your home’s energy costs will rise substantially if it has to work harder. When a bill is high, there is a problem. Second, the amount of cooled air is reduced. In the absence of proper airflow, the system cannot cool enough air fast enough. As a result, your home may feel warmer than it should. You might want to check the air conditioner’s filter if your bills are rising but your home is warmer than you would like it to be. Less airflow is also an issue if your air filter needs changed. Place your hand over the vent in any room in your home. If you hear the air conditioner functioning, but you don’t have a lot of air coming through the vents, that could be an indication of a clogged filter. Check several areas of the home, especially those furthest away from the system, to ensure there’s ample flow. The more time between air filter replacement, the more likely you are to have repair needs. All of the clogged material gets into your air conditioner. That can lead to a breakdown or early wearing down of the components. If you’ve noticed that you’ve had to have technicians out to repair your home’s AC several times, it may be time to consider a full inspection.

Space heater

There are many things that mold can do to your home, such as destroy areas, cause sickness, and lead to an unsafe living environment. A whole-house dehumidifier can be used to remove excess moisture from your air in order to reduce humidity levels to a level where mold and mildew are unable to grow. The relative humidity, or RH for short, is a measurement that’s used to determine whether or not mold will grow in a specific area under certain conditions. In terms of mold growth, anything that is above 60% is considered a threat. As a general rule, it is usually when the relative humidity of your house is above 70% that mold really begins to flourish in it. You must keep your relative humidity (RH) at below 60%, which can be accomplished with the help of your whole house dehumidifier. It is important to keep in mind that the warmer the air is when it enters your air conditioner, the harder your AC has to work to cool your home down. Your AC doesn’t bring in air, read its temperature, and then get that specific “batch” of air to a desirable temperature. It just keeps going, pulling in air, cooling it, and sending it through your ductwork to your vents. As long as the thermostat is able to read the temperature of the room, it will know when to turn it off. When your home is filled with humid air, your air conditioner will take longer to cool it down. It helps to remove humidity, but that’s not its main job. It needs help from a dehumidifier. Removing humidity from the air will not kill existing mold. When the relative humidity falls below 60%, mold spores can lay dormant, so they will still be present. Mold removal is necessary if mold already exists in your home. The purpose of a whole house dehumidifier is not to kill existing mold, but rather to prevent it from growing. Before you introduce a dehumidifier, you must remove any mold in your home, otherwise the problem could persist even after the humidity is reduced.

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