Movember Madness and a Helping Those in Need

November has been an incredible month for the team at Main Street Heating and Cooling. First, we want to say “thank you” to the friends and clients who continually support our work as Utah’s heating, air conditioning, and service leader. We’re deeply grateful. Also, we want to thank the many people who have supported Main Street Movember and have generously donated to our food bank outreach. We also want to send out best thoughts and wishes to #SFBatkid, Miles Scott.

Like millions of people across the country we were touched by Miles, the San Francisco “Bat Kid” and his amazing adventures. Thanks to the Make-a-Wish foundation we watched a city, then a nation, make Miles’ dream of saving Gotham come true. It was a touching, human reminder that we all play small roles in helping each other live better lives. Go get ‘em Miles!

As you can see by the picture, Movember has turned in to Beardvember here at Main Street. It’s not exactly by the Movember rules, but Brent’s wife sort of put her foot down on his handlebar moustache. Plus, we didn’t think that Brent could actually grow a full beard. Turns out we were wrong about the beard but very right about the importance of supporting the Movember Movement. Men from around the world are proudly sharing their “Mo’s” in order to bring funding and awareness to men’s health issues. Main Street Heating and Cooling is equally proud to be involved and support this outstanding moustache movement. Can’t say that Brent’s wife is totally on board yet but there’s always 2014!

Finally, Main Street Heating and Cooling is contributing to a local food bank. Helping people feel comfortable in their homes is what we do as a business. But what if the people living in the homes are going hungry? According to a 2012 study, 15.8% or nearly one in six Utah households suffer from food hardships. The number of Utah families requiring food assistance has increased 269%. Food hardships have a ripple effect ranging from health problems to lost time at work to poor academic performance. This year Main Street Heating and Cooling is supporting the South Valley Food Bank. Please give us a call or send us an email if you’d like to learn how to help us ensure that no family goes hungry this holiday season.

So as we head towards Thanksgiving, everyone here at Main Street Heating and Cooling wishes you, your family, and your loved ones a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Move Over for Movember!!

Look out everyone! This November Doug and Brent are growing moustaches in Movember. Movember is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness and funds for some of the most common health problems men face today. Plus, moustaches are, well, manly (and Brent needs a little more “manly”). Never heard of Movember? Then here’s why Main Street Heating and Cooling is a very proud supporter:

The Movember Movement began in 2003 as a fun way to raise awareness about the very real and preventable threats that prostate and testicular cancer pose for men. The idea was simple: grow a moustache as an easy way to make a statement, tell a few friends, and use business to support a great cause. In 2003 30 “Mo Bros” styled that hair above the lip and launched Movember. Now, 10 years later, Movember has become a truly global phenomenon. In 2012 Movember raised over 147 million dollars in donations—all of which are given directly to organizations committed to men’s health. 1,270,152 men registered as “Mo Bros” and grew some of the most well groomed facial hair on the planet. Finally, Movember was ranked in the Top 100 NGOs based on its positive impact on health awareness, innovation, and sustainability. What began as a clever way to say “we care” has become a powerhouse.

Our team at Main Street Heating and Cooling was drawn to the Movember Movement because our business shares many of the same values as the Movember Movement itself:

• Fun. We love our work and we love our customers. We believe that we can successfully combine a fantastic heating and cooling business with a totally positive experience for our customers. Replacing or servicing a heating or cooling system doesn’t have to be a drag. 
• Accountability. Main Street and Heating and Cooling is built on a loyal following. We’re accountable to our customers for great feedback and continued support. 
• Caring. Ever had one of our cookie bags? Give us a call. Trust us on this one. Our business grows because our customers know we care. 
• Humble. We’re a new company with an old soul. Traditional values keep us grounded and they have since day one. 
• Innovative. Main Street Heating and Cooling recommends products that are intelligently designed for the modern lifestyle. 
• Remarkable Experience. The most important part of our job is making sure our customers feel that they’ve been treated to a superior service experience. 
• Change Agents. We didn’t set out to build a run-of-the-mill heating, cooling, and service company. We set out to set a new standard in the HVAC industry. We’re feeling pretty good about our start. 

Main Street Heating and Cooling is more than simply an HVAC company. We know that business can be a force of positive change and assistance for others. If growing a moustache is a simple way to say “We care” then we’re all in. Welcome to Movember!

A Bad Installation Looks Like…

Having a heating or cooling system put in is an important investment in your health and comfort. That’s why it’s so very vital that such systems are put in place properly and efficiently.

What’s the importance of proper installation?

The majority of added energy bill costs come from poor or sub-par performance of your HVAC system. While tweaks and repairs to the system may be necessary over time, a bad installation will have you doomed from the start.

Energy-efficient systems are only cost effective if they operate as intended. A poor installation may cause such a system to operate in an even more expensive manner.

Likewise, an improper installation can be a hidden danger to your health and well-being. Misaligned duct-work can come apart unexpectedly, exposed wire can pose a potential fire hazard, and chemical residue can be abrasive and toxic to children or pets.

What to look out for.

There are some red flags that your system has not been put in place correctly, which most of the time will become apparent immediately following a system installation. Keep an eye out for the following;

• Liquid gathering at the bottom of the unit
• Irregular noises – high pressured air or gas escaping from a crack or rupture
• Exposed wiring, especially near ground level
• Noticeable and persistent odor
• Blatant misalignment of the HVAC unit or its constituents

Check with your HVAC specialist if your newly installed system exhibits any of these characteristics.

What’s a Homeowner to do?

While the average homeowner will most likely not be able to remedy a poor installation (nor should they attempt to), there are several steps they can undertake to be proactive.

Choose a NATE-certified HVAC company – In the HVACR industry, this certification is a true standard of quality. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is the nation’s largest non-profit organization in the industry; they rigorously test members to ensure service knowledge of the highest caliber.

Ask Questions - It helps to make sure you know what to expect after your installation is finished. Are there any particular noises that you should expect to hear? When should I schedule my next appointment? Keep yourself in the know, be proactive, and let your specialist know if you need clarification.

Monitor and Maintain – Keep track of your household’s energy bills and watch out for any drastic fluctuation, which may be indicative of a system malfunction.

Moving forward, plan to have an HVAC specialist visit twice annually; not only to make sure your system is ready for the new temperate season but also to detect any subtle defects or damage that may be affecting your energy costs.

It’s a smart move to stick with the same HVAC outfit throughout, as they will be able to perform the most efficient inspection and

Scheduling an inspection has never been easier. If you’re in the Salt Lake County area, give us a call!

The 5 Maintenance Checks You Need to Prepare for Winter

The changing seasons are a time for fresh starts, transitions, and preparation. As homeowners start battening down the hatches for the colder months, you can get a head start by making sure these five areas are prepped and ready.

Air Filter Upgrade.

While it should be changed every month, your home’s air filter should be changed and ready for when you begin using your heating system. A clogged air filter will cause your HVAC system to use more energy, resulting in an unnecessary increase in your heating bill. If you want to be proactive, you can even buy in bulk and avoid later trekking through the elements.

Closed Door Policy.

Also of vital importance is accounting for every entryway and open source for the outdoors to make its way inside. Windows, doorways, roof access and basement entries, areas where walls meet: all need to be properly adjusted and sealed to ensure that no wasted circulation occurs.

An open path through the attic can let as much heat escape as a wide-open window, so be certain that your home’s fortification is thorough.

Out with the Cold, In with the Humidity.

Restarting a heating system after enjoying the summer months can quickly create a dry environment indoors. A humidifier can alleviate the pangs of this transition, thwart static buildup in your home, and even provide some additional health benefits for your air and complexion. It’s important to ensure that your humidifier unit is properly cleaned and ready to reinitiate, so take the proper steps to make sure it’s in working order.

If you’ve never thought about having a humidifier, there are a number of options available to you—from single room units to house-wide humidifying units that provide the most long-term benefit.

All Clear Outdoors.

An often-overlooked obstacle that can hinder savings is built up debris or foliage on or around your outdoor HVAC unit. Take the proper steps to clear the brush and buildup appropriately.

This is something best done while the weather is still temperate and the last thing you’ll want to worry about in the thick of winter. Make certain that the unit remains unobstructed and prevent any potential threats by trimming any nearby foliage.

Expert Opinion.

Before the increased demand hits, it’s in your best interest to have a trained HVAC specialist inspect your entire system to make sure it’s in fully operational. He or she will be able to provide you with the best practical advice for enjoying controlled-climate comfort during the winter while simultaneously saving wherever possible. Your specialist will also be able to perform a number of these checks if need be.

Unforeseen emergencies do happen, but having these preparations in place will help to minimize or even eliminate the threat of them occurring. For those unforeseeable worst-case scenarios, just know that emergency HVAC services do exist.

Preparing Your Home for Fall

As summer fades and fall looms, it’s the perfect time for Salt Lake City residents to prepare their property for the season’s unpredictable weather conditions. The following checklist is a handy reference that will have you ready for autumn in no time.

Take care of the gutters. As your gutters collect piles of summer debris, it’s easy for clogs to form. Remove twigs, leaves and other materials from your gutters and flush them with a hose. Remember basic ladder safety and never do this unless someone else is home!

Winterize outdoor faucets. When it’s time to shut off the sprinklers, it’s a good idea to remove hoses from their spigots and drain outdoor pipes so you don’t face the cost and inconvenience of water damage.

Clean up the fireplace. Clear old logs and debris from the hearth, and hire a professional to remove last year’s ashes and soot from inside your chimney. Keeping your chimney maintained prevents dangerous particulates from entering your home—and reduces the risk of structural fires.

Keep the cold weather outside. Weather stripping windows and doors keeps you cozy while lowering utility bills. Look for light and feel for air around openings and outlets. To insulate your home from drafts, choose from a variety of foam, vinyl or felt weather stripping (depending upon the application). Aging homes may also require window replacement to improve comfort and lower energy use. This can be a costly investment, so consider replacing a few at a time, starting with main living areas.

Prioritize family safety. Each year, it is a good idea to have a family meeting to go over safety measures, fire escape routes, and disaster preparation. This is also an ideal time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Visit the FEMA website or Be Ready Utah for comprehensive information about being prepared for weather, natural disasters, and other unexpected circumstances.

Maintain your heating system. We have compiled a list of do-it-yourself tasks that will keep your HVAC system running safely and comfortably, year round. In addition, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection one to two times per year. HVAC inspections are not a gimmick. Studies show that well-maintained furnaces and heat pumps last longer and run more efficiently than overlooked systems. Your HVAC technician will inspect and clean your equipment, change filters, and alert you to potential safety hazards. Reputable HVAC companies often provide coupons and promotions for system winterization, so this is an affordable investment you can’t afford to neglect.

To schedule a seasonal inspection for your home comfort system, or to inquire about fall specials and HVAC winterization services, call 801.930.5151 or email our team of skilled technicians today!

Look for the ENERGY STAR Logo When Purchasing New Cooling Equipment

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner this summer, one way to guarantee strong performance and sustained savings is to insist on equipment that bears the ENERGY STAR logo. The ENERGY STAR program is mandated by the federal government, and gives consumers a quick and easy way to identify appliances that help them save both money and energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR logo, a product must offer all the performance features expected by consumers, along with enhanced energy efficiency. Certified appliances must be at least 10 percent more efficient than dictated by government requirements, and they must use non-proprietary technologies available through multiple manufacturers to ensure consumers have choice.

While qualified products typically cost slightly more than their conventional counterparts, consumers must be able to recoup the difference in price through energy savings. The extra up-front investment in ENERGY STAR-rated home heating and cooling equipment is worth it, since you stand to save significantly over the life of your new equipment in the form of sustained savings on your utility bills. It’s always a wise idea to invest a little extra in a product which will dramatically reduce your household energy consumption.

All products bearing the ENERGY STAR logo have been independently tested to verify performance claims and capabilities. You can find the ENERGY STAR symbol on a complete range of HVAC products and equipment, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and water heaters. To maximize the efficiency benefits, be sure to have your new equipment installed by a reliable contractor. This ensures it will perform at peak efficiency, giving your energy and cost savings an added boost.

At Main Street Heating & Cooling, we are pleased to offer our customers a comprehensive range of ENERGY STAR-certified heating and cooling equipment. We’re committed to protecting the environment while helping our customers save money on their home comfort needs, so if the time has come for you to upgrade your HVAC equipment, we’re happy to help you choose an energy-efficient product to meet your needs. To learn more about our ENERGY STAR-rated heating and cooling equipment, contact our team today!

The Importance of Choosing a NATE-Certified HVAC Contractor

Choosing a contractor with North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification is an easy way to take the guesswork out of hiring an HVAC professional. The NATE program is an industry initiative designed to give consumers a reliable way to find HVAC contractors with elite training and skills. It is an optional designation that goes above and beyond regular technician licensing requirements, providing training and testing programs that raise the bar of excellence to an even higher level.

The NATE program was established in 1997, and it has grown to become the largest independent credentialing organization in the American HVAC industry. HVAC professionals can only earn NATE certification by completing rigorous, demanding examinations which test their knowledge of both core and advanced-level concepts in system design, maintenance, and repair. To maintain their certification, technicians must also complete 60 hours of continuing education in their chosen specialization and be reexamined every five years.

When you choose a NATE-certified contractor, you’ll benefit in several important ways. First, and most importantly, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job will be done right the first time. You will also enjoy improved performance from your home heating and cooling equipment, because NATE-certified contractors use cutting-edge techniques to ensure your system runs at peak efficiency. This is a two-part advantage: first, it extends the life of your HVAC equipment, helping you avoid costly repairs and delaying the need for system replacement. Second, it helps keep your home heating and cooling costs in check, as equipment optimized for efficiency uses less energy, and that translates into savings on burgeoning energy bills.

Additional NATE certification benefits include: 

• Improved safety. NATE-certified technicians apply their expertise to safely eliminate dangerous combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide from your home. They also ensure all necessary electrical connections are safe and secure. 
• Better indoor air quality. By leveraging their comprehensive knowledge of air balance, air infiltration and ductwork, NATE-certified professionals help keep your indoor air clean and healthy. 
• Boosted system performance. NATE-certified system installations provide even levels of heating and cooling throughout your home, and help your HVAC equipment perform at peak manufacturer specifications. 

We at Main Street Heating & Cooling are proud participants in the NATE program, and we’re proud to offer our elite expertise to valued customers throughout the Salt Lake City area. We’re here to meet all your home comfort needs, and we provide prompt, value-added service at highly competitive rates. Contact us this summer for cooling repairs, high-efficiency system replacements and routine maintenance plans!