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Mike Behr

Mike's Blogs

Getting Your Air Conditioner Ready for Warm Weather

This past winter has been one of the worst we have seen in North Central Ohio for quite a few years. Between the big snowfall in January, the subzero temperatures of the polar vortex, bouts of high wind, and the constant warm-up/cooling we are experiencing, you can bet that almost everyone is looking forward to spring to come around finally. Punxsutawney Phil said we are going to have an early spring, but it isn’t looking that way so far. But it will warm up eventually, and when that happens, you want to make sure your central air conditioning unit is ready to go before you set your thermostat to cool.
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Honeywell Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector

Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze DetectorThe Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector keeps you connected to help protect against water damage — ale
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How to Troubleshoot Your Water Heater to Get Results

In the interests of saving money and time, you'll want to avoid calling in a water heater repair technician, only to find you could have solved the problem yourself. Once you learn how to troubleshoot your water heater, you can make your way down the checklist whenever a problem arises. If you have checked everything off, and you're still having problems, you will feel more confident about hiring a professional to finish the job.
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Air Cleaners Improve Air Quality: An Overview of Available Options

While beautiful spring weather is welcomed by most Mid-Ohio homeowners, the accompanying pollen and other airborne respiratory irritants are not. Whole-house air cleanersWhile beautiful spring weather is welcomed by most Mid-Ohio homeowners, the accompanying pollen and other airborne respiratory irritants are not. Whole-house air cleaners can help you take control of indoor-air quality (IAQ) inside your home, so you can enjoy the cheery spring weather without the watery eyes and sneezing.
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Get an Air Conditioner Tune-Up on the Books: Sooner Is Better

With summer just around the corner, if you haven't already done so, you'll want to wipe the dust off of your air conditioner and prep it for our Mid-Ohio cooling season. By taking the time to give your cooling equipment a little TLC and scheduling your annual air conditioner tune-up, you can rest assured that your system will run efficiently and effectively all summer long.
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Changing the A/C Filter: It’s a Never-Ending Job

Changing the A/C filter in your Mid-Ohio home could be the single most important task you undertake to keep your air conditioning system working efficiently and dependablChanging the A/C filter in your Mid-Ohio home could be the single most important task you undertake to keep your air conditioning system working efficiently and dependably. When dust and other airborne particulates collect on the air filter, it slows the airflow through the blower, which retards the cooling process. Eventually, the dust on the filter will work its way into the blower, which can cause serious system problems.
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Learning How Residential Solar Power Works

How residential solar power works is actually simple: the energy is gathered, transferred to electricity and used (and sometimes stored) for your home energy needs.
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Upgrading Your Air Conditioning? Don’t Neglect Critical Steps

If you're looking into upgrading your air conditioning, there are many factors to consider. As the average lifespan of an air conditioner is 15 to 20 years, you will want to make sure that you're taking all things into account to protect your investment.
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Think Preventive Maintenance Is Questionable? Think Again

To keep your heating and cooling systems running properly, consider a preventive maintenance agreement.Regular maintenance is required to keep your heating and cooling equipment running optimally.
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Duct Design Makes an Impact on HVAC Efficiency, and Here's Why

Properly designed ductwork has a bigger impact on your utility bills than you might think, so make sure the following factors are considered in your planning and construction.
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6 Handy Tips to Avoid Common Plumbing Issues and Save Money

Your home is a wonderful place to be, but it requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs to keep it running smoothly. However, you can prevent or minimize plumbing issues while saving money by applying the following handy tips yourself:
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HVAC Terms Every Mid-Ohio Homeowner Should Understand

Does it ever feel as if your HVAC contractor is speaking another language? By taking a moment to learn these HVAC terms, you'll be able to communicate with your technician more effectively.
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Insulation Basics for Ohioans: Should You Choose Fiberglass or Cellulose?

Your heating and cooling equipment work hard to achieve comfortable, consistent temperatures inside your home, and insulation is an important collaborator in this process. Insulation provides a barrier to warm air escaping in the winter and entering in the summer.
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Use Programmable Thermostats to Their Fullest with These Optimizing Tips

Programmable thermostats can be pre-set to adjust temperatures at different times of the day or night to fit your daily and weekly schedules.
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Prepping for an Energy Evaluation? What to Expect From a Blower Door Test

An energy evaluation helps you find areas of your home where you have air infiltration and inadequate insulation. It's one of the easiest and most affordable things you can do to reduce high energy bills, winter and summer. Most energy auditors or HVAC contractors will employ a blower door test to pinpoint the areas of your home that contribute to high conditioning bills.
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Home Safety Should Be an Ohio Homeowner's Priority, No Matter the Season

Spending a little time to assure your home safety may be the best use of your weekend or an evening. Electrical, chemical and fire hazards can be managed in your home by implementing these practices.
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Water Heater Replacement: Is It That Time?

People tend to take their home's water heater for granted, yet it's one of the more important appliances in the home. Knowing when to replace your water heater does not have to be a mystery. Here are five signs that can help you decide if it's time for a water heater replacement.
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High Heating Bills? Read Your Gas Statement, Find Ways to Save

If you're like most homeowners, you have a tendency to pay for your heating bills without actually reading the fine print. Unfortunately, this bad habit could be costing you money. By taking the time to understand how to interpret your heating bills, you'll be able to make positive changes that will lower your spending.
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With A High-Efficiency Furnace, Venting Concerns Are Valid: Learn Proper Care

High-efficiency furnaces are effective at conserving energy and , you'll extend its effective life span and prevent problems along the way.
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A Boiler Troubleshooting Guide For Mid-Ohioans

Boiler problems are unfortunately common, Boiler troubleshooting guideJoe Behr Plumbing & Heating for expert assistance. We provide top-notch HVAC and plumbing servicBoiler problems are unfortunately common, especially in winter, here in the Mid-Ohio area. A handy boiler troubleshooting guide is definitely in order for local residents who use boilers for heating their home and its water.
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The Electronically Commutated Motor Promotes Peak Efficiency

If your furnace or other forced-ar heating or cooling equipment is older than 10 years, it's probably operating on a permanent-split capacitor (PSC) blower motor. Though this type of motor has been a standard in HVAC equipment for many years, the more efficient electronically commutated motor (ECM) is fast becoming the energy standard.
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Buying A Heat Pump? Here's What You Need To Know

When you're ready to upgrade your home’s heating and cooling system, you'll want to give careful consideration to selecting the right heat pump
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A Red-Tagged Furnace Requires A Costly Repair: Use A Reputable Expert For Diagnosis

Hearing that you have a red-tagged furnace is never good news, since it almost always means either an expensive repair or a furnace replacement.
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A Frozen Heat Pump Coil Isn't Normal, So Get Help

A frozen heat pump coil is never normal. If your heat pump coils are covered in a layer of ice, this can be a sign of a serious problem in your system.
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Access 2013 Energy Tax Credits, And Don't Overlook Savings When Upgrading!

While a new furnace, heat pump or air conditioner will be more energy-efficient than your old one and will help you save on your energy bills, there are also generous federal energy tax credits available, some of which have been extended due to recent congressional action.
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Understanding Whole-House Humidifier Technology

A whole-house humidifier is a simple yet innovative home-comfort system, engineered to utilize the natural processes of gravity and water evaporation to humidify your home.
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With Regular Humidifier Maintenance, You'll Ensure Consistent Operation

Your whole-house humidifier works hard during the cold Mid-Ohio winter to help ensure that your family stays healthy throughout the heating season, prevent the wood in your home from drying out and keeping static electricity from zapping your electronics.
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Will A Dual-Fuel Heating System Work In Mid-Ohio's Climate?

If you'd like to take a bite out of your winter utility bills, consider a dual-fuel heating system.
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Using A Whole-House Humidifier As Part Of Your Whole-Health Strategy During Winter

Many people look at dry indoor air in the winter as a harmless nuisance, but in reality, air that has less than 30 percent humidity is not healthy.
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Understanding The Role Of Furnace Filters

The filter in your forced-air furnace serves a crucial job in delivering warm air to the rooms in your home.
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Learn How Air Sealing Prevents Garage Fumes From Moving Into Your Home

By educating yourself on the toxic air from your garage and how proper air sealing can help, you can be more secure about your indoor air quality.
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Using A Heat Recovery Ventilator In Your "Tight" Home

With a heat recovery ventilator, you can enjoy fresh air any time of year, and boost your indoor air quality for greater comfort and health – without boosting your utility bills.
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A Strategy For Preventing Ice Dams On The Roof Of Your Mid-Ohio Home

Although you can’t always keep an eye out for them, preventing ice dams could spare you the stress of making extensive and costly repairs to your home.
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Energy Star's Most Efficient Label Showcases The Best Of The Best

Are you looking for the "best of the best" HVAC equipment? If so, you'll want to pay attention to Energy Star's new Most Efficient label.
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What To Do When Strange Smells Are Coming From The Furnace

If strange smells are coming from the furnace in your Mid-Ohio home, this could signal a serious problem, or at the very least something that needs to be addressed immediately.
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Learn How Condensing Furnaces Conserve Energy

When choosing a furnace for your Mid-Ohio home, you should consider a high-efficiency condensing furnace. A condensing furnace performs similarly to a conventional furnace with one major exception.
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Here's A Guide To Avoiding Frozen Pipes This Winter

If you’ve been wondering what to do with that pile of threadbare and tattered socks taking up space in your drawer, the day has come. Press them into action by wrapping your household pipes with them so that your pipes don’t freeze and possibly burst during a cold Mid-Ohio winter.
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Why Whole-House Humidifiers Extend Improved Comfort

If you want relief from the discomforts and adverse affects of dry winter air, you can’t go wrong with a whole-house humidifier to extend home comfort by relieving health issues and preventing static-electric shocks, and you can even save energy and protect your possessions at the same time.
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Winter Emergency Preparedness: How Mid-Ohio Homeowners Can Survive Power Outages

While it's important to be prepared for any kind of power outage, winter emergency preparedness may be the most critical of all. A loss of power in the winter means that While it's important to be prepared for any kind of power outage, winter emergency preparedness may be the most critical of all. A loss of power in the winter means that it will be hard to maintain the heat in your home unless you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove. Taking a little time to get ready before a winter storm hits will help you wait it out without sacrificing your health and possibly comfort.
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Here's How To Ensure Home Energy Efficiency Over The Winter

Be prepared for winter weather by using this checklist, and you’ll ensure home energy efficiency and comfort all season long.
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Running A Gas Furnace? Avoid Hazards With These 5 Tips

Gas is one of the most efficient fuels to use for home heating, and installed and operated properly, a gas furnace is exceedingly safe. However, it's wise to take steps when you're running a gas furnace to ensure your complete safety.
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Selecting Heat Pump Features: A Guide For Mid-Ohio Homeowners

Recent technological advances have increased the number of heat pump features that make it possible to heat your home efficiently with these HVAC appliances, even in our cold Mid-Ohio winters.
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If An Annual Service Visit's On Your Calendar, Get Ready For It By...

By following these simple tips, your annual HVAC service visit will go much more smoothly.
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Your Fall Maintenance: Have You Checked The Plumbing?

You’re going to want hot water during the cold months, so make sure that you have checked the plumbing before fall ends by following these tips.
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A UV Light System: Even More Important During The Colder

When cold weather hits Ohio, you close your house up to keep warm air in and cold weather out. That's a good idea for keeping your energy bills under control but it also means you're not able to exchange your stale inside air for fresh outside air. That's where UV lights come in handy.
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Is Tankless Water Heating The Right Choice For Your Home?

Tankless water heating offers a number of benefits, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for every home. Consider a few key factors that can help you determine how much energy you’ll save, how much water you’ll use, and whether the investment will be worthwhile in the long run.
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Seal Leaky Ducts And Save: It's That Simple

Before the Ohio winter sets in, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your home. One of the most important tasks is to seal leaky ducts.
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A Boiler System Buyer's Guide

If your mid-Ohio home has a boiler system, did it struggle to get the job done last winter?
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Choosing A Heating Contractor? Installing New Equipment Involves Following These Steps

Since purchasing and installing a new HVAC system is a sizable investment, you should try to make sure that the contracting company you hire has the right qualifications.
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Using Carbon Monoxide Detectors -- The Right Way -- To Ensure Safety

Many of the homes in the mid-Ohio area use combustible fuels for heating, cooking or drying clothes, and using carbon monoxide detectors is critical for staying safe at home.
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Maintaining Ideal Home Humidity From One Season To The Next

If an HVAC expert asked you, "What is the ideal home humidity for Ohio homes?" would you know what to say? The fact is, most homeowners don't understand the role humidity
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Home Insulation: The Various Types And Their Different Uses

Insulation is your home's version of a warm jacket; it keeps you warm and provides some amount of protection against the elements. Home insulation basically seals in heat
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Your Older Home With Character: Making It Energy Efficient Too

Living in an old home has many advantages, but it's not likely to be energy efficient if you haven't put some effort into retrofitting the insulation, windows and applian
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4 Key Ways To Get The Most From Your Furnace

Your reliance on your home's furnace is about to increase now that winter is approaching. You'll want to be as comfortable as possible in your mid-Ohio home by making s
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The Ceiling Fans In Your Richland County Home: Using Them For Year-Round Comfort

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable all year long, ceiling fans are much more efficient than running your cooling or heating systems alone. If you know how to
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Weatherizing Your Home: A Guide To Using Caulk

Caulk is one of the cheapest and most convenient solutions for and preventing heat loss (or gain in the summer). Caulk is a thick, pliable material made from a combinati
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Your Furnace Filter: So Easy To Change, So Easy To Overlook

As the mid-Ohio area gears up for winter, it’s time to think about your furnace filter. Air filters save money by prolonging the life of heating and The air filte
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Water Heater Sizing: The First Step Toward Peak Performance

Households across America rely on a steady supply of hot water for basic comfort, safety and sanitation. To ensure the best performance from a new or replacement system,
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3 Ways To Winterize Your Mid-Ohio Home For The Cooler Weather Ahead

With cooler weather moving in, now's a good time to for the upcoming drops in temperature. Check insulation: A lot of heat can be lost through in your home. Apply wea
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Give Dual-Fuel Systems A Second Look When Hauling Your Ailing Furnace To The Curb

Sooner or later, you'll have to replace your old or ailing furnace. HVAC equipment replacement can be a significant investment, so when considering options for a new heat
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Looking At A New Furnace? Double Down With These Furnace Features

Choosing a new furnace requires evaluation of several factors that will affect the . Here are some important furnace features to consider as you're evaluating that new he
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Home Ventilation: Are You Following The Right Guidelines?

Proper home ventilation is essential to keeping your living spaces comfortable. One of the areas where ventilation will do the most good is in your attic. Ventilation rem
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Wondering If You Should Replace Your Furnace? These 5 Signs Will Help You Decide

If you've had trouble with your furnace in the past, you may be trying to decide if it's better to keep repairing it, or completely replacing your furnace this year. Here
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Effective Home Insulation Ensures 3 Benefits

Insulating your home is commonly thought of as a way to keep your indoor environment cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. While that is definitely one of the re
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A Fall Furnace Tuneup Helps Extends Your System's Lifespan

The benefits of preventive maintenance for your heating system are many, and a fall furnace tuneup will help ensure that the heat in your home will be working when you ne
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Destroy These 5 Energy-Savings Myths, Raise Your Savings Potential

Along with all the good advice that's available today on saving energy at home, there are some persistent energy-savings myths that offer no savings but can actually incr
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Following The EnergyGuide Label To Long-Term Savings

Whatever type of large HVAC equipment purchase is on the horizon, you want to make a wise, cost-effective investment that will result in the most energy savings possible.
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Evaluating Your Need For Whole-House Dehumidification

In the summer, the air can become uncomfortably humid. system to your mid-Ohio home. If you air condition your home in the summer and keep the windows closed most of th
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An Easy Guide To Operating And Maintaining Your Heat Pump

Maintaining your heat pump properly not only ensures that you remain comfortable during both summer and winter but also leads to lower energy bills. Well-maintained heat
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Think You Might Be Buying A Furnace This Fall? Do A Little Research Before You Go Out

Buying a furnace presents some complicated choices, and the more knowledge you have beforehand, the better choices you'll make. Although you'll need help from an HVAC pro
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The Language Of Air Conditioners: Are You Cool With All Those Terms?

In the language of air conditioners, unique terms are used to describe how these systems function. When you know more about how AC's work, you can make better decisions,
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A UV Light System: When Clean Air In Your Home Is A Must

A UV light system takes home air purification to the next level. There’s a growing awareness of mold spores and bacteria. These allergens are not killed by filterin
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Giveaway Signs That Your Ductwork Needs Attention

The ductwork and vents on your home’s HVAC system deliver heated air in the winter and cool air in the summer. Normally, you don’t think about these ducts, be
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Cooler Days Are Just Ahead -- Does Your Family Have Adequate Protection?

It won't be long before you have to button up your home for the cooler weather approaching, which means that you'll have to depend on your carbon monoxide detectors to
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Air Sealing And Insulating: A Late-Summer Project That Will Boost Your Savings When The Weather Turns

If you'd like to lower your heating bills this winter, you should strongly consider air sealing and insulating your home. Both of these steps are effective and inexpensiv
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Your Noisy Air Conditioner: How Much Longer Can You Take It?

If your home has a noisy air conditioner, the constant sounds coming from your unit are likely grating on your nerves. But what can you do about it? Your first goal shou
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The Ductless Mini Split: How It Offers All The Advantages Of A Heat Pump, And More

Heat pump technology eliminated the need for a separate furnace for heating in a central HVAC system. Ductless mini splits take that option to the next level by eliminati
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Your Zoning System: 6 Key Design Rules

A You’ve probably noticed that your basement is naturally cooler than the upper floor in your home. This fact makes it clear that hot air rises and cool air falls,
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For Leaner Energy Bills, Consider Lowering Your Cooling Load

It sure seems like it's going to be a long, hot summer after some of the record-breaking heat that’s been afflicting the Mid-Ohio area. Not only do you feel like yo
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Preventing Mold Growth In The Drip Pan Of Your A/C: 3 Foolproof Tips

As wonderful as it is to enjoy the hot summer weather, it can be equally as wonderful to head inside for some air conditioned relief. Your cooling system is hard at work
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Your Air Conditioner And Ceiling Fans: You'll Do Better If You Run Them Together

Now that the Ohio summer is in full swing, your energy bills are probably rising like the mercury. Fortunately, there's a way to keep your cool and manage your cooling ex
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Insulation And Ventilation: Rx For The Attic That's Spiking A Temp

An overly hot attic is an infectious problem that will leave your whole house suffering. An attic without proper insulation and ventilation can reach temperatures up to 1
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Are Energy Vampires Catching You Unaware As They Overpower Your Home?

Like so many other homeowners, you're actively seeking ways to reduce your home's electric bill. Most people think that changing to energy-efficient light bulbs or turnin
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Your Air Conditioner's Out? Try These Simple Troubleshooting Tips

Air conditioner maintenance and repair often requires professional help, but trying to troubleshoot problems first might save time and money. What looks like a major repa
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Refrigerant Huffing: Why You Need To Know About It

There is a dangerous and shocking trend among drug-abusing teens these days: refrigerant huffing. This potentially fatal practice is becoming more common, though it is ea
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Preparing For The Next Blackout: Your Checklist

Living in the Mid-Ohio area, we're all familiar with summer storms, some of which can lead to prolonged blackouts. The eastern half of the nation has already been hit by
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Solar Installations -- Estimating The Costs And Understanding The Benefits

A solar power system for your home is a wise investment in long-term energy efficiency, conservation and economy. Solar power is clean, constantly renewable, reliable and
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Hiring A Qualified HVAC Contractor -- 7 Factors To Consider

When your home's HVAC system needs to be repaired or replaced, you want to hire a qualified HVAC contractor to do the job. Not every HVAC contractor is qualified, however
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Proper Weatherization Techniques Make All The Difference

Most people are happy to find ways to save on their utility bills, especially when summer heat has them using the air conditioner almost continuously. What many people do
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Alleviate The Strain Of Summer Allergies With These 3 HVAC Tips

Are you looking for an easy way to beat the heat on the second floor of your home? An attic fan will not only help keep your home cooler this summer, it will also lower y
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Reap The Benefits Of A High-Efficiency A/C Upgrade

The federal Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average homeowner a 30 percent difference in efficiency. Some older air conditioning models had SEER rating
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Radiant Barriers -- Your Answer To Attic Heat And Humidity

With home cooling costs likely to be higher than ever this summer, you should be happy to know that there's a way to reduce your energy usage and keep your house cooler a
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An Attic Fan Can Help You Beat The Heat Upstairs This Summer

Are you looking for an easy way to beat the heat on the second floor of your home? An attic fan will not only help keep your home cooler this summer, it will also lower y
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Heat Pump Efficiency Terms -- What Do They Mean?

Selecting the right heat pump for your home is important if you want to experience the greatest efficiency and comfort possible. Here are four relevant heat pump efficien
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Energy Saving Steps To Take Before Leaving For Summer Vacation

Family vacations are wonderful. They're an opportunity for the family to bond while leaving the normal stresses of daily life behind. However, it's the wise homeowner who
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A/C Breakdown? 3 Factors That Determine Whether You Should Repair Or Replace

During the hot and muggy Mid-Ohio summer, you can't dawdle when faced with an A/C breakdown. When your cooling equipment starts giving you trouble, you have to quickly ma
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A 4-Pronged Approach To Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

Although air conditioners are complicated appliances, homeowners can do some of the maintenance themselves to prolong the system life and lower the operating costs. These
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Three Lifestyle Changes That Will Lower Your Hot-Water Use

It's amazing how much minor changes to heating and cooling systems can reduce utility costs. For example, Mid-Ohio residents can lower hot water use and achieve lower uti
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Manual J: Does Your HVAC Pro Know It Chapter And Verse?

When it comes to selecting the perfect air conditioner for your home, use your HVAC professional's expertise to make the right choice. But first make sure that your contr
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Is Tankless Water Heating A Good Choice For Your Family?

Tankless water heating is becoming more common as energy costs continue to rise. If you're considering replacing your existing household water heater, you should carefull
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Sewer Gas: Finding And Fixing That Rotten Smell In Your Basement

There’s not a lot to like about the presence of sewer gas in your basement, besides just the odor. Sewer gas contains toxic and non-toxic gasses caused by the decay
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Your New A/C: In Addition To The SEER Ratings, Take A Look At These Features

What qualities are you looking for in a new air conditioner? Undoubtedly, you already know the importance of high SEER ratings if you want your system to operate efficien
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Tend To That Heat Pump Now, Before The Cooling Season Really Sets In

Although a heat pump is a complex piece of equipment, homeowners can do some of the maintenance themselves, which will increase its lifespan and lower operating expenses.
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Your New Water Heater: How The EF Should Factor Into Your Decision

If you're shopping for a new water heater, don’t forget to check the EF (energy factor). The purchase of a water heater goes beyond the cost at the cash register. Y
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Reducing Your Risk Of Water Damage When The A/C's Going All The Time

Like any Mid-Ohio summer, this year your air conditioner’s going to be working overtime on certain days producing cool air. It will also be producing something else
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Keeping Your Energy Bills Down While The Temperature Climbs

As things begin to heat up in the Mid-Ohio area, thoughts turn to air conditioning. While you keep cool, however, it’s also important to keep your energy bills down
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R22 Refrigerant Will Be Phased Out Soon -- How That Affects Your HVAC Service

For many years, R22 refrigerant, commonly known by the brand name Freon, has been the lifeblood of heat pumps and air conditioning systems. Unfortunately, R22 refrigerant
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HVAC Service Agreements -- Never Forget Your Service Call Again

Keeping your heating and cooling system in top shape requires regular servicing from a qualified HVAC company. Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle of everyday life can c
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If You Neglected To Have Your A/C Serviced This Spring, Then Do It Now

Spring cleaning is not complete until you have performed annual air conditioner maintenance, but far too many of us forget about it. It's easy to do when the spring is st
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Before You Purchase An HVAC System, Consult A Trusted Expert

If you want to purchase an HVAC system, the prudent starting point is consulting with an HVAC contractor who can help you make the best choice for your home. A heating an
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Keep Your HVAC System Safe, Use Surge Protection

What efforts are you making to keep your HVAC system safe? If you don’t have surge protection in place for your heating and cooling equipment, your system could end
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Inadequate Ventilation Can Lead To Mold Growth

The sun is out and the humid summer days are ahead. For most Mid-Ohio homeowners, this means long months of shutting the windows and running the air conditioner full blas
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Mold Is An Unwelcome Guest, Keep Your Home From Being A Hospitable Host

Everyone wants to keep their home as comfortable and safe as possible for their family and friends. With our hot sticky summers in the Mid-Ohio area, one common problem i
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Home Comfort Starts With Smart Decisions About Thermostats

Keeping your indoor environment comfortable year-round is a primary goal of most homeowners, and a thermostat plays a key role in achieving this goal. Yet often homeowner
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Whole House Dehumidifiers -- The Best Way To Keep Moisture In Check

The humidity in the Mid-Ohio area can make you and your family uncomfortable, creating a suffocating, oppressive feeling when it's accompanied by hot weather. Alas, comfo
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Did HVAC Maintenance Slip Your Mind This Season? A Service Agreement Can Keep You On Schedule

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's not uncommon to forget about scheduling your annual HVAC maintenance. Fortunately, an HVAC service agreement will remind
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Thinking About Turning On The A/C? First, Have Your System Serviced Professionally

With spring here, you'll be turning on the A/C before you know it. Before you do, though, it's recommended that you have your cooling equipment serviced by a licensed tec
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Don't Let Excess Dust Impede A/C Performance

Excess dust has the potential to impede the performance of an A/C unit in several different ways. You may not even be aware of a dust problem with your unit, but it can c
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How Your HVAC System Can Affect Allergy Sufferers In The Home

If you rely on a forced-air HVAC system, you may run into situations where allergy sufferers in your home experience distress when it's running. Forced-air systems distri
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Comparing Programmable Thermostats? 3 Key Considerations

Before the programmable thermostat came on the market, there was only one way to run your HVAC system, and that was manually. If it's time for you to make the switch, her
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4 Signs Of Moisture Issues In The Attic And Your Options Moving Forward

With spring arriving early in Mid-Ohio, many Ohio homeowners are dealing with moisture issues in the attic. As you inspect your attic for damage, it's important to know w
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Will Solar Energy Work For Your Home?

If you are considering converting to solar energy, your first step should be to determine whether your home is suitable. While rooftop sun exposure is the most important
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Is Inadequate Insulation Costing You Energy Dollars?

Inadequate insulation can add substantial costs to heating and cooling your home, causing your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) equipment to work overtime
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Considering An A/C Upgrade? Consult An Experienced HVAC Contractor

If last summer's heat left you thinking about an A/C upgrade, now is an excellent time to act. Demand for air-conditioning installations, and the expert technicians that
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HVAC Maintenance -- Why An Annual Service Plan Benefits You

The last thing anyone wants on a cold Mid-Ohio winter night is for the heat to go out. An annual tune up of your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system c
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Ductwork Design -- 3 Elements That Are Essential To Efficiency

Your ductwork design plays a key role in your home heating system. Your heating and cooling, humidification, and ventilation systems depend on efficient ductwork. Without
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Reduce Dry Air And Eliminate Static Electricity With A Whole-House Humidifier

If you've never given any thought to the relative humidity in your household, now might be the time. With winter upon us in the Mid-Ohio area, indoor air can be at its dr
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Your Furnace Has Earned The Red Tag -- Time To Repair Or Replace

When your utility provider or HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technician hangs a red tag on your furnace, you'll likely have to make a difficult decision
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Preparing For Power Loss In 10 Easy Steps

We rely so much on electricity that it’s hard to imagine how people ever managed without it. However, some homeowners occasionally must weather power outages, parti
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HVAC Deals Online -- Why You May Regret Your Purchase

When you need a new HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system for your home, chances are that you'll be doing some research to find the unit that works best
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Tankless Water Heaters -- How Much Hot Water Do You Need?

Are family members waiting in line to use the shower just to find out that there is no more hot water? Switch to a tankless water-heater system, and you and your loved on
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Heat Pump Operation -- A Beginner's Guide

Heat pumps offer excellent climate control and energy savings, delivering even heating and cooling with up to 300 percent efficiency. If you are undertaking new construct
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Duct Sealing -- DIY Versus Professional Service

Ductwork systems are out of sight, and, as a result, they homeowners often forget all about them. This is unfortunate since no other home-comfort system has a greater imp
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Don't Let Furnace Noise Keep You Up At Night -- Call A Pro

Odd furnace noises aren't just a nuisance. They can be indicators of trouble with your furnace, so you should pay attention if you hear your furnace complaining. By liste
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors -- Increase Household Safety Through Proper Placement

If your home has fuel-powered equipment, such as a gas furnace, you run the risk of exposing you and your loved ones to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO), an odorl
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Boosting Water Heater Insulation Can Save You Energy Dollars

In the average home, a water heater can consume up to 25 percent of the total energy your entire home’s systems use, so taking steps to decrease water-heating costs
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Setting Programmable Thermostats For Maximum Energy Savings

Setting programmable thermostats can mean the difference between energy savings—and getting a quick return on your investment—and the status quo. A programmab
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How Your Heating System Works To Maintain Comfort And Efficiency

Three separate systems in your home combine to create comfortable temperatures during the cold weather months. If you learn how your heating system works, which includes
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Troubleshooting Furnace Problems Before Calling The Pros

When homeowners in the Mid-Ohio region have problems with their heating systems — especially during the height of a frigid winter — these problems can often l
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Have Your HVAC System Serviced Annually For Maximum Performance

If your end goal is to save more money on energy bills this year, then you should make it a priority to have annual HVAC service performed on your heating and cooling sys
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Preserve Indoor Air Quality -- Consider Your Attached Garage

Is your attached garage contributing to poor indoor air quality? You can take the following steps to preserve indoor air quality and prevent pollutants in your attached g
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Clean Up Dust In Your Home And Breathe Easier This Winter

Think the only threat that dust has on your home is its unsightliness? While dust is certainly not pretty to look at, it actually poses a health threat to you and your fa
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With Winter Comes The Potential For Frozen Pipes -- Steps To Prevent This Problem

Three scenarios require that you pay attention to the possibility of frozen pipes. If you live in an area such as Mid-Ohio where extreme temperatures are common in winter
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Attic Durability Relies On Proper Ventilation

When thinking about a whole-house approach to energy savings and comfort, homeowners might think that starting at the bottom, the foundation, and working their way up is
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Ductless Mini Splits Provide A Viable Option In Hard-To-Reach Spaces

If you are looking for an easy-to-install heating solution for a hard-to-reach area of your home, you may want to consider a ductless mini split. Unlike traditional heat
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Fresh Filters Mean Enhanced Furnace Operation

The utility company won't send you a check or issue a refund when you save money on your heating bill, but it may help to think in these visual terms so that you remember
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Zoned Temperature Control -- The Basics

Do you and your loved ones have different ideas of what the perfect temperature is? Would you like your bedroom to be warmer than, say, your kitchen? Zoned temperature co
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When Duct Cleaning Should Be Considered

Dirt, mold, animal droppings and debris trapped inside your home's ductwork can create a number of problems for you, including aggravating allergy and asthma symptoms, cr
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How Whole-House Humidification Can Work In Your Home

If winter has you scrambling for the hand lotion and tea kettle to fight dry indoor air, consider a whole-house humidification system. Besides easing your physical sympto
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How Reducing Your Heating Load Can Enhance Furnace Efficiency

Most furnaces have an efficiency rating typically between 60 and 95 percent, depending on the age of the unit. No mater how efficient the furnace is, you can still lose m
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Fast Furnace Replacement -- What You Need To Consider

Another Mid-Ohio winter is on the doorstep, and if you're thinking this is the year for a furnace replacement, now's a good time to consider your options. A little resear
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Which Type Of Insulation Do You Need To Improve Energy Efficiency?

Insulating your home can be an overwhelming task if you aren't familiar with the different types of insulation available, and how you can use each in your home. A properl
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How You'll Benefit From Variable-Speed Blower Motor Operation

A variable-speed blower is a fan that works in conjunction with your heating and cooling system providing multiple airflow speeds. Variable-speed blowers offer many advan
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Why Annual HVAC Maintenance Plans Are A Responsible Choice

When you live in a place that experiences all four seasons the way we do here in Mid-Ohio, it's important to make sure that your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air condit
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Wondering Where Your Energy Dollars Are Really Going? Consider An Energy Evaluation

If you suspect that your home could be more energy efficient, now is the time to see if your suspicions are right -- before the long, cold mid-Ohio winter hits -- and hav
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Where Do UV Lights Fit Into Your Comprehensive Clean Air Strategy?

Much has been said in recent years about the potential hazards of having poor indoor air quality. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has listed indoor air pollutio
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Long-Term Efficiency Of Your Heat Pump Depends On Routine Professional Maintenance

Regular, professional maintenance is the best way to ensure that your heat pump has a long and efficient life, and that you benefit from a smoothly operating system with
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Spending More On A Furnace Upgrade Today May Save You Significantly Over Spending More On A Furnace Upgrade Today May Save You

If you are looking into a can provide you with lifetime cost analyses. These compare all expenses related to owing a new furnace over a certain amount of time, which pr
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You Want To Insulate, But Your Budget Is Tight -- Start With The Attic

A poorly insulated attic lets warmth out in wintertime and lets heat in during summer -- which can lead you to spend more than necessary on both heating and cooling. The
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Inefficient Heating Often Comes Down To Poor Ductwork Design

With winter coming soon, you want to be sure that your entire HVAC system is working as efficiently as possible. And that means not only should your heating equipment be
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Protect Your Family Through The Proper Placements Of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a very serious threat for any home. If your heating equipment and appliances burn fossil fuels, carbon monoxide is a byproduct of the combustion
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Worried About Furnace Efficiency This Winter? Schedule Preventive Maintenance Now

If you’re at all concerned about getting the best results from your furnace this winter, you need to schedule preventive maintenance for it as soon as you can. The
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Thermostat Settings Matter -- Tips For Maximizing Energy Efficiency

If you're looking for a way to maximize your energy efficiency, ensure that your indoor environment is always comfortable, and reduce your heating and cooling costs, then
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When You Neglect Filter Changes, Your Furnace Efficiency Is Bound To Suffer

It won't be long before you turn on your furnace for the fall and winter heating season -- which means it's time to look at your furnace filter. It may be clogged with di
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Improve Comfort And Efficiency In Your Household With These Tips For Setting

In climates that have frigid winters, correct settings on your whole-house humidifier will improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home, and even alleviate and/
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Has Hot Water Become An Issue? Try Insulating Your Water Heater

Are you looking to save significantly on your hot-water expenses? Did you know that as much as 25 percent of your energy costs are associated with you water heater? Well,
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If You've Been Planning An HVAC Upgrade, Make Your Move While 2011 Tax Credits Are Still In Effect

Have you been thinking about replacing your furnace or installing a central air-conditioning system? If you act by December 31, 2011, not only will you save money on your
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Buying A Boiler: Use AFUE To Determine Heating Efficiency

When it comes to boilers, size matters. But don't look for the biggest boiler. Look for the biggest number: that is, look for the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
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How To Size Your Replacement Water Heater

Winter is just around the corner, and when it gets chilly, you likely think that having a large-capacity water heater is the way to go. However, if you're in the market f
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Concerned About Your Indoor Air Quality? Ten Things You Can Do To Make It Better

Fear of poor indoor air quality is an understandable concern that can be remedied by following a few basic tips. Here are 10 tips to cleaner indoor air: Furnaces and wat
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A Guide To Trouble-Shooting Problems With Your Sump Pump

If your basement has a tendency to flood during heavy rain, you probably have a sump pump that helps prevent water damage. Just a few inches of rainwater can cause thousa
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Check Out Your Furnace Before You Have To Start Using It

Cool, clear weather is on tap most of the year in mid-Ohio, but winter does eventually come around. When it does, you'll need your furnace in top-top shape. Here are f
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Drawing Up A Strategic Energy-Saving Plan For This Winter And Beyond

The best way to ensure that you conserve the most energy possible this winter is to develop a strategic plan that enables you to trim your energy use in several ways. Thi
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Is It Time To Upgrade To A High-Efficiency Heating System? Do The Math

If your heating bills the last few winters have left you a little hot under the collar, it may be time to upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace or boiler. Furnace and boi
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Dealing With A Stubborn Clogged Drain

Fortunately, you can clear a clogged drain quickly and easily with just a little knowledge and the right tools. If you have one drain that is backed up or not flowing fr
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Cool Weather's Not So Far Off -- Schedule Your Service Check Before It Gets Here

With summer vacations coming to an end, and back to school sales beginning, once again we are reminded that cool weather is not so far off. Now is the time to begin prepa
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Choosing A MERV Filter: What Do Those Numbers Mean, Anyway?

Households with people who suffer from allergies, particularly dust and pollen allergies often find it beneficial to change their air filter regularly, and to check it at
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Your Heat Pump Is A Highly Efficient Piece Of Machinery -- It Requires Expert Service

There are certain things in every home that can be repaired or replaced with ease. Some homeowners, in an effort to save money, will repair these things by themselves ins
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Heat-Recovery Ventilation: What Every Well-Insulated Home Needs

When heating costs were low, houses were drafty and air came in from outside. Of course, drafts work both ways – the warmed air leaked out of the house in the winte
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HSPF: A Rating To Take Seriously When You're Purchasing A Heat Pump

With so many different heat pumps on the market, it can be confusing and overwhelming for a homeowner who's looking to buy one. Obviously, the most effective heat pumps a
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What NATE Certification Ensures When You Hire A Heating And Cooling Contractor

When hiring a contractor to upgrade your home comfort system, or even just for simple repairs, one should look to hire only contractors that bare NATE Certifications. Th
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Simple Things You Can Do To Get Your Home Ready For Cooler Weather

As the heat dies down, is your home and HVAC. Seal air leaks around your house such as in the attic, basement, windows and doors to prevent cold weather air from getting
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Boosting The Efficiency Of Your HVAC System: Six Tips

Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money, and improving an HVAC system’s efficiency is one of the best ways to do that. Not only will it increase energy
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Maximizing Both Comfort And Savings With A Programmable Thermostat

Having a programmable thermostat installed in your home is one of the easiest ways to reduce your energy consumption without having to sacrifice any comfort. If your hom
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Energy Star: The Label To Look For When You Buy

Anytime you buy a major appliance, but particularly when replacing home heating and cooling equipment, be sure to look for the Energy Star seal. In a typical household, i
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Hiring Your HVAC Contractor: Ten Tips To Make The Job Easy

Hiring a HVAC contractor is an important decision. It can have a huge impact on your home, your quality of life and your pocketbook. Here are 10 tips that will help you h
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Degree Days, And How They Enter Your Energy-Use Calculations

One of the frustrating things about utility bills is they are not always constant. One month you're paying a low total and then the next month your energy bill is nearly
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Planning Some Autumn Landscaping? Plant With Your Home's Insulation In Mind

Autumn is an excellent time of year to start working on a landscaping plan to maximize the efficiency of your home’s insulation. In fact, one of the best ways to bo
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Go With A Zoning System, And End Your Family's Battle Of The Thermostat

Unless you live with your family in a one-room cabin, you probably have conflicts over the best thermostat setting to keep everybody happy. Because of the layout of your
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Easy Ways To Allergy-Proof Your Home During The Peak Of Ohio's Pollen Season

During the peak of Ohio's pollen season, there's a good chance you're going to want to allergy-proof your home. It's an important precaution if you don't the rest of your
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Shopping For A High-Efficiency Air Conditioner? Look For The SEER Rating And The Energy Star Label

Air conditioners all look roughly the same. An air conditioner is not something that you can take a glance at and immediately tell whether or not it is a quality unit, or
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Decoding Dehumidifiers: What You Need To Know Before You Start Looking

Ready to do something about that cold, damp basement? A dehumidifier may be the solution to your home's moisture problems. While seen most often in basement areas, portab
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Up To $1,900 In Lennox Rebates And Federal Tax Credits Make This Summer An Optimal Time To Upgrade

Upgrading to new heating and cooling equipment is an ideal way to get better energy savings. However, after taking the first step in looking to upgrade you may be weary a
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How Your HVAC Contractor Will Tailor Your High-Efficiency Air Conditioner To The Unique Requirements Of Your Home

Proper sizing is just as important to long-term system efficiency as the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) or energy-enhancing features you may find on today’
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With The Right Carbon Monoxide Detector You Can Breathe Easy

Every winter, here in Mid-Ohio, we hear tragic news reports of families overcome by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. What makes things worse is realizing how easily such a
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Taking That Summer Vacation? Program Your Thermostat Before Go, And Spend Your Energy Savings On Souvenirs

Although there's always plenty to do here in Mid-Ohio during the summer months, occasionally folks take off for a vacation. You might not realize it, but that vacation aw
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Yes, You Can Still Get Tax Credits For An Investment In Energy-Efficient Equipment

It seems that the federal government was pretty serious about encouraging energy-efficient home improvements, because many excellent were extended and are still availabl
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Why Your HVAC System Needs An Annual Service Check

Keeping your home-comfort system in top shape is just as important as getting regular maintenance on your car. After all, if your A/C or heating system breaks down when y
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What To Consider When You're Shopping For A Water Heater

Mid-Ohio homeowners have more choices than ever when purchasing a new water heater, and it's helpful to understand the types available as well as the trade-offs involved.
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How A Programmable Thermostat Optimizes The Efficiency Of Your Cooling System

Programmable thermostats are proven money savers that make precise control of your home's temperature easy. Joe Behr Plumbing and Heating. We've been in business since 19
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How A Heat Pump Can Keep You Cool In The Middle Of A Muggy Ohio Summer

Who needs a heat pump in the summertime? Many homeowners are discovering that economical and energy-efficient heat pump systems are a great alternatives to air conditione
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It's True -- The Best Time To Select A New Furnace Is When You Don't Need One

The worst time to have to choose a new furnace is when your current system fails -- in the middle of winter. Pressures to get the heat back up and running can cause you t
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What Preventive Maintenance Of Your HVAC System Involves

Here in mid-Ohio, we use our home comfort systems year-round. A little preventive maintenance will keep your heating and air conditioning systems ready to run smoothly wh
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Welcome To Joe Behr Plumbing and Heating\'s New Home Comfort Blog!

Residents here in the mid-Ohio area -- and everywhere -- want to enjoy a comfortable home environment with excellent indoor air quality while staying within a reasonable
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