Countryside Plumbing & Heating Blog

When it comes to your AC system it can be quite scary when it has a problem. Sometimes it picks the worst time, like the middle of a hot summer day, to go out. You might find that it is an easy fix and other times it is not as easy. Those times you may need a technician. There are some common reasons as to why your AC may break down or not run properly. Take a look at these three options and find out why your AC may be down.

Needs Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is critically important for your AC system. Taking care of your AC unit should be like you take care of your car. This maintenance and preventative care can keep your AC unit running smoothly. If it has been a while since it has had an inspection or cleaning, this could be your problem. Many people do not even think of cleaning or inspecting their unit until something is wrong. By taking the time to do preventative maintenance you can avoid these costly repairs that come along. 

Filters Are Clogged

Unfortunately this is a common problem for AC units. Fortunately, it is an easy fix. Filters in your return can become clogged or blocked from debris in the home. You can end up with extremely dirty filters and if you do not change them out or clean them, they cause problems. This is a simple fix. You need to change out your filter every month. They also make filters that can be washed and reused. Be sure you know which one you have as they cannot all be washed out and still work. Make yourself a reminder to change or clean out your filter each month. This not only helps your AC run smoother but helps you breathe cleaner air.

Freezing Up

You may notice ice on the outside unit and this can cause damage to your unit. If you notice it freezing up you should immediately turn off the unit and let it defrost. You may have a blocked line or coolant leak somewhere in the system. By defrosting it you can try to find the problem and reduce the risk of permanent damage taking place. You may need to call in a technician for this situation. It all depends on how much experience you have with AC systems. 

Three common reasons your AC system goes down are maintenance issues, filters and freezing up on the outside units. Some of these are easy to fix and others may require outside help. Be sure to keep an eye on your unit and if you notice any issues give your technician a call. They can help you to take care of the problem and find out a quick and simple solution. Always have preventative maintenance run on your AC system every year to prevent major issues. You can avoid costly repairs by spending a little each year to have this critical step done. 

For more details call (800) 542-4243 or click here.

Calling a plumbing contractor to clean up your blocked toilet is just one of the most convenient ways to solve the issue. Sadly most of the professional plumbers ask for up-wards of 100 dollars for the task. It might be rather unpleasant to spend that much of money in this time of economic crisis and job reduction.  However, the good news is there are some unique ways you can unclog that toilet yourself without having to call in an expensive plumber.

Wire

Yet another simple, yet effective device that helps in unclogging toilets is the wire. This extensively available item can be utilized to get to inside the bowl and delete items like plastic bags, etc. that cannot flush down the drain. You do not need to purchase a wire from the market. Simply take any commonly utilized product like a hangar and straighten it to make a wire. A pliable rubber pipeline can be an excellent substitute for a wire and can easily be made use of to clean a clogged pipe line.

Boiling Water and Dish Cleaning Agent

If the boiling water alone is inadequate, perhaps a pot of steaming water and detergent should work. Pour about a 1/4 cup of your preferred green cleaning agent, and let it to lube the lodged object while you wait for the water to boil. Pour in the boiling water making certain not to spray on yourself and hope that it will work ... or else you might need to get a little messy.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Adding a cup of baking soda as well as white vinegar and pouring down a sink drain has actually been known to unplug it, and could manage a toilet. This is of the toilet is not so loaded with water that the mix will end up too diluted when added in the bowl. If this is the case, then move right to the steaming water and dish detergent technique.

Tapping to Unclog Toilet

Giving your toilet a little tap is something you want to attempt first. It is fast and straightforward and all that is required is your shoe or your plunger’s wood handle. You will notice on the edge of your toilet, where you sit, and locate the bulge behind it that looks like a snake. This is the area you will want to tap with a soft object that is softer than the porcelain to ensure you do not break it. Your shoe’s rubber sole can be sufficient but if not utilize the plastic or wood handle of your plunger and begin tapping lightly on this snake bulge on the toilet. You will be impressed. If it does not function initially continue while utilizing the above steps as well and you should probably get it to work.

For more details call (800) 542-4243 or click here

When you and your serviceman decide it is time to start looking for a new home cooling system, you have more options than ever before. You do not need to go with the same type of system you have always had, you can upgrade to something more modern, efficient and green.

Size of Unit   

The first thing you need to figure out is how much of a unit you need to have your home at a comfortable temperature year round. You need something that has enough power to work on the whole house but do not want something that is rated for a much larger home. A large unit will keep your home at the right temperature but will use more energy and cost you more in utility bills.

Ductless System

Something else you may want to consider is a ductless system. This allows you to create separate climate zones in the house. If you like to keep the upstairs cooler for sleeping but there is a game room that needs to be a bit warmer, having a ductless system will allow this. You will save money by only using the units in the rooms it is needed and by not losing air through the ducts. It has been proven that up to 30 percent of your warmed or cooled air is lost through gaps and cracks in the ducts.

Brand

When you are buying a system, different brands will be offering different incentives. If you find a unit that will work in your house find out if there is a special going on for that brand. If not, you may want to look at a brand that is offering a special to see if you can save money and still get a system that will work right.

Installation

Be sure to find out if the quoted price includes installation or if that will be an additional fee. If you are buying the system from an HVAC company the price will almost always include installation. When buying from a department store you will probably have to add in the cost of having the unit installed. You may find it is cheaper to hire an HVAC technician on your own to have the system put in.

Warranty

Every new unit will come with some type of warranty. It is important to read it and see what is and what is not covered. Make sure you are comparing like warranties when considering which system to buy. Another thing you should consider is buying the extended warranty that is offered by the selling company.

When buying a new system, it is always best if you can make the purchase during the time of year when you will not be needing to have the house heated or cooled. This will keep your home comfortable and at the same time give you more time to find the best deal and have it installed. An added bonus is that you will not be paying high utility bills at the time so will not feel too much stress financially.

For more details call (800) 542-4243 or click here

A garbage disposal is a common luxury that many home owners have in their home. This system allows home owners to get rid of a lot of their waste a very simple way. Garbage and food items can be placed in the garbage disposal so that home owners can get rid of these items quickly. However as beneficial as the garbage disposal can be, many home owners do not understand how to work one properly. many times, home owners will place items in the garbage disposal that do not belong. Below are three common items that should never be put in the garbage disposal. 

Grease, Oil, Fat

A common factor involved in cooking is grease or oil. Any type of fat is commonly used to cook with and theses substances must be disposed of when the cooking is completed. However, these items should never be placed in the garbage disposal. As grease cools, it begins to solidify. If this type of item is placed inside a garbage disposal, it will cause the unit to stop working as it will have a large solid blocking the drain. 

Stringy Vegetables

Another item that many home owners place down their garbage disposal is stringy vegetables. These vegetables, such as celery, lettuce, chard, kale, potato peelings, can wrap around the blades of your garbage disposal and cause the unit to clog and freeze up. It is essential that these items are not placed in the garbage disposal to keep the unit clear and working properly. 

Pasta

Another item that many home owners put down the garbage disposal that does not belong is pasta. When cooking with pasta, one will notice that the noodles will expand. As the pasta hits the water, it begins to grow and grow. If pasta is placed inside the garbage disposal, it is guaranteed to get wet. Once the pasta becomes wet, it will begin to grow. This can cause the drain to stop up and the blades of the unit to become caught on the noodles. Always refrain from placing pasta down your garbage disposal. 

It is essential that home owners remember to keep their garbage disposal clear of items that will do harm. Keeping your garbage disposal clear will ensure that the unit continues to function as it should and you will have little to no difficulty. If you do have problems with your garbage disposal, remember to contact your local plumbing company for quick repair service. 

You have most likely heard the old saying what goes in must come out. That is true for a variety of things in your home. Your food, your drink and the air you breathe are all vital components to you and your family staying healthy and happy. Did you know the air quality in your home or business should be an area of concern and caution for you? When your air quality is less than desirable it can be making you sick and causing you to have breathing problems or other illnesses. Testing your air quality is a great way to know what you are breathing in. It can also help you determine if something could be causing illnesses in your home or if your quality is less than desirable. Here are just a few reasons why this is so important in your home or business. 

Mold Growing In Ducts

By testing your air quality you can find out if there is any mold or bacteria growing in your air ducts that could be causing you breathing problems. Some people have severe allergies to mold and it can cause quite a few serious health issues for them. If you notice mold around your home or if you notice reoccurring health issues you can not find the source for, this could be the problem. By having a technician come into your home or business you can discover what might be lurking in those air vents. This is especially important if you have problems with humidity in the home or if it has been closed up for a while. 

Your Health

Your family and your health can be affected by the quality of air in your home. When there is a lot of allergens or pollutants lurking through your air vents they are making their way into your lungs. Asthma and allergies are just two ailments that can be affected by there being pollutants in the air. Remember you are constantly breathing these items in and they can make you sick. Other problems include items like legionnaires disease or bacteria in the air. These items lurk in ventilation systems and can cause major health problems. 

Your entire family can breathe easier when the air is of good quality and allergens and pollutants are reduced or eliminated. When your air is tested it can also tell you what is in the air and you can come up with solutions to get rid of those problems. 

Peace Of Mind

You can rest easy knowing that the air you and your family are breathing in is clean and safe. There's nothing like having mysterious illnesses that can't be figured out. By checking your air quality and fixing the issues there your family can be back to optimal health in no time. You will be glad you checked it when the source of your problems is found. Talk with your air technician if you want to have your air quality tested and make sure your home is safe. 

Most home owners have found that it is essential to install a geyser heating system in the bathroom of the home. This system will provide convenience as well as comfort. However, if a bathroom heating geyser is not installed properly, health hazards can occur. It is very important that home owners follow the proper installation tips if they plan on installing their own unit. Below are four tips to consider when installing a heating geyser.

Space

It is very important to make sure that you have the space for the geyser. The amount of space needed for installation will depend on the capacity of the geyser. You will want to be sure to measure the geyser and the space in the bath room to make sure there is enough room for installation.

Location

Once you have determined that you have enough space you will need to decide the exact location and height of the heating geyser. The geyser should be located away from wet areas, so the installation space should be away from the bathtub, shower, skin or toilet. The unit should be raised above the floor and should be installed at optimum height so the unit can be shut off when needed.

Electrical Connections

A heating geyser needs to have a secure electrical connection to be sure that there is no risk for electric shock. The switches should be placed outside of the bathroom to be sure that electrocution cannot happen. If you cannot place the switch in the outside area, then look for an area that is dry. Each of the electrical connections will need to be insulated from water and then hidden behind the walls.

Water Lines, Pipes and Wooden Support

When installing a heating geyser, it is also important to ensure that there is a proper connection from the water source to the heater as well as vice versa. You want the water pipe to stay clean and free of clogs to provide the unit with a simple supply of water. It may be beneficial to hire a professional to help you with the installation. Normally a plumber or technician would use wooden blocks in the wall to support the geyser with anglers and screws. If the unit is not installed with quality support then the unit can fall or be a hazard. Contact your local technician for assistance before installing a unit on your own if you feel you lack the experience needed for installation.

The plumbing system in the home is essential to the everyday life of home owners and their families. The plumbing system allows for us to be able to wash our clothes, clean our dishes, mop, shower, use the restroom; a number of things. Most of us take our plumbing system for granted until it breaks down. Below are a few tips to help repair minor plumbing issues so your home can continue to function as normal.

Unblocking Traps

A common area for a plumbing blockage is the trap area. This area is the basin trap which is located just below the sink. A snake can unclog this area but usually the area will need to be disassembled for the blockage to be removed. You will need to place a bucket or large bowl under the sink and then unscrew the trap to remove the blockage. Once you have done this, the system should work normally.

Unclogging a Sink Drain

A clog in the bathroom is a very common occurrence. The clog will usually occur at the top of the drain and a plug adjustment arm can be used easily to remove the clogging problem. To do this, remove the spring tab from the adjustment arm. The ball valve from the sink trap then needs to be removed. You will then need to remove the pop-up plug and then use the air to remove the debris that is clogging up the sink.

Stopped up Toilet

A stopped up toilet is also a common drain problem and this can be very annoying. A toilet that is clogged can be a major occurrence especially if you only have one toilet. To start this process, try a plunger first. If the plunger does not work, you will need to use a snake for the job. The snake will loosen the blockage and help it be removed.

Simply pull a section of the snake out to use on the toilet. Use the snake to go down the drain to try and find and loosen the blockage. If this does not work, you may need to use a drain cleaning product to help break up the clog.

Low Water Pressure in Shower

If you have low water pressure in the home, it can easily be fixed. Low water pressure is never good in the shower so home owners who experience this problem can repair it. Simply unscrew the shower head and then unscrew the spray plate. You will need to place the spray plate in descaling solution. Leave the solution on for some time and then remove any scale that may be on the shower head. You are now ready to replace the shower head and you will no longer have low water pressure!

Cleaning

The best way to avoid problems with your plumbing system is a thorough cleaning on a regular basis. You can use certain products to keep your lines clear and regular inspections of these systems will aid in keeping your unit in check.

The natural path of heat is that it will flow from a hot area to a cooler area. Heat naturally wants to spread across a space to create equilibrium.

There are three different ways that heat moves: radiation, conduction, and convection.

The first way that heat moves is radiation.  Radiation is the way the sun heats the earth. The sun is so hot that the heat from the sun flows to the earth. When the sun is out, you can feel the heat on your skin. If you skin is exposed to the sun for too long then it will burn from radiation.

Another type of heat movement is conduction. Conduction happens when heat passes through a solid object and heats that object up. This is what happens when you heat a pot on the stove. The heat moves through the metal of the pot to heat the contents.

The third type of heat movement is convection. Convection occurs when heat moves through air or water that is heated. This happens in a forced air furnace. A furnace heats air and then that air is moved throughout a house using blows pushing it through vents into the home.

The home can become heated when it is warmer outside than it is inside. When this happens, we usually want to cool our homes, but we can slow the heat by insulating our houses well. There are ways to help save energy by planting shade trees or with painting with special barrier paint that reflects radiation. This helps stop heat from entering the home. Solar window screens can also partially block the sun. There is also reflective film on the market that can be put over windows to help block out part of the sun's rays.

This is good during the summer, but during the winter we want to our homes to collect as much as the heat as possible. Shade trees that bloom during the summer, work really well in the winter because they will not shade during the winter.

Insulation slows the absorption of heat into a home by slowing down the movement of the heat. Insulation can be used in attics, ceilings, floors, and walls. The more you have, the move energy efficient your home will be.

Sometimes heat escapes the home and that isn't what we want. It can escape from around windows, under or above doors, or through vents or chimneys. To help save energy and money, it is best to stop heat from escaping through the areas. So it is best to block any means of escape for your heated or cooled air. By putting weather sealing, barriers, and insulation can help you save energy and money.

Gas furnace heating options are one that many home owners use to heat their home each and every winter. A gas furnace is a great choice for home owners because the entire home can be warmed during the colder months. It is important to make sure that you can afford to heat your home each month during the winter season and below is a list of cost cutting tips for your gas furnace.

Temperature Setting

A great option to cut cost with your gas furnace is the temperature setting. If you can handle the temperature at around 68 degrees, you will be able to save money each month on your utility bill. If you are cold with this temperature in the home, simply cut back the temperature as you sleep so you can save money on your utility bill.

Gas Prices

If you have the opportunity to purchase your gas ahead of time for your unit, you can be sure to purchase your gas when prices are low. This will help you cut cost and overall save money with your furnace unit.

Space Heaters

Another way to save money is to invest in space heaters or an alternative to your gas furnace. This way, you will use less gas and low power wattage will be used to heat the home during the waking hours.

Cleaning

It is also important to clean your gas furnace regularly. You can do this yourself, or you can hire someone to do it for you. Once your unit is clean, it will be able to continue to function efficiently and help you save money.

Maintenance

Another very important cost cutting option is maintenance. Maintenance service for your heating unit has a low cost and can be conducted on a regular basis. Maintenance services will see a full inspection of your unit as well as cleaning options. Though this service has a cost, you will be able to save hundreds of dollars by keeping up with your unit. Repairs will be avoided and your unit will continue to work at maximum efficiency which will help you save money each month.

Overall, each of these tips can be used to help you save money with your gas furnace system. You can also contact your local HVAC provider to see what other steps can be taken to save even more money with your heating system!

Your air conditioning system is not just there to keep running and cooling the air all the time. There should be a time when you will need to service your system and have some one or two things replaced. This is certainly due to the fact that, as the system does its job, it will be subject to the problems which get into any system.

There will be parts which will wear out and hence they will require replacement and there will be others which will require you to clean them. In all these maintenance work, there will be the need to carry out the inspection of the system so as to establish what sort of activity should be carried out to which part. So you should be knowing about how to inspect your system so that you can be able to establish the best thing to be done to the system.

One of the routine inspections which should be carried out on an air conditioner is the checking of the air ducts. This will of course happen to those systems which require the duct system for the transportation of air. These air ducts will need to be inspected every now and then as they could be the difference between a well working system and one which is not working. This is simply because, if the air ducts gets any form of leakage, then your system will not be able to perform all the duties which it is supposed to do. This is because the cool air which should be taken to the different rooms will get lost somewhere on the way and so the target of cooling that room will never be achieved. So you should make sure that the air ducts are well sealed and working well.

You should also ensure that you have inspected the air filters which are in the main component. This because these filters will be playing a great role in the ensuring that the system is able to clean the air from any form of bacteria’s. So as you think of inspecting, you should not forget the filters which in most time will require to be cleaned and after some time of service be replaced with new ones. You should also ensure that you are inspecting on whether the refrigerant level is up to the required level. Again this will so much influence on how your house will be cooled.

Air conditioners are one of the most important domestic and commercial appliances required for maintaining thermal comfort and since these lead to a huge investment, it is important to choose the right air conditioning system for your home or office. Selecting an AC unit depends on several factors such as number of doors and windows present in the room, insulation, and shade area for the outer AC unit and many more. Before planning to buy an AC system, be clear about design and type of the air conditioner you opt for and check if it satisfies your needs and requirements.

The various types include central air conditioners, split systems, wall mounted or window types and portable air conditioners. It is always important to consider several factors in order to find the best air conditioning solutions.
Here are some of the important tips to choose the best air conditioning systems:

Research: Make a thorough research on the various types and designs of air conditioning units offered by different companies before making a choice. You can also go online and check various companies' websites to compare the products. You may also go through various magazines or contact the AC technicians for a better choice.

Size: Make sure to choose the right size of the AC unit depending on the size of your room. Measure the room's size before purchasing the unit so that you can make a perfect choice.

Energy Efficient: When you choose an air conditioning system, look for the energy efficiency ratings so that the unit consumes less energy. Now-a-days, there are plenty of AC units available with latest technologies and trends which save huge amount of money on your utility bills.

Cooling Capacity: Usually, the cooling capacity of an AC machine is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units). Check if the system offers highest count of BTU and if it guarantees good cooling capacity.

Budget: After you have chosen the size of the system, compare the prices of various machines and choose the one that best suits your budget. Never assume that only costly units are always better; there are machines at cheap rates that offer good service.

Choosing the right company: It is important to choose the right company just like it is important to choose the right air conditioning system. Check for the installation charges because there are few companies that also offer installation free of charge. You may also be qualified for a low interest financing when you make a good research on the various companies.

When you have a central air conditioner in the home, as many people do, you certainly want it to operate with a very high level of efficiency. That is the key to the safety and comfort of you and your family, as well as keeping those utility bills under control. 

If you have had a talk with any HVAC professional, they would have told you that one of the aspects that makes this happen is to maintain the system correctly. As a result, you will have maintenance scheduled. 

It could be that you need a repair, but that it is something that can be taken care of with some simple maintenance tasks. Whatever it is, it won't hurt you to know what the service person generally goes through when he visits your home. 

These are things that are critical to conducting proper maintenance of your system:

• The electric connections must be tightened and the motors must be checked. When these things are not operating properly, your system is not going to operate the right way and you are going to burn it out. 

• Lubrication is important. All the moving parts of the system have to be lubricated. If they're not, your system is going to have to work harder. When there is more effort going into running your system that is going to take more energy and translate to higher utility bills. Sure maybe this is something you could do yourself, but it is better left to an AC professional. 

• Make sure the condensate drain isn't plugged. If it is, you are going to have problems. You'll wind up with massive water backup and the humidity level, which is something your air conditioner is supposed to control, will get, in effect, out of control. 

• How about the controls on your system? They have to be working properly. Does you system turn on and shut off the right way? This sounds simple, but it has an impact on the safe operation of any AC. 

• The thermostat must be set the right way. A lot of people don't know how to use the thermostat, and this can especially be the case when it comes to one that is programmable. Let the AC professional show you how to manage that part of your system, because when you can actually set the controls of your temperature according tot he time of day, you could be in for a lower energy bill. 

Nobody can survive without air conditioning these days. We become sweaty, kids develop rash problems and everybody faces an acute drop in productivity and energy levels. Thus, its not much of a surprise to see most of us stumped when our air conditioner runs to a grinding halt in the middle of a busy, swelteringly hot, sunny day. 
 
To most of us, this would mean a nightmare of waiting for hours before an on-call serviceman shows up, and then probably waiting for days before your air conditioner is fully repaired and back on your wall. But almost all of us overlook this question of just how affordable these air conditioner repairs are. There are two kinds of air conditioner owners. Those that get maintenance done regularly, even more than regularly, just so as to prevent problems, and then we have those who continue to use their air conditioner even when a problem appears, without bothering to have it repaired till the air conditioner breathes its last. 
 
Waiting till the last minute and postponing your air conditioner repair even after a problem appears is probably the last thing anybody should do. When the air conditioner does eventually stop working, it will cost you a lot more to get it repaired than usual. There are a number of ways to avoid this unnecessary expense. The obvious would be to get the problem rectified as and when it appears. Another option, while it requires more work and punctuality, has more lasting benefits. This option, usually overlooked, is called maintenance. Have your air conditioner serviced by a professional at-least once every six months. 
 
A professional can check the direction of air flow, inspect the coils and assess its efficiency. When done on a regular basis, this greatly improves the performance of your air conditioner, and improves the efficiency by almost 1.5 times. Next comes proper and frequent up-gradation. The speed at which technology's moving currently, any appliance we purchase today becomes outdated in a few years, and sometimes maybe even just a year. Thus, it is very important for you to have your equipment up to date, and in sync with the current technology. Not only does this give you the latest possible comforts, it is very easy to find spare parts in the case of failure of some of the components in your air conditioning unit.

Air conditioners play an important role in our lives. It is very important to keep our air conditioning systems maintained and in proper working order. But sometimes, the repairs are just too great and a replacement is needed.

Understanding your system is very important. When parts of an air conditioner break down, it may be one or several parts that are broken. It is best to replace the entire system since each part works together harmoniously and changing out just one part may not solve the problem.

1. The Two main parts of an Air Conditioner: The Evaporator and The Condenser

Air conditioners have two main parts: the Evaporator and the Condenser. The evaporator is located inside the ductwork and it works absorbing heat from inside the air towards the refrigerant.

The condenser is located outside of the home or business and it works to squeeze heat out of the refrigerant and pushes it outside.

2. Replacing only one of the two may not solve the problem

Most times, when repairs are needed, it is the condenser. One may think that replacing the condenser will fix the problem but that is not the case. The two main parts work together and replacing one part can make the two have trouble working together.

The two must adjust to how each one work’s and replacing one may still see problems with your air conditioner.

3. Replacing the entire system is always the best solution.

The evaporator can start to make problems because it can absorb too much heat and then the condenser will overheat. If the evaporator does not get the right amount of heat it will freeze. The only way to make sure the two are going to work together is to replace both main components.

It is usually very easy to match both parts when a new air conditioner is installed. However it can be hard to match components when a system is older. So it is best in this instance to replace the entire system.

The decision is yours. If your air conditioner is causing problems, have it inspected. If only one part is damaged, you can choose to just replace that part. Just be aware that you may encounter problems with your system in the coming months.

Also be aware that if you have an older system, it may be difficult to find replacement parts so an entirely new system may be needed. Be sure to contact a top rated HVAC contractor to diagnosis your system so you will know exactly what is wrong with your system.