Much of the routing maintenance for an A/C system can be performed by a homeowner.  Here are some tips.

• Outside (condensing) unit:  Make sure the unit is not covered with debris, bushes, leaves, etc. – cut back vegetation if too close. 
• Disconnect power to unit and clean the cooling fins.  This can be done with a water hose – never use high pressure sprayers or brush to clean.  ...

Looking for an alternative to incandescent or the less than stellar CFL (compact fluorescent lights) light bulbs, give ESL’s a try.

ESL or Electron Stimulated Luminescence bulbs made by the Vu1 Company are a new type of light which tout benefits over current lighting such as:

• Energy Efficiency – ESL bulbs are supposed to be up to 60% more efficient than an incandescent bulb.
• Superior Light Quality ...

   Frozen pipes can be a problem even in more temperate climates and can freeze even in homes that are lived in.  Here are a few tips to help you avoid frozen water lines – and a flood!

• Insulate any exposed lines such as faucets.  Your local hardware store can help you find the best materials for your situation.
• Find and insulate exposed lines in the garage, attic, basement, kitchen and bathrooms such as in cabinets ...

Windows add beauty, light and fresh air into our homes, but there are some things to consider from a safety standpoint for windows in a home – especially if you have children or routinely have children visiting your home.  Here are some tips from the National Safety Council.

• Keep windows closed and locked when children are around.
• When opening windows for ventilation, open windows that children cannot reach.
• Don’t rely on insect screens to ...

Vented versus non-vented attics has been the topic of great debate for a variety of reasons, but evidence is showing numerous benefits of attics sealed with foam insulation.  Here are a few.

• With a foam sealed attic, foam is applied to the underside of the roof decking completely sealing the attic from the outside air.
• Monthly energy and utility savings of 30% or greater can be achieved when compared to the alternative roofing and insulation systems.

Ceramic cook tops are glass cook tops with electric heating elements underneath. The smooth surface of these units looks great but special care is required to keep from damaging or discoloring the surface and some stains are more difficult to remove than others.  Here are some tips for cleaning your ceramic cook top.

• Clean the cook top after each use.
• Rub a non-abrasive cleanser over the surface using a synthetic sponge or scouring pad. Then rinse with ...

A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen within a matter of minutes and is responsible for more deaths than any other single poison. This odorless, colorless poison can hurt you slowly in low levels, cause permanent neurological dysfunctions in moderate levels or take lives in higher levels. Protection against this deadly poison is as easy as installing a ...