How to Know If Your Home Needs Duct Cleaning Services

By Ashley Dennon, Oliver Heating and Cooling

It’s no secret that having an efficient heating and cooling system is essential. You and your family need relief from hot summer days and chilly winter nights. However, one thing many homeowners don’t often think about is everything that goes into an efficiently functioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, particularly the need for air duct cleaning. That’s where Oliver Heating and Cooling comes in!

What is air duct cleaning?

The process of cleaning your air ducts helps remove buildup, including dirt, allergens, dust, debris, mold spores, bacteria and viruses. In some homes, additional filtration systems may be necessary to reach optimal indoor air quality, including adding a humidifier or dehumidifier or optimizing filters or air scrubbers.

There are a few key signs that the ducts in your home need to be cleaned:

  • Your utility bills have suddenly spiked without an apparent reason.
  • You’re experiencing a problem with insects or rodents in your home.
  • You have a buildup of dust around the vents in your home.
  • You or a family member has suddenly had an onset of respiratory or allergy symptoms.

Benefits of duct cleaning services

There are many benefits to cleaning the air ducts in your home. The most important benefit, of course, is improving the air quality for your family. Clean air improves your health and helps to keep respiratory and allergy problems at bay. In addition, removing the buildup inside of your ducts will allow for your HVAC system to be more efficient which will in turn lower your heating and cooling costs.

How often should you clean your air ducts?

At Oliver Heating and Cooling, we recommend duct cleaning every 3-5 years. Keep in mind, there are a few outlying factors that may affect your schedule. For example, you should always have air ducts cleaned after new construction or a major renovation in your home due to excess dust and debris. Also, if you have had any water damage or signs of mold in your home, air duct cleaning is essential to avoid triggering respiratory problems.

Could your home benefit from air duct cleaning? An HVAC services company like Oliver can help. You can request information online or give us a call. We’ll make sure the air quality in your home is safe for your family.

Springfield Neighbors Advertiser: David Oliver, Owner, Oliver Heating & Cooling. Phone: 877-712-1482, Website: oliverheatcool.com

Reinvigorate Your Home with the 2023 Color of the Year Raspberry Blush

By Mariel Middleton – Founder, m. ariana interiors / Stacey Middleton BHHS Fox & Roach – Newtown Square

Both nature and fashion work in cycles – though no two years are ever the same. Cycles evolve and update even as they return, familiar and yet new. Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color of the Year Raspberry Blush harkens back to the Tuscan terracotta earth tones of the 90s, the playful warm corals of the mid-00s, and a timeless nautical salmon, now turning up the volume on this classic for a joyous modern feel.

This truly dynamic near-red shade has a healthy dose of coral-pink and orange undertones for an instant dose of warmth in any room. But don’t let the professional photography lighting fool you: Raspberry Blush interacts with natural light throughout the day to a perhaps surprisingly neutral effect most often, with mid-morning rays, afternoon direct sunlight and evening ambient lighting each bringing out different shades of terracotta, dusty rose and warm beige beneath the initially vibrant hue.

Still, if you’re not ready to paint your whole home in a monochromatic bright coral red right away, there are lots of lower-commitment and renter-friendly ways to embrace the 2023 Benjamin Moore Color of the Year Raspberry Blush: 

Painted accents go a long way. See how much a painted ceiling warms up an otherwise neutral space and how the color works with mid-century modern medium brown wood tones and gold accents for a very rich environment. Using Raspberry Blush in a matte finish is also a great way to tone down the saturation on this bright hue for use as more of a neutral tone in your color palette.

Small room makeovers are a great way to feel a big difference with the least effort. Update your bath towels, shower curtain and bathmat for a completely new bathroom vibe.

Smaller accents in the same color family, like a ceramic vase, woven coasters and placemats, or an ornate pink glassware set, can be among the easiest ways to bring new color to any space.

Larger accents that bring in tastes of the Raspberry Blush color family, like a patterned rug, can help tie in many smaller accents within a space. Alternatively, go for a bolder look with a monochromatic terracotta rug and balance it with color-saturated textiles that explore the variation within the hue, like a color-blocked throw blanket or assorted throw pillows in varying shades of orange, red and coral. Or, lean into the more muted jewel-toned range of the Raspberry Blush color scale for a sophisticated aesthetic focused on textured neutrals. Try an earthy bedroom update this year by matching monochromatic sheets and a duvet cover for a trendy bedroom refresh. Make sure to include different textures, materials and patterns within a space when celebrating a single color to really nail a top-to-bottom look.

Stacey Middleton is an advertiser with Springfield Neighbors as Realtor, with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Fox & Roach in Newtown Square. Phone: 610-353-6200, Email: stacey.middleton@foxroach.com,
Website: www.staceymiddleton.foxroach.com

Fireplace Accessories – The Options Are Astounding!

By Scott Magness; Scott‘s Fireplace Products

The fireplace is a beautifully visible part of the home. It plays an important role in our lives and is a sought-after feature for people looking to build or buy a house. The fireplace reflects the heart and soul of its owners, and can turn a plain room into an inviting retreat. Yet, one of the most exciting characteristics of a fireplace is its role as a design focal point, bringing together furniture, artwork, lamps and draperies in a pleasingly harmonious décor within a room.

The Key is Accessorizing

Adding accessories is the secret to creating a fireplace that integrates form and function. A basic fireplace can be enhanced by simply adding an attractive standing firescreen, which offers a myriad of finishes, including satin and textured black, brushed nickel, natural iron, polished brass, vintage iron and many others. We also have spark guards available which can be a more traditional alternative to a firescreen.

Quickly Get Your Fire Burning

There is no more need for newspaper or traditionally hard to ignite kindling to get your fire started. Two or three sticks of Fatwood or just one Lightning Nugget FireStarter is all it takes to quickly get your fire burning.

Grates and Log Rings

  • Grates – A quality grate offers good airflow and ensures excellent combustion, plus the tight casting design holds the burning logs and bed of hot coals until they are rendered to ash.
  • Self-Feeding – The high front and low back profile of the self-feeding grate allows wood to self-feed to the rear of the fireplace where the natural draft is.
  • Safety – The self-feeding grate features a higher front edge, which minimizes the possibility of a burning log rolling off the grate into the living area.
  • Log Hoops – Made of a solid grade steel material in a bar-stock design, log hoops traditionally come in three sizes: 24”, 36” and 48”.

Outdoor Log Racks

Wood racks are designed with quality and simplicity in mind. They feature the look and strength of a traditional firewood rack, and include a standard reinforced vinyl cover that fits over the rack posts, and slides down as wood is used. The stack of firewood is protected from rain and snow while allowing cross ventilation. 

Author of this article is Scott Magness of Scott’s Fireplace Products in Newtown Square, PA.  
Phone: 484-422-8334 eMail: SFP@ScottsFireplaceProducts.com
Website: www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com

Electrical Safety in a Residence: Protecting Your Home and Family

By Joe Voci JDV Electric, LLC

Electricity is an essential part of our daily lives; it can also be dangerous if not used and maintained properly. Electrical accidents can cause serious injury or death, so it is important to take electrical safety in your residence seriously. Here are some of the key ways to protect your home and family from electrical hazards.

  • Install and maintain smoke detectors.

Smoke detectors are crucial for protection from fires caused by electrical faults. Install them on every level of your home and in every bedroom, test them regularly to ensure they work correctly, and replace the batteries at least once a year.

  • Use certified and approved electrical appliances and fixtures.

Electrical appliances and fixtures like lamps, power strips and extension cords that are certified and approved by a recognized safety organization are tested and designed to meet strict safety standards and are less likely to cause electrical hazards.

  • Do not overload circuits.

Overloading circuits can cause electrical fires and damage appliances. Avoid using too many appliances on one circuit and never plug in too many extension cords or power strips. Consider installing additional circuits to use multiple appliances in one area.

  • Keep electrical cords away from water.

Water and electricity do not mix. Keep electrical cords away from water sources such as sinks, bathtubs and pools. Ensure outdoor outlets are weather-resistant and protected from rain and moisture.

  • Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

GFCIs are designed to prevent electrical shocks and should be in all areas of your home where water is present, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. They detect imbalances in the electrical current and shut off the power if a fault is detected.

  • Do not attempt electrical repairs yourself; hire a licensed electrician.

Electrical repairs should only be performed by a licensed electrician; licensed electricians have the expertise and knowledge to ensure that your electrical system is safe and up to code. Attempting to fix electrical problems yourself can be dangerous and/or cause further damage. 

  • Replace damaged or worn cords and plugs.

Damaged cords and plugs can cause electrical shocks and fires, so replace frayed or cracked cords immediately.

  • Use surge protectors.

Protect your appliances from power surges and spikes. Surge protectors are particularly important for expensive devices such as computers, televisions and home theater systems.

  • Use arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection.

AFCIs are designed to recognize dangerous arcs in your wiring and immediately break the flow of electricity. They prevent your electrical system from becoming an ignition source for a fire. The life-saving technology and superior design of AFCI protection, now standard in new construction, has been refined to also reduce unwanted nuisance tripping due to interference from electrical devices or appliances. Arc fault receptacles and circuit breakers provide fire and electrical safety protection.

In conclusion, electrical safety is an important aspect of home maintenance that should not be overlooked. By following these tips, you can help protect your home and family from electrical hazards and ensure that your electrical system is safe and up to code.

For all your Electrical needs contact Joe Voci at JDV Electric, LLC at 610-364-5099 or joe@jdvelectric.com

This Is How Many Gallons of Water Plumbing Leaks Cost You

By Jeff Goane Murphy’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

If you had a gushing leak in your home’s plumbing, you’d notice it right away, right? Aside from the potential water damage, you’d be thinking about the amount of wasted water and just how much your next water bill might cost.

What if we told you that most of the wasted water isn’t caused by huge emergencies? Would you want to know just how much water might be going to waste in your home right now? We’ve got some fascinating facts for you about just how much water is wasted in American homes and why. We’ll even tell you just how much money that could be costing you. And yes, we do have a great solution to this problem.

Water Usage
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American uses 82 gallons of water per day. For a family of four, the household would then be consuming 328 gallons every day. That’s almost 120,000 gallons in a year! 

Water Bills
One statistic from 2019 suggested that the average American water bill for a four-person household was nearly $73 a month. However, according to the Census Bureau, as of 2021, the average American household contains 3.13 persons. Another study determined that for the average American household, the monthly water bill was $45.44. Even at this lower estimate, that’s nearly $550 per year; the higher estimate would put it around $875. 

Water Waste
The EPA determined that plumbing leaks account for 10,000 gallons of wasted water in the average American household every year. Even worse than that, they say that 10% of homes have leaks that waste at least 90 gallons of water every day. That’s more water than adding a family member would use. These leaks add up to over a trillion wasted gallons of water every year in the U.S. 

Crunching the Numbers
If ten thousand gallons are wasted each year in a household that uses 120,000 gallons a year, that’s the equivalent of losing an entire month’s water bill each year. If you’re unlucky enough to be in the 10% of households that waste 90 gallons a day, that’s 2,700 gallons per month (more than a quarter of the average household’s water use). That potentially adds up to nearly $20 every month going down the drain.

Sources of Leaks
It’s astonishing just how much water can be lost to a very small leak. A shower dripping just ten times a minute allows 500 gallons a year to be lost down the drain for no reason. If your toilet won’t stop running, it might be going through two gallons of water every minute! Having your fixtures tightened could make a huge difference. If you’re worried that water is being lost in other ways, our team can use video pipe inspection to check your entire plumbing system for problems, so you can get plumbing leak repair and stop wasting water—and money.


For an assessment of your plumbing by Jeff Goane contact Murphy’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. Located at 565 Abbott Drive, Broomall. Phone: 610-461-6502; jeff@murphysonmacdade.com or visit www.murphysonmacdade.com
(PA License #113639)

Our Home Should Feel Safe and Comfortable All Year

Heat-induced illness is a very real threat as temperatures climb during the summer. Heatwaves and other hazardous weather can settle in, and, if you aren’t taking the proper precautions, things can take a turn for the worse. While heat and humidity make us all uncomfortable, there are ways to mitigate risk and ease the impact of extreme temperatures. Oliver is here to provide some helpful tips. If you live in the Delaware Valley, we can give your home an air conditioning safety inspection so that you know you’re ready to handle the heat.

The best way to safeguard yourself from heat-induced illness is to stay hydrated. It is recommended to drink eight glasses of water a day–not just to keep your body hydrated, but also to help flush out toxins. While sports drinks or caffeinated beverages may help increase your body’s water level, they are not as effective because they can sometimes contain other dehydrating elements. Staying hydrated will help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Another important way to avoid the summer heat is to stay indoors in your climate-controlled home. Your air conditioner regulates the temperature inside your house and can be a haven for anyone at risk for heat-related illness. Making sure your air conditioner is in working order before the heat comes can help you avoid an emergency. The experts at Oliver recommend an annual home A/C safety inspection to make sure your system is clean, operational and running efficiently this season. By ensuring your home will be cool all summer long, you have one less thing to worry about.


A membership with Oliver provides true peace of mind when your heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical equipment has been inspected to keep it running safely and efficiently all year long. Annual inspections and testing by our professional technicians help to identify issues before they become unexpected problems or expensive repairs. Here are just some of the benefits of our Peace of Mind Membership:

  • Plumbing and electrical inspections
  • Convenient payment options
  • Priority service
  • Appointment reminders
  • No-breakdown guarantee
  • 10% discount 

Expert Article provided by Ashley Dennon of Oliver Heating & Cooling. To learn more about the Peace of Mind Membership, call 610-616-5691 or visit oliverheatcool.com.