Carbon Monoxide Safety

January 3rd, 2012

How safe is your home from carbon monoxide poisoning? Carbon monoxide poisoning is something most people don’t give enough attention. Just how dangerous is carbon monoxide to our health?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless odorless toxic gas so it’s hard to detect if one has been affected by it without even noticing that you’re already contaminated by this deadly silent killer. The source of carbon monoxide can come from various sources. Carbon monoxide is produced when any carbon based fuel is burned. These are fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, propane, kerosene, wood, coal or even charcoal all of which are used almost every day in our daily activities. In cases of low level carbon monoxide poisoning the symptoms are often mistaken for the flu.

What can be done to prevent this from happening in your home? Have your heating system serviced and checked every fall. Install low level carbon monoxide detectors in your home. We offer a very good detector which will alert you when the carbon monoxide level reaches 15 parts per million. This is the level at which long term exposure can produce flu like symptoms and can even be deadly to small children and the elderly.

Call us today at 918-742-6171 and we can set up an appointment to service your heating system and send you information on our carbon monoxide detectors.

Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

February 7th, 2011

Household Air Pollutants

Consider these Sources

There are many sources of indoor air pollution in any home. These include combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products; building materials and furnishings as diverse as deteriorated, asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, and cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and humidification devices; and outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution. Read the rest of this entry »

Sky High Heating Bills

February 7th, 2011

Get Control Of Your Heating Bills

Home Energy AuditThe cost of home heating continues to hit the homeowner harder each year. But sometimes you can end up spending even more than necessary by overlooking home energy wasters that, in many cases, are easy to remedy.

A home energy audit can help by pinpointing these areas and identifying ways to cut energy costs. In fact, you can conduct a simple audit on your own by following a few recommendations from the Department of Energy. Read the rest of this entry »

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home

February 6th, 2011

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home

buying a new homeBuying a home can be an exciting time. But even when location, price, size and curb appeal are exactly to your liking, other “added extras” could be headed your way in the form of high repair bills or costly surprises.

A thorough evaluation of the home by a qualified home inspector prior to purchase is your best bet for protection and preparation. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, home inspectors: Read the rest of this entry »

Wasting Money and Water Consumption

February 6th, 2011

Wasting Money and Water Consumption Can Be a Pain in the Drain

water consumptionA glass of water in a restaurant may come for free, but water use in your home comes at a price.

Taking a few small steps to conserve water can help you save big. The Department of Energy offers several recommendations:

Fix Leaks

The sound of dripping is annoying and expensive, with one drip per second typically costing $1 per month. Repair leaks in fixtures and pipes.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Quality, low-flow fixtures can be quite inexpensive, while achieving water savings of 25%-60%. Read the rest of this entry »

Avoiding Frozen Pipes During Extremely Cold Weather

February 6th, 2011

Avoid Frozen Pipes During Extremely Cold Weather

frozen pipesStatistics: Homeowners are five times more likely to file an insurance claim for home water damage than they are for fire damage during the life of their homeowners’ insurance policy.

Protecting your pipes should begin well before freezing conditions occur. At the first onset of cold Tulsa weather in the Fall, make sure that all garden hoses are removed from the outdoor spigots, the spigots and hoses drained and properly stored, and any outdoor water consuming devices made ready for the Winter. If you have an occasion to use a garden hose during the winter months, remember to disconnect the hose and drain the water from the hose and the spigot to avoid freezing damage. Read the rest of this entry »

Save Big on Energy Bill

October 6th, 2010

Save Big on Tulsa Energy Bill

tulsa energy“Weird Contraption” from the 1980’s is Now Slimmer, Way Smarter, and Ready to Slash Up to 47% Off Your Energy Bill

Yes, I thought it was weird then too. But that was the era of blue spiked hair as a fashion statement, so what do I know? Yet this inventor’s “thing” had promise. It was just a few years too early.

If you heard anything about hybrid cars, you know they’re the next wave in ultra fuel and energy savings. But did you know that same technology is available to reduce energy costs in your home?

It’s been around since the 1980’s but as with automobiles, the spike in fuel recently has caused an upsurge in popularity. Like hybrid cars, dual home heating systems work by splitting operations between fuel and electric sources. In this case, between a heat pump and a furnace. Read the rest of this entry »

Plumbing Tips

July 7th, 2010

Tulsa Plumbing Tips

At Bill Russell Plumbing, Heat & Air Company, we realize that every plumbing problem you may have may not require the expertise of a licensed journeyman plumber and can be corrected if you have the knowledge to complete your project. Here are a few tips that can help you do it yourself if you are so inclined. Of course we are always a phone call away at 918-742-6171 if you need our expertise. Read the rest of this entry »

Beat The Summer Heat With These Helpful Tips

July 6th, 2010

Tulsa Heating and Air Tips for Summer

Summer is here and it is time to refresh our memory of the simple things we can do to protect ourselves, our pets and our homes in the summer heat.

Protect Yourself

  • Be careful when performing strenuous activities on a hot day. Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion sufferers will exhibit cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; and exhaustion. Their body temperature will be near normal. Those in danger of heat stroke will have hot, red skin, changes in consciousness, rapid weak pulse and rapid shallow breathing. Their body temperature can be very high, as high as 105 degrees.
  • Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light colored clothing. The light color reflects heat and light and helps maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face by wearing a wide brimmed hat.
  • Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty. You must stay hydrated.
  • Avoid the intake of alcoholic beverages.
  • Eat well balanced, light, regular meals.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible. Read the rest of this entry »

What To Do About Water Damage

March 16th, 2010

Home Water Damage

Water is the sort of thing you can’t live without that can turn your home unlivable in a matter of moments. It’s the most common source of home damage – whether from big storms or leaking pipes, roofs and appliances.

The preferred way to deal with water damage, obviously, is to prevent it from occurring at all. For example:

  • Check household appliances regularly, including water heaters, washing machines, dishwasher, refrigerator and air conditioner. Inspect hoses. Look for leaks and signs of wear.
  • Check doors and windows to see if water is able to seep through.
  • Check the plumbing, including sinks, showers, bathtubs and toilets. Are pipes leaking? Is water collecting in any place? Are there cracks or holes?
  • Inspect your pipes. If they’re behind walls, under floors or above ceilings, look for signs of water stains on walls, floorboards and ceiling panels. For a thorough review schedule a professional plumbing inspection annually.
  • Inspect the roof for lost and cracked shingles or other signs of deterioration. Keep gutters and drains clear. Read the rest of this entry »