On Today's Episode

• We follow up on our garage paint conversation from last week to discuss the right interior product for the job.
• Holland's Fire Marshall, Bret Groendyke joins us in the studio to share the results of our “not so scientific” fire extinguisher test!
• Service Professor’s HVAC experts stop by and share everything you need to know to extend the life of your furnace.
• Finally, we share this week’s “Fall To-Do List”! Complete this list to keep your home SAFE and warm this fall. 

The Best Garage Paint [00:00 - 03:55]

Last week, we discussed why you should never use an exterior product inside your garage. This week, we discuss WHICH interior products are best for the job. 

First you need to assess your specific situation to decide which product best suits your needs. 

Do the walls in your garage act as tool storage? Do you have bikes leaning up against the wall? If so, you may be looking for a product that is durable, scuff-resistant and will look brand new for years to come. In this case, Benjamin Moore’s “Scuff-X” is the paint for you! 

Does your garage get less use? Are you looking for a budget friendly option? If so, you may be looking for a solid entry level product to get the walls coated without breaking the bank. In this case, RepcoLite’s “Carefree” is the paint for you! 

Stop in and see us or place your order online.

The Fire Blanket [03:55 - 19:00]

We are joined by Holland’s Fire Marshal; Bret Groendyke, to discuss the results of our “not so scientific” fire extinguisher experiment. 

To run the test, we set up a common scenario: a pot with a small amount of oil is left on a hot burner of an electric stove. Within minutes the oil reaches 500 degrees and ignites. The pot now has a grease fire that many homeowners would struggle to put out. 

First we used a standard ABC Fire extinguisher to put the fire out. This method put the fire out quickly but also left a huge mess! It's not uncommon for a stove to have to be replaced after a fire extinguisher has been used on it. 

Next we threw a Prepared Hero Fire Blanket over the pot. This method worked exactly as advertised. It was easy to use, smothered the fire and left no mess! 

Last we saw what happens all too often; a glass of water was poured onto the grease fire (from a safe distance). This method resulted in a HUGE column of fire that would have engulfed a kitchen. When people panic, they often grab the pot and put it in the sink to try to extinguish the fire. However, water vapor only feeds this type of fire and this method can result in serious injury.  

We all agreed our new favorite fire extinguisher method is the Prepared Hero Fire Blanket! 

Check out our video here

Furnace Tune-Ups [19:00 - 32:22]

Service Professor’s HVAC specialists; Donald Keegan and Chris Wyngarden are in the studio to share everything you need to know to keep your furnace running this winter. 

Dan has always been skeptical of the heavily advertised “Furnace Tune-up” that many companies push this time of year. Is it just a sales call or is this something that really needs to be done by a professional? 

We learn that a furnace tune-up is vital to keep your Furnace running safely and efficiently. Manufacturers recommend this be done on a regular basis because it improves performance, efficiency, remedies minor issues, enhances safety and ultimately increases the service life. 

Dust is the main enemy of the system, when dust accumulates it slows the whole system down. This puts strain on the furnace, which can cause components shut off inorder to avoid hazardous leaks. 

These are delicate systems and just like newer cars, newer furnaces have many more electrical components that are difficult to maintain without specialty knowledge and tools. Hire a professional to do this maintenance! 

Here is what a tune-up looks like: 

• Lubricate motor bearings and other moving parts
• Check and adjust fan belt tension
• Voltage and current checks
• Tighten all electrical connections
• Inspect heat exchanger 
• Test exhaust system
• Inspect and clean burner 
• Verify and adjust gas pressure
• Test ignition system
• Check connections to gas or oil lines
• Test and verify system controls
• Inspect condensate drain and clear, if needed 
• Clean interior and exterior of the furnace
• Change air filter

Service Professor has a $49 Furnace Tuneup special running right now! Schedule yours online today and cross this off your fall to-do list. 

Service Professor Contact Info

Kalamazoo: 269-364-6500

Grand Rapids: 616-871-1900

East Side: Great Dane Heating and Cooling: 586-790-2604

The Big Fall List #3 [32:22 - 32:22]

This weeks “Fall To-Do List” 

Keep a Warm Home 

1. Change your furnace filter and get a tune up. 

2. Invest in a humidifier

• Dry air can actually feel colder!
• Make the dry indoor air more comfortable. No more cracked skin!
• Help reduce the spread of germs during cold and flu season. Germs cannot travel as far with water vapor in the air. 

3. Make your home extra cozy. 

• Hanging heavy curtains will not only create a cozy looking room but they can also help insulate windows which account for around 30% of energy loss.

4. Bigger Project Alert: Now is a great time to update insulation! 

• Replace or add attic insulation. 
• Insulate and air seal rim joists.
• Keep warm air from escaping your home so critters won’t be attracted to it!
• Save on heating costs! 

Fire Safety Prep 

1. Get your Fireplace Ready! 

• Do or schedule your chimney cleaning. 
• Consider a fireplace inspection. 

2. Clean out Dryer Vent 

• Pull and vacuum out lint to reduce fire risk!

3. Make a Fire Escape Plan

• Make sure your family has a fire escape plan.
• Most fires occur in fall and winter with the peak months being December and January.

4. Change Batteries in Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. 

5. Have a Fire Extinguisher and or Fire blanket on Hand.