Tara Smith

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June 27 2023

Don’t Let Your Guard Down When You Vacation

Home Security, Remote Access, Total Connect 2.0

Summertime is vacation time, which is the perfect opportunity to forget everything back home and not worry about everyday life. While you relax at your destination, you shouldn’t be worrying about whether your neighbor Bob is really keeping an eye on the place. Most homeowners should consider a remote access security system.

Prepare

It doesn’t have to be difficult to prepare to go on vacation. We gave some tips a couple of months ago about traveling, but there are some additional tips that people often forget about. Experts recommend that you avoid leaving any hidden keys outside of your house, and instead give them to a trusted family member in case of emergency.

Another precaution that can be easy to forget is to make sure that your alarms have fresh batteries if they are battery operated and that they are set once you leave.

Simply making it more difficult for a burglar to enter your home can be enough to stop many burglary attempts, as they usually look for easy targets. Law enforcement recommends making sure every window and door in the house is locked so you can be sure that your house isn’t an easy target. Brivo’s technology makes preparation easy. Even if you forget to lock a door or close the garage, your smart system will alert your smartphone and you can then secure your home from wherever you are.

Monitor

Once you are on vacation, it is a good idea to “pop in” to check on things occasionally. Not physically of course, but if you use Ideal Partner’s home monitoring with remote access, you can have access to many of your home’s features from your phone. It allows you to check the thermostat, lights, and locks. It can also be programmed to send email updates to your phone.

Another good idea is to let a neighbor or trusted friend know you are going to be gone. If you are comfortable enough with them, you can also ask them to stop by and check on the house occasionally while you are vacationing.

Live video feed can also be an option if you don’t have anyone available to physically keep an eye on your home. Ideal Partners utilizes state-of-the-art technology from partners like Eagle Eye to enable remote access home monitoring with high-definition cameras.

When your time comes, kick back, relax, and enjoy your time away from home. Let Ideal Partners worry about your home’s security so your vacation can be as relaxing as it is meant to be.

June 20 2023

3 Most Common HVAC Problems in the Summer

HVAC Maintenance, HVAC Repairs

As the temperatures continue to get hotter and hotter throughout the Texas summer, your AC will be put to the test. The strain put on AC’s during the summer is why the season is the busiest for HVAC technicians. Here are some of the most common HVAC problems that you may encounter with your AC over the next few months.

Doesn’t Turn On / Unscheduled Shutdown

Imagine arriving at your residence on a sweltering summer day. You’re relieved to get to your cool home but when you arrive, the AC is not running. You attempt to turn it on, but it either doesn’t come on at all or runs for the beginning of the cooling cycle and then quits. This is one of the most frustrating problems imaginable.

Unfortunately, these issues tend to require an expert to be fixed. One thing you can try is resetting the breaker box and testing out the AC again. If that doesn’t work, it’s likely a faulty thermostat, which the experts at Ideal Partners can repair or replace in no time.

AC Freezing Up

We’ve probably all seen in-person or online a strange picture of an AC unit covered in ice on a sunny day. Well, those aren’t photoshopped photos. They’re actually the result of poor thermostat settings, dirty air filters, vent blockages, and various mechanical issues with the drain lines and refrigerant.
If your AC is freezing up, try replacing your air filters and ensuring that your thermostat isn’t set too cold on a cool summer night. If the problem persists, it won’t get better on its own, so call the professional at Ideal Partners.

Strange Noises

With all the moving parts in modern AC units, there are bound to be some noises, but if your AC is making more noise than usual, or the sounds coming from it are peculiar, there is likely something wrong that is making the noise.

Squealing noises can often come from loosely mounted and poorly lubricated fan blades. Shaking and rattling noises can be due to a poorly fitted AC belt or the AC being mounted loosely to the ground. That’s not to mention buzzing that could indicate electrical issues.

If something sounds weird, then something probably is weird. The heat in Texas is no joke, and being stranded without AC for even a few days can be a major health risk. If your AC is struggling to keep up with the Texas summer, call Ideal Partners today for a free estimate on your AC repair or replacement.

June 13 2023

Flea vs Ticks

Fort Worth Pest Control, Pest Control, Residential Pest Control

Summer is here, which means that people and pets alike are going outdoors and having fun. With the summer fun, however, comes summer pests. Populations of both fleas and ticks rise in the summer, but they are very different. Here is a quick guide to help you tell them apart, and what you can do about them.

Ticks

Many people think that ticks are only found in the woods. This is not the case. While ticks do like the tall grasses and thick foliage in the woods, they can really be found anywhere their food can be found (including your body).

Ticks are much larger than fleas, and they don’t have wings. Ticks also can’t jump, but they will latch onto anything edible that gets within their grasp. That’s typically how they end up on people. Ticks are mostly a nuisance, but they can also carry serious diseases. If you’re unfortunate enough to have tick latch on to you, try out our guide for that here. If your yard has a tick problem, the experts at Ideal can help. Explore our pest control plans to see if one is right for you.

Fleas

If you have a dog, you probably know about fleas. Fleas are small insects that like to live in hair, fur, and clothing. While adult fleas are visible to the naked human eye, they most often just appear as brown specks. They tend to attach to pets

Fleas end up on their hosts by jumping onto them. Fleas don’t have wings and must rely on their excellent jumping abilities to reach their hosts. Once they’re on their host, they will stay there as long as they can. They will live, reproduce, and die on their host as the infestation becomes worse. If you have a flea problem, a pest control plan that can control fleas is a must for your home.

Hopefully, we’ve cleared up the confusion between these two summertime pests. If the summers find your home surrounded by these pests, or if you have pets and want to play it safe, give Ideal Partners a call today for a free estimate on a pest control plan for your home.

June 4 2023

Mosquito Pest Control FAQ’s

Mosquito FAQ's, Mosquito Pest Control

Mosquito control is an absolute necessity this time of year in Fort Worth and all the South, but that doesn’t mean that people don’t have questions. We thought we’d sit down and answer some of the questions that we hear the most about mosquito control and treatment.

Why do I need it?

Mosquito treatment is an absolute necessity in Texas because of the climate. Mosquitoes love the heat and humidity associated with the American south, meaning they tend to live in these areas. The summers are their most productive time of year when the mornings and the evenings provide the perfect amount of heat for them. It’s also important to know that the types of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are most active at these times.

Mosquitoes like to live in damp areas like puddles, pools of water, and in shady places. Unless you have the power to stop the rain, puddles for mosquitoes to reproduce in are inevitable. That’s where Ideal Partners comes in. Ideal Partners can treat your home so that you can make use of your outdoor space any time of the day without having to worry about mosquito bites.

When do I need treatment?

We talked about the time of day when mosquitoes are most active, but they also have seasons. Mosquito season generally runs from April to October, depending on the heat and when the first freeze is that year.

Treatments are typically done around once a month, but they can be done however often depending on your home’s unique circumstances.

What are my options?

Ideal Partners offers a wide range of options for dealing with mosquitoes. The go-to solution for most homes is a monthly mosquito pest control program where our experts will fog your yard every 21 days from April to October. There are also smart options like an automatic misting system and several traps to choose from that can keep mosquitoes from repopulating and coming back for a longer period of time.

If any of these solutions intrigue you, or if you’d just like to learn more about what Ideal Partners can offer, contact the experts at Ideal for a free estimate on mosquito pest control.

May 30 2023

3 Upgrades in Home Security You Should Consider

Every year, the home security market is bombarded by numerous different products that claim to be the “next big thing” in home security. Through our partnerships with both BRIVO and Eagle Eye, Ideal Partners is equipped to provide the highest level of security for your home or business. Here is a quick list of upgrades that should be considered among the “must have” innovations for 2023.

1. Remote Access

Smart homes are only getting smarter, and that goes for the security systems too. Continue to look for more smart home devices that can link up to your security system to better protect your privacy. BRIVO offers top-of-the-line platforms for cloud access to your video surveillance and home appliances from your smartphone.

2. Smart Garage Doors

Smart Garage doors are quickly catching on as a popular addition to homes. Homeowners that are serious about being able to secure their home from anywhere should consider a smart garage door. These devices attach to your existing garage door setup and allow you to close your garage door from anywhere your smartphone has a signal. A smart garage door will even notify you if one of your garage doors is open at an irregular time and can even connect to video surveillance cameras if your home is equipped with them.

3. High-Definition Surveillance Equipment

If your home is equipped with dated surveillance equipment, then it may be time for an upgrade. The images provided by low resolution cameras may not provide a detailed enough image for law enforcement to use as evidence. Plus, many low-resolution cameras are not equipped with effective night-vision. Hardware from our partner Eagle Eye can provide high-resolution images any time of day or night. So, if it’s been a while since you’ve evaluated or updated your home security system, give the security experts at Ideal Partners a call for a free estimate on security upgrades for your home.

May 24 2023

Before You DIY, Dial Ideal

HVAC Maintenance, HVAC Repairs

Ideal Partners applauds the roll-up-your-sleeves, do-it-yourself types, but there are some real dangers to attempting DIY HVAC repairs. Here are some of the dangers of HVAC repairs and some situations where you’re going to want to call the professionals at Ideal Partners.

Voided Warranties

For starters, read the fine print on any of the HVAC appliances in your home. Most of them have a clause that states that any attempt at DIY repairs will automatically void the warranty on the appliance. Even if you can fix the appliance, the repairs may eventually fail and then what? Once the manufacturer catches wind of your DIY repair, you could be paying for all that damage out of your pocket. If you are wondering whether the project you have in mind will void your HVAC warranties, you should give the pros at Ideal Partners a call.

Personal Safety

There are also many chemicals at play when dealing with HVAC equipment, and they can cause irreparable damage to your personal health. Carbon monoxide and natural gas exposure is a real concern in HVAC repair that only professionals will be equipped to oversee. There is also a flame risk, especially when dealing with heating appliances (i.e. a furnace).

HVAC Damage

Last, but definitely not least, you can end up making the problem worse if you don’t know what you’re doing. Let’s say you believe that you fix a tear in your ductwork, but, that tear opens a week after your patchwork was applied. That can lead to contaminants like insulation and dust entering your home’s AC vents. It can also cause those contaminants to enter your AC unit and cause more damage to the unit over time. Saving money in the short term can end up costing you much more in the long run.

Here’s Something You CAN Do

That’s not to say we don’t think DIYers can save a buck here or there by doing it themselves. One of the easiest maintenance tasks a homeowner can do is to regularly check and replace air filters. This will prolong the life of the AC unit and it’s typically easy to do. Follow the instructions on each filter to know how long they should last before needing replacement. You can also spend a little time making sure that your thermostat is properly programmed for optimal efficiency.

So think twice before crawling up into your attic to attempt a repair on something you suspect is broken. Give the experts at Ideal Partners a call first. Use the form on our website to receive a free estimate.

rotten wood destroyed by termites in a home

May 16 2023

Your Home Insurance May Not Cover Termite Damage!

Termite Treatment, Termite Warranty

Did you know that your home insurance policy may not cover termite damage? In fact, most homeowner’s policies do not typically cover the damage done by these obnoxious little creatures which could mean some costly repair bills to exterminate and repair your home.

A termite protection plan (also known as a termite warranty) could be the answer. A termite protection plan involves periodic treatments from a termite specialist who inspects and treats your home every six months or once a year.

You may have heard about termite warranties when purchasing a home or looking into termite treatment. Simply put, a termite warranty is an agreement between a pest control provider and a homeowner that typically states that if a home suffers a termite infestation while being treated by the pest control provider, the pest control provider will eliminate the infestation and pay for home repairs that may be necessary. It’s like insurance from termite damage.

If you live in Texas, you probably know just how much damage termites can do, but did you know that Americans spend over two billion dollars every year repairing damage done by termites, according to the EPA? Did you also know that the average cost of termite damage to a homeowner is $3,000 and that costs can sometimes exceed tens of thousands of dollars? If you’re worried about becoming part of that statistic, explore the Ideal Partners website to see our protection options. Ideal Partners’ treatment warranties start at $199 annually and full damage warranties start at $299 annually, which is a great deal for peace of mind.

Another important reason to keep an up-to-date termite protection plan in place is the consistent protection and peace of mind that it can provide. Contracting for and maintaining your termite warranty assures that you have one less thing to worry about now and in the future. So if your home isn’t protected from termites, or if you’re worried that your current plan isn’t protecting your house enough, give our professionals at Ideal Partners a call today for a free estimate.

May 9 2023

5 Signs You Need a Roof Inspection

Residential Roofing, Roofing Assessments

For homeowners, one of our worst nightmares is waking up to a gush of water from the attic, signaling to us that somewhere, somehow, there is a water leak.

Water damage can be expensive to repair and can be far reaching, as water seeps into sheetrock, insulation, and framing. Water leaks can also make your home more susceptible to termite infestation because of termites’ affinity for damp wood. Luckily, the pros at Ideal Partners are here to prepare your roof for the impending summer storms. Here are five signs you may need to give us a call.

1. Damaged Shingles
Look for shingles that are bent out of shape, sagging, or missing entirely. If you observe any shingle damage, it’s likely that there is other damage that you can’t see, and it could be a quick sign of a leak.

2. Stained Walls or Ceilings
Always be on the lookout for mold or discoloration on walls or ceilings, even in closets and bathrooms. These areas can be easily missed, but if there is a water leak coming down from the roof, over time it will discolor the sheetrock used for the walls and ceiling. If you see discoloration from water damage, it usually means that the leak has existed for some time, and a professional is needed right away to prevent any further damage and to repair the leak.

3. Peeling Paint Near Roofline
Paint typically doesn’t peel unless it is exposed to high humidity for extended periods of time. If your home’s paint is peeling near the roofline, it could indicate poor ventilation in your home’s attic. Contact a professional to diagnose your small problem before it becomes a large problem later.

4. Recent Gutter Issues
If your gutters have been clogged for a while, or they have been damaged, that could indicate a spot for water intrusion. If they are clogged, water can back up into your attic because it has nowhere else to go. If they have fallen off entirely, rainwater can sometimes travel up the bottom of the roof into the attic too. It’s like when you’re trying to slowly pour water out of a glass, and it runs down the side of the glass instead of flowing neatly out of the glass.

5. Damage After a Large Storm
If you’ve just endured a large storm and think your home may have been damaged, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry. Water damage is no joke, and the professionals at Ideal are always ready to help.
If you think your roof may be in need of repairs, call Ideal Partners to receive a free roof assessment. Our experts will inspect your roof for any damage or weaknesses.

May 3 2023

Where do Mosquitos Go During the Day?

Mosquito Control, Residential Pest Control

If you live near the Gulf Coast or in the American South, you know just how bad the mosquitoes get in the evenings, but what about during the day? Every evening, if we’re grilling out back or just hanging out with friends, we know to light the citronella candles, set the fans on, and to wear bug spray, but why don’t they bother us during the middle of the day?

Mosquitoes are very temperamental insects. As temperatures drop in the fall, the bugs will stop flying if the temperature dips below 50 degrees, and most of them die off or go into hibernation for the long winter months. As temperatures rise, mosquito eggs that were laid in the Fall hatch and we see massive swarms of insects all around. The 80–90-degree range is the sweet spot for mosquitoes when they’re the most active.

But when the temperature gets higher than that, mosquitoes generally avoid flying around. They find the heat too dry for them, and they will typically seek shade, water, and humidity wherever they can find it. When the temperatures go back down during the evenings, they begin to fly again.

That explains why you generally don’t feel bugged by mosquitoes during the day but need to be prepared for the evenings. Some of the best treatments for your patio and yard are fogger sprays, that keep the mosquitoes at bay even during the peak hours of the day. Let the experts at Ideal protect your patio this summer by contacting us and getting a free estimate today.

April 25 2023

Springtime HVAC Maintenance

Fortworth HVAC, Springtime HVAC Maintenance

When the temperatures rise in Fort Worth, so do your electric bills. That is usually because you’re cranking up the AC for the first time in a few months. Plus springtime is often the time that AC units sputter to get up and running again after months of inactivity. Planned maintenance can help and a vital part of your maintenance plan is an inspection during the spring and fall to make sure you’re ready for the busy months. Other critical steps throughout the year include:

Cleaning

Spring cleaning isn’t just for inside the house, it’s great for an AC unit too! Cleaning is an important part of HVAC maintenance and includes tasks like changing air filters, cleaning out drain lines, cleaning evaporator coils, and ensuring there aren’t any tears in the ductwork which allows dust in and air out. While you can do these things yourself, sometimes it’s helpful to have a professional inspect your unit. The goal here is the same as it is for your roof; to catch small issues before they become big issues.

Tune-Up

The ideal time for an AC tune-up is before the summer when usage really accelerates. While cleaning is part of an AC Tune Up, the services go beyond just cleaning. Ideal Partners can inspect electrical connections, refrigerant levels, and other key components to keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency. This will help reduce power consumption and extend the life of your system.

Most Common Repairs

Some of the most common problems for residential and commercial customers are duct tears, leaks, wiring issues, and problems with evaporator coils. These problems can add up or cause further damage and expenses.

There are many benefits to a seasonal HVAC inspection from Ideal Partners including the difference in cost between a major repair and a minor repair. Call Ideal for an inspection and free quote today.