PREVIOUS WEEKLY TIPS FOR 2009

Week of February 22, 2010

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 15, 2010

As we go through the melting process from the record snow that the Washington, DC has just experienced be sure to keep the snow and ice off the top of your heat pump and away from the sides of the unit; these two measurers will help from keeping the unit from freezing up.  Also be sure the exhaust vents for your gas furnace and dryer are clear. 

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 8, 2010

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 February 1, 2010

	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 25, 2010

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 18, 2010

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 11, 2010

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 4, 2010

	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.