Top 6 Ways To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Summer

As the summer season arrives, we tend to spend more time indoors, seeking respite from the heat – especially here in Arizona. However, have you ever considered the quality of the air you breathe within the confines of your home? Indoor air quality plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. Poor air

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The post Top 6 Ways To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Summer appeared first on Wolfgangs Cooling, Heating & Plumbing.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

The majority of household energy use over the course of the year is put toward heating and cooling. Anything you can do to make cooling your home more efficient will save you money when your electric bill is due. So what can you do to lower your cooling costs? Try these helpful tips to maximize your air conditioning and stay cool and comfortable for less.

Seal Up Drafts

Any cracks that allow air to pass through will let hot air into your home during the summer, giving your air conditioner more work to do. If you have gaps under any exterior doors, consider adding a draft stopper, which is easily found at a hardware store for around fifteen bucks. Or you can use a door snake, a simple tube filled with sand that will block the gap when the door is closed. Spaces around windows can be sealed with caulk or foam weather stripping. 

Consider the Sun

When direct sunlight hits a window, the glass magnifies the heat, which is how greenhouses keep plants warm and growing all winter. You don’t want that happening in your house during the summer! Pay attention to which windows the sun is hitting at different times of day and make sure they are covered. Insulated curtains are the best, but any curtains or blinds will help.

Use Your Ceiling Fans

While a fan in an empty room is just a waste of energy, a ceiling fan helping to circulate the air in an occupied room will cool you off dramatically. Every molecule of air that touches your skin carries a bit of your heat away with it. Moving air means more molecules will brush against you and more heat will be carried away. The house will be the same temperature, but your body will be much cooler.

Raise the Thermostat

Once you’ve taken the other steps, you should be able to raise your thermostat quite a bit and still feel just as cool. This will take a lot of pressure off your AC unit, not only cutting your energy costs but also prolonging the life of the air conditioner as it will experience less wear and tear. Keep nudging the temperature up a couple of degrees until you find the setting that will keep you comfortable while allowing the air conditioner to run less of the time.

Program the Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can be set to use much less energy while you’re away from home. Keeping your home ten degrees warmer during the workday will cut your electric bill, and the programming will allow it to cool the house down right in time for you to arrive home. Don’t forget to program it for any vacations or other times when you’re away from home longer than usual. And even if you don’t have a programmable thermostat, it’s worth raising the temp before you leave home and lowering it again when you return. 

If you have questions about your air conditioning, there’s no need to type heating and cooling near me in Cedar Grove, NJ into a search engine. Come straight to us! We’re always happy to help.

Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today to get prompt assistance with your air conditioner!

The post Cut Your Cooling Costs With These AC Tips first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

It takes a bit more than a keen eye to get a good look at the quality of an underground sewer pipe. Sewer pipe maintenance requires not only a skilled worker, but also the ability to accurately view damages in a manner that keeps everyone on the team safe. 

To thoroughly inspect an underground sewer pipe, you can rely on a team of certified plumbers. Those who have received a certification from NASSCO’s Manhole or Pipeline Assessment Certification Programs are trained in safely conducting inspections. This requirement ensures that all inspections are consistent and conducted at a high level of quality. Additionally, plumbers with this certification are qualified and highly skilled to use the technical equipment needed for a thorough inspection.  

About Technical Sewer Inspections

The main objective of a sewer line inspection is to gather visual information to assess the quality of the interior of the system’s pipes. Sewers transport wastewater and runoff from Sacramento homes and businesses out to treatment plants. Since these sewer lines see a lot of use, they require regular upkeep to ensure that they are properly moving waste away from the city. If you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s also a good idea to conduct a sewer inspection to ensure that the structural integrity of the underground pipelines are intact. 

During an inspection, a plumber may be looking for a few different things. First, an inspection is necessary for routine maintenance. Just like how you take your car into the shop regularly, the sewer pipes in Sacramento also need to be proactively inspected. Even if there are no obvious signs of damage, you never know what you might find if you haven’t conducted an inspection in a long time. 

In conjunction with regular maintenance inspections, regular cleaning will reduce the normal wear and tear seen on the inside of sewer pipes. Of course, with any sewer line there is a large amount of wastewater that travels through the network of pipes so some blockage or minor damage is normal to find during an inspection. That being said, regular cleanings and inspections can extend the lifespan of sewer lines. 

The next reason a municipality may need a sewer inspection is to resolve sewer line damage that may be hazardous to the surrounding people and properties. This includes a blocked sewer or backflow of wastewater. With an inspection, plumbers will be able to identify the source of the issue and resolve it before the problem becomes worse. 

Tools Used For Sewer Line Inspections

Conducting a sewer inspection is no easy task. However, there are tools available to make the process as seamless and safe as possible for both plumbers and nearby pedestrians. Let’s dive into some common tools and equipment needed for a thorough sewer line inspection. 

Locator Device

To conduct a sewer inspection, plumbers first need to know where the pipe is. Using a magnetic device, plumbers can determine the location of a pipe based upon its magnetic field. Usually these sensors are placed about eight feet apart and detect the difference in the magnetic field between them. 

Manhole Hook

To enter the sewer pipe, the manhole needs to be removed. These steel pieces are very heavy, so it’s always useful to have a bit of assistance. Plus, hooks ensure that the manhole cover is removed safely before beginning a sewer line inspection. 

Cameras

An excellent way to conduct an inspection is with a camera. This allows for projects to be conducted from above ground, instead of digging up sewer lines. With a camera, the inspection process can be conducted safely and effectively. Plus, these tools are also useful for trenchless pipe repair projects. There are several camera options that a municipal plumber might choose to use, depending on the application needed. 

Pole Cameras

An easy way to view the interior of sewer lines is with a small camera mounted to a pole. This camera offers limited mobility as the pole is unable to maneuver around curves, though it can be useful when a sewer line is too damaged for a plumber to safely enter. 

Crawler Cameras

A crawler camera is a device that is remotely controlled to travel along the bottom of a sewer line. Depending on the wheels used, the crawler can traverse over obstacles and find damages. With the camera attached, an inspection team can view any of these defects and report on detailed images captured by the device. Again, these cameras allow for safe viewing of damaged areas that are hard to access. 

Push Cameras

A push camera is frequently used to view lateral lines and drain pipes. A camera that is attached to the end of a long cable is pushed through a sewer line to inspect any damages. At the other end of the cable, plumbers can view the images taken by the camera and displayed on a small computer screen.

Push cameras have more flexibility than pole cameras, though the angle of viewing might be difficult to adjust. With this type of camera, inspections can be completed quickly and safely for both small-scale projects and larger municipal pipe viewing needs. 

Gas Monitors

To ensure a safe inspection, plumbers use gas monitoring equipment before removing a manhole cover. A gas monitor can detect methane and hydrogen sulfide near the opening of a sewer line and allow for plumbers to take necessary precautions. 

These gasses can cause significant damage to the surrounding area and personnel if there is a spark nearby. So, detecting the gas before beginning an inspection process is a necessary procedure to ensure everyone is safe. 

Safety Equipment

It’s important that all plumbers prioritize safety on the job. This includes using street cones, flags, hard hats, reflective vests, and more to ease the threat of hazards while working. These items can keep cars and pedestrians away from hazardous zones while keeping the plumbers visible and protected. 

What to Expect During a Sewer Inspection

Before a team of plumbers comes in to conduct a sewer line inspection on your property, you should probably have an understanding of what they’ll be doing. The goal of this inspection is to find the source of any known problems and also identify any existing ones that may have gone under the radar. 

During the inspection, a plumber will use the equipment listed in this article to view the interior of sewer pipes on your property. For residential lateral lines, they will likely use a simple pole or push camera to get a good look at the sewer pipe. With this camera, the plumber will keep an eye out for root intrusion, cracks, clogs, and corroded materials. 

The process is very similar for municipal sewer line inspections. The key difference here is the equipment used will likely be more sophisticated. For larger pipes, it’s common for plumbers to use a crawler camera to have more flexibility when covering a greater surface area. 

In the past, plumbers would have to enter the large sewer pipes themselves after removing the manhole cover. This made the work very difficult and quite dangerous due to the low lighting and small area to work in. With advanced cameras, inspection teams are able to get a much more detailed view of sewers and record thorough data. 

Hire Sacramento Professional Plumbers for Sewer Line Inspections

Regular sewer line inspections ensure that the waterways in Sacramento stay safe for residents, businesses, and visitors. While you may not think twice about sewer lines, it’s critical that they are well maintained to keep this city running smoothly.

For all sewer line needs, you can count on the certified plumbers at Express Sewer & Drain for detailed inspections and repair services. We specialize in trenchless technology to ensure that all projects are completed safely and with a close attention to detail. If you’re looking for a team to conduct an inspection, reach out to us today!

This post first appeared on https://www.expresssewer.com

The part of your air conditioner that you spend more time with is, of course, the indoor unit. That’s where heat from your home is absorbed into the refrigerant that flows through the evaporator coils. It’s pleasant to be near because it is absorbing, not radiating, heat during the summer. The outdoor unit is a different story. In the condenser, or outdoor unit of your air conditioner, the most critical component of the whole AC system makes its home. We’ll tell you all about it. 

How Your Air Conditioner Works

Once the refrigerant cycling through the evaporator coils in your indoor unit soaks up enough heat, it evaporates into a gaseous form. It then passes out of your home and heads toward the condenser unit. A fan blows air across the coils there and the heat dissipates. The refrigerant condenses back into a liquid as its temperature decreases, and then it is ready to head back to your home to absorb more heat. The component that keeps all this action going is the compressor. It pressurizes the refrigerant to force it to flow through this endless loop, absorbing heat and releasing it. The compressor runs in cycles, turning on when your home’s temperature gets a little too high, running until your thermostat registers a low enough temperature, and turning off until the next cycle.

The Irreplaceable Compressor

The one AC issue you never want to face is a burned-out compressor. Not only will that make your entire air conditioning system into nothing more than an overpriced fan, you may find that it is irreplaceable. While you might be able to get a new compressor, it is extremely expensive. And replacing the whole condenser unit is sometimes a possibility, but even a slight mismatch between the indoor and outdoor units can cause major problems. And even under the best of circumstances, investing that kind of money in an AC system whose other components are all aging is a poor use of money, because you’ll still have an old air conditioner that won’t last many more years.

Keeping Your Compressor Happy

The best thing you can do to ensure that your air conditioner, especially its most critical component, will last for as long as possible is to keep it in good condition at all times and watch for any issue that might strain the compressor. Keep the coils clean and make sure there’s good air circulation so the refrigerant can absorb and release heat efficiently. You can blow away dust with canned air or wash dirty outdoor coils with a gentle stream of water from a hose. Trim back any plants that grow close around the condenser unit. Change your air filter frequently to promote good airflow. And keep an eye out for signs of trouble: tripping circuit breakers, ice on the evaporator coils, loud noise or vibration from the outdoor unit, difficulty starting, or short cycling—the unit turning on and off much more frequently than normal—are all indicators that you need a technician to take a look at your outdoor AC unit in Cedar Grove, NJ.

Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today to get prompt assistance with your air conditioner!

The post Get to Know Your Condenser: The Outdoor Unit of Your AC first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

When a pipe bursts, it can mean more than just a small leak. Broken water pipes can produce a ripple effect, impacting water quality and pressure throughout the rest of your property.

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Air Conditioning: Is Your AC Unit Ready For A Hot Summer? As we approach the summer months, many of us will be relying on our air conditioning units to keep us cool and comfortable. However, before you turn on your AC unit for the first time this season, it’s important to make sure that it’s

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The post Air Conditioning: Is Your AC Unit Ready For A Hot Summer? appeared first on Wolfgangs Cooling, Heating & Plumbing.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

Camera inspections are transforming the way drain maintenance is conducted. By allowing professionals to view blocked drains, broken pipes, and other obstruction issues from a safe distance, they can quickly and efficiently determine the best way to fix the problem. This type of technology has revolutionized the way in which drain maintenance is conducted, providing a quicker and more accurate diagnosis of the issue.

Five Ways Camera Inspections Transform Drain Maintenance:

1. Quicker Diagnosis. 

Drain camera inspections can quickly and accurately identify drain issues, including blockages and broken pipes. This technology has revolutionized the way in which drain maintenance is conducted, providing a quicker and more accurate diagnosis of the issue. By using camera inspections, professionals can quickly identify any blockages or broken pipes, as well as any other potential problems. This makes it easier for them to accurately diagnose the issue and determine the best way to fix it.

Without this technology, diagnosing and fixing drain issues can be both time-consuming and expensive. In addition, manual inspections can be difficult to conduct and may not be able to identify all potential issues. By using camera inspections, professionals can ensure that the job is done correctly, quickly, and cost-effectively.

2. Safe Distance. 

Camera inspections allow professionals to view blocked drains, broken pipes, and other obstruction issues from a safe distance. This technology is especially useful in scenarios where physical inspection of the drain is unsafe or difficult to access. By allowing professionals to view blocked drains, broken pipes, and other obstruction issues from a safe distance, they can quickly and efficiently determine the best way to fix the problem without putting themselves in any danger.

Without the ability to view blocked drains, broken pipes, and other obstruction issues from a safe distance, it can be difficult or even impossible to accurately diagnose the issue. This can lead to unnecessary delays in repair work and may even result in costly mistakes in the process. Professionals may have to resort to exploratory digging to try to identify the problem. Additionally, manual inspections can increase the risk of injury as workers may need to enter dangerous environments to investigate the issue. Camera inspections provide a much safer and more efficient way to identify the problem and develop a plan to fix it.

3. Cost Savings. 

Camera inspections can also save money as they reduce the need for exploratory digging and manual inspections. By quickly and accurately identifying the issue, they can ensure that the job is done correctly and cost-effectively. Without the use of camera inspections, the cost of diagnosing and fixing drain issues can be much higher. This is due to the time and money involved with exploratory digging and manual inspections, which can take longer to complete and require more resources.

Overall, camera inspections can provide significant cost savings when it comes to drain maintenance. This technology has revolutionized the way in which drain maintenance is conducted, allowing professionals to quickly and accurately identify any issues. The time and money saved by using this technology means that drains can be maintained more efficiently while reducing the risk of costly mistakes or unnecessary delays in repair work.

4. Improved Efficiency. 

By quickly and accurately identifying drain issues, camera inspections can improve the efficiency of the entire process. Camera inspections improve efficiency by allowing professionals to quickly identify any issues and develop a plan to fix them. By quickly and accurately identifying the problem, they can ensure that the job is done correctly and cost-effectively. 

Additionally, camera inspections reduce the need for exploratory digging and manual inspections. This means that the entire process can be completed in a much shorter time frame, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or unnecessary delays in repair work. Ultimately, camera inspections have revolutionized the way in which drain maintenance is conducted, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

5. Comprehensive Diagnosis. 

Camera inspections can provide a comprehensive diagnosis of the issue, allowing professionals to quickly develop a plan to fix it. It allows professionals to view blocked drains, leaking pipes, and other obstruction issues from a safe distance. This means that they can get an accurate and detailed diagnosis of the issue, which enables them to quickly develop a plan to fix it. 

Additionally, camera inspections can provide detailed images of the inside of the drain or pipe, allowing professionals to identify any potential issues before they become a problem. This means that repairs can be conducted much more quickly and cost-effectively.

Overall, Camera Inspections have revolutionized the way in which drain maintenance is conducted by providing a comprehensive diagnosis of the issue and enabling professionals to quickly develop a plan to fix it. This technology has improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of drain maintenance, saving both time and money in the process.

As the weather gets warmer, many of us spend more time indoors with the air conditioning on. After all, we are no strangers to extremely hot summers here in Arizona! While air conditioning keeps us cool, it can also create an environment where air pollutants and allergens are trapped indoors. Poor air quality can lead to a range of health problems, from allergies to asthma and other respiratory illnesses. To help you improve your indoor air quality this summer, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 ways you can breathe cleaner air inside your home.

1. Change Your Air Filters Regularly

The air filters in your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system play a crucial role in maintaining good air quality. Over time, dust, pollen, and other particles can clog the filters, making it harder for your HVAC system to circulate clean air. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to change your air filters regularly, especially during the summer months when you’re using your HVAC system more frequently.

2. Invest In Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Air purifiers and air cleaners are great ways to remove indoor air pollutants and allergens. Investing in air quality systems can be particularly helpful for those living with allergies or asthma. They work by circulating the air in your home through a filter that traps particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. At Cool Touch, we offer several indoor air quality solutions including: air cleaners, humidifiers, UV germicidal lights, and ductwork services.

3. Control Humidity Levels

High humidity levels can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. To control humidity levels in your home, use a dehumidifier, especially in areas like the bathroom, laundry room, and basement. It’s also a good idea to use an exhaust fan when cooking or showering to reduce moisture levels.

4. Use Natural Cleaning Products

Many household cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to indoor air quality. To avoid this, consider using natural cleaning products like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These natural products are effective at cleaning and won’t release harmful chemicals into the air.

5. Let Fresh Air In

Finally, one of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality is to let fresh air in. Open windows and doors when the weather is mild to improve ventilation and circulate clean air. However, be cautious when outdoor air quality is poor or pollen counts are high. Notice how we say “when the weather is mild”. Of course, you don’t want to be opening doors and windows when it is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside. It’s best to wait until the evening to do this if you’re in Arizona!

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Indoor Air Quality Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas

Improving your air quality is essential for maintaining good health and well-being, especially during the summer months when we spend more time indoors. By following these 5 tips, you can breathe cleaner air inside your home and enjoy a healthy summer season. Contact Cool Touch today to find out more information about our indoor air quality services.

The post Top 5 Ways To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Summer appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

Time can be of the essence when there’s a plumbing emergency. You need to get professional help immediately! But what if you’re not sure? Is the plumbing problem you’re experiencing really an emergency, or can you wait and schedule a regular appointment with a plumber? Here are some tips for sorting that question out.

When in Doubt, Don’t Hesitate

It would definitely be better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your plumbing. Water damage can cause major problems. Beyond just being a mess to clean up, it can soak into the structure of your home and cause rot and mold, and even do electrical damage if the problem happens to be near your electrical panel or other major wiring. If you’re not sure whether you’re truly experiencing an emergency, treating it as an emergency would be safer than letting the problem get worse.

Leaks

If water is flowing from somewhere it shouldn’t be, even if it isn’t a huge gush or geyser, it’s an emergency. First, find your main water shutoff. It will be on the side of the house closest to the water source. This will be closest to the street if you have municipal water, or nearest the well if you do not. Then get a plumber to come address your problem immediately.

Frozen Pipes

During the winter, when a pipe gets too cold, the water inside it may freeze. This does more than just prevent water from flowing. Water expands when it freezes, and the force of that expansion can cause the pipe to rupture. You need a plumber right away! Don’t try to thaw the pipe yourself with a space heater or hair dryer: the rapid change in temperature can worsen the problem. You need an emergency plumber in Pine Brook, NJ, ideally before the ice melts and you end up with a major leak.

No Water

If none of the plumbing fixtures in your home are providing any water, you can probably tell that you’ve got an emergency on your hands. First, check with the neighbors or with your municipal water source. It could be that there’s a problem that has nothing to do with your home. If the neighbors have water and your utility says nothing is wrong, you need a plumber urgently. When your whole house is lacking water, there’s probably a big problem with the main water line that connects the city’s water main to your home. 

Sewer Problems

Are your toilets backing up? Is dirty water flooding into your tub or shower? Has a very smelly puddle suddenly appeared in your yard, above where the sewer line runs? For your health, you need to treat this as an emergency. The germs and gasses from sewage are dangerous. Sometimes, sewer pipes become blocked or cracked, and it’s critical to have them repaired promptly. 

Non-Emergency Concerns

If your problem only affects a single fixture, and you can shut off the water to that fixture, you can safely wait to have it repaired. If your water heater is making a rumbling noise or providing lukewarm water instead of truly hot, you will definitely want a plumber to take a look, but it is not an emergency. And if you have one clogged drain that you can’t unplug yourself, that is also a job for a plumber, but it can wait for a regularly scheduled appointment.

Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today to get prompt assistance with your plumbing emergency!

The post How to Know if It’s a Plumbing Emergency or Not first appeared on MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc..

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

We often are asked about what are main differences between storm drains and sewers. When it comes to drainage systems, it’s important to understand the difference between storm drains and sewers. While they both serve to manage water runoff, they have distinct purposes and should not be confused with one another. In this blog post, we will explain the characteristics and functions of storm drains and sewers, helping you differentiate between the two and understand their importance in maintaining a well-functioning plumbing infrastructure.

Storm Drains

Storm drains are an integral part of a city or municipality’s drainage system. Their primary function is to collect rainwater and surface runoff from streets, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces. Here’s what you need to know about storm drains:

Design and Construction: Storm drains consist of a network of underground pipes that are designed to quickly collect and divert rainwater away from urban areas. They are typically equipped with grates or inlets located on the ground surface, allowing water to flow into the underground drainage system.

Water Management: Storm drains are specifically designed to manage excessive rainfall and prevent flooding on roadways and public areas. They help prevent water accumulation and direct the runoff towards bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or retention ponds.

No Wastewater Treatment: It’s crucial to note that storm drains do not connect to wastewater treatment facilities. The water collected by storm drains is considered untreated and may contain pollutants, debris, and other contaminants. Therefore, it’s important to avoid disposing of hazardous materials or dumping waste into storm drains to protect the environment.

Sewers

Sewers, on the other hand, are an underground network of pipes that transport wastewater from homes, businesses, and industrial facilities to treatment plants. Here’s what you should know about sewers:

Collection of Wastewater: Sewers collect and transport wastewater from various sources, including toilets, sinks, showers, and appliances. This wastewater, also known as sanitary sewage, contains both human waste and household wastewater.

Wastewater Treatment: Unlike storm drains, sewers are connected to wastewater treatment plants. The collected wastewater undergoes a treatment process that removes contaminants and impurities before it is safely discharged back into the environment.

Separate Systems: In some areas, there may be separate sewer systems, including sanitary sewers and storm sewers. Sanitary sewers collect and transport wastewater, while storm sewers handle rainwater runoff. These separate systems ensure that wastewater is properly treated before being released into natural water bodies.

Differentiating Between the Two

To differentiate between storm drains and sewers, consider the following characteristics:

Purpose: Storm drains manage rainwater runoff, while sewers handle wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources.

Location: Storm drains are typically found along streets, sidewalks, and parking lots, while sewer lines run beneath residential and commercial properties.

Connections: Storm drains do not connect to wastewater treatment plants, while sewers are directly linked to these facilities.

Understanding the difference between storm drains and sewers is vital for maintaining a functional plumbing infrastructure and protecting the environment. Storm drains are designed to manage rainwater runoff and prevent flooding, while sewers collect and transport wastewater for treatment. By recognizing their distinct purposes, you can help ensure that these systems are used appropriately and contribute to the overall well-being of your community.

At A to Z Statewide Plumbing, we specialize in all aspects of plumbing, including storm drain maintenance, sewer line repairs, and wastewater management. Contact us at 954-981-2133 for professional assistance and expert advice regarding your drainage and plumbing needs.

This post first appeared on http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com