By Paul FP Pogue

If you own a fireplace and use it regularly, fall is the time to give serious thought to hiring a chimney sweep — before you light your first fire. Chimney sweeping is an intricate and sometimes high-tech job that is critical to the safety of your home. The National Fire Protection Agency says unclean chimneys are a major cause of house fires. And for that reason, the NFPA recommends an annual inspection. A clear chimney improves safety, creates a more comfortable experience, and allows smoke and gases to vent away from your living area.

You won’t always need a full cleaning, but the inspection will help identify any problems. In addition to ensuring your safety, an inspection may also identify structural problems that can be solved for less that it would cost after years of buildup.

Signs that you need a chimney inspection include a visibly thick buildup of soot and creosote, smoke entering into your living space, a weak fire and a tar smell emanating from the fireplace.

Elements of a chimney inspection

A professional chimney sweep will closely inspect your chimney from top to bottom, including the firebox, interior flue, smoke chamber, exterior masonry and flashing. They’ll look for both creosote buildup and structural damage. In many cases, house fires caused by the fireplace take place because a structural issue or cracked wall allows the fire to escape. They’ll also keep an eye out for animals, bird nests and branches.

In many cases, a sweep will inspect your chimney free of charge. On average, a full chimney cleaning will cost between $125 and $325. In extreme cases with large amounts of buildup, the cost may be higher. If you have significant structural damage, the cost may be as high as a few thousand dollars.

A professional chimney sweep will use a wire brush attached to a flexible rod that extends deeply into the flue. In some cases this is an old-school brush that hasn’t changed much since the days of “Mary Poppins;” others use electrically driven brushes to break up the soot and creosote.

What is creosote?

Creosote is the thick, oily residue deposited into a chimney by burning wood. Creosote deposits increase fire risks, and if left unattended, harden into a solid glaze that can be difficult to remove. Chimney sweeps make a particular point of getting creosote off the surface.

You may have seen creosote-sweeping logs on the shelves at your local big box store. While they’re not fully effective in preventing creosote, using them throughout the season can dry up the creosote and make it easier to flake away. It’s not a substitute for chimney sweeping, but when used properly it can improve your fireplace experience.

As always, when hiring a professional, make sure they hold the proper license, bonding and insurance to work in your area. Ask if they hold certification from a professional organization such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

The post Have your chimney swept yearly for security and luxury appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

I have never listened to Joe Rogan.

I’ve heard a few Neil Young songs over the years, but I am not a fan.

I don’t make my health decisions based on a for-profit entertainment venue or the value systems of celebrities.

I am also in one of what the fine folks at the Centers for Disease Control define as a “high risk group” as I’m closing in on 66 years of age.

I’ve been vaccinated, I’ve signed up for a booster, and I’ve never had a COVID test.

At least two days a week I spend a significant time around someone whose immune system is compromised. I’m careful to take precautions.

I wear a mask when required to go into stores, restaurants, other offices, or to meet someone face-to-face for an interview.

In public places where masks aren’t required and I’m going to be in close proximity to someone I always try to remember to ask if they want me to put on my mask. That is particularly true when they are wearing a mask.

My original aversion to donning a mask is long gone.

Mine wasn’t a “don’t tread on me” reaction although I get the sentiment.

It happened perhaps the 14th time I had a mask on in March 2020. It was the first time being masked while having needles in both arms during a platelet donation. I suddenly had a sensation that last popped up when I was 9 years old when a brother being a complete jerk — I have a more accurate description but it’s inappropriate for these pages — forced my head underwater and restrained my hands in a swimming pool. He thought it was funny. After 30 seconds or so I was terrified.

I was surprised to find myself hyperventilating for a moment at the blood bank. After I realized the mask with my arms being immobile for the donation process triggered a flashback of sorts, I calmed down. I was irked at myself for creating a ruckus of sorts with my reaction.

Not being dismissive of those who feel claustrophobic with masks or may have anxieties triggered for a wide variety of reasons, but those among us who have been in a rage since the words “pandemic” and “COVID-19” became the part of our daily conversations almost on an hourly basis need to chill out.

This is not meant to downplay the reality that 887,780 Americans are among the 5.6 million people who have died worldwide from COVID-19. But there are more signs with each passing day that people are generally becoming “comfortable” with the reality COVID is here to stay.

It is clearly a notch or two above the flu.

At the same time it is clear most of us have created routines that allow us to live with the threat without acting like we’re preparing for nuclear Armageddon and constructing bunkers.

The trick is not to lower our guard, not to be careless, but to pay heed to our health and well-being and not to have complete disregard for the welfare of others either on a small scale or in a wanton manner.

If you think about it that applies to just about everything we do from how we drive to how we dispose of trash.

The truth is we have more control of variable factors that can determine our fate and the fate of those close to us and even the fate of random strangers than do Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden, Donald Trump, Neil Young, Joe Rogan, London Breed, or Gavin Newsom.

Our selective hearing in the vast echo chamber of sound and fury known as the Internet that often times signifies nothing aside, what matters is what works for us.

You aren’t entitled to access Costco unless you have a membership card. A business requiring masks to enter is no different.

Yes, you can argue businesses may be forced to have a mask requirement by the government but there are clear signs we are moving beyond that. The reason is simple. More and more of us — even those galloping at top speed on their high horses to create a stampede to trample those that don’t tow the official line regardless of what their dissent is rooted in — are following the examples and not the words of leaders such as Gov. Newsom and San Francisco Mayor London Breed.

Ironically the gatekeepers on government payrolls and self-anointed guardians of the power structure they embrace because they align with their thinking are downplaying the value of masks.

The same people who once thought touching groceries with our bare hands was a COVID-19 death sentence based on “educated guesses” they were making at the time are now being borderline dismissive of masks.

The official line has now evolved into masks “have minimum” impact in slowing down the spread of COVID.

That seems like masks are on the verge of losing the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.

But if masks are border line useless that doesn’t account for two straight years in the drop off of other respiratory illnesses transmitted such as colds and the flu.

While I rarely get colds or the flu, I usually have a runny nose due to allergy issues at various times throughout the year. But in the past 22 months my purchase of facial tissue has plummeted significantly. The only thing I’ve done different is wear a mask when COVID protocols call for it.

That said concerns about being around potential carriers of COVID have prompted me to change my habits.

The best example is daily jogs in the past five months taking me down the tidewater and past the far southeastern corner of the Manteca Transit Center parking lot where they do COVID testing.

Three weeks ago as I was nearing the station I noticed a large group of people standing on the bike path. As I got closer I realized the testing line that usually was short and contained to the parking lot had spilled out onto the tidewater.

There were close to 70 people in line. Most of them were creating a nice obstacle blocking the bike path. While they were fully masked I turned my head away as I passed given I do not wear a mask when I jog.

I have not passed by the transit center since during a jog unless it has been on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday when the testing site is closed.

It’s clear that I have developed a comfort level that Goldilocks could appreciate when it comes to COVID.

I don’t like measures or behaviors that I view as too restrictive or those not restrictive enough. I am comfortable with measures that are just right for me.

When most of us find that comfort zone and as immunity by herd, vaccinations or both hit what society and not government determines is a reasonable level, we will have found the acceptable level of annual COVID deaths.

That, however, doesn’t mean all caution will be thrown to the wind.

We may very well find that just like others across the globe have known for years masks are an effective way based on personal decisions and not government edicts to reduce our chances even to a small degree of being knit with a cold, flu or now possibly even COVID.

It is irrelevant whether Joe Rogan or Neil Young agree.

The post Transferring towards the ‘Goldilocks’ consolation stage with COVID-19 | Opinion appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

I have never listened to Joe Rogan.

I’ve heard a few Neil Young songs over the years, but I am not a fan.

I don’t make my health decisions based on a for-profit entertainment venue or the value systems of celebrities.

I am also in one of what the fine folks at the Centers for Disease Control define as a “high risk group” as I’m closing in on 66 years of age.

I’ve been vaccinated, I’ve signed up for a booster, and I’ve never had a COVID test.

At least two days a week I spend a significant time around someone whose immune system is compromised. I’m careful to take precautions.

I wear a mask when required to go into stores, restaurants, other offices, or to meet someone face-to-face for an interview.

In public places where masks aren’t required and I’m going to be in close proximity to someone I always try to remember to ask if they want me to put on my mask. That is particularly true when they are wearing a mask.

My original aversion to donning a mask is long gone.

Mine wasn’t a “don’t tread on me” reaction although I get the sentiment.

It happened perhaps the 14th time I had a mask on in March 2020. It was the first time being masked while having needles in both arms during a platelet donation. I suddenly had a sensation that last popped up when I was 9 years old when a brother being a complete jerk — I have a more accurate description but it’s inappropriate for these pages — forced my head underwater and restrained my hands in a swimming pool. He thought it was funny. After 30 seconds or so I was terrified.

I was surprised to find myself hyperventilating for a moment at the blood bank. After I realized the mask with my arms being immobile for the donation process triggered a flashback of sorts, I calmed down. I was irked at myself for creating a ruckus of sorts with my reaction.

Not being dismissive of those who feel claustrophobic with masks or may have anxieties triggered for a wide variety of reasons, but those among us who have been in a rage since the words “pandemic” and “COVID-19” became the part of our daily conversations almost on an hourly basis need to chill out.

This is not meant to downplay the reality that 887,780 Americans are among the 5.6 million people who have died worldwide from COVID-19. But there are more signs with each passing day that people are generally becoming “comfortable” with the reality COVID is here to stay.

It is clearly a notch or two above the flu.

At the same time it is clear most of us have created routines that allow us to live with the threat without acting like we’re preparing for nuclear Armageddon and constructing bunkers.

The trick is not to lower our guard, not to be careless, but to pay heed to our health and well-being and not to have complete disregard for the welfare of others either on a small scale or in a wanton manner.

If you think about it that applies to just about everything we do from how we drive to how we dispose of trash.

The truth is we have more control of variable factors that can determine our fate and the fate of those close to us and even the fate of random strangers than do Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden, Donald Trump, Neil Young, Joe Rogan, London Breed, or Gavin Newsom.

Our selective hearing in the vast echo chamber of sound and fury known as the Internet that often times signifies nothing aside, what matters is what works for us.

You aren’t entitled to access Costco unless you have a membership card. A business requiring masks to enter is no different.

Yes, you can argue businesses may be forced to have a mask requirement by the government but there are clear signs we are moving beyond that. The reason is simple. More and more of us — even those galloping at top speed on their high horses to create a stampede to trample those that don’t tow the official line regardless of what their dissent is rooted in — are following the examples and not the words of leaders such as Gov. Newsom and San Francisco Mayor London Breed.

Ironically the gatekeepers on government payrolls and self-anointed guardians of the power structure they embrace because they align with their thinking are downplaying the value of masks.

The same people who once thought touching groceries with our bare hands was a COVID-19 death sentence based on “educated guesses” they were making at the time are now being borderline dismissive of masks.

The official line has now evolved into masks “have minimum” impact in slowing down the spread of COVID.

That seems like masks are on the verge of losing the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.

But if masks are border line useless that doesn’t account for two straight years in the drop off of other respiratory illnesses transmitted such as colds and the flu.

While I rarely get colds or the flu, I usually have a runny nose due to allergy issues at various times throughout the year. But in the past 22 months my purchase of facial tissue has plummeted significantly. The only thing I’ve done different is wear a mask when COVID protocols call for it.

That said concerns about being around potential carriers of COVID have prompted me to change my habits.

The best example is daily jogs in the past five months taking me down the tidewater and past the far southeastern corner of the Manteca Transit Center parking lot where they do COVID testing.

Three weeks ago as I was nearing the station I noticed a large group of people standing on the bike path. As I got closer I realized the testing line that usually was short and contained to the parking lot had spilled out onto the tidewater.

There were close to 70 people in line. Most of them were creating a nice obstacle blocking the bike path. While they were fully masked I turned my head away as I passed given I do not wear a mask when I jog.

I have not passed by the transit center since during a jog unless it has been on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday when the testing site is closed.

It’s clear that I have developed a comfort level that Goldilocks could appreciate when it comes to COVID.

I don’t like measures or behaviors that I view as too restrictive or those not restrictive enough. I am comfortable with measures that are just right for me.

When most of us find that comfort zone and as immunity by herd, vaccinations or both hit what society and not government determines is a reasonable level, we will have found the acceptable level of annual COVID deaths.

That, however, doesn’t mean all caution will be thrown to the wind.

We may very well find that just like others across the globe have known for years masks are an effective way based on personal decisions and not government edicts to reduce our chances even to a small degree of being knit with a cold, flu or now possibly even COVID.

It is irrelevant whether Joe Rogan or Neil Yong agree.

This column is the opinion of editor, Dennis Wyatt, and does not necessarily represent the opinions of The Bulletin or 209 Multimedia. He can be reached at dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com

The post Shifting towards the ‘Goldilocks’ consolation stage with COVID-19 appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

By Paul FP Pogue

If you own a fireplace and use it regularly, fall is the time to seriously think about hiring a chimney sweep – before lighting your first fire. Chimney sweeping is a complicated, and sometimes high tech, task that is vital to the safety of your home. The National Fire Protection Agency says unclean chimneys are a leading cause of house fires. For this reason, the NFPA recommends an annual inspection. A clear fireplace improves safety, makes for a more comfortable experience, and lets smoke and gases out of your living area.

They don’t always need to be completely cleaned, but the inspection will help identify problems. In addition to ensuring your safety, an inspection can also identify structural problems that can be resolved at a lower cost than it would cost after years of construction.

Signs that you need a chimney inspection are a visibly thick build-up of soot and creosote, smoke entering your living space, a faint fire, and a tar smell emanating from the fireplace.

Elements of a chimney inspection

A professional chimney sweep will carefully check your chimney from top to bottom, including the fire box, interior flue, smoke box, exterior masonry and turn signals. You will be looking for creosote formation as well as structural damage. In many cases, home fires caused by the fireplace occur because a structural problem or a cracked wall is allowing the fire to escape. You will also be on the lookout for animals, bird nests, and twigs.

In many cases, a sweep will inspect your chimney for free. On average, a full chimney cleaning costs between $ 125 and $ 325. In extreme cases with large amounts of build-up, the cost can be higher. If you have significant structural damage, the cost can go up to a few thousand dollars.

A professional chimney sweep uses a wire brush attached to a flexible rod that extends deep into the smoke outlet. In some cases, this is an old school brush that hasn’t changed much since the “Mary Poppins” days. others use electrically powered brushes to break up soot and creosote.

What is creosote?

Creosote is the thick, oily residue deposited by burning wood in a chimney. Creosote deposits increase the risk of fire and, if left unattended, harden into a solid glaze that is difficult to remove. Chimney sweeps take special care to remove creosote from the surface.

You may have seen creosote sweeping logs on the shelves on the shelves of your local big box store. While they don’t completely prevent creosote, using them throughout the season can dry out the creosote and make it easier to flake. It’s not a substitute for chimney sweeping, but when used properly it can enhance your fireplace experience.

As always, when hiring a professional, make sure they have the appropriate license, bond and insurance to work in your area. Ask if they have certification from a professional organization such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

The post Have your chimney swept yearly for security and luxury appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Replacing your home’s heating or cooling equipment costs thousands of dollars. Even on chilly days, such expenses can get you hot under your collar. Therefore, it makes sense to properly maintain your current equipment and make good repairs when necessary. To make sure your heating and air conditioning systems are working properly, they need to be properly installed and maintained – and you need someone to turn to if problems arise.

The Bay Area Consumers’ Checkbook of Heating and Air Conditioning Reviews for Quality and Price will help you find a competent contractor. Through a special agreement with Patch, you can access Checkbook’s updated reviews of Checkbook’s local HVAC services for quality and price for free through April 10 at the link below: Checkbook.org/PatchSFB/HVAC

In Checkbook’s surveys, several companies were rated “superior” for “overall quality” by 90 percent or more of their customers surveyed. But not all contractors are up to the task: some scored far fewer points and received favorable ratings from only 60 percent or fewer of their surveyed customers. Checkbook also found huge price differences. For example, to replace the control board for a Rheem gas oven, Checkbook’s undercover buyers were offered prices between $ 325 and $ 785. As a replacement for the condenser fan motor for a Goodman heat pump, prices ranged from $ 300 to $ 1,040.

Comparing repair prices is difficult because you will likely need to contact a company first to diagnose the problem. Since most companies charge high minimum fees to show yourself, you will likely have to pay something to find out the price of the repairs.

Before planning a repair, ask companies about their minimum fees and hourly rates. Since most repairs are time and material dependent, this information can give you an idea of ​​which companies are likely to be the most cost effective.

Once a company has diagnosed your problem, they should provide you with a fixed written price to fix the problem. If the repair estimate is no more than a few hundred dollars, you can get the company to do it right away. If the estimate exceeds about $ 500, consider seeking additional quotes from other companies.

If you need new equipment it is worth looking around. Have several companies prepare written proposals. While getting multiple deals on new equipment can save most consumers thousands of dollars, most don’t bother to do so. Differences in design can affect how quickly and evenly your system heats and cools your home, how much energy it uses, how much noise it makes, and many other problems.

If you are considering purchasing new equipment, you are skeptical of claims of cost savings from a more energy efficient system. There can be significant savings – and there are compelling public interest reasons to install efficient equipment – but some companies exaggerate selling new or more expensive systems (more efficient equipment costs more money). Have multiple companies make suggestions, document how much the new equipment will reduce your energy bills, and ask questions. You can calculate your own estimates using the Department of Energy’s Home Energy Saver tool at hes.lbl.gov.

For a clear home, Checkbook estimated how buying new appliances with different energy efficiency classes would affect energy costs and found the following:

· For ovens, it usually makes sense to pay an extra cost for a more efficient oven versus buying a minimally efficient model. The resulting energy savings through more efficient devices quickly “pay off” additional acquisition costs.

· Since all new central air conditioning must be fairly energy efficient, in this area it usually doesn’t make financial sense to pay more for a highly efficient model.

If you are replacing both your oven and air conditioning, consider purchasing a hybrid system that uses an air source heat pump backed by an efficient (over 90 AFUE) gas oven. Such systems offer low energy costs, but because they cost much more upfront than standard oven-A / C combinations, their energy savings will take longer to offset these additional costs.

· Geothermal heat pumps offer the lowest annual heating and cooling costs, but these systems are extremely expensive to purchase and install – typically more than $ 24,000, even when generous tax and utility company incentives are taken into account. However, because of the energy savings and long lifespan (roughly twice that of traditional devices), it makes financial sense to consider these once you know you will be around your home for a long time.

· Look for energy saving features like variable speed fans and two stage burners.

· If you are planning an expansion or want to improve the heating or cooling conditions for a room or an upper floor, consider a ductless system. With these devices, which are common in Europe and in hotel rooms, you can control the temperatures in just one room. And because they use very little electricity and don’t lose a lot of the energy that air carries through pipelines, they are very energy efficient.

Investing thousands of extra dollars in high efficiency equipment doesn’t make sense if your house is drafty, poorly insulated, or if you set your thermostat to a tropical temperature in winter. Before upgrading your equipment, make sure your attic is well insulated and plug any easy-to-fix leaks (advice on these topics can be found on Checkbook.org). The best way to reduce home energy bills is the obvious one: pull down your thermostat and get a programmable thermostat and start using it.

Heating and air conditioning services are likely to push for annual professional maintenance visits, and many will offer a maintenance contract. Such frequent professional service may not be required if you carefully perform the most important maintenance task: replacing air filters when they are dirty.

Pay by credit card, whether you need repairs or a new device. If you are unsatisfied with the work, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company.

_______________________

Bay Area Consumers’ Checkbook Magazine and Checkbook.org is a non-profit organization that aims to provide the best service and the lowest prices to consumers. It is supported by consumers and does not take any money from the service providers it evaluates. You will have free access to all Checkbook reviews of HVAC services in the region through April 10 at Checkbook.org/PatchSFB/HVAC

The post Keep in Your Consolation Zone: Bay Space’s Prime HVAC Providers appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.