DO NOT send your kids to college!

That title is  strong but the American dream of sending your children off to college so they can get a great job and live better than you did is out of reach for many American families. Between the cost of a four year degree and the number of degrees that offer little economic future for the graduate, much has changed in the last couple of decades. College costs have exploded at the same time the value of most higher education is in decline. According to the Project on Student Debt, b

etween 2001 and 2010 the cost of a university education skyrocketed from 23% of median annual earnings to 38%. Two-thirds of today’s college graduates have to pay off student loans, which typically amount to tens of thousands of dollars and frequently climb into six figures. Student loan debt is a large part of the reason why so many young adults in their twenties and thirties are living with mom and dad these days. They can’t afford to start their own families and households. Some of them will be in debt for the rest of their lives.

Many of the jobs filled by college graduates with degrees have been replaced by automation operated by lower skilled and paid employees. A current report says the unemployment rate for recent graduates is 8.8% and the underemployment rate by those recently graduated is 18.3%. Many of those employed are in jobs their degree is not even needed.

There have been other alternates available for young people to provide for themselves and a family but the common wisdom has said college is the only way. Let us give you and your kids an alternative of which we are intimately aware.

As a heating, air conditioning and plumbing contractor, we see the existing shortage of highly skilled young men and women in our field of service and replacement. The opportunities are here today for motivated young people to earn while they learn or to be earning after achieving an associate’s degree from a local education facility. Starting wages are well above minimum wage and by their later twenties they can easily be earning $60,000 to $80,000. Along with a good income they won’t have that sizable college loan to repay, will have several more years of income and will have jobs that are “green” and in high demand.

Some other options include the opportunity to move into management positions, designing positions, sales positions and become self-employed business owners. The health of each of us is as dependent on the plumber as the doctor. Our comfort is as dependent on the heating and air conditioning technician as that easy chair. Each of these areas doesn’t have the pizazz of some other jobs but they do have the stability and future that many other jobs may not possess.

Contact us for information or visit our website at www.HomeServiceCorp.com and to talk to us about a future that may be right for your son or daughter!

Home Service Corporation

Celebrating our 32^nd year serving our Michigan customers Heating & Air Conditioning , Plumbing and Electrical needs.

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11 Warm Weather Energy Saving Tips

With warmer weather there are several things every homeowner should do to prepare their home’s plumbing and air conditioning system for the spring and summer seasons. These are activities that will help to assume proper operation of the systems, prevent damage and save energy costs.

1. Remove the cover you may have put on your air conditioning unit. Be sure the power is on to the outdoor air conditioning unit. This will allow the oil to warm up and freely flow when you need to turn the unit on.
2. Carefully clean weeds and plants that may interfere with airflow to the outdoor air conditioning unit. Clean any debris around the unit. Don’t let the weed-wacker near the unit’s coil as it might damage the unit.
3. Use some car polish to clean the cabinet of your air conditioner. It will not be an eyesore in your yard.
4. Install a new filter in your furnace for the cooling season. A dirty filter is often the reason for a service call that could have been prevented.
5. Turn off the water supply to your humidifier and if there is a damper for the humidifier be sure to put it in the summer mode. It’s also a good time to clean the humidifier removing the calcium buildup and replace the media to be ready for fall.
6. If you have a setback thermostat, now is the time to set the cooling setbacks and check to see if you changed the time for daylight savings.
7. Check the insulation on the air conditioner piping from the outdoor unit to the point it enters the wall of your home. This insulation helps save energy by not allowing the refrigerant to operate properly.
8. Check to be sure that the ground around your outdoor air conditioning unit has not shifted and caused the unit to lean. This can cause the unit to fail prematurely.
9. Turn the water on to the outside faucets. Check inside the basement and the faucets themselves for any leaks. Also it’s time to start-up the sprinkler system and check for leaks at piping or at the sprinkler heads.
10. Check the outlet of the sump pump to assure free flow for the water to discharge at least 5 feet from the house.
11. Our trained technicians can check the mechanical portion of your air conditioning system to assure efficient operation to save you operating costs and continuous operation when you need it. Every manufacturer recommends semi-annual checks by qualified technicians on your heating and air conditioning system.

Call us early for preseason savings on system checks! If your system is 10 years or older it may be time to consider replacing it with a quiet high efficient unit. Contact us for more information or visit our website at www.HomeServiceCorp.com. Home Service Corporation Celebrating our 32^nd year serving our Michigan customers Heating & Air Conditioning , Plumbing and Electrical needs.

Need a Plumber or Heating Contractor?

Over the years we have seen so many bids lost to the low bidder. It was a plumbing repair or a duct cleaning or a furnace replacement. The buyer was so focused on price that they did not qualify the bidders for their job. Then the homeowner got burner. We have seen this time and time again.

So what was the homeowner supposed to check into before buying? Here is a list you can use on your next service need or replacement need:

1. Could you show me your liability and workman’s comp insurance. If not you may pay later!
2. Could you show me your proper state and federal licenses and certifications?
3. Can I have a copy of the permit you are obtaining for the work?
4. What training do your Technicians have?
5. Do your Technicians have a criminal background or drug tests prior to hiring?
6. What is the quality of the materials that will be used?
7. What do other customers say about this contractor?
8. What’s your experience and that of your employees?
9. What is the financial status of the contractor? Do the trucks look clean and in good working order? Will they be there for you in the future for warranty work?
10. Who is standing behind the quoted warranty?
11. Why should I feel safe with your Technician in your home?
12. What do you and your Technicians do to protect your health and property?
13. Are the Technicians trained in the safest work practices?
14. Do you have 24/7 service if something goes wrong?
15. Have you given me choices so I can choose the solution that I believe fits my needs?
16. Do you have a street address if I need to find you?
17. Can I get a planned maintenance program on my home comfort system?
18. How are you an active part of our community?
19. Who will remove the debris and cleanup the work area after the job is complete?
20. Are you and your Technicians familiar with my plumbing and heating systems?
21. Is your office in or very near to my community?

When these questions are overlooked, the homeowner pays. Television programs like “Holmes on Homes” and investigative programs often highlight the consequences to homeowners who fail to check the contractors they hire. Many of the questions bring items to light that the low bidder cuts to save costs. The cuts affect quality, safety, and warranty for the homeowner. As the old commercial used to state, “You can pay now or you can pay later!” Legitimate contractors expenses are greater to provide you with safety, quality, and warranty on their repairs and installations.

We are always willing to share all the above information with you. Contact us for more information or visit our website at www.HomeServiceCorp.com.

Home Service Corporation

Celebrating our 32^nd year serving our Michigan customers Heating & Air Conditioning , Plumbing and Electrical needs.

Financial Cliff Bonus?

As we avoided the “financial cliff” most people did not realize there was a lot more to the bills passed by Congress and signed by the President. There were political favors to certain States and industries which most of us were not aware of. But there was also some tax credits put in which are retroactive to 2012 so you will be able use them when you file your taxes for 2012. And, they are also in effect for 2013. So you ask, what are the strings attached. Here they are:

• If you purchased a high efficiency furnace in 2012 or purchase one in 2013 up to a $200.00 tax credit.
• If you purchased a high efficiency air conditioner or heat pump in 2012 or purchase one in 2013 up to a $300.00 tax credit.
• If you purchased a high efficiency boiler in 2012 or purchase one in 2013 up to a $150.00 tax credit.
• If you purchased a high efficiency Hot water heater in 2012 or purchase one in 2013 up a $300 tax credit.
• You can get a credit up to a total of $500.00 limit going back to 2005.*

There may also be utility rebates in your area. DTE and Consumers Energy both have programs available with some strings:

• If you purchased a high efficiency furnace up to a $510.00 rebates.
• If you purchased a high efficiency air conditioner or heat pump up to a $260.00 rebate.
• If you purchased a high efficiency boiler up to $1,110.00 rebate. **

Our furnace and air conditioning manufacturers have rebates for certain high efficiency equipment. These can add up to additional saving of hundreds of dollars.

With the low interest rates today you can finance your new energy saving equipment and save from years past when interest rates were much higher.

Also save during January, February, and March as it is our slower time of year and we are cutting our prices to the bone!

Call today to start saving on the installation and on your utility bills year after year.

Contact us for more information or visit our website at www.HomeServiceCorp.com.

Home Service Corporation

Celebrating our 32^nd year serving our Michigan customers Heating & Air Conditioning , Plumbing and Electrical needs.

*Check with your accountant to assure you qualify.

**Check with us to see if you qualify.

What are you breathing? (Part 2)

In the first article, we wrote about dust and VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). We discussed what they are, and some ways to reduce or eliminate them from the air in your home. These are the most talked about indoor air issues but there are several more to bring to your attention.

The first is that of bacteria, viruses, and mold can be in the air of your home. The American Lung Association discusses this issue on their website, http://tinyurl.com/c97dhu5. They mention the need for good airflow inside buildings including homes to reduce the concentration of any airborne bacteria. They also mention the need to keep the ductwork and equipment free of moisture as much as possible. How can these be accomplished?

For good airflow within your home, be sure that each room you use has the register open and the return air grille unblocked so air can circulate in the home. If you have a fresh air intake for your home, as we discussed in the last article, be sure it is operating properly. If you blocked it to “save energy”, open it up and allow fresh air into your duct system. Higher efficiency air filters can help to reduce the dust and other particles in the air which can hold bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.

Technicians often find water in the furnace when they inspect a unit that has not had semi-annual maintenance. The culprits here are the humidifier or the indoor coil of the air conditioning unit. If the humidifier is not serviced regularly, it can overflow or drip into the furnace and cause excessive moisture or puddles in the system. These become breeding areas for bacteria, viruses, and mold. When the indoor coil of the air conditioning system is dirty or the drain becomes plugged it can leak into the furnace causing the same issues. Both of these are maintenance issues which are best taken care of by a qualified Technician if you are not exceptionally handy and do not have all the necessary tools.

Other moisture causes can include a damp basement or crawl space since air can be drawn into the duct system from these areas. If you have ductwork under a slab area of your home, ground water can seep into the duct system. Plumbing leaks which may drip into the duct system can occasionally be a contributor to excess moisture. Mold on bathroom walls or other moist areas can release spores which can be distributed throughout the home via the duct system. These causes need to be checked and addressed.

Dust, VOC’s, bacteria, viruses, and mold are an even greater concern for those with breathing problems. This can include those with asthma, allergies, small children, infants, and those with compromised lungs. Extra precautions may need to be taken to provide the best air quality for these individuals. These precautions include assuring the duct system is clean and sanitized. The filter system can be upgraded to extra high efficiency style such as HEPA type. Ultra-violet systems can be added to the ductwork. Self-cleaning humidifiers can reduce possible bacteria or mold formation in the system. Fresh air intakes can be added to the ductwork to keep VOC’s levels down. Each of these is available from us today.

In our next article we will cover two very dangerous gases which could be in your home and how to determine if you need to take action.

Contact us for more information or visit our website at www.HomeServiceCorp.com.

Home Service Corporation

Celebrating our 32^nd year serving our Michigan customers Heating & Air Conditioning , Plumbing and Electrical needs.

What are you breathing?

One of the areas of recent concern for the average homeowner is the “quality” of the indoor air. There are multiple facets to this word when it is use to describe the air inside of a home. So it will vary depending on the individual home, its contents, and the life style of the homeowners. Let’s look at a few of the things that contribute to lessening the quality of your home.

Most homeowners think of dust control and elimination when they think of indoor air quality. Dust is visible on furniture and sometimes in the air. We think of the air being “dirty” when we see it. The standard filter in most systems does little to remove dust unless the particles are quite large. An upgrade to a high efficiency paper filter or an electronic filter can minimize this problem. Dust which is not airborne and channeled through the ductwork to the filter cannot be removed by any filter. Once it settles on furniture, unless disturbed, it is going to remain on the furniture until you clean it. Just as dust settles on your furniture, it can settle in the ductwork of your home along with other debris and create a health hazard. Having your ducts cleaned every 5-10 years can help eliminate that issue. Ducts can also be sanitized to reduce the chances of mold or bacterial build-up in the duct system.

There are other issues we must look at when we talk about indoor air and improving the quality of the air we daily breathe. We have chemicals in the air often designated as VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Many are harmless and present in our homes. Others can be cariogenic or aggravate other health issues such as asthma. Homes built fifty or more years ago had more infiltration of outside air causing more changes of the air inside of a home. This would dilute the concentration of the VOCs. With upgrades to the older homes and the tighter construction of newer homes, the infiltration is much less, thus there is less dilution of VOCs. We have also introduced a much greater variety of materials into the construction and the furnishing of our homes. Many of these materials have not been tested for the pollutants they may give off. Newly built homes have a requirement for outside air to be ducted into the system to assure enough fresh air is getting into the home to help dilute these VOCs. There are also charcoal filters and special UV lights which can reduce the VOCs in your indoor air. Homeowners can also reduce the VOCs within the home by selecting building materials and furnishings which give off fewer VOCs. For example, many of today’s paints will have fewer VOCs or are designed to give off zero VOCs.

In our next article, we will discuss how to reduce mold and bacteria in your home’s air. We will also cover special situations for those with airborne allergies. Check us out in the weeks to come.

Contact us for more information or visit our website at www.HomeServiceCorp.com.

Home Service Corporation

Celebrating our 32^nd year serving our Michigan customers Heating & Air Conditioning , Plumbing and Electrical needs.

Mistakes Homeowners make when replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit

Purchasing a new heating, cooling or air quality system for your home is one of the most important buying decisions you and your family will make. Before committing to such a large investment, it’s important to do your research and ask some serious questions so you can avoid making the following mistakes:

1. Choosing an Unqualified or Unlicensed Contractor

Picking the right contractor could be the most important part of the furnace or air conditioner buying process yet most people don’t ask enough questions to make sure the contractor is properly qualified and experienced for the installation. Be sure to check with your community to be sure the contractor has the proper license and that the Technicians are certified by the manufacturer and the North America Technician Excellence testing group (www.natex.org). Also that the company has appropriate liability and workman’s compensation insurance.

2. Getting Only One Estimate

When you’re shopping for a new gas furnace or central air conditioner, you should always get more than one estimate. Select two or three contractors with excellent reputations in your area. Ensure that each estimate is written on a proper form and always take the time to review and compare the quality of the equipment and warranties offered. Does the estimate include the removal of old equipment and materials? Are permits included in the estimate?

Be sure to pay attention to the Sales Consultant  or Technician to see how knowledgeable and professional they are. How long have they been in the business? Did they explain all of the rebates that are available for your system? Your experience with the Sales Consultant could be a good indicator as to what type of service to expect from that contractor later on.

3. Always Going for the Lowest Price

You should always select a contractor that promotes the quality of their installation service and equipment at reasonable rates, rather than just picking the one that offers the lowest price. The lowest price does not necessarily mean the best value. For example, the less expensive contractor might not offer valuable services such as 24-hour emergency response or maintenance and service agreements after the installation. Other items may also be missing from the quote.

4. Thinking Price is the Only Factor

The purchase price should not be the only important factor in your decision. The noise level of your new system is something you will have to live with every day, while the energy efficiency of the system will determine how much your heating or cooling costs will be (energy efficiency is determined by the SEER ratings – be sure the Sales Consultant fully explains what these numbers mean). Choosing the right product for your lifestyle and length of time you will be in the home will allow you to live comfortably and save money.

5. Ignoring the Fine Print in the Warranty

It is important to fully understand the warranty that is being provided by each contractor. You should always inquire if the warranty covers parts only or both parts and labor. Also ask if there any extra charges above and beyond the warranty coverage, such as an after-hours service labor charge. Always ensure that the contractor provides you with a written warranty form for your records. Some contractors only have in house warranties which are only as good as the contractor or as long as he is in business. Be sure to select a contractor that has been in business for at least 10 years, which means they are more likely to be in business to honor your warranty.

6. Forgetting to Ask About Insurance

The contractor you deal with should always have public liability and property damage insurance. If sub-contractors are utilized, the contractor should also have the proper liability insurance. If the contractor isn’t insured, you could be held fully responsible for any damages to the equipment or your home during the installation process as well as any medical costs if an installer is hurt on the job.

Always make sure the contractor has coverage for their employees with workman’s compensation insurance. Are all the employees drug tested and are their backgrounds checked?

7. Making Too Big of a Deposit

If a deposit is required, it should never be more than 25% of the total job and all payments should be made directly to the company named in the contract.

8. Not Asking for References

Reputable contractors will be more than willing to provide you with the names and addresses of customers they have done work for. Ask neighbors, family, friends and co-workers their opinion of any contractor they’ve used in the past. Also check the online reputation of your contractor.

9. Believing Your System Will Never Break Down

In case something goes wrong with your system, it’s always a good idea to make sure that the company you choose has after-sales service capability. Inquire if they have a full service department and ask how many service vehicles they have on the road. Do they respond to calls after 11 p.m. or on weekends? How quickly can they be there if you have no heat?

10. Lack of Proper Training or Instruction

Most contractors have a habit of installing the furnace or air conditioner and then leaving without explaining how to properly operate or maintain the system. This leaves you, the homeowner, with the task of trying to figure out exactly how to reset electronic thermostats and replace furnace filters (which can become quite costly if not done properly). Be sure you receive operational instructions and a person to contact when you have questions.

Contact us for more information or visit our website at www.HomeServiceCorp.com.

Home Service Corporation

Celebrating our 32^nd year serving our Michigan customers Heating & Air Conditioning , Plumbing and Electrical needs.

You Can Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later

This phrase was used by an oil filter company several years ago to remind us that our cars and trucks need regular service. The commercial advised us that if we fail to change the oil and filter at regular intervals as recommended by the automobile manufactures, we would be paying the auto repair shop for major repairs at a later date. Most car owner realize they need to change the oil and filter, check the tire pressure, check the radiator fluid, change the wiper blades, and do the other regular maintenance to keep the car safe, operating, and maximize the life of the vehicle. When a vehicle is purchased the dealer covers the details about the vehicle including the regular maintenance needed. They put you on a mailing list to remind you about maintenance, they email you, they offer discounts for coming in for service, and they even telephone you to remind you about maintenance.

Although your investment in home comfort system is not as great as a new or used vehicle it has become a major investment in your home. The technology and construction of the new units has increased the efficiency of the system, but it has also increased the initial cost and the repair cost substantially. Over the last couple of decades, the installed cost of a new furnace and air conditioning unit have more than doubled. The components of each are much more sophisticated which increases cost and setup. So as an experienced heating and air conditioning contractor, I ask you, “Do you want to pay me now or pay me later?” Twice yearly maintenance on your system can eliminate many of those costly breakdown issues. It will also substantially increase the life of the unit saving you replacement money for many more years. The added bonus is the utility cost for operating your system will be minimized with a well maintained system.

Every manufacturer of heating and cooling equipment strongly recommends semi-annual maintenance. They publish it in their literature and always advise the consumer of that recommendation. Your utility also strongly recommends twice a year maintenance checks on your system. For many, they have partial rebates on maintenance checks to reduce the use of natural gas and electricity.

Call us today for a maintenance check on your system. We can setup a regular schedule so you will be automatically be contacted for your next maintenance checkup. This plan includes special savings on any service or purchase from us, gives you priority service, and protection on your investment. And as an added bonus, we will give you a free inspection of your plumbing system (at your convenience) to help you save utility costs and detect potential issues before they become major emergency problems.

Contact us for more information or visit our website at www.HomeServiceCorp.com.

Home Service Corporation

Celebrating our 32^nd year serving our Michigan customers Heating & Air Conditioning , Plumbing and Electrical needs.

A New Heating & Air Conditioning Idea

We have been asked by customers if there was a way to cool and heat a family room addition on the back of their home. Maybe they just had a duct from their home system or a wall heater without air to provide comfort in that room. Now they would like to have air conditioning and an upgraded heating unit. We have just the thing for them. It’s a ductless split system or as it’s called in the industry, a mini-split unit. These units are compact and very energy efficient. Mini-splits have been used in Europe and Asia for decades so the technology is well beyond the first generation of product. They come in a variety of capacities to meet the needs of your room or rooms. Did we say room or rooms? Yes we did. They are capable of cooling and heating as many as eight rooms at different temperatures and on different schedules.

Ductless Heating & Cooling System

But you say, “I don’t want some big ugly unit in my room or rooms and I definitely don’t want a bunch of units sitting in my backyard.”  The indoor units are small and come in a variety of shapes and designs. Some can mount in the ceiling or high on a wall. Some are like a baseboard unit and some can actually have artwork on the front of them. All the piping, wiring and other “stuff” is enclosed within the units. The outdoor units are thin and very compact with some able to be wall mounted so they don’t junk up the yard. When you have multiple rooms to heat and cool, a single outdoor unit can usually handle it.

If it’s a room that you sleep in or a family room where you watch television, you want a very quiet system. These are very quiet systems which won’t interfere with your daily activities. There is another great feature for the homeowner; there is no wall thermostat to clutter up your room or rooms. These units have remotes which can be stored in a drawer out of the way when you don’t need to change the temperature or fan settings. When you have a unit cooling and heating multiple rooms you can also have a master or central control to manage your comfort.

Mini-Split Indoor Unit

Are there other locations that these systems could provide the comfort you are looking for? The answer is yes! These systems are often used for older two or three story homes which were built without air conditioning and baseboard heat. The second or third floor can be cooled and heated with each room having individual control. Finished basements are another great application. Homes originally built on slabs with baseboard heating are regularly cooled with these systems. These units are also used in many commercial applications.

There are several manufactures of these units with different capacities and designs so we can find one that fits your needs. Call us today for a quote to solve that area of your home that is too warm in summer and too cool in winter.

Contact us for more information or visit our website at www.HomeServiceCorp.com.

Home Service Corporation

Celebrating our 32^nd year serving our Michigan customers Heating & Air Conditioning , Plumbing and Electrical needs.

What is that big thing in Joe’s backyard?

Lately we have been receiving calls from customers asking what that big thing is in their neighbor’s backyard. There used to be a cute little air conditioning unit (which made quite a racket when it ran) but that’s gone and there is this new big box unit of some sort out there.” What’s going on?” They ask.

Let me explain what has happened in the heating and air conditioning industry over the past few years. We have had a tremendous amount of change within the industry.

First the efficiency of both the furnaces and air conditioners have had a substantial increase. So what has happened, you ask? The furnaces actually have decreased in size with most of them less than three and half feet tall. They have new types of components such as an additional heat exchanger to capture more of the heat for your home rather than it going out the flue pipe. The blower motors are a much newer technology which run quieter and use far less energy than the older motors. Just like your car, the controls to operate the furnace are more complicated and require much more knowledge on the technician’s side and computers (circuit boards) run the furnace for even more safety and energy savings.

Let’s move on to that big box in Joe’s backyard. Believe it or not that is Joe’s new air conditioning unit. Often the units are 50 – 100% larger than the older unit it replaced. If you went into Joe’s home and looked at his furnace and ductwork you would see that the inside portion of the air conditioning system (the indoor coil) is also much larger than the old one. There are several reasons for this. First the new efficiency standards cause the physical size of the units to be much larger. Next because of increasing electrical costs many homeowners are electing to install units with even greater efficiency to reduce the electrical operating costs. So the unit grows larger. An additional reason is in the phase out of the long used refrigerant, R-22, and the introduction of the refrigerant (R-410A) which has replaced it. It also contributes to increase in side of an air conditioning unit. Although they do not contribute to the size of the unit, most have computer controls (circuit boards). Additionally, some will have variable or stepped capacity to save energy but once again it does not add to the unit size.

With homes being tighter, causing less air change from outside, the quality of the indoor air has become increasingly scrutinized.  Many new products have been introduced to humidify the air, clean the air, and replace the inside air efficiently. These can really improve the health of your family especially if a family member has airborne allergies or asthma. Depending on your needs these can be added to an existing system or included on a new system.

Contact us for more information or visit our website at www.HomeServiceCorp.com.

Home Service Corporation

Celebrating our 32^nd year serving our Michigan customers Heating & Air Conditioning , Plumbing and Electrical needs.