Should I Repair or Replace my Furnace?

February 16, 2020

There comes a time in every furnace’s life when it needs to be replaced. There are warning signs that you will soon need to replace it. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s reached 75% of its life expectancy and the repair would cost over 33% of replacing it, then you should get a new furnace. Here are some other considerations. Furnace Is 16 to 20 Years Old Furnaces are designed to last this length of time. If your furnace is in this age range, there are several reasons to replace it, such as newer units being more efficient. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to spend too much money repairing a furnace that’s going to stop working regardless in the next few years. Your Energy Bills Are Increasing Older furnaces weren’t as efficient as new ones when they were installed. Their efficiency declines as they get older. This is especially true if they’re not properly maintained. If you notice your energy bills going up in the winter months, it’s likely that your furnace is to blame. If you live in the Conroe area, installs and repairs furnaces. We can provide you with an estimate for either...

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What Should You Never Put Into a Garbage Disposal?

January 11, 2020

Your garbage disposal helps to prevent the pipes connected to your sink from clogging. The disposal’s purpose is to grate as many food remains as possible into tiny particles so that they can go down the drain easily. This includes solid food particles as well as liquids, such as grease. If you pour grease down the drain, for example, you are advised to douse it with cold water so that it hardens. Then, it can be shredded by the disposal. While the disposal can pulverize just about anything, there are some items that should never be put in it. Here are a few. 1. Bones Bones are pretty tough, which is why they should never be put into a garbage disposal. When you attempt to grind them, they will not break up into smaller pieces. Instead, they are going to spin around with the help of the blades. This is going to make loud sounds and force you to fish them out. 2. Celery HVAC professionals recommend that you do not put celery down a garbage disposal. The fibrous strings of celery do not get grounded up. Instead, they can cause problems. Since they do not tear, they may get...

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3 Tips for Holiday Lights and Electrical Safety

December 18, 2019

This holiday season, thousands of holiday enthusiasts will be expected to use the Christmas tree to decorate their homes in preparation for Christmas and the New Year. The desire to have fun at home will most probably throw of most of us in trouble, especially as far as electrical safety is concerned. The temptation to play around with some DIY holiday decoration techniques at home should, however, not have you compromise on your personal and home safety. Here are three important tips for lighting and electrical safety to consider this holiday season. 1. Consider Buying a Fire-Resistant Tree There are high chances that you will purchase a Christmas tree to decorate your home. When shopping for a Christmas tree for your house, you should pay attention to the kind of tree you go for. The primary threat to consider is the risk of the tree catching fire at home. It is, therefore, highly recommendable to consider purchasing a tree that is labeled as fire-retardant as that will help make your home much safer. 2. Avoid DIY Contraptions As we approach the Christmas season, the temptation to consider renovating your Christmas tree to suit your needs will be particularly high. One...

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3 Tips to Avoid Costly Winter Plumbing Leaks

November 11, 2019

Winter plumbing leaks can wreak havoc on your Charlottesville home. Not only can a leak damage drywall, paint, and furniture, but unaddressed problems can lead to hazardous mold spreading throughout your house or apartment. The best way to avoid leaks during the wintertime, or any time of year, is to take preventative action, including making sure that your heater is working properly. 1. Wrap Uninsulated Pipes Burst pipes are a real threat in areas where freezing temperatures occur. The damage caused by this sort of plumbing emergency can make your residence unlivable, particularly if you’re not at home when it happens and can’t immediately call a plumber to address the situation. There are several ways to protect your pipes during the colder months: Keep the heat on, even if you’re going to be away Wrap uninsulated pipes in foam covers Insulate closed crawlspace vents to protect against cold air provides 24/7 emergency service in the Charlottesville area. If your furnace stops working, call us. We can help to prevent water damage due to frozen pipes. 2. Shut Down Outdoor Valves and Put Away Hoses As the seasons change, take time to disconnect and put away your garden hose while also...

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How Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing

October 21, 2019

Hard water is a common cause of dry and itchy skin. However, it can also wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing if left unchecked. Let’s look at some of the reasons why hard water is not good for pipes and other plumbing components. Sediment Can Build Up in the Pipes Water that has high levels of calcium, magnesium, and similar materials is referred to as hard water. When the water goes through your home’s pipes, it will leave a layer of material within them. Over time, this can significantly constrict the path that moisture of any kind can take after going down a tub or sink drain. Ultimately, you can be left with pipes that are either slow or completely clogged. Sediment Can Eat at a Pipe The minerals that are deposited on a pipe can cause it to erode or crack. This could result in pipes that leak or burst with little or no warning, and a broken pipe may unleash enough water to cause mold, mildew or other damage throughout your home. Ideally, you will call in Charlottesville to repair pipes, clean drains, or even install a new toilet. Hard Water Deposits Can Accumulate Almost Anywhere If you...

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Can Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Your Plumbing?

September 14, 2019

If you’re without the convenience of garbage disposal, or if several long-haired ladies live in your home, you know the pain of clogged drains. And chances are you’ve turned to the occasional drain cleaner to clear a blockage or two. But might you be harming your plumbing when you use chemical drain cleaners? Despite their convenience, these types of cleaners abuse your plumbing, and with repeated use, can even cause irreparable damage. Chemical Cleaners Burn Away Clogs One of the primary mechanisms of action behind each chemical drain cleaner’s amazing clog-busting ability is heat. As chemicals within the formula react with one another and with water in your pipes, they generate substantial heat. In fact, before your clog dissolves completely, the temperature within your pipes will reach the boiling level. Excessive heat can damage the adhesive which holds PVC pipes together, potentially creating damaging leaks. In some cases, the heat generated by chemical cleaners can even cause pipes to warp when the solution remains stationary for extended periods. Rather than risk damage, call in Charlottesville to remove the blockage safely. Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Corrosive Chemical drain cleaners are not smart; they cannot tell the difference between the materials that...

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What Areas in Your Home Need More Ventilation?

August 5, 2019

When hot or humid air is allowed to linger in a home, it can make for an uncomfortable living space. Excess moisture can result in mold, damage to walls and other problems that can be costly to repair. Therefore, it is important to know which spaces in your home may need to receive more ventilation than others. Ventilate Any Space Where Heat or Moisture Are Created The kitchen should have extra ventilation since you will use hot water to cook food or clean dishes. A bathroom is another good place to add an extra vent or a ceiling fan. This is because the act of taking a shower or bath can make the space extremely warm and humid. The folks at in Charlottesville can do an indoor air quality assessment to help you better understand why extra ventilation can be helpful in these rooms. Add Ventilation to Garages When the garage door is closed, it can be difficult for air to circulate within the space. This can be problematic during the summer months as moisture could eat away at insulation or cause damage to the door itself. When a garage is warm or humid, it may make the rest of...

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Warning Signs You Need a Water Heater Replacement

July 17, 2019

Having a new water heater installed is a major purchase that most homeowners dread and try to put off. However, ignoring the warning signs that your water heater needs to be replaced can end up costing you even more money. If you wait until your unit starts leaking, not only will you have to pay extra for an emergency installation, but you’ll also be left with potential property damage. If you notice any of the signs below, it is best to have a professional from check your unit and help you decide if it’s time for a water heater replacement. 1. Your Water Looks Rusty or Cloudy Water that looks cloudy or rusty can indicate that your water heater is starting to fail. Cloudy water can mean that the unit is allowing mineral deposits to travel out with your water. If you notice a change in the color or clarity of your water, contact a plumbing professional. 2. You Keep Running Out of Hot Water If you notice that you’re running out of hot water before your shower is over, it could also be a sign that you need water heater replacement. As sediment accumulates in older units, the available...

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4 Benefits of Properly Sealing Your Ducts

June 25, 2019

Because air ducts don’t cause obvious problems when they’re having issues, they’re often overlooked by homeowners. However, leaky ducts can cause higher energy bills and problems with rooms being too hot or too cold. Consider the following four benefits of proper duct sealing. 1. Even Heating and Cooling Throughout the Home Is one room in your home significantly hotter than another? One of the reasons this may happen is because your ducts aren’t sealed and insulated properly. By sealing and insulating your ducts, you can prevent having too hot or too cold rooms. offers duct sealing services in the Charlottesville, VA area. Our NATE-certified technicians prioritize getting the job done right the first time. 2. Improved Indoor Air Quality Pollutants both outside and inside your home can get into the ducts where they are circulated throughout the home when the heating and cooling system operate. Examples of pollutants that can get inside leaky ducts are secondhand smoke, garden chemicals, dust, mold, pollen, and household cleaning agents. 3. Saves Money on Heating and Cooling Ducts that aren’t sealed decrease your heating and cooling system’s efficiency by as much as 20%. Decreased efficiency results in higher energy bills. You will likely notice...

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3 Ways to Be More Energy-Efficient

May 22, 2019

Your heating and cooling system plays a big role in keeping your home comfortable during rough weather, but it also consumes a large amount of energy for its efforts. By taking a few simple steps to make your HVAC’s workload lighter, you can save both energy and money. Take a look at these simple tricks that our experts here at recommend for making your home more energy-efficient. 1. Seal Your Home’s Air Ducts Leaky air ducts are a major culprit behind home energy inefficiency. According to ENERGY STAR, leaky ductwork can lose as much as 30% of the air it transports, meaning your HVAC system has to work harder to make up for that loss. The harder your system works, the higher your bill is at the end of the month. Give us a call, and we’ll do a thorough inspection and patch up any leaks or holes we find. 2. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat Most homeowners don’t need to have their AC’s or heaters running full blast all day long, especially during the day when your house is empty. Programmable thermostats allow you to set certain temperatures in your home for specific times of the day. By adjusting...

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