That’s right, another opportunity for you to win awesome prizes from your favorite HVAC service providers – Service Champions. For the month of July, we will be offering weekly competitions for our friends and fans on Facebook. If you are currently not an official Facebook fan of Service Champions, become one now! You must “Like” us in order to win the prize from our competitions this month.

The Competitions Throughout July (July 12th, 19th, 26th)

1. Every Monday at 4pm PST, we will post a Service Champions related question to our “Discussions” tab on our Facebook Page.
    
2. If you're a fan (you "Like" us), check our Facebook Page Discussion tab every Monday at 4pm PST to see if you know the answer to the posted discussion question. (Hint : All of the answers will be found in the contents of our website)
    
3. The 1st person to answer the question CORRECTLY by Friday of that week will win 2 Regal Movie Tickets. How easy is that?
    

First contest begins Monday, July 12th at 4pm PST.
Stretch your fingers and study your Service Champions knowledge because the first correct answer WINS! Thank you for your participation and continued support.

Terms & Conditions

• You must be a Facebook Fan of our Service Champions Facebook Page - Must click the "Like" button at the top of the Facebook page.
• Employees of Service Champions are not eligible to win, however, their friends and families are.
• Participants may only win one Monday Fun Day competition for the rest of the month of July.
• Final competition is Monday, July 26th, 2010.
• Winners will be notified via a Facebook message from a Service Champions representative. The winner will have 72 hrs to reply to the message with their mailing address. If the winner fails to reply with in the 72 hr time limit, then the prize will be void.

This is a video of the President of Service Champions, Kevin Comerford, giving a speech at the 2009 opening ceremony of the Avon Breast Cancer walk.

Watch the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA8WObTzcTA

At Service Champions, we want to provide our clients with the very best service experience they can imagine. We care about our clients, and their comfort, safety and health in their home. That's why we at Service Champions stress the importance of regular maintenance of your air conditioner, furnace, water heater and duct system - all the components of your home comfort system. Without regular maintenance, unforseen issues may arise that may affect the "health" of your heating or cooling system, or the quality of air circulating throughout your home. WIth routine check-ups by our professional, highly-trained technicians, we can help keep you in "peace-of-mind" comfort all year long.

The same can be said for "maintenance" of our own selves. Service Champions is deeply committed that its clients and employees live in continuous health. We encourage the value of regular check-ups with professional health care providers, just as we recommend scheduled maintenance on your heating and cooling systems. This year we are once again teaming with the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, to help raise money and awareness for this devastating disease. We joined Avon's efforts in 2009, when a Service Champions team member's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Last year we raised $30,000 in funding for research and support in fighting breast cancer, and this year we aim to raise $50,000. This year, team members from Service Champions will be walking on July 10 and 11 in San Francisco, CA.

For more about the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, visit the website at www.avonwalk.org. While at the website, you can make a donation to Service Champions' fundraising efforts at www.avonwalk.org/goto/servicechampions.


The Service Champions "Rack Pack" team at the
2009 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in San Francisco, CA

The Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Your health care providers tell you and your vehicle repair specialist “drives” home the message: regular check-ups and maintenance are important to your life and the life of your vehicle. It is no different for your home comfort system – regular maintenance is critical to the life of your furnace and air conditioner, and you will save a greater portion on your energy costs – as much as 30% per year.

According to Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), maintaining your home comfort equipment, such as your air conditioner and furnace, can make them last years longer—saving you money on utility bills, helping the environment and keeping emergencies to a minimum. Taking care of the systems that take care of you will reward you in the long run.
How many of us remember to swap out the furnace filter or think of checking the outdoor air conditioning unit for clean and clear blades before flipping it on that first hot day of the year? With our twice yearly visits to the dentist, changing the batteries in our smoke detectors during the time changes and changing the oil in the car every 3500 miles, home comfort maintenance is often not on the “to do” list. Yet we rely on these systems to keep us comfortable year-round, day in and day out. Service Champions makes it easy for clients to have regular, twice-yearly tune-ups and professional testing of both furnace and air conditioning units with our valuable and affordable Club Membership program.

There are many benefits to a Club Membership Agreement:

Your Club Membership guarantees priority, “front-of-the-line” appointments and provides valuable FREE services and discounts on repairs. You are guaranteed at all times that repairs are fixed right or they are FREE.

You Save Money
Annual inspection and testing, lubricating, adjusting and cleaning of your heating & cooling equipment keeps it operating at peak, trouble-free efficiency. Potential problems are spotted before they may cause trouble. Plus, clients’ receive a LIFETIME WARRANTY on ALL repair parts!

You Have Peace of Mind
You will be assured that your furnace and air conditioning systems will be operating properly and safety for the comfort of you and your family.

We Guarantee Appointments at Your Convenience
Depending on the membership you chose, you are guaranteed an appointment for same day service, service within 24 hours, or service within 48 hours of your call.

We Only Send Competent Experts to Your Home
Our certified, trained and dependable staff of experts will maintain your heating & cooling equipment to operate efficiently and at peak performance. Our technicians are clean-cut, friendly, drug-free and wear shoe protectors at all times when in your home. You’ll also receive our “Royal Blue Carpet Treatment” to protect the flooring of your home when working on your systems.

You are Eligible for Year-Round Discounts and Pre-season Sales (not offered to the general public)
Depending on the club membership you choose, discounts on repairs, indoor air quality products and other services range from 5% to 30%. Discounts off the diagnostic fee range from $10 to $50.

The Price of Your Membership Cannot Be Raised
Your agreement price cannot be raised during the effective dates. Prices will not be raised for following renewal periods without first notifying you. We charge by the job, not the hour, so you save money!

Your Membership is Transferable
If you sell your home, your Service Champions Club Membership is transferable to the new owners. Or, if you purchase a new home in the Service Champions service area, you can take your Club Membership with you.

Call Service Champions today and ask about our Club Membership program. We would love to have you as part of our “priority family” and take care of all your heating, air conditioning, indoor air quality and water heater needs! For more information, download - Maintenance Membership Benefits (PDF)

Call us today and see how much you can save! - 925-444-4444

We know cleanliness in our homes is a good thing. We use hand sanitizers, water filtration systems or buy bottled water and use “environmentally-friendly” cleaning products…but do we ever think of the air we breathe within our own walls?

We’ve learned to avoid second-hand smoke, the dangers of big-city smog and factory emissions, yet the air circulating inside our own homes can be four to five times unhealthier than outdoor air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board rated indoor air pollutants as the third highest in its list of environmental risks. For example, one ounce of dust contains nearly 42,000 living dust mites. Each mite is expelling 20 fecal pellets every day into the air you breathe.

According to scientists, the average human drinks about two quarts of water per day, yet breathes about 15,000 quarts of air per day. If the air inside your home is unclean, serious and harmful health effects for you and your family can be triggered. Asthma, respiratory and heart disease, pneumonia and even lung cancers can occur as a result of breathing unhealthy air.

Luckily, Service Champions provides a number of solutions to make the air you inhale safe again.

Service Champions provides top-quality Air Duct Cleaning to remove contaminants; air duct sealing and air filtration to help keep your household air clean and healthy. Over time, air ducts become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen and other debris that can cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people exposed to contaminants. If moisture is present in your air ducts, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores may be released into your living space every time your air-conditioner or furnace is running.

Service Champions also provides environmentally friendly products for cleaner air: Green Safety Ductwork is not only “green,” it improves the air quality in your home and can save you on your utility bills. A home with properly designed and sealed duct work can make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. The benefits of Green Safety Ductwork are:

• Eliminates hot and cold spots throughout your home
• Poisonous Gas-Free—proven to be free of carcinogen formaldehyde
• Reduces the potential for mold growth in your ductwork
• Can lower utility bills by as much as 30%
• Made with Environmentally friendly materials

I want all my clients to “breathe easy” inside their home. Call us now at Service Champions and schedule your FREE 10-point Home Health Audit. We have Indoor Air Quality Specialists on staff trained to perform this testing for you. This audit is designed to inform and educate homeowners of the solutions for a cleaner, healthier living environment and includes the following:

1. Test for carbon monoxide leaks at all gas appliances
2. Complete room by room airflow analysis in order to identify hot and cold spots throughout the home
3. Check for ductwork deficiencies such as breaks, leaks and hazards such as asbestos
4. Ensure ductwork design is efficient and meets home’s health, safety and comfort requirements
5. Test all existing HVAC equipment for proper operation, including fan for indoor air quality purposes
6. Test current filtration effectiveness and operation
7. Internally inspect ductwork with swab and visual test for debris and build up
8. Inspect for fire hazards around all gas appliances
9. Test humidity levels throughout home
10. Test all smoke detectors for operation and safety

Give us a call today at 925-444-4444 and set up your FREE 10-point Home Health Audit. Click here for more information.



You spend most of your day in your home. It’s where you cook, eat, sleep, watch TV, spend time with family, relax and unwind. It shouldn’t be your source of health concerns. Schedule a free Home Health Audit today and protect the health and safety of your family.

Carbon monoxide, also commonly known as “The Silent Killer”, is the leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States. Carbon monoxide can pose a serious threat to your family and can be a challenge to detect because it appears colorless, odorless and has no taste.  Dangerous levels of this poisonous gas can be produced by fuel-burning appliances such as water heaters and ovens that may not have been installed correctly, vehicles with engines left running in a confined space, or fuel-burning heating systems such as fireplaces and woodstoves used during the winter months.

Carbon monoxide is poisonous because it prevents oxygen from being absorbed in your bloodstream. This in turn deprives oxygen from your brain, heart and other major organs. Severity varies depending on the amount of time a person is exposed to the gas and the levels of exposure.

What are some of the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
CO poisoning can occur suddenly, resulting in sickness or death within 1-2 hours of exposure, or can happen over time with long-term low-level exposure.  The effects of low-level exposure can be just as serious as immediate poisoning, and the subtle onset of symptoms makes it extremely dangerous. 

Symptoms Inclue:

• Light frontal headache that then spreads to a severe, all-over headache
• Dizziness and nausea
• Mentally confused
• Faintness or fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Convulsions
• Death
• Other long-term effects can include memory loss, brain function issues, changes in behavior and amnesia
• CO poisoning symptoms are often overlooked and can be mistaken for the flu or food poisoning, however it does not cause a fever.  It is important to act immediately if you suspect that you or a family member has been exposed to this harmful gas.

Steps to take if you or a family member suspects Carbon Monoxide poisoning:

• Open doors and windows
• Turn off combustion appliances
• Leave the house and get fresh air immediately
• Go to the hospital and let the physician know that you suspect CO poisoning, which can be confirmed by a blood test. 
• If caught in time, treatment can be administered by replacing the carbon monoxide contamination in your body with clean oxygen to flush out your system.

CO poisoning prevention in your home: 

• Have your fuel-burning appliances, including gas water heaters and both oil and gas furnaces inspected by a Service Champions' technician yearly, preferably at the beginning of each winter. Make certain the flues and chimney are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.
• Don’t use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
• A poor exhaust connection on a gas-fired dryer can cause CO to leak into your home. A blocked vent can cause CO fumes to back up into the house. This vent needs to be cleaned out periodically.
• Don’t idle your car in the garage. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
• Don’t ignore symptoms, especially if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness or die if you do nothing.
• If you have an oil or gas boiler, furnace, gas logs, gas stove or oven, wood-burning appliances or fire place, and/or appliances or heating devices that burn fossil fuels, you should have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home. Using a CO detector is the safest way to protect your family from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is important to have your heating equipment inspected by a professional technician periodically, preferably before turning it on for the winter. Your Service Champions' technician will want to make sure the system turns on and off as it should, and make sure it is operating safely.  Your technician will also want to make sure that you do not have a cracked heat exchanger, which could cause a carbon monoxide to leak into your home.


 Service Champions offers a comprehensive 10 Point Home Health Audit that includes examining your existing heating equipment for any indication of Carbon Monoxide leaks. Contact us today to find out more about this inspection and ask us about our Home Health Audit promotion.

For more information regarding CO poisoning go to, www.cpsc.gov and www.epa.gov.

 

What to do when water heater problems come knocking at your door?  Maintaining your water heater will not only save you money and time, but it will prevent you from an emergency in the future. Scheduling Service Champions to periodically check up on your water heater can be a very important part of regular maintenance. You also have the ability to regularly maintain the heater yourself, or spot any early onset problems using the tips below.  Follow these steps for insight maintenance.


1. Sediment Build-Up
   The main offender of water heater damage is Sediment build-up. This is also known as calcium carbonate, which is a mineral found in water that settles into the tank bottom once the water is introduced to heat.  This dirt and grit can reduce the efficiency of the water heater and find it’s way into re-circulating lines and cause problems with circulating pumps and check valves. The best way to remove sediment from the bottom of the tank is to perform a “mini flush”. 


   
   Regular flushing of your water heater through the drain valve can help prevent sediment build up and other future problems. This is important to prevent rust, corrosion, and also improves the efficiency of the water heater. This mini-flush is not as beneficial as the full-flush, but a full-flush requires shutting down the water heater. Your Service Champions technician should perform a full-flush during a regular yearly maintenance inspection.
   • For a mini-flush on an electric water heater, shut off the equipment power source; but leave on the water supply. If you have a gas water heater, you can leave the power supply running.
   • Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and be sure the end of the hose is in a safe area.
   • The drain valve found at the top of the tank may have a handle or a short stem with a slot for a flat blade screwdriver. Carefully open the relief valve by lifting the lever. Leave the valve open allowing the water to flow out through the garden hose.
   • When the water from the hose runs clear, the heater has been flushed.
   • Close the valve by turning it clockwise at the top of the tank.  
   • Turn on a water faucet in your home, and let it run on hot until all air bubbles disappear.   Once completed, turn the power to the heater back on.
   • Warning: If you have an older hot water heater that has not been maintained regularly, the bottom valve may be corroded and it may not be possible to shut the valve off after flushing. If you are not sure of the condition of your equipment or are not comfortable performing the procedure, please contact Service Champions for assistance.
      
2. Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Valve Relief

   This valve is critical to the safety and proper operation of your water heater. This safety valve releases water and pressure if it becomes too high inside the tank. Water heaters can become very dangerous if the pressure becomes too high and the valves do not work properly.
   • Test the T&P valve by lifting upon the lever part way. Then let go and allow the lever to rapidly snap back.
   • You should hear a gurgling sound as the valve allows some water to be released into the drain tube.
   • If the T&P valve does not respond, then the valve is bad and you should contact Service Champions to have it replaced.
      
3. Increased Water Heater Temperature Trouble
   If you are concerned that your water heater temperature might be too high, follow the steps below to lower it.  The recommended temperature on your tap is between 115 to 120 degrees F, according to the US Department of Energy.  However, the actual tank minimum should be no less than 130 degrees, otherwise bacterial growth can corrupt your tank causing health issues.  Lowering the temperature will also help you save on bills anywhere from 3% to 5% for every 10 degrees.  Be sure not to lower the temperature too much, unless you and your family don’t mind a cold shower!
   • Check the temperature setting on your water heater.
   • On a gas heater there will be a knob on the gas valve near the bottom of the tank. Some gas tanks have an exposed thermostat, which can be set to the desired temperature by rotating it. Others may have the control hidden under a plate that can be moved aside to make the adjustment.
   • On an electric water heater look for the thermostat behind a panel. The thermostat has a visible scale and can be adjusted by turning the control to the desired temperature. Typically you can use a screwdriver to adjust the temperature.
   • By lowering the temperature setting you will protect the tank from overheating, protect your family from any scalding injuries and reduce the energy used to heat the water.
      
4. Noise Coming From the Water Heater Tank
   Sounds coming from gas water heaters are often caused by sediment build-up at the bottom of the water heater. When the burners heat the bottom of the tank, gas bubbles will then form under the sediment. Popping and thumping noises can occur when the gas bubbles begin escaping out from under the sediment. You may also experience sizzling noises, which can be caused by condensation dripping onto the hot burner.

As eco-friendly options become more prevalent, more people are opting for energy efficient systems. Recently, Service Champions has seen a big pull for products that require less energy and give off fewer emissions. There’s no doubt about it, efficient comfort systems simultaneously save the planet and your money.

The efficiency of your air duct system is more dependent on the ducts themselves rather than any thermostat tricks you might practice. Since the duct system runs throughout your residence or place of business, there is a greater potential for leaks and breakage. A leak in the duct system also increases potential health hazards, since pipes run along bacteria-rich places.

A Simple Test of Duct System Efficiency
Open a door or a window just 1-2 inches, and switch on  the furnace/air conditioner blower. If you notice a significant amount of air coming in from outside, it is a good indicator or indoor air pressure loss. THis occurs when ducts are leaking outside the conditioned space.

When installing ducts, Service Champions technicians follow certain protocols to prevent leakage and ensure the structural integrity of the system. We can’t say this for all HVAC companies; so if you are concerned about your system, look for the following indicators of a properly installed system.

• Flexible ducts are strapped up every 4 feet to prevent sagging.
• Ductwork is insulated with R-6 or better insulation. No sheet metal should be exposed. Modern insulation has anti-bacterial properties.
• Joints and seams should be secured with screws or mechanical connections. They are also sealed with mastic or butyl tape.
• Joints are not help together with duct tape. Despite its name, it is not approved material.
• Ducts are not insulated with asbestos. (Common in older systems.)
• Gaps around filters and grills are sealed
• There are no dark stains on the fiberglass insulation

The causes of leaky duct systems range from poor installation, to poor maintenance, to the age of the system itself. Keep in mind, duct seal has only been under code since 2005. If you have not had your duc system checked in the last five years, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.  Let us know if your ducts need help.

Service Champions has always been an industry leader in heating and cooling system efficiency. We train our technicians to look for ways to improve the efficiency any system they work on. Next year energy efficiency will become more than a good recommendation; it will be a legal requirement.

As of January 1, 2010, new standards will be enforced by the State of California in regards to building efficiency codes. The overall goal is to gradually decrease energy use, and increase the quality of building systems. According to the California Energy Commission (C.E.C.), the these new conditions have been put in place for the following reasons:

• Heating and Air Conditioning can account for up to 60 percent of homeowners energy costs.
• The average home loses as much as 30 percent of heated or cooled air through leaky duct systems.
• Improperly installed Heating and A/C systems may not operate at their rated efficiency.
• An improperly charged Air Conditioning system can cost as much as 50% more to operate than one which has been charged correctly.
• Many Home comfort systems have undersized ductwork which affects comfort, energy use and shortens the life of the equipment.

Service Champions quality checks already comply with many of the new policies. After we seal any duct system, we test it for proper charge, airflow, and other functions. A state-approved third party verification will be required in order to pass the building permit inspection. Though the new laws require extra hurdles on our part, Service Champions is glad that California is upgrading state requirements.

Learn how you can upgrade your ductwork today.

Cold weather brings with it the need to bundle up outdoors and turn up the heat indoors. Northern Californians from the Bay Area to Sacramento are firing up their home heating systems and enjoying a warm indoor atmosphere. To ensure the safety and efficiency of your furnace or heat pump, follow these simple tasks.

Clear the area around your heating unit
Whether your furnace is in a closet or in the garage, make sure the space around it is clear. Never store any flammable objects on or near your furnace. Items stored near the furnace in summer can be a hazard when the furnace is turned on.

Change the filter
Over time the furnace filter gets clogged with dust and other household debris. As this dust begins to build up, your furnace has to work harder. Be sure to check your filter regularly and replace if needed. It is a good idea to have an extra filter on hand. Your Service Champions technician can help you select the best filter for your home comfort needs.

Program the thermostat
To decrease your energy bill, program your thermostat to meet your lifestyle. Set the thermostat to a lower temperature when you leave the house for long period of time, or at night after everyone goes to bed.

Clear intake vents, exhaust vents and drain line outlets
Leaves, dirt, and other outdoor debris can block intake and exhaust vents and drain line outlets. Make sure there is a clear path in front of any vents leading to your heating unit.

Annual maintenance
Have your furnace or heat pump checked regularly by a professional. Service Champions has a thorough safety checklist that covers equipment parts and overall function. Our trained technicians can alert you of any problems and make suggestions on how to improve the heating in your home.

Having problems with your heating equipment? Schedule an appointment with Service Champions, or give us a call at (925) 444- 4444.