Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Archive for May, 2011

Home Repairs You Don’t Want to Ignore

Monday, May 30th, 2011

There are a lot of things you need to take care of around your home. But, everything costs money so many homeowners will put off certain home repairs for weeks, months or even years until they can afford them. However, there are certain things around the house you simply should not put off. Not only can they cost you more money in the long run, they can put your home and your family at risk if you wait too long.

Dirty Filters

Dirty filters in your air conditioning, heating, or air quality system are a problem. Not only do they force your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a good temperature, they are frequently a major cause of airborne contaminants and pathogens. Imagine it this way; those filters are meant to remove something from your air. If they get dirty and are not replaced or cleaned, they probably aren’t working any longer and you can get sick. Dirty filters are inexpensive and easy to fix. Both you and your HVAC repairperson should see to them regularly.

Dryer Vents

Clogged dryer vents are more than just an inconvenience – they are dangerous. If your home has dirty dryer vents, the exhaust from your dryer isn’t able to escape. When this happens, heat will build up in the ducts. Not only can exhaust backup into your home, the risk of a fire goes up significantly. Have your dryer vents cleaned at least once a year and if you live in a two or three family house, make sure it is more often – closer to every 6 months.

Flexible Gas Connectors

Gas connectors are used to transfer gas from the supply entering your home to various appliances like your stove, water heater and furnace. So, there is a lot of natural gas passing through them each day. If they are not properly cared for, that natural gas can start to leak from the connectors and eventually build up in your home to an unsafe level. You should have a carbon monoxide detector installed on every floor of your home and you should have someone come out and check your system regularly for problems.

Water Leaks

Water leaks are more than just messy – they can cause damage to fixtures and floorboards and over time can lead to the growth of mold and the weakening of your entire home. Especially in concrete or foundational walls, water leaks need to be seen to immediately. Even just a small leak can cost you money and put your home at an increased risk of damage.

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Why Install a Bathroom Ventilation Fan?

Friday, May 27th, 2011

Your bathroom is one of the dampest rooms in your house. Without proper ventilation, you put it at risk of developing mold and mildew which can then spread and enter your home’s air supply. But, what kind of ventilation fan is best and how will it help you remove those unwanted allergens?

Choosing a Ventilation Fan

Step one is to find a ventilation fan that will remove excess humidity and moisture from your bathroom. When you take a shower, wash your face or run a bath, not only do you fill the room with a lot of water, you heat it up. With nowhere to go, that heat lingers and everything from tiles to wood fixtures will absorb the moisture. Over time, it leads to mold and mildew growth – some of it damaging to your bathroom, and much of it damaging to your health.

A ventilation fan must be efficient in removing the excess humidity in your bathroom and pushing it outside. But, that ventilation fan shouldn’t make your bathroom too cold or waste a great deal of the heating or cooling energy you pay so much for.

The best solution then is to get a fan that either connects to a central exhaust system to remove the humidity and air from your bathroom or use an energy recovery ventilator to keep the warm or cool air where it belongs. These systems will remove only the stale air filled with humidity and allergens.

Integrating with the Rest of Your Home

You can have a simple bathroom fan placed in your home that just blows air out of the room. This is effective and will reduce the risk of things like mold and mildew, but it’s costly to operate due to energy loss and it doesn’t integrate with the rest of your home well.

That’s why a good fan should be part of a larger exhaust and ventilation system. The type you need depends largely on the overall humidity of your home and your annual heating and cooling costs, but generally, a simple system that exchanges heat before air leaves your home will do the trick.

Most modern homes have bathroom ventilation already installed. If yours does not, take a closer look at the options currently available. You’ll find different sizes, types and brands designed to fit your particular needs. Whatever you choose, simple ventilation can do wonders for a previously damp and mildew filled bathroom.

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How Can I Stop My Toilet from Running?

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

Nothing is more obnoxious than the constant tinkling sound of a running toilet. When your toilet starts pouring water through at a record rate, it is time to take a peek inside and make sure everything is working properly. Luckily, most of the time, a running toilet is very easy to fix. It may only be that the tank flap or the diaphragm needs adjustment. Here are some quick tips to help you diagnose and repair that running toilet and get back the peace and quiet of your bathroom once and for all.

  1. Going In – Open the tank of your toilet take a close look at the various parts. First, check the ball cock – the valve linked to the large plastic ball that floats on top of the water in your tank. If the noise is coming directly from the valve or you can see obvious issues, the ball cock likely needs to be replaced. Sometimes, it needs only basic cleaning, which you should do first before running out to buy a new part. It also possible that the tank flap is having issues. Look for a small cone in the hole at the base of the tank. Press down on it to see if the sound stops. If it does, the tank flap likely needs replacement.
  2. Turn off the Water Supply – Before doing any more, turn off your toilet’s water supply. Do not worry – you should not need to go hunting for the valve. It is most often located next to the toilet on the floor of your bathroom.
  3. Replacing Your Parts – When replacing any parts for a toilet, always remove the old part first and bring it with you to the hardware store. Almost all toilets have slightly different parts that may not match up universally. By having the part you need, you can give it to an expert in toilet repair and they can quickly find the right replacement.
  4. Careful Replacement – Most of the time, replacement simply involves unscrewing or removing the part and placing a new one in place. However, if you own a low flush toilet or a specialty design that does not have the same parts or layout of a traditional tank-based toilet, you may need the help of a professional to avoid any unwanted accidents or issues in the replacement process.

Ideally, the entire process should only take the better part of a couple hours, including the time it takes to go to the hardware store and purchase your replacement part.

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Types of Drinking Water Filters

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

There are not many things more important than making sure that your home drinking water supply is safe and free of contaminants. All kinds of things can appear in your drinking water, and it is helpful to know exactly what types of contaminants are prevalent in your area so that you can make the best decision about what type of water filters to buy.

Some water filters work well at removing certain types of contaminants but not others. However, there are some good water filters that can get rid of almost all contaminants on their own. One such type is a distiller. Water distillers operate by heating the water coming into your home until it turns into steam. When water evaporates like this, it leaves behind anything it was carrying with it when it was in liquid form. The steam rises and moves into another chamber, and when it condenses back into liquid form again, the contaminants are no longer present.

Another type of water filter that removes the majority of contaminants is a reverse osmosis filter. These are excellent for removing things like asbestos, minerals, metals, salts and nitrates. For best results, however, you will want to purchase a system that incorporates some type of carbon filter as well. Carbon filters, placed either before or after the osmosis filtering system, are better at removing things like pesticides and radon. The combination of these two water treatment types into one filter system makes the solution more complete.

If you do not think you have a serious contamination problem but just want to get rid of bad tastes or smells in your water, activated carbon filters are a good and economical choice. However, you will want to make sure that you know exactly what contaminants the filter you purchase is designed to remove, as not all carbon filters are equally as effective against certain types of contaminants.

The most important thing to do before you go out and purchase a water filtration system, however, is to determine what exactly you are trying to remove from your water. The types of contaminants found in your water will vary a great deal depending on where you live and what types of pipes you have in your home, and that will directly affect the type of water filter that is right for you.

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Tips for Controlling Rainwater

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Rain is a necessary evil. It waters our lawns, replenishes the ground, stops dust from kicking up and wreaking havoc in our sinuses, and sometimes it’s even enjoyable to experience. Too much rain, however, can lead to all sorts of problems for homeowners. Hassles like flooding, leaks, water damage, and pests can be especially bad for people who live in particularly rainy areas. To make your life a bit easier, keep rainwater under control with some preventive measures.

Around The House

Rainwater clearly belongs outside, and if it gets inside, it can cause problems. Logically then, the first way to keep rainwater under control is to ensure structural integrity and proper drainage. Start on the roof by looking for any loose, damaged, or missing shingles. Replace these and patch any other spots that look troublesome. Repair all leaks promptly, no matter how small they are at first. Even a small leak can become a big problem in a storm, and can also lead to termite infestation. If you find extensive damage to the shingles – say, more than 20% – consider having the house re-roofed.

Next, clean out your gutters. This should be part of your routine spring maintenance list, as leaves and ice will have built up over the last several months. While you are up there, make note of any damage to the gutters and make repairs as necessary. Make sure your downspouts are clear of obstructions, flowing freely, and draining water away from the foundation. These steps are key to proper drainage of rainwater.

In The Yard

After taking care of the house, the next step is to head out into the yard. Take a walk through your yard and look for any areas where the grade is going back toward your house, as well as any depressions where water could pool. Essentially, you want to make sure that any excess rainwater in your yard will be effectively drained away from your house, in order to prevent flooding, water damage, and pest problems. Consider filling, grading, or installing a culvert or other drainage system to correct problems in the yard.

While you are at it, take a look at the driveway, too. Make a note of any cracks or holes that may need to be filled in, as these can also result in improper drainage. If you have a gravel driveway, consider having it graded if it hasn’t been done in a while.

Taking control of rainwater is all about keeping it out and away. These maintenance tips can help you do that.

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Spring Maintenance Tips For Inside the House

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Spring has sprung, and for homeowners that means more than just spring cleaning; it’s also the opportunity to take care of some home maintenance tasks. It may not be a ton of fun, but proper home maintenance is essential to keeping your home attractive and in good repair, as well as retaining its resale value.

Some simple maintenance once a year can also help avoid costly repair bills down the road. Below are a few tips on keeping the inside of your home maintained. Most of these are quick projects that can be done in your spare time over the weekend.

Ventilation, Heating And Cooling Tips:

  • Clean out your stove’s exhaust hood and change the filter. This will help the system to keep running efficiently and prevent damage to the motor, so that your kitchen is always well ventilated. A properly functioning kitchen exhaust system can also help prevent fires.
  • Change the furnace filter. The heating season may be behind you, but it will get chilly again before you know it. Changing your filter now as part of your spring maintenance will ensure that you don’t forget to do it in the interim, so your house will be properly heated when the chill of winter returns.
  • On the flip side, have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional. They can perform routine maintenance on the A/C system and make any necessary repairs. Taking care of this early in the spring will help make the hot summer months much more comfortable in your home.

Electrical Tips:

  • Hire an electrician to inspect the wiring and other components of your home’s electrical system. You can also do this yourself if you’re savvy, but unless you have experience, professional assistance is strongly recommended in order to avoid injury.
  • Have a look at your extension cords and power strips around the house. Replace any that are damaged or worn.
  • Check light fixtures to ensure installed bulbs are of the correct wattage. Using the wrong wattage bulb can cause electrical shorts, or draw more power than you need, making for an unnecessary expense. Consider replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.

Safety Tips:

  • Clean all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace the batteries.
  • Have your fire extinguisher inspected to ensure it works properly. Replace as needed.

By making time to perform these relatively simple tasks in the spring, you can help keep your home safe and comfortable, while also decreasing ownership costs in the long run.

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Whole House Fans vs. Attic Fans

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Air temperature in your home is a big issue in the summer. The cost of maintaining your air conditioner as it runs nonstop for hours at a time can be very high – as much as $4,000 for a single year of cooling. That’s why a lot of families turn to fan solutions to reduce how much they spend on their AC units each year.

How Fans Work

A fan draws in outdoor air to your home. That outdoor air will cool your home when the outside temperature is cooler than the indoor temperature. If the weather outside gets much warmer than 80°F, you will probably still need to use your air conditioner at least a little, but if it’s in the 70°F-80°F range, the temperature inside can be maintained simply by blowing cooler outdoor air into your home.

A whole house fan solves this problem by pumping fresh air into your home through the ductwork you already have in place. When the temperature outside is low enough, you’ll enjoy a much steadier, more comfortable level of cooling and save a lot of money.

However, for those that don’t want to install a completely new system for their entire house, attic fans offer a good chunk of savings as well.

Why Attic Fans Work

The idea behind an attic fan is simple. During the summer, all the heat in your home rises. Even with your air conditioning working at full capacity, heat will build up in the attic, especially if you don’t use that space and therefore don’t have any cooling ducts up there.

In some cases, attic temperatures can rise to 140°F or higher, which then raises the temperature of the rest of your home and forces your AC unit to work that much harder.

An attic fan is good because it takes the air from outside, almost assuredly cooler than 120°F and cycles it into your attic to keep the temperature lower. That simple fan can reduce indoor air temperature by as much as 40°F or 50°F and significantly reduce your air conditioner’s work load.

Which is Better?

Neither of these is better than the other. If you have low cooling costs and want to keep your attic from adding to them, an attic fan is perfect. However, if you want to cut into your cooling costs for all but the warmest months of the summer, a whole house fan may be the right option.

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How Do I Get More Fresh Air in the House During the Winter?

Friday, May 13th, 2011

Winter is a real bummer for many families. It’s cold and dark outside and to top things off, you have to keep your home sealed up nice and tight so the warm air produced by your boiler or furnace doesn’t escape. Not a lot of fun. Luckily, there are solutions to help you get more fresh air into your home. Which solution you choose will depend on a few factors, however.

The Simplest Way

The easiest way to get fresh air is to open a window. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive way. After all, the air outside is cold and by opening a window, you force all the air you just heated outside. Most modern heating systems can compensate for the energy loss, but it will cost you quite a bit over the course of the winter to heat not only your home, but your backyard.

That’s why there is so little circulation in the winter to start with. The need for effective insulation and weather stripping to reduce energy use and fuel costs led to increasingly sealed up homes.

Ventilation

So, ventilation is the next best option, and while there are fans and exhaust options that allow you to circulate air into and out of your home, the most cost efficient way to do so is with a heat recovery ventilator or for those with humidity problems, an energy recovery ventilator.

These devices contain advanced heat exchangers that will transfer the heat from your indoor air into new air as it is brought into your home. As fresh air is transferred inside, the heat is passed from indoor air to the outdoor air via a heat exchanger. By retaining the heat with a recovery ventilator, you keep your energy bills low and your home filled with fresh air.

The best part is that this same technology works in the summer if you want to let in a little fresh air on a sunny day. Instead of pouring all of that cool air conditioned air outside, you can simply use an energy recovery ventilator to draw heat out of new air as it enters your home. Heat and humidity stay outside and you stay nice and cool.

There are quite a few types of energy recovery ventilators, ranging from simple heat only models to advanced heat pumps that will gather lost heat from throughout your home. The size of your home and the climate in which you live will determine which the best fit is for you.

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What’s the Difference Between a Furnace and a Boiler?

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

When it comes time to choose a new heating system for your home, there is a good chance your choices are limited. Most homes already have either forced air or radiant heat equipment installed so choosing something different would be costly and unnecessary. But, if you have a choice or are moving into a new home, here are some things to consider regarding the difference between furnaces and boilers.

What a Furnace Does

A furnace uses a fuel like gas, oil or electricity to heat a series of coils in the device. The furnace then uses a blower to push air across the heated coil and into an air handler where it can be distributed throughout your home. This is called a forced air system and requires a combination of ducts and filters to keep air moving smoothly and cleanly throughout your home.

If you have access to gas, a gas furnace with an AFUE of 90% or higher is one of the most efficient and cost effective ways to heat your home. These furnaces can also last upwards of 20-25 years with proper maintenance.

What a Boiler Does

A boiler is different in that it uses water as the heat carrying medium, not air. Boilers still need gas, oil or electricity to heat up the water in the system, though they often use less of it than a traditional furnace – depending on the age of the furnace and the boiler. After water is heated in the boiler, your radiant heating system carries the water to baseboard heaters or radiators throughout your home. This form of heat is preferred by many because it doesn’t require ductwork (which requires extra maintenance) or extra air filtering and it is more humidity friendly in a large home.

In terms of efficiency, both boilers and furnaces are efficient if you’re buying a new model. Capacity is also evenly matched. Boilers take the edge in comfort level and if you have the budget, you can install radiant floor heating which allows you to pipe hot water directly into bathroom floors or your living space so that you never again need to walk on cold floors. Another benefit of radiant heating is that the system will hold heat much longer and then release it over time instead of turning on and off a lot as a furnace tends to do.

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Wood Stoves – Good Supplemental Heat Source or Not?

Monday, May 9th, 2011

Just as motorists are dismayed by high prices at the pump, homeowners must cope with the escalating cost of heating oil. As the cost of fuel rises, many people are searching for ways to reduce heating costs by cutting consumption– without freezing to death. One option some consumers have turned to is wood heat, but how good of a solution is it? Can a wood stove be an efficient and cost-effective heating source? It can, but it depends largely on your individual situation and needs.

The Drawbacks of a Wood Stove

Let’s start by looking at the drawbacks of wood heat. First, as is the case when burning any solid fuel, using a wood stove produces smoke. The possible adverse effects of this smoke on the environment have been debated, and some cities and other local governments have placed bans and restrictions on burning wood, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing a stove. There are also individual building codes to consider.

Secondly, wood can be a labor intensive heating source, as the wood needs to be chopped and split to size, stacked for storage, and hauled inside. Alternatively, you can buy wood that is already chopped and split, and pay someone to deliver and stack it, but that may offset the gains of supplementing your heating system to begin with. If these issues present a problem for you, your situation may be better suited to an alternative heating source, such as solar or geothermal heat.

Who Wood Stoves Are Best For

On the other hand, if burning wood is allowed in your community, and you don’t mind putting a little elbow grease into heating your home, wood heat may be for you. Depending on the size and type you choose, a wood stove can heat areas up to five thousand square feet, and they are relatively cheap, starting at around $800. As long as you have access to an affordable source of firewood, this initial investment can pay for itself in savings on your heating bill. Wood is also a renewable energy source, so it helps to sustain the environment and conserve precious fossil fuel resources. Plus, a wood stove provides the added benefit of that crackling fire sound, which can create a calming ambience in your home.

There are a few types of stove to choose from. The right choice for you – standard versus decorative, indoor versus outdoor – will depend on the size and physical layout of your home, your heating needs and individual preference. Whichever you choose, heating with wood is an excellent option for reducing your heating bill without sacrificing comfort.

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