Relevant Rider

Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is one of the most common indoor molds.
- It grows in damp, humid, and dark areas in homes. Like other molds, it releases spores into the air surrounding it, which can be inhaled by humans or absorbed through your skin, and can also allow it to be transported to other areas of a home.

Black mold is commonly referred to as toxic mold, and for good reason. Aside from causing all kinds of respiratory reactions like coughing, sneezing, sore and itchy throats, and watery and itchy eyes, prolonged exposure can have serious health consequences. [tweet_quote]Black mold is toxic, and prolonged exposure can have serious health consequences.

Most home owners are not aware of the existence of the highly environmentally, earth friendly hydronic/forced air integrated systems. They have so many advantages.

1. You don’t need a furnace. This is good because:

If two systems are rated to be equally efficient, then the simpler system is generally better. Less maintenance is required, and less things can go wrong. Despite the over-simplified efficiency ratings, hydronic air handler systems costs less to operate than a comparable gas furnace, provides more comfort and reduces the gas bill associated with normal water heating as well.
Steady, even heating means comfort and efficiency. Air heated by a combined hydronic system doesn’t exceed 130 degrees F, while furnaces can go to much higher temperatures. Ideally, homes should be heated with mildly warm air, even less than 130 degrees. Warm air mixes into a room more evenly, stratifies less, and is much more comfortable.
Very hot air can cause problems in a forced air system. It rises quickly and increases heat loss through the attic. Also, some research has shown that very hot surfaces (such as the exterior of a gas furnace) can decrease air quality by charring organic dust, which increases the level of irritants in the air.

When is it time to replace?

Certain telltale signs indicate it's time to consider replacing heating and cooling equipment, or improving the performance of your overall system. It may be time to call Hallmark to help you make a change if:...

Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.
Consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified furnace, which is 15% more efficient than a conventional furnace. If you have a boiler, consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler that is 5% more efficient than a new, standard model.

Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.

Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.
Your cooling or heating equipment may have become less efficient.

No one is home for long periods of the day and you do not have a programmable thermostat.
Install a programmable thermostat or have Hallmark install one and instruct you on its use — to start saving energy and money while they're away or sleeping.

Your heating or cooling system is noisy.
You could have an undersized duct system or a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 604-719-3336. We would be more than happy to help.