DTE Energy Co. recently announced a new program that pays you back to make your home more energy-friendly. If you are a DTE and/or Michcon customer, you are eligible for up to $1,500 in rebates directly from them just by making your home more energy-efficient. These rebates, along with the federal tax credits, could mean that you could add insulation to your walls or attic; replace your old inefficient windows and doors; seal and insulate your duct system and pipes; install programmable thermostats; and many more improvements … [Read more...] about Utlities have money for you; make sure you get yours
Home Works
All plugged up? Friendly help for a stopped-up drain
One of the best things to happen in the plumbing field in recent times has been the development of biological drain cleaners as an alternative to dangerous and ecologically harmful chemicals. These biological products work via bacteria that consume organic waste. There are various products for drain cleaning on the market. One of the best, in my opinion, is called Consume, made by the Spartan Chemical Co. Inc. While the exact formula is a secret, Consume is a composite of bacteria, enzymes and additives, all coming from natural … [Read more...] about All plugged up? Friendly help for a stopped-up drain
Heat pumps for central air and for heating your home
In our quest to become more “green,” let me pose a question: Did you ever wonder what would happen if your central air conditioner started spinning in the opposite direction? Well, I’ll tell you what, it’ll save you at least a couple hundred dollars a year, and even more for those with larger homes. Let me tell you what I mean… A hybrid heat pump system has the ability to reverse itself to produce heat in the winter and still provides the cooling we need during the hot summer temperatures. To the naked eye, a heat pump simply … [Read more...] about Heat pumps for central air and for heating your home
Duct Cleaning… Does it Really Do Any Good?
Most people are now aware that indoor air pollution is an issue of growing concern. As an answer to these problems, many of us are seeking our whole house duct cleaning. My opinion on duct cleaning? If you’re considering having your ductwork cleaned to reduce the dust and potential allergens in your home, forget about it! That’s the job of your furnace systems air cleaner or filter. Once dirt enters into your duct system, the only way it can get out of there is to get past your filter system. As long as you have your filters or … [Read more...] about Duct Cleaning… Does it Really Do Any Good?
Many don’t know about the real duct tape
While duct tape may have many uses, ironically, sealing heating and cooling ducts is not one of them. As it turns out, the adhesives used on standard plastic duct tape dries out quickly and ceases to hold. Solution: The real stuff, which is called aluminum foil tape. This is a 2-mil aluminum foil duct tape with a paper release liner. It goes on easily and stays on the duct for the duration — even the lifetime of the ductwork in most cases. Sealing both the supply and return ducts are beneficial for a few reasons. Sealing … [Read more...] about Many don’t know about the real duct tape
Many don’t know about the real duct tape
While duct tape may have many uses, ironically, sealing heating and cooling ducts is not one of them. As it turns out, the adhesives used on standard plastic duct tape dries out quickly and ceases to hold. Solution: The real stuff, which is called aluminum foil tape. This is a 2-mil aluminum foil duct tape with a paper release liner. It goes on easily and stays on the duct for the duration — even the lifetime of the ductwork in most cases. Sealing both the supply and return ducts are beneficial for a few reasons. Sealing … [Read more...] about Many don’t know about the real duct tape
It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!
You’ve heard it a million times before – it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity. Excess humidity can have a big impact on your home’s comfort and the health of your family. We all know that excessive moisture can be a bad thing, causing mold growth, breathing problems and even damage to the windows and wood in our homes…but other than running a single room de-humidifier… what can be done? Your healthy solution is a whole house de-humidifier. You heard right. This unit actually removes excessive humidity not just from one room, but … [Read more...] about It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!
New thermostat can be the cure for uneven temperatures
Having an old thermostat can cause wild temperature swings, an all-around uncomfortable home and can often cause your furnace or air conditioning to not work at all. Today, we’ll explain how to change that old thermostat so that you can save money by doing it yourself. First things first. Let’s head down to the furnace and shut it off so we won’t have any problems by causing a short circuit. Now we can remove the old thermostat from the wall. Whether you have an old, round thermostat or a newer, digital type, most have an outer … [Read more...] about New thermostat can be the cure for uneven temperatures
How to prevent stormy weather from leaving you in the dark
“Power outage season” has begun, and along with it come basements flooding from no sump pump power, food spoilage from a refrigerator or freezer not running and even medical equipment, such as breathing machines and oxygen generators that cannot operate without a valid power source. Want an automatic solution that can save you thousands of dollars the very first time you find yourself without power due to damaged electrical wires or severe storms? A natural gas-powered backup generator may be the answer to saving thousands of … [Read more...] about How to prevent stormy weather from leaving you in the dark
The problem with candles
are wonderful for creating a nice, relaxing, homey atmosphere, but the ingredients some candles are made of can also be very bad for your health. Aside from the obvious benefits candles provide us with, let’s also take a look at some things to watch out for. As candles burn, they produce carbon monoxide and soot. Burning candles too frequently can discolor the walls, ceilings and contents of a home. They can also contaminate your homes ventilation system. This is especially true of ductwork constructed or lined with fiberglass or … [Read more...] about The problem with candles