Lighting Choices to Save You Money
effort to save money on electrical bills, we set our sights on one of the easier money-saving decisions you can make concerning your home. Making the switch to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to start lowering your electric bills, and it’s also one of the smartest. In 2012, new lighting standards…
Dog House Air Conditioning
Source Summers in Oklahoma only seem to get hotter. While this hot and humid weather can directly affect our health and comfort, our pets are even more impacted by the intense heat. Dogs in particular feel the effects of the weather, as they need to be outside for exercise and bathroom breaks at least…
The Dangers of Scented Products (Limonene in Candles, Cleaners and Air Fresheners)
While there are several factors that can affect your indoor air quality (IAQ), one of the more surprising is the use of popular scented products. Candles, air fresheners and cleaning solutions sometimes contain chemicals that, when mixed with other airborne elements, can create cancer-causing agents. A chemical called limonene, used to give products a…
Summer Energy-Saving Tips for the Backyard
One of the beloved traditions of summer is spending family time outside in the yard. Kids enjoying the backyard pool, running through the sprinkler (or maybe a Slip ‘n Slide), having a barbecue picnic or just spending time on the porch with a drink… These are all timeless social activities that bring families and…
Should I Get An IAQ Evaluation?
How much thought have you given into getting an IAQ evaluation? With temperatures already hitting the triple digits in Oklahoma City, many people are staying inside earlier in the season, for longer periods of time. Staying inside your home with the air conditioning running nearly-nonstop can promote unhealthy indoor air quality. This situation is exacerbated…
Plants that Keep Your Home Cooler
Another hot OKC summer is just around the corner, (though the triple digit temperatures we’ve recently experienced make it feel like it’s already arrived). The oppressive heat and humidity outside ensures that people stay indoors for the majority of the day. This helps keep the indoor air quality just as compromised as it was during…
How to Shop for Energy-Efficient Appliances
Modern technology has changed the way home appliances are designed – and in many instances for the better. There are several energy-efficient appliances that will help lower your utility bill and help protect the environment. But the marketplace varies greatly in quality, efficiency and price. Expensive doesn’t always mean “better,” but many of the most…
Xeriscaping Around Your A/C Unit
Have you considered xeriscaping around your A/C unit? It’s a good idea for several reasons, even in OKC. Is your HVAC condenser in a healthy yard filled with trees and plant life? Grass, leaves and other yard detritus can collect on the coil and fins, slowing down the unit and eventually causing equipment shutdown.…
Cool for the Spring and Summer (Energy Saving Tips for OKC Homes)
We’re headed for another hot Oklahoma summer, with higher utility bills to match the higher temps. But the bills don’t have to sky rocket every season if you’re smart about energy efficiency. It’s possible to keep your home cool (even in triple-digit weather) without blasting the air conditioning on high 24 hours a day.…
Cleaning a Window Air Conditioner
Cleaning the air conditioner (window or wall unit) annually will ensure a long life and help keep repair bills to a minimum. It will also ensure that it runs at maximum capacity. When the evaporator and condenser coils or cooling fins are dirty or clogged, they sometimes have difficulty producing cold air. Thoroughly cleaning…
Thermostat Troubleshooting
Having problems with your HVAC? Try these thermostat troubleshooting tips before calling a technician! Modern programmable thermostats for HVAC systems have come a long way from the basic dial models that required the user to manually set the temperature. These new designs can help save hundreds of dollars on utility bills by “remembering” what…
Reducing Allergens (in Your Oklahoma Home)
Tired of suffering every spring from that onslaught of pollen? Reducing allergens in your home will help greatly with your symptoms and keep them from developing into a full-on cold. It has been well documented that Oklahoma City is one of the top five “worst spring allergy cities” in America. In fact, last year, the…