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As the seasons change, so does the air we breathe. Transitioning from winter to summer mode in our homes isn’t just about adjusting the thermostat; it’s about ensuring the air we breathe is clean and healthy. Here are some tips to help you maximize indoor air quality, or IAQ.

7 Summer IAQ Tips

Filter Fundamentals: Replacing or cleaning air filters is crucial for maintaining good air quality. Filters trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. During the switch from winter to summer, ensure your filters are fresh to handle the increased allergens of the season1.
Ventilation is Vital: Proper ventilation helps remove stale air and brings in fresh outdoor air. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to expel pollutants and consider an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) for a more efficient air exchange.
Humidity Control: Humidity levels can impact air quality. Too much moisture can lead to mold growth, while too little can irritate respiratory conditions. Aim to keep indoor humidity between 30-50%.
Seasonal Switch for HVAC Systems: Your HVAC system likely has different heating and cooling settings. When switching to ‘summer mode,’ have a professional inspect your system to ensure it’s clean and functioning efficiently.
Mind the Materials: Be aware of the materials in your home, such as paint, glue, and cleaning products. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be emitted by paints, furniture, carpeting, and building materials, deteriorating air quality. Opt for low-VOC products when possible.
Go Green with Plants: Indoor plants can improve air quality by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen. They’re a natural and aesthetic way to enhance the air in your home. Be mindful of their toxicity, especially if you have pets or small children.
Regular Cleaning Routines: Establish a cleaning routine that includes dusting and vacuuming to reduce the accumulation of pollutants. Also, consider professional duct cleaning to remove any debris that may have settled over time.

By following these tips, you can ensure that the air in your home remains healthy and refreshing, making the transition between seasons seamless and beneficial for your well-being.

John Betlem can help you get the indoor air quality products and services you need.

When you count on John Betlem to help meet your indoor air quality needs, you can rest assured that we will provide you with expert services and high-quality products. Our technicians are certified in indoor air quality, which means they understand the different causes of poor air quality inside your home and can help you find a custom solution for your needs. If you’d like to learn more about our indoor air quality services, simply give us a call at (585) 632-6792 and we will be happy to help.

Once the summer weather arrives, most people find they’re spending more time at home. With the kids on break and many people opting for staycations away from work, this can mean your home’s energy usage soars when summer rolls in.

Fortunately, you can do a few things to help keep your summer energy usage down, all while staying more comfortable in your home.

7 Energy-Saving Tips for Summer

Keep reading to discover seven energy-saving tips that can help you stay cool AND keep your energy budget manageable this summer!

Maintain Your AC: Ensure your air conditioning system is serviced annually by a professional HVAC contractor for optimal performance.
Block Out the Sun: Use curtains or blinds to prevent heat gain through your windows, especially during peak sunlight hours.
Change Your Water Usage: Opt for cooler showers and avoid using hot water during peak heat times to reduce indoor humidity and temperature.
Check Air Filters and Vents: Clean or replace your air filters regularly, and make sure vents are not obstructed to improve airflow and efficiency.
Use Fans Wisely: Ceiling fans should be set to rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down. Remember to turn them off when leaving the room as they cool people, not spaces.
Adjust the Thermostat: Set your thermostat to a comfortable level that minimizes the difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures to save on cooling costs.
Seal Windows and Doors: Check for leaks around doors and windows and seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulk to prevent warm air from entering and cool air from escaping.

Implementing these tips can save energy during the hot summer months, helping you stay cool and conserve energy!

Count on John Betlem to help with home energy efficiency.

When you choose John Betlem, you’ll get the full service you deserve for all your home comfort needs, including HVAC, electrical, and home performance. We provide complete services that include air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair, electrical maintenance, repair and upgrades, and water heater and insulation services. We’re ready to help you get your home ready for the warmer weather ahead. Give us a call at (585) 357-0415 and we’ll be happy to talk to you about the services we offer and schedule an appointment.

When the summer season arrives, many people look forward to fun times outside, but that doesn’t mean we stop relying on our home’s electrical system. It’s important to make sure your electrical system is in good working condition, no matter what time of year it is, but there are some special concerns that you might have during the warmer months.

In this article, we’ll discuss five common summer electrical issues, what you can do to prevent them, and how John Betlem can help keep your home’s electrical system in top condition. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Common Summer Electrical Problems

Increased Electrical Load: In the summer, your air conditioning system runs more frequently and it’s likely that there will be more people home during the day using electronics, and that can add up to an increased electrical load on your system. Signs that your electrical system may be overloaded include sparks from plugs, flickering lights, overheated receptacles, and tripped circuit breakers. An upgraded electrical panel can help if you commonly experience this during the summer months.
Power Outages: Along with warm, sunny days, the summer months can also bring thunder and lightning storms, which may result in full power outages (blackouts) and sudden power surges. Power surges can damage computers, televisions, HVAC equipment and appliances. A whole-home surge protector can help prevent these types of damage to your home.
Brownouts: Brownouts often occur during power outages. They happen for a variety of reasons, such as a summer storm or overdemand on your area’s power grid. Brownouts are not full power outages, but during them power is reduced to your electronics, appliances, and HVAC system, and that can cause overheating and short-circuiting. You should unplug appliances and electronics during a brownout and turn off your HVAC system until power is fully restored.
Frequent Power Surges: During a power outage, you may experience a surge of power when the electricity to your home is restored. However, power-demanding appliances, like AC units, stoves, and refrigerators, can draw excessive power, especially when used simultaneously. Again, a whole-home surge protector can help minimize the effects of power-sapping appliances.
Overuse of Ceiling Fans: Unlike air conditioning systems, ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air, but they help keep the air moving around, which can help you feel cooler. During the summer, change the direction of your ceiling fan’s blades so they rotate counterclockwise, which will help maximize the cooled air in your home. And, to conserve energy and lighten the load on your electrical system, turn off ceiling fans when you’re not in the room. And, if you have older ceiling fans in your home, there are likely more efficient models available that can help you save energy and stay more comfortable.

If you’re worried about your home’s electrical system, and the demands the summer months can place on it, you should contact an experienced electrical contractor like John Betlem. We can help ensure that your electrical system is operating effectively and safely.

John Betlem offers whole-home surge protection and more.

Here at John Betlem Heating & Cooling, we install surge protectors for your entire home to better support your residence. We only hire first-rate electricians to ensure your home or business is safe and up to date with electrical codes. A top-notch warranty covers every job, which is backed by more than 80 years in the business. Give us a call for all your electrical needs for your home and office at (585) 639-3692.

At John Betlem, we strive to support the community where we work and live. Recently, we contributed to EquiCenter, a non-profit facility dedicated to providing therapeutic services to individuals with disabilities, veterans, and at-risk youth.

EquiCenter's mission is to foster growth, wellness, and educational opportunities through equestrian, horticultural, and outdoor experiences. Committed to serving people of all ages and abilities, EquiCenter continually expands its range of therapeutic activities to meet the diverse needs of the community.

We recently installed a ductless system in a brand-new classroom and office at EquiCenter. The system was donated in collaboration with vendors Carrier and Northeast, allowing improved comfort for the center's newly expanded facility.

"We are so thankful for the generosity of John Betlem Heating and Cooling and their donation to EquiCenter. Having a climate-controlled classroom space will allow us to offer a variety of opportunities to many populations of participants comfortably. A heated/air-conditioned classroom is something we have always dreamed about, and John Betlem helped make it a reality. Thank you, John Betlem Heating & Cooling, for your continued support of our mission," said Sara McLaughlin, The Director of Equine Assisted Learning.

"John Betlem is honored to be part of this meaningful project that aligns with our commitment to giving back to the community," said Jim Betlem, President and Operations Manager at John Betlem. "We recognize the vital role EquiCenter plays in enriching the lives of those it serves, and we are thrilled to contribute to the growth of such an impactful organization."

In addition to their ongoing support for community initiatives, John Betlem engages in monthly special, employee-chosen donations. The company's dedication to making a positive impact aligns seamlessly with EquiCenter's vision of creating a nurturing environment for personal development and achievement.

Spring has sprung, and that means that soon, the trees will be budding, and flowers will be blooming. And, for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, it also means that sniffles and sneezes will be returning as well. While there’s not much we can do to help you combat allergens outdoors, we can help you to improve the air quality in your home.

At John Betlem, we proudly offer a variety of indoor air quality (IAQ) products that can help keep allergens at bay – helping you enjoy fresher, cleaner air and a healthier allergy season. In this article, we’ll talk about the indoor air quality products we offer that can help reduce pollen, dander, and other allergens in your home’s air, and how we can help improve your home’s IAQ. Keep reading to learn more!

Top 6 Indoor Air Quality Products for Allergies

While we offer several indoor air quality solutions, there are some that can really help when it comes to reducing pollen, pet dander, mold, and other allergens. These products include:

iWave Whole Home Air Purification: Available in three models, the iWave provides ultimate air purification for homeowners who are looking to reduce allergens, odors, mold, bacteria, and viruses. The iWave can be installed in any AC or heating system, allowing it to actively purify your whole house.
Ultraviolet (UV) Purification: Our UV purifiers both eliminate mold and bacteria, while killing the organisms that often grow in home cooling systems. Installing UV purification will help you enjoy improved air quality and better performance from your home’s cooling system.
Filtration: Filtration helps to keep your indoor air cleaner by trapping pollutants, allergens and other microscopic particles that can have an adverse effect on your home’s IAQ. And, proper filtration can add to the life of your system, because clean air is passing through.
Dehumidification: Too much moisture in your home can lead to the overgrowth of mold, mildew, and bacteria – leaving you with poor indoor air quality and a host of allergens and pathogens. Dehumidifiers can reduce the moisture that contributes to pathogen growth.
Ventilation: For allergy sufferers, improved ventilation is a better alternative for introducing fresh air into your home than opening windows. Ventilators also help reduce cooking and pet odors and can help rid your home of smoke and other pollutants.
Air Cleaners: We proudly offer air cleaners made to provide ultimate performance and capture and kill technology that filters out pollutants, allergens and pathogens from the indoor air you and your family breathes.

While these products aren’t a cure for seasonal allergies, they can help you manage allergens inside your home, and can help you and your family enjoy fresher, cleaner air.

John Betlem is ready to help you get the IAQ products you need.

John Betlem Heating & Cooling, Inc. proudly announces our $12,000 contribution to Lollypop Farm’s ‘Tails of Hope’ telethon. The donation comes as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community and ensuring the well-being of pets in need.

Lollypop Farm’s ‘Tails of Hope’ telethon is a vital fundraising event that aims to raise funds for Rochester’s homeless and abused pets. The telethon provides crucial resources for veterinary services, behavioral intervention, and life-saving care for thousands of animals each year. Furthermore, it ensures that these animals receive nutritious food and compassionate daily care, helping them on their journey to find forever homes.

At John Betlem, we understand the importance of giving back and supporting local causes. The $12,000 donation to the ‘Tails of Hope’ telethon reflects our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of animals and the community.

In addition to donating to the cause, we were also honored to serve as a tote board sponsor for the ‘Tails of Hope’ telethon, helping to create awareness and encourage further contributions from the community.

For more than 80 years, we have been providing exceptional heating, cooling, electrical, and home performance services to the Rochester area. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the services we offer to our community to encompass philanthropic efforts aimed at enriching the lives of those in need.

Have you been thinking about better home comfort for your family, but have been wondering if you can get a better system and save money in the process? This March, John Betlem is making it easy for you to save on select heating and cooling systems. We’re offering our customers a package of incentives, rebates, and free add-ons that can help them save up to $5,025:

Incredible NO HASSLE 10-year parts warranty
Up to $1700 in Carrier Rebates
Up to $2,600 in Federal Tax Credits
FREE air conditioning cover with select system purchase (Value of $250)
$250 John Betlem Discount
RG&E utility rebate up to $225

Not to mention, your 100% satisfaction is guaranteed, or your money back! If you’d like to take advantage of this special offer, Give us a call at (585) 632-7078 and we’ll be happy to talk to you about this incredible offer and schedule an appointment with you.

Spring is right around the corner, and for most people, that means it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning. This is the time of year when you might start to declutter closets and cupboards, deep-clean any carpeting and rugs, and make sure all the windows in your home are sparkling clean and ready to let the sunshine in.

Spring is also a great time to start thinking about the things in your home that you can’t “see”, such as your home comfort system, electrical system, and insulation. By taking care of the inner workings of your home this spring, you’ll be able to enjoy a more comfortable, more efficient home as well as a nice, clean one! In this article, we’ll share some tips on making sure your home is ready for the warmer weather ahead – keep reading to learn more!

Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Spring is the perfect time of year to make sure your home comfort system is working properly. Here are a couple of items to keep in mind when considering your home comfort system:

Air Conditioning Maintenance: One of the best ways you can do this is by making sure it gets the annual maintenance it needs. Spring is an ideal time to call and schedule air conditioning inspection and maintenance. Regular maintenance will help ensure that your system is running smoothly and efficiently, which can help your system last longer and can save you money on energy bills. Clean up any debris, twigs, and vegetation that may have grown around the outdoor component of your AC system, as it will make it easier for your technician to service it.
Change Your Air Filter: During the winter months, your furnace has been working overtime to help keep you and your family comfortable. Over time, the filter that helps keep dust, dirt, and other particles out of your heating system gets clogged and dirty, which can affect system efficiency. And, since your central air conditioning system uses the same filter, it’s important to change it regularly – most experts recommend changing it monthly for top efficiency. Not sure how to change the filter? John Betlem can help.

Spring Electrical Maintenance Checklist

Your electrical system is another important part of your home, and it’s a good idea to think about how you can get it ready for the warmer weather ahead. Here are a few ways to make the most of your home’s electrical system:

Make Steps Toward Better Energy Efficiency: Spring will soon become the summer, and that means kids will be out of school, and you may be spending more time at home as well. Consider choosing energy-efficient electrical strips for electronic items like televisions, gaming systems, and computers. Replace any old incandescent lightbulbs with high-efficiency LED bulbs. Choose cold water cycles for doing the wash, as this will save on having your water heater working overtime on those spring-cleaning wash loads.
Consider an Electrical Inspection: Many people don’t think too much about the electrical system in their home until they run into a problem with it. Getting an annual electrical inspection from a qualified electrician can help keep your system running properly, find any small problems before they become larger and more expensive ones, and help prevent hazards such as fire or electrical shock.
Evaluate Your Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lighting is often overlooked but important for you and your family’s safety. Motion-sensing lighting can help light the way when you arrive home after dark. And, attractive lighting in outdoor entertainment areas, such as patios, pools, or spas, can help make your outdoor spaces more inviting and can add value to your home.

Spring Home Performance Checklist

Home performance encompasses both your HVAC and electrical systems and some of the tips we’ve shared above are helpful when it comes to better home energy efficiency. There are a few other items to consider when it comes to home performance, including:

Appliances: Spring cleaning is a good time to ensure your appliances work as efficiently as possible. Cleaning your refrigerator inside and out can help it keep food safer and use less energy. Make sure the lint traps on your dryer are thoroughly cleaned out, as this not only helps your dryer operate more efficiently but also helps prevent fires.
Insulation: If you notice chilly drafts during the winter months this year, it may be time to consider updating the insulation in your home. Not only does better insulation help you stay more comfortable in the winter, but it can also help your air conditioning system operate more efficiently in the summer, too. And, improving your insulation can help prevent damage to your home, such as ice dams and frozen pipes.
Water Heater: The older your water heater gets, the less efficient it becomes. If you’ve noticed a lot of fluctuation in your water temperature, rust in your water, or any leaks or pooling water around your water heater, it may be time for a replacement. Modern water heaters are made to provide you with improved hot water levels as well as better efficiency.

How can John Betlem help with my HVAC, electrical, and home performance needs?

When you choose John Betlem, you’ll get the full service you deserve for all your home comfort needs, including HVAC, electrical, and home performance. We provide complete services that include air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair, electrical maintenance, repair and upgrades, and water heater and insulation services. We’re ready to help you get your home ready for the warmer weather ahead. Give us a call at (585) 632-7078 and we’ll be happy to talk to you about the services we offer and schedule an appointment.

During the winter months in the Rochester area, our heating systems often are called upon to work overtime. Our area often experiences cold, chilly weather from October through April, so it’s very important to make sure our heating systems are working both efficiently and effectively. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, why not show your furnace, boiler, or heat pump system some love this February by making sure it gets the annual maintenance it needs?

Heating system maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure that your equipment will be able to handle the hard work of keeping you and your family comfortable, no matter how chilly it gets outside. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the ways annual maintenance can benefit your home comfort equipment, and how John Betlem can help. Keep reading below to learn more!

5 Benefits of Heating System Maintenance

The heating system in your home is like any other type of complex machinery, and requires maintenance to ensure that it’s ready to keep your home warm and cozy once the chilly weather settles in. Here are a few of the benefits of choosing annual heating maintenance for your home comfort system:

Better Efficiency. Heating systems that have not been properly maintained often require much more energy to get the job done. That’s because over time, your heating system can get dirty and parts inside the system can wear down. Heating maintenance helps ensure that your equipment is clean, and all components are well-lubricated and in good condition.
More Effective Heating. The same factors that can cause your heating system to become less efficient can also cause it to become less effective. A poorly maintained furnace, boiler, or heat pump may not be able to meet the heating demands of your home, and that can mean reduced comfort levels for you and your family.
Longer Equipment Life. One of the main benefits of making sure your heating system gets the annual maintenance it needs is that it will last longer. Proper maintenance can catch any small issues before they cause your system to break down completely – which may result in either expensive repairs or the need to replace your system.
Better Indoor Air Quality. If you have a central heating system that heats your home via ductwork, maintenance can help ensure that your system is clean and free of particulate matter like dust, dirt, and pet dander. This means that those particles won’t be circulated time and time again in the air you breathe – improving your home’s indoor air quality.
Warranty Maintenance. Very often, equipment manufacturers require that your home comfort equipment is regularly maintained by a qualified HVAC professional. Failure to do so may void the warranty. If that happens, you may have to pay for costly equipment repair or replacement out of pocket.

John Betlem can help you show your heating system the love it deserves.

Your heating system works hard for you and your family. You can show it your love and appreciation by making sure it has the annual maintenance it needs – and that’s as easy as calling John Betlem Heating & Cooling, Inc. We can help you get the heating maintenance and tune-up you need so that you and your family can experience the best in-home comfort.

We also offer heating maintenance memberships that not only provide you with the annual maintenance you need but also provide benefits such as priority service and discounts on repairs. Simply give us a call at (585) 357-0415 and we will be more than happy to help you with any heating service you may need.