MUST SEE VIDEO! Another one of those $49.95 Air Duct Cleaner Scammers!

March 29th, 2012 No comments


 

Aardvark Newsletter No. 29

March 29th, 2012 No comments
Aardvark Newsletter No. 29
 
Inside this issue :
Facts about Air duct Cleaning
 
 
 
Fox News reports that  allergy season has come earlier in some parts of the country, thanks to the  unseasonable mild weather.
“With the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, plants seem to produce more potent pollen,” said Dr. Stanley Fineman, an allergist and president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Why the early sniffles? The warmer winter can cause trees to pollinate earlier. In addition, some studies have shown that pollen season is not only getting earlier, but the pollen is getting more potent.
Making things worse for allergy sufferers, a combination of mild weather and  rain can lead to an increase in mold spore counts as well.
What can you do?
  • Allergists recommend that people who know they’re allergic to certain pollens start medication before allergy season starts.
  • Clean your air duct system. Pollen and mold spores can get trapped in your duct work, which means that it’s being continuously circulated throughout the air you breathe at home.
Facts on Air Duct Cleaning:
FACT:
9 out of 10 system failures are caused by dirt and dust. (LCES Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service)
FACT:
Clean systems restore capacity and lesson running time, Translation: Savings on monthly Heating/Cooling bills. (LCES)
FACT:
A buildup of 0.042 inches of dirt on a heating or cooling coil can result in a decrease of efficiency by 21%. (EPA Environmental Protection Agency)
FACT:
Most commercially purchased fiberglass filters are only 7% efficient in stopping dirt, dust pollen, etc …from passing through it. (ASHRAE)
FACT:
50% of all illnesses are either caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air. ( American College of Allergist)
FACT:
1 out of 6 people who suffer from allergies do so because of the direct relationship to the fungi and bacteria in the duct system. ( Total Health and Better Health Magazine)
FACT:
Legionnaire’s disease was spawned in air conditioning ducts. It killed 29 people in 1976. (American Lung Association)
FACT:
In the summer of 1988, at least 8 people dies in Los Angeles are from Legionnaire’s disease ( Modesto Bee 9/22/88)
FACT:
Children are more likely than adults to be affected by polluted indoor air the breathe faster, inhale more air per unit of body weight and are closer to the ground where concentrations are higher. (Dept. of Consumer Affairs)
FACT:
The elderly, asthmatics, people with breathing problems like allergies, and lung disease are also more sensitive to pollutants. ( Dept. of Consumer Affairs)
FACT:
Most people spend 60% to 90% of their time indoors. ( American Lung Association)
FACT:
Indoor air is found to be up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. (EPA Environmental Protection Agency)
 
Hope everyone enjoys the newsletter this week. This spring/summer weather has really sneaked up on us. Don’t forget to like us on facebook! Hope everyone has a GREAT week!
 
Sincerely,
Aardvark Services
Facebook.com/aardvarkresidentialandcommercial
 
 

  

Aardvark Newsletter No. 28

March 22nd, 2012 No comments
Aardvark Newsletter No. 28
 
Inside this issue:
IT IS SPRING TIME!!!!
Air Duct Cleaning
 
Wanted to give some facts about air duct cleaning in this issue. Spring has arrived and it feels like summertime already! 80 degree weather in March will make you turn you AC unit on in a flash! So here are a few facts about how to maintain your system and get the best out of it while saving money!
 
BEFORE  AFTER
 
Air Duct cleaning basics:
  • Air-duct cleaning generally includes cleaning all parts of a heating and cooling system, including ducts, registers, grills, diffusers, heat exchangers, coils and drip pans. Services also typically include motor and housing cleaning. Providers use physical cleaning methods such as scrubbing or brushing and chemical methods such as biocides and sealants to clean air duct systems.
Benefits:
  • Air-duct cleaning can provide health and financial benefits to homeowners. Dust and other debris build-up in the heating and cooling system of a home encourages mold and bacteria growth if moisture enters the system. This causes health problems and allergic reactions in some people. Dirty systems also run less efficiently; clean systems usually break down less often and last longer. Cleaner, more efficient systems require less energy to operate and thus lower energy costs for the homeowner, according to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association.
 
When Does Duct Cleaning Make Sense?
There are several situations when duct cleaning could make sense (although there is little research data to support this).
  • If you have a problem with water in your ducts, this may result in mold growth in the duct. In this situation, solve the water problem first, clean and disinfect the ducts where mold growth has occurred, and have the rest of the ducting system cleaned as well. In some cases, it may be necessary or more cost effective to simply replace the affected duct areas.
  • If you are moving into a newly constructed house, and have doubts about the diligence of the construction crew, duct cleaning can be useful. Drywall dust, fiberglass pieces, and sawdust have no place in ducts. Duct cleaning will also catch the odd occurrence where lunch bags or soft drink cans have fallen or been swept into ducting. For similar reasons, duct cleaning may be advisable for older houses following major renovations.
  • If you are having trouble with furnace airflow, a duct cleaning could reveal significant blockages. Have the ducts cleaned before you embark on more expensive duct replacement or rerouting to solve an airflow problem. Cleaning of furnace and air conditioning components (e.g. furnace fan blower, air conditioning coil, humidifier, furnace heat exchanger, etc.) has been shown to make some difference in duct air flow.
  • If you look in the return air registers and see an accumulation of debris in the duct below, you may want to have it removed. CMHC research showed that return air ducts, which are relatively big and have slow moving air, are generally far dirtier than the supply ducts.You should be able to accomplish much of the return air duct cleaning with a household vacuum cleaner after removing the register grill. For example, households with hairy pets or young children may find it necessary to inspect their return air ducts more frequently. Do not expect any difference in airflow or house air quality after this cleaning.
Just wanted to give some information about Air Duct Cleaning this week. Remember we are running the $199.00 Special !!!!! Check out our Chimney and cap special as well on the SPECIAL tab!!!! Like us on FACEBOOK
 
Aardvark Services
 
Facebook.com/aardvarkresidentialandcommercial
 

  

Aardvark Newsletter No. 27

March 15th, 2012 No comments
Aardvark Newsletter No. 27
 
Inside this issue:                                                      
  • Creosote & Chimney Fires
  • How Chimney Fires Hurt Chimneys
  • Proper Maintenance
Creosote & Chimney Fires: What You Must Know:
Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to safely contain wood-fuel fires, while providing heat for a home. The chimneys that serve them have the job of expelling the byproducts of combustion – the substances produced when wood burns. These include smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon volatile, tar fog and assorted minerals. As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs. The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote. Creosote is black or brown in appearance. It can be crusty and flaky…tar-like, drippy and sticky…or shiny and hardened. Often, all forms will occur in one chimney system. Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities – and catches fire inside the chimney flue instead of the firebox of the fireplace or wood stove – the result will be a chimney fire. Although any amount of creosote can burn, sweeps are concerned when creosote builds up in sufficient quantities to sustain a long, hot, destructive chimney fire. Certain conditions encourage the buildup of creosote. Simply put, restricted air supply, unseasoned wood and cooler-than normal chimney temperatures are all factors that can accelerate the buildup of creosote on chimney flue walls. Air supplies on fireplaces may be restricted by closed glass doors or by failure to open the damper wide enough to move heated smoke up the chimney rapidly (the longer the smoke’s "residence time" in the flue, the more likely is it that creosote will form). A wood stove’s air supply can be limited by closing down the stove damper or air inlets too soon and too much, and by improperly using the stovepipe damper to restrict air movement. Burning unseasoned wood – because so much energy is used initially just to drive off the water trapped in the cells of the logs– keeps the resulting smoke cooler, as it moves through the system, than if dried seasoned wood is used. In the case of wood stoves, fully packed loads of wood (that give large cool fires and 8 or 10 hour burn times) also contribute to creosote buildup. Cool flue temperatures speed creosote production, too. Condensation of the unburned byproducts of combustion occurs more rapidly in an exterior chimney, for example, than in a chimney that runs through the center of a house and exposes only the upper reaches of the flue to the elements.
 
How Chimney Fires Hurt Chimneys:
Masonry Chimneys. When chimney fires occur in masonry chimneys – whether the flues are an older, unlined type or are tile lined to meet current safety codes – the high temperatures at which they burn (around 2000°F) can "melt mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse and damage the outer masonry material". Most often, tiles crack and mortar is displaced, which provides a pathway for flames to reach the combustible wood frame of the house. One chimney fire may not harm a home. A second can burn it down. Pre-fabricated, factory-built, metal chimneys. To be installed in most jurisdictions in the United States, factory built, metal chimneys that are designed to vent wood burning stoves or pre-fabricated metal fireplaces must pass special tests determined by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL). Most tests require the chimney to withstand flue temperatures up to 2100°F – without sustaining damage. Under chimney fire conditions, damage to these systems still may occur. When pre-fabricated, factory-built metal chimneys are damaged by a chimney fire, they should no longer be used and must be replaced.
 
Proper Maintenance:

Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. Make sure a Professional Chimney Sweep inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and cleans and repairs it whenever needed. Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove.

Hope every one has a great week. I have posted some pictures to show you what a non maintained fireplace can do. Please get those fireplaces cleaned and inspected EVERY YEAR!

Sincerely,

Aardvark

   
        

Aardvark Newsletter No. 26 THIS IS A MUST READ!

March 8th, 2012 No comments
Aardvark Newsletter No. 26
 
Inside this issue:
  • ·        Local company AIR DUCT CLEANING SCAM
  • ·        THIS IS A MUST READ!!!!
Hi everyone! This week I was really upset when a customer called me and was telling me about a local Kansas City air duct cleaning company that tried to scam her. She received a coupon in the mail which lead her to believe that she could get her air ducts cleaned for $45.00 WOW what a deal right? WRONG! The woman she spoke with over the phone told her “YES” we can clean all of you VENTS and RETURNS for $45.00!!!! Well the coupon states that (1 Furnace) is included as well…….WELL here is where the SCAM starts…… The furnace is only a FURNACE INSPECTION……not cleaning…..the main trunk lines are additional cost, the furnace cleaning is additional cost, the sanitizer is an additional cost, the inspection fee is an additional cost, the brushing system in an additional cost…….OH MY! So the customer was baffled and ask the woman “well can you send someone out to my house to just give me an estimate” and of course that could not be done as well….. she was told “you have to set an appointment for the cleaning for that.” WOW REALLY! Ok so here is a PERFECT example for a bait and switch company. They tell you one thing to get their foot in the door then it is a total different story once they get there and it’s time to pay.
 
Needless to say we took care of this customer and she was VERY HAPPY with our integrity and service. I personally took care of her and told her exactly what we would be doing in her home as well as a bottom dollar price. This is what ALL companies should be doing. Yes, every company has to make a profit, Yes, sometimes duct cleaning can be expensive but why treat a customer this way? I don’t and will never understand this concept. We take pride in our company, our workers and the job we do. But most of all we take pride in not cheating and lying to our community. The people that mean the most!
 
I have a copy of the coupon that the customer gave to us from the SCAMMERS! So I am including it in this newsletter. The best advice I can give you is ASK QUESTIONS! If an company will not give you a bottom dollar price or a FREE IN HOME estimate……RUN! Run away fast as you can, 99.9% of the time there is a reason they wont!  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hope everyone has a great week! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook!
 
Sincerely,
Aardvark
Facebook.com/aardvarkairresidentialandcommercial
 
 

  

Aardvark Newsletter No. 25

March 5th, 2012 No comments
Aardvark Newsletter No. 25
 
Inside this issue:
·        Benefits of Pressure Washing
 
Benefits of Pressure Washing
Does your deck give the impression like the wood needs to be re-stained? Or how about your sidewalk looks like it's been there for quite a reasonable time now and is in hopeless call for a replacement? These are both signs that your walkway and deck are in need of preservation.
 
A lot of people believe that when the state of whatever thing on their expectation weakens, it's routinely time to change it. However a first-rate pressure washing can be capable of bringing back your deck, footpath or sidewalk to its original state for the reason that the pressure washing removes grime, filth, stain and a lot of other things that can create your deck, siding, or walkway look in a bad condition than it really is.
 
Saving is definitely in the top list. Therefore, the good news is, it’s not as pricey as changing stuffs totally and immediately.
Do you sometimes feel like your home is making you unwell? Well, it could be the cause of a mold building up on the outer part of your house.
Pressure washing is capable to cut all the way through areas where mold and grime build up and eliminate it in a technique that is harmless and will be advantageous to both you and your home.
 
Replacing the roof on any home is an extremely expensive thing. Unfortunately, mold build-up is a general root for shingles that calls for replacement more often than they should and ways to extend the life of roof shingles adds up to another homeowner dilemma.
 
Luckily, pressure washing even on roofs can get rid of the mold and significantly lengthen the life of the shingles, saving homeowners a great amount of savings in possible fix-up.
 
Inappropriate home preservation can result in a home that is poorly insulated and will cost a lot more to remain warm. How can pressure washing help a house to have an enhanced insulation and more energy capable?
 
Due to the increasing charge on power consumption, having a suitably insulated home is crucial, and believe it or not, pressure washing can assist in this. That’s because pressure washing free your home of things that have an effect on the insulation of the house, both on the roof and on the walkway.
Having said all these, why do you have to hire a professional Pressure Washer?
 
Well, in various occasions, doing things on your own can and will definitely save you some cash and time, but not when it comes to vital home preservation like pressure washing. It's extremely cheaper to employ a professional business to do your home's pressure washing, as you won't require purchasing the particular apparatus they use to get it completed.
 
Save yourself from the hassle and aggravation of doing it over and over again just because you didn’t do it right the first time.
As a final point, the outcome will last much longer than an amateur work would.
 
Hope everyone has a great week~ Don’t forget to like us on facebook!
Sincerely,
Aardvark
Facebook.com/aardvarkresidentialandcommercial
 

  

Aardvark Newsletter No. 24

February 23rd, 2012 No comments
Aardvark Newsletter No. 24
 
Inside this issue:
 
  • ·        The importance of a Chimney Cap
Chimney caps, like their name suggest are metal covers fitted over the opening of a chimney.  There are a few reasons you should consider having one installed on your home’s chimney.
 
Every so often pieces of burning embers will make their way out of your chimney and into the surrounding environment.  They can easily land on the roof and start a fire.  They could also land in a pile of debris in your yard and cause a fire as well.  A chimney cap would help keep embers inside the chimney.
If you live in an area which experiences frequent rainfall having a chimney cap installed is a really good idea.  Generally speaking, moisture and masonry do not get along very well.  An uncapped chimney allows moisture to get inside the chimney and degrade the masonry over time.  During the summer months when you are not using the chimney you may notice a musty smell throughout your home because of this moisture.

This problem can be avoided by using a chimney cap.  In addition to protecting the interior of the chimney, the cap will also help protect the crown from ice and rain.  If it is not protected it will wear down much more quickly.
One of the main concerns people with chimneys have is keeping animals out.  Raccoons and birds can easily use the opening to get inside your home.  Birds will also create nests which can block the flue and cause smoke and gasses to end up in your living room.  You can keep all types of animals out of your chimney by installing a cap.
 
Just be aware that some of the caps use very small screens to keep animals out.  It is important for you to clean these screens on a regular basis.  Soot and creosote can cause them to become clogged which will reduce the draft of your chimney and lead to smoke backing up.
Speaking of drafts, chimney caps help out in this area too.  Capping the chimney properly will help ensure it has a proper draft.  If you live in a windy area this will benefit you greatly.
 
Make sure you obtain the right size chimney cap.  If it is not the right size it will likely do more harm than good.  It will interfere with the chimney’s draft and efficiency so you will have to burn more fuel to make up for it.
 
 
Hope everyone has a wonderful week and don’t forget to check us out on facebook!
Facebook.com/aardvarkresidentialandcommercial
Sincerely,
Aardvark
 

  

Aardvark Newsletter No. 23

February 20th, 2012 No comments
Aardvark Newsletter No. 23
 
Inside this issue:
·        How to Increase Air Flow Through Your Home
 
A well ventilated home can help keep indoor air healthy and moisture problems under control. In winter, the biggest concern is stopping unwanted air leaks that suck heat and energy out. It seems that the options are either open to the elements with fresh air or a winter of stale indoor environment but there are some options to increase air flow through your home, even when windows and doors are sealed up for the cold months.
Less air movement in winter is usually a benefit. The less drafts, leaks and displacement of heated air that there are means that interiors stay cozy and warm. Still, inside the tightly sealed walls are odors and pollutants that can compromise indoor air quality. Some byproducts of activities, like cooking, can cause moisture problems. In winter, turn your sights towards mechanical ventilation to keep air fresh and circulating.
The best place to start is in the kitchen, this is often the place where odors, moisture and other pollutants start. Make sure your kitchen is properly vented to the outdoors with a vent hood. Keep it clean and well-maintained and be sure to use it to control odors and moisture that can condense and cause wood and finishes to rot.
If you have a forced hot air AC system, use the fan to circulate air throughout the house. Even unconditioned (not heated or cooled) air that passes through your ducts will be forced through a simple filter that is standard on most systems. Make sure the filter and ductwork is clean and move air with the “fan only” setting. You can also consider upgrading this filter to larger media-type or even a whole house HEPA to cleanse the air during winter months.
One last option that many homeowners often overlook is a heat exchanger. These attachments are common on industrial buildings that condition air year round and are responsible for supplying fresh air to many floors and people.
Heat exchangers are fairly simple. Warm indoor air and cold outdoor pass each other along channels of a box, the heat exchanger. The air streams are kept separate; old air is pushed out and fresh air is sucked in. The heat from escaping air transfers through aluminum plates in the heat exchanger warming the incoming air.
Also called heat-recovery ventilators, these simple tools replenish indoor air, allow ventilation for moisture and odors and can retain upwards of 80% of the outgoing heat. This type of system preheats the incoming air and reduces the load on the furnace. They can be expensive depending on the model but offer an effective way to increase air flow without compromising heating efforts.
 
Hope everyone has a wonderful week!
 
Aardvark
Don’t forget to LIKE us on facebook!!!!
 
Facebook.co/aardvarkresidentialandcommercial
 

  

Aardvark Newsletter No. 22

February 9th, 2012 No comments
 
 
 
Aardvark Newsletter    No. 22    
                                                                         
Inside this issue:
  • ·        Question to ask when getting a Air Duct Cleaning quote
  • ·        NBC dateline video on Air Duct Cleaning Scams
We wanted to put it out there that it is impossible to do a complete air duct cleaning in your home for $49.00-$79.00 This is a scam for these companies to get into your home. We have had numerous calls from customers that were so upset because one of these companies had just left their home. They drag you in with these gimmick ads, get to your home want to do an INSPECTION of the duct work (which is usually a $95.00 charge) then tell you that your furnace, mains and returns are NOT included in the advertised ad and it will be X amount of dollars to clean them. By the time they are done your looking at a bill that is $500 plus easy. So we wanted to make a question list for anyone that is looking to get their air ducts cleaned. A good, honest company will give you a bottom dollar cost. No surprises, No gimmick ads no trip fees etc. So here are the bottom line questions you will need to ask:
1.       How many vent openings does this include?
2.       Are my returns included in this price?
3.       Is there an additional cost for my furnace?
4.       Are my Main Trunk Lines included in this price? If so is there a limit on how many?
5.       Is the Sanitizer included in this price?
6.       Is there an inspection fee?
7.       Is there a trip charge?
8.       Is this the bottom dollar cost?
Aardvark takes pride in giving bottom dollar prices. We DO NOT try to get into your homes and slap you with unnecessary high dollar cost. The price we give you is the price you pay BOTTOM LINE! Our technicians take pride in their work and will do an excellent job! Go to our testimonial page and check out some of our satisfied customers, not just residential but commercial as well.   I have attached a video from NBC Dateline that shows you more in depth how these scammers work. 
Hope you all have a wonderful week and a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
 
Sincerely,
Aardvark
 
Don’t forget to go check out our facebook page!
 
www.facebook.aardvarkresidentialandcommercialservices
 
 

  

Aardvark Newsletter No. 21

February 2nd, 2012 No comments
Aardvark Newsletter No. 21
 
Inside this issue:
·        50 Ways to winterize your home
·        20 Winter Fun Facts
 
 
50 Ways to WINTERIZE your home!
 
1.       Replace any old or inefficient windows. Windows are one of the major ways heat leaks out of your house.
2.       Seal off drafty windows and patio doors with clear plastic.
3.       If you have a lot of outside doors that leak air, you can seal a few off using plastic or caulk putty.
4.       If your furnace is more than 10 years old, there’s a good chance that it wastes a lot of fuel. Consider upgrading to a newer one.
5.       Insulate the hot water lines around your hot water heater and turn down the temperature of the water heater to the “warm” setting (120 degrees F).
6.       Consider “blanketing” your water heater with faced fiberglass insulation. (Do not do this if you have a gas-powered water heater)
7.       Wrap any hot water pipes that run through unheated areas of the house. Also, you can insulate cold water pipes to help prevent them from freezing during the winter.
8.       Replace your furnace filter about every 3 months.
9.       Make sure your cold air returns aren’t blocked.  Your furnace needs these to operate efficiently.
10.     Try replacing the weather stripping around the doors in your home.
11.     Use a programmable thermostat to reduce heating costs when no one is at home.
12.     Uncover all south-facing windows to let all possible sunlight in your home.
13.     Keep all vents and baseboard heaters clean.
14.     If you have a fireplace, close the damper when the fireplace is not in use.
15.     If the damper is old or doesn’t close well, try putting some insulation in it to seal it off. Just remember to take it out before using it!
16.     If you like using a fireplace, consider getting an insert that will direct the heat into your house instead of just sending it up the chimney.
17.     Consider replacing all of your lightbulbs with energy-saving CFL bulbs.
18.     Install a timer on your water heater so it isn’t heating a whole tank of water when you don’t need it.
19.     Install foam insulators behind the face plates of light switches and electrical outlets.
20.     Check the insulation in the walls of your home. It might need some work in order to keep heat in efficiently.
21.     Plant evergreen trees close to your home to block the winter wind.
22.     Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to push hot air downward and delay it from escaping the house.
23.     Consider hanging thermal curtains to help prevent drafts.
24.     Install a dryer vent seal to prevent cold air from traveling back into your home.
25.     There are attachments to vent your dryer inside your home so you don’t waste the heat and humidity. (Don’t try this if you have a gas-powered dryer).
26.     Check windows for leaks. Windows with wooden frames often warp and become inefficient.
27.     Caulk both sides of the trim around your windows.  This is an area where a lot of air can get in.
28.     Try not to use space heaters to heat large areas of your house.
29.     If you spend most of your time in one room in a large house, consider setting your thermostat low and using a small heater to heat where you are going to be.
30.     Remove any window-unit air conditioners.
31.     Keep all closet doors closed when possible. There’s no need to heat space that isn’t in use as long as it doesn’t contain water pipes.
32.     Make sure that your garage isn’t too drafty.
33.     Try to use the clothes dryer for consecutive loads of laundry. This conserves the energy that would be needed to heat up the dryer several times. (make sure to get those cleaned and inspected!)
34.     Replace the caulking around any bathtubs or showers.
35.     If your home has folding attic stairs, consider insulating the door with a cover of some sort.
36.     If your home has a sliding glass door, check the seal on the bottom to make sure it isn’t letting in cold air.
37.     If your water heater needs to be upgraded, consider installing a tankless water heater.
38.     Use the oven for baking during colder hours of the day to help heat your home.
39.     Install storm doors to help keep out drafts.
40.     Use an energy monitor to tell you what appliances are using the most energy. This might help pinpoint areas where you can cut back on energy usage.
41.     Make sure that your duct system is working properly.
42.     Look into installing a geothermal heating system. While it is a bit expensive, initially, the energy savings provide a long-term cost benefit.
43.     Dress warmly when you are inside so that you won’t be tempted to raise the temperature on the thermostat.
44.     Make sure that there aren’t any drafts coming in under doors. If there are, consider using a rubber strip to seal them off.
45.     If you own a brick home, check the mortar. It may need repair.
46.     Replace worn or missing shingles.
47.     Seal any cracks in the foundation of your house.
48.     Wear socks and slippers.  If your feet are warm, you will feel warmer and can keep the thermostat set low.
49.     Install a programmable Energy Star thermostat that will lower the temperature at night and when no one is at home.
50.     Close off rooms that aren’t used and shut the vents.
 
 
 
20 Winter Fun Facts:
 
1. We have all heard that no two snowflakes are alike. Did you know a scientist took 400,000 to prove it?
2. Icicles form most often on the south side of buildings.
3. The record for the most snow angels at one time was set in Ontario Canada in 2004 when a couple of schools joined to create 15,851 snow angels.
4. The wind chill factor measures heat loss from exposed skin.

5 .If it gets cold enough, single digits or below, ice crystals can form and snow can fall from clear skies.
6. All snowflakes have 6 sides.
7. Antarctica set the record for the worlds coldest temperature at -129(degrees Fahrenheit)
8. It does not have to be 32(degrees Fahrenheit) outside to snow.
9. Average snowflakes fall at 3.1mph
10. Ice is a mineral.
11. Billions of snowflakes fall during a storm, even a small storm.
12. A whiteout is also called a snow squall. This is when the cloud touches the ground and everything looks white.
13.   60% of the Earth's fresh water is stored in the polar ice caps.
14. Hot water freezes faster than cold water.
15. The "winter blues" were first diagnosed in 1984. And have recently been named seasonal affective disorder or S.A.D. (seriously)
16. The tallest snowman was 113 feet 7 inches tall. Named Angus and made in Bethel Maine in 1999.
17. Nine years later in 2008 this same town created the world's tallest snowwoman. The snowwoman stood 122 feet 1 inch tall.
18. The largest snowflake recorded in the Guinness World Book of Records fell in Montana and  was 15 wide.
 
19. Ten inches of snow melts down to one inch of water.
 
20. Winter ends and spring begins with the March equinox. This is when the day and night are approximately the same length. Currently the equinox occurs on either March 20 or 21st.
 
 
Hope everyone enjoys the newsletter this week. We wanted to keep it informational but on the fun side as well. Hope everyone has an AWESOME week! Check us out on facebook! Facebook.com/aardvarkresidentialandcommercial
 
Sincerely,
Aardvark!