Your ducts are an integral part of your comfort systems. But over time, it may develop cracks and leaks, which can lead to severe performance and indoor air quality issues.

Most people replacing the whole duct system, even with just a few issues, can solve their heating or cooling problems. What they don’t know is that some issues in the ductwork can be solved by duct sealing. Fortunately, we are a professional contractor in quality duct sealing solutions, we can help.

Read on to learn more about Aeroseal duct sealing by Hugee Corporation.

What Is Aeroseal Duct Sealing?

Aeroseal is a duct sealing technology made up of polymers and long molecules that bind together to improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment. It is a dough-like compound that seals gaps, holes, misalignment’s, conduit openings, and protects your system from dust, moisture, drafts, and noise.

This material is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and non-staining. It uses synthetic nano-particles specially manufactured to fit together and create a way to block air from escaping, to make your ducts as airtight as possible. Take note that aeroseal duct sealing isn’t your typical DIY job. You need the help of professionals to get the work done.

How Does It Work?

Finding air leaks is no easy task. However, fixing them is, when you have the right tools and training. Aeroseal duct sealing works by following the natural flow of air through your ductwork. It looks for and seals cracks and leaks within the ducts—even the ones that are out of sight or those you can’t easily reach.

Preparation

For the preparation stage, our experts block and tape off all the vents and registers in your home with pieces of foam. We make sure that the machinery of your HVAC is sealed off to protect the heating and cooling components. Then, we create an alternative inflow for air and the Aeroseal. We perform a diagnostic pre-test to make sure all tools and materials are ready, so there won’t be any issues in the sealing process.

Sealing

When everything’s ready, the machine begins to blow an atomized polymer into the ductwork. The sealing particulates pass through your system until they exit at a leak, where they will stick to and work towards creating a seal.

Review

After the sealing process, our team members perform another analysis, showing you the results of the procedure—the before-and-after. This is when we can identify any leaks or crack that we missed. Once spotted, we immediately correct them.  

Why It’s Necessary?

The US Department of Energy has estimated that an average system loses around 30% of its total output to duct leaks. If you want to make your home more comfortable and your climate control more energy efficient, you will need to have those leaks sealed as soon as possible.

For expert Aeroseal duct sealing service, call us at 301.386.5901 – Maryland, 202.636.1041 – Washington DC.

Here are just a few common airflow problems:

• Poor Airflow
• Uneven Temperature (hot & cold spots)
• Musty Smells and Odor
• Uncontrolled Humidity
• Excessively High Energy Bills
• Unwarranted Dust Buildup
• Unexpected Sound and Noise

How Long Will the Duct Sealant Last?

Accelerated testing conducted at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory resulted in showing no sign of deterioration in the Aeroseal seals – and it continued to seal much past the life span of tape and mastic. Some tests even show that its durability can last up for over 40 years, which exceeds all Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard criteria for durability.

What Are The Benefits?

From energy-efficiency to a healthier and comfortable indoor air, discover Aeroseal duct sealing’s amazing benefits:

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Each day when you breathe the air inside your home, you also breathe in dust particles, pollutants, or worse, mold. Getting Aeroseal service for your ducts help eliminate these contaminants, so they stay out of your indoor air circulation. While this won’t solve all of your indoor air quality concerns, it can make a massive difference in the amount of air contaminants in your home.

Better Comfort for Years to Come

Not all duct sealing options are long-lasting, but Aeroseal duct sealing by Hugee Corporation comes with a guarantee. When you choose this advanced technology and effective method for sealing your home’s ductwork, you can look forward to improved comfort for the years to come.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Leaks in your ducts allow the conditioned air to seep into the crawlspace or attic, where it does your family no good. It wastes your energy, leaving you with considerably high energy bills. By sealing your ducts with Aeroseal, you can keep your conditioned air where it’s supposed to be! Duct sealing can increase your HVAC system’s efficiency by up to 20 percent, which can be a significant boost to your heating and cooling system.

 How Can I Get Aeroseal Duct Sealing?

Not sure who offers Aeroseal duct sealing services in your area? Find an Aeroseal dealer near you. Give Hugee Corporation a call to schedule a consultation. Call us at 301.386.5901 – Maryland, 202.636.1041 – Washington DC, or send us an email at [email protected].

If you have additional questions about your home’s comfort, pass them on, and we’ll get the answers for you. We are always happy to help you with your residential and commercial comfort needs.

Whether you’re aiming to become more physically active, save money, or live a healthy life, we hope you didn’t forget about including your HVAC system in your New Year’s resolution.

Your heating and cooling system is an important part of your home comfort and health. Below are easy and simple HVAC resolutions that ensure all-year comfort for Washington, DC homeowners.

Familiar HVAC Repair Warning Signs

The quicker you recognize signs, the sooner you can get your HVAC repaired and restore home comfort efficiency. Do a little research on the most common air conditioning problems. Then, get an appointment from your reliable HVAC contractor to resolve the issues before it gets worse.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call in the experts!

• Insufficient Airflow
• Short Cycling
• High Humidity and Discomfort
• Water Leaks
• Foul Odors
• Unusual Noises and Sounds
• Uneven Indoor Temperature

HVAC issues can happen anytime—especially in the most unexpected time. So, familiarizing yourself with these repair warning signs makes you ready for anything that may happen to your system. Plus, you can prevent high repair costs and expensive early system replacement.

Improve Indoor Your Quality

Being mindful of your air filters is one way to make sure you get a clean, healthy, and breathable air that you deserve. Our experts advise you to check your air filter every 30 days and wait no more than 90 days to replace it.

If you don’t remember the last time you got your air filter cleaned or replaced, your filters might be clogged with dirt and debris. Don’t forget to clean or replace them soon for a healthier home.

Consider Upgrading Your System

You probably have heard or read this idea a couple of times. But let us remind you again. If your system is nearing retirement due to serious issues, then it’s about time for an upgrade.

Purchasing a new HVAC is an investment that will be a large cost, but the range of benefits it offers for your home and family are indeed worth it.

Be Proactive and Make Plans

Having an HVAC maintenance plan or setting a preventive maintenance schedule before the heating or cooling season can be beneficial for you and your wallet. It lowers the chance of breakdowns during the peak of summer or winter. It also prevents premature breakdowns and early system—thus, limiting the cost for repairs and replacements. This year, choose to be one step ahead of your HVAC system to benefit from the comfort it offers.

If you’ve made New Year’s resolutions before, you know that making a list, creating a plan, and sticking to them are the keys to success. Make sure you’re in control of everything in your life, especially in your home this year.

For your HVAC concerns and issues in Washington, DC, feel free to call us at Hugee Corporation at 202.636.1041. Our expert team is just one phone call away!

Should you give enough attention to your indoor air quality now that the cold season has arrived? Our experts at Hugee Corporation say, “You definitely should!” The dropping of temperature has a huge effect on the quality of the air you breathe inside your home, and without proper upkeep, you might have to face great health troubles and discomfort.

If you are worried about your IAQ, here are some things you need to secure as early as the fall season:

• Clean your Carpets and Floors

Carpets help add warm comfort but also trap a considerable number of pollutants. Regular dusting and vacuum cleaning can help remove these pollutants and keep your indoor air healthy. To keep your carpets and floors clean, let everyone take off their shoes and use the floor mats before entering your home.

• Shift to Home-Made Cleaning Agents

Household cleaners, aerosol sprays, and other synthetic cleaning agents are great distributors of harmful components that can pollute the air inside your home. Be sure to cover and store these products properly after use. But to keep healthy air inside, try shifting to natural and home-made cleaning agents such as vinegar and water solutions.

• Keep Humidity In Check

The cold temperature will give you dry, stale air inside your home. Invest in humidifiers to provide additional moisture in the air and prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms. It will also save you from the health risks caused by dry air such as chapped skin and itchy throats.

• Use Fans and Ventilate your Home

Fans will keep the air in your home moving and can reduce mold growth. If the weather permits, crack some windows even for a short time to provide natural ventilation. Let the stale air move out and be replaced with fresh outdoor air. Just be sure to turn off your heating systems when doing this. 

• Get a Houseplant

Houseplants are helpful in filtering out pollutants. Be sure to have one or two placed inside your home. They also give an additional supply of moisture which helps in raising humidity levels inside.

• Check your HVAC System

Your HVAC system will surely give you a headache in the cold months if it is not properly cleaned and checked. Be sure to remove dust and dirt accumulation in the vents and registers and replace filters if necessary.

Do not let the dropping of the temperature compromise your indoor air quality. Learn from these tips and enjoy a hassle-free cold season in your Washington, DC home. If you need more expert advice and technical support, you can always count on our professionals at Hugee Corporation. Give us a call now!

Homeowners often ignore their plumbing system until it stops working, like when ice forms and freezes your pipes. During this time, it’s so easy to get annoyed about the interrupted water service and trying to resolve the issue by thawing it yourself does not always work as expected.

To prevent damage to your pipes and your house, here are do’s and don’t’s in thawing a frozen pipe from our experts at Hugee Corporation:

Keep the Faucet Open

Be sure to open the faucet once you realize that your pipes are frozen. Then, locate the frozen part. Allow steady moving water to keep pipes above freezing temperature and prevent bursting or other related problems. We know you don’t want to keep your faucet open because you’re saving water, but this time, you’ll have to do it to save more on repairs.

Don’t Panic and Know What To Do

Instead of worrying too much and doing unnecessary actions, you should stay calm and understand the situation. First, identify which pipe or pipes are frozen. If the pipe that needs thawing isn’t exposed or accessible, then it’s time to call for professional assistance. With the right tool and expertise, professional plumbers can help resolve your crisis on your plumbing system.

Apply Heat on the Pipes Using Portable Heaters

As advised by the experts, you can use portable heaters to warm your frozen pipes. Other efficient alternatives include wrapping the pipes with electric heating pads or towels soaked in hot water.

Don’t Use a Torch to Melt the Ice

It’s a big NO, NO! Opting to use a torch to melt your freezing pipes is never a good idea. Instead of solving the issue, doing this can even worsen the problem. While some use torch, others opt for propane heater, charcoal stove, or any open-flame devices as an initiative to thaw the frozen pipes. Never attempt to use any of these flammable devices for your safety.

Do Contact a Local Plumber Immediately

Fixing a frozen pipe is best handled by the experts. No one does it better than the people with the knowledge and expertise in handling your plumbing issues. If you want a desirable outcome, be sure to call the professionals right away! At Hugee Corporation, we can handle all your Washington, DC plumbing needs right at the moment you call. Contact us today for quick and reliable solutions.

As homeowners get busy preparing for the holiday season, they tend to overlook the importance of a clean air duct—which is one of the essential elements of a healthy and comfortable environment.

Hugee Corporation has prepared a list of the benefits of a clean air duct. Read on to find out more.

Improves Air Flow Efficiency

A clean air duct operates at its optimum level while providing energy savings in the long term. Conversely, dirty ducts will not be able to work effectively. When your duct gets clogged, your system will have a hard time providing the right amount of air quality and comfort to you and your family.

Removes Unpleasant Smells

During the holidays, there will surely be a lot of unpleasant smells inside your home—from kitchen odors to paint fumes, pets, and mold. Professional cleaning is necessary to remove all the odor-causing particles in your system. Contact us today to get rid of the unpleasant smell, so you’ll have a fresh home this holiday.

Reduces Airborne Pollutants

Unfortunately, dust is not the only particle that can affect your air duct. Airborne pollutants such as bacteria, pollen, mildew, pet dander, and other harmful organisms can also affect the air in your home. People who suffer from asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems are sensitive to these pollutants.

Creates a Healthier Environment

With dirty ducts, dust and other airborne pollutants can contaminate the air in your homes, putting your health in jeopardy. Schedule a professional duct cleaning today and spend quality time with your family and friends this holiday season with healthy indoor air.

Give yourself and everyone you love a treat by spending the holidays in a healthy and comfortable environment. Contact Hugee Corporation today and we’ll take care of your duct cleaning needs throughout the Washington DC and Metropolitan areas. Happy Holidays!

Dry air is among the many problems homeowners face every winter. Once the humidity drops, it can bring real discomfort and health issues to many families. Thankfully, we have humidifiers.

Here are six benefits of using a humidifier this winter:

Promotes Softer Skin

The lack of moisture in your body due to cold air can irritate your skin, change its tone, and dry it out. A humidifier prevents the damaging effects of cold air by adding moisture to your indoor air, helping you maintain softer, more vibrant, and glowing skin.

Keeps the Hair and Scalp Healthy

Humidifiers keep moisture in your indoor air, which is something both the hair and scalp need. The nourishing steam and ideal humidity level provided by your humidifier can go a long way to prevent a flaky, itchy scalp, leaving you with healthy hair and scalp.

Relieves Allergy Symptoms

If you worry that using humidifiers in your home might spread dust mites and pet danders, fret not! Modern humidifiers can be set to the right level of moisture, preventing the spread of such elements. It’s best to moisturize your home around 40-50% for ambient feel—safe from the worry of dust mites and pet danders.

Prevents Wood Damage

Every type of wood needs a constant level of moisture to be at its best. Humidifiers, if appropriately used, can make it happen. It can prevent damage to your wood furniture, making them last longer.

Helps Prevent Snoring

If you or you know someone who snores, humidifiers can also be a big help. The moist air keeps the throat tissue from drying while alleviating dry air passages and snoring. If you find humidifiers helpful, contact us at Hugee Corporation today and we’ll help you find the right choice for your home.

Just because your water heater is functional doesn’t mean it is maintenance-free. Even if it doesn’t fail to provide hot water every day, you still have to put serious thought into its maintenance.

Here are six (6) helpful tips for winter water heater maintenance:

Check the TPR Valves

Temperature pressure relief or TPR valves are safety devices that automatically release pressure inside the tank once it exceeds safe levels, preventing an explosion.

Normally, you should hear a hiss of air or see some water build-up when you lift the trip lever. However, if you happen to notice unnecessary leaking, flooding, rupture, or dirt buildup, then it’s time to replace the valves.

Test the Anode Rod

Anode rod in water tanks is responsible for capturing corrosive elements in the water. If you noticed reduced thickness of the rod, missing piece, or calcium carbonate build-up in it, then it’s time for a replacement.

Flush Out Sediments

Sediments like hard water mineral and rust impact the efficiency of your heater. When they build up on your unit, they can disrupt the water flow and affect its temperature, which can cause premature tank breakdown.

To prevent sediment build-up, drain your water heater at least twice a year. For assistance, call Hugee Corporation at 202.636.1041.

Insulate Tank and Pipes

By insulating your hot water pipes and tank, you can reduce energy loss and your heating costs. For old water heaters, you may use a foam tubing or a cylinder jacket. For newer models, there’s no need to worry as they come pre-insulated, unlike the older tanks.

Seal the Leaks

Bigger problems always start small. So, if your water heater is unable to produce heated water at the right time, or it takes hours to heat up, then you might want to check for leaks. If you happen to find any, use the caulking method or fill the opening with foam insulators.

Adjust the Temperature

Since we’re talking about winter preparations, you should consider adjusting the temperature as the final tip. As advised by our experienced technicians, it should be around 120 to 140 degrees. Use your best judgment to get the right setting for your home. Need any help or advice for your winter water heater maintenance? Contact the experts at Hugee Corporation in the Washington DC and the Metropolitan areas today. We are always here to take care of your comfort needs.

Modern furnaces are equipped with sound-dampening technology and a two-stage compressors to operate efficiently and quietly. So, if you hear strange noises when you turn your furnace on, then something isn’t right!

Here are the common reasons your furnace produces unexpected loud noises:

Screeching & Scraping

You usually hear this screeching from your furnace when the blower wheel is loose or the blower motor is not working properly. If you can hear screeching sounds, it’s probably due to loose parts or non-lubricated components. It’s best to switch off your furnace and schedule a service with a professional right away. Continuous usage may result in serious damage.

Rattling & Chattering

Without proper maintenance, your appliances lose their efficiency over time. This may start as a simple issue, but when left unattended, it can become troublesome. Rattling noises in your furnace can mean a lot of things, though the most common cause is loose parts.

The easiest fix for this issue is tightening up any loose screws. Turn off your furnace, and carefully tighten the screws. If in doubt, contact a professional today and schedule a complete evaluation.

Whistling & Screaming

Few scenarios can lead to whistling or screaming sounds in your furnace. The culprits could be gaps in your ductwork, clogged filters that restrict airflow, or any air leak in your system.

Some leaks may not only damage your system; it may also cause harm to your family. Depending on the level of noise produced, experienced homeowners can do a DIY leak repair, but in cases where the noise is too loud and it comes with gaseous a smell, it is advisable to call a professional.

Furnaces are designed to make noises or sounds. You can hear humming, pinging or popping sounds which are all perfectly normal. But extremely loud noises like screeching, scraping, rattling, chattering, whistling and screaming are signs of problems you should never ignore.

At Hugee Corporation, we are available 24/7 to meet your service needs. Set an appointment online or give us a call at 202-636-1041.

Winter is coming, and the days will soon be filled with indoor parties. During these times, we consider our heating systems as our last defense against the icy cold weather.

Survive the chilly winter months with a professional heater maintenance! Here’s why it pays off to talk to your local contractor for a maintenance plan:

Increases Efficiency

Is your heating system running all day long but you still can’t feel the heat inside your home? This could be a sign that your thermostat is defective—and that you need a professional technician to diagnose and fix it right away.

Scheduled check-ups and maintenance with a pro who will help ensure that your heating system is running on its full capacity and prevent unnecessary repairs.

Prevents Higher Utility Bills

Have you noticed a sudden increase in your utility bills? Higher energy bills often signify issues on the efficiency of your heating system. Some reasons include: defective parts, dirty air filters, leaky ducts, and lack of maintenance. All of these could lead to major repairs.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

Heating systems with broken circuits or damaged internal parts are dangerous. Want to keep these dangers at bay? Signing up for a professional check-up is the best solution. A thorough inspection from your local pro can help reduce serious problems, such as carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards.

Increases System’s Lifespan

Most heating systems will last for many years, assuming they receive regular maintenance. With a maintenance plan, a professional technician can inspect your system to ensure it is operating smoothly. This is the key to increase the lifespan of your unit.

Avoids Unusual Sounds

Indoor air humidity is usually lower in the winter than in the summer months. This can cause stress to your heating system, which may result in unusual noises. You usually hear these strange sounds when switching your unit on or shutting it down. These sounds may indicate broken internal parts that require repair or replacement.

There you go—some of the benefits of a professional heating maintenance. If you want to enjoy these benefits, you may contact us at Hugee Corporation today.

Are you worried about your indoor air quality? If yes, you’re not alone! Many homeowners in Washington DC and the Metropolitan are also bothered about the quality of the air they breathe. Aside from using a duct sealing system in Washington, DC, here are helpful tips to improve the air quality inside your home.

Clean Regularly

Regular cleaning can reduce the amount of dust, dirt, and pet dander in your home. Boost your indoor air quality by scheduling a weekly routine cleaning. You can use simple cleaning materials like wet cloth, duster, and HEPA vacuum to reduce pollutants.

Use Natural Cleaners

Did you know that most indoor air pollutants are the chemicals you use in your daily household chores? Instead of buying cleaning agents with chemicals that are harmful to your indoor air, you should choose “green” cleaning supplies. There are plenty of them in the grocery stores, but you can make a DIY cleaning agent using vinegar, water, baking soda, lemons, and other home ingredients.

Improve Ventilation

A substandard ventilation system is the most common cause of poor indoor air quality. This is usually due to blocked air ducts or the presence of holes and gaps in the ventilation system. Poor ventilation triggers the accumulation of moisture, mold, and other indoor air pollutants in the different corners of your home. And when you run your HVAC system, these contaminants are blown in the air, causing havoc to your health and comfort. A professional duct sealing system in Washington, DC can help.

Control Moisture

Humidity is a threat to indoor air quality. You need to maintain the proper moisture level to prevent mold growth, unnecessary odors, and respiratory issues. For better humidity level throughout the year, we recommend you invest in a humidifier or dehumidifier for your unique home.

Add Indoor Plants

You can benefit from growing plants inside your home. Plants are known as natural indoor air purifiers. Aside from supplying oxygen, they also have filtration properties that can remove carcinogens, formaldehyde, and other harmful indoor air contaminants.

Observe Regular Maintenance

Maintenance service schedules include thorough cleaning and inspection to keep the proper performance of your unit. If your unit is in tip-top shape, you can avoid expensive repair or replacement services and enjoy better indoor air quality.

These tips will help you achieve a safer and more comfortable indoor atmosphere. Should you need a professional duct sealing system in Washington, DC or any other HVAC service in Washington DC and the Metropolitan area, look no further than Hugee Corporation. Call us at 202-636-1041 (DC) or 301-386-5901 (MD).