#hvac information

[ventvista]

5 Essential Heating Repairs to Address This Fall for a Cozy Home

As autumn settles in and the chill of fall begins to take hold, ensuring that your heating system is in optimal condition becomes crucial. A well-maintained heating system not only keeps your home warm and comfortable but also prevents unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Here are five essential heating repairs and maintenance tasks to address this fall to ensure your heating system operates efficiently throughout the season.

1. Inspect and Replace Air Filters

Importance of Air Filters in HVAC Systems

One of the simplest yet most critical maintenance tasks is to check and replace your air filters. Air filters play a crucial role in your HVAC system by trapping dust, dirt, and other airborne particles. This prevents these contaminants from entering your air conditioner or heating system, which can lead to decreased efficiency and potential damage over time.

Why Regular Replacement Matters

As the air filter becomes clogged with debris, it restricts airflow and forces the HVAC system to work harder to circulate air. This not only reduces the efficiency of your heating system but also increases energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills. Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause your HVAC system to overheat and eventually fail.

Tip: Check your air filters monthly and replace them every 1-3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty area. Using high-efficiency filters can also help improve air quality and system performance.

2. Clean the Furnace and Ductwork

The Role of Furnace Cleaning in HVAC Efficiency

Regular cleaning of your furnace and ductwork is essential for maintaining a properly functioning heating system. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in the furnace, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing malfunctions. Cleaning the furnace ensures that it operates smoothly and effectively.

Benefits of Professional Duct Cleaning

Your ductwork can also collect dust and allergens over time. Professional air conditioner service providers often offer duct cleaning as part of their maintenance services. Clean ducts help improve indoor air quality, reduce allergens, and ensure that warm air is distributed evenly throughout your home.

Tip: Schedule a professional duct cleaning service at least once every few years to keep your HVAC system in top shape and to maintain good air quality in your home.

3. Check and Seal Air Leaks

Identifying Air Leaks Around Your Home

Air leaks around doors, windows, and other openings can significantly impact your heating system's efficiency. Cold air entering through these leaks can cause your furnace to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. This not only leads to higher energy bills but also reduces the overall comfort of your home.

How to Seal Air Leaks Effectively

Inspect your home for air leaks and seal them using weatherstripping or caulking. Pay close attention to areas around windows, doors, and where different building materials meet. By sealing these leaks, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce the load on your heating system.

Tip: Conduct a home energy audit to identify and address any additional areas where air leaks may be impacting your heating system's performance.

4. Test and Calibrate the Thermostat

The Importance of a Properly Calibrated Thermostat

Your thermostat is the control center for your heating system. It determines when the system should turn on and off to maintain your desired temperature. A malfunctioning or poorly calibrated thermostat can cause inconsistent temperatures and lead to unnecessary energy consumption.

How to Test and Calibrate Your Thermostat

Test your thermostat to ensure it accurately reflects the temperature in your home. If you notice discrepancies or if your thermostat is not working correctly, consider recalibrating it or replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Modern programmable thermostats offer additional features, such as scheduling and remote control, to enhance comfort and energy savings.

Tip: If you're unsure about testing or calibrating your thermostat, consult with a professional HVAC technician to ensure it's functioning correctly.

5. Schedule a Professional HVAC Service

Why Professional HVAC Service is Essential

Even with regular DIY maintenance, your heating system requires professional attention to ensure it's operating efficiently and safely. A professional HVAC technician can perform a thorough inspection of your heating system, identify potential issues, and make necessary repairs before they become major problems.

What to Expect During a Professional Service

During a professional HVAC service, the technician will inspect various components of your heating system, including the furnace, heat exchanger, burner, and thermostat. They will also check for any signs of wear and tear, clean essential parts, and ensure that everything is functioning correctly.

Tip: Schedule a professional HVAC service at least once a year, preferably in the fall, to prepare your system for the upcoming heating season and to address any issues before they affect performance.

Conclusion

Preparing your heating system for the fall and winter seasons is essential for maintaining comfort and efficiency in your home. By addressing these five key heating repairs—inspecting and replacing air filters, cleaning the furnace and ductwork, checking and sealing air leaks, testing and calibrating the thermostat, and scheduling professional HVAC service—you can ensure that your heating system operates smoothly and effectively throughout the colder months.

Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your HVAC system but also helps prevent costly breakdowns and repairs. For optimal performance and peace of mind, consider partnering with a trusted air conditioner service provider or HVAC technician to keep your heating system in top condition this fall.

By staying on top of these essential heating repairs, you can enjoy a warm and comfortable home all season long.

[girderednerve]

i have once more Read a Book !

the book was jim morris' cancer factory: industrial chemicals, corporate deception, & the hidden deaths of american workers. this book! is very good! it is primarily about the bladder cancer outbreak associated with the goodyear plant in niagara falls, new york, & which was caused by a chemical called orthotoluedine. goodyear itself is shielded by new york's workers' comp law from any real liability for these exposures & occupational illnesses; instead, a lot of the information that morris relies on comes from suits against dupont, which manufactured the orthotoluedine that goodyear used, & despite clear internal awareness of its carcinogenicity, did not inform its clients, who then failed to protect their workers. fuck dupont! morris also points out that goodyear manufactured polyvinyl chloride (PVC) at that plant, and, along with other PVC manufacturers, colluded to hide the cancer-causing effects of vinyl chloride, a primary ingredient in PVC & the chemical spilled in east palestine, ohio in 2023. the book also discusses other chemical threats to american workers, including, and this was exciting for me personally, silica; it mentions the hawks nest tunnel disaster (widely forgotten now despite being influential in the 30s, and, by some measures, the deadliest industrial disaster in US history) & spends some time on the outbreak of severe silicosis among southern california countertop fabricators, associated with high-silica 'engineered stone' or 'quartz' countertops. i shrieked about that, the coverage is really good although the treatment of hawks nest was very brief & neglected the racial dynamic at play (the workers exposed to silica at hawks nest were primarily migrant black workers from the deep south).

cancer factory spends a lot of time on the regulatory apparatus in place to respond to chemical threats in the workplace, & thoroughly lays out how inadequate they are. OSHA is responsible for setting exposure standards for workplace chemicals, but they have standards for only a tiny fraction—less than one percent!—of chemicals used in american industry, and issue standards extremely slowly. the two major issues it faces, outside of its pathetically tiny budget, are 1) the standard for demonstrating harm for workers is higher than it is for the general public, a problem substantially worsened during the reagan administration but not created by it, and 2) OSHA is obliged to regulate each individual chemical separately, rather than by functional groups, which, if you know anything at all about organic chemistry, is nonsensical on its face. morris spends a good amount of time on the tenure of eula bingham as the head of OSHA during the carter administration; she was the first woman to head the organization & made a lot of reasonable reforms (a cotton dust standard for textile workers!), but could not get a general chemical standard, allowing OSHA to regulate chemicals in blocks instead of individually, through, & then of course much of her good work was undone by reagan appointees.

the part of the book that made me most uncomfortable was morris' attempt to include birth defects in his analysis. i don't especially love the term 'birth defect'—it feels cruel & seems to me to openly devalue disabled people's lives, no?—but i did appreciate attention to women's experiences in the workplace, and i think workplace chemical exposure is an underdiscussed part of reproductive justice. cancer factory mentions women lead workers who were forced to undergo tubal ligations to retain their employment, supposedly because lead is a teratogen. morris points at workers in silicon valley's electronics industry; workers, most of them women, who made those early transistors were exposed to horrifying amounts of lead, benzene, and dangerous solvents, often with disabling effects for their children.

morris points out again & again that we only know that there was an outbreak of bladder cancer & that it should be associated with o-toluedine because the goodyear plant workers were organized with the oil, chemical, & atomic workers (OCAW; now part of united steelworkers), and the union pursued NIOSH investigation and advocated for improved safety and monitoring for employees, present & former. even so, 78 workers got bladder cancer, 3 died of angiosarcoma, and goodyear workers' families experienced bladder cancer and miscarriage as a result of secondary exposure. i kept thinking about unorganized workers in the deep south, cancer alley in louisiana, miners & refinery workers; we don't have meaningful safety enforcement or monitoring for many of these workers. we simply do not know how many of them have been sickened & killed by their employers. there is no political will among people with power to count & prevent these deaths. labor protections for workers are better under the biden administration than the trump administration, but biden's last proposed budget leaves OSHA with a functional budget cut after inflation, and there is no federal heat safety standard for indoor workers. the best we get is marginal improvement, & workers die. i know you know! but it's too big to hold all the same.

anyway it's a good book, it's wide-ranging & interested in a lot of experiences of work in america, & morris presents an intimate (sometimes painfully so!) portrait of workers who were harmed by goodyear & dupont. would recommend

[bananonbinary]

tbh i really do understand the urge to be a know it all customer bc we're hiring a contractor to install a new heat pump in our house, and i had to do a fair bit of research to kinda guesstimate costs and how to pick the right contractor and all that, and now my brain is just...stuck. wont stop hyperfocusing, but there's no more answers i can reasonably find that wont be trumped by what the contractor knows. my brain is like 'no figure out the specific model you want and how you want it installed' and i keep having to beat it back with a stick bc my few hours of googling is not better than their life's trade, brain.

[friendlycursedspaceotter]

Pro tip for my disabled and chronically ill friends in college: if you have to put a work order in and it is related any bit at all to your disability, write, very clearly in the "describe what needs to get done" section, "This issue is a health hazard," followed by a description of how the issue relates to your disability/chronic illness.

They are required to put it as a high-priority issue and fix it ASAP. Required BY LAW. Yes, I said it. They are legally required to fix these things, both under OSHA regulations and the ADA.

Play the disability card. I'm begging you. DISABLED IS NOT A BAD WORD. But don't abuse it. This is a fine line here.

Example: I'm heat and noise sensitive. My HVAC unit started breaking down and rattling loudly. That would be an example of a health hazard. A broken light could be a health hazard to someone with vision issues. I can only speak for myself here. But y'all have the right to speak up and advocate to yourself.

Neurodivergent people, this applies to you too. You're one of us (one of us! one of us! one of us!). Don't let the exclusionists gatekeep this information from you.

[shareyourideas]

The Only HVAC Troubleshooting Guide You'll Need

[johnmaryhvac]

Should You Repair or Replace Your Leaky Air Conditioner?

When faced with a leaky AC, it's important to evaluate the condition of your unit and determine the most cost-effective and efficient solution. Understanding the signs of a leaky AC, the benefits of repair, and when it's time for a replacement will guide you in making the right decision for your home or office. So let's delve into these factors and explore the options.

Signs of a leaky AC

Before making any decisions, it's crucial to identify the signs of a leaky AC. These signs may include water pooling around the unit, unusual noises, unpleasant odors, or inconsistent cooling. If you detect any of these issues, it's time to take action.

Benefits of repairing 

Repairing your AC can be a viable solution in certain situations. Firstly, it is often more cost-effective than a full replacement. If the problem is minor, such as a clogged drain or a damaged component, a repair can restore your AC to its optimal condition. Additionally, repairing your AC allows you to extend its lifespan, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Factors to Consider 

When deciding whether to repair or replace, several factors come into play. Firstly, the age of your AC unit is crucial. If your unit is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, investing in repairs may only provide a temporary fix. Moreover, the frequency of breakdowns and the overall efficiency of your AC should be considered. If you're frequently dealing with repairs or your unit is inefficient, it might be time for a replacement.

Cost Comparison 

A cost comparison between repair and replacement is essential to determine the most financially viable option. In general, repairs tend to be less expensive upfront. However, if your AC requires frequent repairs, the cumulative costs can quickly add up. On the other hand, while a replacement may require a larger initial investment, it often comes with warranties and energy-efficient features that can save you money in the long run.

Long-term savings 

Energy efficiency plays an important role in the long-term savings associated with repair or replacement. Older AC units tend to be less efficient, leading to higher energy bills. By replacing your unit with a newer, energy-efficient model, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money over time. On the other hand, if your current unit is still relatively new and efficient, repairing it might be the more economical choice.

Energy efficiency Speaking of energy efficiency, it's worth considering the environmental impact of your AC unit. Older units tend to use more energy and contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions. By upgrading to a newer model with improved energy efficiency, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener environment.

When to replace 

While repairing can be a suitable solution in many cases, there are certain scenarios where replacing your leaky AC is the better option. For example, if your unit is outdated and no longer meets the cooling demands of your space, a replacement can provide better performance and improved comfort. Additionally, if your AC requires major repairs that are costly and would only provide a temporary fix, it may be more practical to invest in a new air conditioner.

Benefits of replacement 

Opting for AC replacement in Bakersfield, CA, offers several benefits. Firstly, it ensures that you have a reliable and efficient cooling system that can keep up with your needs. In addition, newer AC models come equipped with advanced features, such as programmable thermostats and variable-speed compressors, which enhance comfort and energy efficiency. Moreover, replacements often come with warranties, providing you with peace of mind and protection against unexpected issues.

Factors to Consider

When considering AC replacement, there are a few factors to keep in mind. The size and layout of your space, as well as your specific cooling requirements, should be considered to ensure that you select an AC unit that is the right fit. Additionally, factors such as energy efficiency ratings, noise levels, and maintenance requirements should also be taken into account to ensure optimal performance and satisfaction with your new AC.

Choosing the Right AC 

Selecting the right air conditioner in Bakersfield for your needs is crucial. It's recommended to consult with HVAC professionals who can assess your space, provide expert advice, and recommend suitable AC units based on your requirements and budget. In addition, they can guide you through the process of selecting the appropriate size, energy efficiency rating, and features that align with your specific needs.

Professional assistance

When it comes to AC repairing or replacing your leaky AC, it's often beneficial to seek professional assistance. HVAC technicians have the expertise and experience to accurately diagnose the issues with your AC and recommend the best course of action. In addition, they can efficiently perform repairs, ensuring that your unit functions optimally. In the case of replacement, professionals can handle the installation process, ensuring that everything is set up correctly for maximum efficiency and performance.

Conclusion 

Choosing whether to repair or replace your leaky air conditioner requires careful consideration of various factors. While repairs can be a cost-effective solution in certain situations, replacements offer benefits such as improved performance, energy efficiency, and warranties. Factors such as the age of your unit, frequency of breakdowns, and energy efficiency ratings should guide your decision. Seeking professional assistance will provide you with expert advice and ensure that your AC functions optimally.

Our other Blog:-

Should I Repair or Replace Your Leaky AC?

What are 5 skills an HVAC Technician should have?

AC Sounds You Don't Want to Hear

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Air Conditioner

Best Air Conditioning Repair Services in Bakersfield

Top 10 Best AC Companies in Phoenix

[fieldforcetracker1]

Hvac Service Software

[mrvserviceair]

How long should AC be serviced?

You should have your AC serviced twice a year by an AC repair professional in Bakersfield: once in the fall and spring.

Inspections of your air conditioner and heating system are essential for maximizing energy efficiency and lifespan. In addition, you save money both immediately and in the long run with yearly inspections.

MRV Service Air Inc is Delano’s most acceptable and recommended HVAC company by friends and neighbors in our area. We provide air conditioning and heating service in Bakersfield, Delano and the surrounding areas.

[crow-aeris]

okay, so here's the seer!tim au i promised:

Tim, freezes on the rooftop, camera in hand as the pressure of a Vision creeps against his temples. He quickly sits down next to the HVAC unit, quietly lamenting the loss of some potentially beautiful pictures before closing his eyes.

His Visions weren't easy to deal with, and would always leave him with terrible headaches- especially if he didn't have his little ball with him. Sometimes, if he wasn't careful, the Vision would overlap with his current sight, creating a vertigo-like sensation that would NOT be good next to a freaking ledge.

So, he sits down like a good kid and breathes. Tim covers his eyes further with his forearm and gently accepts the Vision.

Does he know where the Visions come from? Nope! And neither does his parents, but Tim's still grateful he gets to have it, since-

No, focus. He has to focus. If he doesn't focus, then the Vision would remain as an overlay for up to an hour, and it would make getting down from a three story rooftop extremely difficult.

So, he focuses.

The world seemed to fall away as the sounds of the current gotham faded away to gotham, but different.

Vision-Tim opens his eyes and slips into their room. The decor was the same as Current-Tim's, and the placement of the trash was similar, though the discrepancies could be waved off as natural movements and shifting as time passed. When Vision-Tim looked at the date, Current-Tim shoved it to the back of his mind to review later.

But then, Vision-Tim looks at their laptop screen, and Tim- Both Tims- felt their breath hitch in shock, and the Vision is abruptly cut off as Current-Tim feels a hand against his shoulder.

He rips his arm from his face, ignoring how his brain SCREAMED at the sudden movement, and he looks up to see Robin- the second robin, his robin- staring down at him with a worried expression, batman hovering on the next roof over.

"Hey kid, you okay?" Robin- Jason- asks, "You're crying... do you want to talk about it?"

Tim freezes like a deer in headlights, two agonizingly long seconds filled with silence stretched between them when, in one fluid and sudden move, Tim darted away.

Jason called after him, but they weren't fast enough. Tim easily drowns in the shadows and disappears, leaving behind the confused duo and a air of quiet mystery.

But, five days later, even AFTER Tim had tried to warn the bats about Jason's impending death... They didn't listen, and the future played out like clockwork.

So, what could he do?

Well, Tim did what he does best, and takes matters into his own hands. He receives his visions, sometimes looking for them himself using his scrying ball, and deposits the information directly into the laps of the GCPD and the Bats like a cat of sorts.

on one of the nights, when he's calling on a burner phone to try and warn people of Batman's path, he says, "Rumor has it: Batman will be carving through the East End tonight. Stay home, and remain quiet."

And then, people start referring to him as Rumor, and it wasnt hurting anyone, so Tim never intervened and the name just... caught on.

Little did he know, Rumor was now on a certain Oracle's radar...

[max1461]

I think the important thing about academia, which makes it essentially different from industry, is that it essentially runs on barter. Scholars want to study, and society wants the information that scholars produce. The wage that scholars receive is not the primary incentive to be a scholar, it is a mere logistical detail, allowing the essential act of barter to take place. In return for affording me the luxury to sit around and [do equations; puts things in a Petri dish; read Kant] all day, you receive [new equations; new medicines; new ideas about Kant]. This is unlike industry, where, really, people are at the end of the day in it to get payed more than they aren't. The point of being an HVAC guy isn't to be allowed to be an HVAC guy, or whatever. Everything good and everything bad about academia follows from the fact that it is founded on this act of barter instead of the principles which govern the rest of our modern economy.

[ventvista]

Effective Strategies to Keep Your Home Cool During Heatwaves

As global temperatures continue to rise, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, making it essential to keep our homes cool and comfortable. This article will provide effective strategies to cool your home during heatwaves, focusing on air conditioning (AC), AC repair, AC service, HVAC systems, and air conditioner maintenance. Implementing these tips will help you create a more comfortable living environment, even during the hottest days of the year.

Optimize Your Air Conditioning System

Regular AC Service and Maintenance:

One of the most crucial steps to ensure your home stays cool is to keep your air conditioning system in top working condition. Regular AC service and maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns during a heatwave. Schedule a professional AC service at least once a year to clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure all components function correctly.

Efficient AC Use:

Using your air conditioner efficiently can significantly impact your home's cooling and energy bills. Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature; 78°F (25-26°C) is often recommended. Use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically when you're not home, saving energy while maintaining a comfortable environment when you return.

Addressing AC Repairs Promptly

Importance of Timely AC Repairs:

Ignoring minor issues with your air conditioning system can lead to more significant problems and costly repairs down the line. If you notice unusual noises, reduced airflow, or your AC is not cooling as effectively as before, it's essential to schedule an AC repair promptly. Addressing these issues early can prevent a complete system breakdown during a heatwave.

Choosing a Reliable AC Repair Service:

When selecting an AC repair service, choose a reputable company with certified technicians. Check reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family to ensure you receive quality service. A reliable AC repair service will diagnose the problem accurately and provide a lasting solution, ensuring your home remains cool throughout the heatwave.

Enhancing HVAC System Efficiency

Upgrading Your HVAC System:

If your HVAC system is old or inefficient, upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model can significantly improve your home's cooling capabilities. Modern HVAC systems offer better temperature control, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced air quality. Consult with an HVAC professional to determine the best system for your home's size and cooling needs.

Regular HVAC Maintenance:

Like your air conditioner, your HVAC system requires regular maintenance to function optimally. Schedule annual HVAC service to clean and inspect the system, replace filters, and check for any potential issues. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your HVAC system and ensure it operates efficiently during heatwaves.

Maximizing Home Insulation

Insulate Your Home Properly:

Proper insulation is crucial for keeping your home cool during heatwaves. Insulate your attic, walls, and floors to reduce heat transfer and maintain a consistent indoor temperature. High-quality insulation can also improve your HVAC system's efficiency, reducing the strain on your air conditioner.

Seal Windows and Doors:

Sealing gaps around windows and doors can prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering your home. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal any gaps, and consider installing double-glazed windows for better insulation. These measures can enhance your home's overall energy efficiency and improve your air conditioner's performance.

Using Fans and Ventilation

Ceiling Fans and Portable Fans:

Fans can help circulate cool air and create a more comfortable environment during a heatwave. Use ceiling fans to complement your air conditioner, as they can help distribute cool air more evenly throughout your home. Portable fans can be placed in specific areas to target hot spots and improve airflow.

Proper Ventilation:

Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and reducing heat buildup. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove hot, humid air, and consider installing a whole-house fan to expel hot air from your attic. Ensuring adequate ventilation can help your HVAC system work more efficiently and keep your home cooler.

Strategic Use of Blinds and Curtains

Block Out Heat with Blinds and Curtains:

Using blinds and curtains strategically can significantly reduce heat gain in your home. Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to block out direct sunlight. Reflective or blackout curtains can be particularly effective in keeping your home cool. Open them in the evening to allow cooler air to enter and ventilate your home naturally.

Reflective Window Films:

Reflective window films can also help reduce heat gain by reflecting a portion of the sun's rays. These films can be applied to your windows to reduce glare and keep your home cooler. Combining reflective films with blinds or curtains can enhance their effectiveness and improve your home's overall comfort during a heatwave.

Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances:

Energy-efficient appliances generate less heat and consume less electricity, reducing the strain on your HVAC system. Consider upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances, which are designed to be more energy-efficient. This can help keep your home cooler and lower your energy bills during a heatwave.

Use LED Lighting :

Traditional incandescent light bulbs generate a significant amount of heat. Switching to LED lighting can reduce heat output and energy consumption. LEDs are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for cooling your home during a heatwave.

Outdoor Shading and Landscaping

Shade Your Home with Trees and Awnings:

Strategic landscaping can provide natural shade and reduce heat gain in your home. Planting trees, shrubs, and vines near windows can block direct sunlight and cool the air around your home. Awnings and shade sails can also provide effective shading for windows and outdoor spaces, reducing indoor temperatures and enhancing your home's comfort.

Cool Roofs and Reflective Coatings;

A cool roof or reflective coating can help reduce heat absorption and keep your home cooler. Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard roofs, reducing the temperature of your home. Reflective coatings can be applied to existing roofs to achieve similar benefits. Consult with a roofing professional to explore these options and determine the best solution for your home.

Conclusion

Keeping your home cool during heatwaves is essential for maintaining comfort and health. By optimizing your air conditioning system, addressing AC repairs promptly, enhancing your HVAC system's efficiency, maximizing home insulation, using fans and ventilation, strategically using blinds and curtains, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and incorporating outdoor shading and landscaping, you can effectively cool your home during even the most intense heatwaves.

Regular AC service and maintenance, along with timely AC repairs, are crucial for ensuring your air conditioner functions optimally. A well-maintained HVAC system, combined with proper insulation and ventilation, can significantly improve your home's cooling capabilities. Implement these strategies to create a cool, comfortable living environment and enjoy a respite from the scorching heat.

[humanbyweight]

Call for Public Participation

As many of you know, my company – Owlfly LLC – is working to develop a new kind of thermal insulation for buildings inspired by the way wasps construct their nests. Our insulation product (which we’ve appropriately named YellowJacket) is certified as more efficient than nearly all commercially-available fiberglass insulation, and we’re creating better prototypes every month. Last year the US government took interest in our work and awarded us SBIR grant funding for further R&D.

As part of the grant, we are required to conduct 30 interviews of potential customers. The idea is to gather information so we can fit our product to the market as best as we can prior to launch.

If you are an HVAC contractor, architect, engineer, distributor, or homeowner, we want to hear from you! Please contact me if you would like to participate in a brief interview. Every piece of feedback helps us forge the future of insulation technology!

[atomictomb]

Fallout Fan Theory: The Cloud

So I have a theory as to what the cloud is in Dead Money. I've been researching others opinions and everyone I've seen as been summed up "created by some experiment" or "chemical weapons". But I don't think that's the case. I think it's something already existent.

Let's start off with the characteristics of the cloud.

Corrosive

Blood red

Seen as a vapor, but also as residue

Toxic to inhale

Symptoms from coming in contact including: trouble breathing, burns, death

Smells like copper/metallic

This sounds to me like bromine. Bromine is a naturally occurring halogen with the atomic number 35 on the periodic table. It is highly corrosive and at room temperature, is a liquid that gives off blood red fumes. Due to the location of the Sierra Madre, we can assume that it is well above room temperature which explains why we may see more cloud as a gas than liquid, and explains why we can find residue to scrape up. Now why would it be there in the first place?

Common uses of bromine include:

Water treatment

HVAC refrigerant

Fire retardants

Preservatives

Well drilling and precious metal mining

Which could explain why it was first discovered in ventilation, as it is one of the most common refrigerants in HVAC. Now you may argue that it was still part of an experiment, but we never find evidence that they made the chemical. At the Z-43 Innovative Toxins Plant in the Old World Blues DLC, they're studying chemicals toxic to humans. Perhaps one of the studies was to see what prolonged exposure to bromine would do.

Another thing mentioned about the cloud, is how it seems to have preserved the area. Bromine is used as a food preservative. BVO or Brominated Vegetable Oil is used to preserve processed foods and beverages, though due to bromines toxic nature, is banned from use in several countries.

I replayed Dead Money and Old World Blues to get this information because I do not trust Fandom wiki. I also spent way too long researching bromine. I'd like to clarify that I am by no means saying I'm necessarily correct. I'd also like to clarify that I am writing this at 4 am. So I'm sorry if this is a jumbled mess. I am sleep deprived. Do with this post what you will.

[thesimblrofficedirectory]

Welcome to The Simblr Office Directory

This blog is an archive of the submissions for the office-centric OC prompt posted by the light of Simblr, @kashisun.

Here you can browse all the amazing creations submitted by your fellow simblrs. Feel free to scroll to your delight or click one of the links under the cut to see who's on roster under (or over) a particular bureau or delegation.

Want to be added to the directory or confirm that you've been queued? Just include a link to your post in an ask off anon and it will be queued within 48 hours. Until we get through the backlog and can queue at a more leisurely pace, all ask submissions will receive a confirmation. You can always mention us, but we won't be able to provided confirmation for that method.

Leaving the company? If you'd like your post removed, just include a link to the post in an ask off anon and it will be removed. Sideblogs may require additional verification. Please allow, at most, 48 hours for the request to be honored. Removal requests will not be confirmed, only acted upon.

Every company's hierarchy is a little different. Designations for this directory are based on some of the companies I've worked for, but especially on the multi-media marketing company I work for now.

Bureaus and Their Delegations

Delegations with an * currently have low or no headcount (posted and queued). Excludes leadership.

Bureau of Client Engagement

Leadership

Billing*

Escalations*

Product Support*

Quality Assurance*

Sales*

Bureau of Compliance (Bureau-specific Internal Affairs and Auditing)

Leadership

Client Engagement*

Facilities*

Finance*

Human Resources*

Information and Technology*

Legal (General)

Legal (Leadership)

Marketing*

Bureau of Facilities

Leadership

Catering*

Environmental (Janitorial, HVAC, and Plumbing)*

Mechanical (Electrical, Elevators, Equipment Maintenance)*

Premise* (Grounds Maintenance and Real Estate)

Purchasing* (From pushpins to pallet jacks)

Security

Warehousing* (Shipping, Receiving, Mail room, and Inventory)

Bureau of Finance

Leadership

Accounting

Asset Management*

Investments*

Travel and Accommodations*

Vendor Relations*

Bureau of Human Resources

Leadership

Career Development (Internships and Internal Role Transitions)

Dependent Care*

Employee Activities Committee (Members are volunteers)

Employee Benefits*

Floating Delegates (Administration) (For profiles that list a nondescript secretary/admin/receptionist/assistant role)

Floating Delegates (General) (For profiles that do not list a position)

Floating Delegates (Leadership) (For profiles that list a nondescript managerial role)

Health Services*

Payroll*

Recruiting*

Training*

Union Relations*

Bureau of Information & Technology

Leadership

Data Security*

Infrastructure*

Public Relations

Research and Development*

Systems and Devices*

Telecommunications*

Bureau of Marketing

Leadership

Copy

Design

Planning and Implementation*

Board of Directors

Chief Officers

CEO - Chief Executive Officer/President

COO - Chief Operations Officer/Vice President

CCO - Chief Compliance Officer/Vice President

CFO - Chief Finance Officer/Vice President

CITO - Chief Information and Technology Officer/Vice President

CMO - Chief Marketing Officer/Vice President

Executive Administration* (Admins that report to chief officers)

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6 Common Home Emergencies and How to Handle Them