Archive for the ‘Heating & Air’ Category

Beat The Summer Heat With These Helpful Tips

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Summer is here and it is time to refresh our memory of the simple things we can do to protect ourselves, our pets and our homes in the summer heat.

Protect Yourself

  • Be careful when performing strenuous activities on a hot day. Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustions sufferers will exhibit cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; and exhaustion. Their body temperature will be near normal. Those in danger of heat stroke will have hot, red skin, changes in consciousness, rapid weak pulse and rapid shallow breathing. Their body temperature can be very high, as high as 105 degrees.
  • Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light colored clothing. The light color reflects heat and light and helps maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face by wearing a wide brimmed hat.
  • Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty. You must stay hydrated.
  • Avoid the intake of alcoholic beverages.
  • Eat well balanced, light, regular meals.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible.

Protect Your Pets

  • Be sure to keep clean cool water available at all times.
  • Never leave your pet in the car.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise with your pet on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early morning or late evening. Avoid going for walks on hot asphalt.
  • Be aware of the signs of heat stress in your pet. Ask you veterinarian what to watch for.

Protect Your Home

  • Have your air conditioning system serviced. With regular service you can save yourself from much heartache having a cooling system go down during the peak heat. Call Bill Russell Plumbing, Hear & Air today at 918-742-6171 to schedule a licensed technician to take care of your comfort system.
  • Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. They generate less heat than conventional bulbs.
  • Shut down computers and other electronic devices when not in use. They put out more heat than you would think!
  • Plant trees and other shade giving landscape plants on the south and west sides of your home. This will help protect your home from direct sun.

From all of us here at Bill Russell Plumbing, Heat & Air Company we hope you and your family have a safe and fun summer!

Posted in Heating & Air, Homeowner Tips | No Comments »

Is Your House Off Balance?

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Home comfort systemAll rooms are not alike. Some are warmer when you’d rather they be cool, some are cooler when you’d rather they be warm. How is this happening? A number of variables could be having an impact. For example, direct exposure to sunlight heats up a room – good in winter, not so good in summer.

Electronics could play a role here, if high-speed computers and accessories are plugged in, powered up and producing heat. The height of the ceiling has an impact, as does the type of flooring.

Why, even the number of people in the room can raise its temperature. No, all rooms are not alike, but that doesn’t mean the level of comfort can’t be the same. And that calls for an understanding of the variables, along with an assessment of how well your home comfort system balances the different needs and efficiently delivers the warm or cool air you desire.

Two-story homes especially can see differences – with one or two rooms a long duct run away from the furnace or air conditioner, or from less insulation for rooms above garages.

How to get Balanced?
The first steps for balancing the air on your own is to make sure:

• Return vents are open

• Windows are properly closed

• Clean or replace your air filter on a regular schedule

You may also want to have your home comfort system evaluated by a professional. Air balancing and air diagnostics can pinpoint inefficient areas and provide solutions. These are tests that determine how well your system is performing and what adjustments need to be made.

The effectiveness of your system depends on the amount of airflow, and if the system is low, the effects will be felt in an uncomfortable room. A certified technician can measure this airflow and see how the system is performing. He can then make a diagnosis to repair and balance the duct system for maximum performance. If you have rooms that are too warm or too cold, just give us a call and we can evaluate your home, or just ask us about it when we are performing your Fall tune-up.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Energy Saving Tips, Heating & Air, Homeowner Tips, Save on Electricity | No Comments »