Category: Humidity

6 Summer Home Features That Cut Energy Use

 

The move toward passive heating and cooling is growing. It saves money and reduces greenhouse gases. Here are some ways to cut down on heat gains and losses from your home in summer conditions.

Insulation

Insulation slows down heat flow. In winter this means less heat escapes and in summer, it keeps your air conditioner from working overtime. In both cases, you have smaller equipment issues to worry about when building or replacing. Upgrading insulation is a sure-fire way to cut your energy use.

Proper Sealing

If air leaks in around windows and doors, you undo everything your insulation does. Known as infiltration, this air carries moisture in summer and low temperatures in winter, taxing your equipment and wasting energy. Sealing off these locations is a fairly cheap way to cut back on your energy bills.

Window Locations

Curtains and blinds can reduce heat gain and loss depending on their insulating value. Blocking out the sun in summer keeps the space cool even if you have no shading from outside. Trees and foliage outside your window also reduce heat gain in the summer. If you pick the right trees that lose their leaves in winter, you still gain the advantage of winter sunlight heating your home.Shutters, Architecture, Window, House, Wooden,summer

Window Treatments

Window treatments became mainstream in the 1800s, but due to a lack of proper oversight and standards for building and rating furnaces, they fell out of favor in the early 20th century. The National Warm Air Heating and Ventilation Association was created in 1914 to address this and now the majority of homes in North America are heated with furnaces.

Heavy curtains keep the cold in during the dog days of summer, reducing losses from large windows.

Overhangs

Strategically placed overhangs can prevent your large windows from creating large problems in the summer. During this season, the sun is high in the sky. Overhangs that block windows from direct sunlight reduce the heating effect of the sun and keep your cooling bill down. The winter sun’s low path across the sky allows sunlight to enter the room without being blocked by the overhang. 

Type of Glass

Glass performance has two main characteristics: heat transfer coefficient and shading coefficient. The heat transfer coefficient indicates how well the glass prevents heat from flowing through. The shading coefficient affects the sunlight entering the space. A higher shading coefficient keeps more sun out. Glass thickness, the number of panes and coating type all impact these numbers and vary between manufacturers. 

You Still Need Well-maintained Equipment

Even with minimal heat gains and losses, your HVAC equipment needs to run efficiently. To assess ways you can reduce your energy usage and keep your equipment in top shape, give us a call at (877) 552-2326 or  Schedule Service Today!

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Stay Cool During 4th of July

This weekend we celebrate Independence Day with cookouts, fairs, parades, fireworks and much more. All of this 4th of July fun will have you out and about in the July heat, and it’s important for you to keep cool during this weekend’s festivities. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you don’t get overheated this weekend.

1. Stay Hydrated

Carry water with you everywhere you go. Dehydration can ruin all of your 4th of July fun, but drinking lots of water will keep you going this weekend.

2. Hit the FaucetTap, Black, Faucet, Kitchen, Sink, Interior, Design

Every couple of hours find the nearest faucet and run your wrist under the cool water. Doing this will help you keep your core body temperature under control. There is a main vein that runs close to the surface of the skin on your wrist. Running cool water over this vein will help cool your blood, dropping your core body temperature.

3. Cool Down Your Sunscreen

Stick your sunscreen in the fridge or in your cooler. The lotion will get nice and cold, which will feel great to apply over your hot skin to help lower your core body temperature. Also, try applying cold lotion to the bottom of your feet, it will feel amazing and help cool you down.

4. Incorporate Water Activities

Besides adding a lot of fun to your 4th of July festivities, water activities are a great way to cool down in the summer heat. Hook up a sprinkler to your hose and runthrough the water. Fill a pool (even if it’s just a small one) and splash around. Load up on water balloons and squirt guns. Just make sure there’s lots of water to play in!

5. Take A Break

Don’t get so caught up in all of the 4th of July fun to forget to give yourself a break. Head indoors to enjoy some air conditioning every few hours. The cool air from your AC will feel amazing on your skin and help refresh you.

6. Make Sure Everything is in Working Order

Double check that your sprinklers are working, your hose doesn’t have a hole, your AC has enough Freon, your faucets are running properly and your pipes are free of clogs, before the holiday gets here. You don’t want to be in the middle of your BBQ and discover that your air conditioner just gave out on you or your water supply isn’t flowing like it’s supposed to.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your air conditioner, pipes or have any other plumbing or HVAC concerns, and you would like an inspection from a certified local professional before the 4th of July gets here: schedule an appointment online or give Tiger Services a call today at (877) 552-2326.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

 (877) 552-2326

Memorial Day Weekend Tips

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer, but the rainy spring weather isn’t ready to let go just yet. There is a lot of rain in the forecast this week and we are all crossing our fingers, hoping that the weather improves before the big holiday weekend. Unfortunately, along with the heavy rain falls, the temperature and humidity levels are also on the rise this week. One thing is clear as we head into Memorial Day weekend; the weather is not on our side. Don’t panic just yet! Here are some steps you can take to help prevent the extreme weather from ruining your holiday weekend.

memorial day

1. Avoid a Sump Pump Disaster

Sump pumps are designed to help prevent basement flooding, especially during periods of constant and heavy rainfall. The protection offered by sump pumps is especially important in finished basements with recreation rooms, home offices, bedrooms or rooms storing electronics or valuables. Like all other vital equipment in your home, your sump pump needs regular maintenance to ensure everything is functioning properly and so you can avoid a major disaster.  We’ll be happy to inspect and evaluate your sump pump needs, to give you peace of mind.

2. Battling the Humidity

With the heat rising and the rain falling, dealing with humidity this week is not going to be pleasant. To help you get through this muggy week, try out a few of these easy humidity-busting tricks.

  • Turn on your exhaust fans when bathing, doing laundry or cooking.
  • Cover pots as much as possible when cooking.
  • Use portable fans to improve airflow in stuffy rooms.
  • Take cooler and shorter showers.
  • Make sure all windows and doors are shut tight and that air isn’t able to leak through them.
  • Turn on your air conditioning to improve air flow and lower your home’s temperature.
  • Use a dehumidifier.

3. Make Sure Your AC is ready for the Long Haul

Many people have been holding off on turning on their air conditioners, but the weather this week may mean it’s finally time to flip on that AC. The temperatures will be in the 80’s and the rain and humidity will mean that your windows will need to be closed. You’ll likely need to turn on your air conditioner for some much-needed relief but will your AC be up for the challenge? Air conditioning units require yearly maintenance and inspections to keep them running properly. Call on our expert technicians here at Team Tiger to make sure that your AC can handle the heat.

4. Keep the Power On

Power outages are always a real concern during stormy weather. Having a Whole-Home Standby Generator installed will help you keep the lights on and your AC running during even the most severe weather. A generator is not only useful during stormy spring and summer weather, but it can also come in handy during the winter months if a blizzard blows in. Like your sump pump and AC, generators require yearly maintenance. So if you already have a generator for your home, make sure to have one of our Certified Electricians come out and ensure everything is running properly and safely this season.

Happy Memorial Day!

                                           If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

 (877) 552-2326

AC Added Benefits

Summer is in full swing and you are loving the cool air and comfort provided by your AC. After all, these warmer months would be fairly miserable if air conditioners weren’t around, but you may not be aware of some of the other added benefits that your AC system provides.

Bonus Benefits from Your Air Conditioner:

 

Indoor Air Quality:

Your heating and cooling systems go a long way in improving the air quality of your home. Most notably, they drastically reduce the amount of pollutants and allergens floating around in the air of your home. A well maintained AC system will also help improve the quality of living of people who suffer from allergens or respiratory illnesses like asthma.

bedroom with AC

P.S. Having regular maintenance tasks performed will greatly improve your indoor air quality and extend the life of your AC system. These tasks include yearly system checks, having your filter changed as recommended, & having your air ducts clean annually, etc.

Productivity Boost:

If you are hot, uncomfortable and all around miserable you will be less productive. AC’s to the rescue! Air Conditioners are designed to keep you cool and comfortable, no matter how toasty things become outside. The more comfortable you are, the more productive you will be!

Sleep Easier:

This is also a matter of being comfortable. Keeping your bedroom between 60 to 65 degrees is often ideal for a perfect night of sleep. A properly functioning AC is the easiest way for you to keep your bedroom in this comfort zone.

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Call us at (877) 552-2326, or visit TrustTiger.com to schedule a precision tune-up and safety inspection to ensure that your AC is running at optimal levels!

AC

Humidity: Too Low, Too High, and Just Right

Humidity on Window

Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air.

But getting it right is about more than comfort. From static build-up to potential mold growth, humidity levels affect air quality, your expensive home theater system, your health, and even opening and closing doors. Continue below to see how humidity can affect you, and what you can do about it.

Continue Reading…

Warning Signs that Your Home Needs A Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier can be extremely helpful during the hot summer months. Humidity is on the rise here in the Midwest and many of us turn to the comfort of our Air Conditioned homes to escape the sticky weather. However, sometimes an air conditioner is not enough to beat summer’s humidity. Your home may also need the aid of a dehumidifier.

Dehumidifier

Signs You Need A Dehumidifier:

1. You see mold and mildew spots on your ceiling or walls.

Mold loves moisture and during the warmer months the added humidity can raise the moisture levels in your home. This makes it easier for mold spores to take root and grow. Bathrooms and kitchens are especially vulnerable, since cooking and bathing only help to increase the moisture levels; but during the more humid months, you may see mold growth in other areas of your home. Be sure to inspect areas with little to no ventilation: basements, attics, closets, etc.

2. You have water marks on your walls, floors or ceiling.

Not as worrisome as mold but just as unsightly, water marks can be a sign that you have an excess of humidity in your home.

3. You or your guests notice a musty odor when entering your home.

Musty odors can be a dead giveaway that the humidity levels in your home are way to high. These odors can also be a sign that mold and mildew growth is present.

4. You notice condensation on your windows.winter-1169046_960_720

High humidity levels in your home can cause condensation to form on your windows and sometimes other glass surfaces as well.

5. Your home just feels sticky and uncomfortable.

There is no bigger sign that you need a dehumidifier than a sticky home. Living in the Midwest, we all know what high humidity levels feels like. Keep this icky feeling outdoors in the summer, where it belongs!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

(866) 844-3770

or feel free to check us out online at

Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, GooglePlus and Instagram

Rain, Rain, Go Away, Don’t Ruin Memorial Day

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer, but the rainy spring weather isn’t ready to let go just yet. There is a lot of rain in the forecast this week and we are all crossing our fingers, hoping that the weather improves before the big holiday weekend. Unfortunately, along with the heavy rain falls, the temperature and humidity levels are also on the rise this week. One thing is clear as we head into Memorial Day weekend; the weather is not on our side. Don’t panic just yet! Here are some steps you can take to help prevent the extreme weather from ruining your holiday weekend.Memorial Day

1. Avoid a Sump Pump Disaster

Sump pumps are designed to help prevent basement flooding, especially during periods of constant and heavy rainfall. The protection offered by sump pumps is especially important in finished basements with recreation rooms, home offices, bedrooms or rooms storing electronics or valuables. Like all other vital equipment in your home, your sump pump needs regular maintenance to ensure everything is functioning properly and so you can avoid a major disaster.  We’ll be happy to inspect and evaluate your sump pump needs, to give you peace of mind.

2. Battling the Humidity

With the heat rising and the rain falling, dealing with humidity this week is not going to be pleasant. To help you get through this muggy week, try out a few of these easy humidity-busting tricks.

  • Turn on your exhaust fans when bathing, doing laundry or cooking.
  • Cover pots as much as possible when cooking.
  • Use portable fans to improve airflow in stuffy rooms.
  • Take cooler and shorter showers.
  • Make sure all windows and doors are shut tight and that air isn’t able to leak through them.
  • Turn on your air conditioning to improve air flow and lower your home’s temperature.
  • Use a dehumidifier.

3. Make Sure Your AC is ready for the Long Haul10411_image6 copy

Many people have been holding off on turning on their air conditioners, but the weather this week may mean it’s finally time to flip on that AC. The temperatures will be in the 80’s and the rain and humidity will mean that your windows will need to be closed. You’ll likely need to turn on your air conditioner for some much-needed relief but will your AC be up for the challenge? Air conditioning units require yearly maintenance and inspections to keep them running properly. Call on our expert technicians here at Team Tiger to make sure that your AC can handle the heat.

4. Keep the Power On

Power outages are always a real concern during stormy weather. Having a Whole-Home Standby Generator installed will help you keep the lights on and your AC running during even the most severe weather. A generator is not only useful during stormy spring and summer weather, but it can also come in handy during the winter months if a blizzard blows in. Like your sump pump and AC, generators require yearly maintenance. So if you already have a generator for your home, make sure to have one of our Certified Electricians come out and ensure everything is running properly and safely this season.

Happy Memorial Day!

 

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

(866) 844-3770

or feel free to check us out online at

Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, GooglePlus and Instagram

6 Ways to Defeat Allergy Season this Spring

Allergy season is upon us! If you suffer from allergies, you know that spring can be a rough time of year for you. Taking a deep breath can be a real challenge with all of that fresh pollen, the extra animal dander from your pets losing their winter coats, the large amount of pesticides being sprayed outdoors and don’t forget about the dust mites, fungi, mold spores, etc. invading your home.

But spring allergy season does not have to be so miserable! There are several steps you can take to drastically improve your indoor air quality and your quality of living in general.

 1. First and foremost have your ducts cleaned and sanitized! Dirt, dust, mold, bugs, mites, even rodents and other allergens are all lAllergy iving in your duct system. We can get rid of it all with our Total Source Removal cleaning process. Tiger’s process starts with our patented Toro-Vac industrial vacuum being directly connected to your ducts. It works to draw all debris towards our powerful vacuum and out of your duct work. Simultaneously, Tiger administers our spinning powered airbrush that works to knock stubborn dust and dirt from duct walls and pushes it towards the Toro-Vac vacuum. After each vent has been cleaned thoroughly and all dust has been collected Tiger then administers a patented sanitizing solution which works to kill mold and microscopic bacteria and leaves behind a fresh scent.

Tiger’s process is the most thorough duct cleaning process in the market today. Not only will it leave your ductwork sparkling but it will help with your family’s health and protect your heating and air conditioning equipment helping to prolong its overall life expectancy. With a thorough duct cleaning and sanitizing, allergy season will be no match for you.

2. Get your spring cleaning on. Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping weekly is a great way to rid yourself of dust mites and animal dander that is accumulating in your home and getting into your air.

3. Change/upgrade your air filter. Most heating and cooling systems still use a basic 142715_image2 copyair filter. These filters were originally designed to protect the equipment and not the people served by the equipment. The average air filter is only capable of removing 3–5% of the particles that pass through it. Today, however, there are several types of permanent air filters available in various efficiencies that can help you filter the air in your home. If you suffer from allergies, asthma, hay fever or other breathing difficulties, there is an air filter that can help you. We can even provide you with the same type of air filter used in hospital operating rooms.

4. During allergy season, laundry is your friend. Washing your bedding and other linens at least once a week will go a long way to improving your indoor air quality. Dust, animal dander and other allergens like to collect on fabric and you breathe these in at night.

P.S. Don’t forget to wash your pillows once in a while, to remove built up allergens.

5. Keep a dry basement. Basements, especially unfinished basements, like to attract and retain moisture. This moisture leads to mold, mildew and odors; a good dehumidifier can go a long way this allergy season.

6. Use the power Ultraviolet light Technology. Tiger has found that the most successful way to handle system mold is through Ultraviolet (U.V.) germicidal lights. Ultraviolet liAllergy ght has been used to kill microorganisms in hospitals, barber shops, laboratories, pharmaceutical plants, and at the nation’s Center for Disease Control. Residential ultraviolet units have been independently tested and proved to be effective in the constantly moving air environments of heating and cooling systems, killing mold and bacteria quickly and effectively. The UVC energy attacks the organism’s DNA and either destroys it immediately or prevents it from reproducing. For most people, the original motivation for installing the lights is to put a stop to indoor air quality complaints and/or allergies. However, they are also pleased to learn that many hidden odors are also eliminated with U.V. technology. Tiger can easily install these lights in your home and you can begin enjoying the health benefits that come with them.

Good Luck This Allergy Season!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

(866) 844-3770

or feel free to check us out online at

Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, GooglePlus and Instagram

Defeat Winter and the Dry Air it Brings into Your Home

Winter time means one thing, dry air, lots and lots of dry air. The dry air of winter causes allwoman-698953_640 kinds of unpleasant side effects: chapped, itchy and cracked skin, then there’s the dry, scratchy nose and throat and don’t forget about all of the extra static electricity in the air. Well, don’t stand for the discomfort that comes with the dry air of winter any longer. Consider adding a humidifier to your home for an unbelievable level of comfort this winter.

A Flow-through Humidifier is the best way to bring moist air back into your home. With the proper level of humidity in your home, you will feel more comfortable and breathe easier. You can eliminate that dry eye, nose and throat feeling you have when you wake up in the morning. Humidity also reduces or eliminates static electricity. Additionally, it protects the investment in your home and your furnitDry Airure because proper humidity prevents the wood from cracking and peeling.

A flow-through humidifier can be easily added to any forced air heating system. The advantage with this type of humidifier is that it provides humidity without breeding or spreading mold or mildew. This is in contrast to the humidifiers that use a reservoir where water can stagnate creating a perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. A flow-through humidifier is easy to maintain. It has no moving parts and is designed to operate with no mineral or mold buildup.

Contact us today to have one of our technical experts install one of these amazing flow-through humidifiers in your home. You’ll breathe easier, save money on moisturizing products and won’t have to live in fear of static shock every time you touch something.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

(866) 844-3770

or feel free to check us out online at

Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, GooglePlus and Instagram

 

Fall is Here! Is Your Home Ready for the Changing Seasons?

autumn-581074_640Fall has finally arrived! Which means winter is not far behind. I know, no one wants to think about winter on the first day of fall, but it’s important that you take advantage of the nice weather while we have it.

The beautiful weather of the fall is the perfect time of year for maintenance. Plus, no one wants to worry about their furnace going out or their pipes freezing in the dead of winter. Take a look at our fall home maintenance checklist, so when old man winter comes knocking, you’ll be ready for him!

1. Caulk Your Windows

If your windows aren’t properly caulked and ready for the cold weather, you’ll have a long winter to look forward to. Cold air will creep into your home, warm air will seep out and you’ll watch your power bill climb higher and higher as your furnace works to keep up!

2. Clean Yicicles-431975_640our Gutters

Everyone’s favorite job right? Of course not, but it’s important to clear away all of those fallen leaves, to avoid ice damage down the road.

3. Give Your Roof a Quick Inspection

While you’re on that ladder cleaning your gutters, you might as well hop onto your roof and check for any signs of damage. The condition of your roof is something that you need to stay on top of. Repairs are expensive and the damage done to your home by a leaky roof will be even more costly!

4. Insulation, Insulation, Insulation

Heating and cooling your home accounts for at least 47% of your total energy costs each year. This percent increases if your home is improperly insulated.

5. Battery Check

Fall maintenance is the best time to check and replace the batteries in your smoke alarms  and carbon monoxide detectors. Don’t forget to test your alarms to ensure they’re in proper working order!

P.S. Remember that Carbon Monoxide risks increase greatly during the colder months.

6. Furnace Clean and Check102754_image4 copy

Late September and early October are the best times to have a professional technician inspect and clean your heating systems. Annual maintenance is your best defense against your furnace failing you in the middle of winter. And having your system checked each fall will ensure your furnace will be ready the first time you turn it on!

7. Get Your Humidifiers Ready

Winter brings dry air and dry air means dry, cracked, itchy skin! Which is what makes humidifiers so important. Make sure that your humidifier is cleaned and ready to go, to avoid itchy consequences.

P.S. Make sure that you clean your humidifier every two to three weeks to prevent bacteria building up in your system and distributing throughout your air.

8. Prepare To Give Your Air Conditioner A Much Needed Vacation

The heat will soon be gone, hopefully, and your air conditioner will no longer be needed. Fall is a great time to dry vac the outer parts of your unit, so it’ll be ready to be turned back on next spring.

9. Ensure Your Winter Equipment Is In Working Order

The middle of a snow storm is not the time to discover that your brother-in-law never returned the snow shovel he borrowed, you’re out of salt or your snow blower won’t start. This fall, take the time to ensure that you have all of your snow removal equipment is in working order, stocked and in its proper place.

10. Don’t Let Your Pipes Freeze Up On You!

Frozen pipes are one the worst things that can happen to any home owner, but luckily there are a few steps you can take, to help prevent this type of disaster.broken-frozen-pipe

  • Turn off the water valves to your exterior pipes.
  • Ensure that any opening in which pipes enter your home are well sealed, insulated and caulked.
  • Have your pipes checked by a licensed plumber each fall, to ensure there are’nt any cracks or weak points that might freeze.

11. Have Your Portable Generator Inspected

Portable generators can be life savers if the power goes out during a strong snow storm. However, they can be very dangerous and need to be inspected by an electrician on a regular bases to ensure they are functioning properly.

12. Do You Feel A Draft?

Check your basement windows for cracks, loose frames and other sources for cold air to enter your home. Caulk where needed.

13. Change Up Your Air Flow

Since heat rises, it is to your benefit to redirect the air flow away from your ceiling,  back down toward the floor. You can do this if you change the direction your ceiling fan spins, so that it creates an upwards draft and sends the warm air back down.

14. Call 1-888-9TIGER1 or visit TrustTiger.com to have a Licensed Plumber, HVAC Technician and/or Electrician come out to your home and address any fall or winterizing issues or concerns you may have.

Be sure to check out Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical Services on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Instagram for more valuable information!

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