Category: Land & Property

Here's How to Find the Right HVAC Company This Holiday Season

3 Things to Look for in a Heating and Cooling Company

Sometimes, finding the right HVAC company can take a lot of work. It’s common for homeowners to go through a few companies before finding the right contractor for their needs. Professionals want to help change this. They want homeowners to have the tools to find the right HVAC company the first time they search for one. 

There are three main tips that homeowners need to know. When they look for these specific things, they should be able to find the right contractor for their needs quickly. Whether for HVAC repair, maintenance, replacement, or installation, finding a reliable company is crucial to ensure the work is done safely and efficiently. Continue reading to learn how to find the right HVAC company before the holidays. 

The Importance of Positive Reviews

reviewsMore people are starting to realize the importance of reading reviews before buying things, and homeowners should also do this before hiring HVAC technicians. It’s almost unheard of for a company not to have some kind of web presence. Even if they don’t have their own website, they will most likely be mentioned on review sites by happy or angry customers writing reviews. 

Reviews can give homeowners the inside scoop on what happens during a typical service appointment by the said company. If customers take the time out of their day to write a review, they will have a good reason for doing so, whether satisfied or dissatisfied with their service. That is why reviews can be trusted, for the most part. 

Making Sure They’re Licensed and Insured

When finding an HVAC company, there is one rule of thumb that should never be ignored: always make sure the HVAC contractor hired is fully licensed and insured. Not only will this ensure they are knowledgeable in their field, but it also helps protect homeowners from any financial liability should something go wrong during the installation or repair process.

If the company’s technicians don’t have a valid license or active insurance or are hesitant to show the homeowner, the homeowner should consider other options. Luckily, if someone works for an HVAC company, the company will most likely ensure that all licenses are valid and that all employees and customers are protected under their insurance. Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask for proof from the company or workers assigned to the job site.  

HVAC Maintenance is Crucial

maintenanceScheduling professional maintenance is one of the most important things homeowners can do for their home’s HVAC system, so it’s vital to ensure the company offers maintenance when looking for a reliable HVAC company. It’s recommended to get maintenance twice a year, once for the heater and once for the air conditioner. 

Routine maintenance leads to benefits including: 

  • Lower utility bills
  • Fewer repairs and breakdowns
  • Fewer surprises 
  • Less money spent on repairs
  • A longer-lasting system
  • A more efficient system
  • A more consistent temperature throughout the home
  • Better indoor air quality
  • Keeps family safer 

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air 

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has more than 20 years of experience serving St. George, UT, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and 24/7 live answer, so homeowners never have to feel anxious about waiting to get professional advice on a plumbing or HVAC issue. Call them today for AC or heating services in St. George, UT.

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Learn Ways to Prevent a Plumbing Disaster This Thanksgiving

Prevent Plumbing Problems From Spoiling Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for spending time with family, giving thanks, and enjoying great food. But it can also be a time for disaster if homeowners are not careful. One of the most common disasters that can occur during the Thanksgiving holiday is a plumbing emergency. Here are some tips to help prevent a plumbing disaster this Thanksgiving.

A Clogged Toilet Can Ruin the Night

toiletNaturally, the restroom will be frequently utilized with an influx of guests, and no one wants to deal with a clogged toilet with guests over. But there are a few things homeowners can do to prevent clogged toilets. 

First, be sure to only flush toilet paper down the toilet. Do not flush anything else, such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, or wipes of any kind. These items will not break down and will cause a clog. A trash can should be placed next to the toilet to discourage visitors from flushing things that shouldn’t be flushed. 

Second, do not put too much toilet paper in the toilet at one time. Finally, if homeowners have small children in the home, teach them not to play with the toilet or flush anything other than toilet paper. By following these simple tips, homeowners can help prevent clogged toilets.

Prevent Clogged Sewer Lines

sewer lineThere are a few ways that a clog can form further down the sewer line. One way is if tree roots have grown into the pipe and are blocking the flow of sewage. Another way is if there is a break or blockage in the pipe itself. This can happen if the pipe is old and corroded or has been damaged by construction work or other activity near the sewer line.

A clog further down the sewer line can cause serious problems because it can prevent sewage from flowing out of a home or business. This can lead to backups, overflows, and flooding. In addition, a clog can cause the sewage to build up pressure inside the pipe, which can eventually cause the pipe to burst.

There are a few things homeowners can do to prevent clogs in the sewer line. First, ensure no tree roots are growing near the pipe. If someone has trees on their property, have them regularly root-trimmed to prevent them from growing into the line. Second, have pipes regularly inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure there are no breaks or blockages. If homeowners are planning any construction work near the sewer line, they should be sure to protect the pipe from damage.

Other common causes of clogs in the sewer line are cooking grease, fats, oils, and food debris. Homeowners can help prevent these clogs by avoiding putting any of these substances down a home’s drains. Instead, they should be disposed of in a garbage can.

Homeowners Should Be Thankful for Preventative Maintenance

Professional drain cleaning and maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent plumbing issues. A professional drain cleaning service will remove all the built-up debris and gunk from drains, leaving them clear and free-flowing. This not only prevents clogs but also helps to improve drainage performance and keeps the plumbing system running smoothly.

Regular drain cleaning also helps prevent sewer backups, which can be messy and costly to clean up. By having drains cleaned regularly, homeowners can avoid this expensive repair. A professional drain cleaning service uses various instruments and techniques that only experienced plumbers should use, such as:

  • Augers: Drain snakes or augers can be obtained from a home improvement store. However, they lack the power of motorized professional augers with spinning parts, which can remove stubborn oil, soap, pet hair, and other debris from inside pipes.
  • Hydrojetting: High-pressure water streams can clear various debris from drains and pipes. Water is pushed at a rate of thousands of pounds per square inch. The hydrojetting procedure is so successful that it can reduce the likelihood of future clogs or avoid them entirely in the short term.

Overall, having a professional perform drain cleaning and maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent plumbing issues. It's a simple, proactive step that can save homeowners time, money, and headaches down the road. 

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has two decades of experience serving St. George, UT, and the surrounding neighborhoods. They provide upfront pricing, same-day service, and the latest tools and technology. Call them today for plumbing or drain cleaning services in St. George, UT.

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Get the Heating System Ready For Fall With These Tips

Don’t Let Fall Get the Best of the Heater 

Fall is here, so let’s talk maintenance. HVAC maintenance, to be exact! Homeowners should have their HVAC systems professionally maintained at least twice a year. Ideally, once in the spring for the air conditioner and once in the fall for the heater, meaning it's heater maintenance time. 

Doing so will ensure that the system runs smoothly this year and for years to come. Not only will it help preserve the system for as long as possible, but it will also help cut back on energy bills! Routine maintenance benefits are unparalleled, and if homeowners know them, they might be more apt to get maintenance done regularly! So, professionals will discuss the benefits, as well as the importance of regularly changing the air filter and tips for monitoring energy usage. Continue reading to learn more!  

Heater Tune-Up 

maintenanceIt might not seem like much, but keeping up with regular HVAC tune-ups can drastically change the way the system behaves. Some of the benefits of routine professional maintenance include the following: 

  • A longer-lasting system
  • Fewer breakdowns and repairs
  • Fewer surprises 
  • Lower energy bills each month
  • Less money will be spent on the system in the long-term
  • Less stress and time spent wondering why the system isn’t working properly

With such benefits, it’s clear why professionals recommend maintenance to homeowners! It might seem like they are spending more money just to have the system checked twice a year, but if homeowners do this, they will save money in the long run. 

Typically during maintenance visits, professionals give the entire system a once (or twice) over. They check all the system parts to ensure everything works properly and clean the parts that need it. Technicians can better catch future problems when homeowners stick to a regular maintenance plan and can prevent breakdowns before they occur, so it saves the homeowner time, stress, and money! 

Change the Air Filters

filterThose that live alone or don’t have pets can typically replace their air filters once every three months. However, if homeowners have others who live in the home with them or pets, they should probably plan on replacing the air filters more often. Luckily air filters are cheap and easy to replace without professional help. Some air filters are even reusable and just need to be cleaned instead of being replaced altogether.   

Air filters are a crucial part of the HVAC system and must get changed when the old filter gets clogged. A clogged air filter leads to airflow problems with the HVAC system, and the system has to work overtime to heat or cool the home. Clogged air filters can also lead to many issues with the unit, including higher energy bills and even an overheating furnace, which can lead to furnace fires. 

Ensuring the air filters stay clean will also help to maintain excellent indoor air quality for those living within the home. Air quality is important because if it’s poor, those that live in the house could suffer from health issues like worsening allergy and asthma symptoms, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, among other things. 

Monitor Energy Usage Closely 

Monitoring energy usage is important because a sudden increase in energy usage can point to hidden issues with the HVAC system. It’s a warning sign indicating to homeowners that something is awry so they can call a professional to fix it before the issue worsens into a more costly problem. Luckily, there is an easy way to monitor energy usage with minimal effort. 

Homeowners can have a smart thermostat installed that tracks energy usage for them. Smart thermostats can change the temperature inside the home with preset settings or with a simple click from the homeowner’s smartphone! They are beneficial to the modern home, and every homeowner should consider installing one in their home to save on monthly energy bills. With these tips, homeowners can have a stress-free, money-saving fall season and year to come! 

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air 

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has over two decades of experience serving St. George, UT residents and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, straightforward pricing, and financing. Call them today for heater repair and maintenance in St. George, UT.

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Why Water Filtration Systems Are Essential For Every Home

Benefits of Water Filtration Systems

Any number of chemicals and contaminants can be floating inside regular tap water. Depending on location, these can include heavy metals, minerals, pesticides, fuel, and even prescription medications. A water filtration system helps purify water for washing hands, showering, and drinking. This blog discusses the benefits of water filtration systems. 

Safe and Better-Tasting Water

water Extra chemicals alter the taste of drinking water. Since there can be over 60 contaminants in regular tap water, the true taste is hidden from homeowners. A water filtration system like a reverse osmosis filter provides fresh water that tastes noticeably better and cleaner.  

Removing pollutants using a reverse osmosis water filter also makes tap water safer. This filter is purposely smaller to connect to the fridge or kitchen sink. When properly installed, it provides pure water that reduces the likelihood of skin irritation or infection. 

Water filtration is also associated with a stronger digestive system. Those who consume water without excessive toxins are less likely to suffer from gastrointestinal infections caused by calcium. Acid reflux and even ulcers can be avoided by drinking purified water.

Cost Benefits

save A water filtration system for the whole house can save homeowners a significant amount of money. Water filtration systems produce the same quality water as bottled water or better, and since it comes from the tap, this greatly reduces the amount spent on bottled water. Even households not buying bottled water daily will still save money from home filtration systems because this cost can be eliminated.

Another way that water filtration systems save money is by protecting the plumbing. Potential plumbing issues can occur due to contaminants from the water. Certain chemicals like chlorine or minerals like calcium will eventually cause corrosion. If this happens inside one of the main water pipes, this can be expensive to fix. With purified water, the lifespan of plumbing fixtures and appliances can be extended, preventing premature replacement costs.

It’s Better For the Environment

Water filtrations systems are also beneficial for the environment. Drinking water from a filtration system does not require plastic as bottled water does. Most plastic bottles don’t end up being recycled and instead end up in landfills or polluting the ocean. 

Single-use plastic water bottles cannot decompose in a matter of days. First, they must be broken down into particles. Microplastics are not easy to track and can find their way into food and water. They are also extremely harmful to sea creatures. By reducing the need for bottled water, water filtration systems help the environment.

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has over 20 years of experience serving the residents of St. George, UT, and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day service, and 24/7 live answer. Call them today for whole-home water filtration systems in St. George, UT.

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Class Is In Session: Air Conditioning 101

air conditioning unit

Let’s Start With the Basics

The need for homeowners to know more about their AC units is vital to the upkeep of their homes. Let’s get back to the basics of air conditioning. HVAC professionals want to cover topics like the different types of ACs available, signs an air conditioner needs repair, and maintenance. All of these topics are important for homeowners to be aware of to keep their ACs running efficiently, so save this article for later! That way, you can easily reflect on this information when needed! Let’s dive in and cover the topics of air conditioning 101!

These Are the Common Types of ACs

ductless mini splitThe two most common air conditioning systems on the market today are central air conditioning systems and ductless mini-split air conditioners. The main difference between these two types is that central ACs have ductwork that goes through the entire home. The ductwork is out of sight of those in the house, and the air flows through it. Central ACs are also controlled by a single thermostat. The thermostat controls the temperature throughout the entire home.

On the other hand, the ductless mini-split air conditioner doesn’t have ductwork. This system works by having a small unit in every room or zone of the home. Each unit has its own remote to control the temperature for that area of the house.

Central air conditioners are convenient because smart thermostats can now control the temperature in the home, so the homeowner doesn’t have to. Ductless mini split systems are more energy efficient, leading to lower utility bills, but their installation is typically more expensive than central AC. So, it’s up to the homeowner’s preference and what a professional thinks would work best with the home's architecture.

These Are the Common Signs It’s Time For Repair

higher energy billsOnce homeowners have their air conditioning system for a while, they may start to notice signs of the system not working as well as it once did. When the AC system begins to show some of these signs, it might be time for a repair or the unit to be replaced.

Here are some of the signs to watch out for:

  • The system makes strange sounds it didn’t use to make
  • The energy bills have gotten higher for seemingly no reason
  • The system is blowing warm air
  • The home doesn’t stay as cool as it used to
  • The system remains on all the time
  • The system has trouble turning on and staying on
  • The AC seems to have more problems than it used to

When homeowners notice any of these signs, they should call in a professional to take a look. The professional will be able to tell if a repair will fix the problem or if a replacement is inevitable.

Maintenance Tips

Just like with anything else, maintenance for air conditioners is not only recommended. It’s a must! Professionals recommend that homeowners have their system maintained by a professional at least once a year; twice is preferred, with one visit being for the AC and the other for the heater.

Professionals check the entire system from head to toe to ensure that nothing is wrong, but there is something that homeowners can do on their own time to help maintain the system also. Homeowners should change the air filter at least once every three months to keep the system working efficiently until their next maintenance appointment!

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air Is There!

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has over 20 years of experience serving the community of St. George, UT, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and 24/7 live answer. Call them today for air conditioning services in St. George, UT.

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