Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

 Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

www.BlueMountainService.com

Most people are under the assumption that outdoor air is more detrimental to our health than indoor air. Surprisingly, this is not the case. The EPA states that indoor air could contain pollutants may be 2 to 5 times and even as much as 100 times higher inside our homes than outdoors. Since people spend 90% of their time indoors, poor indoor air quality is a big problem.

Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

• Pollutants in the air
• Insufficient ventilation
• High temperatures
• Humidity

 

Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

• Irritated eyes
• Irritated nose
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Asthma
• Allergies

 

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality
If you suspect that the air in your home is not up to par, turn to the pros at Blue Mountain to correct it. We offer air purification and filtration, an air-to-air exchanger, CO detection, duct cleaning and sealing, dehumidifiers and radon detection. If you are interested in any of our indoor air quality services, call 877-280-5777 today to schedule an appointment.

Web Source: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidestory.html

Signs You Should Have A Dehumidifier

Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

www.BlueMountainService.com

It is no secret that summers in Virginia can be very humid. Not only can humidity be uncomfortable, it can cause problems in your home. Below are the top reasons why people opt for dehumidifiers.

Condensation on Windows and Glass Doors
Have you ever noticed condensation on the windows or glass doors of your home? If so, it's a sign that there is too much moisture in the air. A dehumidifier can solve this problem.

The Presence Of Mold In Your Home
Mold and mildew can build up on your walls if there is an abundance of humidity in the air. Unfortunately, mold is extremely hazardous to your health. If there is mold in your home, it is important that you have it removed by a professional. Once the mold is gone, having a dehumidifier installed in your home can prevent mold from growing in the future.

If you want to improve your indoor air quality, a dehumidifier could help you do just that. It will also help you and your family keep cool this summer. Call 877-280-5777 today to schedule an appointment.

Web Source: http://housewares.about.com/od/humidifiersdehumidifiers/tp/5-Signs-You-Need-A-Dehumidifier.htm

Spring Cleaning For Your HVAC System

Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

www.BlueMountainService.com

Today is the first day of spring! Time to get started on that spring cleaning. When you think about spring cleaning your home, dusting and vacuuming usually come to mind. However, people should add HVAC cleaning to the top of their spring cleaning checklist. Below are some tips that will help you HVAC system spring forward!

• Give your ceiling fan a thorough cleaning. Remember to turn the fan off before cleaning it!
• Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. It is also a good idea to give your detectors a good dusting. Just another way to keep them performing in tip top shape!
• Seal any air leaks that are located near windows or doors with caulk. This will help maintain a more consistent temperature in your home. In addition, it can save you money on your utility costs. Talk about a win-win situation!
• Replace air filters in your furnace and air conditioning unit. Doing so on a regular basis will extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment and keep them in tip top shape.
• Last but certainly not least, inspect your heating and air conditioning equipment.

If you discover anything awry with your HVAC system, turn to the professional technicians at Blue Mountain. Our technicians are great at troubleshooting the problem at hand. Call 877-280-5777 and we'll get to the bottom of it for you.

Web Source: http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/spring-cleanup-list-begins-with-hvac

Tips For Buying A Heat Pump

Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

www.BlueMountainService.com

Heat pumps essentially take on the responsibilities of a furnace and an air conditioner. In the winter, heat pumps keep you warm and toasty. In the summer, heat pumps help you and your family keep cool. If your heat pump is 15 years or older, it might be time for a replacement. Below are a few things you should keep in mind if you are on the search for a new heat pump.

Size Matters
When it comes to heat pumps, it is important to consider their size. A heat pump that is too large will end up wasting energy. Conversely, a heat pump that is too small in comparison to your home will not be able to accommodate your heating and cooling needs. It is important to find the heat pump that is just the right size.

Consider Energy Efficiency
A new heat pump is bound to be more energy efficiency than one that is 15 years old. Nonetheless, when you purchase a heavy duty appliance for your home, it is important to consider its energy efficiency rating. A heat pump that is very energy efficient will come with a costlier price tag. However, you will save money on your utility bills. It is an investment that pays off in the long run.

Who Will Install It?
If you have found the heat pump that can effectively accommodate your heating and cooling needs, we can install it. Our technicians at Blue Mountain are knowledgeable and friendly. Call 877-280-5777 to have a heat pump installed in your home.

Web Source: https://www.furnacecompare.com/heat-pumps/

How To Choose The Right HVAC Company

Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

www.BlueMountainService.com

Choosing a reputable HVAC company is a make or break decision. Getting it right will leave you satisfied. Picking the wrong company can leave you disgruntled and in need of additional repairs. Below are some tips on how to choose the right HVAC company.

Do Your Research

We want to clarify that we are using the term 'research' very loosely. A quick Google search of a company will supply you with reviews from customers. You can delve a little deeper and find out if they licensed, bonded and insured. Any reputable HVAC company will have favorable reviews and be certified to do the work.

Get A Quote or Estimate In Writing

Once you have settled on an HVAC company, ask them for written estimates or quotes. You should do this not one, not two, but three separate times. That way, they cannot fool you with additional fees.

If you need a dependable and professional HVAC company in Harrisonburg, Staunton or Waynesboro, choose Blue Mountain. We provide great service, flexible scheduling, and most of all, a positive experience. That's just how we do business! Call 877-280-5777 to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable technicians.

Web Source: http://www.angieslist.com/hvac/hvac-experts.htm

Home Heating Safety Tips

 Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

www.BlueMountainService.com

During the cold winter months, homeowners tend to turn up the heat in their homes in an effort to stay warm. It is no secret that utilizing your heating system too frequently or incorrectly can result in a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, half of home heating related fires occur in December, January and February. To prevent this from happening in your home, see below for home heating safety tips.

The Rule of Three

Even when it comes to your home heating system, the rule of three applies! Keep all flammable material at least three feet away from the furnace, fireplace, wood stove and space heater. People should also maintain a distance of three feet from all heating devices. 

Fire Up the Fireplace
Before you light the fireplace for the first time this season, be sure to give the fireplace and chimney a thorough cleaning. Once your fireplace is squeaky clean, cover it with a durable screen. This will prevent sparks from flying into the room.

Hot, Hot Heat from the Space Heater
Though small, your space heater is a powerful appliance. It can heat a small space effectively. Remember to turn of space heaters when you leave the house or go to sleep. Most importantly, make sure you are using the right kind of fuel for your particular space heater.

We hope that these tips keep you safe and warm this winter. Should you experience any issues with your heating system, call 877-280-5777. You'll be glad you did!

Web Source: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/heating/heating-safety-tips

Energy Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality: The Best of Both Worlds

 Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

www.BlueMountainService.com

Homeowners are jumping on the energy efficient bandwagon like never before. However, many people have not given a second thought to how energy efficiency impacts indoor air quality. Fortunately, energy efficiency actually improves indoor air quality. It's a win-win situation!

This is particularly good news because indoor air quality affects your overall health. Poor indoor air quality can aggravate existing health problems. Good indoor air quality, on the other hand, is advantageous for your health.

Typically, energy efficient homes have better indoor air quality. This is due to the fact that energy conservation features reduce the amount of air pollutants in the home. Efficiently designed HVAC systems minimize the amount of moisture in the air. In return, it is less likely for an energy efficient home to accumulate mildew and mold. 

We understand that poor indoor air quality is a serious problem in this country. One way to correct this problem is installing energy efficient appliances in your home. If you are interested in having an energy efficient installed in your home before the chill of winter creeps in, call us at 877-280-5777. You'll be glad you did!

Web Source: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1044

Increase Energy Efficiency and Save Money with a Heat Pump

Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

www.BlueMountainService.com  

Homeowners are always looking for new ways to increase the energy efficiency of their home while saving money. Luckily, heat pumps bring both of these things together. They accomplish this by keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 

Save Money
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, heat pumps save homeowners approximately $300 per year. While this is an upfront cost to buying a heat pump, it will help you save money on your heating and cooling costs in the long run.

Energy Efficiency 
New heat pumps that have the Energy Star seal of approval are bound to be more energy efficient than your current heat pump. At Blue Mountain, we know that purchasing a new heat pump can be overwhelming for any homeowner, due to the sheer number of heat pumps on the market today. The Department of Energy suggests that you keep energy efficiency, fuel type and size in mind. These factors will help you find the heat pump that is right for your home and lifestyle.

Since winter is right around the corner, now is the perfect time to have a heat pump repaired or installed. Trust your heating system to the professionals at Blue Mountain. We are not your average HVAC company. Our technicians will get the job done right the first time. Give us a call at 877-280-5777 for all your heating needs this season.

http://www.pmmag.com/articles/96362-heat-pump-water-heaters-can-conserve-energy-and-save-homeowners-money

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What You Need To Know About Your Furnace and Carbon Monoxide

Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

www.BlueMountainService.com

Fall is finally in full swing! It is time to rake the leaves and sip pumpkin spice lattes. It is also the perfect time of year to prepare your furnace for winter. At Blue Mountain, we high recommend that you have your furnace cleaned and inspected by one of our technicians every year. 

Furnaces can emit a colorless and odorless gas called carbon monoxide. Low levels of carbon monoxide have been shown to be dangerous to all--especially those with heart and lung disease, the elderly, pregnant woman, and children. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, sore throat, rapid heart beats, memory loss, and sensitivity to light, sound, smell. 

Since carbon monoxide is one of the biggest killers in the home, it is extremely important to have one of our professional technicians inspect it. If there is something awry with your furnace, rest assured that our heating experts can fix it. A well maintained furnace can preserve your family's health and well-being. 

Trust the professionals at Blue Mountain to keep your family safe and warm this winter. Our Precision Care Maintenance Program ensures that your furnace is working safely. Give us a call at 877-280-5777 for peace of mind. 

Web Source: http://safesoundfamily.com/blog/carbon-monoxide-detector-placement-where-to-place-co-alarms-in-your-home/

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Fall Furnace Maintenance

Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

www.BlueMountainService.com

The official start to fall is right around the corner! If you want to prepare your home for the chilly months ahead, be sure to have your furnace tuned up. Below are some of the benefits you will reap from professional furnace maintenance. 

Increased Efficiency

Furnaces need to be maintained in order to function at peak efficiency. Did you know that your furnace can last up to 20 years if it is properly cared for? Clearly, your furnace is a long term investment that requires the expertise of our technicians. 

Fewer Repairs

When you have your furnace maintained annually, it will decrease the amount and severity of repairs.  Our professional technicians will be able to fix any minor inefficiencies so they don't turn into major problems. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry. 

Fall is the perfect time of year to have your furnace serviced. Have you scheduled your annual furnace inspection with Blue Mountain? If not, give us a call today. With Blue Mountain on your side, you'll never get left out in the cold.

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