If your furnace is 10-15 years old, it’s already reached its average lifespan. If it’s even older and still working fine, consider yourself among the fortunate few. But here’s the thing: no matter how new or old it might be, it won’t last forever. So, is now the time to replace it? It could be…
How to Reduce Your Heating & Cooling Costs
Here in Arlington, TX and throughout the area, we have pronounced changes of seasons. When it’s cold, it can be brutally cold. And when summer rolls around, the heat can take your breath away. What kind of weather makes you the most comfortable? Whatever that might be, it’s even more important to be prepared for…
How to Get Rid of Dust Mites
They’re invisible to the naked eye, and found in every home. And, for anyone suffering from allergy or asthma, they can make your life miserable. Who or what are we talking about? None other than dust mites. These tiny creatures nestle down deep into couch cushions, upholstered chairs, carpeting, and bedding. They live off organic…
How to Get Rid of Dry Indoor Air
A “dry house” isn’t one where adult beverages are banned – at least not for purposes of this newsletter. It is, however, a place where the air is so dry, it might be causing you any number of problems, including: Frequent bloody noses Dry skin Dry throat Itchy, watery eyes Static electrical shock A worsening…
How to Clean Winter Garments
For most people here in the DFW area, clothes washing is no big deal. Sure, it can be time-consuming, but you’re used to that. On the other hand, washing items like coats, hats, sweaters, and other items not part of your weekly regimen can be a real pain in the “you know what,” but only…
What is a Furnace Heat Exchanger, and What Does It Do?
A heat exchanger is part of your furnace and performs two key functions in keeping you and your home nice and warm, all winter long: It provides heat during furnace operation. It houses the combustion gases that are produced when your furnace burns fuel to keep them out of your family’s living spaces. Essentially, a…
What Goes into a Furnace Tune Up
Just like with most things in life, there’s the right and plenty of wrong ways to do everything. Here at Optimum, we trained and worked in the field for many long years to perfect the art of a furnace tune-up and inspection – not to pat ourselves on the back for a job well done,…
Fireplace Maintenance Tips
Are you a fan of curling up in front of warm fire when outside temperatures turn colder? Most people are, and what’s not to like about it! On the other hand, fireplaces aren’t maintenance free, which means true enjoyment can be had only after you’ve had your fireplace and chimney thoroughly cleaned by a professional…
How to Keep Your Home Flu Free
The fall and winter seem to have a second name – flu season. In fact, the only apparent difference from one year to the next is the extent of the outbreak. But here’s what doesn’t change: the several ways you can help keep the flu away from your door. Get Vaccinated – This is the…
How New Carpeting Can Make You Sick
“New” can be a wonderful scent. A new car with leather interior, a fresh coat of paint, new wood furniture…often, there’s nothing quite like it. And yet some new household odors aren’t nearly as inviting. For many people throughout the East Valley, that includes the scent from new carpeting and carpet padding. That familiar odor…