/index.php/faq en support@rocketmediastudios.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-01T23:25:57+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_should_i_do_if_my_monitor_goes_off/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_should_i_do_if_my_monitor_goes_off/#When:23:25:57Z Call your CO-Certified contractor at any level below 70 ppm, unless you have symptoms. CO exposure can cause nausea, severe headache, shortness of breath, chest pain, blurred vision, and dizziness. If you experience these symptoms call 911 and leave the house immediately. Above 70ppm, evacuate immediately. If you have symptoms, call 911 from a neighbors house. Call your utility to turn off the equipment until your COCertified contractor can investigate the source of carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide 2010-03-01T23:25:57+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/where_should_i_place_the_nsi_monitor/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/where_should_i_place_the_nsi_monitor/#When:23:23:43Z CO is lighter than air.Monitors should be mounted at eye level and no lower. They should be placed in an area with good air circulation. If you have only one monitor it should be placed near the master bedroom. Additional locations include your kitchen, nursery, basement, rooms with fireplaces or gas logs, and near your heating system and/or hot water tank.Your professional installation contractor will determine the best location in your home. Carbon Monoxide 2010-03-01T23:23:43+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_many_monitors_should_i_have_in_my_home/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_many_monitors_should_i_have_in_my_home/#When:23:22:13Z As with smoke detectors, you should have one monitor installed on every level of your home. Even a singlestory home may need two – one at each end. Carbon Monoxide 2010-03-01T23:22:13+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/why_is_the_nsi_3000_more_expensive_than_the_others/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/why_is_the_nsi_3000_more_expensive_than_the_others/#When:23:21:02Z Accurate, low-level CO detection requires more expensive components & quality control. The NSI 3000 CO monitor uses the same technology and sensors as in professional-grade CO analyzers used by contractors, fire departments, and utilities.And NSI’s unique Continuous Scan™ mode lets you know the monitor is operational 24/7! Carbon Monoxide 2010-03-01T23:21:02+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_about_the_other_detectors_sold_at_retailers_and_home_centers/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_about_the_other_detectors_sold_at_retailers_and_home_centers/#When:23:20:26Z Store-bought detectors don’t alarm until unsafe levels of 70 ppm or higher are present at the unit for 3-1/2 hours! By then it may be too late. Plug-in models don’t always allow for proper placement and don’t work during power outages. The NSI 3000 is battery powered for 24/7 protection. Carbon Monoxide 2010-03-01T23:20:26+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/why_do_i_need_a_low-level_monitor/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/why_do_i_need_a_low-level_monitor/#When:23:18:08Z The NSI low level monitor senses CO levels as low as 5 ppm (parts per million). Infants, children, elderly, persons with respiratory or heart ailments are provided little or no rotection from deadly CO with standard alarms. Longterm exposure to Low-level CO above 15 ppm can cause illness and even permanent disabilities. Carbon Monoxide 2010-03-01T23:18:08+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_efficiency_standard_does_a_dual_use_residential_water_heater_need/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_efficiency_standard_does_a_dual_use_residential_water_heater_need/#When:16:29:38Z For a dual unit, it must meet the efficiency standard requirements of both applications. Your local building department may have additional requirements for such units. Plumbing 2010-01-26T16:29:38+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_the_average_lifetime_of_a_gas_water_heater1/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_the_average_lifetime_of_a_gas_water_heater1/#When:16:27:35Z The average lifetime of gas water heater is 9 years. The range is 5-14 years. Plumbing 2010-01-26T16:27:35+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_is_fhr_and_therms_used_to_compare_the_efficiency_of_water_heaters1/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_is_fhr_and_therms_used_to_compare_the_efficiency_of_water_heaters1/#When:16:27:20Z The first hour rating (FHR) tells you the number of gallons per hour of hot water. Therms relate to the gas consumption of water heater. When you are shopping for hot water heater, compare the energy factor on the energy guide label. Plumbing 2010-01-26T16:27:20+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/why_choose_a_certified_contractor1/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/why_choose_a_certified_contractor1/#When:16:25:57Z An NCI certified contractor in air diagnostics and balancing, or certified in carbon monoxide and combustion is no different. NCI certified contractors have attended classes, used specialized equipment and are constantly up-to-date on the latest diagnostic and repair techniques in these fields. General 2010-01-26T16:25:57+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_a_duct_system1/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_a_duct_system1/#When:15:52:26Z The duct system is a series of conduits that carry the warm and cool air from your air conditioning and heating equipment into your home and then take it back to the equipment. The ducts also control how much air is delivered to each room. DuctWork 2010-01-26T15:52:26+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/who_is_responsible_for_the_testing_and_maintenance_of_the_backflow_assembly/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/who_is_responsible_for_the_testing_and_maintenance_of_the_backflow_assembly/#When:15:52:12Z It is the sole responsibility of the customer to ensure that the assembly is in satisfactory operating condition at all times. Annual testing is required to stay in compliance. Plumbing 2010-01-26T15:52:12+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_should_i_expect_from_my_heating_cooling_contractor/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_should_i_expect_from_my_heating_cooling_contractor/#When:15:51:41Z An NCI-certified contractor will first ask you questions about the system, what you like and don’t like about it, problem areas, air quality concerns, health issues, etc. He should then perform some preliminary testing to determine the condition of your system, the biggest problem areas, and so forth. Cooling, Heating 2010-01-26T15:51:41+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_well_do_my_ducts_work1/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_well_do_my_ducts_work1/#When:15:49:58Z Ducts move air, and air is invisible. So to determine if your ducts work or not, air properties must be measured. An NCI certified contractor can measure how much air goes to each room and compare it to how much is needed. DuctWork 2010-01-26T15:49:58+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_i_know_if_my_ducts_can_be_fixed/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_i_know_if_my_ducts_can_be_fixed/#When:15:48:09Z The typical duct renovation includes removing damaged ducts, straightening them, adding proper suspension and sealing all the joints. Sometimes larger ducts need to be installed to certain rooms or the registers and grilles need to be replaced. 2010-01-26T15:48:09+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_ducts_affect_my_system_performance2/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_ducts_affect_my_system_performance2/#When:15:47:53Z Here’s an example: A 30% return duct leak on a hot or cold day can decrease your heating or cooling capacity more than 50% That may sound extreme, but it’s not an uncommon condition. DuctWork 2010-01-26T15:47:53+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/other_contractors_have_offered_to_seal_my_ducts._isnt_that_the_same_thing1/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/other_contractors_have_offered_to_seal_my_ducts._isnt_that_the_same_thing1/#When:15:45:35Z No. While duct sealing is definitely done as part of a renovation, sealing by itself cannot address many of the flaws in a duct system. DuctWork 2010-01-26T15:45:35+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/do_other_contractors_address_duct_systems/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/do_other_contractors_address_duct_systems/#When:15:45:01Z Unfortunately few have the knowledge or own the tools and instruments to measure the performance of your duct system. DuctWork 2010-01-26T15:45:01+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_i_be_assured_the_ducts_have_been_renovated_properly/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_i_be_assured_the_ducts_have_been_renovated_properly/#When:15:42:47Z Your Contractor should test and adjust the results of his work when the duct renovation has been completed. This step is called air balancing. Up to just 10 years ago, air balancing was performed only on large commercial buildings. DuctWork 2010-01-26T15:42:47+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/will_renovating_my_ducts_make_the_rooms_that_are_uncomfortable_finally_more/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/will_renovating_my_ducts_make_the_rooms_that_are_uncomfortable_finally_more/#When:15:40:33Z Comfort will increase. A good renovation should also improve indoor air quality and reduce energy use. 2010-01-26T15:40:33+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/where_should_a_backflow_prevention_assembly_be_located/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/where_should_a_backflow_prevention_assembly_be_located/#When:03:41:55Z Generally, the backflow prevention assembly must be located as close as possible to the water service connection, but must remain on private property. Contact a licensed professional for information on variances. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:41:55+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/who_can_install_a_backflow_prevention_assembly/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/who_can_install_a_backflow_prevention_assembly/#When:03:41:16Z 2009-12-23T03:41:16+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/who_is_required_to_have_a_backflow_prevention_assembly/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/who_is_required_to_have_a_backflow_prevention_assembly/#When:03:40:35Z Federal and State law require that water suppliers protect their water systems from contamination. State regulations exempt single family residences used solely for residential purposes from assembly requirements. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:40:35+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_is_an_assembly_approved/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_is_an_assembly_approved/#When:03:40:07Z An approved backflow prevention assembly has gone through an approval process at the Foundation for Hydraulic Research and Cross Connection Control at the University of Southern California. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:40:07+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_a_backflow_assembly/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_a_backflow_assembly/#When:03:39:43Z A backflow preventer is an approved, testable assembly which uses valves, in different configurations, to prevent polluted or contaminated water from reversing direction and flowing backward. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:39:43+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/my_property_is_served_with_reclaimed_water._do_i_need_backflow_protection/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/my_property_is_served_with_reclaimed_water._do_i_need_backflow_protection/#When:03:39:40Z Yes. Customers receiving reclaimed water must install a Reduced Pressure Assembly (RPA) backflow preventer on all potable water connections, including fire services. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:39:40+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_backflow_be_prevented/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_backflow_be_prevented/#When:03:39:17Z The Environmental Division will determine which type of protection is required based on the degree of hazard that the property represents to the potable water supply. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:39:17+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_backflow/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_backflow/#When:03:38:46Z The water distribution system is designed to keep the water flowing from the distribution system to you the customer. However, when hydraulic conditions within the system deviate from the "normal" conditions, water flow can be reversed. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:38:46+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_backpressure/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_backpressure/#When:03:38:26Z Backpressure is created when pressure in a nonpotable system, such as in a recirculating system containing soap, acid, or antifreeze, exceeds that in the potable system that provides make up water to the system. General 2009-12-23T03:38:26+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_backsiphonage/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_backsiphonage/#When:03:38:25Z When there is a sudden reduction in the water pressure in the distribution system, such as during firefighting or when a water main breaks, water flow can be reversed. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:38:25+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_causes_backflow/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_causes_backflow/#When:03:38:05Z Backflow is possible in two situations, backsiphonage and backpressure. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:38:05+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_will_air_balancing_solve_my_problem_of_rooms_with_different_temperature/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_will_air_balancing_solve_my_problem_of_rooms_with_different_temperature/#When:03:37:42Z The airflow through the system is what carries the heating or cooling. By adjusting the volume of airflow, we adjust the amount of heating or cooling a room needs to become comfortable. Cooling, Heating 2009-12-23T03:37:42+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_ducts_affect_my_system_performance/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_ducts_affect_my_system_performance/#When:03:37:02Z Here’s an example: A 30% return duct leak on a hot or cold day can decrease your heating or cooling capacity more than 50% That may sound extreme, but it’s not an uncommon condition. DuctWork 2009-12-23T03:37:02+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_can_i_do_to_control_mold/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_can_i_do_to_control_mold/#When:03:36:50Z Typical household cleaning contains mold growth in visible areas and normal household cleaning products can clean susceptible surfaces including the shower and tub areas, or around sinks. Use exhaust fans after showering. General 2009-12-23T03:36:50+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_causes_mold_spores_to_grow/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_causes_mold_spores_to_grow/#When:03:36:17Z Mold spores are everywhere. They feed on just about anything organic that can rot. But they exist in a dormant state until one missing ingredient is added: Moisture. General 2009-12-23T03:36:17+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/why_doesnt_every_contractor_offer_this_rating_system/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/why_doesnt_every_contractor_offer_this_rating_system/#When:03:35:58Z Unfortunately, there are less than 5000 technicians in the world certified to perform this testing. Most contractors simply aren’t willing to invest in the tools and training to provide this valuable service. General 2009-12-23T03:35:58+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_i_tell_if_mold_in_my_house_is_the_bad_kind/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_can_i_tell_if_mold_in_my_house_is_the_bad_kind/#When:03:35:30Z It takes a laboratory and a 600X microscope to identify a mold species. Your doctor can run a series of tests to determine your reactions to various molds. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:35:30+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/can_mold_cause_health_problems/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/can_mold_cause_health_problems/#When:03:35:14Z Many people are unaffected by mold growth. Other people can become ill when exposed to high levels of mold. Consult your physician if you suspect an intolerance to mold. General 2009-12-23T03:35:14+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_long_does_it_take_to_measure_the_ser_of_my_system/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_long_does_it_take_to_measure_the_ser_of_my_system/#When:03:34:31Z It depends on the size of your home. Normally, the testing takes between one and two hours. But stay for the show. The testing is clean, informative and entertaining. General 2009-12-23T03:34:31+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/can_i_get_a_100_ser_rating/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/can_i_get_a_100_ser_rating/#When:03:34:10Z It has been done before, but it’s very difficult. SER Ratings of 90% or better are frequently achieved. What’s more important is that your system’s efficiency can often be increased by 25% to 50%. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:34:10+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/is_there_a_problem_with_customary_equipment_efficiency_ratings/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/is_there_a_problem_with_customary_equipment_efficiency_ratings/#When:03:34:00Z It’s important to understand that equipment ratings are only the potential efficiency of that component of the system under perfect conditions. Think of it as trying to rate your car’s mpg based on just testing the motor by itself. General 2009-12-23T03:34:00+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_do_i_choose_the_best_electric_or_gas_tankless_water_heater_for_my_home_/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/how_do_i_choose_the_best_electric_or_gas_tankless_water_heater_for_my_home_/#When:03:33:47Z Sizing of hot water heaters should be based on the number of occupants and their peak hour water demand and not on the size of the house. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:33:47+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/are_tankless_water_heaters_more_efficient/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/are_tankless_water_heaters_more_efficient/#When:03:33:30Z Tankless water heater efficiencies are not addressed by the Federal standards. Check the EREC fact sheet for additional resources. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:33:30+00:00 http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_a_hot_water_recirculating_system/ http://www.pippinbrothers.com/faq/article/what_is_a_hot_water_recirculating_system/#When:03:32:08Z A "hot water re-circulating" system usually refers to a domestic hot water system that circulates the heated water through the house continuously so as to eliminate or shorten the delay in hot water reaching the faucet after the user turns it on. Plumbing 2009-12-23T03:32:08+00:00