Home Cleaning Checklist for the New Year

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Home Cleaning Checklist for the New Year

cleaning_yourhome_tipsThe New Year is an opportunity for a fresh start, and what better way to get a fresh start than to establish a quick but efficient way to clean your house.

Sticking to a schedule for things that you do on a daily, weekly or monthly basis can help motivate you to keep your house looking like you spent hours cleaning it when it really only took a small fraction of your day. Use this basic cleaning schedule as a guideline to get and keep your home in order.

What to Clean Daily

Spend about 30 minutes a day doing the chores that need to be done around your home. These basic tasks might seem simple, but make a world of difference in how your home looks and feels.

-Wash dishes at least once a day. If you can’t find the time to wash them all, at least make an effort to scrape excess food off and rinse them so the food doesn’t stick. Alternatively, throw a load in the dishwasher once a day.

-Tidy up. Tidying up helps control clutter. Walk through your house one room at a time and put things that are out of place back where they belong. Do a room or two and then take a break.

-Wipe off countertops to clean crumbs and spills

What to Clean Weekly

cleaning_forthe_newyearSome tasks do not necessarily need to be done every single day. Instead pick a day of the week where you will tackle these tasks. Which include:

-Empty the trash in bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen

– Dust furniture and wiping down cobwebs

-Clean mirrors and windows

-Wipe down appliances in the kitchen, cleaning out the microwave and empty the crumb tray in your toaster

-Mop the floor

-Spray down and scrub the toilet, sink, and tub in the bathroom

What to Clean the First of Each Month

Monthly tasks are important and easy to forget. Don’t fall behind. Try to do these tasks at least once a month for optimal cleanliness.

-Move furniture and vacuum or sweep under it

-Clean outside windows

-Disinfect and deodorize garbage cans

-Run vinegar through your appliances to clean them

-Dust your blinds, shades and lighting fixtures

Keeping your home clean is a great start to the year. Contact Cyprus Air Heating & Cooling, located in Alexandria, VA  at 888-475-0402 for assistance with getting your home in order.

Military Family Appreciation Month

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Military Family Appreciation Month

Veterans Day was originally referred to as Armistice Day. November 11,1918 marked the official end of World War I, and to commemorate the day, legislation was passed in 1938 to dedicate the day to world peace and honor World War I veterans.

honoring-all-our-veterans

Sixteen years and two wars later following the Korean War and World War II, veterans service organizations called on the 83rd U.S. Congress to amend the Act of 1938 to include all veterans. Congress agreed, and on June 1, 1954, Armistice Day officially became Veterans Day. The day is a legal holiday dedicated to honoring all veterans who served honorably during wartime or peacetime in the military.

Save the Date!

Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Both are legal holidays, and both are meant to honor our men and women in uniform. Memorial Day is specifically meant to honor those who lost their life while serving our country and Veterans Day is meant to honor all servicemen and servicewomen, living and deceased.

thank-you-for-your-serviceSome confusion has also come about over the years in regards to what date Veterans Day lands on. Originally the date was set for November 11th. However, in 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill was passed, providing federal employees three-day weekends for certain national holidays including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Washington’s Birthday and Columbus Day.

Since November 11th does not always fall on a Friday or Monday and allow for this, Veterans Day was deemed to be the fourth Monday of October.

The first Veterans Day under the new bill, in 1971, was observed on October 25th. Not all states agreed with this new policy and chose to observe it on its traditional date of November 11th, creating a lot of confusion nationwide. President Gerald R. Ford officially overturned the date change and returned Veterans Day to its original date in 1975 which we still observe today as being November 11th.

Show Your Appreciation

Perhaps President Dwight Eisenhower said it best in his letter to Harvey V. Higley when he designated him to be the Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee; in the closing of his letter, he said: “I have every confidence that our Nation will respond wholeheartedly in the appropriate observance of Veterans Day, 1954.” President Eisenhower wasn’t just calling on Mr. Higley to honor our veterans on this day. He was calling on the Nation to show their appreciation of the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom.

military-family-reunitedVeterans Day isn’t about a three-day weekend for Americans. It is important that we pause and think about the sacrifice so many have made and continue to make for us every day.

Our country is laden with veterans who are homeless, unemployed, wounded, and fighting psychological trauma from their experiences on the battlefront. Not only are our veterans impacted, but their families are as well.

The families of these brave souls sacrifice their time with their loved one and the sense of security that we take for granted that our loved ones will be home safely each day.

Ways You Can Get Involved with Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, we challenge you to get out and honor our veterans.

Some ideas to try with your family this year:

  • Teach your children about veterans and make cards to deliver to a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital.
  • Donate to organizations working to house veterans or help them find employment.
  • Send a letter or care package to our troops overseas.
  • Buy a meal for a veteran in your area.

So many veterans feel forgotten by our country, make a difference this Veterans Day in Alexandria, VA and show a military family that you recognize the sacrifices they’ve made. Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling is happy to provide you with the history of Veterans Day. For HVAC assistance, call 703-765-9400.

5 Reasons Fall is the Best Time to Get a Furnace Maintenance Check

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5 Reasons Fall is the Best Time to Get a Furnace Maintenance Check

With winter just around the corner, now is the time to tend to your heating system. And when it comes to your furnace, a little preventative maintenance can go a long way in identifying and eliminating problems before they even have a chance to develop. Still not convinced? Here are five good reasons to get furnace maintenance before winter kicks in.

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1. Temperatures are dropping.

With the temperatures dropping, you’ll be turning that furnace on soon, and you are expecting it to do its job, right?

colder-temperaturesThe only way to know for sure that you’ll be able to stay warm is by getting maintenance done before the temperatures have fallen uncomfortably low. If you do have a furnace problem, you’ll be able to deal with it while it is still relatively warm out.

2. A Professional Can Determine if Any Repairs are Necessary

While you may do a visual inspection of your furnace as part of your ongoing homeowner maintenance, only a trained professional will be able to dig deep into the diagnostics of your system. As part of maintenance, key components are cleaned, taken apart and tested to make sure that they work. It’s often also part of your manufacturer’s warranty that you engage in annual furnace maintenance with an accredited professional.

3. To Save Energy

Want to save money? Who doesn’t? One of the best ways to shave down on your energy bills is to make sure that your furnace is running optimally. When its components are calibrated properly and the filter is clean, the hot air will flow most efficiently, which means lower energy bills for you.

4. Because It Hasn’t Been Used Throughout the Summer Months

carbon-monoxideYour system has been dormant for months. If you are keen on energy efficiency too, you may have turned your pilot light off over the summer (and if you didn’t this year, you may want to consider doing it for next year). To make sure that the pilot light is re-ignited safely and accurately, it’s worth calling a professional.

5. Keep Your Family Safe

Need a reason to have furnace maintenance? How about your family’s safety? Carbon monoxide is deadly, but challenging to detect because it is tasteless and odorless.

Having a professional trained in carbon monoxide safety means that they can check for carbon monoxide leaks and clean the furnace system properly.

For all of your heating and cooling needs in Alexandria, VA, we are your one-stop shop. Call Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling today at 703-765-9400.

Join Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling to Stop Bullying

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Join Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling to Stop Bullying

Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling believes it’s important that our communities understand how bullying affects all of us. While most of the repercussions of intimidation and violence are associated with children, anyone can experience the negative impact of being bullied.

Victims have been known to suffer from anxiety, depression, sadness and loss of interest in work, studies, and hobbies. Sufferers have seen negative changes in their health. Bullying needs to stop! stop-bullying Bullying has to be a matter we all confront to ensure victims feel protected and safe. During the month of October, we hope everyone who reads these words will join us in the fight against bullying by participating in and promoting the following events.

National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

bullyingOctober brings together schools and organizations around the country in hopes of educating and encouraging communities to stop bullying and cyberbullying and give victims the courage to step forward.

Run, Walk, or Roll Against Bullying: October 6th

Sponsored by PACER and the National Bullying Prevention Center, Run, Walk, or Roll Against Bullying looks to raise awareness while engaging in fun activities for the whole family.

Freedom from Workplace Bullying: October 14th-20th

Freedom from Workplace Bullying hopes to get adults to get past the potential shame that keeps them silent and seek out help. Let’s inspire witnesses to step forward, take a stand and make the workplace safe from bullying for everyone.

Unity Day: October 10th

CustomInk and PACER are sponsoring this event for the sixth straight year. Wear an orange shirt or get CustomInk’s official “Be United” shirt and show your support for inclusion, kindness, and acceptance.

Stop Bullying Bystanders: October 14th-20th

national-stop-bullying-dayBystanders can play key roles in preventing and stopping bullying. This event is to remind witnesses not to ignore bullying or other signs of violence.

National Stop Bullying Day: October 12th

This event encourages everyone to spread the word about the dangers of bullying through #NationalStopBullyingDay. It’s a great way to get the conversation started and maybe help a few victims find the courage to speak up. We need to remove the stigma to hide when we’re being bullied. Bullying can affect people for their entire lives, even long after the victims have left their bullies in the past. We need the generous spirit of people ready to support the cause and make a difference.

We’re asking every parent, student, co-worker, business, school and politician to decide what they can do to help. Attend an event, educate your children, make sure local schools are doing the same, stand up for someone, report the bullying, or donate money or your time to an anti-bullying organization. Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling hopes you join us to stop bullying. Come by our office in Alexandria, VA or give us a call at 703-765-9400 to talk about the HVAC services we offer!

Tips to Help Avoid These 7 Fall HVAC Mistakes

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Tips to Help Avoid These 7 Fall HVAC Mistakes

As a homeowner, some of your biggest costs come with heating and cooling your home. With fall upon us, and cooler temperatures approaching, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to make sure that your HVAC system and the other components that will impact your energy efficiency in your home all look good.

7-hvac-mistakes-to-avoid

Energy costs are variable, which means that there is something that you can do to keep them under control. Here are some tips to help you avoid mistakes with your HVAC.

1 – Forget to Change the Filter

Your air filter is responsible for removing particles and debris from the air as it flows through the house. Over time the filter will gather residue and begin to be less effective. You need to clean your filter on a regular basis for a few reasons.

One, it cleans the air, which is particularly change-filters_720important if you have pets shedding dander or if you or other family members have a respiratory disease.

Two, it helps the air (and the heat) circulate more efficiently. Make a point to change it when the season changes too.

2 – Not Changing the Thermostat

Many people simply leave their thermostat at the same setting year-round, leaving their HVAC system to do all the heavy work of regulating temperature, against the heat or cold outside.

This fall, adjust your thermostat downwards slightly so that your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work as hard.

3 – Not Checking the Vents

It’s more efficient if you can have air circulating in areas of the house that you need it most. Close some of the vents to push the hot air towards the rooms where you spend most of your time. Don’t close too many or your efforts will be counterproductive.

4 – Leaky Ducts

Your ducts are an important part of your comfort system that you need to deliver the hot air expressly. If there are leaks in or around the ducts, the air will leak out instead of reaching your rooms, making your HVAC system work twice as hard.

5 – Ignoring Warning Signs

If you think trouble is brewing with your system, don’t put it off. Get it checked out. If you see signs of rust, hear unusual noises coming from your uinvest-in-your-ventsnit or can’t get your home to heat properly, get it looked at today.

6 – Clutter Around the Condenser

Whatever you do, make sure that the area around the condenser is free from clutter and plants so that air can circulate freely. Condensers need room to breathe, just like the rest of us!

7 – Badly Placed Carpets and Furniture

Make sure that you don’t have carpets, furniture, toys or anything else covering vents . Having these items there will block the hot air from flowing through.

To make doubly sure that your HVAC system is in great condition this fall, don’t hesitate to call for a second opinion. Our trained staff at Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling in Alexandria, VA is happy to answer any of your questions at 703-765-9400.

September is National Fruits and Veggies Month!

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National Fruits and Veggies Month

National Fruits and Veggies Month is an excellent time to find ways to incorporate these wonderful foods into your diet. They’re nutritious, filling and full of vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function.

While many people enjoy fruits, it’s sometimes harder to get the right amount of veggies in your meals throughout the day. The following are some excellent tips to recognize these foods during National Fruits and Veggies Month.

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Learn to Snack Healthy

Snacking is a good habit to have if you choose the right snacks. The humble apple and banana are both filling, affordable and nutritious snacks that are also portable. Not only will they fulfill a sweet craving, but will also help satiate hunger until your next meal.

Edamame is another healthy snack that is appetizing with a dip like hummus. Add in some carrots and pepper strips and you have a colorful meal that is full of vitamins.

Visit a Local Farmers’ Market

The farmers’ market is one of the best places to find fresh produce that is in season. The produce at the farmers’ market may have even been picked the day before or that same morning. Many farmers’ markets also sell some produce that has been preserved or pickled by the family.

These products offer a fun way to try a new jam or jelly that you may not find in the grocery store. The following are some unique items that you may find at your local farmers market.

  • Rhubarb
  • Heirloom tomatoes
  • Okra
  • organic-produceNew apple varieties
  • Locally-grown food

Know the Benefits of Eating Fruits and Vegetables

It’s important to understand the reason why the body thrives off eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. There are many benefits from eating fresh produce.

Once you find your favorites, it will become easier to find new ways to prepare them to ensure you get the recommended daily servings.

Here are some of the most exciting benefits of eating fruits and vegetables:

  • They’re filling with minimal calories
  • Many contain fiber to aid in digestion
  • Greens and berries have antioxidants to help counteract the effects of aging

The next time you’re planning a meal or snack, be sure to incorporate at least 2 or 3 fruits or vegetables. When you’re shopping, look for a new variety each time you go to the store. You can always find recipes for nearly anything online, and it’s tons of fun to expand your palate and try new things!

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of fruits and veggies, our company, Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling would like to offer you a hand with your HVAC needs in Alexandria, VA . Give us a call at 703-765-9400.

5 HVAC Brands to Consider For Total Home Cooling

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5 HVAC Brands to Consider For Total Home Cooling

Has the time come to replace your home’s air conditioning system? If your aging system has stopped delivering the cool comfort you have come to rely on during the dog days of summer, or if repair service calls are becoming more frequent, you’ll probably want to start considering it.

home-cooling-costs_480With energy savings of as much as 60% over units that are 10 to 15 years old, you’ll start seeing some significant savings on your utility bills when you have a new system installed. But with so many different brands and models on the market, it’s hard to decide which one to get.

How to Compare Systems

There are a few key criteria to look at when you’re comparing different systems. There’s the reputation for reliability and the warranty offered. In most cases, manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty.

Then there’s the initial cost. However, it’s also important to factor in the model’s energy efficiency, as this will have a significant impact on the cost of operating the system over the span of its life.

Other features, such as how much noise the unit makes, as well as its ability to be accessed via remote devices can also be a factor in the decision-making process.

When it comes to selecting the exact model to suit your home best, it’s a good idea to consult an expert technician that can help identify the right size that will best meet the needs of your home.

Let’s have a look at 5 of this year’s highest rated AC models.

top 5 HVAC brands

Carrier Infinity 19 VS

Running at a whisper-quiet 56 dBs, this Carrier model has a 19 SEER rating (a higher rating means better energy efficiency). It is a 5-stage AC system that runs quietly and efficiently most of the time, but can cycle into higher stages to provide more cooling when the temperature and humidity rises.

Within the mid-range in price, the model offers very good affordability and efficiency, backed by a 10-year warranty.

Maytag M1200 PSA4BI iQ Drive

At the top end of the price scale, this system offers outstanding energy efficiency with a SEER rating of 25.5. It boasts outstanding features like quiet operation, a modulating compressor, remote access connectivity plus an industry-leading 12-year warranty.

Amana AVXC20

home-costs-for-cooling_480This system delivers excellent efficiency, with a SEER rating of 24.5 plus outstanding warranty coverage. If the compressor unit fails at any time during its lifetime, Amana will replace it at no charge. All other parts are covered by a 10-year warranty.

Dave Lennox Signature XC25

Another of the higher end systems, this unit delivers energy efficiency as high as a 26 SEER rating. It is very quiet, with a modulating compressor for improved performance and humidity control. iComfort technology from Lennox allows for remote Wi-Fi access to the system. The unit is covered by a 10-year warranty.

Armstrong Pro Series 4SCU20LX

Another great option that matches affordability and energy efficiency, this Armstrong unit has a SEER rating of 20 and is backed by a 10-year warranty. Remote connectivity is also possible, using ComfortSync technology.

No matter which make or model you choose for your home, the single most important factor in getting the best possible energy efficiency and dependability for your cooling system is to have it installed by a licensed HVAC expert.

To find out more about which system will best meet your needs, contact Cyprus Air Heating & Cooling in Alexandria, VA at 703-765-9400 for expert advice or to schedule your free estimate.

Not Quite Ready To Go Back To School? Read These Tips!

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Not Quite Ready To Go Back To School? Read These Tips!

time-for-schoolPreparing to take the kids back to school in the fall is one of the most tiring and troublesome experiences a parent can go through. There are so many little things to accomplish, such as buying new outfits, textbooks, backpacks, general school supplies, and reorganizing schedules around work and everyday life.

Most kids will not be ready and will simply not want to offer a helping hand with all of the tasks that need to be completed by the first day of school.

Savings/Budget

You should begin saving a bit of extra money ahead of time for the purchase of various school supplies.

Most schools don’t send home a list of what is needed, such as the books, notebooks, and pencils, until it is nearly time to return. This can be troublesome and downright headache-inducing for most parents. The best option is to put aside a bit of money each month during the summer so when the time comes you already have the funds required to take the kids shopping.

Buying Supplies

Most local big-name stores will offer the school supplies required for most children in the area. Large shopping chains set aside entire sections of their floor, including multiple aisles, for parents shopping for their children. You can find brand new notebooks, three-ring binders, packs of markers, pencils, pens, and loose-leaf paper so kids can draw or write notes on. The items can be costly, so saving some money beforehand, as mentioned above, will be vital to heading back to school.

Organizing Your Schedules

back-in-the-classroomThis is especially important for those parents who have more than one child in their home heading back to school. Some schools, especially middle and high schools, tend to have different starting times. You must balance your time between dropping off your child before the bell rings and making it to work on-time each day. This can be a bit of a hassle at first, but once you really get into the swing of things, it should be much easier.

When possible, speak with your kids and find out who would be willing to ride the bus in the morning. If you have a school bus stop near your home, you can drop your child off on the way to work. Alternatively, you can have a family friend, or perhaps a neighbor, who also has a child heading to school, drop your kids off when they are passing by the area.

Heading back to school does not need to give you the headache that most people associate it with. Take a step back, take a quick breath, and write down exactly what needs to be done. If you are also in need of HVAC tips, call Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling in Alexandria, VA at 703-765-9400.

Ways To Reduce The Cost Of Cooling Your Home This Summer

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Ways To Reduce The Cost Of Cooling Your Home This Summer

After a long, cold and dreary winter, everyone looks forward to the sunshine and heat of summer. That is, until they get their energy bills. The cost of cooling your home can be frustratingly high.

Thankfully, you don’t have to suffer from the heat just to save money on your cooling costs. The experts at Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling have prepared this easy guide to lower your energy costs during the summer months.

Programmable Thermostats

adjust-for-webMassive amounts of energy are wasted each year cooling homes when it’s not necessary. The rooms in your house don’t have to be as cool when you’re not home or while you’re sleeping.

With a programmable thermostat, you can set it to raise the temperature by a few degrees every night after everyone has gone to bed and bring it back down before anyone gets up. It can once again do the same when everyone leaves the house during the day.

Doing this could save you as much as 10% on your cooling bills. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you can achieve similar results by manually adjusting it, however, if you’re someone who tends to forget such tasks, getting a programmable thermostat will be a wise investment that will pay for itself in time.

Plant Some Trees Around Your House

By planting some trees or shrubs and creating some shade around your house, you’ll significantly reduce the amount of heat energy that gets transferred by the sun’s rays through your windows and roof. This will effectively make it much easier for your air conditioning system to keep your home cool.

If You Have a Basement, Use It

Basements are naturally the coolest areas in most homes. That’s because hot air rises and cool air falls. If you and your family speceiling-fannd time together in the basement, you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher as it will be easier for your AC to maintain a comfortable temperature there.

Use Ceiling Fans to Displace Air

In the same way that a light breeze in the outside heat can make you feel cooler without actually changing the temperature, a ceiling fan can also make you feel cooler indoors.

The displacement of air helps the beads of sweat on your skin to evaporate, thus cooling down your body. With the ceiling fan running, you can adjust your thermostat as much as 4°F warmer and feel equally comfortable. But remember, since it doesn’t actually make the temperature drop, you should turn your ceiling fan off when you leave the room to conserve energy.

There are countless ways to make your Alexandria, VA home more energy efficient, year-round, and your friendly experts at Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling know them all. To find out more about how we can help you save money on your energy bills, call us today at 703-765-9400.

3 Ways to Prepare for UV Safety Awareness Month

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3 Ways to Prepare for UV Safety Awareness Month

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, which is a recognition many are unaware of. While we tend to think of fresh air and sunshine as healthy and therapeutic, the sun’s UV rays are quite harmful. They can cause eye damage, skin cancer, and premature aging. UV rays can also suppress the immune system, leaving your body vulnerable to infections and diseases.

applying-sunscreenUV Safety Awareness Month is meant to educate those who are unaware of the sun’s damaging effects and to serve as a reminder to everyone that the sun must be enjoyed safely. Here are three ways you can prepare this year.

Go Shopping

It’s important to wear sunscreen! Make sure it’s not expired. Clean out the medicine cabinet, and replace any expired sunscreen with a new bottle. Get a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face during outdoor activities as well as a pair of sunglasses. Be sure to choose sunglasses that block all UV rays as your pupils will dilate when behind dark glasses.

Sunglasses should be rated to block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays and provide the most protection. It can increase the amount of UV light your eyes are exposed to if the glasses don’t shield your peripheral vision.

Know When to Go

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the sun is at it’s strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you do go out during this part of the day use sunscreen, sunglasses, and try to wear a hat. Stick to the shade as much as you can, as well.

Check in With Your Doctor

Take a moment to call your physician or pharmacist and review any prescription medications you’re taking. Some medications make you more sensitive to UV light. If you’re taking any of these prescriptions, you’ll need to know so you can be even more diligent about your UV protection.

Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling in Alexandria, VA is happy to bring you these safety tips and reminders during this UV Safety Awareness Month. Remember to stay safe, take an active role in educating others about UV dangers and give us a call at 703-765-9400 the next time you find yourself in need of HVAC services.