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There is also hard-wired smoke detector, installation is more detailed and complicated, which is why we recommend having them installed by a professional. You’re now asking yourself, “Do I need an electrician to replace hardwired smoke detectors?” and the answer is it is not necessary, but it is our recommendation. Smoke detector installation should be taken seriously due to the nature of the matter. The National Fire Prevention Association reports that due to fabrics and materials that are in a home today, a household fire spreads quickly.

Your home’s floor plan will determine how many smoke detectors you should have and where they should be placed.  By having an electrician or a technician that is certified and licensed to work with electrical wiring complete your hard-wired smoke detector installation, you can be confident there is an adequate amount in the right places.

If your hardwired smoke detector installation isn’t done correctly, even with battery backup, they may not accomplish the intended purpose of having smoke detectors. If they are powered by the house’s main electrical circuit and have a battery backup, why wouldn’t they work? Ask yourself, when was the last time you changed the batteries in your current smoke detectors?

Where should smoke detectors be placed?

By having your hard-wired smoke detector installation done by a professional, you won’t need to worry with placement. They have been trained and know the correct placement according to the National Fire Prevention Association recommendations.

However, if you are using battery operated, or want to do the hard wiring smoke detector installation yourself, make sure there is one inside every bedroom or justoutside the door of the sleeping area, like a common hallway. 

There should be a smoke detector on each floor of your home and in the basement. The den or family room and near any stairways. You should have a smoke detector installation in the kitchen, near every bathroom, and in the laundry room. Other specific smoke detector installation areas recommended are:

• Recommended placement for a smoke detector installation in the basement is on the ceiling at the stairs leading out.
• Smoke detector installation should be installed within at least 10 feet of a cooking appliance to minimize any false alarms while cooking.
• Smoke detector installation for rooms with high ceilings should be one foot down from the ceiling, keeping in mind that smoke rises.
• With pitched ceilings, smoke detector installation should be within 3 feet of the top and no higher than four inches from the top of the peak.

Do smoke alarms need to be on the same circuit?

The electrical code may vary from city to city, but most do not require that there be a dedicated circuit for hard-wired smoke detector installation. However, if one chooses to have a new circuit installed specifically for hard-wired smoke detector installation, that is acceptable.

Do smoke detectors have to be wired in series?

It is recommended that hard-wired smoke detector installation, all hard-wired smoke alarms are wired so that thewarning is sent to every area of the home. By wiring them in a series, when one smoke detector goes off, the other smoke detectors will follow regardless where the smoke is originating from. If the electricity is affected and turns off during this time, the battery backup will override.

Can I install a smoke alarm myself?

Is a smoke detector installation possible for a homeowner? Yes, but there are differences in installing a hard-wired smoke detector vs battery operated. A battery-powered smoke detector installation is simple, and anyone can install one.

You’ll need a stepladder and drill, and typically, there are four screws to place the base plate of the smoke detector on the wall. Then you’ll install the required batteries where indicated on the base, the place the cover over that.

A hard-wired smoke detector installation is more complicated, and you should be comfortable handling electricity before you attempt this project. You must make sure the power is totally off first and then following these steps:

• Using a voltage tester, check to confirm the electric power is off.
• Connect the wires as shown in the instructions that come with the smoke detector.
• The new smoke detector will have a third wire that is referred to as “interconnect” and is usually orange or red. Do not connect it if the old alarm only had two connections.
• Turn the electrical power back on and push the test button on the detector.

How can I Reduce my AC Bill?

There are more ways to reduce your air conditioning energy charge to your electric bill which can save you money. Generally, it involves having a system of insulation assisting your air conditioner so that the cold air it produces remains inside and the hot air outside remains that way. This system can also support your heater in the colder months, but the focus at the moment is for air conditioning with measures like:

• Promptly replacing filters
• Insulate attic and walls
• Seal or upgrade windows
• Use fans on ceilings or in general
• Apply a thermostat that connects to your HVAC system

While some, if not all, of these seem like a no brainer to homeowners, that is not actually the case. There is a misunderstanding of how a ceiling fan works and why it actually supports an air conditioner rather than hinder it. While it is true a ceiling fan will in a matter of words “mix” the air in a given room, the air conditioner will gradually fill the room with cold air regardless of whether the fan is running or not. In fact, fans can allow air conditioners to faster cool a room by helping the circulation of the cold air. For that matter, once a room is sufficiently cooled, you can turn your air conditioner to a higher temperature (recommended by four degrees) and both keep your home cool and well regulated while saving money on your next electric bill because your air conditioner is not working as hard.

How do you tell if your AC is Broken?

Arguably, one of the most expensive parts about owning anything is the repair costs. Sometimes, that’s not exactly true for an air conditioner, which has several measures a homeowner can take to prolong its lifespan. However, when it does require repair you will definitely notice. The first sign generally points to that it is not doing its job, in fact, it likely is doing the opposite by blowing in warm air. Other signs may include:

• Sounds deemed unusual coming from your unit
• Excessive moisture or leaking from the air conditioner
• Odors coming from your unit or ventilation
• The thermostat is off or is not correct

Sometimes all the issue needs is a thermostat reset, but in fact, air conditioning does have a long list of problems that may occur and cannot be covered in a single post. Cajun Comfort calling one of us out to examine the problem closely, we can find the issue with your system and offer ways to solve it with our services.

• Ventilation systems that are improperly or inadequately maintained
• Contamination from chemicals, construction materials, fiberglass, glues, paints, particle boards, etc.
• The population inside a building
• Amount of indoor time

Any of the following symptoms are common among those affected by poor indoor air quality:

• Allergies
• Coughing and sneezing
• Dizziness
• Eyes, nose, skin, throat are dry and irritated
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Hypersensitivity
• Nausea
• Sinus congestion

In the workplace, it can take a few hours of being inside the building before a person notices any of these symptoms or after they have left the building and feel better. Because other factors can cause these same symptoms such as the common cold or the flu, they are not always associated with poor indoor air quality. 

What causes poor indoor air quality? 

Indoor air quality is affected by the interactions within a building between the activities, furnishings, and materials within the building, the climate, and the occupants. Problems with indoor air quality may occur from any the following causes:

• Humidity, inadequate temperature, poor air circulation, ventilation system issues.
• Bacteria, chemicals, dust, fungi, gases, molds, odors, vapors
• Inadequate intake of outdoor air

How can I test the air quality in my home?

Indoor air quality is to easily and quickly overlooked. However, it matters to our health. Inside business and homes, there are chemicals and toxic agents that can spread throughout a business or home that is harmful and can make a huge impact on our health. There are ways you can check the indoor air quality in your home or place of business:

We hear about air pollution every day and we always think of it as pertaining to the outdoors. Surprising, corresponding to the EPS, when it comes to indoor air quality vs outdoor air quality, the indoor air quality can be up to more than 3 times worse than outdoor air quality, primarily due to airborne chemicals. So, don’t always base your decision on opening windows with concern to the outdoor air quality, it may be better for you than the indoor air quality.  For your indoor air quality needs in Norco and New Orleans, LA, call Cajun Comfort at 985-764-8191 today.

How does the generator start?

If you have ever survived a natural disaster such as an earthquake, hurricane, ice storm, or tornado, you may have also lost power to your home. That aftermath period can be stressful. Not only is the internet and television out, but the refrigerator isn’t getting power either. These are examples of when and why home generators are a convenience, not a frivolous purchase. 

Many homeowners that have gone through these types of things will purchase either gasoline or standby home generators, and that is what they do. They standby until we need them. A standby generator is left in and automatically turns on when the power goes out. They are like your own mini power plant. 

Gasoline-powered home generators are kept in the garage or other storage, some emergency crews will bring some into a devasted area. They require gasoline or propane gas to operate and start and run the same as a gasoline-powered lawnmower.

What size generator is needed to power a house?

Home generators are powered in a measure in watts, like a light bulb. Home generators with a power rating of 5000 watts to 7500 watts will supply enough electricity for the important household equipment. This is equipment essential to survival, like light bulbs, freezer, refrigerator, well pump, etc.

What size generator do I need to run a refrigerator and freezer?

To determine what size of the different home generators are the best for your ho, you need to pay attention to the starting watts of your refrigerator. This is the amount of power it takes to get your fridge started, which requires more than it will once you have it going again. The average refrigerators require between 2000 and 2500 starting watts and 700 running watts.

It is important for home generators to be large enough they can support these starting watts because of possible power spikes could damage the generator and the refrigerator. You should expect your refrigerator is safe on a generator for 8 to 9 hours.

Can you run a generator overnight?

They design some models of home generators to run for eight hours, other for 12 hours, and some home generators longer. However, it is recommended not to run home generators for long periods of time without allowing them to rest, partly because of how they are built.

Home generators are like any machinery with a motor. They require fuel and grease, and proper maintenance. When a generator runs out of gasoline or propane, it is nothing more than an oversized paperweight. If they run out of the fuel that is powering them, they shut off automatically.

With that being said, for home generators to run overnight, it requires making sure it has enough fuel to do that, or plan on getting up in the middle of the night to fill the tank again. Other issues running home generators overnight that you may entail:

• Carbon Monoxide – Carbon monoxide isn’t visible and is odorless. Having a CO monitor in your home is recommended when depending on home generators for power.
• Noise – You’ll have a motor running inside or nearby.
• Theft – Often during disasters, theft is high for anything that can be carried off.

If we haven’t given you enough reasons to look at home generators, let us share the following reasons with you:

• Keep your critical appliances running
• Sump pump stays on
• Keep the lights for safety and convenience
• Peace of mind

If you live in a region prone to power outages due to high winds, hurricanes, or tornados, home generators are something you should give serious thought to buying.  Dial 985-764-8191 today for installation of your home generators in Norco and New Orleans, LA.

What is Involved in Metal Fabrication?

Custom metal fabrication services are important for many reasons. But what is involved in metal fabrication? As previously stipulated, metal fabrication is the process of building structures and machines from basic materials made of metal. Metal fabricators will cut, burn, weld, machine, form, and assemble the pieces together in order to construct the final product. What customers receive from metal fabrication shops is the centralization of many different processes. A metal fabrication shop will employ welders, ironworkers, blacksmiths, boilermakers, and various professionals that work with metal and are able to convert raw metal materials into polished final products.

What is a Fabrication Company?

Fabrication shops and machine shops tend to overlap in a variety of ways. It is important to understand that fabrication shops focus specifically on metal preparation and assembly. In contrast, machine shops cut metal but they focus more specifically on machine tools and parts. As a matter of fact, there are some machine firms that do both fabrication work and machine work. Examples of fabrication include blacksmithing, although that term is not considered synonymous. Welder-produced products are referred to as weldments and are examples of fabrication. 

What Tools Does a Metal Fabricator Use?

Metal fabricators use a variety of tools to create a substantive metal working outcome. Please review the following list to learn more about the tools that a metal fabricator requires.

• Oxy-gas torches. Oxy-fuel torches are used either to weld or to cut components of structural steel. Acetylene, gasoline, propylene, and hydrogen are all gases that can be used for torches.
• Magnetic drill. Magnetic drills are portable machines that are used to drill holes in structural steel objects. A magnetic drill machine has a permanent magnetic base. It is also known as a mag base, a magnetic drill, a magnetic broach cutter and more.
• Cold saw. A cold saw is a movable saw machine with a motor and a circular, toothy blade.
• Hem band saw. This type of saw machine can cut steel objects at 90, 60, and 45 degrees. This particular saw combines the control and flexibility of the metal fabricator as pressure is applied.
• Shot blaster. For cleaning, polishing, and hardening steel, the shot blaster is used. Specifically, the shot blaster uses spherical shots or balls.
• Plate processor. Plate processors are used for the automatic production of plate steel components. Any shaped holes, shape cutting and contour thermal cutting can be processed through this machine.

These tools and many more are used for metal fabrication purposes.

What are the Stages in Metal Work Fabrication?

There are four principal steps that are utilized in metalwork fabrication. The first step involves cutting. For cutting a large sheet into smaller pieces, shears are typically used. The shearing machine acts as a large pair of scissors. It has a long blade that will make a straight cut through the sheet. The second stage is bending. For this process, a press brake is usually used. Apparently one of the largest obstacles in bending is managing the spring back. Once this action is completed, the next step is assembly. The pieces will fit together and held with clamps or fixturing as appropriate. The tack welds hold everything together. The final step in metalwork fabrication is finishing. Finishing usually entails cleaning up welds or polishing to a mirror finish.

What is Light Metal Fabrication

There is a difference between light metal and heavy metal fabrication. Light metal fabrication generally involves both large and small components. Angles, brackets, cans, panels, shells, and plates can all be included in the category of light metal fabrication. Light metal fabrication processes include welding, forming, rolling, cutting and sawing.

What is Heavy Metal Fabrication

Heavy metal fabrication is known as the process of transforming metal, such as steel, into finished products for clients. Machining, molding, and casting are all parts of heavy metal fabrication. There are three categories of heavy metal fabrication: industrial, structural and commercial. 

What is Precision Metal Fabrication

One of the most common manufacturing processes in practice, precision metal fabrication is here to stay. This form of metalworking is used to describe any process wherein sheet metal is transformed into it’s finished form.

You need an HVAC company that knows how to perform quality metal fabrication in Norco and New Orleans, LA, that consistently delivers proven results. Call Cajun Comfort at 985-764-8191 to speak with our staff about making an appointment today!

What Can Cause a Furnace to Stop Working?

There are a number of reasons why your furnace has stopped working. Please review the following bullet points to learn more.

• Check the thermostat. If your thermostat is not set to the right temperature, or if has fallen into disrepair, it will affect your furnace’s performance.
• Check shutoff switches and breakers. Believe it or not, one of the chief things that furnace repairman finds when they are called in for a service call related to the circuit breaker. Every furnace has a standard wall switch. If your furnace is malfunctioning, check the circuit breaker or fuse. Tinker with these switches to see if the problem is solvable this way.
• Dirty filter. Another simple fix relates to the filter on the furnace. A clogged filter can cause a lack of airflow. This is detrimental to the function of a furnace.
• Is the gas on? If your gas furnace isn’t blowing hot air, the problem may lie with the gas. Just like with the circuit breaker and switches, the gas switch needs to be turned in the on-position from the gas line shut off.

How Do You Troubleshoot a Furnace?

Troubleshooting a furnace is fairly straightforward. The reason why is because it involves checking each part of the furnace. For instance, how is the thermostat functioning? The thermostat is quite integral to the heating process. Check the thermostat to make sure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If batteries are needed for the thermostat to work, replace those. Check the circuit breaker. Troubleshooting a furnace involves doing a little research and investigation.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Furnace Motor?

Heating repair requires tools, experience, and materials. A furnace motor is one such material. Repairing or replacing your furnace’s blower motor comes with a price tag that could be anywhere between one-hundred and fifty dollars and one-thousand five hundred dollars. The extent of the damage to the furnace will impact the final cost.

How Often Should a Furnace Be Replaced?

On average, a furnace will need to be replaced every fifteen to twenty years. A furnace will last longer with more maintenance and care than a furnace that does not receive such maintenance. In fact, some furnaces are reputed to last over forty years. While this is extremely rare, it does show that furnaces can last longer than their projected lifetime.

Who to Call for Furnace Repair

Unfortunately, not all HVAC companies are created the same. Before your HVAC unit starts to exhibit any problems, it will be important for you to find an HVAC company you can trust. Ask your friends or neighbors for recommendations. Make sure that the HVAC company that you select has insurance, and is licensed and certified according to the requirements of your state. Just like furnace repair, roof repair requires qualified specialists. Please make sure to ask around for referrals, and check customer reviews.

How to Repair Furnace Rust

If you happen to notice that your furnace has soot, dust, or rust particles from the air supply outlets, it will be important for you to alleviate the problem. To begin with, a clean furnace functions better than a dirty furnace. Your HVAC technician will be able to ascertain how best to address the cleanliness of your furnace. If you’re wondering how rust develops on a furnace, please read on. A gas furnace develops rust as a result of combustion fumes and metal. Proper venting of the exhaust fumes will alleviate this problem, but if you have a newer unit, you will need better ventilation for your furnace. Your local, qualified HVAC technician will be able to discuss how you can increase the ventilation for your furnace.

Furnace Repair and Service

In an ideal world, your furnace would be serviced at least once a year. It would receive routine maintenance in the fall, before winter. Annual maintenance usually includes a thorough examination of your furnace and a cleaning of the parts that usually malfunction. These parts include the air filter, the fan, the pilot light, and the heat exchanger. There are many HVAC companies that offer annual maintenance plans. Check with your local HVAC company to see if they offer such an option. 

Are you in need of quality furnace repair? Our friendly operators at Cajun Comfort are available now at 985-764-8191. Find out more about how we perform furnace repair in Norco and New Orleans, LA.

Benefits of HVAC Maintenance

Is HVAC maintenance necessary? Yes, there are a whole host of advantages to caring for and maintaining your HVAC system. To answer the question, though, yes HVAC maintenance is necessary and important. Doing so will allow your system to operate efficiently as well as ensure it is always safe and in good condition. 

• Energy Saving: Keeping up with regular maintenance and repairs will help your whole system to operate more efficiently. This means it will be able to produce the same results, hot or cold air, without expending or using more energy than is necessary. In doing so, you’ll notice a significant decrease in your energy bills. 
• Avoid Unnecessary Repairs: Regular and even preventative maintenance will not eliminate the need for repairs, but it will help to reduce that need. When you stay on top of problems or just potential problems, you’ll find yourself spending less money and time trying to repair your system. 
• Safety: With consistent servicing, you’re whole home will be safer and healthier for you to live in. This is especially true if you have a gas-powered furnace. Problems with your gas lines can result in serious issues for both your home and your health. During the maintenance procedure, filters are also changed, helping to improve and maintain the air quality. 
• Extended Life: Believe it or not, but taking care of your system over the years will help it to last longer. Most HVAC systems have a lifespan between 15-20 years, but fail long before that because of a lack of maintenance. 

Taking care of your HVAC system can be equated to taking care of your roof. When you schedule routine inspections and residential roof repair, you are making a point to maintain the structure. The same is true with your heating and cooling system. Rather than trying to figure out how to do HVAC maintenance on your own, rely on the experts at Cajun Comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is HVAC maintenance?
  • This is an annual process of inspection and examination. A technician will come out to your property to take a look at every aspect of your heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system to ensure that everything is working efficiently.
• How often should HVAC be maintenance?
  • At minimum, your heating and air conditioning system should be serviced once a year. Generally, service and maintenance calls are scheduled in the spring or in the fall. If you can have maintenance done twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, you’ll be doing even better. 
• Are HVAC maintenance plans worth it? 
  • Yes, maintenance plans are a great investment for both residential and commercial HVAC systems. With a plan, you’ll be participating in something known as preventative HVAC maintenance which will help ensure your system is always in good condition. 
• Does HVAC need maintenance? 
  • The short answer: yes. Your heater and air conditioning systems are high-demand, high-maintenance appliances. Because of this, they require a significant amount of attention and maintenance to effectively operate throughout the year.
• How much does it cost for HVAC maintenance?
  • Generally speaking, the cost will vary depending on the state of your HVAC system, call-out fees, pricing, and more. That being said, the cost of HVAC maintenance can range from $50 to $140 or more. You can discuss this with your technician.

These are not only great for homes that don’t have ductwork, but they are also great for homes who want to have better control of their indoor cooling. You don’t have to have ductless air conditioners in every single room like traditional central air–you choose which rooms will receive cooling. If you are interested in a more versatile cooling system that is a lot more energy-efficient, then you might like ductless air conditioners.

Ductless Air Conditioning Vs Central

If you are adding onto a home or adding air conditioning to your home, you might wonder where you should choose ductless or central air conditioning. Many people ask, “Are mini splits better than central air?” and honestly it just depends on what you are looking for in terms of your cooling needs. Central air conditioning is great because it can cool every area of your home at once, improve indoor air quality, its easy to use, and you can install units that have an air conditioner and heater. What people don’t seem to like about central air is that they are noisy, have to deal with ductwork maintenance, and it costs more. A lot of people ask, “Is ductless cheaper than central air?” and the answer is yes. Central air conditioners can be expensive to install and can cost more to operate. A ductless air conditioner is quieter, costs less, energ-efficient, and are easy to install. However, it doesn’t improve indoor air quality, needs more than one unit to cool the home, and you will be able to see where the unit is. When choosing between ductless and central air conditioning, you need to weigh the pros and cons to see which one will work the best for you.

Ductless Air Conditioner Benefits

People who are interested in ductless air conditioners might want to know what type of advantages you can receive from this type of cooling. There are several benefits to getting a ductless air conditioner installed.

• Money Saver: If you are looking to reduce your cooling costs can do this easily by investing in a ductless air conditioner.
• Space Saver: These are very compact units that are installed easily onto the wall and out of the way.
• Energy-Efficient: Homeowners get to choose what rooms they cool, which is a great way to decrease their energy costs.
• Better Control: Many people ask, “Do mini splits run constantly?” Ductless air conditioners are only installed where you want them and turned on when you want them, so its a cooling system that is easier to control.
• Very Flexible: Want to cool down one room and not the other? You are able to do that with ductless air conditioners.
• Quiet Performance: Central air conditioners are typically noisy when they turn on, but ductless air conditioners are incredibly quiet and don’t make a bunch of noise.
• Easy Maintenance: Because there is no ductwork, maintenance for this cooling system is really easy.

What Is the Best Ductless Air Conditioner?

As a homeowner, its a good idea to know a few facts about HVAC maintenance in order to keep yourself informed. The first thing to know is that maintenance can save you money. By getting bi-annual maintenance for your HVAC systems, you can save money on repair or replacement service. Another fact that you should know is that it makes your HVAC system more energy-efficient. When the components in your system are dirty or worn out, they can cause your system to work harder than they should. This can result in using more energy and spending more on energy costs. HVAC maintenance, however, can help you save energy. Finally, maintenance will guarantee that you are comfortable in the fall, winter, spring, and summer months, as maintenance ensures your HVAC system is in great shape.

How Do You Maintain an HVAC System?

Typically, an HVAC technician will be the one who takes care of your HVAC maintenance, although homeowners can do their own maintenance. While homeowners can do the bi-annual maintenance for their heater and air conditioner, having a licensed and insured HVAC technician do your maintenance will ensure that it is done properly. so what is involved in HVAC maintenance? There is an HVAC maintenance checklist that you or your HVAC technician will follow in order to maintain every part of the air conditioner or heater.

• Cleaning: There are a couple of things that need to be done when cleaning an HVAC unit. The outdoor unit will need to be cleaned of leaves, debris, and dirt. Your filters will also need to be cleaned. Then various parts of the HVAC system will need to be cleaned like the condenser coils, drain lines, drain pans, and evaporator coils.
• Inspecting: In terms of inspections, the HVAC technician will inspect various parts like the capacitors, condenser coils, contactors, ductwork, electrical wiring connections, fan blade, heat exchanger, and service valves. Inspecting to see if any smells are coming from the HVAC unit is also important.
• Lubricating: There are a lot of moving parts inside of an HVAC system, which is why it is so important to lubricate different parts when maintenance is performed. When parts aren’t properly lubricated, it can cause friction and grinding of parts, which can severely harm the HVAC system.
• Replacing: When it comes to replacements, there are a couple of things that can be replaced during maintenance. Carbon monoxide batteries will need to be replaced annually, whereas the air filter will need to be replaced monthly. There are parts such as belts and pulleys that can wear out easily, so they might need to be replaced.

Are HVAC Tune Ups Worth it?

There are a ton of people who ask if is HVAC maintenance necessary and worth it, and the answer is yes, it is very necessary and worth it. There are many reasons why HVAC maintenance is important with one of the most important reasons being that it extends the life of your system. When you avoid getting maintenance for your HVAC unit, it can decrease the life of the system. Getting maintenance ensures that it runs as long as possible. HVAC maintenance can also lower your bills, save energy, provide you with better indoor air quality, makes your HVAC system run more smoothly, and reduces repairs. All of these things are important to an HVAC system, which is why maintenance is essential.

How Much Should I Pay for HVAC Maintenance?