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What to do if a rodent dies in your ductwork

Posted on November 25, 2020 - home maintenance, air quality, Blog

In the event a rodent dies in your home, you likely ask these questions – where the smell is coming from and how can you get rid of it? It’s common for homeowners to discover a small rodent like a rat, mouse or other creature has died in their ductwork. And it’s not pleasant. It will most likely leave you with a horrible smell and some mess to clean up. If a rodent dies in your ductwork, the smell will most likely seep into your home, so you’ll need to plan on cleaning.

While it’s usually best to hire a professional, here are some DIY tips on what you can do in the event a rodent dies in your ductwork.

Track the Smell

The smell of the dead animal will usually tip you off that there is a problem. But noticing a smell can mean the rodent died in one of various places in your home – the basement, crawlspace, attic or ductwork. You’ll have to follow the scent.

If you suspect that it’s in your ductwork you should look into it using a flashlight. If you can see the animal, go ahead and remove it. However, if you don’t see it, you may need to hire a professional to search for and dispose of the animal.

Remove It

Once you have found it, you will need to remove it carefully. You’ll need supplies like a garbage bag, paper towels, gloves, and disinfectant spray. If you cannot reach the animal, you may need other tools to drag it closer to you. Once it has been located and the source of the smell has been removed disinfect the entire area. This will remove the smell and kill the germs left by the animal carcass.

Take Follow-up Steps

One thing you should do is thoroughly inspect your system and ductwork. It’s important to find any leaks to prevent another animal from getting into the ductwork. This will also increase the energy efficiency of your system.

You may also want to hire a professional to clean your ductwork. This will help get rid of any lingering odors and give you the peace of mind for your health that any bacteria or viruses have been cleaned away.

You may be able to rectify the issue of removing a dead rodent from your ductwork, but hiring a professional, like a pest control specialist is never a bad idea. To schedule a HVAC system inspection and make sure unwanted guests aren’t climbing through your ductwork, call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

Garbage Disposal Leaks 101

Posted on November 25, 2020 - plumbing, Plumbing Repair, Central Carolina Plumbing, Blog

There are common causes for garbage disposal leaks – usually it’s a minor component being too loose or worn out. By finding from where your garbage disposal is leaking, you’ll be able to figure out why it’s leaking! And then you can fix it.

If your garbage disposal is leaking, it will likely leak from one of these places: the top, the pipe connections and the bottom. To find out if your disposal is leaking, check each common place where leaks start. Start with a flashlight to check for puddling, condensation, and other signs of water accumulation around or under your disposal.

So let’s find out what’s going on with your disposal.

Garbage disposals usually leak from four different places:

The reset button (on the bottom of the disposal) – deactivates the disposal if it jams or the motor overloads.
The dishwasher hose connection on the side of the disposal – where the flexible plastic dishwasher hose connects to the disposal.
The sink flange – located at the top of the garbage disposal; connects the disposal to the top of the sink.
The drain line connection – where the main drain pipe connects to the disposal via curving metal or PVC plastic pipes.

First, look for the obvious signs of garbage disposal leaks.

If you see any signs of leaking, check that it isn’t the sink itself or the sink’s p-trap. If not, check under your kitchen sink for puddling water, dampness, dripping or a musty smell. Grab a flashlight and bucket to look for each type of leak.
Turn off the garbage disposal and unplug it.
Then, fill up the kitchen sink with water about halfway. Add food coloring to the water so you can spot the leak.

You can locate the leak in the following ways:

The reset button: The reset button is located in the bottom of the disposal unit. Check for a slow, constant drip or water accumulation under the unit.
The dishwasher hose connection: Start the dishwasher without turning back on the disposal. Watch the hose as the water runs from the dishwasher drain through it. Pay attention to the connections between the hose and disposal.
The sink flange: Check for dripping or accumulating water around the top and bottom of the ring of the flange. Use the flashlight to look for water coloring and feel for wetness.
The drain line connection: Check the drain line and disposal connection. Pay attention to the screws that fasten the line to the disposal and to the gap between the disposal and drain line.

If you find a leak at any of these points, find out why.

Each of the four common leaks have different causes and fixes. Here’s how to locate what caused it:

The reset button: If your garbage disposal is leaking from either the reset button or at the bottom of the disposal it probably means a seal inside the unit has worn out. This can happen when a garbage disposal gets old.
The dishwasher hose connection: If the dishwasher hose is leaking, it’s usually because the screws have loosened. This can happen because of rust or age. It’s also possible the drain hose or clamp are leaking.
The sink flange: This part is held in place by plumber’s putty and bolts. The putty can deteriorate or the bolts rust or loosen, and the watertight seal between the flange and sink may break.
The drain line connection: If the drain line is leaking, then either the screws have worn out, or the rubber gasket inside the assembly is leaking. Take down the drain line and check the gasket for wear and tear.

Now that you’ve identified the where and why, you’re ready to fix the problem.

The good news is fixing a leaking garbage disposal is usually straightforward, even when you might need a professional:

The reset button: Unfortunately, if your garbage disposal leaks from the bottom it’s probably time to replace it.
The dishwasher hose connection: First, try to tighten the screws on the metal clamp connecting the hose to the disposal. If the screws don’t tighten properly, replace them. If the hose is also leaking, you’ll have to replace it, too.
The drain line connection: Try to fix this leak by tightening the connection between the pipe and disposal. Detach and reattach the pipe if tightening doesn’t work. If there are still issues, replace the screws or gasket.
The sink flange: Unscrew and check the bolts for rust or other deterioration and replace them if needed. Then, remove the flange, scrap off the putty, and reapply new putty. Turn back on the water to test the seal.

Using these instructions, you should be able to identify and fix nearly any garbage disposal leak! Of course, sometimes unusual leaks happen. They can be tough to figure out, much less fix, so contact a professional in those situations. If you need the assistance of a licensed plumber, then call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

Exterior Lighting: A Quick Guide

Posted on November 24, 2020 - electrical, electrical service, Blog

Exterior lighting should make your home appear inviting and warm while complementing your existing décor. Slight changes in the amount of illumination, color and style, size, and mounting height can create a welcoming glow for your home. Does your back porch appear dark? Is your front entryway dull and uninviting? Spruce up your space with some updated exterior lighting!

Here’s what to consider and how to pick out the exterior lighting fixtures that will enhance your space.

1. Illumination

The end goal of exterior lighting is to brighten a space without being overbearing – side yards, garages or driveways could use a brighter bulb or utility type fixture while the front door, porch, and back deck can often rely on smaller fixtures and softer, dimmer lighting. Since these are outdoor lighting fixtures, opting for longer-lasting LED bulbs is usually recommended.

2. Color and Style

The color and size of your fixtures and lighting should coordinate with your existing style scheme to help improve the aesthetic. If you have brass fixtures or doorknobs use those elements with your light fixtures. If you have silver or platinum, coordinate that in your lighting scheme to create a more completed look.

3. Size

You want to strike a balance between a light that illuminates a good amount of space with a fixture arrangement that doesn’t dominate the entire exterior façade. A light that is too large can appear clunky and shrink the look of your house. Size choice may vary depending on the location. For instance, a side yard or driveway may need a larger light, whereas the lights at your front door should be smaller and ornate. A good rule of thumb for entryway fixtures, is to select a fixture that is approximately one-third or one-fourth the height of the front door.

4. Mounting Height

The placement of a lighting fixture is also imperative. For most wall-mounted applications you want to display lights that are approximately eye-level. This is about 66 to 72 inches above the floor for most entries, front doors and garage-mounted lights.

Where to Display Outdoor Lights

In addition to the height, proper placement will create being the look together. Entryways and front doors should have two sconces or fixtures on each side. Covered deck lighting is dependent upon the size of the space. If possible, use larger fixtures like outdoor chandeliers to create a chic look if the space allows. Placement for a garage depends on the size and number of stalls. A one-car garage may only need a single fixture near the walkway, or a fixture on flanking both sides of the garage door. A two-car garage with two separate doors may look better with three lights – the left, center column, and right side of the garage front.

How to Choose Outdoor Lighting Fixtures for Your Home

In addition to all these considerations the type of light used can make or break your outside lighting goals.

Here are a few lighting types and some advice on when and where to use them:

Post lights: These are standalone, stately fixtures that can be used for illuminating walkways or marking a yard perimeter.
Outdoor wall sconces: These work well to flank the front door or light a side entry.
Outdoor chandelier: Light up an area by adding an element of elegance. These larger, more ornate fixtures could be used in a covered deck that has room to spare.
Outdoor table lamp: Best for patios or back porches, these lights can be moved, dimmed and changed out to create the perfect mood.

Adding to or updating your exterior lighting can go a long way toward enhancing your outdoor spaces. Decorating with matching fixtures outdoors will complement your home and create a welcoming glow to your yard.

For professional assistance from a licensed electrician, contact Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical at 336.283.8485.

How to Clean a Ceiling Fan

Posted on September 30, 2020 - home maintenance, Blog

Ceiling fans are a great home accessory to create a breeze to keep rooms comfortable and add an attractive look to any living spaces. But, how do you clean a ceiling fan without making a bigger mess? The most common issue is dealing with all that dust! In the kitchen, how do you clean a greasy kitchen ceiling fan? And what about the fan attached to that super high ceiling?

Ceiling fan dirt is more than just a cosmetic issue. It can cause problems like noisy fan operation and even damage to the motor. If anyone in the house has allergies or respiratory illnesses, dust can make matters worse.

Here are a few hacks to help you clean a ceiling fan and eliminate dust, dirt and all the problems that come with it. With these tips, you can clean your ceiling fan in less time and with less hassle. Plus, when guests come over, you won’t have to hope they don’t look up!

Here are some great tips and strategies to clean ceiling fans with ease:

Turn off your fan and make sure the blades aren’t moving.
Clean the motor unit and pull chains with a clean cloth.
Clean the fan blades using a pole duster that cleans the top and bottom of each blade at the same time.
If you want a deeper clean, climb up a step ladder and clean the blades by-hand. Use a lightly damp microfiber cloth and dry and finish with a dry cloth.
Avoid putting too much pressure on the blades as you clean to prevent breaking or damaging.
You can go over each clean blade with an unused dryer sheet. This may allow you to go longer between cleanings because the dust won’t cling to the blades.

Have you ever heard of the pillowcase method? You can prevent the typical dust storm that ensues from the ceiling when you clean the fan by using a pillowcase! Put a clean pillowcase around the fan blades and slide the case down the blade. You will remove the dust and keep it contained inside the pillowcase. When you’re done, take the pillowcase outside and turn it inside to shake clumps of dust off before washing it.

Another messy situation is cleaning a greasy ceiling fan.

A kitchen ceiling fan attracts grease. And the combination of grease and dust results in a grimy, sticky residue on the blades that can be difficult to remove. Take the steps to clean your kitchen ceiling fan.

Wipe individual blades with dry paper towels to remove loose debris.
Follow up with a damp microfiber cloth to remove the layer of sticky grime.
Continue this process to remove the layers of grease buildup.
Put a small amount of a de-greasing household cleaner on a microfiber cloth and scrub if the blades are really gunky.
Follow with a clean, dry cloth until clean to the touch.

For extra high ceilings, get a tall ladder or an extension duster to reach the blades. The pillowcase method is also effective!

If your ceiling fan blades are textured or covered in fabric take extra care. Keep them dust-free by using a handheld vacuum attachment to remove dust and debris. Follow with a water-moistened microfiber cloth to clean tough grime.

If you’re looking to install some new ceiling fans in your home, contact the pros at Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

HVAC Upgrades for Comfort & Equity

Posted on September 30, 2020 - energy efficiency, home maintenance, heating, air conditioning installation, Blog

HVAC upgrades will always be a safe bet and a smart investment — and yet, these home improvements are some of the most commonly overlooked by homeowners and flippers. A prospective buyer probably won’t automatically walk away from a home without all the newest gadgets, but they won’t even look twice at a home that lacks basic heating and cooling abilities.

Therefore, you should take HVAC renovations quite seriously and make them a priority over new flooring, paint, and other aesthetic or luxury upgrades.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that HVAC remodels have a higher average return on investment than most other types of remodeling projects, yielding a return of up to 71%.

You’ll want to take into account the region, the age and size of your home, your budget, and the layout of your property. With these factors in mind, you can get an idea of your HVAC system upgrade options.

Is your current HVAC system in good working condition?

During the home-selling process, you can bet that people will ask you the age of your HVAC system. Was your system installed less than 10 years ago? If so,then it very likely has several good years of use left in it. Anything newer isn’t likely to make a difference in home value or offers from potential buyers. Anything older than 15 years old; however, will be a turnoff to buyers.

Can you get away with an HVAC repair instead of a replacement?

If your HVAC unit is less than 10 years old but functions like it needs to be upgraded, you might be able to get away with some simple repairs rather than a complete system overhaul.

It’s hard to go wrong with most basic HVAC upgrades. This is especially true if the home you’re renovating is more than 20 years old. Even though you may only recover 50% or less of certain HVAC investments, an upgrade could capture the interest of buyers and make it worth the purchase.

Furnace/Boiler

Replacing an old furnace or boiler is an easy upgrade that doesn’t require much labor. Most furnaces can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance, but most older heating appliances require frequent, pricey repairs and cost a lot to run. By switching to a new heating appliance, you conserve energy and improve the efficiency of your home’s heating system. This is attractive to potential buyers.

Insulation

Fiberglass insulation only costs around $1,200 on average and yields a $1,400 return upon resale within a year of completion. Poor insulation is an easy fix and a low-risk investment that yields a 95% to 116% return. Properly insulated walls improve a home’s ability to regulate internal temperatures and reduce the demand on its HVAC system.

Air Ducts

If you are replacing an old HVAC system with a more efficient one, you might need to upgrade your ductwork to accommodate it. Ductwork is made to last 25 years at the most, but it starts to degrade in about 15 years. Deterioration will reduce the efficiency of an HVAC system significantly. It’s a good idea to replace the ductwork if you plan to sell your home in the near future.

Windows

Approximately 35% of a home’s heat escapes through low-quality windows. Even if the walls of your home are highly insulated, it won’t do much good if the windows aren’t equally energy-efficient.

Doors and Weather Stripping

Another way to significantly improve your HVAC efficiency with minimal labor is to upgrade to energy-efficient doors and repair or replace any old weather stripping. Some of the most energy-efficient materials available for residential doors include fiberglass, steel, and vinyl. Try to avoid wood and glass if your goal is to prevent airflow.

After replacing your door, you should see a return of 75% to 91% of your investment upon resale, depending on the type of door you’ve chosen. When swapping out your door, don’t forget about the weather stripping. New weather stripping will ensure a tight seal around your doors and windows and prevent air leaks. This is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make to your home, ranging from $130 to $340.

Central Air

People want to be comfortable in every room of their home all year long. Most homebuyers today consider central heating and air conditioning a standard feature rather than an upgrade. So,without it, you may struggle to sell your home. A central air installation can cost anywhere from $6,000 to 15,000, but it could increase your home value by up to 10%.

Roof

While the roof serves to protect everything under it, it’s also an important insulator. Inefficient roofing materials account for 25% of heat loss. Just by upgrading to modern, high-tech shingles, you can relieve a lot of the strain on your HVAC system and improve your indoor comfort. Asphalt shingles can lower a roof’s surface temperature by up to 50 degrees and increase home value by $12,000. Investing in a new roof might seem like a big expense, but it has been shown that you can recover 105% of the cost at resale.

You can count on the professionals at Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical to help you maximize your HVAC upgrades. Call us at 800.461.3010 or submit our scheduling form, to get started.

Color Temperature In Your Home

Posted on September 29, 2020 - electrical, home improvement, Blog

There are so many options for lighting that it can seem like a challenging task when you’re trying to make decisions for your home. Do you need lighting that is cool, neutral, warm, or changeable? It depends on how and where you’re using them, what kind of look and feel you’re trying to create and personal preference. First, consider the color temperature scale.

What is Color Temperature?

You’ll find that most LED lighting products are offered in a variety of color temperatures – they vary hues of white. Correlated color temperature, or ‘CCT’ is a term you’ll see used to describe how warm (yellow) or cool (blue) the color of light in an LED bulb or fixture appears. It works like the sun, and is easiest to explain that way.

As the day progresses, the sun changes color. Midday might be 6000K (Kelvin), or very bright bluish-white. Sunset may be 3000K with an amber light. Usually, Kelvin temperatures for residential lighting are between 2500K and 5000K.

Here’s another way to look at it:

“Warm” light = anything 3000K or lower.

“Cool” light = 4000K or above.

“Neutral” looks cool or warm depending on surrounding furnishings and other lighting close by.

Some task lighting like in a basement workshop or home office can often be useful at 4000K and above.

And of course, the choice is ultimately up to you!

Kelvin temperature can also help you decide which fixture is right in a room:

Warm light, ambient lighting = 2200-2700K.

Soft white light = 3000-3500K.

Bright white light (for kitchens, offices, workspaces and vanities) = 4500K.

Other things to consider

Look at the colors of your ceiling, walls and floor. If your home has mostly cool colors like blacks, greys, blues, greens, and crisp whites the best choice is a cool LED color temperature such as 3000K or 3500K.

If your home has mostly natural materials like hardwood floors, wood cabinets and furniture, and colors like browns, reds, and oranges then warmer white LEDs is the best choice.

Temperature Recommendations by Space

Typically, lighting works best in certain rooms for which they are used.

Create an inviting living room to relax in and for entertaining. Using a dimmer sets the right atmosphere for TV watching and movie nights. Suggested color temperature: 2700-3000K
Lighting that’s a balance between being inviting, and bright enough to see what you’re eating is what you want in the dining room. Installing a dimmer helps adjust to the perfect mood. Suggested color temperature: 2700K – 3000K
Bedrooms are the most intimate space in your home. Keeping lights low and warm allows you to relax and rest. Suggested color temperature: 2700-3000K
Bathrooms are cooler and brighter so they are functional for routines like applying makeup and shaving. A more soothing environment can be achieved with a dimmer. Suggested color temperature: 3000-4000K
Bright light in the kitchen is ideal for prepping food and reading recipes. But kitchens are so versatile, so the color temperature can vary. Decide what’s best based on your decor and any other lighting being used nearby. A fail-proof ‘neutral’ 3000K white will look great no matter what. Suggested color temperature: 2700-4000K
You’ll need bright, task-oriented lighting in the office or garage. Suggested color temperature: 3000-5000K

Ideally, our lighting would change throughout the day, just like the sun. We can try to emulate this process with LED “tunable” fixtures and using dimmers whenever possible. Dimming can transform a space and give you more functionality. It will also save energy and extend the life of your light bulbs.

If you need professional assistance while on your color temperature journey, call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

Electrical Upgrades to Help Sell Your House

Posted on September 29, 2020 - electrical, Blog

If you’re considering putting off upgrading the electrical in your home because you plan to put it on the market – think twice! It’s not a good idea to sell a home with questionable wiring and electrical. What should you replace? What can you leave for the buyer to fix? Let’s look at some electrical upgrades to help sell your house.

Electrical issues often deter potential buyers. Increasing your home’s curb appeal is always important. You need to see what’s behind the scenes that might send your potential buyer to another property. While you don’t want to spend a fortune on a home you’re selling, it is wise to learn when to update home wiring so you can get top dollar on your home sale.

These electrical upgrades will keep negotiations, price reductions/credits at a minimum, and above all, will help you get an offer near listing price.

Too Few Outlets

An outlet per room is not enough, and extension cords are dangerous. Each room should feature multiple outlets in convenient locations. For example, check for outlets next to the night stand, outside the front door, or in the bathroom.

Antiquated Electrical Delivery

Often, you’ll find that older homes are wired to receive 60-amps. Modern homes require 20-amps. If your home’s wiring is outdated, it will not support the number of electrical fixtures, appliances and electrical load for today’s homes.

Outdated Wiring

Wiring systems such as aluminum wiring, a leading cause of home fires, will have buyers and homeowner’s insurance companies running the other way. For safety and to manage the massive load of electronics in today’s homes, your whole home should have solid copper wire and adequate grounding.

Two-Prong (Ungrounded) Outlets

In today’s digital age, and for today’s home buyers, replace two-pronged plugs (and wiring). Outlets must be able to accept 3-prong plugs and be properly grounded. Buyers will not want to risk having their expensive gadgets getting fried.

Problematic Circuit Breaker Panels

All your home’s wiring should run through a circuit breaker panel. Any other type will stall the home sale, and affect the function and value of your home, and its insurability.

Missing GFCIs

Water increases the risk of electric shock. Outlets in the kitchen, bath, garage, basement, or other wet locations should be GFCI equipped. GFCI outlets monitor electrical current. Therefore, when there is an imbalance, the outlet will disconnect power.

Now that you’ve assessed these electrical upgrades to help sell your house, do you need professional assistance? Contact Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

Plumbing Maintenance Guide

Posted on September 17, 2020 - home maintenance, plumbing, Blog

Summer is coming to an end and during a season transition it’s always a good idea to do some house maintenance to prepare for upcoming weather. Guarding against problems is easier and more cost effective than fixing them after they occur! Preparing your plumbing for fall and the months ahead is important – let’s look at this quick plumbing maintenance guide.

Clean the gutters around your home

Gutters become blocked in the summer and it’s common for leaves and branches to become trapped in them. In the

long term this will only become a larger problem when more leaves and branches fall in the coming months. Significant gutter clogs are a much bigger problem if they aren’t maintained, so it’s important to do some outdoor plumbing maintenance. Clearing your gutters at the end of summer lowers the chance you’ll end up with a clogged gutter in fall, or having water back up because it cannot drain from the roof properly.

Check and drain your water heater

So many other appliances depend on your water heater to function properly. As a result, your water heater must be in good working order to keep the rest of your home running smoothly. It’s also timely to drain your water heater, because there are a few hot summer days left and you can get by without hot water for a while.

Look for cracks or rust, wet spots and leaks. These are signs it’s time to call a plumber.
Also, if you find rust, leaks or cracks on the anode rods or pressure relief valves, immediately call a plumber.
Once you’ve inspected the water heater, drain the tank. This is an annual maintenance task and is done to flush out the sediment that may have built up over the year. Sediment build up can damage the inside of your unit,
making a loud popping sound.

Check your all your fixtures, appliances and pipes

Even the smallest of leaks can waste gallons of water every year. Anything that holds or moves water needs to be checked.

The sink

Visually check underneath your sinks. Do you see evidence of water? Is there a sign of past water damage? Try running the water for a few seconds. When you turn it off, check the pipes below. If you see water dripping around them you may have a leak. If you are unsure if it’s serious, check with your plumbing professional.

The toilet

Toilets create many household leaks. They can be tricky to find or monitor. If you want to see if you are flushing extra time and money down the toilet, put some food coloring in the tank. Don’t flush the toilet for a few hours. When you go back, check to see if there’s food coloring in the toilet bowl, If so, you know your toilet is leaking.

The washing machine and dishwasher

Visually check your washing machine and dishwasher to ensure they are operating efficiently. Do you see any water damage around the connections? The next time you run either one, take a look and make sure everything is tight and no water is escaping.

The pipes

Lastly, but not least – check your pipes for leaks. Problem pipes are prone to freezing or busting in the winter. If you notice any rust or leaks on your pipes, call a plumber. While you’re checking into it, you may want to ask about insulating your pipes before winter to protect them from freezing conditions.

If you have concerns after running through our quick plumbing maintenance guide, you may need a professional plumber. For expert help, call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

HVAC filters and COVID-19 – what you need to know

Posted on July 27, 2020 - air quality, Blog

As more information becomes available about COVID-19 and how to prevent or slow its spread, we continue to seek ways to stay safe. First, the recommendation was hand washing and sanitizing. Then, we learned about social distancing. Now, we know that COVID-19 can be spread in the air we breathe. Masks are a helpful defense, but what about HVAC filters and COVID-19? Can our home HVAC systems filter the particles that contain COVID-19?

HVAC Filters and COVID-19

According to the Environmental Protection Association (EPA), we can’t rely on HVAC filters alone to eradicate the risk of COVID-19 contaminating our homes. But, when combined with other measures, like sanitizing surfaces and social distancing, using a high-quality filter can be part of the plan to reduce your overall risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. When maintained regularly, high-quality filters do help to trap the particles that contain contaminants, like viruses.

So, we know that filters can help in conjunction with other safety precautions. What else can we do to make our air safer to breathe? The EPA offers four specific recommendations to improve the air quality in your home:

Increase Ventilation with Outside Air

Open screened windows and doors to let in fresh air, when the outdoor air quality is safe (and if children and pets aren’t at risk)
Use bathroom fans (particularly when someone is using the small space)

Improve Natural Ventilation

Create cross-ventilation by opening screened doors and windows that are on opposite sides of a space, but not directly in front of each other (again, only if it’s safe for children, pets, and those impacted by poor air quality)
Consider using fans to push air out of a window and draw it in through another
Opening the highest and lowest windows (especially when they’re on different floors), can increase ventilation

Use your HVAC System

Keep the fan running often – continuously, when possible
Filters only process the air when the fan is running
Purchase the highest quality filter your system can accommodate

Use a portable air cleaner or air purifier

Place in a space where you spend the most time or where a vulnerable person spends time
Direct the airflow so that it does not blow directly from one person to another

It’s important to make sure your HVAC system is properly maintained so that it can be part of your COVID-19 safety plan. For information about preventive maintenance, filters, etc. please contact the professionals at Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

Summer Energy Efficiency Tips

Posted on July 22, 2020 - energy efficiency, Blog

As the temperatures climb higher and higher, so do our electric bills! If you’re worried about how you can stay comfortable and save energy, check out our summer energy efficiency tips.

The Department of Energy offers some great advice for saving energy in the spring and summer months. We’ve compiled several of our favorites tip to help you – and your wallet – survive summer!

Use Window Coverings

Blinds, curtains, and shades offer more than just decorative appeal and privacy – they can provide insulation and prevent your windows from letting in the sun’s heat. Cellular shades typically have the highest R-value (measure of insulation) of any window coverings and can reduce unwanted heat from the sun through windows by up to 80%! Curtains can be a good choice too, but their insulating power varies widely depending on the fabric type and color. Image of window covering

Blinds are another popular choice. Unlike shades and curtains, blinds allow much more control over the amount of sunlight you let in. Horizontal blinds can even be adjusted to reflect rays onto a light-colored ceiling, which lets you enjoy the light without all the heat. If you don’t want to sacrifice your view, then window films (especially those with UV blockers) are a good option. They may require a little extra care when cleaning, but the benefits may be worth it.

Keep Hot Air Out

Doors, windows, recessed windows, and fireplace walls are common hot spots (literally) where hot air can enter and your cool air can escape. Weatherstripping and caulk can seal these areas and improve the efficiency of your home, but first you’ll need to identify the trouble spots.

If your windows are in poor condition, you’re likely losing a lot of energy through them. Caulk, weatherstripping, window coverings, and storm panels can all help make your windows more efficient. If you’re in the market for new windows, be sure and look at the ENERGY STAR and NFRC ratings before buying.

Adjust Your Thermostat

If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, check into upgrading! This type of thermostat lets you automatically set your home’s HVAC system to a warmer temperature when you’re away and cooler when you are home. The closer you can keep the indoor temperature to the outdoor temperature, the lower your electric bill will be. That can be pretty tough when it’s over ninety degrees outside, so try and find a temperature that reduces humidity and provides comfort.

Remember that your thermostat senses the temperature of the room right around it. Avoid putting lamps or electronics next to your thermostat, as they put off heat. The additional heat may confuse your thermostat’s sensors and make your air conditioner run unnecessarily.

These summer energy efficiency tips are a great start. If you need professional help with your home’s energy efficiency, call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.