/index.php en support@rocketmedia.com Copyright 2010 2010-07-23T15:04:13+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/energy_efficient_guide_to_heating_cooling/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/energy_efficient_guide_to_heating_cooling/#When:15:04:13Z As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills – and on your comfort! General 2010-07-23T15:04:13+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/maximize_your_home_comfort/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/maximize_your_home_comfort/#When:15:42:37Z Did you know that by adjusting your thermostat a few degrees when you are away from home or in bed at night can save you money in your monthly utility bills? General 2010-07-15T15:42:37+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/the_cost_of_a_leak/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/the_cost_of_a_leak/#When:22:01:16Z The average family of four uses 600 gallons of water a day, 18,000 gallons of water per month, and approximately 216,000 gallons a year [1&2]. General 2010-07-09T22:01:16+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/7_home_repairs_you_dont_want_to_ignore/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/7_home_repairs_you_dont_want_to_ignore/#When:20:53:27Z Home ownership is a big investment for most of us. Because it’s expensive many of us put off repairs. Some repairs, however, should not be ignored or delayed because they can lead to even more costly repairs in the future. 2010-07-02T20:53:27+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/homeowner_tips_for_your_cooling_system/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/homeowner_tips_for_your_cooling_system/#When:22:22:21Z Being an educated homeowner is one of the best ways to maintain value in your home and to keep your home running smoothly and efficiently, especially with regards to your central air conditioning system. 2010-06-25T22:22:21+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/common_air_conditioner_problems/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/common_air_conditioner_problems/#When:14:51:32Z Central air conditioning systems are built pretty rugged to withstand tough conditions, however, there are several reasons why they might fail. 2010-06-18T14:51:32+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/summer_plumbing_tips/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/summer_plumbing_tips/#When:17:36:30Z Warm, summer days bring out many homebuyers in search of their dream home. Often new homebuyers find out too late that the home of their dreams is actually the stuff of nightmares, riddled with water leakages and/or poor plumbing systems. To avoid problems carefully inspect any potential home for damage, using the tips below. 2010-06-10T17:36:30+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/shop_smart_-_find_rebates_and_other_incentives/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/shop_smart_-_find_rebates_and_other_incentives/#When:18:10:46Z Buying energy efficient appliances these days is just plain smart! You’re not only saving the environment by using fewer natural resources, but you’re also saving money in your pocket through lower utility bills. 2010-06-03T18:10:46+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/humidity_a_major_factor_in_indoor_home_comfort/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/humidity_a_major_factor_in_indoor_home_comfort/#When:15:08:24Z Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system not only heats and cools your home but it can also keep the humidity at comfortable levels in summer and winter. 2010-05-25T15:08:24+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/why_do_i_need_to_change_my_air_filter_and_how_do_i_do_it/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/why_do_i_need_to_change_my_air_filter_and_how_do_i_do_it/#When:16:28:17Z Regularly changing the air filter in your air conditioning unit is essential to not only for the continued efficiency of your system but also affects indoor air quality and the longevity of your system. 2010-05-20T16:28:17+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/signs_that_you_should_call_a_professional_plumber/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/signs_that_you_should_call_a_professional_plumber/#When:22:00:34Z Our homes are compromised of a series of complex systems. These systems all require special care and maintenance. One system in particular, the plumbing system, requires particular care if there is a problem. While you may be able to complete some minor fixes yourself, most repairs require a professional plumber. 2010-05-14T22:00:34+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/get_the_most_out_of_your_air_conditioning_system_this_summer/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/get_the_most_out_of_your_air_conditioning_system_this_summer/#When:22:59:57Z During the hot days of summer your air conditioning system works extra hard to keep up with your comfort demands. There are several ways that you can help take some of the stress off your system and help it work more efficiency. Less energy means lower utility bills, too! General 2010-05-07T22:59:57+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/spring_plumbing_tips/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/spring_plumbing_tips/#When:16:32:46Z Each new season brings its own set of home care tasks. When it comes to plumbing projects you are best to leave these tasks to the professionals. If you don’t know what you’re doing, messing with a plumbing system can result in not only serious damage and expensive repair bills, but potential health hazards. 2010-04-30T16:32:46+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/how_your_a_c_works_._._/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/how_your_a_c_works_._._/#When:16:32:34Z A central air conditioning system doesn’t actually “cool” the air, but rather creates cool air by removing heat from the air … General 2010-04-23T16:32:34+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/water_meters_an_important_ally_in_leak_detection/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/water_meters_an_important_ally_in_leak_detection/#When:17:06:33Z By understanding how to read your water heater you can be a better monitor your usage, conserve water and detect possible leaks in your home before they become major disasters. General 2010-04-14T17:06:33+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/is_the_air_in_your_home_healthy/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/is_the_air_in_your_home_healthy/#When:16:29:47Z Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the problems with indoor air quality and are looking for solutions. According to the American Lung Association, we spend on average 70% of our time indoors and the quality of the air indoors can be up to FIVE TIMES worse than the air outside! 2010-04-08T16:29:47+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/low_water_pressure_causes/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/low_water_pressure_causes/#When:14:33:27Z Low water pressure can occur for a number of reasons.  The most common is when you have multiple plumbing fixtures running at the same time, i.e. outside hose, shower and/or dishwasher, which lowers your water pressure to each fixture.  There are other problems, however, that can cause low water pressure.  2010-03-26T14:33:27+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/what_does_an_air_conditioning_tune-up_actually_do/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/what_does_an_air_conditioning_tune-up_actually_do/#When:17:04:58Z Your air conditioning system has many moving parts and just like your car needs to be serviced on a regular basis to keep it working reliably, safely and efficiently. 2010-03-22T17:04:58+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/garbage_disposal_tips/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/garbage_disposal_tips/#When:22:38:56Z Garbage disposals are great appliances to have.  But if you don’t operate or maintain it properly, it can require expensive repairs and cause drain nightmares. 2010-03-18T22:38:56+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/landscaping_dos_and_donts/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/landscaping_dos_and_donts/#When:16:32:58Z Proper landscaping is a natural and beautiful way to keep your home more comfortable and reduce energy bills.  A shaded air conditioning unit is one way in particular that you can reduce your energy bills. General 2010-03-04T16:32:58+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/heating_cooling_service_checklist/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/heating_cooling_service_checklist/#When:18:11:06Z You can help the technician accurately and quickly diagnose your heating and cooling unit’s problem by having some crucial information handy.  When the service technician arrives at your home you should be prepared to provide certain important facts to him/her.  You know the “behavior” of your heating and cooling unit better than anyone else.  Remember, no fact is insignificant and it may help your technician diagnose and fix the problem. 2010-02-18T18:11:06+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/the_true_value_of_hvac_care/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/the_true_value_of_hvac_care/#When:18:01:05Z Stay comfortable and save money by keeping your central air conditioner in tip-top shape. When your air conditioner is running well it uses less energy to cool your home, and lower energy use means bigger savings for you on your monthly utility bills.  Air conditioners at peak efficiency will use up to 20% less electricity and last years longer (requiring less repair). 2010-02-17T18:01:05+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/do_you_have_water_damage_in_your_home/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/do_you_have_water_damage_in_your_home/#When:17:33:42Z Water damage accounts for 25% of all home-insurance claims in the U.S. and 37% of homeowners claim to loss of property due to water damage.  That is, more than one out of three homeowners has experienced water damage!  Checking for signs of water damage around your home can help you avoid becoming one of the statistics. 2010-02-05T17:33:42+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/duct_cleaning_moisture/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/duct_cleaning_moisture/#When:16:40:27Z The duct system in your home is the vehicle through which your heated and cooled air is distributed throughout your home.  Moisture should never be present in ducts. Controlling moisture is the most effective way to prevent biological growth in air ducts. 2010-01-28T16:40:27+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/duct_cleaning_dirt_dust_and_other_contaminants/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/duct_cleaning_dirt_dust_and_other_contaminants/#When:16:36:04Z The duct system in your home is the vehicle through which your heated and cooled air is distributed throughout your home.  Air passes through your duct system at an average speed of 1000 feet per minute. 2010-01-20T16:36:04+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/energy_saving_tips/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/energy_saving_tips/#When:16:01:10Z Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. Typically, 43% of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling systems. 2010-01-15T16:01:10+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/advantages_of_a_programmable_thermostat/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/advantages_of_a_programmable_thermostat/#When:22:17:14Z Adjusting your thermostat a few degrees when you are away from home or during the night can save you money in your monthly utility bills. You can save as much as 1% on your utility bills for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long. 2010-01-06T22:17:14+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/csi_comfort_service_investigators/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/csi_comfort_service_investigators/#When:15:50:34Z Do you need a CSI? Is your water bill suddenly a lot higher? Are some rooms in your home just not as comfortable as you would like them to be, too hot or too cold? Are you concerned about the quality of air you are breathing? Is your home too dry this winter? Is your heating system not working? Our qualified “Comfort Service Investigators” can investigate all of these issues. 2009-12-29T15:50:34+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/fix_that_leak/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/fix_that_leak/#When:17:36:46Z Slow drips of water can add up quickly and can cause extensive damage to your home before it is even noticed. The EPA estimates that more than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from homes nationwide every year. That’s over 3,000 gallons for every person in the U.S. every year! 2009-12-18T17:36:46+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/ge_hybrid_geospring/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/ge_hybrid_geospring/#When:17:44:28Z Hybrid water heaters can save you money without sacrificing hot water. The new industry-exclusive GE Hybrid Electric Water Heater is designed to provide the same hot water homeowners are accustomed to, but requires only about half the energy to produce it. This type of water heater combines the traditional electronic elements with heat pump technology. It actually takes heat out of the air surrounding the water heater and using a sealed system injects that heat into the tank to heat your water. This adds up to significant savings and you won’t have to give up a single drop of hot water! 2009-12-09T17:44:28+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/home_energy_myths_busted/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/home_energy_myths_busted/#When:17:37:29Z Many of us are looking for ways to be more energy efficient around our homes in addition to saving money on utility bills. With this increased concern for energy conservation and cost cutting, a lot of tips are circulating on how to accomplish this. Some of these tips date back to what our grandparents told us to do. These myths are so ingrained in us because we were told by so and so that we don’t even realize they may actually be having the opposite affect … wasting energy and costing money! 2009-12-04T17:37:29+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/bathroom_water_damage_prevention_tips/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/bathroom_water_damage_prevention_tips/#When:20:24:04Z Seventy-five percent of all household water use occurs in the bathroom, making it the most likely place for water damage to occur. Some simple tips along with regular inspection can help prevent major problems from occurring and keep maintenance costs to a minimum. 2009-11-24T20:24:04+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/value_of_maintenance_agreements/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/value_of_maintenance_agreements/#When:20:33:28Z There is nothing better for your heating and/or air conditioning system than preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance allows your system to work at peak efficiency year in and year out. A system that is maintained annually experiences considerably fewer breakdowns.  Preventive maintenance agreements prevent problems from happening in the first place. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that your system is saving you money on your utility bills every time it comes on. Usually, the energy savings are enough to pay the cost of the planned annual maintenance service. 2009-11-18T20:33:28+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/money_energy_and_time_saving_websites/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/money_energy_and_time_saving_websites/#When:21:36:49Z In tough economic times, people are looking to save money. We’ve all experienced the downturn of the economy and are looking for ways to cut back on expenses. In my own recent attempts I came across some very helpful websites. Some of these sites I use in my own industry for saving energy, fuel, and money and some are helpful in everyday life with great money saving tips … 2009-11-12T21:36:49+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/easy_water_heater_maintenance/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/easy_water_heater_maintenance/#When:21:22:26Z We rely on our water heaters everyday. Whether you have a gas or electric water heater they are usually pretty dependable. With a little maintenance you can extend the life of your water heater and save money in the process. 2009-11-04T21:22:26+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/maximizing_your_hot_water_heater/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/maximizing_your_hot_water_heater/#When:17:21:31Z By utilizing a simple maintenance program you can lengthen the life and efficiency of your water heater. Below are some tips to help you get the most out of your water heater. 2009-10-21T17:21:31+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/dryer_vent_safety/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/dryer_vent_safety/#When:16:35:12Z Excess lint in your dryer and dryer venting builds up slowly and gradually – you don’t even realize it’s happening. Many homeowners think that by cleaning out the lint filter after each load that you are doing your job of maintaining your dryer. This is not the case! Cleaning out the lint filter is a very important part of dryer maintenance but to insure the safety of your family and home you need to clean out the drying venting as well. 2009-10-16T16:35:12+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/preventative_drain_maintenance/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/preventative_drain_maintenance/#When:16:32:25Z The most common reason for clogged drains is neglect. In the kitchen, drain problems often come from failing to use the drain strainer to prevent food from falling into the pipes, or from grease that accumulates in the drainpipes. In the bathroom, using excessive toilet paper, flushing inappropriate paper items (like paper towels) or flushing tampons down the toilet, often results in a stoppage. In the bathroom sink and bathtubs, hair, hair gel, toothpaste, dental floss and other items can all cause drain problems. 2009-10-08T16:32:25+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/increase_the_efficiency_of_your_air_conditioning_system_and_reduce_your_use/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/increase_the_efficiency_of_your_air_conditioning_system_and_reduce_your_use/#When:16:36:37Z Energy consumption for home air conditioning accounts for almost 5% of all the electricity produced in the U.S., at a cost to homeowners of over $15 billion, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). With the current state of the economy most of us are trying to cut costs in any way we can. You can cut your energy costs by increasing the efficiency of your system and decreasing your need for air conditioning. 2009-10-01T16:36:37+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/be_prepared_plumbing_service_calls/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/be_prepared_plumbing_service_calls/#When:17:32:52Z If you are a homeowner, at some point you are probably going to have a plumbing problem. Being prepared before, during and after a plumbing service call can help you save time and money! 2009-09-24T17:32:52+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/water_conservation_and_heating_tips/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/water_conservation_and_heating_tips/#When:18:24:12Z Water heating is the second highest energy cost in your house next to heating and cooling, not to mention a precious natural resource. Although the cost of water itself may not seem like much, if you have a leak you could be spending more money out of pocket than you realize and wasting gallons of water each day. 2009-09-17T18:24:12+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/instant_hot_water_and_energy_savings/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/instant_hot_water_and_energy_savings/#When:17:57:27Z Next to heating and cooling, heating water is the highest energy user in your home. On average, households will spend $400-600 per year on heating water. New technology enables homes to have instant hot water and decrease water heating costs by up to 50% by installing a Tankless Gas Water Heater. General 2009-09-10T17:57:27+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/conducting_your_own_energy_audit/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/conducting_your_own_energy_audit/#When:17:53:38Z A do-it-yourself energy audit is something easy you can do yourself. You’ll be saving energy and money by performing a few easy checks. When you perform an energy audit make sure to keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and any problems you have found. This list will help you to prioritize any tasks or upgrades you may be considering. General 2009-09-02T17:53:38+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/do_i_have_mold_growing_in_my_home/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/do_i_have_mold_growing_in_my_home/#When:23:08:54Z Outdoors molds play a part in the natural environment by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves or dead trees. Inside, however, mold growth should be avoided! Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores, which are invisible to the naked eye as they float through the indoor and outdoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. Molds only grow when there is moisture present. 2009-08-27T23:08:54+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/heating_system_replacement_and_money-saving_tips/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/heating_system_replacement_and_money-saving_tips/#When:23:18:06Z Heating a home is the largest energy expense in most homes, and it accounts for two-thirds of annual energy bills in cold climates. Experts are predicting the cost of heating your home, both with electricity and natural gas, to rise again just as it did this past winter. 2009-08-26T23:18:06+00:00 http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/water_energy_saving_tips/ http://www.bayonet-inc.com/blog/article/water_energy_saving_tips/#When:23:23:11Z Next to heating and cooling, water heating is typically the largest energy user in the home. As homes have become more and more energy efficient during the last 20 years, the percentage of energy used for water heating has steadily increased. 2009-08-12T23:23:11+00:00