Author: Kevin

5 Common Summer Allergies and How to Treat Them

Written by Kevin on June 13, 2019. Posted in Health, San Diego. No Comments on 5 Common Summer Allergies and How to Treat Them

While many allergy sufferers begin experiencing symptoms in the months of spring and fall, the battle to fight many common allergies rages on throughout the heat of summer. In this blog post, you’ll learn what to expect in terms of symptoms and common environmental triggers. You’ll also learn a few tactics for preventing new symptoms and getting treatment.

Allergy Symptoms

Whether you suffer from allergies personally or know someone who does, many symptoms are easily recognizable. In fact, over 60 million Americans are said to suffer from summer allergies.

Severe sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchiness are all basic red flags. Additionally, some allergy sufferers experience watery or bloodshot eyes and general fatigue. While these can present for a variety of illnesses, prolonged symptoms in the presence of certain environmental conditions may indicate seasonal allergies.

Although we generally think of allergies as annoyances in the spring and fall, there are several culprits that still create trouble during the summer.

Pollen

Pollen is perhaps the most obvious trigger for individuals who struggle with seasonal allergies. Although tree pollen is at its peak in late spring, it stays behind on plants and grasses that can cause continuous problems. This type of allergen varies by geographic location and is often stirred or carried by strong winds.

Weeds

Common weeds include ragweed, cockleweed, pigweed, Russian thistle, sagebrush, and tumbleweed. While you may not be able to identify these if you were to see them in person, they can certainly create real issues for allergy sufferers! In fact, ragweed tends to be the most common summer allergy culprit; once it is picked up in the wind, it can travel hundreds of miles.

Smog

Although smog is present year-round, summer sunlight can make atmospheric ozone at the ground level much worse this time of year. When chemicals from car exhaust mix with the intense heat and humidity of the summer months, the problem of smog is made worse. This issue tends to be more prevalent in busy or congested cities, which can even fall under clouds of dense smog.

Insects

While not true allergens in the sense of pollen or ragweed, insects like bees and wasps can create many problems for those who are allergic to them. Bees, wasps, mosquitos, ants, ticks, and others emerge in the summer months. For some allergy sufferers, a run-in with one of these insects can result in a life-threatening allergic reaction. Always take precautions if you are in an area with open food or standing water, as these environments attract pesky critters.

Microscopic Particles

The warmth and humidity of summer create an ideal breeding ground for substances like mold and spores. Additionally, microscopic dust mites are at their peak during the summer. Residue from these spores and particles can travel in the breeze or settle into fabric.

How to Get Allergy Relief

When it comes to conquering allergy triggers and symptoms in the summer, you have several options depending on which kind of allergy you struggle with. These include:

Taking over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays.
Planning a visit to a board-certified allergist for skin testing and treatment.
Exploring immunotherapy through injection or tablets.
Adding apple cider vinegar or natural probiotics to your diet.
Cleaning and changing air filters and washing bedding, clothing, and other fabrics.
Wearing an air mask or staying indoors during the height of smog and pollution.
Dressing appropriately to cover skin from insects and bees.

Make Your Indoor Air a Welcome Respite

As you look to improve the air you and your family breathe this summer, make sure you don’t overlook your indoor air quality. Because we spend most of our time indoors, making sure the air you breathe inside your home is healthy is well worth it.

The Bob Jenson team can provide an air quality evaluation while helping improve your cooling system. Reach out to us for more info, and don’t forget to keep checking the Bob Jenson blog for suggestions on how to ensure solid air quality year-round.

Protecting yourself after a wildfire or natural disaster

Protecting Your Health After a Wildfire or Natural Disaster

Written by Kevin on May 23, 2019. Posted in Health, San Diego. No Comments on Protecting Your Health After a Wildfire or Natural Disaster

The impact of wildfires is growing, with wildfire season ushering in more annual fires and an increased health risk for anyone in their path. Between 1980 and 1989, there was an average of 140 wildfires larger than 1,000 acres per year. By 2012, that number had nearly doubled.

The obvious concern is that your home could burn down, or that you’ll suffer burns and immediate smoke inhalation when a wildfire rips through town. However, you could also be miles out of the path of the blaze and still feel and breathe in the effects of the fire.

What’s more, even staying inside with the windows shut isn’t enough to escape the toxic particles a wildfire sends spinning through the atmosphere. That said, there are some ways you can protect yourself and anyone you know who is vulnerable to breathing problems. Many of the tips also apply to other disasters where air quality is affected, including tornadoes and volcano eruptions.

Why is Smoke So Dangerous?

The pollutants that result from fires can include substances like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde. Of the thousands of types of particles created by wildfires, many of them are toxic to people and animals. Health conditions influenced by wildfire smoke include COPD, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

The amount of damage a wildfire does to air quality has a lot to do with meteorology. According to the US Forest Service, fresh smoke from wildfires is a “is a complex mixture of gases and aerosols.” The amount of moisture in the air and wind patterns help inform how the fuel created by wildfires travels. Your local topography is also a factor.

The type of trees and land burning may also impact the risk to air quality. At least one study found that the greatest threat to air quality comes from eucalyptus fires, while pine tree fires pose a different unique threat as they lead to a genetic mutation of bacteria, which can be an indicator in cancer development.

Smoke is also insidious because it doesn’t just affect you when you’re outside. Greenhouse gases and other toxins can easily seep into your home undetected.

Tips for Staying Safe

Most people spend the majority of their lives indoors, so maintaining good air quality is always important. After a fire or other natural event that stirs up air pollution, you should take special care to make sure the air in your home or business is as healthy as possible.

Here are some ways to improve the air quality in the spaces you use most:

Avoid creating more air pollution. Burning candles, vacuuming often, and using a gas stove without ventilating the room can all create more air pollution. When the air quality index is already high, you don’t want to add to the problem.
Keep windows and doors closed. If you have air conditioning, you can run it but you’ll want to close the fresh-air intake. If you don’t have A/C, just shutting windows and doors for a few weeks after a wildfire can help you cut the pollutant levels in half.
Clean air conditioning filters. If you do have an HVAC system, change the air filters often. After a natural disaster, it’s not overdoing it to swap them out monthly for a while. At the very least, you should make sure you’re cleaning the filters regularly. Go with a filter with a higher MERV rating than you normally would, because this enables the filter to catch more harmful particles. If you typically use a MERV 8 filter, for instance, consider upgrading to MERV 16 (the highest number typically used for residential properties).
Install an air filtration unit. These appliances do just what their name implies— clean the air in your home. Even if you don’t have A/C, you can circulate the air using one of these free-standing units. Look for a unit that filters two to three times to room volume per hour.
Wash your nose and sinuses out. You can also protect yourself by using a Neti pot to wash out your nose and sinuses with a saline solution. This can clear out any trapped particles. Neti pots are typically recommended for use only once a day.

If you’re in or near a fire zone, prepare your home with the right filtration and prepare to use fans instead of an open window. Your family’s health is more important than a smooth cross-breeze.

If you’ve got questions about how to protect your indoor air quality, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bob Jenson. We’re a trusted San Diego country provider of comprehensive HVAC services, and we’d love to find out more about your needs. Contact us today.

Infographic: A Non-Toxic Home: Guide to Choosing Air-Friendly Furniture

Written by Kevin on May 3, 2019. Posted in Health, Infographic. No Comments on Infographic: A Non-Toxic Home: Guide to Choosing Air-Friendly Furniture

Indoor air quality is shockingly low—up to five times worse than outdoor air pollution—and your furnishings might be contributing to the toxic effects of your home. Learn how the things you sit, sleep, and stand on might be making you sick—and what you can do about it.

The Best Outdoor Activities in San Diego

Written by Kevin on April 11, 2019. Posted in Health, San Diego. No Comments on The Best Outdoor Activities in San Diego

We know better than anyone: There’s no place like home when it’s warm outside. With a modern, well-running HVAC system, some thoughtfully placed houseplants, and your friends and family around you, it’s tempting to cozy up, settle in, and forget all about the great outdoors.

And yet that would be a huge missed opportunity — especially here in sunny San Diego, which ranked third in a recent study of US cities with the best weather. The benefits of fresh air, sunlight, and a brisk hike through nature are scientifically undeniable. Spending time outdoors is linked to increased happiness, mental and physical health, and even productivity!

We urge you to find ways to take advantage of the San Diego climate and awesome outdoor attractions. If you’re wondering where to start, you’re in luck: we’ve put together a round-up of ways to get moving outside in San Diego.

Here are just a few of the available options, based on what you’re interested in doing:

Hiking

Whether you’re looking for a short jaunt or a long haul, San Diego has plenty of hiking options. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a local favorite — literally local, as it’s within city limits — for its miles of wild landscape just minutes from the city.

If you like waterfalls, there’s also Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail just outside of town, which is great for all ages and abilities. And if you’re looking for the best views, then Cowles Mountain Trail might be for you: It brings you to the highest point in San Diego and offers a stunning panorama of the area.

There are plenty more if you check these ones off your list and if you’re feeling ambitious and have some extra time on your hands, consider making the trek to Joshua Tree National Park.

Swimming & Surfing

Worked up a sweat from all that hiking? Then you might want to hit up a beach, of which there are plenty. Torrey Pines has beaches along with their trails, and La Jolla Shores is another popular option if you want to hike then swim. La Jolla is also swell for surfing and hanging out with seals and leopard sharks.

Coronado Island is another popular swimming destination with its calm waters and dog-friendly northern beaches. Aquatic park Mission Bay Park is one of the highest rated, though, thanks to its accessibility and 4,600 acres of space.

Thrill Seeking

If you’re looking for a thrill, you won’t have to look for long. San Diego has countless opportunities to get your adrenaline flowing. If you’ve made it to Mission Bay, consider giving their jet packs a shot — it’s a truly unique experience to blast through the air above the waves.

Nothing quite compares to the thrill of skydiving, and in San Diego you can jump from 12,000 feet above the sparkling blue Pacific. Finally, if you want to combine taking in the views with your adventure, consider paragliding: Torrey Pines has a spot to launch from with one of their experts, or alone.

Sightseeing

Getting outdoors is also a great way to see some of San Diego’s most popular attractions. For a chance to learn a little history, consider the Cabrillo National Monument. While enjoying spectacular views of downtown San Diego, you can learn about the Portuguese explorer who sailed into port in 1542 and visit the museum while you’re there.

More of an animal lover than a historian? The San Diego Zoo will thrill everyone from the youngest of kids to the most grown up among us. The zoo is frequently touted as world-class and has over 4,000 animals and plenty of opportunities for education and entertainment.

These outdoor activities merely scratch the surface of what San Diego has to offer. In this city, your options are truly endless — you can even follow up a long day of adventuring with a dinner al fresco. When it’s time to return home, make sure you can trust your indoor air quality to be just as refreshing as your adventures outside.

Contact Bob Jenson for a consultation, and follow our blog to stay up to date with air quality tips and news.

5 Ways to Teach Kids How to Keep Energy Costs Down

Written by Kevin on April 5, 2019. Posted in Energy, HVAC. No Comments on 5 Ways to Teach Kids How to Keep Energy Costs Down

Energy efficiency has become a huge priority in household management, and for good reason — not only does it keep heating and cooling costs low, but it’s a green way of living that can help the planet as well. While the adults of the house may take energy conservation to heart without needing to be convinced, it can sometimes be a little trickier to get kids to consider the costs — both financial and environmental — of blasting the air conditioning or leaving lights on in empty rooms.

As the HVAC world strives to become more energy-efficient in order to contribute to a greener home, it’s important that you teach energy conservation lessons to your children as well. Here are five ways you can teach your kids to save energy at home and hopefully impart environmentally-friendly lessons that they’ll take with them for the rest of their lives.

Make Learning Simple

Kids benefit from simple, concrete examples and explanations to help them understand how energy powers their home and why it’s important to save energy as much as possible. Have a sit-down with your children to describe where energy comes from and how it helps your family.

HomeSelfe recommends using easy, fun websites like Physics4Kids or Energy Star Kids to make the information accessible to kids of all ages, or even checking books out of the library (which is its own lesson in saving energy and resources!). Once kids understand how energy is made and where it comes from, they’ll be able to better understand the importance of conserving it throughout the house.

Play “Spot the Outlets”

Now that your kids know a bit more about energy, take them around the house and get them to point out all the places where there’s a power outlet. (This is also a great time to teach them about the dangers of electricity and how to use caution around outlets.)

Take a look at what devices and appliances are plugged into the outlets, and see if they can identify how necessary these devices are. If it’s the fridge, then of course it should be using energy. If it’s a lamp, then it should only be turned on when it’s needed. Reward your kids with a sticker every time they correctly identify a non-vital device that can be turned off to save energy.

Find Creative Ways to Keep Warm

Growing up, did your parents tell you to put a sweater on when you were cold? Annoyingly enough, your parents were right all along. Now that you’re a parent, you can even go one step further with your own kids in the winter months and make a game out of finding ways to warm up after turning down the thermostat.

Lemon Lime Adventures suggests making cozy forts out of blankets, cuddling up as a family for a movie night, or simply bundling up (just like your parents told you to do). You could even have a “winter fashion show” with your kids to see what kind of fun, layered outfits they can come up with from their closets.

Have a Night Off the Grid

Here’s a challenge for the warmer months: Have a night where your family doesn’t use any power whatsoever. Use candles to light your home, get your kids to help make dinner without using the stove (think big salads, sandwiches, or cheese and meat boards), read books together with flashlights, or take turns telling stories. As an added bonus, Toms of Maine notes that a power-free night can really demonstrate to your kids how much they rely on household energy, as well as how easy it can be to use less of it.

Put Kids in Charge

Whether it’s heating in the winter or air conditioning in the summer, having windows open or closed can make a huge difference. Your heating and cooling systems will be working extra hard to make up for the air escaping, so appoint your kids as the household “window guardians” and get them to ensure that windows are keeping heat (and air conditioning) inside, without any cracks or leaks.

If they do happen to find drafty leaks, you can engage kids with a fun craft: Make a “Draft Snake” out of old socks to stop up the cracks in windows or doors. (However, if you consistently have cold or hot spots in your home, that is a different issue.)

Save Energy, Save Money, Help the Planet

Teaching your kids to save energy isn’t just about turning out the lights after leaving the room. It’s also about showing them how their small actions can add up to a big difference. Not only are you going to be saving money on your heating and cooling bills, but you’ll also be teaching your kids lifelong lessons in how helping the environment can truly start at home. Keep things simple and fun, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly kids will be willing to help out.

If you’ve got bigger energy concerns as it relates to your heating or cooling system, contact Bob Jenson to discuss potential solutions. Since the late 1970s, we’ve been a trusted San Diego HVAC provider.

Blog Roundup: 5 of our Favorite Bob Jenson Posts

Written by Kevin on March 21, 2019. Posted in HVAC, San Diego. No Comments on Blog Roundup: 5 of our Favorite Bob Jenson Posts

Now that it’s spring, we have some questions for you: Are you dealing with piled-up clutter from messy kids and adults who have been indoors more than usual? Does everything just feel like it needs a good scrubbing down and airing out? There’s a reason spring is associated with cleaning season, a time for renewal and reassessing the inner workings of your household.

Not only that, but spring is the perfect time of year to check your furnace, examine how well your home’s air ventilation and AC is working, and make sure that you’re saving money on your energy bills as we head into the warmer seasons.

In order to help you prepare for springtime, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite Bob Jenson blog posts that’ll keep your home — and health — in top shape this spring.

Spring Cleaning to Reduce Allergens

Springtime isn’t a bright, sunny picnic for everybody — those who suffer from seasonal allergies can have a tough time in the spring with so much pollen in the air. Spring cleaning can also shift a lot of built-up dust and debris in your house, so it’s no wonder it can be hard for sufferers to find relief.

While you can’t control the trees and flowers blooming, you can get a handle on your household’s allergens. Our handy blog post, Spring Clean These 6 Things to Reduce Allergens, names the top things in your home to clean to reduce allergy symptoms. These are things you’d likely expect (pillows and bedding) and some you might not (when’s the last time you cleaned your curtains?).

Decorate for Better Air Quality

It’s true you can decorate — or redecorate — any time of year, but there’s just something about spring that makes it feel like the perfect time to rearrange things around the home and try something new. This is also a great time to assess your home décor and how it’s affecting your indoor air quality. We’re thinking of carpeting that traps dirt and dust, or using chemical-filled candles and air fresheners.

In 4 Home Decorating Tips for Better Air Quality, we put a heavy emphasis on going green, especially when it comes to adding plants to your home to improve air quality and swapping your air fresheners for natural products. You’ll also want to take the time to replace your furnace and air conditioner filters — they play a huge part in the health of your home!

5 Mistakes San Diego Homeowners Make in Spring

If you’re a homeowner in San Diego, you already know how important it is to take care of particular parts of your house, such as cooling systems for our hot summers and air filters to catch all the dust in your home. It’s smart to use springtime as a chance to examine your property and make sure that you’re not making any of the mistakes we detail in our 5 Mistakes San Diego Homeowners Make in Spring blog post.

For example, although we already mentioned dusting and cleaning your bedding, have you been skipping an annual HVAC maintenance check? Even if you’re diligent about ensuring that the filters are clean, there could be problems you’re missing.

Regular preventive maintenance is necessary to keep your HVAC running smoothly, and it’s especially vital to get it checked before you have to turn on the air conditioning. Check out our Maintenance Program to find out how you can save on these services.

Get Ready for Flu Season

Thinking about flu season in the spring might seem crazy, but bear with us. Although many people think the flu strikes only during the winter, it can pop up in any season, and it can be even worse in the springtime. Plus, if you’ve got children, you know how tough it can be to quarantine your family at home.

Fortunately, our 3 Ways to Get Ready for Flu Season blog post has some tips to help you prepare your household. For example, is your home equipped with a good humidifier? Cold and flu germs have a hard time surviving in humid environments, which is why it’s important to get one running as soon as a member of your household starts sniffling. And of course, making sure your HVAC filter is clean is a big help when it comes to helping everyone breathe a little easier.

Tips for Spring Home Maintenance

If you need a quick refresher for spring cleaning along with some handy tips, our Spring Home Maintenance Tips blog post is a must-read. Even if you think you’ve got a handle on how to clean your home, have you considered what parts of your walls need a good washing? How about your fridge? And speaking of places where there might be mold growth, have you checked your attic’s ventilation lately? We’ve got these reminders for you, and a whole lot more.

Bob Jenson Air Conditioning & Heating installs and services HVAC systems throughout San Diego County. Be sure to keep your eye on our blog for regular posts that can help you make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient, and get in touch with us when it’s time to call in a professional.

Are candles affecting your indoor air quality

Are Candles Diminishing Your Indoor Air Quality?

Written by Kevin on March 14, 2019. Posted in Air Quality, Health. No Comments on Are Candles Diminishing Your Indoor Air Quality?

At Bob Jenson, we’re always on the lookout for ways to improve indoor air quality and the sneaky things that can reduce the air quality within our home. We’ve recommended natural air fresheners before, but we also realize that many households burn and use candles on a regular basis.

Some people enjoy the ambiance and soft glow of candlelight, while others love the variety of scents available on the market today. However you decide to use or burn candles, it’s important to consider the effects on indoor air quality that may be difficult to detect with the naked eye.

How Candles are Produced

The different production methods for candles contribute greatly to their possible negative effects on indoor air quality. Many consumer candles are made with paraffin wax, which is a petroleum waste product that must be “deodorized and chemically bleached” before it becomes wax.

The problem with this process is that when paraffin burns, it releases toxins similar to those found in burning diesel fuel. Not exactly what you want in your home! Some candle wicks are also produced using lead, which has a detrimental effect as the candle continues to burn over time.

Harmful Effects

There are many potential side effects that come with using candles. If you love candles, you don’t have to panic or take drastic action—but you should remain educated on the ways that candles can affect the quality of the air you and your family breathe on a daily basis.

Toxic Fumes

As noted above, paraffin wax candles produce certain toxins known as carcinogens. Carcinogenic substances carry a potential risk for developing diseases like cancer and should thus be reduced or controlled whenever possible. Candles may give off known carcinogens like toluene, acetone, and benzene, which have been documented to cause or worsen asthma and skin conditions.

Along the same lines, the scents produced by candles are pleasant but artificial. Since they are created through synthetic chemical processes, burning them can produce harmful organic compounds known as Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs. Many underlying respiratory conditions can stem from VOC sources in the home.

Cored Wicks

Some candle producers use metal materials to keep wicks upright while burning. Although practical, these metal centers often contain hidden sources of lead. When burned, this creates the risk for lead poisoning, particularly in homes with small children. Any candle that contains wicks with wire or metal centers should be replaced immediately.

Soot and Ash

Soot is a black smoke that may create stains on walls, fabrics, and clothing. This substance occurs when candles don’t burn completely, which happens more often with cheaply made candles. Although air particles from soot and ash are microscopic, they can still enter an individual’s lungs and respiratory system, creating various health problems down the road.

Best Practices for Burning

Most of us don’t think twice before lighting a favorite candle, but did you know that there are right and wrong ways to enjoy them? Carefully consider where and for how long you leave candles burning. Many candles provide recommendations on the packaging as to how many hours you should burn them at one time.

Paying attention to best practices when you burn candles is good for both air and fire safety. Burn candles in areas of your home that are well-ventilated and open and place lit candles away from drafty spots, since doing so can cut down on the amount of pollution carried through the air.

Better Alternatives

If you simply love to burn candles in your home and don’t want to swear off them entirely, there are a few alternatives that can help minimize or eliminate the risks involved.

Purchase candles that are made from soy or beeswax, as opposed to cheaper materials like paraffin wax. The slightly higher price-tag is worth the reduced health risk!
Choose candles that contain only one wick, and ensure that it is cut down to the appropriate size. Wicks should be trimmed to ¼ of an inch before burning.
Make the switch to essential oils in a diffuser instead of burning candles. This creates a similar aroma without the same risks to air quality.

Evaluate Your Air Quality

The air quality in your home is not something that you can or should take lightly. Consider the long-term effects of anything you bring into your home, and make sure to stay up to date on best practices and health risks or benefits.

If you’d like an evaluation of your home’s indoor air quality, contact Bob Jenson Air Conditioning and Heating for an assessment or for other HVAC services.

7 Hidden Outdoor Gems to Explore in San Diego

Written by Kevin on February 28, 2019. Posted in Health, San Diego. No Comments on 7 Hidden Outdoor Gems to Explore in San Diego

Get Out of the House this Weekend!

Have you ever heard someone use the phrase “Indoor Generation” to describe the vast number of individuals who opt to stay in rather than venturing outside? More than ever, people are spending a staggering amount of their waking hours indoors. As Bob Jenson’s Kevin Burns noted on Realty Times, the reasons for this shift include a decrease in the number of outdoor jobs (in industries like farming and agriculture), changes in transportation methods, and shifts in various forms of entertainment.

Unfortunately, being indoors for a majority of the time comes at a hefty price. Health implications include dangerous levels of indoor air pollution, short-term issues like headaches or irritated eyes, and even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) due to lack of consistent light exposure. While there are some things you can do within your space to improve air quality, nothing beats the age-old solution of simply spending time outside.

If you’re in the San Diego area and looking for ways to combat spending too many hours cooped up indoors, this list of outdoor hidden gems is sure to inspire you to explore a new place. After all, there’s a reason we’re one of the happiest cities in the country. These unique stops are perfect for San Diego natives and tourists alike.

Secret Swings

Are you looking for a tucked-away spot that provides great views while still feeling like a hidden treasure? You can find the “Secret Swings” on a La Jolla hillside above Scripps Pier near UC San Diego. This collection of handmade swings, complete with unique seats like benches and tires, is sure to provide some relaxation. The swings and locations are often on the move, so it’s a good idea to check out #secretswings on Instagram before you plan a visit.

Hidden Art Murals

When you think of San Diego, you might immediately think of the signature stunning landscapes and natural beauty. While that’s understandable, there’s also plenty of handmade beauty to check out as well. These man-made sights include several street murals found in La Jolla, Normal Heights, and North Park. You could even create a scavenger hunt so that you don’t miss any of the best art.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

If you’re a San Diego native, you might already have a favorite spot for watching the sunset on a warm day. If not, make time to take a drive to Torrey Pines: This natural reserve is known for the rarest pine tree in the nation and sculpted sand cliffs that are sure to leave you speechless. The picturesque landscape is one that you’ll want to visit again and again.

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

Thrill seekers, locals, and tourists alike will enjoy the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. This dangling pathway was built in 1912, making it a historic “must-see” spot in the area. The unique walking bridge places you high above the treetops and provides a slight sense of danger as pedestrians wobble back and forth.

Del Mar Racetrack

Fond of all things equestrian? Be sure to plan a special visit to the Del Mar Racetrack, also called the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Popular among tourists, this venue offers an al fresco breakfast complete with views of the track and practicing thoroughbreds. It’s a unique way to get out of the house on a nice day.

The Meditation Gardens

If you’re looking for a spot with natural serenity, look no further than the Meditation Gardens in Encinitas. These gardens are tucked away within the Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat and Hermitage but they are open to the public. Here, you can sit back and enjoy the natural views, fresh flowers, koi ponds, and Birds of Paradise, all while accessing some inner zen.

Sunny Jim Cave Store

A true list of hidden gems wouldn’t be complete without something a bit quirky. On the surface, the Sunny Jim Cave Store looks like the average beachside tourist shop, selling goods like souvenirs, trinkets, coastal-inspired jewelry, and surf gear. The true treasure lies behind the store itself, where visitors can head down a steep tunnel to reach the La Jolla sea caves. The cave entrance is known for being mysteriously soothing, with natural mineral colors sprinkled all around.

After spending after a full day of exploring hidden San Diego gems, you’ll realize how special this city we live in is and how good it is, mentally and physically to get fresh air and discover new things! Keep checking back with our blog for more awesome treasures to find in San Diego!

8 Options for Natural Cleaning Products

Written by Kevin on February 21, 2019. Posted in Health, Home Improvement. No Comments on 8 Options for Natural Cleaning Products

Need a shortcut to improving the quality of your indoor air? It all starts with the type of cleaning products you use. If you’re cleaning your home with products that include harsh chemicals, you could unwittingly be unleashing toxic fumes and residue throughout your household. But if you switch to cleaning products manufactured with non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients, you’ll be creating a safer, healthier living space for your entire family — and helping the environment as well.

There’s no shortage of natural cleaning products and alternatives on the market these days, so we’ve compiled a list of eight of our favorites to help you get started. (PS: If you need help getting the family on board or creating a cleaning schedule, we’ve got you covered there, too.)

Green Works All Purpose Cleaning Spray

You’ll need an all-purpose cleaner in your arsenal of natural products, and this offering from Green Works is a solid choice. Savvy brand shoppers may already know that Green Works is owned by Clorox; however, this line of cleaning products is created without the same manufactured chemicals as its parent brand. Instead, Green Works uses essential oils and coconut-based cleansing ingredients to help cut through grease and dissolve all types of messes.

Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner

Along with an all-purpose cleaner, you’re going to want a natural cleaner to tackle some of your bathroom’s more specific needs, like pesky mold and bacteria on sinks and showers. This offering from Seventh Generation utilizes essential oils to help disinfect and deodorize naturally, without the nasty fumes you’d get from regular bathroom cleaners. (They also offer multiple types of liquid laundry detergent and chlorine-free bleach if you’re looking to cut the chemicals out of your laundry!)

Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner

When it comes to cleaning your toilet, most of us look for something a little stronger than a standard bathroom cleaner — but unfortunately, “stronger” typically means corrosive chemicals and bleaching agents. Better Life’s toilet bowl cleaner, by comparison, isn’t dangerous for children and pets, plus it’s biodegradable, derived from plant materials, and safe for septic systems. Whatever makes cleaning the toilet a safer practice is good by us!

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

“Face, body, hair — food, dishes, mopping, pets — the best for human, home and Earth!” says Dr. Bronner’s company website, and though it might seem impossible that one natural soap is that multi-purpose, Dr. Bronner has the formula down pat — and in eight different non-toxic scents, to boot. Take note of their dilution cheat sheet — you’re going to want to make sure you mix only as much soap with water as you need for the task at hand.

Method Hand Wash

If you’re looking for a more affordable natural hand soap option, the Method brand is available in stores such as Walmart or Target, and they offer a wide array of different soaps to keep your hands clean and bacteria-free. According to The Good Trade, Method’s founders “have truly set the standard for any company aiming to be sustainable” by incorporating environment-friendly practices such as using renewable energy, making the packaging eco-friendly, and launching a biodiesel shipping program.

Breathe Aerosols

We place a lot of importance on air quality — household and otherwise — for a reason: if the air is full of invisible fumes and chemicals, it could be making you and your family sick. That’s why the Breathe line of natural aerosols is a top choice — their website notes that their product is the first aerosol cleaning line with 100% of ingredients meeting the EPAs Safer Choice criteria, and their aerosols are not made with the typical liquefied petroleum gas. Their furniture and stainless steel polishes should be what you’re reaching for if you’re doing a deep clean in your dining room.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Room Fresheners

Air fresheners are often where you’ll find problematic aerosols — do you really want strange chemicals and toxins floating around in the air you’re breathing indoors? Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day sells natural air freshening sprays in non-aerosol bottles to keep rooms fresh, so you don’t have to worry about your family inhaling something they shouldn’t. Bonus: The company also sells all-natural candles.

Vinegar

Think you have to spend a lot of money on organic cleaning products? Surprise: one of the most effective all-natural cleaners is probably already in your pantry! White vinegar — often combined with lemon juice and other infusions in order to take the edge off the sharp smell — is an incredibly cheap and effective way to make your own natural household cleaner.

Check out The Kitchn’s tutorial on how to make lemon-thyme vinegar cleaner, good for any surface except marble. Or, if you’re not the DIY type, The Strategist recommends White House Foods Cleaning Vinegar, which comes with a lavender scent.

Keep Clean Without Chemicals

Although it may seem like the cheaper and quicker way to get your house clean, choosing chemical-filled cleaning products can be worse for you — and the environment — in the long run. With so many natural cleaners to choose from, you’ll definitely be able to find what you need within your budget — and you might be amazed at how effective they are at keeping your home clean and toxin-free.

Be sure to follow the Bob Jenson blog for tips on improving household air quality, updates on the HVAC industry, and all other related topics!

How to Get the Whole Family on Board with Household Cleaning

Written by Kevin on February 14, 2019. Posted in DIY, Home Improvement. No Comments on How to Get the Whole Family on Board with Household Cleaning

Here on the Bob Jenson blog, we’ve talked regularly about the importance of keeping your home clean and dust-free and how those initiatives positively impact air quality and, in turn, the health of you and your family. However, household cleaning shouldn’t be the responsibility of any single person — maintaining good air quality is a task best tackled by your family as a team.

So what do you do when members of your family aren’t motivated to stay tidy, or when the kids start complaining about having to clean?

It’s easy for everyone to make excuses — what you have to do, as captain of Team Clean, is to transform cleaning the house into something that your family starts to enjoy conquering together. Here are a few ways how to do this:

Make a Chore List Together

Before you start putting together a cleaning schedule or shopping for cleaning products, you’re going to want to determine what needs to be cleaned around the house, and how often. To start, take a look at some of the biggest problem zones: bathrooms, playrooms, and kitchens are frequently in need of a good tidying up.

Next, determine who should be responsible for which cleaning chores. For example, you don’t want kids taking care of anything with cleaning chemicals or changing out the air filters, but they’re definitely capable of putting away their toys or dusting low shelves!

Once you’ve made your chore list, you’ll be ready for the next step: creating a chore chart.

Sort Out the Chore Chart

This is an effective way to keep families on track, especially those with young children. Put together a cleaning schedule in the form of a chart with columns for tasks, how often the cleaning needs to be done, when cleaning should happen, and who should be responsible. Depending on your household, it might even be valuable to have two different charts separated out by age-appropriate cleaning tasks: one for teens and adults, and one for the little ones.

Put the charts up somewhere visible like the kitchen fridge so nobody can miss them. You could even try making it more fun by using bright colors or stickers — Molly Maid has got some great, colorful chore chart templates, and the team at Bob Jenson has created a printable cleaning schedule just for this purpose.

Change It Up

Nobody’s going to want to do the exact same cleaning chores every week, so consider rotating different family members through the specified tasks. As you roll out the chores for the first few weeks, you might also find that one member of the family isn’t very effective at cleaning the bathroom, while another member drags their heels when it comes to vacuuming. Switch them around and see if you don’t get better results.

When you start playing to your family’s strengths, everyone wins — and there’ll be much less complaining as well.

Have Family Check-ins

Whether you’ve got a large or small family, it’s smart to have semi-regular check-ins to see how everyone’s feeling about their assigned cleaning tasks. You may have to reorganize the chore chart based on what dates and times work better for individual schedules, or you could let family members discuss which tasks they’d like to take on.

As The Happier Homemaker notes, this is also the perfect time to reinforce the general cleanup rules of the household, such as reminding children that they’ll lose their toy privileges for a certain amount of time if they don’t pick up after themselves as they go.

Be a Good Example

It should go without saying that you will be taking part in the cleaning tasks as well. However, it’s also smart to make your own everyday behavior a good example and let your family members see you putting away your own dishes or filing away the magazines you’ve just read.

Kids in particular definitely learn from what they see, and there’s a good chance that they might start naturally start cleaning their own messes because they see you doing it. Leading by example can go a long way in a short period of time!

Keep Clean and Have Fun

Getting your family to share household cleaning tasks doesn’t have to be an uphill battle — in fact, it’s a great way to promote teamwork and communication. Having a clean home will benefit your entire family when it comes to better air quality. Remember: don’t be afraid to divvy up cleaning chores — getting everyone involved helps build a stronger appreciation for a tidy living space.

Be sure to follow along with us here at the Bob Jenson blog for more useful household cleaning tips and tricks, and contact us if you have any questions or issues with your HVAC system.