Here’s a riddle for you: what’s the most efficient, simplest, cheapest HVAC system…that never turns on or off?

The answer is: insulation! With blown-in insulation, you’ll end up saving money, not spending it.

According to Remodeling Magazine, insulating your attic is the only common remodeling project that actually ADDS more resale value to your house than what you paid for it…AKA, making money! Upon reselling, the average homeowner made 117 percent return on their attic insulation.

So, why is good attic insulation so important?

Heat naturally flows from a warmer area to a cooler area. That means in winter, heat flows from heated areas in your home to unheated areas, like to attics and garages. And of course, the opposite is happening in the summer: you’re cooling your house, but the warm attic air wants to float into your home.

Yes, it means your heating and cooling systems have to work harder, costing you more money!

So, think of attic insulation like a guard or wall against the leaking of precious heating or cooling. How good insulation is at resisting heat flow is measured by something called “R-value.” Higher R-value means, essentially, that it’s more effective, so putting more insulation in your home means the R-value of your home is higher! Here in Arizona, because it’s so hot, it’s recommended that you have between an R38-R60 value, says energy.gov, which translates to 14″-22″ of blown-in insulation.

However, even if your home already had enough insulation when you bought it, it may be time to replace old insulation.

Old insulation may have asbestos, or it can become less effective in terms of its insulation ability, or fire/moisture resistant abilities. By becoming less moisture resistant, insulation not only defends less against humidity, but can grow mold or other fungus. Additionally, they become worse at protecting against rodents.

Suffice it to say, if you see any rats or mold in your insulation…or you can’t verify that there’s no asbestos…then you should call our insulation removal specialists to help you keep your family safe, and your home efficient!

And we guarantee that you’ll be 100 percent satisfied with our insulation for years to come, too. If your blown-in insulation “settles” down (the height becomes lower, so the R value decreases), we will top off your insulation for free!

Blown-in insulation is the best option, because it’s so easy for a contractor (with less of an eagle eye than ours!) to install the alternative option — batt insulation — incorrectly. They might cut the pieces to the wrong size, leaving small gaps.

(Batt insulation is the same thing as roll insulation.)

In contrast, the margin of error on blown-in insulation is virtually zero. No matter what your wiring or joists situation looks like, blown-in insulation has “got you covered.” We’ll install your insulation thick enough so that you’ll be comfortable all year round…and, so will the rest of your HVAC equipment since it won’t have to work so hard. We inspect free of charge at year one, three, and five after installing, to ensure that everything is still in perfect order.

Last but not least, we want to give you $500 off your insulation installation…ensuring even more that this is a service that pays for itself! Both in terms of increased energy efficiency, and increased home resale value, you’re saving money with blown-in insulation installed by our expert technicians.

Call in today to get your FREE in-home insulation consultation and receive $500 off your service! (Expires 10/31/19.) Schedule an appointment online or CALL 602-273-7247 .

The post Why Blown-In Insulation is a Smart Move for Every Home appeared first on Parker & Sons.

Creaking and banging house noises are sometimes normal, but they might be a little scarier around Halloween time! It could just be a harmless “bump in the night,” or it could be a major problem, and here’s how you know…

Ceiling/Attic Noises

One of the loudest but perfectly normal house noises: your roof trusses! In a new house, the wood in these trusses is often full of water, and as it dries out, it shifts, causing loud banging noises. The same thing could happen in older homes, but it’s usually because the roof itself is getting hotter or colder depending on the outdoor temperature, which, again, causes the trusses to move.

Solutions include adding insulation to your attic (so these sounds are less likely to travel downstairs to you), or putting ventilation in your attic if you haven’t already, so the attic isn’t so warm compared to outside.

Floor Noises

What if your house noises aren’t coming from above, but from below? Wood floors are notorious for this problem (especially in horror movies)!

(Even though this isn’t related to your HVAC system, it’s probably the most well-known spooky house noise and the easiest to fix, so we’ll give you some DIY solutions:

All you have to do is take any raised nails out of the floorboard, drill a new screw into the hole. and then cover up your work with wood filler so that it looks good as new!

If you don’t know how to do this, or if you have a lot of squeaky floorboards, try going underneath the floor if possible, and inserting a shim between the floorboard and the joist below the board. If you can’t access the area underneath the floor, try sprinkling powdered graphite into the joints between the wooden boards. Put a towel or other cloth on top, and walk on it so the graphite is tamped down between the joints. This will work for small squeaks, anyway!

If you have carpeting and a squeaky floor, don’t worry. There’s still a solution that doesn’t involve ripping up the carpet to get to the problem! You can buy a kit to help you find where the joists are, and screw the floorboard to the joist. Since you’re going down through the carpet, and the screw head breaks off, no one will ever see your handiwork…you’ll be the repair ghost!

HVAC Problem Noises

However, if the house noises you hear include squeaking or bumping when you’re not walking around…it’s not a ghost…but it’s probably an HVAC problem.

These noises can be caused by a fan or motor belt getting worn, or it could mean that something is loose in your HVAC system that is banging against another part. And if you’re hearing hissing noises, that means your ducts are leaking or your air filter isn’t on tight enough.

Unfortunately, if you’re not a specialist yourself, what exactly that spooky sound is will probably be a mystery to you!

And while a floor repair is something you can easily handle yourself, when it comes to mysterious noises, it’s better to have a professional come take a look. Don’t just assume your house is “settling.” The truth could be a lot more unsettling than that.

The reality of HVAC equipment breakdown is much scarier than a haunted house. If you’d like to play it safe this Halloween, and get a noise investigated, we’re more than happy to help. Give us a call at 602-273-7247 or schedule an appointment online!

The post Spooky House Noises and How to Fix Them! appeared first on Parker & Sons.

Sewer line

Have a plumbing professional look at your sewer line to the street. It’s important to run a video camera through the line to identify potential problems. Tree roots, corrosion, and clogs can all break down the pipe. And, trust us, you don’t want it to collapse.

Water heater

Check the age; water heaters should last at least 10 years. If it’s much older than that, you might consider replacing it. Furthermore, keep the location of the water heater in mind as well as it could cause even larger issues if it leaks.

Toilets

Check for leaks at the base of the toilet because these types of leaks can lead to significant damage for both the toilet and the floor if not addressed. Look for a rocking toilet and discoloration at base or warping. Additionally, flush each toilet to make sure there are no clogs.

Water pressure

To test the water pressure, turn on all faucets at once. To get high enough pressure, you’ll need 3/4” pipes from the water source to your home, and at least a 1/2” or more to faucets.

These are just some of the major parts of your plumbing system you should check. If you need a professional to come and inspect your entire plumbing system, Parker & Sons are here to help! Please give us a call at 602-273-7247 or schedule an appointment online today!

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Flexible seating

An important part of the football viewing experience is seating. If you don’t have enough comfortable seating, it can ruin the whole game. You don’t want that! Chances are, your living room won’t be able to seat everyone in existing chairs and couches. When your number of game-viewing guests outnumber the available seating, an alternative way to host people is with comfortable, floor cushions. Make sure you strategically place them around the coffee table, and your guests should be set. And, if the room you want to use isn’t big enough, setting up another room (like a man cave) would be the next ideal solution!

Outdoor tailgate area

It may seem weird to think about it right now, but it’ll eventually cool off a bit here in Arizona. When it does, why not consider taking your watch party outside! Get the grill going, set up a bar area, and add an outdoor fire to give your viewing experience a tailgate kind of feel!

Cold, thirst-quenching beverages

Another key part of an optimal, football viewing experience is having a multitude of beverages on-hand throughout the game. And, you want to ensure that they are ice-cold, which can sometimes be tough! There are many solutions to this chilling problem. One is simply filling a cooler with ice and setting it out of the way or outside. But if you want the beverages to be cold on-demand, we recommend a double-walled stainless steel tub. They don’t leak water or leave a mess after use and will keep the drinks ice-cold for hours!

Don’t let your HVAC system or plumbing be an issue when prepping for a watch party; look no further than Parker & Sons. For more than 40 years we’ve been serving The Valley. We’re your trusted home service partner. Please give us a call at 602-273-7247 or schedule an appointment online.

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Add fans

Fans are a great way to keep the air circulating in a room and will help add a “wind chill” effect to keep the area cool and comfortable. A ceiling fan isn’t a must-have but having a standing fan or a floor fan will go a long way in making everyone feel comfortable.

Install blinds and shades

Large glass windows or walls allow the sun to quickly heat a room, but if you’re trying to stay comfortable while you watch TV, play with pets, or read your favorite book, this can cause one of your favorite parts of your home to be the least comfortable.  Installing blinds or shades that are effective at blocking out the heat the sun produces is a great way to keep the place cool for all to enjoy!

Upgrade to insulated windows

If you’re not familiar with insulated windows, they are windows that are double or triple-paned. Often times these windows are coated with a low-emittance (low-e) coating that is designed to keep the cool in and the heat out. Although the cost to install these windows is higher than standard windows, they’ll save you money in the long run and keep you comfortable throughout the blistering Arizona summer.

If you have any questions about the best way to cool your sunroom, give Parker & Sons a call today. We’re your trusted HVAC partner, we have more than 40 years of experience and have the insight to help you make an informed decision. Give us a call at 602-273-7247 or schedule an appointment online!

The post How to Keep Your Sunroom Comfortable All Summer appeared first on Parker & Sons.

How to be more energy efficient

1. Change your lightbulbs to LEDs.
2. If you can, use cold water when washing your clothes.
3. Have a draft coming from your front/backdoor? Seal it! This can save you up to 10% in heating and cooling expenses.
4. During warmer months, close blinds, shades, and drapes on the sunny side of your home to help keep your home’s temperature cooler and reduce your air conditioner’s workload. Open shades during cooler months to let the sun warm your home.
5. Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer and as low as possible in the winter. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall heating, and cooling bill will be.
6. Using your ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.
7. Don’t set your thermostat ridiculously low in an attempt to cool your home fast, this won’t work and will only cause your bill to increase rapidly.
8. Install a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust the temperature according to your schedule.
9. Turn off the lights when they’re not in use. Lighting accounts for about 12% of a typical residential utility bill.
10. If your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with more energy-efficient windows, or adding solar shades, or tinting film.

These tips will make your house the most efficient on the block! But if you want to take your HVAC system to the next level in efficiency, Parker & Sons can help! Be sure to give us a call at  602-273-7247 or schedule an appointment online for more information!

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If you’ve experienced any of the following, you should highly consider having your ducts cleaned:

• Renovation: If your home has been remodeled – especially if there was asbestos abatement, lead paint removal, or significant dust – your ductwork may need to be cleaned. Ducts should be sealed off during home renovations; but if they weren’t, dangerous dust and debris may become lodged inside the ductwork.
• Animals: If there’s evidence of animal infestation or nesting in your ducts or HVAC system, have the animals removed then clean the ductwork and HVAC unit.
• Mold: If there is visible mold growth inside the ductwork, the ducts and HVAC system should be cleaned.
• Contaminants: If noticeable debris, pet hair, odors, or other contaminants are being released into the room through the ducts after the registers have been cleaned and vacuumed; then the ducts may need to be cleaned.
• Illness: If someone in your family is suffering from an unexplained allergy-related illness, and you’ve taken every other possible step to decontaminate your home, you may want to consider having your ducts cleaned to see if the HVAC system was the culprit.

If you have any questions about our duct cleaning service or any other questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 602-273-7247 . If you know you’re in need of one of our services feel free to schedule an appointment online!

The post Do Your Ducts Need a Cleaning? appeared first on Parker & Sons.

Like many others in the Phoenix area, you’re excited to celebrate, but you’re dreading the heat that comes along with this time of the year. We’ve got a few tips to help keep you and your family comfortable!

Hydration is key

Staying hydrated is the most important thing you can do if you know you’re going to be in the heat for extended periods of time. Hydration will help keep you feeling cool and keep heat exhaustion at bay. You’re more than welcome to chug water if that is your preferred method of staying hydrated; however, you’ll be making frequent bathroom breaks. And, you need to be cautious about drinking an extreme amount of water in a short time as it can be dangerous. It can cause the level of sodium in your blood to drop too low which is very serious and can be fatal. We recommend you take sips of water every 10 to 15 minutes to stay hydrated.

Dress for the heat

Let’s cut straight to the point—Phoenix is among the hottest places to be in America. But you shouldn’t let the heat keep you from enjoying your summer. What you wear plays a big factor in how comfortable you’ll be during the day and evening hours. You should not wear multiple layers as that can lead to overheating. Instead, wear a light T-shirt or tank top with a hat or visor to keep the sun from directly hitting your face.

Use shade wisely

If you are fortunate enough to have lots of shade trees or a covered patio, use them to your benefit. Even areas near fences or structures that are shaded during certain parts of the day are an advantage and can be put to good use for outside activities. Create various groups of seating options set in these shady areas to provide a cooler, comfortable spots where your guests can gather for smaller conversations or take a break from the action and cool off.

If you don’t have any shade available, patio umbrellas provide plentiful shade and are cost-effective. A gazebo or covered patio/porch offer a more permanent solution and may be just what you’re looking for!

If you want to take your summer fun inside, but you’re worried your A/C system may not be ready for the summer celebration – give us a call at 602-273-7247 or schedule an appointment online.

The post How to Stay Cool All Summer Long appeared first on Parker & Sons.

Keeps colds and flu at bay

Dry air can have a particularly negative effect when the flu or other airborne illnesses are being spread around. Less humidity in the air means it’s easier for these illnesses to spread from person to person. Additional moisture in the air can help keep you happy and healthy!

Helps loosen congestion

Dry air can cause mucus to become dry and thick, which can then result in clogged nasal passages. In turn, this may lead to a stuffy nose, sore throat, and sinus pain. Humidifiers can provide relief by adding moisture, helping break up phlegm in your nose and chest.

Prevents dry skin

Dry air can contribute to dry skin. When your skin is dry, it may crack and wrinkle more easily. This can be incredibly uncomfortable. Unfortunately, when you have dry air in your home, using lotion and lip balm may not be enough to rehydrate skin. One way to help is to have acceptable levels of moisture in the air, so your skin can absorb it. A humidifier aids in this process.

If you’re interested in other solutions to your home’s air-quality issues, Parker & Sons offers a range of products and services perfect for doing just that! Give us a call today at 602-273-7247 or schedule an appointment online to learn more!

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Beat the Heat

Our pets are actually quite smart. When it’s hot outside, they’ll prefer to stay at home and look for a cool place such as on hardwood or tile floors. Save outdoor time for in the mornings or late afternoons when the sun isn’t at its strongest. The air will be easier for your pet to breathe, and the ground will be cooler on the pads of their paws.

Find Shade

If you do take your pet outside in the middle of the day, make sure that you can provide them with shade. Remember, your pets don’t wear shoes so it’s important they don’t walk across burning hot asphalt or concrete. When in doubt, just leave them at home. You don’t want to put them in a situation they don’t find comfortable; your pet depends on you to make the right choices!

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key in the summertime; make sure your pets always have a consistent supply of water available. Your pets can quickly become dehydrated. Help replace these fluids and prevent dehydration by leaving water or water alternatives out throughout the day, particularly when your pet has spent time outside in the heat. Water alternatives are especially great for pets since they replenish electrolytes and taste great.

If you’re trying to stay inside with your pet a little more this summer, but you’re experiencing issues with your HVAC system, your friends at Parker & Sons would love to help. Give us a call at 602-273-7247 or schedule an appointment online!

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