Problem Every once and a while, we get a call from a concerned customer who asks: “Why does it smell like a dirty locker room when I run my A/C?” If that sounds familiar, then believe it or not, your A/C system may have Dirty Sock Syndrome. How would you know if you have Dirty Sock Syndrome and not some other issue causing a foul odor? Well, with Dirty Sock...
View Article Continue ReadingHave you ever read the label on your household cleaning supplies? You might be surprised by what you find. Phosphates, chlorine, ammonia and some types of acid are all common ingredients in our favorite cleaners. Ingesting or inhaling too much of these toxic chemicals can lead to lung complications, irritation, and corrosion of delicate tissues in the body. Leaving bottles of these cleaners can endanger children and pets alike, and...
View Article Continue ReadingWe have been talking about air conditioning for a long time now. It’s been a long, hot summer and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping. Well, except for the calendar. As we head into September and as Fall quickly approaches, the temperatures will drop, your AC will no longer be needed and your heater will become necessary. The great part about Fall is that the temperatures usually stay pretty...
View Article Continue ReadingIt is important to have an HVAC specialist perform routine maintenance and cleaning on your AC unit as you get ready to turn it on for the summer. Whether it is time for maintenance or not, be sure to keep your system dust and debris free. Doing so will make your unit more efficient and keep you breathing easier all year long. Here are a few things you can do...
View Article Continue ReadingOne of the most important things you can do to keep your heating and ac system healthy and functioning is keep the filters clean. How often you need to clean or change your filter depends on what kind of filter it is and the environment of your home. The easiest rule to follow is clean it when it’s dirty. There are some advanced filtering systems that last for a long...
View Article Continue ReadingA good furnace will last a long time, but not forever. If you have a furnace that has been working hard for you and your home for quite a few years it might be in need of replacement. Here are a few simple signs that it is time for a new furnace in your home. Age First, find out how old your furnace is. In homes today most furnaces last...
View Article Continue ReadingAre you really getting what you are paying for from your air conditioning and heating system? Alps uses two Energy Star required tests to help you answer this question. The first is a duct test, which we previously wrote about on our blog: Duct Testing to Save Energy and Money. The second is an airflow test, which we will be discussing today. Both tests can tell you a lot about...
View Article Continue ReadingDuct tests aren’t actually required by the city or state, so why do we do them? A duct test is an important way to make sure that the air you are paying for is actually making it to the rooms you want to heat or cool. If there are any leaks in ductwork, the air is wasted because it goes into the attic instead of into your home. But, after...
View Article Continue ReadingIf it is time to leave your house for a business trip, a family visit, or a well-deserved vacation, there are a few things you should do to make sure your house stays safe without you. Keeping your lights on timers and stopping the mail are important steps to keep your house safe from burglars but there are also dangers within a home that build up without the care and...
View Article Continue ReadingCarbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless and odorless gas that is a byproduct of using common fuel sources like gasoline, propane and kerosene. It can waft around like steam or perfume but is undetectable by humans. If CO builds up in enclosed spaces it is very dangerous. Low levels of CO can cause a person to experience flulike symptoms and high levels can be fatal. High levels of CO...
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