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Got allergies?

05/03/2012 10:45:00

Sniffling and sneezing from spring allergies aren’t caused only by what’s outside. Spring allergies are aggravated by allergens that have made their way inside your home, too.

You can alleviate some of your symptoms by following these simple tips:

•Keep your home’s ductwork and registers clean by vacuuming and dusting regularly.

•Run your air conditioner to force the air in your home through the A/C’s filter, which should trap much of the pollen, dust and other allergens floating around in your home.

•Upgrade your Air conditioners filter. High-efficiency furnace and air conditioning filters can trap more allergens that affect those with springtime symptoms.

•For more complete air cleaning, consider investing in a mechanical air cleaner with HEPA filtration to remove breathable particles from the air.

•Consider replacing carpets or rugs with wood, vinyl or other flooring.

•Run kitchen and bathroom fans to exhaust contaminated and humid air outdoors rather than letting it be recycled throughout your home.

An allergen-free home can be a refuge for spring allergy sufferers. Contact SoBellas Air Conditioning and Heating for expert advice on how to control spring allergies in your home and other issues relating to home comfort. Our family-owned and operated business has been providing years of heating and air conditioning installation and service.

How to find an air conditioning contractor

04/25/2012 11:44:00

Is it time to purchase a new air conditioner? Is your current air conditioning system too loud? Does it struggle to keep up during the hot El Paso summer?

If it’s time to replace the old worn out air conditioner you're about to make a big decision, one that most people only make a few times in their lives. The right air conditioning contractor can make all the difference in making sure your new heating and air conditioning system will work even better than the old one, last a long time, save you money, and improve your comfort.

Buying a new furnace or air conditioner is not like buying anew washer that you bring home, and simply plug into the wall. The equipment is only one component of a system that’s been custom designed, fabricated and installed into your home. Your new equipment should be evaluated together as a system not as a metal box on the side of the house. Some contractors want to just change your box, take the money and run. Certified licensed air conditioning and heating contractors take the time to evaluate the whole system so you can make a truly informed decision. El Paso’s heat and wind affect how your system works. The system must be equipped and modified to work in our environment. The most expensive energy efficient equipment on the marketwon’t perform if it’s not build, and assembled to the requirements of El Paso temperatures.

Information is critical when making any important decision.A certified licensed contractor carefully tests and evaluates your system using years of training and knowledge. Your understanding of the condition yourhome’s heating and air conditioning system will increase dramatically as he shares with you the specific knowledge he acquires as he tests. By investing a little time in understanding your system you will be much more comfortable making a decision based on this knowledge.

Millions of frustrated homeowners invest thousands of dollars each year in brand new equipment, only to discover they still have high utility bills, comfort issues, poor indoor air quality - even safety concerns with their heating and air conditioning equipment. No contractor can assure you comfort and efficiency by simply replacing your equipment. In order to fulfill their promises, they must test, adjust, measure and balance your system. The new air conditioning system must be assembled and modified to work in the hot El Paso environment. These steps are what set certified licensed contractors apart from the rest of the industry.

SoBellas Home Services

915-875-1720

www.sobellas.com

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Does your house always feel hot?

04/11/2012 15:38:00

Does your house always feel hot? Now is the time to consider some energy saving tips for heat relief. You may be surprised at the number of options available to you to help cool your house.

Before installing a new air conditioning system, it’s best to consider strategies that will maximize the energy efficiency of your home. Here are some steps you can take that will increase the productivity of any air conditioner, while saving money on your utility bills.

Ventilating your attic can reduce the heat that accumulates before it works its way into your home. This additional heat makes your air conditioner work harder, which you’ll notice on your utility bills. Properly installed attic ventilation can lower your attic temperature by 30 degrees.

Adding ceiling fans will help you feel cooler than it really is inside your home. The assistance of air movement will drastically reduce the indoor temperature. This allows you to increase your thermostat setting with no decrease in your level of comfort.

Avoiding heat buildup inside your home will lessen the demands on your cooling system. Use your oven hood ventilation to remove cooking heat; install window treatments or blinds to block direct sunlight and radiated heat from outside; and install sufficient insulation in your home as a heat barrier. Also, check the dryer vent to make sure it’s not leaking hot moist air into the house. And turn off the heated dry function on the dishwasher to avoid excess heat buildup during the summer months.

Even if you install a new energy-efficient air conditioning system, you will fail to see any savings on your monthly utility bills unless you take some other simple steps. Contacting a reputable, experienced air conditioning and heating contractor makes all the difference. Seek referrals from family and friends; ask for references from the company; inquire about the company’s experience; and be sure that the company is licensed and insured.

SoBellas Air Conditioning and Heating

915-875-1720

www.sobellas.com

Does your washer smell?

04/04/2012 15:26:00

It could be mold in your front load washer causing that smell.

Here are some tips for front load washing machines

To Prevent Mold: leave the door of your front load washer open after washing a load to let the rubber door gasket dry and any remaining water in the tub to evaporate.

HE Soap: not using HE soap will cause a nasty build up inside your washer. This can lead to the bad smell, but also causes premature failure of the washer.

Removing Mold: run an empty cycle of hot water and bleach or AFFRESH® cleaner to kill bacteria and clean out the soap scum that promotes fungus growth. Clean the door gasket and run the clean cycle once per month.

www.sobellas.com

Air Conditioner not cooling?

03/27/2012 11:53:00

An air conditioning unit that is not able to cool a room anymore needs attention and some fixing. However, before you seek out the help of an AC repair service man or company, you can first check out the unit by yourself and do some basic troubleshooting. More often than not, cooling problems are caused by minor glitches which can be repaired on your own.Troubleshooting on your own saves you time and a lot of money.

Filter first and then the others

The first and most obvious thing you have to check is the units filter. Filters with heavy accumulations of dirt and debris will cause the systems coil and evaporator to freeze up. This makes it difficult for your AC unit to expel cool air. If your unit is equipped with a v-belt fan, be sure to check that one out as well. A displaced or broken v-belt fan will also hinder the unit from blowing out cool air. You should also look out for leakages in and around the evaporator, furnace, and air handler. Check for ice accumulation inside the inner coil. This is probably the most apparent sign that an AC unit is having problems.

Checking the units power button

If the parts of the unit’s internal systems are in good condition, test the power button if it is working. Turn the unit on and if it does not start, it means that the switch button and the controller are damaged.It can also mean that the unit may be plugged incorrectly so check the socket.If your unit has a furnace that creates heat, make sure that its emergency button is not turned on since this will prevent the AC unit from starting.

Troubleshooting the thermostat

If the unit’s power button is working, the next thing you should do is to troubleshoot the thermostat. First, set the thermostat to a lower temperature, preferably lower than the room’s temperature. Slowly increase the thermostats temperature while simultaneously checking if the unit is blowing cooler air. Sometimes, an air conditioning unit is not able to expel cool air because the thermostat is adjusted rapidly to a cold temperature.

Checking the condensers copper line

If the thermostat can be programmed and adjusted properly,then the next thing you need to do is to check the condenser and look for its copper line. Turn on the unit, touch the copper line, and check its temperature. A unit that is functioning properly will have a cold copper line.However, a warm copper line indicates that the compressor is down or the system has a serious problem that needs to be checked by a professional.

Circuit breaker the final test

If all the above are working fine, the last thing you have to check before seeking out the help of an AC repair service provider is the circuit breaker panel. However, you need basic understanding of fuses and circuits before you can proceed with troubleshooting. Check for tripped breakers, blown fuses, or damaged wires. Try fixing any problem just once. If the unit is still unable to blow cool air, it is now recommended that you call for assistance.

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Pet loving contractors help keep your pets cool

03/15/2012 16:22:00

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Mike LaBeau

support@sobellas.com

1-800-617-6235

pet loving Contractors Offer Pet Owners Tips to Keep Their Pet Cool

(El Paso, Texas) –SoBellas Home Services announced the release of a free guide for home owners about keeping pets cool during hot summer days.

“When we are at homes we often see pets left outside in the heat” said Mike LaBeau, President of SoBellas Home Services. “Home owners don’t always remember that their pet is wearing a fur coat. We try to notify homeowners of their pet’s danger when we see it, and created this guide to inform more people.” This Pet Cooling Guide is available for anyone by emailing SoBellas Home Services at support@sobellas.com.

Pets die every year from heat stroke, according to the Humane Society, and the worst part for pet owners is knowing it was preventable.

SoBellas Home Services gives quick and easy tips on preventing these tragedies by explaining how to keep four footed furry friends hydrated, near the shade, how to notice heat stroke in your pet, what to do if it happens, and more.

To get your free copy of these Pet Cooling Tips email support@sobellas.com today.

SoBellas Home Services, the pet loving contractor, has been serving the El Paso area for years. Visit their website at http://www.sobellas.com.

Hiring a repair company

03/01/2012 12:08:00

Hiring an AC repair company can be expensive. Due to this, it is important that homeowners choose a company that is reputable and competent. This will reduce the risk of the AC failing again in the future. In order to choose the right repair company, consumers must know what to look for in a repair business.

Firstly, the company should have a good reputation. Businesses who are known for their honesty and effectiveness are unlikely to try and take advantage of customers. These repairmen also show up on time. Anybody who has ever hired a repair person will know how frustrating it is when they do not turn up. The best way to check if a company can be trusted or not is to read on line reviews. These reviews are generally written by previous customers of the company.

The company should also employ experienced and qualified staff members. This will ensure that the machine is fixed quickly and effectively. Consumers should also check that the services they are being offered are affordable. Ideally, the price will be discussed before the repairs are commenced.

If one of your appliances happens to go out on you, you are going to want to make sure that you have a professional to come out and look things over. Of course, you could consider fixing the problem yourself. However, if you were to make a mistake, the repairman would most likely end up charging you more money in order to put the appliance back the way that it was before you touched it.

Something else to keep in mind is the fact that in many cases, if you do not use a professional appliance repair El Paso company to fix your appliance, you could be voiding the warranty. This is definitely not something that you want to do if you can avoid it the situation. We rely on our appliances to make our life easier. It is important to make sure that we are taking good care of them so that they will take good care of us when the time comes. Do not hesitate to contact a professional to come out and give you a complete checkup.

Ask: Is the company insured and bonded? Are the technicians put through background and drug screenings? Does the company carry parts on the truck to complete the repair the first time? How long is the warranty on parts and labor? Are the technicians employees of the company or are they contract labor? How many hours per year are the technicians trained? Are they even trained? Do they have professional office staff to assist you in your service needs? Will they answer the phone tomorrow if you have a problem?

Sobellas Appliance Receives 2011 Best of El Paso Award

01/23/2012 15:44:00

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sobellas Appliance Receives 2011 Best of ElPaso Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

NEW YORK, NY, October 21, 2011 -- Sobellas Appliance has been selected forthe 2011 Best of El Paso Award in the Major Appliance Refinishing & Repaircategory by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizesoutstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCAidentifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketingsuccess in their local community and business category. These are localcompanies that enhance the positive image of small business through service totheir customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose thewinners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, notquantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered bothinternally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organizationfunded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America.The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations,marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in theircommunity. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, tradegroups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other businessadvertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for smalland medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@uscaaward.com
URL: http://www.uscaaward.com

www.sobellas.com

Furnace repair tip for the winter.

12/15/2011 14:04:00

When a home heater begins to fail many homeowners debate whether to pay for furnace repair or to buy an upgraded system. There are both benefits and drawbacks to each choice. In some circumstances repairing the system will be more affordable. However a small percentage of people will find that the cost of repair is close to that of a new furnace.

The cost of the repairs is likely to be the biggest factor when it comes to deciding between repairing the furnace or replacing it. If the price is only for a small amount of money most people will go ahead with the repair. When the repair costs are very high, homeowners will consider a replacement model. However it is important to remember that homeowners will have to pay for more than just the cost of the machine. They will also need to fork out money for installation, warranties, delivery and a servicing plan. Homeowners will need to weigh up the cost of both options and make a decision based on cost and convenience.

If a homeowner does decide to get their furnace repaired, they will need to hire a reputable service company. As homeowners will be parting with hundreds, if not thousands of dollars they should take the time to find a good service. The best companies will have workers who are experienced, reliable and qualified.

Once the homeowner has chosen a repair company, they may want to consider inquiring about regular servicing. Getting a furnace serviced every year will prolong its life and reduce the likelihood of anything going wrong. Many repair companies have service plans at reasonable prices.

Having a broken furnace can be a frustrating experience. Thankfully this problem can be resolved by hiring a repairman. Homeowners will find that their current furnace will be up and running within a few days of calling the repair service company. Those who buy a new machine may have to wait a week or so to get it installed.

Winter ready

12/01/2011 22:46:00

As winter approaches and the outdoor temperature drops, energy consumption is on the rise. Homeowners can implement these five tips to help reduce their home’s energy use and costs, yet maintain a warm and comfortable indoor environment, this winter.

Even though we may be hoping for a milder winter this year, it’s smarter to prepare for the worst. We can’t control Mother Nature, and we can’t control the upward pressure on fuel prices unfortunately, we still import about 60% of the oil we consume.

Many of the upgrades that improve home energy efficiency focus on what building scientists call the “building envelope,” the assembly of building materials (like framing, sheathing, roofing, siding, insulation, etc.) that separates the inside from the outside. Just by sealing air leaks and upping the insulation value in the attic, it’s possible to cut heating costs by 40%. As fuel oil prices climb toward $4 a gallon, that’s a lot of savings.

Ensure cold-weather comfort and lower utility bills with a master plan for energy savings.

The kitchen is one area where consumers have the most options for green products that have the most cost saving opportunity. From ENERGY STAR qualified appliances to green cleaning, homeowners have a virtual appliance wonderland of possibilities.

* Kitchen and Laundry appliances. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances offer the benefits of efficiency, features and convenience. New models of refrigerators that have earned ENERGY STAR qualifications are 40 percent more energy efficient than conventional refrigerators sold in 2001.

* Green cleaning. If scrubbing pots and pans makes you want to throw in the towel, pick up a natural sponge instead. Scotch Brite’s Greener Clean Natural Fiber Scrub Sponges and Scour Pads are new dish scrubbers, made from the agave plant, that are tough enough to remove dried on food, but gentle enough to use on delicate surfaces.

* Sustainable spout. While homeowners are concerned about saving water, the thought of waiting at the kitchen sink to fill a pot or pitcher is not very appealing. Fortunately, the new Lindley Eco-Performance kitchen faucet from Moen is the first in the kitchen category to offer a water-saving faucet. Users can easily switch between three unique water flow settings: 1. eco performance aerated stream 2. eco performance spray and 3. full flow.

* Lighting. During the winter, people tend to use more artificial lighting to make up for the decrease in daylight. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, switching from incandescent light bulbs to more efficient compact florescent bulbs (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs) can save up to $50 a year in energy costs. Another easy way to reduce energy consumption during the winter holiday season is to use a timer on your festive decorative lights. Your local home improvement stores should carry a variety of inexpensive timer models to choose from.

Water heating

Lowering the thermostat on your water heater by 10 degrees can help save between 3 and 5 percent in energy costs. In addition, keeping your water heater set at 120 degrees will slow corrosion in your water heater and pipes, allowing them to operate at their most efficient. Insulate your water heater tank and any accessible hot water pipes.

Indoor heating

It’s tempting to turn up the heat when the weather cools; however, during the winter months, you can save as much as 3 percent of heating costs for every degree your thermostat is lowered. A professional heating and cooling contractor can recommend and install a programmable thermostat that allows homeowners to create heating schedules for when no one is home ensuring greater energy efficiency and enhanced indoor comfort.