Defective Product Case History

Let’s just say that the year 2009 is one you would like to forget and it’s not over yet. It didn’t start out badly; in fact, back in January all was wonderful until your 2-year-old home began to reek of sulphur, a smell that lingered oppressively despite cleaning, ventilating and the use of various aroma enhancers and odor cover-ups. At about the same time, your five-year-old began having repeated nosebleeds, your husband’s asthma worsened and you began to be plagued by an inordinate number of headaches. When your relatively new air conditioner conked out several months later, you were beginning to feel cursed.

The HVAC repair man came as scheduled and after examining your unit, said, “You have marked corrosion in the coils which is unusual for a two-year-old A/C. Was you home built by WYZ Company by any chance?” You confirm that it was and then he says, “OK, what you know about Chinese drywall?” Looking positively dumfounded you ask, “What is Chinese drywall?”

You have since learned more than you ever wanted to know about Chinese drywall. It seems that many Florida homeowners are reporting similar issues and the suspected culprit is a product known as Chinese drywall (or wallboard) because it is manufactured in China. However, as luck would have it, the state and county health departments, the EPA and the builder have yet to conclude that it is, in fact, Chinese drywall that is corroding the plumbing pipes, A/C coils, and copper wiring in the affected homes or causing the health issues experienced by residents. A spokesperson for the local health department said that it was working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to figure out what resources and expertise could be lent to the issue, but the declaration was far from an acknowledgment that Chinese drywall is, in fact, a defective product.

Meanwhile, the discovery made by your HVAC contractor and the possible health consequences of living with Chinese drywall so concerned you that you packed up your family and fled, moving in with your parents. Now you are at a loss for what to do next other than review the facts of your current dilemma.

It absolutely infuriates you to think that despite moving in with your parents, you have to continue paying a mortgage on your abandoned home, a home that can neither be lived in nor rented. You probably couldn’t even give it away. You can’t afford to buy another home, yet you can’t stay with your parents much longer. You have toyed with the idea of not paying your mortgage, even though you know that would probably be the wrong thing to do. Still, you wonder if the bank would foreclose on a home that is toxic. Renting a very small place would get you out of your parents’ hair, but can you manage both rent and mortgage payments simultaneously? Not for long without having to dip into your savings. What happens when your savings are gone? Where will you live then? Will you have to declare bankruptcy? What about your credit rating and your hope of ever buying another home?

Looking forward, your future seems to hold nothing more than questions without answers and mounting financial worries. You feel victimized and that makes you angry. You are mired in a swamp of “what ifs.” You feel defeated, discouraged and helpless and your predicament is consuming all your time and energy. Your constant worrying is affecting your children who are cranky most of the time and the youngest is acting out in school. Clarity of thought is non-existent and the term, marital strain, has taken on new meaning.

Your ever-patient father suggests dealing with one issue at a time and proposes a plan that focuses on four main issues.

The first issue is the unhealthy house. The Chinese drywall will need to be replaced and there may also be damage to electrical wires and plumbing pipes. He suggests you contact several contractors for estimates. You do as directed, only to discover what you already suspected: the repairs will be costly.

Next you call your home insurer and file a claim for the cost of the repairs, hoping against hope that at least some of the repairs may be covered.

While you wait for an answer from your home insurer, you work on your third issue, your mortgage, thinking that under the circumstances the bank might be willing to work out a lower payment plan for the number of months it takes to repair your home. Perhaps you could even get a second low interest, home improvement loan with which to offset the expense of a temporary rental, affording you the relief of removing your family from your parents’ home. You hope that the bank’s position will be a cooperative one. Surely the liability to the bank of selling a toxic home after foreclosure will force it to make repairs first—the same repairs that you are offering to undertake and pay for. Common sense tells you that it is to everyone’s advantage to simply reduce, temporarily, the monthly mortgage payments.

The fourth prong of your self-defense plan is to contact a products liability lawyer. You want an expert’s opinion on whether the builder or the manufacturer of the defective product could be held responsible for some of your expenses. In preparation for your appointment you make a list of general questions to ask the attorney:

* Are you a member of the American Bar Association?

* How long have you been practicing law?

* Where did you go to law school?

* Do you specialize in products liability cases?

* How many products liability cases have you handled?

* How many cases have you settled out of court (pre-trial)?

* How many cases have you brought to trial? What percentage had favorable verdicts?

* What is the average amount recovered for your clients in pre-trial settlements?

* What is the average amount recovered for your clients by trial?

You still have no idea how things will work out, but the simple act of being proactive instead of passive has restored your hope and your determination to seek a satisfactory remedy. You are eager to hear what the attorney has to say.

Why Call a Products Liability Lawyer?

If you think the story just told is make-believe, you are wrong. It is a true story and the events just described are similar to what is currently being experienced by many homeowners in Florida and in other states across the country.

Can you imagine the unexpected expenses that our real family is incurring: replacing the Chinese drywall used throughout their 3000 square foot house, rewiring electrical outlets, repairing corroded plumbing, replacing A/C parts, interest payments on the home improvement loan that is financing the renovation, rental fees and doctor’s bills? There will certainly be other unwanted expenses for this family as renovation commences and time elapses.

Even if a suit goes forward, how do you put a price on their inconvenience and emotional anguish? They have been forced to move twice, first to the parental home then to a rental, and the children have attended 3 different schools in as many months. Tightening the budget to meet necessary expenses resulted in the discontinuation of one child’s music lessons and the other child’s first year of school was nothing short of a disaster; he missed his friends and the teacher to whom he had had grown accustomed.

Given all they have suffered, does it seem fair to you that this family is also responsible for the expenses they have incurred because of the use of a defective product in the construction of their home? As their debt mounts and their savings dwindle, clearly they should be entitled to some relief. Will they be compensated for their losses? Only time will tell, but they are wise to consult a products liability lawyer experienced in defective product litigation.

What is Products Liability Law?

The usual subjects of products liability suits are defective products that cause harm to a consumer. Products liability law holds all parties to the manufacture of a defective product accountable for damage caused by the product. “Parties” is a term that refers to the manufacturer of component parts, an assembling manufacturer like a car company, the wholesaler and the retailer, the entire chain of parties involved from manufacture to sale. The definition of “products” within products liability law has expanded over the years from referring solely to tangible products to a definition that includes intangibles like gas, so-called naturals such as pets, real estate and writings like charts or maps.

Claims

Claims in products liability law fall into one of three categories: (1) negligence (2) breach of warranty and (3) strict liability.

Negligence – Negligence as defined in Black’s Law Dictionary (5th Edition) “is the failure to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful person would use under similar circumstances; it is the doing of some act which a person of ordinary prudence would not have done under the circumstances or failure to do what a person of ordinary prudence would have done under similar circumstances. Conduct which falls below the standard established by law for the protection of others is unreasonable risk of harm; it is a departure from the conduct expected of a reasonably prudent person under like circumstances.” An example would be using a known toxic material in place of a safe material in the manufacture of a building product simply because the cost was lower.

Breach of Warranty – A breach of warranty can be one of two types, merchantability or fitness.

The first type, a breach of merchantability, occurs when the unspoken and unwritten guarantee, otherwise known as an implied warranty, between a merchant and a consumer is violated. The implied warranty here is that the goods being sold and purchased conform to the ordinary standards of care and are similar to other goods sold in similar circumstances in grade, quality and value. The discovery of someone else’s tooth in your hamburger may be cause for a claim of breach of merchantability.

The second type, a breach of fitness, is also based on the notion of implied warranty. A breach of fitness occurs when there is a violation of the implied warranty between a buyer who purchases goods for a particular, non-ordinary purpose and a seller who possesses particular knowledge and expertise on which the buyer relies. An example often cited is that of a horse buyer who, after explaining to the seller that he wants a horse to breed, purchases the horse only to discover that the horse is incapable of breeding. When this case was presented in court, the court ruled in favor of the buyer stating that because the intended use of the horse was non-ordinary and because the seller was made aware of the purpose of the purchase in advance of the sale, the buyer was entitled to a warranty of fitness (Whitehouse v. Lange, 128 Idaho 129, 910 P.2d 801 [1996]).

Both types, the warranty of merchantability and the warranty of fitness, are subject to particular rules of circumstance and interpretation which can vary from state to state. The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), a group of general and inclusive laws designed to promote uniformity and fair dealing in business and commercial transactions, is used as a determinant in most states, but not all states abide by every part of the code. Once again, the complexities involved in deciding what even constitutes a warranty in products liability law underline the need for the advice of counsel.

Strict liability – Strict liability claims are the basis for most liability suits because proof that a product is defective is enough to hold a defendant liable. It doesn’t matter that the manufacturer or supplier exercised great care. No amount of carefulness will reverse a defect in a product that causes harm or thereby save a defendant from liability.

Defective Products

Despite the differences between states in applying products liability law, one standard is uniform to all claims and that is the burden of proving that a product is defective. In the law, a “defect” is generally defined as a lack of safety that the product should ordinarily provide given the nature of the product and the foreseeable, ordinary manner in which it is intended to be used. As in all things legal, there is further elaboration on the meaning of the words (such as “safety,” “nature of the product” and “foreseeable manner of use”) in the definition itself, but the point is, the product must be proven defective by particular and complex criteria.

There are three types of product defects:

(1) design defects,

(2) manufacturing defects

(3) defects in marketing.

Design defects are inherent defects that exist, obviously, before the product is manufactured. Even if the product serves the purpose for which it is meant, it can still be unreasonably dangerous to use because of the existence of the design flaw. A design defect is one that is present in all products of the same kind. The Ford Pinto that was manufactured in the 60’s is an example of a design defect, one that caused the gas tanks of the cars to explode easily in rear-end collisions.

A manufacturing defect is one that occurs during the contruction or production of a product. Unlike a design defect, only a few of the products among many of the same type will be somehow flawed. An example would be a faulty brake line in one out of every 50 cars of the same type.

The third type of defect, a marketing defect, refers to produts that are associated with such things as improper instructions or lack of failure to warn consumers of latent dangers. An example is an imported lamp that does not come with a label of maximum wattage.

Damages

In products liability law, damages may be awarded to a plaintiff if a consumer is injured by a defective product. The damages awarded may be compensatory or punitive. Compensatory damages compensate plaintiffs for their losses and are awarded to cover the cost of such things as medical bills, lost wages or property damage arising from the use of the defective product. If the plaintiff suffered considerable physical and/or mental anguish as a result of the injury, they may also be awarded compensation for their pain and suffering.

Punitive damages are sometimes awarded to plaintiffs to punish the defendant for negligence in manufacturing a seriously dangerous product. The point of punitive damages in general is to deter the manufacture, marketing and selling of defective products. The finding of guilt or fault on the part of a particular defendant is a complex process bound by very specific requirements; consequently not every case warrants punitive damages.

Statute of Limitations

Product liability lawsuits like other civil suits, must be filed in court within a specified period of time. These strict filing deadlines are imposed by courts across the country and set forth in a statute of limitations (which vary from state to state) that establishes the maximum period of time after the occurrence of a specific event that a legal proceeding based on those events may be heard. The theory behind the statute is the generally accepted belief that as time passes evidence may be destroyed or lost and witnesses may die, move or forget. Deadlines are written in stone, so to speak: Delay your planned lawsuit beyond the deadline and your case, no matter its merit, will never be heard.

Follow-up

Let’s return to our real family in the case history. Interestingly, they no longer feel alone in their plight because lawsuits over this particular type of wallboard are flying in Florida, not just from homeowners, but from builders as well.

The word is also out to attorneys who are in various stages of gathering evidence, filing suits and waiting for court dates. A class action suit has already been filed by homeowners in Ft. Myers and another suit is pending in Sarasota.

Testing companies have cropped up hoping to make money from home owners who want their homes tested for toxicity and contractors are preparing to get in on the spoils by tagging company ads with labels like, Chinese Wallboard Removal Specialists or Experts in Toxic Drywall Removal.

The WYZ Company who built some of the homes in question has filed suit in Miami-Dade Circuit Court against eight drywall suppliers and a dozen subcontractors who installed the defective wallboard. A spokesperson for WYZ stated that one particular supplier “either knew or should have known that this drywall was defective and not appropriate for use in homes.” WYZ is seeking compensation for damage to the builder’s reputation and all the costs associated with the issue. Apparently the builder will have some hefty expenses because he has offered to replace all of the defective wallboard installed in his homes free of charge and in our real family’s case, the builder will reimburse them for the expenses they have already incurred in removing the wallboard.

As it turns out, our story has a happy ending. With the support and direction of their products liability attorney, our family has every reason to expect that they will be compensated for their losses and that their lives will soon return to normal.

About The Author

Pat Perkins is a copywriter for Yodle Local, a business directory and online advertising company. Find more lawyers tips and info at local.yodle.com/articles. Product Liability Lawyers Put Your health and Safety First

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Is the air in your home clean? All of us breathe air when we are inside the home and most people are unsure about how clean the air inside their home is. Just like the air outside your home has several contaminants and pollutants, the air inside your home also have several contaminants. So if you breathe this air full of contaminants, the health risks increase multifold. You will be prone to various respiratory diseases, which can further get aggravated and take the form of allergy, asthma, persistent cough, nausea, headaches, and even fatigue. The root cause of these illnesses is the contaminants who have found their way into your home because your air duct or HVAC system is dirty.

Reduce health risks by cleaning Ducts

Contaminants in the air duct or your ventilation system are in different forms like fungi, Mold, allergens and bacteria. Allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander are quite common and can get inside the HVAC system in your home, which will circulate it right into the air that you breathe. Such a scenario will pose higher health risks and create negative health consequences on a long-term basis. According to the American College of Allergy almost 50% of illnesses are caused by pollutants that exist in the air inside your home due to improper vent cleaning.

As a result, it is important to clean your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is not only the health perspective in question here but a clean air duct system will provide higher performance as compared to a dirty system. Efficient running of your air duct or HVAC system will help in reducing your energy bills. Cleaner air duct systems will have a longer lifespan and will have less technical problems. So there are many more advantages of having a clean HVAC system other than the fact that it will keep the air in your home cleaner.

Factors That Affect Cleaning

Vent cleaning is a must and needs to be done on a regular basis. The industry standards recommend that you should have an expert inspect your air ducts and vents once every two years, and also initiate vent cleaning once every 5-7 years. Of course there is no harm in initiating a vent cleaning process once every 3-4 years also but all this depends on the conditions within your home.

On the other hand the NADCA or National Air Duct Cleaners Association does not recommend any specific time frame for air duct cleaning. According to them air duct cleaning should be initiated by a homeowner when they feel it is necessary and have outlined certain factors that will lead to frequent vent cleaning. According to them, vent cleaning becomes necessary within a short period of time if:

1. Smoking is done in the house

2. There are pets in the house that shed hair and dander

3. There is damage or water contamination in the home or to the HVAC system

4. NADCA also recommends air duct cleaning prior to occupancy of a new home.

Cleaning Methods

The most effective way of air duct cleaning is by using source removal methods. A powerful vacuum cleaner is used as a part of this method and it can suck air with dirt from your air duct and ventilation system. There are certain devices, which are inserted into the air ducts like brushes, skipper balls and air whips to dislodge any dirt or debris that is stuck to the inner surface of the ventilation system.

You can choose a duct cleaning contractor who is an expert in vent cleaning and will be able to clean your piping, registers, ductwork, and blower motor. These professional vent cleaning experts also use vacuums mounted on trucks, which can clean according to NADCA standards. The vacuums mounted on trucks are very powerful cleaners.

You need to be careful while hiring air duct cleaning contractor. You can start with several contractors who will inspect your air duct and ventilation system and then offer you their best quote. You need to make sure that the air duct cleaning contractor visually inspects the air ducts and the various components of your HVAC system before offering you a cleaning solution.

If you hire NADCA contractors then you will be rest assured that your vent cleaning process will be based on NADCA guidelines. Check the license of the vent cleaning company and ask for at least 3 references. Last but not the least; don’t hire someone who offers you the lowest price because that will translate into inadequate cleaning.

About The Author

David Marquardt is the owner of the leading Austin Carpet Cleaning company based in Austin Texas dedicated to providing the most reliable Austin Vent Cleaning.

http://www.thesteamteam.com/

http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-cleaning-servic…

How To Hire A Hvac Contractor

HVAC means heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors. These are people you hire to install your much needed heating and air conditioning systems in the home and buildings. They are certified professionals who possess the proper knowledge and skills in installing, repairing and cleaning all types and size of units whether small or large.

Before getting HVAC contractors, be sure you have the pertinent information such as the climate in your location, the amount of sunlight you get every day and areas in the home which may be hard to ventilate. The contractors normally ask for these information which they use in taking the necessary measures from installing air conditioning units, heaters, furnaces, ducts and ventilation. HVAC people do their work in all types of homes, whether extensions, new construction, remodels, kitchens, bathrooms, guest houses and garage apartments.

Some people do not have experience dealing with HVAC contractors especially those who buy a heating or cooling system already installed in the house they purchase. Sometimes, this makes it difficult for them to get the best deal.

This should not be a problem, though, as there are some ways to make the process of hiring the right ones easier. The most important steps to take are to ask for recommendations from friends who have had previous experience with contractors. Friends, relatives or colleagues in your office will surely have somebody to recommend for you.

Once you have a list of names, you may make a call to each one of them to find out how long they have been in the business and then check their references as well as their licenses. The references are vital as you can get additional information from them about the skills and experiences of the HVAC contractors. Verify their credentials, license, insurance and Business Bureau membership.

While talking to your prospective contractors, you can ask how they will determine the correct size of the new system and if you need to get a permit or they can get it for you.
After making the necessary interviews, it’s time to pick your choice. For additional information, you may want to ask for quality certifications such as Diamond Certification. Now that you have your preferred HVAC, your next step is to negotiate for the best deal.

It is crucial that you know what you need. Explain the type of heating, cooling or ventilation work required in your home and any problems you may have encountered in the past. The details are important to them as it will allow them to project the cost of the job.

Listen very well to the questions asked by your contractor and write them down if possible. Take note of the time he is willing to provide to you as this is proof of his proficiency.
List down your questions for your contractor, too. You can ask about the number of jobs they have done, their specialization, the length of time needed to complete the job for you, if they have a workers’ compensation and liability insurance, do they do the job themselves or do they hire subcontractors and if they will do all the work from removing the old materials to installing the new unit.

Finally, ask your HVAC contractor to provide you a signed written pricing, timing, quality and warranty agreement. And after the work is done, be sure to ask him some written handling instructions for the new installations.

By: Gloria Smith

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Learn about the different types of home heating systems and find heat pump deals

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If you’re dreading facing another long hot summer with substandard and inefficient cooling methods for your home, now is the perfect time to look into buying a central air conditioning system. Thanks to federal tax credits for energy-efficient air conditioners and many local utility company rebates as well, it’s never been more affordable to chuck those window units, floor fans, and evaporative coolers once and for all. Here are some basic tips on how to buy central air conditioning.

–Choose a quality contractor: The best contractors don’t just sell you an appliance; they are valuable resources for selecting the right one for your home and getting it at an affordable price that will fit your budget. Most of us haven’t a clue how to install an air conditioner ourselves, so make sure you really trust the company you go with and that they are licensed and insured.

–Capacity: Air conditioners are definitely not one-size-fits-all. Too large an appliance for your square footage will result in the system cycling on and off way too often, wasting energy. If the air conditioner is too small, it will not be able to cool all areas of your home effectively.

–Efficiency: Air conditioners fall into low, medium, and high-efficiency categories. Efficiency is measured by a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). The SEER number for an appliance will fall between 10 and 23, with the higher number being the most efficient. Government standards demand that all air conditioners sold in the United States rate at least a 14; those that are rated 16 and higher qualify for Energy Star efficiency status. Your contractor will be able to recommend the appliance with the best SEER number that will both suit your needs as well as your budget.

–Price: Most heating and air contractors keep their pricing within the same general range; however, some of the more experienced contractors may have special long-standing relationships with manufacturers and be able to offer reduced prices on the products themselves. Make sure you get a bid from several contractors in order to make comparisons regarding labor costs, since these tend to vary greatly from contractor to contractor.

The best time to buy an air conditioner is during the spring or fall months since technicians tend to be less busy during these times and will be able to give you prompter service. Like any machine, your new air conditioner will require ongoing maintenance in order to operate at peak condition; many contractors offer cost-effective maintenance service agreements that help prevent little problems from getting bigger and costing a bundle.

About The Author

If you are ready to make the leap to central air, contact a quality Utah heating contractor or your favorite HVAC professional in your community. To know more about our Utah heating contractor and heating & air conditioning products & services visit our website now!

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Hvac Contractor: Commercial Refrigeration

Commercial Refrigeration: What is it?

Refrigeration is best described, as a process, by the removal of heat from a space or substance, thereby cooling it. This process does not refer to the active cooling of a space or substance, but to the extraction of heat, which creates cold. (Artificially creating cold temperatures is formally called cryogenics, not refrigeration.) To begin understanding the complicated, but innovative process of refrigeration, it’s necessary to understand its breakdown-its components. The most widespread kind of refrigeration today is through a vapor compression cycle. The main components are the compressor, the condenser and evaporator coils, and the expansion valve. There is the vapor to be compressed; a compressor to compress it; the condenser coil; the expansion valve; and the evaporator coil. First a gas coolant is compressed. It heats up because of the immense pressure put upon it. Then the very hot compressed gas pass
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es through a condenser coil, where it condenses into a liquid. This liquid passes through the expansion valve, where its pressure is reduced and the liquid is cooled through the process of adiabatic expansion. The cooled liquid now goes through the evaporation coil. As air blows over the coil, the refrigerant absorbs heat and cools the air. The liquid boils and turns to a vapor. Because of this evaporation, its temperature can drop to as low as -27 degrees Fahrenheit. The vapor recycles into the compressor to begin the process anew.

The basic purpose of refrigeration is not to keep perishable foods cold. Keeping them cold is the means to the end, and that is to slow the growth of bacteria on the food. This is what preserves perishable food: The retarding of any organic growth that could begin to break down food, thereby making it inedible. Now it takes longer for food to go bad, which means a significant increase in shelf life. If a bottle of milk were left on a counter at room temperature for two or three hours, it would surely sour. But milk can last two to three weeks under refrigeration. Food stays fresher longer. That means more food is for sale longer.

Who it’s for:

A great number of foods are perishable. Without the aid of refrigeration, store owners and restaurateurs would be extremely limited to a small number of foods to serve or sell. Bananas, apples, pears, oranges, peaches, and other fruit; meats, cheeses, eggs, and milk; sauces, gravies, and dips are a small group of the many foods that a proprietor in the food business would want to refrigerate. But the uses of this necessary modern technology extend to the vintners’ world, too. Reducing the temperature of wine can prevent yeast from continuing to grow and carbon dioxide from evolving. Therefore the wine remains largely intact as the vintner meant it. It will not become more alcoholic. It will not take on properties of carbonization that would otherwise undermine the integrity of the vintage.

Its benefits and disadvantages:

Refrigeration prolongs the life of a various number of important foods. Without this process, these foods could quickly yield to the destructive forces of bacteria and decay. Contemporary refrigeration systems use refrigerant compounds that contribute either slightly or not at all to the depletion of the ozone layer. These are hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)-which contribute to a lesser degree to ozone depletion, and hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs)-which do not contribute to ozone depletion. Before the widespread use of these compounds, chloro fluorocarbons (CFCs) enjoyed popularity. But CFCs contribute significantly to ozone depletion. Even though HCFCs and HFCs tend not to threaten the health of the ozone layer to the extent of CFCs, they still maintain what is called Global Warming Potential, or GWP. When choosing a refrigerant to use in your commercial refrigeration unit(s), keep in mind two serious factors. One is the “direct effect,” or the immediate impact the refrigerant could have on the surrounding environment or atmosphere if it leaks. Secondly, think about the amount of energy necessary to operate your refrigeration system. Overall, HFCs are the optimal compound. They are largely energy efficient, contain low levels of toxicity, and they can be reused. They have a high rating of what’s called “Life Cycle Climate Performance” (LCCP). In the case of HFCs, low LCCP means they consume low levels of fossil fuel, and thus they are responsible for low levels of carbon dioxide emissions, a key factor in manmade greenhouse gases

By: Priyank-Saxena/140164>Priyank Saxena

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Jon Ellowitz is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a contractor or more home care articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. HVAC Contractor: Commercial Refrigeration

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Getting a new furnace can be a difficult task. When it comes to furnaces there are several different types of systems and options to choose between. While a good contractor will help you find the right furnace you also want to do your own research to make sure you are making an informed decision.

Efficiency Level

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE is used to rate most furnaces. The AFUE measures how much heat is delivered to your house in comparison to the amount of fuel that you need to give to the furnace. For example, an 80% AFUE rating means that 80% of the fuel you supply is used for heat while the other 20% is lost through the chimney. However, the AFUE will only tell you the fuel efficiency of the furnace and not the electrical usage.

As of January 1, 1992, the US Department of Energy determined that all furnaces need to have a minimum of 78% AFUE to be sold in the United States. Most furnaces have an AFUE rating of 80%, but high efficiency furnaces can have an AFUE as high as 90%. If you live in cold weather, areas the higher the percent rating the more money you save during cold winter months.

Choosing a Location

When choosing where to place your furnace the area in which you live plays a major role. For those in colder regions the best option is a gas or oil furnace or boiler. For those in a warmer region it may be a better choice to use a gas furnace or heat pump. If you don’t have a gas or oil service where you live then you may need to choose an electric heating system such as electric furnaces or heat pumps. If gas is available, but you home doesn’t have it then you may want to talk with a plumber about installing a gas line. Although if electric costs are cheap in your area then an electrical system can be a better choice. The best form of advice is to talk with a reputable HVAC contractor in your area. However, because of the low cost in most areas a natural gas furnace or boiler can be a good idea.

Heat Exchangers

When it comes to gas furnaces the most expensive and important part is the heat exchanger. Typically, a separate parts warrantee covers this part. This warranty typically covers five years, but some can be as high as ten to twenty years.

Choosing a Thermostat

If you aren’t home during certain parts of the day, it can be a good idea to consider getting a programmable thermostat. This way you can set your unit to a low temperature when you aren’t home and then have the house return to a comfortable temperature at a certain time before you arrive home. This also allows you to set temperatures different for when you are asleep and when you are awake. Many programmable thermostats can be set by the week so you can easily program it for specific days when you are home and those days that you aren’t home.

About The Author

http://www.huskyair.com/furnaces.html FURNACES – HUSKY HEATING & http://www.huskyair.com/airconditioners.html AIR CONDITIONING provide Heating commercial and residential services.

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Duct Installation And Repair Hvac Contractor

When you hire a duct installation and repair HVAC contractor, you’re taking an important step to maintaining your indoor air quality as well as the integrity of your heating and cooling duct systems. This is very important for all of us. Although there are no set guidelines as to the frequency that your air duct system should be serviced, most manufacturers of heating and cooling systems have a clause in the warranty that they provide stating that you must have your duct systems serviced at least once a year.

Of course, if you are having a new home built or if you are remodeling an older home, you recognize the need for duct installation. What most people fail to realize though, is that heating and cooling duct system repairs and maintenance are vitally important for all family members. The important letter in HVAC is the “V”. The V stands for ventilation. Ventilation has a whole lot to do with the air that we breathe. And the air that we breathe is our primary life force.

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Here are just a few of the advantages and benefits to be gained from hiring the services of the right duct installation and repair HVAC contractor:
By keeping your heating and cooling duct systems well maintained, you significantly reduce the amount of the following air pollutants present in your home’s immediate atmosphere: Pet hair and dander; Tobacco smoke; Pollen; Mold spores; Dust that damages your lungs; Dust mites; Bacteria and viruses that cause disease;
You keep your heating and cooling unit’s warranties from being voided;
You keep your entire system for indoor air quality functioning smoothly and in a problem-free fashion;
Your entire family has a lower probability for the development of allergies and other health issues;
Your house, carpet and furnishings are kept cleaner from dust, dirt, bugs and other pests;

It’s very important to think about the fact that you are constantly breathing in and out. Every day, all day long, you are allowing air pollutants to enter what should be your pristine respiratory system. Every negative pollutant that you allow to enter into your system is a potential for sickness. It is estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time inside of their homes. Ensuring a high level of indoor air quality is of profound importance.

Other services offered by a duct installation and repair HVAC contractor:

Installation of attic fans that accommodate the following: Removal of excessive top-level heat buildups in your home; Removal of various air pollutants that may stagnate; Significant reductions in cooling bills;
Air duct cleaning:
Highly pressurized air washing;
Furnace cleaning;
Installation of air exchangers;
Cleaning of transit air ducts;
Cleaning of housing units;
Chimney cleanings;
Fireplace cleanings;
Cleaning wood stoves;
Installation of chimney caps;
Applications of germicide fogs to destroy all mold, mildew, mites and bacteria;
Dryer vent cleaning;
Refrigerator coil cleaning;
Furnace A-coil cleaning;

Making sure you hire a reputable duct installation and repair HVAC contractor:

It’s very important to ensure that the contractor you hire to install and/or maintain your heating and cooling duct systems is a tried and true professional that operates with meticulous levels of conscientiousness. Here are a few tips to ensure that:
Go with your gut when you speak with or meet your potential HVAC contractor. Let’s face it; there are a lot of crooks in the world. You don’t desire to hire one of them to work in your home in any regard. If you have warning signals going off about the potential character of the contractor that you are interviewing, move on to the next one.
If he or she hasn’t already offered it, ask for a list of references – and then check them;
Most contractors worth their weight will offer you a photo portfolio of jobs that they have completed;
Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and inquire as to any complaints lodged against this contractor;
Inquire whether the contractor that you’re speaking with will actually be on-site during the installation and/or maintenance procedures. Many times, the professional-looking and smooth-sounding contractor that you speak with or meet is certainly not the same person that shows up to do the work.

The bottom line concerning duct installation and repair HVAC contractors:

There’s no doubting that quality installation and maintenance of your heating and cooling duct systems is very important. The benefits are numerous and very necessary as well. In
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fact, the health of your entire family in part depends upon it. What you need to make sure of is that you are dealing with a well-established, quality HVAC contractor that will deliver superior service before, during and after the actual installation or repair work takes place. Take your time and make the right decision in hiring the best HVAC contractor to meet your needs.

By: Priyank Saxena

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Alan Roberts is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a contractor or more Duct Installation and Repair HVAC Contractor

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When it’s time to replace or repair your air conditioning system, it is best to do some research. Not all air conditioning repair companies are created equal. In fact, your choice of AC repair companies is probably even more important than your choice of brand of AC. It is best then to take the time to research air conditioning repair companies instead of just picking one out of the phone book and trusting that they are a reliable company to deal with. But how do you select a good heating and cooling company? This article will provide you with the criteria you need to evaluate companies so that you can take a systematic approach to choosing the best company.

1) License: You will definitely want to make sure that the company you choose to go with is licensed. Make sure their license is current also. It is a good idea to make sure that there have not been any complaints or disciplinary actions that have been taken against the company. You can look research a company’s contractor’s license by visiting www.contractors-license.org.

2) Insurance: When shopping for air conditioning repair services, it is certainly a good idea to see verification that the company is insured also. You will want to ensure that they carry both general liability insurance to protect your property should something go wrong and also worker’s compensation insurance should one of their employees get hurt on the job at your house.

3) Qualifications: Heating and cooling systems have become increasingly complex over the years. It is a good idea to make certain that the AC repair company you are looking at has all the proper certifications and training to work on the latest models. There are currently four major organizations that provide HVAC certifications and training. They are:

a. HVAC Excellence

b. NATE – North American Technician Excellence

c. RSES – Refrigeration Service Engineer’s Society

d. UA Star

4) Positive Referrals: It’s also a very good idea to check on the company’s references. Any good AC repair company will be able to provide you with a solid list of referrals so you can verify the quality of work they do. If they cannot produce many references, you should continue looking elsewhere. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see what complaints they have had against them and if they resolved them appropriately or not.

5) Easy to Get in Reach: You will also want to make sure the HVAC companies you are considering have a stable history. Ensure that they have been operating in the same city for a good length of time and have a physical address you can locate them and not just a mobile phone number. It is best if they are easy to reach by telephone and have a 24 hour emergency service available too.

Comfortable to Deal With: Finally, you must rely on your intuition. Be confident that the people you will be working with make you feel comfortable. You want to be choosing an air conditioning repair company that you feel good about working with for many years to come. Save yourself the time of having to start over with your research. Establishing a good relationship with an AC repair company that you will feel good about for many years to come should be your ultimate goal.

About The Author

You can reach one of Houston’s most reputable air conditioning repair companies by visiting this website: www.houstonairconditioningrepair.net

They license and insure all their employees and only hire technicians with superior credentials and work histories. Best yet, they offer free estimates. Visit their website today by clicking www.airconditioningrepair.net

Testing Your Hvac Contractor

For most homeowners, preparing your home for colder weather should include a checkup of your heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system by a certified contractor. Because nearly half of the energy used in the home-an average of $1,900 per year-goes to heating and cooling, a system checkup by a contractor can have a big effect on your utility bills and your comfort. The contractor selected to inspect, upgrade or install your HVAC system is as critical to the system’s successful operation as the equipment itself. Properly sized and regularly maintained equipment, along with properly sealed ducts, can save as much as 20 percent on annual energy costs.

When consulting with a contractor, ask about energy-efficient solutions for your home. The U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) suggests the following:

• Ask about the “whole-house approach.” Rather than focusing on a single component, the contractor will assess how improvements to all of these components can work together to provide fewer drafts, consistent temperatures across rooms, better ventilation and humidity control, and lower utility bills.

• Ask your contractor to check your home’s sealing. Improving a home’s “envelope” or “shell” by sealing air leaks and adding insulation can lower utility bills and improve comfort and energy efficiency.

• Your contractor can recommend an Energy Star-qualified programmable thermostat that can automate your heating and cooling system based on a preset schedule, keeping your home comfortable while saving you money. The DOE says that could save you up to $150 per year.

• Your contractor can also check your home’s duct sealing. Sealing and insulating ducts that move air to and from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner or heat pump can often improve your home’s HVAC system efficiency by as much as 20 percent.

• A contractor can perform specific diagnostic tests such as using a duct blower to measure air leakage; a flow hood to test register efficiency; or an infrared camera to measure whole-house efficiency.

• If you need to replace your heating system, your contractor can recommend Energy Star products that meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, such as the Coleman Echelon 5T heat pump or the Echelon modulating gas furnace.

By: Wendy Mitchell

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

To learn more about selecting an Energy Star knowledgeable contractor, visit the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Web site at www.acca.org.

To learn more about energy- efficient heating products, visit www.colemanac.com or call (877) 726-5362.

Preventative maintenance can save you money and will extend the life of your heating system.

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Emergency Heat Repair Hvac Contractor

It’s not going to be a pleasant experience when you need to hire the services of an emergency heat repair HVAC contractor, but that’s not the contractor’s fault. It’s probably going to be about 10 below zero with snow falling and ice building – middle of the night – baby’s sick, etc. You know how it goes. What you need is a professional, available and honest HVAC contractor that specializes in emergency heat repair situations. You want somebody to be able to come to your home promptly, assess the situation, make the necessary repairs and be on their way – without forcing you into having to take out a second mortgage on your home to pay for their services.

The benefits associated with hiring the right emergency heat repair HVAC contractor:
Restoration of the heat in your home;
Protecting you and your family members from the elements;
Eliminating the potential for electrical fires;
Eliminating the need to burn smelly, dangerous accelerant-based heaters;
Being charged a fair price for hi
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gh-quality services provided at inconvenient times;
Developing a positive relationship with a skilled professional in the case of future needs arising;

What are the risks associated with hiring the wrong emergency heat repair HVAC contractor?

This is where you have to be careful. The very nature of an emergency situation implies that you are basically in a frenzy. You want your heat restored. At times like these, many people make the mistake of not being thorough during the hiring process. That is a mistake – and one that can be serious. Here’s what can happen:
You end up paying far too much for services rendered;
You end up paying for substandard services;
The contractor that shows up to your home takes advantage of the fact that you are in an emergency situation;
Low-quality work standards may cause the need for various other, more expensive repairs;

So how can I ensure that I’m hiring a quality emergency heat repair HVAC contractor?

It’s not really that difficult to do. You just need to slow down, take a few deep breaths and refer to the following tips:
Realize that when you are in an emergency situation, that is the best time to be logical and not panic;
Realize that while any emergency service technician is going to charge you hefty fees, that’s no reason for them to outright rob you;
Make sure that you have a clear understanding of what you are going to be charged and what services are going to be provided;
Get everything in writing before any work is performed;
Go with your instincts concerning the professionalism and character of the emergency heat repair HVAC contractor that you are considering hiring;
If you get bad vibrations from a given contractor, call another one. Don’t be in such a hurry to have your heat restored that you make a bad decision that you will regret;

Tips for efficient heating so that you do not need an emergency heat repair HVAC contractor in the first place:
Use humidifiers to make the air in your home more moist and reduce the following: Dry throat; Dry skin; Static electricity buildup; Dehydration of your furniture and fabrics; “Cooled” heat and energy inefficiency;
Use air cleaning devices throughout your home to lessen the levels of the following: Mold spores; Pollen; Tobacco smoke; Dust and dust mites; Hair and dander from pets; Viruses and bacteria that cause diseases; Other pollutants that damage your lungs;
Make sure that your thermostat is properly set. Turn the fan’s selector switch on automatic, not on “on”. This will allow the thermostat to dictate when the fan kicks on or off;
Make sure that all the breakers are on if your heating quits working. This is one of the most overlooked issues during an emergency heat repair situation. You’ll feel quite silly if you have to pay an emergency heat repair HVAC contractor to come out and flip your breaker on for you.
Make sure that all your windows and doors are properly shut;
If you are utilizing propane for heat, make sure that your pilot lights are lit;
Always be sure to replace your furnace filters regularly;

The bottom line concerning emergency heat repair HVAC contractors:

If you find yourself in any emergency heat repair situation, the first thing to make sure that you do is to not panic. Take your time and go through some basic troubleshooting techniques first. Don’t even touch the phone yet. If you find that you in fact do need to call a contractor, then take your time again. Don’t rush in and have the first person that you talk to fly out to your home and over charge you for substandard services.
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You are going to pay nicely for emergency services rendered. Slow down, take some deep breaths and make sure that you hire a quality professional that cares about honesty and integrity.

By: Priyank Saxena

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Alan Roberts is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a contractor or more home care articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Emergency Heat Repair HVAC Contractor

There’s nothing like getting away from the heat on a hot summer day. Most people take shelter inside to enjoy the cool air conditioning. And, if it’s snowing outside, there’s no better feeling than walking into a home that’s warm and toasty from the heater. Yet, if any of these things are not working as they should, then you need an HVAC contractor to come to your property and address the issue. If you’re handy, you may think you can deal with matters like these yourself, however, it’s best to let a professional handle it so you can be sure the job is done right.

Advantages of Hiring One

There’s something to be said about peace of mind. And that’s just what you get if you decide to hire a pro to help you repair your heating and cooling units. There are many details involved when repairing or maintaining a unit. Contacting an HVAC contractor means you’ll have skilled eyes and hands working on your air conditioner or heater. This way, you can feel confident that when someone comes over to your home or property, they won’t be uncomfortable. In addition, a professional can save you time and money, since he or she will know just what it takes to fix a problem. If you decide to wait and not call an expert, a small issue could turn into something bigger, which will most likely cost more money later.

Air Conditioning Repair

Summer heat could be unbearable sometimes. And if you live in a southern state, you really know that a broken air conditioning unit is completely unacceptable. If you notice something out of the ordinary or if your unit isn’t getting as cold as it used to be, then it’s a good time to contact an HVAC contractor as soon as you notice something’s wrong. This way, you will be able to deal with the problem sooner rather than later. Also, when a home or office is not properly cooled, then it’s possible that mold could form. As a result, this could make you really sick, so having an expert check out the problem is the best idea.

Heater Repair

Furthermore, the heater in your home is just as important. The winter without a strong, working heater is not acceptable. So if you begin to notice that the heater is making odd sounds, not getting as warm as it used to, or produces a burning smell when it comes on, it’s essential to contact an HVAC contractor at the earliest sign of trouble. This way, you will be able to ensure you have a fully functional heater when you need it most – during the winter.

Managing Zones

Sometimes one side your home may be the perfect temperature, while the other side is either too hot or too cold. Or sometimes, you want it to be warm upstairs and cooler downstairs. Whatever the case, you can have the best of both worlds simply by calling an HVAC contractor. He or she can set up a system that offers zoning controls so that everyone can be comfortable no matter where they are in the house.

Looking for a Cherry Hill HVAC contractor? Click here to find out more: www.climatemastersnj.com.

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Whether you own an existing home, or you are building a new home, a proper heating, air conditioning, and/or ventilation system is a critical element for the health of your family and the structure. These systems are meant to provide comfort throughout the home, while being cost and energy efficient for a good number of years. It is because of these factors that it is crucial to take your time and select the very best HVAC contractor for your installation. The right contractor can make the process flow smoothly and provide you with a system that will give you long and trouble free service. Choosing the wrong contractor can leave you with a system that will plague you with problems and end up costing you a good deal more money in the long run.

A good HVAC contractor can take care of the entire installation process, from start to finish ensuring you get the absolute best system for your setup, while providing you with the most favorable initial investment. An experienced contractor will explain all of your options, and help you find a system that will operate at the lowest life cycle cost. Such systems should provide a healthy indoor environment and air quality, make use of modern features (such as filters to control particulate matter), and be set up in a manner that will only require minimal maintenance.

Here are a few more guidelines to help you select the best possible HVAC contractor:

Talk to friends, family, neighbors, and associates and ask for recommendations. Some of the best information comes from people who have recently had work done. If you know of someone who had their system repaired or replaced, ask them for their opinion.

Meet with at least a few different contractors and get multiple estimates. It is always a good idea to get about four or five estimates from contractors. Set appointments with each for a different time and date (to avoid any awkward overlapping), and compare how they approach the process. Take into consideration how each one inspected your home, the questions he or she asked you, and the way in which he or she made recommendations. Keep in mind a few basic principles: a good HVAC contractor will make note of the direction your home faces, the number of windows and doors in your home, the type of insulation you have, and the number of occupants. He or she should use this information to perform precise load calculations to properly size your new system. If any contractor insists upon using generic “rules of thumb” to calculate your system, you may want to go with another option.

Always ask for a written estimate that clearly states all details of the system and the installation. Take a good deal of time to compare these estimates and make sure you have a firm understanding of all charges for materials, equipment, labor, and miscellaneous items. Estimates should also document any ductwork that may be needed, as well as any changes to existing setups. If you notice that one contractor comes in with a significantly different offer from the others, do not be afraid to ask for clarification. He or she may have noticed an issue that other contractors overlooked, or may have a more efficient approach to the process.

Choosing an HVAC contractor is not something that should be rushed or taken lightly. Skipping even one of these steps can lead to years of discomfort, frustration, and costly repairs.

For more information about finding a HVAC contractor, please visit the south bay HVAC site at http://www.sandium.com

The weather conditions in the US are unpredictable. The summers are humid, hot and uncomfortable whereas the temperature considerably drops in winters. In order to beat different weather conditions one must have properly maintained Air Conditioning and Heating systems. Most importantly, picking the right HVAC contractor will offer your peace of mind and that your unit is getting best care and is frequently serviced in case of an emergency.  Here are some tips that will help you choose the right HVAC Company.

Learning about their product line

You would be surprised to know how much you can learn about a company by examining its HVAC products. The reputable HVAC companies are certified to store best HVAC products and services. You must also check if the company includes energy efficient models in their product range. Energy efficient models will assist in maintaining the right temperature and without increasing your electricity bills.

Choose an experienced company

An experienced HVAC company will provide you the kind of expertise and professionalism required to maintain right temperature in different seasons. It is essential to know how long a company has been working in the same field and what measures do they take to fulfill your needs. You must also know how much time the company will take to complete your job. Reading the testimonials of the previous clients would brief you about the experience of the company and the satisfaction level they provide.

Ask about their customer service

It is essential for a company you choose to have a customer service support. Customer service will help not only in pre-sales of HVAC products and services but also you get post sales assistance. The heating maintenance systems installed by the professionals need occasional service. Building a relationship with company that provides 24by7 customer service will assist in the time of crises. Some major HVAC providers may impress you with their image and identity but often lack in customer service and intimacy to help you use their products efficiently. So it is important to check the local expertise and customer service of the company you choose.

By following these above mentioned tips you would hopefully be able to find the right Heat maintenance Nashua Company that will offer you brilliant services for years.

About The Author

Accurateairinc is one such experienced company that offers quality HVAC products and services. They have a complete range of HVAC products and also assist with maintenance. The website also provides great customer service to solve various queries of customers and give pre and post sales assistance. To know more about the company, follow the link http://www.accurateairinc.com

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When is it time to hire an HVAC contractor? Answer: When you and your family are at the mercy of the elements. In other words, we don’t realize how wonderful our modern heating, ventilation and air conditioning is until we don’t have it anymore.

Consider this:

- A record breaking summer during the age of global warming, and the AC is busted, turning your house into a steamy sauna where you stick to the sofa.

- A freak winter storm and the heating is on the fritz, and you and your family are huddled around the oven like a camp of homeless people around a burning oil can.

- Problems with the vents, turning your house into a stuffy, smelly airless wasteland.

This is when it’s time to call an HVAC contractor. These professionals install, repair and clean all kinds of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. If you find yourself in one of the desperate situations above, they’ll be like your best friend.

Unless, you get stuck with a lousy contractor. There are a few out there, and they give the whole industry a bad name. Here’s how you find the right HVAC contractor to get the job done right.

Get A Recommendation

Ask friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, strangers on the street – anybody at all – for a recommendation. Unless they secretly harbor a grudge against you, your friends and acquaintances will give you the name of a trustworthy, competent, hard-working and experienced professional for your troubled house.

Ask Them The Right Questions

The “right questions” include: How long have you been in the business? How much is this going to cost? Is your company insured and bonded? What exactly are you going to do? How many of these jobs have you done, and what is the average time it takes?… and whatever else springs to mind to ask them.

Don’t Forget The Licensing

Make sure that your potential HVAC contractor is fully licensed. The more memberships, certifications, credentials and licenses they have, the better. All of this shows that they’ve got the expertise you need to get your house back into working order.

Do Your Homework And Check Up On Them

Ask them for references, and call the numbers. The people on the other end of the phone should tell you glowing reports of how their sub-tropical or sub-arctic house was restored to sanity by this individual. You can also look for “dirt” on them by contacting the Better Business Bureau, or by doing an internet search on their name or company name.

Are They Nice Folks?

This is more important than most people realize – Are they nice folks who are easy to communicate with? You’ll need somebody you feel comfortable working with. After all, you’re trusting your house to them.

With a good HVAC contractor, your home will be back to its regular self again and the nightmare will be over. If you’re happy with the work, add them to your address book and keep them in mind when there are future problems. And also keep in mind that a little routine maintenance might come in handy to prevent the next disaster.

Can’t take the heat? A Baltimore HVAC contractor can cool you off. For professional help, visit http://www.levelheating.com/

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