Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air Archives - Page 6 of 14

Time to Get Heaters Ready for Fall and Winter

Is Your Heating System Ready for the Temperature Drop?

The fall is here, and with the steady drop in temperatures over the upcoming weeks, most homeowners should already be dusting off their sweaters and preparing for the more consistent use of their heaters. But after months of hiatus, are those heating systems ready to take on the upcoming cold? Here are some important tasks homeowners can do to make sure their heaters are prepared to work well and efficiently when needed most.

Preventive Heater Maintenance

The first order of business to get the heater ready for heavy use is always to schedule heating maintenance. After months of being unused, heaters need to get a fall tune-up to ensure everything is in good working order and working efficiently to take on the fall and winter seasons.

Professional HVAC technicians should perform annual heater maintenance, making sure to check that all parts are working correctly, worn down or broken pieces are replaced and that essential tasks like lubricating the moving parts are done to prevent problems, help the heater last longer, improve efficiency, and save money on heating costs.

Change Out Air Filters

One of the most important tasks homeowners need to do to keep their heating system running well and efficiently is regularly replacing the air filters. Air and furnace filters have the crucial role of removing contaminants indoors, improving the air quality, and protecting the heating system. However, dirty air filters that haven’t been replaced can have many negative effects on air quality and the heater’s function.

Changing the air filter at least once every three months is generally recommended, but this can be different for different types and sizes of filters. Regular air filter replacement not only cleans the air but also makes the heating system more energy-efficient, lowers energy bills, and makes the heater better capable of heating a space effectively.

Keep an Eye on Your Energy Usage

Monitoring a home’s energy usage is a great way of keeping track of the HVAC system’s performance. Typically, a heating system that is working efficiently and has no issues will not use up too much energy. However, an inefficient heater will drive up the energy bill and is an indicator that the heating system either needs maintenance, is too old, or that something is not working correctly and needs heating repair.

To further lower heating costs, if the heater has already had routine maintenance and doesn’t need repair or replacement, there are more things homeowners can do. Homeowners can benefit from installing a smart thermostat at home to monitor energy use and figure out areas where they can save. Another way to reduce heating costs while preventing heat and energy loss is to install weatherstripping. Weatherstripping seals the edges and cracks around windows and doors to prevent treated air from escaping the home, helping the heater work more efficiently and reducing energy use and costs.

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has more than 20 years of expertise serving St. George and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, no upselling, and the latest technology. Call them today for heater maintenance in St. George, UT.

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Help Avoid Sewer Line Clogs With These 3 Easy Tips

Keep Sewer Lines and Drains Clog-Free

A clogged drain or sewer line can sometimes seem like a perpetual problem that won’t go away. Most homeowners with a clogged sewer line must deal with slow-moving drains, standing water, or a backed-up toilet. The good news is that this is a problem that can be prevented. With the proper preventive measures, homeowners avoid the hassles and hazards of a clogged sewer line and drain. All they have to do is follow these three simple tips for keeping their homes clog-free.

Drain Cleaning Is Effective at Both Preventing and Clearing Clogs

Sometimes, despite all homeowners' best efforts to prevent blockages from forming in the plumbing system, things still make their way into the pipelines and accumulate to form clogs. This is why it’s important to schedule routine preventative drain cleaning by a professional plumber.

Not only are drain cleaning services effective at clearing out the sewer line and having it flowing freely once again, but if done preemptively, such as hydro jet drain cleaning, it can help keep the plumbing system running efficiently and avoid the accumulation of things that can form clogs without regular cleaning.

Mesh Drain Screens for the Win!

In tandem with regular preventive maintenance and drain cleaning services, homeowners should also practice good waste disposal habits at home to free themselves from the pesky problem of a perpetually clogged drain. One way to keep the wrong things from going down the drain is using mesh drain screens to capture food particles, debris, hair, or anything else that might go down and get lodged in the sewer lines.

Using an inexpensive drain screen in the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, bathtub, and shower drains keeps these problematic things that can form clogs away from the sewer line. It helps save homeowners the headache of what could be yet another clogged sewer line.

Keep These Foods Away From the Kitchen Sink Drain

Out of all the drains in the house, the kitchen sink is one of the most important ones to keep clean since people might dispose of food waste there. After all, it sees a wide variety of food debris that could cause clogging and blockages in the sewer lines. Having a mesh screen here, as well as a garbage disposal, goes a long way in preventing food particles from draining into the pipes and breaking down the ones that do get in into smaller pieces so that they won’t cause clogging.

But despite the presence of both these preventive measures, homeowners should still be aware that certain food items can cause clogging issues and issues for garbage disposals. Food scraps that should never go down drains, even ones with garbage disposals, include rice and pasta, as these types of food expand with water and could be a problem if allowed into the kitchen sink drain. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and fruit pits should also never go down the drain.

Pouring cooking grease and oil into the kitchen sink is also a big no-no. This is because oil, fats, and grease tend to solidify at lower temperatures, and while they may go down as a liquid, they become solid in the pipelines and can cause a significant blockage. The proper way to dispose of oil and grease is to put them in a container to cool and then throw them in the garbage.

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has more than two decades of experience serving St. George and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, straightforward pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing and drain cleaning services in St. George, UT.

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The ABCs of Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning 101

In the summer, having working air conditioning is essential. However, it’s crucial that air conditioners are in good condition and working efficiently. But to keep them in good shape, homeowners should have some basic knowledge about air conditioners. This is a brief guide to help homeowners learn about the most common types of air conditioning systems, maintenance, and signs AC repair is needed.

Which Type of Air Conditioner Works Best for a Home?

The best AC system for a household depends on many factors, such as the budget, home size and layout, and lifestyle. A central air conditioning system is one of the most common and recognizable options available and works well for multi-story houses. Central AC cools the entire home evenly, controlled by a thermostat. It replaces hot indoor air with air that has been passed over an evaporator coil. Refrigerant is then able to absorb both heat and humidity. Once the blower fan sends cool air through a system of air ducts and vents, it will disperse throughout each room.

Another common AC system installed in homes is a ductless mini-split system. Unlike central AC, mini splits do not need ductwork to deliver cool air to the house and instead use multiple indoor units in different zones of a home that can be individually controlled. Homeowners can save money by adjusting the temperature in the rooms they are not actively using. Additionally, not having air ducts eliminates the energy loss that occurs in the ducts of a central AC system. While central AC systems are initially less expensive, ductless mini split air conditioning systems are more energy efficient and cost less to run monthly.

How to Tell if an Air Conditioning System Needs Repairs

Occasionally, air conditioners can experience issues that affect their performance and require professional repair. Homeowners can tell their AC system needs repair by watching out for certain signs that indicate a problem, such as:

The system is blowing warm air
Low airflow from vents
Faulty thermostat reading
Strange odors or sounds
Spike in energy bills
Liquid leaking from the system

Once someone notices one of these signs, they should contact an HVAC contractor to inspect their air conditioning system to determine the issue and repair it before the problem gets worse and causes more damage to the system.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Annual air conditioning maintenance is recommended to keep an air conditioner functioning correctly and prevent issues. In addition to avoiding repairs, routine maintenance also helps extend the lifespan of an air conditioner and improves its efficiency, which helps keep energy bills low. It’s also much less expensive to maintain an AC unit than to deal with constant repairs.

During an AC maintenance visit, an HVAC technician can inspect the system to identify and fix potential issues before they get out of hand and perform essential tasks to help the AC. These tasks include cleaning the air conditioning coils, checking the thermostat settings, and checking the refrigerant level. In addition to hiring a professional for annual maintenance, homeowners are encouraged to change their air filters when needed, usually at least once every three months, to help maintain their system.

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has over 20 years of experience serving St. George and Southern Utah. They offer same-day service, the latest technology, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for air conditioning services in St. George, UT.

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How to Tell if the Water Heater Needs Service

3 Signs of a Broken Water Heater

A broken or malfunctioning water heater that needs professional attention may still be able to provide warm water to the home’s plumbing fixtures. Unfortunately, this causes many homeowners to delay fixing their water heaters until too much damage occurs. Homeowners must be aware of the signs associated with a faulty water heater so they know when to contact a plumber for water heater services.

Scary Sounds

Unexplained banging or popping noises from the water heater can indicate it has excess sediment. When sediment builds inside the hot water tank, the heating element may react negatively, and the system’s energy efficiency will suffer. Essential maintenance tasks such as flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod can help remove the sediment and prevent it from damaging the water heater any further.

A crackling or hissing sound is also commonly associated with faulty water heaters. This is often due to a blockage near the system’s heating element and usually only happens with electricity-powered water heaters. Still, an oil or gas tank can make similar noises. In the case of a gas water heater, these sounds are likely due to a moisture build-up that will need to be examined by a trained technician.

If the water heater sounds like it’s ticking, water pressure may be to blame. Sudden changes in water pressure can cause damage to the water heater tank but are relatively easy to fix if caught early. The pressure-reducing valve is designed so homeowners can easily adjust the level anytime.

Unexplained Odor and Color

Water should never have a strange color or odor. If the water heater tank has rusted and corroded, this may impact the water’s color and smell due to an excess of minerals and rust. A corroded water heater may turn the water a rusty color, brown, or otherwise discolored.

A foul smell from the hot water may also indicate the anode rod inside the water heater has corroded and needs to be replaced or bacteria in the tank. Bacteria can occur in the tank when the water heater sits unused for too long. Plumbers can help homeowners determine the cause of any strange smells and discoloration in their water.

Water Leaks

If homeowners notice a water leak in their water heater, it should be attended to immediately by a professional. The longer they wait, the more damage can occur. Depending on the severity of the leak and its location, it could require repair or replacement of the water heater.

Repairs may be an option if the leak is minor and not from the tank. However, if the damage is severe or the water heater is old, it may need to be replaced. In any case, addressing a water leak as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage and expensive repairs down the line.

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air has over two decades of experience serving St. George and the surrounding communities. They provide same-day service, 24/7 live answers, and straightforward pricing. Call them today for water heater services in St. George, UT.

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3 Reasons to Switch to a Ductless Heating and Cooling System

Benefits of Ductless Mini Splits

While plenty of homes still have traditional central heating and cooling systems with air ducts, another option is available for homeowners considering upgrading or replacing their current systems. That option is to go ductless with a mini-split. Unlike central air conditioning and heating systems, the ductless mini split, as its name implies, does not need air ducts to distribute heated or cooled air throughout the house.

Instead of using air ducts, the mini split uses a system that typically includes multiple indoor units throughout the home and an outdoor compressor connected through wires and tubes for electricity, refrigerant, and drainage. This lack of ductwork means ductless mini splits enjoy plenty of advantages over traditional ways of heating and cooling homes. Here are three of the top reasons why many homeowners are switching to ductless mini splits.

Lower Energy Consumption

Ductless mini splits are some of the most energy-efficient ways of cooling homes. Not only do they enjoy technological advances that allow them to function without consuming a lot of energy, but they even come with the option of built-in inverter technology, which allows the motors to work at varying speeds depending on the heating or cooling needs of a room. Allowing the motor to operate on a lower speed setting saves a lot of power and drives down energy bills.

Another way that ductless mini splits save energy is through the lack of ductwork. It is estimated that about 30% of the energy used by AC systems is due to energy loss in the air ducts - and even more if air leaks are present along the ductwork. Eliminating the need for air ducts reduces the cost of running a ductless mini-split and energy bills for homeowners.

Easy to Install

Air conditioning or heating installation, especially the traditional central air kind, requires much time and effort. This is because, besides installing the actual HVAC system, technicians must also install plenty of ductwork to distribute air throughout the house. By eliminating the need for air ducts, ductless mini splits have also reduced installation time and are easier to install for professionals.

The lack of air ducts also makes it a great choice for homeowners looking to retrofit their older homes without existing ductwork or houses that are smaller and lack enough space to install air ducts. Also, new additions to homes that existing ductwork cannot be extended to cover can benefit from ductless cooling.

Better Indoor Air Quality and Customizable Comfort

One of the chief complaints of homeowners with central heating and cooling is that there is often a lack of flexibility when setting temperatures, as they don’t typically allow for different temperatures in different rooms around the house. Some rooms, then, tend to be comfortable, while others run too hot or too cold depending on their location in the house and windows. This doesn’t have to be the case with a ductless mini-split.

By adding indoor units in multiple areas of the home, homeowners can set different temperatures in different zones, increasing home comfort for every person living under the same roof. Ductless systems also have the added advantage of improved indoor air quality because the absence of air ducts also means there aren’t as many spaces in the home where allergens can hide and wreak havoc on respiratory systems.

About Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air

Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air is a plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company serving St. George and Southern Utah. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for ductless mini-split installation services in St. George, UT.