Did you know that Americans spend about 90% of their times indoors? Of course where else would you spend it with this heat? While this may seem like a great way to avoid polluted air, poor indoor air quality has actually been proven to be a pervasive health hazard. Many indoor air pollutants come from chemicals that we use around the home every day.
In this video you’ll learn about some of the most common indoor air pollutants including organic and gaseous contaminants, as well as volatile organic compounds. You’ll also learn about which cleaning products to avoid to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
To maximize indoor air quality, make sure that your home’s air conditioning and heating systems are well-maintained. F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is the leading provider of air conditioning and indoor air quality services in the Fairfax and McLean areas. Call (703) 496-5016 to learn more about our indoor air quality services and products.
They may not seem like much, but air filters are some of the most important components of your air condition system. If you don’t regularly replace your air filter, your indoor air quality will decrease which could lead to serious health issues.
In this video from eHow, home repair specialist Tim Gibson will show you how to change your air filter and discuss what your replacement schedule should be like. If your air conditioner isn't cooling like it should be even with regular filter replacement, then you need to call an air conditioning repair specialist. The plumbing and air conditioning repair specialists at F.H. Furr can help you get your air conditioner running properly in no time. A good rule of thumb: if you air conditioner remains running for long periods of time or if your thermostat shows no temperature change, it's time to call F.H. Furr.
There are a number of reliable home drain cleaning remedies that can keep your drains working well and prevent plumbing odors from seeping up into your home. Here are a few tips to help you eliminate and prevent plumbing odors.
Soak Plumbing with White Vinegar - White vinegar is a great household tool to get rid of unwanted odors. Simply pour white vinegar down the drain and let it soak for about a half hour. Typically, a cup of white vinegar is sufficient for a kitchen or bathroom sink, but use your judgment to determine how much you’ll need to tackle other plumbing odors. After 30 minutes, flush the drain thoroughly with hot water.
Check for Mold Growth - Hidden leaks in your plumbing may lead to mold growth, which produces an unbearable smell if left unaddressed for too long. Depending on what drain the odor is coming from, you may not be able to see the mold growth.
Hire a Plumber - Hiring a plumber to examine your home’s drains and plumbing is the best solution. An experienced plumber will help you determine what’s causing your clog, where hidden mold is growing, or where pipes are leaking. In some cases, the repair may simply involve exchanging a small dirty part of your plumbing.
To learn more about tackling drain odors, call the plumbing experts at F.H. Furr. Our expert Fairfax plumbers specialize in all types of residential and commercial plumbing, as well as air conditioning repairs and HVAC installations. For more information on our services, visit F.H. Furr online or call (703) 496-5016.
F.H. Furr Plumbing wants to give back to our veterans with a new "Like/Follow" social media fundraiser. We will donate $1 to any new Fans or Followers we gain on Facebook and Twitter. "The Wounded Warriors Project (WWP) began when several individuals took small, inspired actions to help others in need. One night while watching the evening news, a group of veterans and brothers were moved by the difficult stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq. They realized then and there that something needed to be done for these brave individuals beyond the brass bands and ticker tape parades.
The resulting objective was to provide tangible support for the wounded and help them on the road to healing, both physically and mentally. What had been initially viewed as a small contribution (compared with what the warriors had sacrificed while serving our country) has become WWP's signature program:"WWP backpacks delivered bedside to wounded warriors."
Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization" Helping out with this wonderful organization is simple:
Like/Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Tweet/Retweet/Share this campaign with your friends and followers so more people will hear about it.
Rest easy knowing you took a small step to do a great deed.
We appreciate all your support in advanced for making this a successful fundraiser for our wounded vets!
While outdoor pollutants such as smog and carbon dioxide can lead to a variety of health concerns, your furnace or A/C repair company will tell you that indoor air quality can also significantly affect your health. Are your allergy symptoms getting worse when you are inside your home? Consider the correlation between indoor air quality and allergies. Indoor PollutantsAccording to the EPA, the most common indoor biological contaminants include mold, mildew, bacteria, animal dander, dust, and pollen. These contaminants are usually produced by living things and are often found in areas with water or moisture, including cooling coils, humidifiers, unvented bathrooms, and condensation pans. Upholstery such as drapery, bedding, and carpets are also ideal hiding spot for dust mites and pet dander. Health EffectsIndoor air pollutants can cause a variety of health problems, from influenza and chicken pox to more serious diseases, such as humidifier fever. The most common health problem associated with indoor air contaminants are allergies and asthma. Many biological contaminants can trigger allergic reactions, including:
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Coughing
Shortness of Breath
Dizziness
Lethargy
Fever
Digestive Problems
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Allergic Rhinitis
Children and elderly individuals may also be more susceptible to pulmonary disease or asthma. Maintenance and PreventionRoutine cleaning is one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of biological contaminants in your home. This includes having your air conditioner cleaned or serviced regularly. You can change your air filter yourself, but hiring a professional plumber or air conditioner repair company will help to ensure your unit is not only working properly, but free of mildew or mold. Your home should be your safe resting place at the end of the day, not the cause for allergic reactions and disease. Keep your home clean and mold free with an air conditioner repair company. Professionals with F.H. Furr provide the furnace, A/C repair services and plumbing services for your needs. For products, services, locations, or to schedule a consultation, visit our website today!
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollutant levels are approximately 2-5 times higher than outdoor pollutants. Indoor air pollution is caused by tobacco smoke, pollen, mold, dust and animal dander. Energy-efficient homes are designed to hold air inside to avoid heat loss in winter or heat gain in the summer, and though this is a great way to keep your monthly energy bills down, it makes it difficult for pollutants to escape. Keep your family safe by checking out this overview of the common health issues that can be exacerbated by poor indoor air quality. Allergies and Asthma Secondhand smoke, dust mites, pollen and mold not only trigger seasonal allergy symptoms but can also lead to the development of allergies in young children. The most common allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, scratchy throat, coughing, and itchy or watery eyes. Indoor air pollutants can also increase your risk of chronic allergies and asthma. Reduce the chances of potentially life-threatening asthma attacks by investing in an air purifier or having your air ducts cleaned regularly by a professional furnace repair specialist. Respiratory Infections Indoor air pollutants can negatively affect your respiratory health, increasing your chances of bronchitis, pneumonia and other pulmonary conditions. The immediate symptoms include headaches, fatigue and dizziness, however not all respiratory conditions will show symptoms until they require urgent medical attention. Heart Disease A recent study published by the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine demonstrated the link between indoor air pollutants and cardiovascular disease. The microscopic particles in your home damage the endothelial cells that line the walls of your blood vessels. Over time, this leads to macrovascular function, oxidative stress and inflammation of blood vessels—all of which contribute to heart disease. If you’re seasonal allergy symptoms are getting worse when you’re inside your home, then it may be time to contact your AC repair company. Have your air ducts cleaned, your filters replaced, or purchase a new air purifier from F.H. Furr’s professional air conditioner repair specialists.
Hey guys! Welcome back to Ask F.H. Furr! Jennifer L. in Fairfax asked on our Facebook Page, "With all of the contractors out there these days, how do you choose the right one? I have little ones, and I don't want just anyone in my house! Thanks!" Well Jennifer, you are right and choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between having a horribly, expensive experience you’ll never forget and an experience you can’t wait to share with friends and family. Here are some steps to take to make sure you choose the right contractor for you:
Research. Doing a little homework on the work to be performed will set you up for success in choosing the right contractor for your job. You don’t need to become a technical expert, but a little research will help you ask the right questions and be able to assess the contractor’s answers and experience.
Get 3 – 4 contractor referrals from people you know and trust. Referrals from the people you know and have had hands on experience from the contractor goes a lot further than references from people you don’t know. You are more likely to get both positive and negative feedback from people you know.
After identifying a few prospects, make sure has a physical address. Then, call the Better Business Bureau to verify the company information.
Interview contractors. Make sure you take time to meet with each contractor and go through your list of questions.
Questions to consider when interviewing contractors (please note, you may have more specific questions to include after doing your initial research):
Does the company have a web site? Does it look professional?
Does the company provide their field personnel continuous education/training?
What kind of warranty is offered with the service and/or parts you need? Do they offer a written guarantee?
If permits are needed for the job, does the company manage this process?
Remember, having a little patience can make you a smart consumer. Here are a few last tips on making sure your experience is one you want to share with family and friends:
Take your time. Make sure to get a few different bids and NEVER take the first bid or a door-to-door solicitation.
Get all estimates in writing.
Never pay in cash or make a full payment before work is performed.
If you get a bid that is significantly lower than the others, it’s probably too good to be true. It’s good to remember that sometimes, you get what you pay for.
Jennifer, I hope this helps answer your question! And if you even remotely second guess something, then there is probably a reason for that! You guys have a great day, and I look forward to hearing from each of you! And keep submitting those questions for your chance to have dinner on us, if you are chosen! – Steven Cox
Not sure if it’s windy where you are, but we’ve got 50 mph gusts! And rather timely, too, because Brynn L. from Herndon, VA asks, “How can I help to make the air in my house cleaner?” Well, Brynn, here’s your answer!
Thanks to our high-efficient homes/buildings with their energy-friendly windows, doors and walls (all very good things, to be sure!) your home/office can harbor toxic fumes and allergens a lot easier. That’s not a very good thing, especially when you spend at least 90% of your time indoors (according to The Environmental Protection Agency.) Pollution levels are often two to five times higher indoors than outdoors, so to combat this, here are five ways to help you keep your lungs healthy and bodies free of these awful toxins. Don’t bite the dust Allergens, bacteria and mold spores can lurk in the air, on furniture, even on your food (yuck!) Be sure to regularly check the filter on your HVAC system, changing it out every 1-3 months, depending on the brand and quality. And don’t forget about the air ducts in your home, which should be checked by a professional technician at least once a year. Think like a NASA agent According to research conducted by the National Air and Space Association, certain plants like spider plants, bamboo palms and mums actually consume toxins like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. You can buy these online or at a local plant nursery. And if you really want to be clever and create your own tropics inside, you can purchase an Areca palm plant and a Snake plant (or mother-in-law’s tongue). The Areca palm will remove CO2 and convert it into oxygen during the day, while the Snake plant will convert CO2 into oxygen at night. Cool, huh? Then if you buy one of the above NASA approved plants – you’re good to go all year! Green Clean Using eco-friendly cleaners will limit those potentially toxic fumes in your home that you get by using ammonia, bleach and pine. You don’t even have to buy a special brand at the store. White vinegar and baking soda can do wonders! You can dilute the vinegar with water or use it straight, and you can use it to clean your whole kitchen from the walls to the floor if you want. Baking Soda has instructions on the box, but you can use it for cleaning countertops and even carpets! Sprinkle some directly onto your carpet, then vacuum it up – you’ll have a fresh carpet before you know it! Fill your cracks According to the American Lung Association, it’s not just mold that brings higher risks of coughing and asthma-like symptoms. Dampness can be just as damaging to your house and your health. Make sure to check the caulking in your home on a regular basis and run that exhaust fan when you have an excessive amount of water entering the air (via showering or boiling water on the stove.) Crack those windows! Open your windows and let fresh air in now and again to allow those toxins out and airflow in. Doing just that can make a huge difference in air quality on a daily basis. Also running overhead fans can help to circulate the air and keep it regulated. Well, Brynn, hope this helps give you some ideas for cleaning your indoor air! Until next time, be well! Keep checking in for more ways to improve your home…
Are you experiencing problems with your air conditioner or furnace? Some home improvement projects are the perfect opportunity for you to test out your repair skills, but when it comes to your plumbing, heating, and cooling units, you’re going to want a professional. Still think you can do-it-yourself? Consider these 5 reasons to hire a combination plumber, heating, and air conditioning specialist.
Experience: The major benefit of hiring a combination plumbing, heating, and A/C repair company is their experience; combination contractors are specially trained in all areas to provide you with the best overall service. It is important to look into the company’s service record, reputation, and licensure before making your selection.
Convenience: Why go through the trouble of hiring a plumberand an air conditioner repair company? Dealing with multiple estimates and contractors can be a pain; hiring a combination plumber, heating, and air conditioning specialist means that all of your services can be performed by a single company.
Cost Efficiency : Many combination repair companies also tend to provide more affordable service and payment plan options. Looking for flat-rate pricing? Ask your furnace repair company about 12-month financing options for your needs.
Products: Hiring a combination plumber, heating, and air conditioning specialist means you not only have the service you need, but you’ll also have access to a variety of appliances and products. Get rid of the middle man and increase your product variety by hiring a combination specialist instead.
Warranty: If you’re planning on repairing your furnace or air conditioner yourself, then it is important to remember that your services don’t come with a warranty. Don’t risk further damage or product malfunction! Combination specialty contractors provide limited or extended warranties on all of their products.
Whether you are looking for a new air conditioner, furnace, or are just looking for a local plumbing company, professionals with F.H. Furr provide the services for your needs. For products, services, locations, or to schedule a consultation, visit our website today!
Brrrr. We may be avoiding the worst of the wintery weather this country is experiencing, but it’s not time to shut off the heaters! We know running the heater can get expensive so here’s the Today Show’s list of 10 tips for lowering your heating bill. The full article, by Laura T. Coffey from msnbc.com, can be found here with an explanation of each tip. For now, we’ll give you the rundown:
#1 Who doesn’t love socks? They’re cozy, can be crazy, and keep you warm. That’s a no-brainer.
#2 Because it involves cooking and hot showers. Bake a pie or some cookies and leave the oven open. You’ll warm the house and get an extra treat. And come on, you need a shower every day!
#5 Programmable thermostats are a GREAT money-saving tool especially for when you work during the day, while you’re sleeping, or when you’re on vacation.
#7 A checkup? Well we can help you with that! You never know how much money your old heater or furnace is bleeding until you have it checked up. Call a F. H. Furr Heating repair specialist today to see how you can start saving.
One of the most frequently overlooked parts of your home is your air conditioning filter. It's important to replace your A/C or furnace filter frequently to preserve the life of your air conditioning system, maintain clean air and to make sure your system is working at full strength. Changing the filter is super simple. Watch this video for a quick demo. If you notice your A/C or furnace are not working properly, it may be time to call an air conditioning repair specialist. Call us and we'll take care of you!
As a homeowner, it is very likely that you will require professional work, such as plumbing, done on your home during one point or another. In order to ensure that the job is done right, adequate research regarding the qualifications of the service is a great idea—one that saves you stress and regret. If you are looking for an air conditioner contractor, your options are quite expansive. However, before you choose an AC repair and contracting company, you will want to make a safe decision. Here are some aspects you should look into, for when you choose your next air conditioning company:
License: Although air conditioning licenses are unique for each state, you will want to make sure that the air conditioning contractor you are considering is qualified for the job. In addition, the contractor’s license limits the size of the project they can take on, so be sure that whatever work you need done is within that range.
Insurance: Before the air conditioner contractor starts working in your home, be sure to review their insurance policy. In the event that problems arise from their work, insurance is necessary in order to save yourself from any unnecessary bills.
Learn Their History:
When looking at an air conditioner contractor, why not take a look at some testimonials? Learning about the company’s reputation through other people is a great way to get insightful information—especially if the review is from a friend.
If you are looking for a quality air conditioning contractor, consider F.H. Furr. Servicing northern Virginia, we can provide your home with quality plumbing and AC repair—in addition to furnace repair. So please, contact us today, for plumbing and AC service which will benefit your home!