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Top 5 Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips For Homeowners

The last thing you want to deal with in the middle of a hot summer is an AC unit that doesn’t work. A well-maintained unit, however, can help you stay cool. Not only that, but it can give you peace of mind that you won’t need to worry about being without AC on the hottest day of the year. Luckily, there are HVAC maintenance tips to help you get through the summer comfortably. We list out 5 of them below!

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1. Replace Your Air Filter

It’s recommended you change your air filter every 1-3 months. An air filter that gets clogged with dust, pet dander, debris, and other contaminants also blocks the airflow. This means your AC unit will have to work twice as hard to cool your home. Not only that, but it also might not be able to keep your home at an ideal temperature until your air filter is replaced.

2. Check Your Wiring

You should plan to check the wiring around your house regularly, but when you do, don’t forget about your HVAC unit. Checking the wiring will help you make sure the HVAC unit continues to work properly and keeps you safe. If you notice any wires are frayed, damaged, or look burned, it’s time to call a professional to have them replaced. You should never operate an HVAC unit with faulty wiring.

3. Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit

If you have an outdoor unit, it’s important you make sure it’s clear of any debris and dirt. Grass, trees, sticks, and other objects can obstruct the airflow of your systems. This means your unit won’t be able to work as effectively or as efficiently as it could. We recommend you sweep the area and clear the debris that may have fall into or around your unit.

4. Clean Your Condenser Coils

The condenser coil is an essential piece of your system, but one that isn’t cleaned can greatly impact the performance of your AC unit. When covered with dirt and debris, for example, the heat gets trapped inside and can’t be released into the outside air. Not only will this lead to inefficient cooling, but you may also see an increase in your energy bill as a result. First, you’ll want to turn off the power to your condenser and then spray water over the coils in order to remove the debris that has built up.

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5. Upgrade Your Thermostat

If your home isn’t already equipped with a programmable thermostat, then consider upgrading this summer! A programmable thermostat allows you to schedule when your cooling equipment powers on. This means you can control your comfort and your energy costs from anywhere. For example, if you’re not home, you can schedule your AC unit to power off. On the flip side, you can also schedule it to power on right before you get home. That means you’re never in a position where you’ll have to walk into an unbearably hot home in the middle of summer. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat with WiFi capabilities so you can access your thermostat remotely – from anywhere.

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

Introduction:

Sump pumps are an important part of keeping your home safe from flooding. If your sump pump fails, it can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. In this article, we will discuss the three most common problems that can cause a sump pump to fail: An Overworked Sump Pump, Blockage, and Poor Installation.

We will also give you tips on how to fix each of these problems so that your sump pump will be up and running again in no time!

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Major Causes of Sump Pump Failure

1. What is a Sump Pump and why do I need one?

A sump pump is a pump that is installed on the lowest level of your home, typically in the basement. The purpose of a sump pump is to remove water that has accumulated in the sump pit and to prevent flooding. Sump pumps are usually activated by a float switch, which turns the pump on when the water level in the sump pit rises to a certain point.

2. The three most common problems that can cause a sump pump to fail

A Sump Pump That is Overworked

Some sump pumps are better than others. If you buy a cost-effective plastic model, you are at a greater risk of burnout. You might have a higher-quality pump, but sometimes only one is not enough to handle a high volume of water.

It is advisable to invest in a high-capacity sump pump, which will get you out of most situations when you need it most. If your system isn’t strong enough, you should have a battery-powered backup on hand.

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Blockage

Dirt and dust will accumulate in lidless sump pumps over time, eventually clogging the pump. Your system will either perform poorly or will not function at all if you do this. A clean system is necessary to prevent a blockage from making a bad situation worse, so you should have your system checked annually. It is important to get a technician out as soon as possible if you notice anything wrong with your sump pump.

Poor Installation

Your sump pump will work best if you hire the right installation team. It is possible that your system may not be there for you in your time of need if you hire a company that does not follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This could cause severe water damage. By hiring a reputable company with a guarantee of quality work, licensing, and insurance, you can prevent this problem.

3. How to fix a clogged sump pump

If your sump pump is clogged, the first thing you should do is check the inlet screen. The inlet screen is located where the water enters the sump pit. If the inlet screen is clogged, it will prevent water from entering the sump pit and cause the sump pump to run continuously. To clean the inlet screen, simply remove it and rinse it off with a hose.

If the inlet screen is not the problem, then the next thing you should check is the impeller. The impeller is located inside the sump pump and helps to move water through the pump. If the impeller is clogged, it will prevent water from being pumped out of the sump pit and cause the sump pump to run continuously. To clean the impeller, simply remove it and rinse it off with a hose.

If the impeller is not the problem, then the next thing you should check is the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe is located where the water exits the sump pit. If the discharge pipe is clogged, it will prevent water from being pumped out of the sump pit and cause the sump pump to run continuously. To clean the discharge pipe, simply remove it and rinse it off with a hose.

Conclusion:

It is important to know how to address the three most common problems that can cause a sump pump to fail-clogs, power outages, and broken motors. In this article, we have given you tips on how to fix each of these problems so that your sump pump will be up and running again in no time!

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Summer is almost here. Although it’s not officially summer on the calendar quite yet, the weather might have had you fooled. It’s hot out there and when the temperatures start to rise, it’s easy for the focus in your home to become air conditioning, air conditioning, and more air conditioning.

While this isn’t a bad place to set your sights, it’s not the only place you should be focusing your attention for the next few months. We also suggest that you pay attention to your plumbing in Orlando, FL. We understand that plumbing is one of those things in the home that’s easily overlooked because it’s out of sight and out of mind. That’s why we’ve created a checklist so that you can ensure your plumbing is pristine all year-round.

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Your Summer Plumbing Checklist

Make sure you check in with all the following parts of your plumbing system.

Gas Appliances

Summer is the perfect time of year to entertain. Warm weather has a way of making you want to get outdoors. There’s no better way to spend the day than in the comfort of your backyard with friends and family. If you’re really into entertaining, then it’s likely you have gas appliances. If these are connected to a gas line in your home, then it’s worth checking in with them before the start of the summer season. The last thing you want is any upsets in your outdoor kitchen.

Pool Heaters

While summer is a great time of year to take a dive into your pool, it’s also important to consider those night swims. You want a properly heated pool and we have the systems and services to make this a reality. 

It doesn’t matter if this is your first time investing in a pool heater or if you just need repair to get your system back up and running. Our professionals are around the make sure you’re safe, sound, and warm.

Garbage Disposal

An uptick in entertaining probably means an uptick in cooking as well. Make sure your garbage disposal is ready for this. If you need maintenance or repair, our experts are here to perform it. 

Water Heaters

We know that winter is typically prime time for your water heater, but it’s still important to make sure that your water heater is ready to work during this season too. Just because it’s warm doesn’t mean you’re going to want to take a cold shower for the next three months. Not to mention washing your dishes or your clothes in warm water. We’ll make sure that your water heater is properly maintained no matter if it’s a tank or tankless. 

Sewer Line

What’s worse than horsing around in the pool and being interrupted by the stench of a sewer line problem? Not only is the a killjoy, it’s also a problem that can denote a health issue within your home. No matter what’s going on, it’s important to have a professional out to your home as soon as possible for a problem like this. We can check-in and make sure your backflow systems are in proper working order.

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

If you’ve got young children in the house, or an elderly parent staying with you, emergency air conditioning problems can be a stressful situation. Dealing with people who are overheating or dealing with health problems while temperatures are too hot to handle is something we’d like to help you and your family avoid. So, we want to talk about some ways to deal with emergency air conditioning service in Livingston, NJ, starting with calling our team for support.

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Then, throughout the rest of this blog, we’d like to talk about some great ways to help mitigate the summer heat with projects, activities, and things that will cool you and your family down while our team gets to work.

When temperatures are nearing the three-digit mark, every minute counts. Follow this guide to get the most efficient and practical guide (not to mention the cheapest) on staying cool when you encounter a broken-down air conditioner on one of the year’s hottest days!

1. Call for Repairs

Time is everything when an emergency AC problem occurs, and we want you to start by calling us. We can quickly come to your home, evaluate the damage, and get to work fixing your air conditioner pronto. Don’t worry about your unique situation or air conditioning system, our licensed professionals are trained and experienced in this field.

2. Stay Hydrated

Human beings, young and old, get rid of heat by sweating. The evaporation of sweat on our bodies removes heat, which allows us to cool down much faster than other animals. Dogs and other pets might pant or release heat in other ways, but water is always the common denominator.

Make sure you stay hydrated and that your pets have plenty of water to drink. This might call for some tasty lemonade, or a great iced tea.

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3. Enjoy Air Conditioning Elsewhere

One of the best times to see a movie at the theater is during a summer heatwave. Movie theaters are dark and they have powerful air conditioning systems that can cool entire groups of people.

Think about areas with air conditioning, or areas with summer fun like water park, and enjoy some cooling activities with the whole family!

4. Run Fans and Circulate Air

Fans are vital when temperatures are high and you don’t have air conditioning temporarily. Open up the windows and allow the hot air of your home to escape using the wind of a fan. Box fans and ceiling fans are perfect for this kind of situation.

5. Keep Sunlight Out and Go Low!

Have you ever noticed that the basement is the coolest part of the house when the heat arrives? That’s for two reasons.

The first reason is that your basement is the lowest area of your home, and heat rises. So no matter how hot it is, the hottest part of your home (without air conditioning) will always be the attic or the top floor.

The second reason is that your basement doesn’t have as much access to sunlight as other rooms. Sunlight carries warmth with it, and we urge homeowners to draw the curtains, blinds, or spend time in the basement to cool down.

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

Restaurants are a magnet for plumbing problems, and it’s no surprise considering the amount of plumbing equipment required to operate. In worst-case scenarios, restaurant plumbing problems can force the business to close temporarily if floodwaters or backed-up sewage gets into food storage areas, prep areas, or service stations. Not only could this get patrons sick by exposing their food to bacteria, but it can also lead to electrocution and slips and falls. We’re here to help prevent all that!

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How to unclog a drain: Clogged drains are one of the most common headaches in any South Florida household. There are a number of plumbing repairs that require immediate attention, chief among these is a clogged drain. Everyone knows the inconvenience and mess that accompany a sluggish drain. Even so, most people wait until the drain stops completely before they take corrective action. Sometimes a clog can be cleared with a simple homemade remedy. We will show you how “moderate” and “tough” drains can be unclogged. 

How to unclog a “moderately clogged” drain

If you have a moderately clogged drain, try this homemade drain cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Be careful. (But your kids may find it fun!) The two ingredients react with foaming and fumes, so replace the drain cover loosely. Let the concoction set for about three hours before running water.

If you know the slow drain is from grease, try this treatment: Pour in 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by a tea kettle of boiling water. Allow to sit overnight. In the morning you may find that you will be happy you did it.

How to unclog a “tough” drain

If your clogged drain is far worse than a moderate back-up, you will need to use the right tools to unclog that tough drain. The technicians of A to Z Statewide Plumbing use a variety of methods such as the  SeeSnake Digital Recording Monitor and a SeeSnake Mini Video Inspection system.

The SeeSnake Mini video inspection system offers a reliable solution in a ruggedized package. The Mini is also available with a durable self-leveling camera head. This tool is Ideal for where portability and maneuverability are crucial: multi-story buildings, rooftops, confined areas, etc. It has many great features. The self-leveling camera head delivers crisp, clear, always upright in-pipe images. The built-in 512 Hz Sonde allows you to locate a point of interest during a pipe inspection. The push cable pushes farther, and it takes a wide range of lateral and mainline applications.

Most consumers who used this product said, “This is a great product, easy to use, excellent resolution. This camera is incredible. Worth every penny!”

Alternatively, you can use the SeeSnake® CS10 Digital Recording Monitor. The CS10 Monitor combines RIDGID® durability with the easiest to use digital recording monitor in the plumbing industry. One touch recording allows you to record snapshots and video directly to a USB stick then hand it directly to your customer.

The features include:

USB Stick – recording lets you record digitally into a format that your customer can read on their computer

12.1″ Daylight Readable Display – allows you to easily monitor and record inspections in bright outdoor environments

Integrated Line Tracing – allows tracing the reel push cable with a RIDGID locator (requires a RIDGID transmitter)

Multi Mode Recording – lets you take snapshots, record full frame video, and record in a lean video format called Auto-log (small files)

The screen is huge and makes diagnosing problems with a sewer line very easy.

In summary, If you are living anywhere near Miami, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, or Hollywood and require drainage cleaning services, A to Z Statewide Plumbing is here for you. There is no other drain cleaning company in South Florida that will be able to beat our competitive prices and septic expertise. Because we are so sure of our quality work, we offer a 100% money back guarantee. In you are not 100% satisfied with the service we have provided, we will refund all of your money. If our plumbers smoke or swear in your home; are not drug-free; do not wear shoe covers or leave your home without cleaning up, you do not pay for the service. If a repair fails in the first year, we will repair it again absolutely free. Call 1-800-930-1123.

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

Everybody loves a timesaver, but it’s only good advice if it works. Let’s take a look at a few kitchen myths to see if they are worth your while.

Handwashing Dishes is Better than Using a Dishwasher

False: According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® website, an ENERGY STAR®-rated dishwasher can save up to 5,000 gallons of water in one year compared to washing dishes by hand. Because dishwashers don’t have feelings, they can also sanitize better using water up to 140 degrees. If you have an older dishwasher, now is a good time to invest in an energy-saving one.

Baking Soda Can Help Unstink Your Drains

True: Baking soda can not only help in removing some funky odors from your drains, but it improves efficiency as well. Even when you are careful with what goes down your drains, food and soap particles will eventually lead your drains to smell. Sprinkle baking soda in the drain, let it sit for a few hours, and flush with either a cup of vinegar or hot water. Not only will your drain smell clean, but it also works as a non-toxic drain cleaner.

You Should Rinse your Plates Before Putting in the Dishwasher

False: The dishwasher doesn’t need your help and works best when you let it do the dirty work. According to Consumer Reports, most dishwashers made in the past 10 years have a soil-sensing system which helps with energy efficiency. Do remove large food items but leave the washing and rinsing to the machine.

A Slow Dripping Faucet is Not a Big Deal

False: Not only is a dripping faucet wasting water, it is costing your utility bill to rise. Your faucets are some of the most commonly used appliances in your home and do tend to wear out after a while. The quicker you take care of that drip, the more you will save.

Lemons Can Clean Your Garbage Disposal.

False: There’s no making lemonade out of that bad advice. To clean your garbage disposal, first flush with hot water then use 2 cups of ice and 1 cup of salt to remove the sludge and other debris from the walls of your disposal.

At Len The Plumber, we know you spend a lot of time in your kitchen because so do we! While these are great kitchen hacks to help make the most of your effort, our experts never take shortcuts when it comes to your plumbing repairs.

Whether it’s a plumbing or drain cleaning problem, our trucks are always fully stocked to complete your job. Call us today for prompt, same-day service.

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

Tips To Improving Your Indoor Air Quality This Summer

We all know the summer’s here in Arizona are no joke. With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees, many homeowners are already cooped up inside their home with the AC on full blast. With how much time you’ll be spending inside over these next several months, it’s important to pay attention to your indoor air quality. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the levels of indoor air pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor air pollutants. Here are some tips to improving your indoor air quality this summer.

1. Clean Regularly

Keeping your floors, rugs, and carpets clean is a great way to reduce pollutants. When your family is constantly coming in and out of the house, you’d be surprised how much dirt and debris gets tracked in on the bottom of your shoes. It’s good to remember to not wear shoes in your home and clean your floors regularly to help improve your indoor air quality.

2. Change Your Air Filters

Every 1-3 months you should be changing your air filter. When your air filter get clogged with all the pollutants and allergens in the air, like pollen, pet dander, dust and dirt, they’ll then circulate back out through the air you breathe. To avoid any clogs or blockages in your filters, change them regularly.

3. Keep Windows and Doors Shut

If you live in the Prescott Valley or Phoenix Metropolitan Areas, then chances are, keeping your windows and doors shut during the summer isn’t an issue. But, just as a reminder, keeping them shut will help improve your indoor air quality. Opening windows and doors can let in a high amount of toxins and pollen, which isn’t good for your indoor air quality.

4. Maintain Healthy Humidity Levels

While humidity levels are relatively low in this climate, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping humidity levels low inside your home, as well. Keeping levels in the 30-50% range helps keep moisture-loving allergens like mold and dust under control.

5. Use Natural Cleaning Supplies and Fragrances

The cleaning supplies in most of our houses are full of chemicals. Not only that, but many of us associate fragrances with cleanliness – especially when it smells like a fresh lemon or a pine tree! However, those fragrances are often packed full of dangerous chemicals and emit VOCs into the air. This can not only be harmful to your health, but it can also be harmful to your indoor air quality. To improve your air quality, opt for natural cleaning supplies and fragrances instead.

6. Invest In An Air Cleaner

Air cleaners can purify your indoor air and remove contaminants like dust, pollen and dander. There are many benefits to installing an air cleaner in your home:

• Cleaner and healthier air
• Reduce germs by filtering out bacteria and viruses
• Reduce amount of dust, pet dander, and other pollutants in the air
• Help eliminate or reduce allergy or asthma symptoms
• Remove odors

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

We are here for all your indoor air quality needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Whether you need to schedule HVAC service, air cleaner installation, or something else, we’re the ones to call. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

The post Tips To Improving Your Indoor Air Quality This Summer appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

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

For a lot of people, summertime means vacation time! Whether you’re going international or staying local in California, there are some things to do before going on vacation to ensure you don’t come home to a plumbing disaster. After all, just because you’re not using your plumbing, doesn’t mean that something can’t go wrong. Read More