winter Archives - Bedell Home Services

Fight the Cold, Dry Winter with a Whole-Home Humidifier

Three Ways Homeowners Can Benefit from Humidifiers

Perfecting the home’s humidity is an art form. Residents can suffer chapped lips, dry skin, and itchy eyes if the humidity gets too low. Yet, mold can grow if the humidity gets too high, and furniture might always feel wet. Getting the humidity just right is key. But how?

This is where having a whole-home humidifier comes in handy. A whole-home humidifier ensures that the home’s humidity is between 30 to 50 percent, which is ideal for most people. If one’s still unsure about whether getting a humidifier is right for them, they should consider the following benefits:

Respiratory Wellness

Humidifiers ultimately promote good indoor air quality (IAQ). By speeding up the water evaporation process (and adding water vapor to the air), they reduce these health complications:

Coughing
Sneezing
Wheezing
Congestion
Fatigue
Sinus pressure
Headaches

Mayo Clinic notes that humidifiers also reduce the likelihood of transmitting certain illnesses, like colds and Covid-19. This means, with proper measures, if one person in the house gets sick, it’s not guaranteed that everyone will, too.

Improved Skincare

The skin is the human body’s biggest organ. Yet, many neglects to properly take care of it. To reduce complications, they might rely too much on creams, lotions, and other over-the-counter remedies. Yet, there’s nothing better for the skin than good humidity. Humidifiers ultimately:

Keep skin from drying out. Dry skin makes people feel itchy. It can also lead to slight discoloration and blemishes, like cracks.
Prevent lips from drying out. Lips don’t have sweat glands, meaning they can dry out easily. Endless applying chapstick only goes so far when a home has low humidity.
Promote smooth skin. Well-hydrated skin feels softer to the touch than dry, crackly skin.
Reduce wrinkles. Wrinkles are more prominent on one’s face when the skin isn’t hydrated.

Both warm and cool mist humidifiers are ideal for improving skin quality. As noted, these devices essentially speed up the evaporation of water and emit vapor through a spout. The water generally isn’t hot, so it doesn’t affect the room’s overall temperature. This device is ideal for child’s rooms, nurseries, and other areas with high foot traffic.

Longer-Lasting Plants

Many indoor plants need humidity to survive. With proper humidity, leaves don’t dry out. That allows plants to continue absorbing light and making food for themselves. It also prevents the soil from drying out faster than usual. Dry soil prevents the plant from getting adequate nutrition.

When a home’s indoor plants are in good shape, they can improve IAQ by filtering out unpleasant smells, like smoke. They can generate oxygen, literally letting residents breathe easier.

Before getting a humidifier, it’s good to note that some need humidity more than others. For instance, aloe vera thrives in arid environments, so it doesn’t need a lot of humidity. The same can’t be said for Boston ferns, which thrive in humid climates.

About Bedell Home Services

Whether a homeowner prefers cold air or warm air, they need appropriate humidity to thrive. That’s why many Carmel, Indiana residents turn to Bedell Home Services. They offer service to whole-home humidifiers, along with other HVAC appliances. For more information about HVAC service, interested parties can call today.

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Let's Learn to Heat the Home Efficiently This Winter!

A Heat Pump Makes Heating the Home Easier

People usually think about a central heating system when they think of heating a home. This is probably the most common heating system in the modern home. However, this isn’t necessarily the most efficient way to heat a home in 2022. In some circumstances, it can be, but there are so many other options now that central heating isn’t always efficient. Some other options include a mini-split heat pump, an air-source heat pump, a water-source heat pump, and a geothermal heat pump. Some of these heating options might feel foreign to homeowners, so professionals have gathered all the information homeowners need to make an informed decision about their homes’ heating. Luckily, professionals are always there to answer any questions homeowners might have.

Continue reading to get all the fundamental information about energy-efficient heating.

Heat Pumps: Here’s How They Work

It’s important to note that heat pumps do not create heat. They redistribute the heat found in the ground and air and repurpose it to heat a home. Essentially, there is an indoor and outdoor unit. The indoor unit has a fan coil and refrigerant that circulates between the fan coil and the outdoor compressor unit.

During the summer, the heat pump takes all the heat from the indoor air and transports it outside via the outdoor unit. Heat pumps have fan coils, compressors, and refrigerant, just like most other heating and cooling systems on the market, but they are supposed to be more energy-efficient.

There are different types of heat pumps on the market:

Duct heat pumps; air-to-air, water source, and geothermal (water or ground-source) heat pumps
Ductless air-source heat pumps
Absorption heat pumps

Some Benefits of Ductless Heat

Homeowners should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of heat pumps (just like anything else).

Advantages:

Eligible for RHI scheme
Long-lasting
Easy to maintain
Lower running costs
A safer option to heating
Reduces carbon emissions

The disadvantages are:

More expensive upfront
Requires significant work upon installation
Time-consuming installation
Not entirely carbon neutral
Planning permissions are required

Energy Savings = More Money in the Bank Account!

The main benefits that homeowners need to know are that heat pumps are easy to maintain and are one of the more energy-efficient options. What does this mean? This means that homeowners end up saving money on energy costs every year!

All the homeowner has to worry about is keeping up with regular maintenance -- just like any other heating/cooling source!

Whether homeowners choose duct heat pumps or ductless, their wallets will reap the benefits of switching to heat pump heating and cooling.

Call Bedell Home Services Today!

Homeowners looking for a 100% satisfaction guarantee can trust they will receive it when they hire the professionals at Bedell Home Services. This company provides expert workmanship and has been in business since 1988, so homeowners can trust they are getting skilled and knowledgeable professionals. Don’t hesitate! Call today for amazing HVAC service in Carmel, IN.

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How You Can Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Take These Winterizing Tips from the Professionals

Frozen pipes are plumbing emergencies. That’s because frozen pipes can turn into burst pipes. A homeowner could deal with water damage, possible mold growth, and other issues in a few minutes. It’s better to prevent frozen pipes than to deal with their aftermath.

Below, homeowners can learn everything they need to know about preventing frozen pipes. They can also learn a thing or two about the dangers of frozen pipes and the importance of preventing them in the first place.

Why Are Frozen Pipes So Dangerous?

As noted, frozen pipes turn into burst pipes. A burst pipe can cause:

Water damage. A burst pipe can release gallons and gallons of water in minutes. The saturation can cause damage to drywall, insulation, flooring, and even the home’s structure.
Mold growth. Even after a homeowner patches the pipe and removes the water, mold can still grow. Mold thrives in dark, damp areas. Over time, mold growth could cause homeowners to suffer respiratory ailments, such as coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath.
Damage to personal property. A burst pipe can destroy furniture, personal effects, and other items. The cost of repairing certain items may even outweigh the cost of replacing them.

While not “dangerous,” a burst pipe can threaten a homeowner’s wallet. The cost of repairs, replacing certain items, and taking other measures quickly adds up. Nobody wants to deal with financial stress, especially around the holidays. Preventing burst pipes is a great way to combat any unexpected stressors.

The Importance of Pipe Insulation

Pipe insulation prevents frozen or burst pipes. The insulation is usually made from foam, plastic, or other hard materials. It prevents the water inside the pipes from getting too cold to freeze. It also offers these benefits:

Insulation keeps water hotter for longer. Insulation transfers heat to the pipes, transferring heat to the water inside. One could find themselves enjoying longer, hotter showers after insulating some pipes.
Insulation reduces utility bills. With pipe insulation, one doesn’t have to make their water heater work overtime. They can turn on the faucet and enjoy the warm water. In the long run, this could save money on powering the water heater and other in-home appliances.

Foam pipe insulation offers many benefits to those worried about frozen pipes this winter. A professional can assess the home’s plumbing needs and take action to combat certain problems.

Easy Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Homeowners can keep pipes from freezing by:

Opting for pipe covering. Certain pipes, like those located outside the home, are more likely to freeze than those inside the home’s walls. A homeowner can prevent these pipes from freezing by applying foam or plastic.
Using space heaters. Some mudrooms don’t have adequate heating. Some frequently lose heat because of people coming in and out. A space heater can prevent this area’s pipes from freezing by managing its temperature.
Knowing the signs of a frozen pipe. If homeowners take swift action, they can prevent frozen pipes from bursting. Some signs of a frozen pipe include frost on the exterior, poor water pressure, and inconsistent water temperature.

About Bedell Home Services

Bedell Home Services has one message for homeowners in Carmel, Indiana: “Don’t yell––call Bedell!” These professionals offer 24-hour plumbing services to those residing in the area. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, these professionals offer same-day service, upfront pricing, and tailor-made solutions. Call now for plumbing service!