Company: Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

All Homeowners Need To Know About Mini-Split Cooling

Do Ductless Mini-Split Systems Work All Summer Long?

Whether it’s time for a new air conditioner or not, there is a cooling system on the market that homeowners need to know about. Until now, central cooling has been the primary cooling system for homes across America. However, ductless mini-split systems make their way into homes and prove to have some amazing benefits for homeowners. One of the great benefits homeowners can experience this Independence Day is the convenience of a cool home, no matter how many guests are at the house. 

The 4th of July parties tend to make indoor temperatures rise because people walk in and out all day long. The constant traffic flow makes it hard for central cooling systems to keep up. Homeowners with ductless mini-splits don’t seem to have this issue! Continue reading to learn more about this type of cooling system. 

What Is It Anyway? How Does It Work?

A ductless mini-split system is a cooling system with an indoor and outdoor unit, much like a central cooling system, only without all the ductwork. It isn’t a new invention but a cooling system that has recently become more popular in modern households. 

Here’s how it works: 

  • There are indoor unit heads in each room of the home. These unit heads pull in the warm air from the room.
  • That air is then transported to the condenser unit outside. 
  • The condenser unit works much like a central cooling system condenser unit
  • The warm air runs through the system where it is cooled. 
  • The cool air is then sent back into the unit heads inside the home to cool the individual rooms. 

Is It Better Than Central Cooling? ac

It’s difficult to say which system is better, but ductless mini-split systems are more efficient than central cooling systems. For one, the mini-split doesn’t require the long and extensive ductwork that the central cooling system does. This also means that installation and upkeep are a lot easier than central cooling systems because homeowners don’t have to worry about ductwork causing air quality and breakdown issues. 

Secondly, the ductless mini-split cools each room down individually. Some rooms are harder to cool down than others, especially in large homes with many rooms. This is where ductless mini-split excel the most because they can cool down the warmer rooms without overworking the system to cool down the entire home in the process. 

How Does It Help Indoor Air Quality?air quality

As mentioned above, ductless mini-splits tend to help with indoor air quality specifically because there isn’t any ductwork that gets dirty and causes the air quality to suffer. The mini-split system has a filter in each unit head in each room. All the homeowner needs to do is routinely replace those filters to ensure that the air quality is clean and free of debris. 

Dirty ductwork can also cause central cooling systems to overwork, which leads to the unit giving out before its life expectancy. In contrast, a ductless mini-split doesn’t have to worry about being overworked due to dirty ductwork because there isn’t any ductwork involved in the first place. 

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air Keeps Homes Efficient 

The professionals at Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air always do their best to ensure their customers are safe and satisfied. They care about their St. George community and have worked for more than 20 years to provide top-rated services for them. It’s time to call Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air! Call now for ductless mini split service!

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Don't Allow a Broken Dishwasher To Keep You From Summer Cookout Fun!

A Broken Dishwasher Can Take You Away From the Backyard Party

It’s never fun to have an appliance break down or start malfunctioning. It’s even worse when it’s a major appliance that sees near-daily use, like the dishwasher. And there’s no worse time for problems to arise than in the middle of a dinner party or summer barbeque - no one wants to get stuck washing all the dishes by hand while the party continues without them.

Fortunately, most serious dishwasher issues are preceded by warning signs. And even the ones that come out of left field can usually be resolved fairly quickly - or prevented altogether. Read on to discover what problems may arise, what to do about them, and how to help protect against them.

Most Common Dishwasher Issuesdishwasher

While older dishwashers (8-12 years old) are more prone to problems, issues can also arise in newer models if they’re not properly maintained or operated. Some of the most common issues include unpleasant odors, hard water stains, and the dishwasher not draining or draining slowly. These can result from a clog in the garbage disposal or inadequate cleaning of the filter, drain grate, and sprayer arm.

Other issues include water leaking from the door, the dry cycle not getting hot enough, and loud, unusual noises when the dishwasher is running, all of which are typically more serious issues that may require the expertise of a professional to resolve.

Plumbers To the Rescue!plumber

Most people reach for the number of an appliance repair service when their dishwasher starts acting up. But licensed plumbers are well-versed in the ways of dishwashers as well. They can investigate the problem to determine whether the root cause is in the surrounding plumbing or the dishwasher itself, then perform the necessary repairs, including: 
  • Unclogging the kitchen drain pipe
  • Replacing a gasket, heating element, or pump
  • Tightening a drain hose coupling

And since dishwasher problems can happen at any time, the best plumbing company is one that’s available around the clock.

Basic Dishwasher Maintenance

The best way to prevent dishwasher problems is with proper operation, simple cleaning, and maintenance. Scraping and pre-rinsing dishes before loading them will help prevent clogs. Loading the dishes efficiently so that they’re not nesting or obstructing the sprayer arm will ensure that they get properly cleaned.

Clearing the drain grate and filter of any food particles is imperative for avoiding clogs, as these particles will eventually break down into a sludgy substance that can easily gum up the drain. This should be done every 1-2 weeks, if possible. In addition, using a toothpick to remove any debris from the jet holes on the sprayer arm will ensure that it spins and sprays correctly.

Wiping down the door and door gasket with a damp cloth and a little dish soap will help prevent leaks. Removing the racks and doing the same to the inner walls will keep away mildew and mold growth. For specific instructions on more in-depth maintenance tasks, homeowners can consult their dishwasher’s owner’s manual.

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

The friendly experts at Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air have been serving St. George, Utah for over 20 years. Their licensed and background-checked technicians are available 24/7 to handle any emergency that arises. Walker guarantees 100% satisfaction on every plumbing job.

How Does an AC Work?

How Air Conditioners Help Homes and Businesses Stay Cool

In the developed world, it’s rare to come across a home that doesn’t have some form of air conditioning. In some parts of the world - the extreme summer heat in some regions would be unbearable without air conditioning. But despite their prevalence and ubiquitousness, not many people know what makes their AC system tick. 

There’s a common misconception that AC units pull air from outside, cool it down, and pump it indoors. In reality, the process is quite different - and more interesting. Having a general grasp of how an AC system functions can be valuable for preventing problems and troubleshooting any issues that do arise.

Key Parts of an Air Conditioner

hvac parts

While air conditioners vary by size, shape, and design, every system uses the same key components to accomplish the task of cooling and dehumidifying the space it serves. These are the thermostat, blower, evaporator, condenser, compressor, fan, and air filter. Except in the case of window-mounted AC units, these parts are divided between an indoor unit (often referred to as the “blower unit”) and an outdoor unit (often called the “condenser unit”).

The thermostat, air filter, blower, and evaporator are all located indoors, while the outdoor unit contains the condenser, compressor, and fan. The condenser and evaporator both feature copper coils filled with a chemical refrigerant. Copper tubing allows the refrigerant to travel back and forth between the two units in a closed circuit.

How the AC System Works

When the thermostat’s sensor reads that the indoor temperature has risen above the desired temperature, it kicks off the process. The compressor begins pumping the refrigerant in a loop between the units. As the liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator coils, it is converted into gas form, which allows it to absorb heat extremely efficiently. 

Simultaneously, the blower pulls indoor air through the air filter and blows it over the evaporator coils. The air’s heat is transferred to the gaseous refrigerant, while the air’s moisture content collects as condensation on the coils themselves. The blower sends the air back into the home through ducts or a vent on the unit itself.

Meanwhile, the gaseous refrigerant travels to the condenser, where the process is essentially reversed - the outdoor unit’s fan blows air over the condenser coils, and the air itself absorbs the heat collected from indoors. During this transfer of heat, the refrigerant is converted back into liquid form and is then pumped back inside to repeat the process.

The Importance of Professional AC Services

professionalsWhile the general process behind air conditioning is relatively simple, air conditioners are very complicated machines. There’s a big difference between knowing the basics of how they work and knowing how to work on them if there’s a problem. Of course, homeowners can perform basic maintenance tasks like changing the air filter on time and clearing debris away from the condenser unit. But there are numerous other tasks that, if done incorrectly, can damage the unit, or worse, cause serious injury.

That’s why HVAC professionals are highly trained to have a complete understanding of virtually any kind of unit and know how to perform maintenance, repairs, or replacements safely and according to code. For the homeowner, knowledge is power and can help make troubleshooting and even solving minor problems easier, but nothing beats the education, expertise, and experience of a pro.

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

The award-winning Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has been proudly serving the St. George, Utah community for over 20 years. Their licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians are on call 24/7 to handle any emergency. Walker offers up-front pricing, financing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Give them a call today for air conditioning services in St. George.

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The Benefits of Spring Drain Cleaning!

The Importance of Adding Drain Cleaning To the Spring Cleaning Checklist!

Unfortunately, some of the most important parts of any home are often overlooked when spring cleaning comes around. The drains are one of those essential parts. Like anything else, they need to be checked and cleaned regularly for the plumbing system to function correctly for years to come.

It’s too bad that drain cleaning isn’t usually anywhere on the spring cleaning checklist because clogged drains can happen at any time. The longer a homeowner goes without cleaning their drains, the more likely an expensive clog or backflow problem will occur. This is why drain cleaning is so important. 

The Power of Drain Cleaning

drain Clean drains make for a happy, healthy plumbing system. In bathrooms, hair is often the most likely culprit to cause a clog. But all kinds of residue, from toothpaste to hair gel to lotion, can contribute to a clog. In the kitchen, coffee grounds, grease, seeds, and plant matter can cause a clog, even in those sinks with garbage disposal. 

Even if these clogs aren’t completely stopping the water flow, they can cause the pipes to degrade over time. Many people will put up with a slow drain until the water completely stops, but this is a mistake. Luckily, drain cleaning once a year in spring can help keep the drains swift, clean, and clear. 

How Professionals Clean Drains

Many homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaning options when they experience a clogged or slow drain. While these options may work in the short term, they have many drawbacks. For one, these chemicals are harmful to the environment. Plus, when used repeatedly, they can cause the drain pipes to degrade. The caustic chemicals can start to eat away at the pipe, not just the clog. 

drain cleaningThis is why professionals don’t use chemicals. Instead, they use a variety of powerful and safe drain cleaning tactics. One popular option is hydro-jetting, which uses a high-pressure stream of water shot down the drain to clear the pipe. This is safe even for most old pipes, as it’s just water. A plumbers snake is sometimes used for clogged drains, as well. This is essentially a flexible metal tube connected to an auger that helps move the tube into the drain, clearing the clog. 

Keeping Drains Clean Between Pro Cleanings

It’s not hard to keep drains clean between professional cleanings. The thing to avoid is the chemical options at the local grocery store. There are far better options that are less caustic and won’t eat through the pipes when used too much. 

Boiling water down a slow drain can help clear minor clogs. For tougher ones, pouring vinegar and baking soda down the drain can cause fizzing bubbles, loosening these tougher clogs. Running hot water in the drain after the vinegar and baking soda mixture has had a few minutes to work can help things along. Otherwise, the best way to keep drains clean is installing drain screens and cleaning them out regularly. 

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

For over 20 years, Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air have been serving St. George, UT. Their techs all undergo a background check, and their pricing is always straightforward. Plus, they offer a satisfaction guarantee on every job. Contact them to schedule a drain cleaning service today!

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The Women Who Have Shaped the HVAC Industry

Get To Know the Women Who Helped Shape the HVAC Industry

As female workers' US employment rate is 50.4% as of December 2020, only 1.4% of women work in the HVAC (this stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industry.

In the early 20th century, women were not allowed to work outside of their homes or in fields that were homemakers. Until World War II, that is! In wartime, women had to take jobs elsewhere because it became necessary for the survival and care of their families. During this era, women started to see what they could do, pushing themselves to learn outside of the box, and trying new things to get by without a man in their house.

The Inventor of The Gas Furnace: Alice H. Parker

Before the central heating system, homes were being heated up by wood or coal, not the safest decision. Alice H. Parker was an African American inventor who went on to patent the very first central heating system using natural gas.

Back in the 1920s, gas was introduced as a heating source, and it was a revolutionary idea that conserved energy. Because of Parker, we have central heating systems in our homes today. Parker's design enabled cool air to draw into the furnace and allowed warm air through ducts to the individual rooms.

Margaret Ingels: The First Woman In The US to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering With Emphasis on Air Conditioning.

woman Margaret Ingels is an incredible woman in HVAC because she was the first woman in US history to earn a degree in mechanical engineering, with her studies emphasizing air conditioning. She is a significant source as her contributions have been dedicated to heating and cooling. Ingels’s most notable creation was a temperature scale for the home that ultimately measured what the temperature actually felt like. Homeowners most likely had or have this in their home right now.

The HVAC Industry for Women Today

Alice H. Parker and Margaret Ingels are just a couple of the women who hardly get their respectful credit in HVAC history. Their findings have made possible the ease and convenience of homeowners comforts, such as heating in the winter and cooling in the summer months.

With the 1.4% of female HVAC workers, these ladies are trailblazers, to say the least. In 2021, women face discriminatory challenges, pay disparity, and exclusionary practices in the HVAC industry, but they stay strong and take strides to break the male cast.hvac woman

The US has its modern-day incarnation of Rosie the Riveter, the females in engineering school, overcoming the struggles of being part of a male-dominated industry. One of the most significant challenges being a female in a dominating male field is the assumptions both clients and colleagues will make.

But this does not stop the strong, leading women of today’s age. The good news is that the women in HVAC are trying to break the stereotype that women aren't strong enough or smart enough. The centralized idea is to unite the women of this trade so that everyone can succeed and feel supported.

About Walker Plumbing, Heating, and Air

Walker Plumbing, Heating, and Air is an expert in the HVAC industry with over 20 years of experience. Walker Plumbing, Heating, and Air provides a fully licensed HVAC and plumbing team, upfront pricing, clear communication, fast turnarounds, and they will offer solutions that fit your home's needs and budget. Give them a call to learn more about their AC services in St. George, just in time for the warmer weather!

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