PREVIOUS WEEKLY TIPS FOR 2008

Week of July 28, 2008

	Don't Forget Those Filters - change your filters once a month. As a good reminder - when you pay your gas or electric bill - use that as your trigger to remember to change your filter. A clean filter allows your unit to run more efficiently which causes less wear and tear on the equipment.  Make sure that you install a replacement filter that is the same size as the original.
	Also, remember to regularly check the smoke detectors in your house to make sure they are working.  If your smoke detector runs on electricity, be sure you have a battery back up in case of a power failure.  And keep fresh batteries installed with extras on hand.

Week of July 21, 2008

To help keep your air conditioner running efficiently use duct tape to seal any cracks between each section of the air ducts on your central air conditioning system.

Week of July 14, 2008

Do not set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal.  It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling, and therefore, unnecessary expense.

Week of July 7, 2008

	When temperatures are high and the humidity is equally as high your air conditioning unit won't recover the temperature in your home like it normally does.  It doesn't necessarily mean there's something wrong with your unit - the unit is working as hard as it can.
	Should the unit still not recover the temperature in your home after the outside temperature and humidity have gone down then you might want to contact your contractor.
	Don't have a contractor?  Check here to find contractor in your area.

Week of June 30, 2008

	Don't Forget Those Filters - change your filters once a month. As a good reminder - when you pay your gas or electric bill - use that as your trigger to remember to change your filter. A clean filter allows your unit to run more efficiently which causes less wear and tear on the equipment.
	Also, remember to regularly check the smoke detectors in your house to make sure they are working.  If your smoke detector runs on electricity, be sure you have a battery back up in case of a power failure. And keep fresh batteries installed with extras on hand.

Week of June 23, 2008

Happy Summer!

Summer started last week and with that brings the summer heat!  Keep in mind you shouldn't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner.  It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling, and therefore, unnecessary expense.

Vacation tip - if you're going on vacation, or going to be gone from your home for more than two days, you should set your thermostat to 80-85 degrees with the fan set on "auto."

Week of June 16, 2008

Window units?  Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.

Week of June 9, 2008

To help you keep cool during this summer's high temperatures you can do just a few simple things:

	close drapes, blinds and shades during the day to keep out the sun (sunshine through windows can add heat to your home);
	use your oven and other heat-generating appliances in the early morning and late evening hours to keep your air conditioning from working too hard;
	use ceiling fans to increase your comfort level.

Week of June 2, 2008

	Don't Forget Those Filters - change your filters once a month. As a good reminder - when you pay your gas or electric bill - use that as your trigger to remember to change your filter. A clean filter allows your unit to run more efficiently which causes less wear and tear on the equipment.
	Also, remember to regularly check the smoke detectors in your house to make sure they are working.  If your smoke detector runs on electricity, be sure you have a battery back up in case of a power failure.  And keep fresh batteries installed with extras on hand.

Week of May 26, 2008

When the technician arrives:

Does the technician have proper identification?
Are they in a clearly identified company vehicle?
Is the technician clean?
Did they arrive at the assigned time?
If you are in question don't hesitate to call the company to confirm the person at the door is representing their company.

Week of May 19, 2008

An oversized air conditioner does not mean cool comfort for you. It means higher first costs, higher electricity bills, and a home that’s uncomfortable to be in.

	Oversized air conditioners run up your utility bill.
	An oversized air conditioner can cover up other problems.
	Oversized air conditioners cost more to buy and don’t last as long.
	An oversized air conditioner makes your house clammy.
	Oversized air conditioners are noisy.

Be sure your contractor installs the correct size for your home. Don’t have a contractor? Check out the "meet our members" list for a contractor in your area.

Week of May 12, 2008

Humidity control can be a problem during the summer months. To avoid excessive moisture that can breed mold and mildew consider the following:

	make sure the clothes dryer is vented to the outside;
	don't over water your house plants;
	dry clothes immediately after washing;
	use exhaust fans in your kitchen when cooking, and in the bath when bathing;
	ask your air conditioning contractor about getting a dehumidifier to help control the humidity - don't have a contractor? Call an ACCA-NCC member in your area.

Week of May 5, 2008

	Don't Forget Those Filters - change your filters once a month. As a good reminder - when you pay your gas or electric bill - use that as your trigger to remember to change your filter. A clean filter allows your unit to run more efficiently which causes less wear and tear on the equipment.
	Also, remember to regularly check the smoke detectors in your house to make sure they are working.  If your smoke detector runs on electricity, be sure you have a battery back up in case of a power failure.  And keep fresh batteries installed with extras on hand.

Week of April 28, 2008

Your air conditioner blew its fuse?  If the home electric supply is interrupted momentarily the compressor may not restart because of the high pressures still in the liquid line. Under those pressures the compressor is presenting a dead short to the breaker box and off it goes. Reset your breaker or replace the fuse.  If this continues to happen - call your contractor.  Don't have a contractor?  Visit http://www.acca.org/contractors/ for a contractor in your area.

Week of April 21, 2008

In the Summer:

Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher. You pay extra for every degree below the recommended setting.
Portable and ceiling fans cost pennies to operate and can help your home feel cooler at higher thermostat settings.
Turn the fan switch on central cooling systems and room units to automatic (auto) instead of continuous (on).
Provide exterior shading, such as awnings or solar screens, for windows exposed to direct sun.
Arrange furniture so lamps or other heat-producing appliances are not close to the thermostat.
Keep fresh air intake or exhaust vents on room air conditioners closed.

Week of April 14, 2008

	No matter what kind of air conditioning (and heating) system you have in your home, you can save money and increase comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment. For a contractor near you contact an ACCA-NCC member.
	On April 6, 2008 two of ACCA-NCC's executive officers were on a WMAL radio program, Home Innovations, talking about getting your air conditioning unit ready for the summer.  You can hear those tips by visiting www.homeinnovations.com, click on the archives page, or www.wmal.com and click on "on demand."

Week of April 7, 2008

Right now we may be having below normal temperatures in the DC metro area but summer is right around the corner.  Are you ready for our summer heat? Don't wait of record breaking heat to find out your air conditioner isn't cooling or isn't working at all.  Now is the time to call your contractor to get your unit ready for the 2008 summer heat.  Your future comfort level depends on it!

Week of March 31, 2008

	Check your ducts for air leaks. First look for sections that should be joined but have separated and then look for obvious holes.
	If your basement has been converted to a living area, install both supply and return registers in the basement rooms.
	Get a professional to help you insulate and repair all ducts.

Week of March 24, 2008

	Don't Forget Those Filters - change your filters once a month. As a good reminder - when you pay your gas or electric bill - use that as your trigger to remember to change your filter. A clean filter allows your unit to run more efficiently which causes less wear and tear on the equipment.
	Also, remember to regularly check the smoke detectors in your house to make sure they are working.  If your smoke detector runs on electricity, be sure you have a battery back up in case of a power failure.  And keep fresh batteries installed with extras on hand.

Week of March 17, 2008

Spring arrives this week!!  That means it's time to schedule your spring check-up on your air conditioning system.  Many contractors refer to these check-ups as a preventive maintenance or your annual spring check and clean.  Whatever it's called, by having this done before the summer heat arrives could help in avoiding your equipment being down during an extreme hot spell.

Don't have a contractor?  Check our member list for a licensed contractor in your area.

Week of March 10, 2008

It’s More Than a Career, It’s a Profession

The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry manages indoor environments. It is an industry that our society depends on year-round. The HVACR industry - a $150 billion a year business - employs many people, and more and more skilled people are needed to fill the increasing demand. In addition, the industry works on issues that affect our environment such as indoor air quality and protecting the earth's ozone layer through refrigerant recovery.

This is a profession and jobs in the $150 billion a year HVACR industry are predicted to increase through the end of this decade and into the next century, as demand grows for industrial, commercial, and residential climate control systems. To maintain or replace older comfort systems, additional new jobs will be created.

Average first year salaries (as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1995)

HVACR Professionals $29,500*
Lawyer (Public Sector) $29,200
Travel Agent $21,300
Secretary $19,100
Journalist $18,000
Cosmetologist $14,800

*With a two-year degree

After graduation from high school, you can get additional training at a local community college, or at a university. Look for two-year associate programs or colleges and universities with high rates of job placement. Often they can find jobs for 100% of their HVACR graduates with four-year engineering degrees, at starting salaries ranging from $20,000 to $31,000, depending on the applicant's experience and job location. Universities like Ferris State report there are 25 jobs available for each HVACR graduate.

Another direction can be to participate in an apprenticeship program. Apprentices gain hands-on skills by working in the field, earn money, and learn at the same time. In the Washington metro are ACCA-National Capital Chapter (ACCA-NCC) endorses two apprenticeship programs for the HVACR industry. The Virginia Apprenticeship Program (703-227-2300) and ACCA-NCC’s Maryland State approved apprenticeship program held at Montgomery College in Rockville (301-384-ACCA).

Week of March 3, 2008

Humidity control for pianos

	Seasonal and even daily changes in humidity cause wood parts to swell and shrink, affecting tuning stability and touch. Extreme swings in humidity can eventually cause wood to crack and glue joints to fail.
	Very high humidity can even create condensation on metal parts such as strings, tuning pins, and hardware, eventually causing them to rust.
	What can be done to minimize humidity problems? Use of a room humidifier during dry seasons will help somewhat. However, it is preferable to have a whole-house humidifier installed, with a humidistat to keep the humidity at a set level. A qualified heating contractor can do this.

Week of February 25, 2008

	Don't Forget Those Filters - change your filters once a month. As a good reminder - when you pay your gas or electric bill - use that as your trigger to remember to change your filter. A clean filter allows your unit to run more efficiently which causes less wear and tear on the equipment.
	Also, remember to regularly check the smoke detectors in your house to make sure they are working.  If your smoke detector runs on electricity, be sure you have a battery back up in case of a power failure.  And keep fresh batteries installed with extras on hand.

Week of February 18, 2008

Call Us First

	Call us before you call a heating contractor in the Washington metro area and we will be happy to tell you if a contractor is a member of our association and if there’s any outstanding complaints filed with ACCA-NCC against that company (301-384-ACCA).
	Even though we don’t refer to contractors, you can check our "Find a contractor in your area" on our web site and search, by county, for an ACCA-NCC contractor that is licensed to do work in your area.

Week of February 11, 2008

If you smell natural gas:

	alert others and leave the area immediately
	leave open any doors you pass through to help ventilate the area, but don't take time to open windows
	don not operate any electrical switches, thermostats, or appliance controls, including telephones and flashlights; all these devices cause sparks
	extinguish all open flames; do not use matches or lighters and do not attempt to light your appliances
	after leaving the house/building, call 911 and ask the operator to call the gas company
	do not allow contractors or others to dig or drill on your property unless they have checked with the local utility system to determine the location of buried pipes and cables

Natural gas is non-toxic, colorless, tasteless and odorless.   However, an unpleasant odor is added to the gas so you will know there is natural gas escaping.  Even if your home is not supplied with natural gas you need to know what to do to get out alive in the event you do detect its odor.

(source - WUSA, Channel 9 TV)

Week of February 4, 2008

Hiring a heating contractor?  Ask them:

	Are you going to give me your quote in writing (on a printed form — not scratched out on a piece of plan paper)?  This should outline what the contractor's, as well as the consumer's, responsibilities are.
	Do you have the desire and ability to perform warranty service throughout the warranty period?  Some contractors only install — they won't service the equipment.
	Don't consider price only.  Be sure that you are comparing "apples to apples" when considering more than one contractor; be sure they are quoting you on the same size unit and offering the same service.
	Is your company licensed to do the work in my city, county, state?  May I see a copy of those licenses?
	Does your company employ certified CFC technicians?  May I see a copy of their license (this is an federally (EPA) mandated license for technicians to handle refrigerant)?
	Does your company employ NATE certified technicians?  This is an industry certification and not required but does indicate that the company is interested in having knowledgeable technicians on staff.
	Will you please provide references?  Find out if other customers are satisfied.

Don't have a contractor?  Check our member listing for a contractor in your area.

Week of January 28, 2008

	Don't Forget Those Filters - change your filters once a month. As a good reminder - when you pay your gas or electric bill - use that as your trigger to remember to change your filter. A clean filter allows your unit to run more efficiently which causes less wear and tear on the equipment.
	Also, remember to regularly check the smoke detectors in your house to make sure they are working.  If your smoke detector runs on electricity, be sure you have a battery back up in case of a power failure.  And keep fresh batteries installed with extras on hand.

Week of January 21, 2008

Humidifiers and Their Cleaning

You have to clean a humidifier periodically to clear mineral deposits and to disinfect the unit so that the water inside does not become contaminated.

	Central systems - annual disinfecting is adequate because their water supply is constantly replenished.
	Portable units - change the water daily and clean the appliance every third day as direction by the manufacturer

Need help with your central humidifier - call your contractor to assist you.  Don't have a contractor?  Check our search tool for a contractor in your area.

Week of January 14, 2008

NO ELECTRICITY?

	It is recommended, if you do not have electricity you should turn your thermostat to the off position and/or turn the switches to your heating equipment off.
	By doing this, if the electricity short cycles when it comes back on, you will eliminate the chance of your unit blowing its compressor.

Week of January 7, 2008

Air Returns

	In addition to changing your filter every month (a good reminder trigger - when you pay your gas or electric bill - change your filter), regularly vacuum off the dust that gets trapped on the air return grille.
	Have the duct system cleaned, as well as the furnace. Contractors use powerful vacuums and long hoses that can snake through a network of ducts to remove dust trapped at joints and bends.
	Have your contractor install an electronic air cleaner. Cleaners are placed in ductwork close to the furnace and draw air through a grille of electrically charged plates that attract particles. Typical appliances remove more than 90 percent of dust, pollen, smoke and many other contaminants.  Don't have a contractor?   Check out our members listing for a contractor in your area.

Week of January 1, 2008

	Don't Forget Those Filters - change your filters once a month. As a good reminder - when you pay your gas or electric bill - use that as your trigger to remember to change your filter. A clean filter allows your unit to run more efficiently which causes less wear and tear on the equipment.  Make sure that you install a replacement filter that is the same size as the original.
	Also, remember to regularly check the smoke detectors in your house to make sure they are working.  If your smoke detector runs on electricity, be sure you have a battery back up in case of a power failure.  With both battery and electric detectors be sure to keep fresh batteries installed with extras on hand.