The San Jose area is a great area for weather most times of the year, unfortunately the winter times can become a bit too much without a furnace heating system for your home. Thankfully Service Champions has created a fantastic plan for assuring your heater keeps up with the cold. For $58 Service Champions will tune up your furnace (usually $129) in as little as an hour! This 21 point service goes though making sure your furnace heating system is already for the winter ahead whether your furnace is broken, not delivering hot air or needs some good old fixing.

This San Jose special can be taken advantage of by calling 408-977-4444 and asking for the $58 San Jose furnace tune up to get you back up and working again, making sure you are warm and comfortable in your home. All of our technicians have experience and are professionally trained in troubleshooting and fixing furnace problems, especially in the San Jose area.

With energy bills on the rise tuning up your furnace heating system will also make your current system more energy efficient! Many clients report having the tune-up pay for itself in as little as a month or two. It’s the smartest think you can do to stay warm, worry free and energy efficient today and throughout the year. And it only takes 60-90 minutes!

You will also be happy to know that the technician tuning up your furnace heating system is Diamond Certified! If you have any questions about how we have won and continue to hold the prestigious award please visit http://www.diamondcertified.org and go to the San Jose region.

Be sure to ask for a free duct inspection as well! If you have a leak in your ducting our technician will be sure to be able to find it, or if you already know you have a leak in your ducting a technician can give you your options on repair and replacement.

Get the home comfort you want for you and your family today!

Call 408-977-4444 to schedule it now!

 The weather’s certainly been unpredictable this summer here in San Jose! Perhaps you put off the recommended annual inspection of your air conditioner when it seemed like the warm weather wasn’t going to arrive, and now have been relying on it nearly every day to keep your family comfortable.

Service Champions of San Jose makes it easy and affordable for you to keep cool now and stay cool just as long as our warm weather continues.

End of Season A/C Special: ONLY $38 for our 6 pt. Safety Inspection!

Our 6-Point Operational & Safety Test
For your Air Conditioner
-Measure and record air conditioning refrigerant charge
-Test airflow for proper CFM distribution
-Test contactor for proper electrical connectivity
-Test capacitor for leakage and wear
-Test service valve for leakage
-Test amperage draw of compressor and fan motor

For a limited time, our San Jose Diamond Certified Technicians will complete 6-Point Operational and Safety Test for just $38!

Ensure your family’s ongoing safety and comfort this season by calling 925-444-4444 to take advantage of this exclusive $38 offer. We’ll arrive when we say, you’ll be happy when you pay… or its FREE!

 Give new life to your Struggling A/C in about an hour with our Precision Tune-Up for only $89! Our technicians are miracle workers, well maybe not miracle workers but they darn good at what they do. If you’re A/C unit just isn’t working they way it used to (or how you want it to), call to have one of our technicians give your AC the love it needs to get back up and working and with even more efficiency!

Call 925-444-4444 right away to make sure you can get your tune-up scheduled as our service teams have schedules that fill up quick!

Why Choose a Diamond Certified Company?


Where do you usually begin when you want to find a high quality local heating and air company? Most of us go to the Internet, the Yellow Pages, or talk to a friend. Sometimes these approaches work, ending in a satisfying customer experience. But too often you can feel your frustration because of a company’s poor performance or follow-up. With so many claims in the marketplace, it's difficult to know which companies are actually delivering on their promises.

Diamond Certified ends the guessing game by ensuring you'll be choosing from ONLY top-rated local companies. We believe in your right to know which local companies are performing at the highest level, and the peace of mind that comes from it.

Why Diamond Certified works for you.

They run the country's most rigorous and accurate rating and certification process of local companies. It starts with the in-depth pass/fail rating of our company's satisfaction, license, insurance, and business practices. Only those rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most simply can't qualify.

But they don't stop there. They continue to monitor our company and complete ongoing customer satisfaction research. Finally, they stand behind our ongoing rating and certification work by backing your purchase with the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee.

We care about customer satisfaction, and we care about you. We're proud to give you all the information you need to choose with confidence and proud to have been Diamond Certified for SEVEN YEARS RUNNING! And we look forward to the next seven as well.


Please call us with any questions, we would love to chat!

From all of us a Service Champions

 Your heating and air conditioning system is one of the most expensive appliances you have in your home. Like your car, your home comfort system has crucial parts that need to be professionally maintained and tune-up on an annual basis. Proper maintenance helps to keep your system running as efficiently as possible, can prolong the life of your system, lower your utility bills, and save you from unwanted repairs. 

To schedule a maintenance appointment, contact us today.

 Choosing the right contractor is an important step when it comes time to replacing your heating or air conditioning system. The experts know the procedures that make sure you will be well taken care of long after your equipment is installed.  When replacement time comes for you, consider the following contractor guidelines.

License 
Check to make sure the contractor’s license is current and if they are a member of a local or national organization.

Better Business Bureau
Are they members of the Better Business Bureau? Check the company history on www.bbb.org to see if they are reputable. It’s not only important to see how the company is rated, but also to see how the company follows up after something goes wrong. 

Ask for references
Customers that have used the contractor before will usually be willing to share their experience with you.

Maintenance Plans and Warranties
Ask about maintenance plans and the different warranties and guarantees
Warranties can vary, so make sure you are fully aware of the warranties and guarantees you are getting with the equipment you choose. 

Understand and Get a Written Contract 
If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask. Be wary of contractors that don’t want to give you a signed, written contract specifying your warranties.

 

 

A brief description from the EPA of Carbon Monoxide poisoning:
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

What does this mean to you?
Winter is upon us and that means we are all firing up the furnace. It takes the edge off those cool evenings. Still, warm comfortable air may not be the only thing your furnace is putting into your home. In fact, it might be releasing something else that's very dangerous. Even worse, you cant detect it.

Carbon Monoxide is a harmful gas -  its also known as CO - that can be emitted by your furnace. More than 10,000 cases of CO illness are reported each year; many of which are related to faulty furnaces. What happened to your furnace to cause it to release CO? Good question...

One of the vital components in your furnace is your heat exchanger. It plays a critical role in actually heating the air that's forced into your home to keep you comfortable. Like many things that are heated and cooled, heated and cooled, heated and cooled, this constant back and forth can cause the heat exchanger to break down. Over years and years of use, it simply cracks. When it cracks, carbon monoxide is released. 

Hopefully, your home is situated with at least one carbon monoxide detector in each level of your home. (If not you need them now!!!) They will protect you should large amounts of CO be released. On occasion these leaks can be very small. And they only discharge a slight amount of this harmful gas, and unless you have a high grade CO detector, it can go by unsuspected.

The best way to keep your family safe and to ensure your furnace's heat exchanger has not cracked is to have it inspected every heating season. A qualified HVAC technician - using several tools - can determine if your furnace is in safe and working order, or if a problem exists.

Service Champions specializes in detecting CO leaks. Our technicians are highly trained and use only state of the art tools in evaluating your furnace. This evaluation is part of our overall furnace tune-up. In addition to ensuring your safety, as part of the tune-up, your furnace will be cleaned, oiled, and prepared to run at its optimal state. That makes it run more efficient, and in turn, saves you money!

You can receive this tune-up FREE every heating season with our Service Champions Club Membership! Give us a call at 925-444-4444 to hear more about it! Or you can simply call us to conduct a tune-up on your system for only $78! That's a discounted price that won't last long. So, call us now! You'll feel better knowing your home is safe for your family.

A special thanks to AirTime500 for their help in creating this aticle

Are $78 Furnace Tune-Ups Really Necessary? Is It Worth It?

Necessary?

Your furnace is one of the most expensive appliances you have in your home. Just like your car, the furnace has dozens of crucial parts and therefor  needs to be professionally tuned-up and cleaned on an annual basis.

We are discounting our tune-ups by over 50%. From January 20^th until February 28^th homeowners can reviece an complete prescision tune-up and professional cleaning normally proced at $169 for only $78.  

Worth It?

To answer this question I asked the founder of Service Champions, Kevin Comerford.

“When I run this type of promotion I don’t expect to make any money on the front end.  I am confident homeowners who test out my service will be delighted. If they don’t see a savings on their utility bill or they don’t feel it was worth their hard earned dollar they can ask for a full refund, no quesitons asked.”

So there you go, you will get your money and satisfaction guaranteed! Is it worth it? How is it not?!

Whats Included?

The Tune-Up and cleaning is a 21 point inspection of your system that includes the following:

1. Test duct system for carbon monoxide
2. Test ignition system for safe and proper operation
3. Inspect for combustible material  around furnace
4. Calibrate and level thermostat
5. Test exhaust system for proper venting
6. Measure temperature difference Supply/Return
7. Test safety and control circuts for proper operation
8. Inspect and adjust fan belt tension (if applicable)
9. Clean existing filter
10. Lubricate and clean blower motor air vents
11. Brush, clean and vacuum burner
12. Brush, clean and vacuum heat exchangers
13.  Visually inspect heat exchanger for wear and cracks
14. Clean and test thermocouple for proper operation
15. Measure and adjust gas pressure for peak efficiency
16. Lubricate all moving parts, per manufacturer
17. Measure amperage and voltage of blower
18. Tighten and inspect all electrical wiring
19. Clean upper and lower combustion vents
20. Test for natural gas leaks
21. Clean Furnace exterior

 

Whew! The number of availability per 30 days is 250 appointments and trust us, they go FAST.

Call to make and appointment today! 

 Common Air Conditioning Problems

 

If you are having problems with your air conditioner, chances are you experiencing one of the following.  While we don’t recommend that you work on your own furnace or air conditioner, this list may help you understand what a technician is looking for and why they are making certain recommendations. In our experience the more educated a client is, the more comfortable they feel with their Heating and Air Conditioning Unit

 

 

 

4. Low Freon

Low Freon in the air conditioning unit is the same concept as low coolant in your radiator. If your system needs to be recharged with Freon there is a chance that there is a leak somewhere in the system. An inspection of your system by our technicians can easily indicate why the recharge is necessary and a tune-up can also be performed at the same time. We recommend this be done on an annual basis to avoid costly repairs as well as hazardous situations. Low Freon can also cause a frozen coil.

 

3. Frozen coil

Typically a frozen coil is the result of inadequate airflow ether from clogged filters or air ductwork. A video inspection of air ducting can be done by our

technicians live and onsite with you where they can show you exactly what is going on in your system!

 

2. Bad wiring

Bad wiring can be the result of many situations most commonly age, exposure, and improper installation by uncertified and or unlicensed technicians. Bad wiring deprives the unit of the power it needs and can also trip the circuit breaker and be a potential fire hazard if not taken care of. Our team of technicians at Service Champions check the wiring upon their annual inspections as part of the Diamond Club Membership.

 

 

1. Outside fan is not working

The purpose of the outside fan is to extract the heat from your home to the outside air. If the fan outside is not working it can be susceptible to overheating and even permanent damage to the compressor. If the outside fan is not working we recommend calling out a technician immediately as to avoid more costly, long term damage.   

Most all Air Conditioning issues can be prevented with annual maintenance that manufacturers recommend, but let’s be honest, so few of us do. If you would like to schedule a tune-up for your system you can click HERE or for a free diagnosis on your current system you can click HERE 




facts on rebate eligible HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING UNITS 


Room Air Conditioners

In California, a NEW room air conditioner will save you more than $100 each year in energy costs compared to an old, 1970s-era room AC.

• Save energy. A new ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioner uses 10% less energy than models that meet the minimum federal standard. This could mean a savings of $20 to $300 over the lifetime of the unit.
• Hold onto your cash. Every room air conditioner in your home made before 1998 costs you an extra $30 a year. Multiply your savings by the number of room air conditioners you replace.
• Get comfortable. ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners often include timers for better temperature control and improved convenience.
• Keep the peace. ENERGY STAR qualified units run more quietly, so your room isn’t just more comfortable, it’s more peaceful, too.
• Save the environment. By using less energy, ENERGY STAR room air conditioners help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

COMFORT CONSIDERATIONS

Right size, real savings. With room air conditioners, size matters. A properly sized unit may take slightly longer to initially cool the space, but it will maintain a more comfortable temperature and humidity level while using less energy.

Keep the sun out. Close your blinds on summer days to prevent the sun from warming your home. Try a ceiling fan. To feel more comfortable in summer, consider installing an ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fan in rooms where you tend to spend the most time.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

Why are ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners at least 10% more efficient than regular models? High-efficiency fan motors and advanced compressors use less energy to quietly and efficiently circulate cool air.

 


CASH REMAINING

$798,250

For the past 5 years, Service Champions partners with the Family Giving Tree to provide Christmas gifts for children in our community. This year, we are hosting a website,
http://vgt.familygivingtree.org/servicechampions, to allow our teammates, clients, families and friends to participate with us!

The website allows you to view each child's wish list item and a picture drawn by that child. You can choose to "Sponsor This Child" which puts their wish list gift in your shopping cart. You can then check out and pay or go on viewing more children and sponsor multiple Christmas gifts.

Please take a few moments to visit the website and sponsor a child. For many of these families, this could be the only present their children will receive this holiday. The giving tree ends Thursday, December 23rd, so hurry, hurry, before time gets away!

Thank you so much for helping us to promote this great cause!

As Federal Tax Credits are soon expiring, the availability for homeowners to purchase furnaces at such a low rate is coming to an end! Until the end of December only, a $2,984 furnace can be purchased for $997. This amazing price is made available by a $1,500 limited time tax federal tax credit in combination with our Winter Comfort Promotion. Please take a moment to educate yourself by having a technician come out to your home, for a no obligation consultation on your system, and at least give yourself and family the peace of mind knowing you checked out the option before it expires.

To schedule a technician to come out and give you a consultation on your options click here

For any more questions you have before scheduling please call! 925-444-4444

 
1. Be sure that your thermostat is programmed correctly. If your furnace is newer and is maintained on an annual basis, chances are your program for your furnace is not set correctly.
Try making sure the “Fan” is set to “Auto” and not to “On/Run”

2. Keep in mind forced air furnaces need to run through the ductwork, which is cold when the furnace is just starting. Give the furnace 2-5 minutes to warm up the ductwork and see if the air gets warmer. If the ductwork is old and has not been inspected in your home for some time, you may have large leaks and may be losing warm air to your attic and other areas. If your air takes some time to heat up, but does heat up, you may want to consider having an inspection into your ductwork and check for insulation at the same time.


If neither of those suggestions worked it is probably time to call in a pro. The good news is there are technicians who are able to take care of the very problem you are experiencing. In most instances we can get you back up and running in your comfortable home the same day!

If you would like to schedule for a technician to come out you can click HERE or call 925-444-4444

We cant wait to hear from you!

Service Champions techs are shown in this ABC - 7 video gearing up for this super hot week. Our G.M., Ray Dias, also comments on how we expect service this week to pick up because everyone will be turning on their air conditioners. No worries though if you need service for your air conditioning, we have techs on call all through the night ready make sure your home is cool and comfortable!

Don't forget to check out our online printable coupons ahead of time!

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, unforeseen 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' fund-raising 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.