The Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide

You can’t see it, hear it, or smell it… but it’s there. Carbon monoxide – the silent killer – takes the lives of nearly 500 people every year and sends another 50,000 to the emergency room. Unfortunately, many of these situations could have been easily avoided.

Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning by understanding what it is and how to keep your family safe from the dangers of CO poisoning. Peterson’s believes in safe, healthy homes for all our neighbors. Get your furnace Inspection scheduled today give us a call.

What Causes Carbon Monoxide in Your House?

Appliances in your home that don’t burn fuel properly could leak CO. Signs to watch for that indicate a carbon monoxide problem include:

Streaks of soot around the service door of a gas appliance.
Rust spots on flue pipes, boilers, furnaces or water heaters.
A lazy, yellow flame with an oily smell in a natural gas furnace indicates inefficient fuel burning, and consequently high levels of carbon monoxide.
Excessive moisture on basement windows and stale air can indicate poor ventilation.

Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.

What are symptoms of carbond monoxide Poisoning?

Fatigue
Headaches
Dizzy spells
Nausea
Vomiting
Confusion

People can succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning with very little discomfort. They fall asleep, have loss of consciousness and, in the extreme cases, die of exposure.

It is important not to ignore possible symptoms. If you or your family is feeling ill with symptoms common to carbon monoxide poisoning, evacuate your home immediately. Open doors and windows and turn off any potential sources. Contact your local emergency service crew for advice, and if necessary, tell your doctor you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.

5 Ways to protect against CO

There are some easy steps to take to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning:

1. Purchase a carbon monoxide detector.

Check to see that it carries the UL (Underwriters laboratories) label.
Purchase a detector with an alarm to alert you quickly and wake you up during the night.

2. Have your furnace or boiler regularly inspected.

A licensed heating professional should check all connections to flue piping and vents for cracks, gaps, rust, corrosion or debris.
Debris should be cleared off the burner and safety switches tested.
Inspection should cover combustion chamber and heat exchanger for cracks, holes, metal fatigue or corrosion.

3. Have chimneys and vents inspected regularly.

A qualified technician should inspect them for blockages caused by debris, animal nests or cave-ins.
Be sure all vents are properly installed.

4. Don’t operate gasoline-powered engines in confined areas.

Avoid running furnace and fireplaces simultaneously for long periods of time.
Warm up cars only in an open garage.
Never install boiler, furnace or water heater in an airtight enclosure.

5. Replace batteries in all detectors and alarms.

Don’t forget backup batteries in hard wired detectors.
Often carbon monoxide units are ineffective due to dead batteries. Peterson Plumbing Heating, Cooling & Drains is combating this silent killer by installing units in customers’ homes with repair and installation.

Carbon Monoxide FAQ

What is the difference between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide?

The short answer is a single oxygen atom, but that atom makes a huge difference. While carbon monoxide is a harmful manmade gas, carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring compound that is a byproduct of breathing oxygen. It is also a byproduct of burning fossil fuels and becomes harmful when large concentrations trap heat within the earth’s atmosphere.

How many carbon monoxide detectors do I need?

At a minimum you should have one on every level of your home. Ideally you install them near your bedrooms in the event they go off while you’re sleeping. Also make sure you have one in or above an attached garage.

How long do carbon monoxide detectors last?

Most detectors have a life expectancy of 5-7 years. The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends changing you detectors every 5-6 years. Make sure you check and replace the batteries every six months.

Do electric heaters produce carbon monoxide?

No. Only heaters that use a combustible fuel like gas or propane can produce CO. Stay warm and stay safe on those cold Colorado winter nights.

Can opening a window stop carbon monoxide poisoning?

If caught right away, opening a window can stop carbon monoxide from poisoning you. Vent the gas out of your home and have a professional address the source as soon as possible. CO is most dangerous when contained.

What should I do when carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

Don’t ignore it! Leave your home immediately, including all family members and pets. Call 911 and wait for the authorities to check your home and make sure it’s safe before you return. If you need to perform repairs, make sure you hire a licensed professional.

Can dogs smell carbon monoxide?

No. CO is completely odorless. Not even your dog’s heightened sniffer can detect it but they’ll certainly become ill from carbon monoxide in your home. Watch for unusual behavior and mood changes.

Quick List of Common HVAC Myths

Myths prevent homeowners from understanding the true operational performance of their HVAC systems. These myths are believed to be true by millions, and could be costing individuals a significant amount of money on their home heating and cooling.

To help you separate the truth from these unsubstantiated claims, we’re helping draw out the facts with our quick list of common HVAC myths in this latest post.

HVAC Maintenance Isn’t Required if the System is Running Normally

While your home HVAC systems might be performing well at the moment, there could be an underlying issue that is costing you money and could lead to a breakdown in a short amount of time.

You don’t have a clear insight on the components in the system, and so you require expert maintenance to help keep all HVAC technology running to peak capacity. Turning to professionals for HVAC maintenance, even when everything is running normally, can help you save time and money in the future.

Pushing Your Thermostat Will Speed It Up

Many people believe that, if they want to reach a certain temperature in their home, they can set the thermostat higher or lower than that ideal temperature to “trick” the system into moving more quickly.

Your home thermostat is designed to run at a certain speed. Unless you have a two-phase AC system, you’re not going to be able to speed up the cooling in your home by setting the temperature lower than optimal.

You Don’t Need a Specialist to Replace Your Air Filter

An air filter can become clogged with contaminants, forcing your AC systems to work harder and requiring your family to spend more money cooling the home. You might think it’s a simple job to replace the filter and return the system to peak performance. But unfortunately, you might not be able to identify potential structural problems if you try to replace the air filter without expert help.

A trusted technician can replace the air filter for you and then review the system carefully to determine whether contaminants have further impacted the unit.

Through the process of learning more on the latest HVAC systems myths, you can join homeowners throughout the country in achieving a full return on your investment in home heating and cooling systems.

To guide you in this process, our Grand Junction, CO team at Peterson Plumbing is available. Call us today at 970-399-7063 to learn more about the latest myths.

Annual Furnace Inspections Save Money & Energy

As you see those expensive heating bills coming in during the fall and winter months, you may be wondering, what can I do about this? The answer is lots, and a lot of energy-saving measures are easy to do. Every little bit counts and you’ll see an impact and reduce heating bills.

Furnace Maintenance & Repairs

It’s the season to get your Annual Furnace Inspection . A professional will look over all the components, look for damage, attend to the pilot light and change the air filter. All of these items are important in helping your furnace run efficiently. Following a regular mainenance schedule can help reduce your heating costs by 10% or more and will prolong the life of the equipment.

Clean or Replace Filters Monthly

Cleaning and replacing filters will reduce heatingand cooling bills while also extending the life of the equipment. Seal duct leaks.

Dodge the Drafts

Your number one culprit for warm air escape is your windows. If you are in an older home, or if you have a large number of windows, you are very vulnerable. It’s easy to fix though. First, repair any cracks in the seals around the window with caulk.

Apply a film over top of the windows (you can tape it to the window frame, or apply it directly against the window pane itself). This is an effective barrier. Another trick is to install snugly fitting draperies and window treatments.

Run the Ceiling Fan

Although we tend to run the ceiling fan to keep cool when it is warm outside, keeping it going year round can help you save some cash and reduce heating bills by moving warm air around. If you have desktop or standalone fans, they work too. Conversely, try not to run the bathroom and kitchen fans, because they actually suck warm air out.

Even the Threshold

Block air from leaving through gaps between the exterior doors and the threshold by raising the threshold. An easy-to-apply adjustable threshold will do the trick.

Use the Sun to Your Advantage

You shouldn’t just seek the sun in the fall and winter for your daily dose of Vitamin D. Opening the curtains during the day lets the sun shine in- and lets you take advantage of some no-cost, very helpful solar power.

Protect the Chimney

Would you leave the window wide open in the living room in January? Of course not. However, that’s what you are effectively doing when you leave your chimney flue open when you’re not using your fireplace.

Make sure that it is closed tightly. Similarly, for extra energy savings put a chimney pillow in, which will act as an inflatable plug, blocking hot air from escaping.

Call Peterson Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains at 970-399-7063 for your
Annual Furnace Inspection in Grand Junction, CO. and surrounding areas. Our technicians offer professional and speedy service at competitive prices. Mention this blog and receive a $89 Heat Inspection

Ready why our customers trust Peterson Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Services

5 Reasons to Have Furnace Maintenance

Are you ready for winter? One area you shouldn’t forget about while preparing for the colder months is maintaining your home’s heating system before you begin using it every day.

This includes scheduling maintenance on your furnace from a qualified professional to ensure that there are no issues with your unit and that it will work reliably all season long.

Why should you invest in furnace maintenance this season? Keep reading to find out:

1. Your Unit Hasn’t Been Used All Summer

Most of us don’t need to use our furnaces during the warmer months, and while the warmer days are great they also mean that our furnaces have been inactive for months at a time and issues such as worn-out mechanical parts, will still be present as you begin using it again.

This makes it especially important to book furnace maintenance before you begin using your unit consistently so that a professional can ensure that it is working perfectly and no problems have crept up during the summer.

2. Colder Days are Coming

As the colder days set in, we will be using our furnaces more and more, which means that furnace maintenance is imperative to ensure that it will work reliably. There’s nothing worse than waking up or coming home during the middle of a cold snap to discover that your furnace has failed you!

3. Keep Your Family Safe

A heating professional can tell you if your furnace has become compromised in some way, or has a crack which may begin leaking carbon monoxide into your home.

This gas is potentially lethal and is especially dangerous because it is colorless and odorless, which means that unless you have functioning carbon monoxide detectors (which should also be inspected and tested with the change of seasons), you may be putting your family at risk.

4. Extend the Lifetime of Your Furnace

A furnace which has been well maintained will have to work less hard to heat the air in your home throughout the winter.

This is important to remember because a furnace which is breaking down or worn-out will attempt to overcompensate to deliver the same level of warm air that it once did, which can cause it to wear out faster.

Investing in annual furnace maintenance can dramatically extend the lifetime of your furnace by resolving smaller issues and performing repairs which may escalate into larger issues down the line.

5. Save Money in the Long Term

Paying for scheduled annual maintenance is significantly cheaper than calling for emergency furnace repair and replacement in the middle of the winter when it matters most.

Not just that, but heating systems which are well-maintained work more efficiently and use less energy, which means that your monthly bills will be lower.

If you’re interested in scheduling a professional furnace maintenance appointment this fall, call Peterson Plumbing at 970-399-7063 for service in Grand Junction, CO and the surrounding area.

Eliminate Uneven Cooling In Your Home Today with these 3 Easy Tips

Have you been struggling to adequately cool your home during the summer months? If you’ve been noticing a noticeable difference in temperature when you walk from one room to another or when you move between levels of your multi-story residence, then your HVAC system may be having problems evenly distributing cool, comfortable air throughout your home.

Suffering from uneven cooling isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also drive up your energy costs as your cooling system overworks to compensate for the uneven temperature, and it can cause your air conditioner to wear out and break down faster.

How can you reduce uneven cooling, keep your energy costs low, and minimize strain on your HVAC system? Read on to find out three easy ways:

1. Increase Your Attic Insulation

Most homeowners rarely give their attic insulation a second thought, but it plays a vital role in temperature control inside their homes. Insulation not only keeps outdoor air from getting into their homes, but it also prevents the air indoors from escaping out into the world.

This means that if you have inadequate insulation or if your insulation isn’t the appropriate kind for your region, you may be allowing valuable, cool air to escape through your home’s roof.

2. Check Your Air Ducts for Leaks

Your air ducts are the components of your home’s heating and cooling system, which are responsible for transferring air throughout your home and from room to room. When this system works perfectly, you can enjoy consistent and even temperatures throughout your home, but if it becomes compromised, then you may begin experiencing issues with inconsistent temperatures.

Holes and tears in your air ducts can cause air to leak out into unwanted areas, resulting in uneven air distribution and forcing your system to work harder to produce consistent temperatures.

3. Invest in a Zoning System for Your Home

Zoning systems allow you to have complete control over different areas of your home and provide the opportunity to create custom “zones” that can be heated or cooled independently of one another.

When installing your zoning system, be sure to discuss the appropriate zones with your cooling technician, as they can help you identify the rooms or areas of your home that may need special attention and their own “zones” to stay comfortable. For example, a zoning system allows you to keep bedrooms on the second storey of your home cooler and more comfortable for sleep than your basement.

For professional assistance with eliminating uneven cooling in your Grand Junction, CO home contact your local HVAC experts at Peterson Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling. We’re just a phone call away, so dial 970-399-7063 and enjoy the comfort that comes with cool, controlled indoor temperatures now.

Make Your Home Pollen-Free In Three Steps

Seasonal allergy sufferers know how difficult hay fever season can be. Sometimes, it seems like there’s no escaping the terrible symptoms, whether you’re outside or indoors.

But there are ways of achieving the kind of clean air in your home that will help to remove pollen from the air you breathe and minimize your allergy symptoms.

1. Keep Your Windows and Doors Closed

From spring to fall, you’ll notice that the weather report often includes a current pollen count. That’s because a wide range of plants, weeds, grasses, and trees produce pollen during this time.

It gets released into the air, triggering allergy symptoms like itchy and watery eyes, runny noses, and even asthma in some cases.

Your first line of defense in keeping these airborne allergens at bay is to prevent them from entering by keeping your doors and windows closed, particularly during the hours most associated with high pollen counts. These include the early morning and midday (roughly 10 AM to 3 PM).

2. Install a HEPA Filter In Your AC

The filter in your AC is designed to remove dust and dirt from the air before it enters your ductwork and travels to the various rooms of your home. Did you know that not all air filters are created equal?

If you or members of your family are allergy sufferers, you should look for a filter designated with the HEPA symbol. HEPA, which stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, means that these filters will do a better job of trapping tiny particles like dust mites, pet dander, and, of course, pollen as air is forced through their fine mesh.

eUsing a HEPA filter will significantly reduce the amount of pollen entering your house and circulating through your home.

3. Lower the Humidity In Your Home

Allergens, like dust mites and mold spores, thrive in environments with high moisture content in the air. By adding a dehumidifier to your home, you can keep the relative humidity below 50%, which will provide some relief for your allergy symptoms and make your home feel more comfortable.

By doing these three simple things, you won’t have to put up with all of the sneezing, red, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of seasonal allergies, at least while you’re in your home.

And for more great ways to have clean air in your home, the experts at Peterson Plumbing in Grand Junction, CO, are only a phone call away at 970-399-7063.

Home Improvement Projects to Complete Before the 4th of July

Preparing Your Home

With the 4th of July weekend just around the corner, its time to get your home ready for the star-spangled celebration.

There is no better time for all those home improvements you have been dying to get done.

Your home should be up-to-date before you host your friends and family. So here are a few home improvements projects that you can tackle.

Clean the deck

A clean deck is the rich, inviting hallmark of your yard. A sparkling clean, well-maintained deck can be very inviting.

Other than the fresh look, cleaning your deck maintains the integrity of the wood and provides a longer deck life.

It is, therefore, important you make sure that your deck is safe and clean before the holiday weekend.

On that account, there is no better time to give your deck a thorough cleaning as the 4th of July weekend approaches. Here are simple steps to cleaning your deck.

Step 1 – Preparation

Prepare to clean your deck by getting rid of anything that could get in your way. Remove all the potted plants and the patio furniture. If you have fragile plants in the ground near your deck, cover them lightly to protect them from any potential disturbance.

Step 2 – Sweep your deck

Simply get rid of debris by sweeping them into a trash bag. Use a slender tool to remove any debris that is trapped in between the deck boards.

Step 3 – Hose off/power-wash your deck

Wash the surface of your deck using your garden hose with a spray attachment. Aim directly at the muddied spots using the highest setting on the sprayer to remove as much dirt as possible. Rince your deck, beginning at one end and continuing until the entire deck is rinsed.

Step 4 – Cleanse your deck

Use a solution of water and a laundry detergent or a commercial cleaner. Apply the solution to the deck and scrub it using a push broom or a long-handled brush with stiff bristles. Rince off the deck with plain water to remove the cleaning solution.

Step 5- Bleach

If your deck has algae or mildew growth bleach it with a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Allow the bleach to sit for 10-15 minutes depending on how old the growth is. Scrub the area once again and rinse it clean.

Persistent areas will require a second bleach scrub. Allow the area to dry before treating it again. Allow your deck to dry completely before applying a sealant. It may take 2-3 full days to dry.

Step 6 – Reseal your deck

Purchase a wood sealer based on your preference and needs. A good sealer should include a waterproofing agent that offer your deck a year-round protection. Follow the directions on the sealant as you apply it.

Step 7- Redecorate

Once your sealer has dried off, go ahead and replace your furniture along with your potted flowers or any other items you wish to keep.

Clean Outdoor Grills

The memorial weekend offers the most pleasurable time to barbecue. But have you cleaned up your grill? To clean a gas grill, turn the heat to maximum, close the lid and leave it on for 25 minutes. Wait until it has cooled down to clean the racks with a grill brush. For the exterior, clean with warm water or a gentle cleanser.

To clean a charcoal grill, empty the old charcoal and ashes and wash the entire grill with hot water and dishwasher soap. Allow it to dry completely.

Clean your windows

Windows naturally light and brighten your home and have a significant effect on how people perceive your home. They also affect the overall heat efficiency of your home.

To self-clean your windows, invest in a good squeegee that has a long handle. You can use soapy water or glass cleaner, whatever you preference may be. You can also schedule a window cleaning service for a thorough and a convenient clean.

Check Your Outside Faucets

Winter is over! It’s time to turn your outside faucets on to wash and spray off the patio, clean your windows and run water for yard work purposes in the preparation for the 4th of July holiday.

As you enjoy this time in your yard, be sure to take all the necessary steps to guarantee you don’t end up with a flooded basement that could cause a costly mess. Outside faucets are prone to freeze damage, and it’s important to make sure that they are in good working conditions. Turn on the outside faucet and let it run while you go back inside the basement to check for any leaks.

Check Your Air Conditioning

Summer extends throughout the month of July. Therefore, The 4th of July celebrations are at the peak month of summer. Check to see that your air conditioning is cooling properly before your weekend holiday.

Schedule an inspection for your home’s central A/C system. Remove debris on your window units and clean the filters before turning them on. Also, clean the blades of your ceiling fans with a damp piece of cloth.

Lawn Care Tips

During the 4th of July celebrations, the weather is usually nice and sunny. At this time of the year, you need to prepare your lawn for the fun and traffic of the holiday weekend. Here are a few care tips that will get your lawn in shape for the holiday.

Lawns love the sun: clean all leaves, debris or branches from your yard.
Fill up all bare spots with an early germinating seed after raking up all the dead grass.
Test your soil for nutrients, PH, and mineral levels to learn what your soil is deprived oand add the recommended amount.
Core aerate your lawn to open the soil for healthier plants.
Apply fertilizer to enhance plant growth.
Have your sprinkler system up and working.

The staff here at Peterson Plumbing in Grand Junction, CO has the experience you can count on, so call us today at (970)-399-7063 to receive the expertise you need before making one of the largest investments in your life.

A Few Ways to Establish Whether Your Home’s Thermostat is Malfunctioning

The HVAC system in your home is one of the most important systems in your home. This is especially true if you live in a climate with cold winters and hot summers. Those changes in temperature can cause your furnace to be overworked in both directions and make it stop working. There are a ton of different problems that can occur when it comes to your furnace. It can refuse to turn on. It can refuse to turn off. It can also stop heating air altogether and cause the people in your home to freeze. Most people associate HVAC problems in their Grand Junction home with the furnace or the air conditioning unit. They often forget about a common culprit when it comes to a malfunctioning HVAC system, the thermostat unit.

There are many styles of programmable thermostats on the market that can help regulate the heating and cooling systems. Most of them are electronic. They all can have a disastrous effect on your home if they aren’t working correctly. You may be unfamiliar with the different problems that programmable thermostats can present if they are malfunctioning. Here are 5 ways to tell if the thermostat in your home isn’t working. Some of them you may be able to fix yourself, some of them may require someone who is certified in thermostat repair.

Location of the Thermostat

If you thermostat is causing your furnace or air conditioner to run constantly the problem could be as simple as where your thermostat is located. Each thermostat uses its sensors to detect the temperature of the room where it is located. It then uses this information to regulate the climate in the home. If the thermostat is located near a drafty window or by a door that lets in a lot of cold air it could think that the house is much colder than it actually is and cause the furnace to run constantly in an effort to heat the home. This could cause the home to become way too hot and can have a huge negative effect on your utility bills as well. The opposite effect can take place when it comes to your thermostat’s location if it is located in an area where it gets too much sun and thinks the air is much hotter than it really is.

Electronic Problems

Most thermostats found in homes today are electronic thermostats. This means the interface between the resident and thermostat box is via an electronic screen. If the electronics malfunction on the thermostat it can cause the homeowner to not be able to control the thermostat. It can also cause the thermostat to have incorrect readouts and heat or cool the home incorrectly. This problem can be an easy fix or may require certified thermostat repair. Many of the problems with thermostats that are electronics related are covered under the thermostats factory warranty. This means the thermostat can be replaced for free in many instances.

Furnace Won’t Turn Off

If the furnace in your home is perpetually on it could mean that there is a problem with your thermostat. The temperature gauge on the unit may be incorrect and cause the unit to think that it is much colder than it is. This will cause the furnace to be on constantly in an effort to properly heat the home. Obviously, the opposite can happen as well resulting in your furnace never turning off as well. Problems like these could be caused by faulty wiring, bad thermostat location, or any other factors. Some of them are simple and some of them are complex.

Dirty Thermostat Box

Another sign that your thermostat might not work correctly is that it is not clean. Check your thermostat box regularly to ensure that the wiring and the temperature gauge are clean. Dirt and residue can get on the unit and cause it to misread the surrounding temperature. It can also cause the wiring to rust out and stop working. To avoid problems with your thermostat unit be sure to clean it regularly to prevent these problems. If your thermostat looks dirty it could cause the box to have problems down the line. A malfunctioning thermostat can be disastrous when it comes to your monthly utility bills.

Anticipator Needs Adjusting

When you open your thermostat box you will see a small metal tab coming off of the thermostat. This is called the anticipator. If your furnace is having problems it may just require a small adjustment in either direction to get the correct amperes to correspond with the furnace correctly. If the original adjustment isn’t effective, you may need to consult the manual on your furnace to correctly match your thermostat to it. This is a very common problem with thermostats that is a quick an easy fix.

Box Must be Level

This is actually an overlooked problem with thermostats that can cause issues. You should make sure that your thermostat box is level at all times. A tilted thermostat box can have problems functioning correctly and have problems working correctly. It’s amazing how often this problem can occur when the thermostat unit is originally installed in a home.

If you are having problems with your HVAC system you might need to look past the furnace or air conditioning unit. The problem could be with your thermostat unit itself. It is one of the most overlooked aspects of the heating and cooling system in every Grand Junction home when it comes to repairs. There are a lot of thermostat issues that are fairly minor and can be fixed by looking up a simple do it yourself method. Other problems could be more complex and require the help of a certified HVAC professional. If you are having problems with your programmable thermostat contact a professional today.

For outstanding services in your Grand Junction, CO home, call Peterson Plumbing at (970) 399-7063. You may be surprised at how many issues are covered by your warranty.