For many, winter utility bills can be a pocketbook pain point. In fact, home heating is the largest energy expense in the average U.S. home and accounts for about 45% of energy costs. Fortunately, there are a lot of simple steps you can take today that will help reduce your utility costs immediately. We’ll also introduce you to a couple … Read More
How to Reduce Cold Air Drafts in Your Home
Chances are you’re paying much more in utility bills during the winter months to heat your home. Here are 7 Ways to Reduce Air Drafts in Your Home Replace Worn Weather Stripping Replace the worn weather stripping on your windows and doors. Up to 12% of heat loss actually occurs around windows and doors. You’ll save some money by reducing … Read More
The Difference Between Plumbing and Drain Problems
Many people may not know that there’s a difference between plumbing and drain problems and we often equate them to the same thing. So what is the difference between plumbing and drain issues? There is an easy way to remember the difference between Drain and Plumbing problems. Plumbing = Fresh Water In Plumbing problems involve fresh water coming into your … Read More
Best Time of Year to Winterize Your Home
Fall is here! It’s the time of year when it’s tempting to run your AC during the day and your furnace during the night. Find out what you need to know about winterizing your home in Albuquerque.
How to remove chlorine from your water?
Removing chlorine from your water will eliminate the taste and smell of your water. Find out how TLC can help.
Balloon Fiesta Insider Information: The Best Days to Attend 2017
It’s almost that magical time again in the Land of Enchantment where green chile aroma fills the air, the morning has a certain crispness to it and hot air balloons sprinkle the western sky. Yup, Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta will be here before we know it. The Balloon Fiesta also usually signifies the official end of warm temperatures in New … Read More
Why The Healthy Workforce Ordinance is Bad for Albuquerque Businesses
Paid sick leave is a good thing, isn’t it? I agree, but the Healthy Workforce Ordinance (paid sick leave) that Albuquerque is voting on in the Municipal Election on October 3rd is NOT a good thing. The Healthy Workforce Ordinance is a bad deal. It sounds good on the surface because sick leave is important and businesses that don’t offer it … Read More
How to Combat Fall Allergies in New Mexico
It is the season for swollen eyes, runny noses and sneezing. If New Mexico’s second round of allergy season snuck up on you, you are not alone. Many New Mexican’s struggle with seasonal allergies. What causes fall allergies? There are a number of notorious pollen allergens in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, namely juniper, chamisa, ragweed, mulberry and cedar. Rest assured … Read More
What’s with Zozobra? A brief history on this Santa Fe tradition
If you have never heard of Zozobra many local Santa Feans describe it as, “They make this giant man-thing and everyone puts their worries in it and they burn it down. It’s a big party. It is something that may be hard to describe but it is an event celebrating its 93rd year in Santa Fe. How did this seemingly … Read More
Why does my swamp cooler smell like fish?
As you know, your swamp cooler works by using water to moisten your swamp cooler pads, so that as the air moves through the wet pad, it cools down the air while also adding some humidity to your home’s dry air. Because the pads use water, this can sometimes cause them to smell over time, like a kitchen sponge. You’ve … Read More
Family Friendly Hiking In New Mexico
New Mexico is known for its many outdoor wonders especially the many hiking trails. Got the itch to take your family outdoors hiking? Check out these family friendly hiking spots in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Remember that it is best to over prepare by bringing extra water, thin layers of clothing, snacks, sunscreen, hiking hats and solid shoes. Mark your path … Read More
Hard Water and Your Swamp Cooler
Hard water and your swamp cooler problems If you have a swamp cooler and have hard water you need to be very diligent about cleaning your swamp cooler and reducing scale build up. Your comfort depends on it. Did you know that the average water in the City of Albuquerque is approximately 12 grains hard? If you live in Rio … Read More
4 Safety Tips for a Safe 4th of July
Celebrating our nation’s freedom with food and fireworks is fun. The 4th of July is a special time to make memories with family and friends. It’s the holiday that ushers in summer with a bang or two. Unfortunately, it is easy to forget that approaching Independence Day activities carelessly can lead to accidents. You can greatly decrease the risks by … Read More
Summer Activities for Kids in Albuquerque
Earlier we wrote about summer actives for kids in Santa Fe. In part 2 of our series, we are reviewing Albuquerque’s diverse summer camp and activity options for kids and teens. Summer Day-Camps in Albuquerque Did you know that our beloved Explora museum offers Summer Camps. Flexible schedules and age ranges might make this the right fit for your curious … Read More
Summer Activities for Kids in Santa Fe
Summer, is officially in Santa Fe and it is hot outside. Are you a few weeks into the kid’s summer break and realizing that you should have made more plans for them? Well, don’t despair, there’s plenty of summer activities, camps, and programs available. There are some activities and programs that may even have room for you to get your kid(s) … Read More
Air Conditioning Options in Santa Fe
You’d be hard-pressed to find a New Mexican complaining about the plethora of bright sunny days and our relatively mild climate. But, even though Santa Fe stays 10 -15 degrees cooler than Albuquerque, we still get our fair share of hot months that leave our homes sweltering. If you live in one of our beautiful historic homes, installing air conditioning … Read More
Why you should shut off your water when you leave town for vacation
Why Should You Shut of Your Water When on Vacation? With the start of summer and the end of school, many of you are thinking about summer vacation. Before you leave for some relaxation, you should turn off the water to your home to avoid common plumbing disasters. Here’s the Deal: Unless you turn off the water coming into your … Read More
Save Money By Buying Online? Not So Fast…
Undoubtedly, online shopping has drastically changed the way that Americans consume goods. The reality is that every online purchase is a roll of the dice, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but you should go into understanding that it’s a gamble. I was reminded of this the other day as I opened a box of bargain spring clothes purchased online … Read More
Tank Vs. Tankless Water Heaters
Tank and Tankless water heaters both provide hot water But what are the pros and cons of each? More and more homeowners are choosing tankless, but is it the right choice for you? Is it worth the additional installation expense? What really is the difference… they both heat water right? We’ll explore the pros and cons here in this chapter. … Read More
Tankless Water Heater Installation Process
Installing a Tankless Water Heater? We hope we’ve given you enough information in this guide to make an informed decision as to whether a tankless water heater is a good option for you and your family. Really the only thing left to cover in this guide is what to expect if you choose to replace your hot water heater tank with … Read More
Will A Tankless Water Heater Save Money?
Our technicians explain if and how a tankless water heater can save homeowners money.
Are Tankless Water Heaters Energy Efficient?
Are tankless water heaters energy efficient? Yes, but to understand how it impacts you, lets first explore how energy efficiency is determined for water heaters. Energy efficiency in water heaters is measured as energy factor (EF). The EF indicates the water heater’s overall energy efficiency. This is determined by the amount of hot water produced by the water heater per … Read More
Understanding Home Automation Options
What is Home Automation and How does it Work? Before our smartphones became an extension of our lives it was hard to believe all that would be possible in home automation. Home automation technology seemed something to exist only in the movies. But now with the latest advancements in Wi-Fi and the use of our smartphones you can control a … Read More
What is a Tankless Water Heater?
What are Tankless Water Heaters? Tankless water heaters have grown in popularity over the years. A lot of new homes now have tankless installed when built. But what exacty is a tankless water heater, is it better than the standard traditional storage tank water heater? We’ll explore those questions and more here in this guide. Wall Mounted Water Heaters A … Read More
Tips On Spending Your Tax Refund
It is that time of year when we’re all working on our taxes. If you are going to be receiving a refund maybe you’re thinking about whether you should spend or save your refund. Below are some tips we’ve put together to help you maximize your refund. 1. Establish an emergency fund Did you know that 63% of Americans don’t … Read More
Preventing Washing Machine Hoses From Bursting
When you think of home flooding problems, you might think they’re caused by broken pipes. What many homeowners do not realize is that your washing machine hoses are the most common culprits. Burst hoses can cause flooding and major water damage in your home. Washing machine hoses are one of the most common causes of catastrophic water damage in homes. … Read More
Valentine’s Day on a Budget
It is a known fact that restaurants mark up their menu prices around Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. They know most don’t care to cook or clean on days meant for indulging. This doesn’t mean an overpriced outing is the only option. Surprise your significant other on another day during the week when it’s totally unexpected, the lines aren’t so … Read More
Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Rebates Available For Your Home
It’s hard to believe but we are almost through the first month of the year and while many of us are still trying to focus on our New Year’s Resolutions tax season is quickly approaching. It’s time to sharpen your pencils, get your and receipts together. Since taxes are on everyone’s mind these days we thought it would be good to … Read More
How does a water softener work?
Ever wonder how a water softener works? Water softeners use a process called ion exchange. Softeners use resin that is electrostatically charged with sodium or potassium ions. As dissolved rock and minerals come in contact with the resin it releases the sodium or potassium and captures the dissolved rock and minerals, leaving the water soft and clean and soft water … Read More
What kind of furnace should I buy?
So if you have been researching furnaces you may also be thinking what kind of furnace should I buy? There are many quality reliable heating and cooling brands available. TLC installs all makes and models of furnaces. We are not an exclusive dealer for any one brand. Rather, we have relationships with the suppliers for all the brands available for … Read More
What size of furnace should you buy?
Most of the time when you are replacing your furnace it is typically replaced with the same size of unit it was before as in space. Furnace size has two variations, BTUs (British thermal unit) and physical cabinet size. Most furnaces are about the same size so there aren’t usually major differences when replacing your old furnace. There are only … Read More