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How To Combat Plumbing Issues

Summer should be about grilling, days at the pool, and fun in the sun. It shouldn't be a time filled with stress and anxiety about plumbing problems. Thankfully, there are some things homeowners can do to reduce the likelihood of clogs, leaks, and other problems. Some of these considerations include:

Inspecting Pipes for Cracks and Leaks

Like most life problems, plumbing problems don't go away independently. This makes it important for homeowners to be vigilant and constantly monitor their plumbing system for cracks, leaks, and mold growth.

Any of these things can point to an underlying problem that wastes water and drains a homeowner's wallet. Once a month, homeowners should look for problems in these areas:

• Under the sink: Homeowners rarely see what's happening underneath their bathroom or kitchen sinks. This makes it easy for certain problems to go undetected for long periods.
• Around the toilet's base: Toilets can last for decades. That is, when homeowners regularly maintain them and promptly address leaks.
• Around the hose: When the hose is off, no water should come out of the faucet. Even if the hose has a light trickle when turned off, this could signify a growing problem.

Some signs of leaks and cracks include poor water pressure, higher-than-average water bills, and foul smells around sinks' drains.

Not Pouring Grease or Fats Down the Drain

Per the Nipomo Community Services District, people should refrain from pouring FOGs down the drain. The acronym stands for fats, oil, and grease. Each of these things can wreak havoc on a plumbing system. Instead, they should pour these substances into a container, then throw that container in the garbage.

If homeowners makes a habit of pouring FOGs down their home's drains, they risk:

• Clogs: FOGs can build up in a plumbing system over time, causing hard-to-remove clogs. What's worse, when these substances mix with hot water, they can congeal and affect how the drain works.
• Creating a fatberg: Every community has a sewer system. When FOGs mix in the sewer system, they bind together and create fatbergs. These blobs can affect multiple homes' plumbing systems.
• Breaking the law: Many communities in California have explicit laws against pouring FOGs down the drain. It's considered a form of dumping, which can lead to fines if convicted.

Flushing Drains and Keeping Them Free of Debris

Flushing drains does more than prevent pipe clogs and other plumbing disasters; it also keeps the sink sanitary. This prevents mold growth and unpleasant smells. Some techniques for flushing drains include:

• Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain

Pour half a cup of vinegar down the drain

Cover the drain

Wait 15 minutes

Pour hot water down the drain

Homeowners should steer clear of chemical drain cleaners. These substances can "eat away" at a pipe's insides, increasing the likelihood of rust, corrosion, and leaks.

About Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc

Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc has served its community since 1999. These specialists offer more than preventative maintenance tips; they offer same-day service, easy scheduling, and much more. Interested parties in Monterey, CA, can call these experts today for plumbing services!

Don’t Wait Until the Dead of Summer to Worry About AC Problems

Summertime is quickly approaching, and for homeowners that live in places like California and Arizona where temperatures can easily soar into the 100s, their AC must be running smoothly before we reach the hottest months: July and August.

June 21st, also known as the summer solstice, is when the amount of solar radiation will be at its peak, and that means that from that point on, until about mid-August, temperatures will continue to increase. With temperatures sure to get into the 90s and 100s during this time, homeowners will need to make sure that their air conditioning units are working properly to stay cool and comfortable in their homes during this time.

Staying Ahead Means Avoiding the Rush

There are a lot of problems that can occur with an air conditioning unit. Some of these issues include the AC running constantly, the unit not turning on, the unit blowing hot air instead of cool air, leaking refrigerant or water, the system freezing, etc.

As the temperature increases over the next few months, many people will begin scheduling air conditioning maintenance, tune-ups, and repairs for their AC units. This will create a backlog of customers, and some homeowners may have to wait weeks for a technician to come and look at their AC. However, by scheduling an AC tune-up now, homeowners can stay ahead of the influx of customers, receiving a solution in a few days instead of waiting a week or more.

Catch Problems Early to Keep Your AC Running All Summer

Scheduling AC repair services in late spring will allow technicians to find and fix any issues before they become a problem. Finding these problems early on can help keep the AC unit running smoothly all summer long. After all, there’s nothing worse than an AC unit breaking down during the hottest months of summer and then having to wait for an opening for a technician to be able to come out and handle the problem.

Some of these issues can be solved easily, without the need for a technician. For example, the air filter should be cleaned and replaced frequently since dust, dirt, and allergens can clog it up. This is an easy fix that almost anyone can do. When used regularly during the summer months, this filter needs to be changed once a month or every two months. This will ensure that the AC runs effectively and help reduce energy consumption.

Another common but easy-to-fix problem is the evaporator coil. Homeowners need to ensure that these coils are cleaned at least once a year.

There are other common problems that homeowners may be able to solve themselves. Still, it is always advisable to hire an air conditioning company for their AC service needs if they are unsure of the problem or how to fix it.

Tips on Extending an AC Unit’s Life

Homeowners need to understand the importance of having routine maintenance on their air conditioning units. An air conditioning tune-up and maintenance should be conducted by a professional company annually. Doing so will improve the efficiency of the unit and ensure that the life of the AC unit lasts as long as possible.

While some problems are easy to fix, others are more complicated and should not be ignored. Whether big or small, ignoring problems can result in a costlier air conditioning repair or, worst-case scenario, a replacement of the entire unit. Staying on top of these issues is always recommended, so it’s so important to schedule annual inspections from a reputable company.

About Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc

Servicing both Monterey and Santa Cruz counties in California, Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc offers fast and reliable technicians committed to solving HVAC problems. Owner Chris Wilson promises “top quality service professionally delivered”, and his team of technicians is one that homeowners can trust for AC service!

3 Ways to Keep the Cool are Flowing

Spring is here, followed quickly by summer. Homeowners will be switching the air conditioner back on to beat the summer heat in no time. Air conditioners work hard to keep homes cool, and they need some help to keep them running through summer.

If luck favors the prepared, then take a few suggestions from local air conditioner repair professionals. These easy-to-follow recommendations can help homeowners keep the air conditioner running with fewer problems during the hot summers.

Keep the Filter Fresh

The easiest step in keeping the AC running strong is also the cheapest and most important. Replacing the AC filter in a timely manner can have benefits like:

• Cheaper operating costs
• Fewer mechanical problems
• Better air quality in terms of dust and humidity
• More comfortable indoor air

Determining how often to change the air filter is easy. Filters need to be changed at least twice a year. Most manufacturers suggest changing filters quarterly. If there are higher amounts of particles in a home’s air, such as pet dander or environmental dust from outdoors, filters may need to be changed monthly. If air quality is poor and there is always dust hanging in the air of a home, it is a good indicator that AC filters should be changed more often.

Test the Thermostat

When an air conditioner problem arises, it can be difficult to determine if the problem is in the air conditioner itself or the thermostat. The thermostat is the control center for a home’s air conditioner, so there may be major problems in the air conditioner when it is acting up, but this isn’t always the case.

Some things to look out for to help isolate the cause of an AC problem to the thermostat or the AC unit are:

• Long or short cooling cycles
• Hot and cold spots around the home
• Inaccurate temperature readings on the thermostat
• No power to the thermostat
• No cycling of the AC unit
• Thermostats that are dusty

These problems can be attributed to a faulty thermostat, and each one is more easily solved than a corresponding problem in the air conditioner. Make sure to check the thermostat before jumping to conclusions!

Remember Annual AC Maintenance Checks

Filter changes and verifying the accuracy of a thermostat can be easily done by homeowners. These actions will go a long way toward keeping a home comfortable in the heat. The last recommendation on this list is a reminder to schedule professional maintenance checks.

During a professional AC maintenance visit or tune-up, a technician will go through the entire system and look for potential problems. The air conditioner will be cleaned and lubricated, so it doesn’t experience premature wear and tear. By keeping the unit professionally maintained, a homeowner will save money on cooling and repair bills and increase the lifespan of their equipment. Looking for memberships and maintenance programs from local AC repair contractors can take the hassle out of the process.

About Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc

Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc has served the local community for over 35 years. They offer same-day service and an AC maintenance membership package. Call today for highly-rated AC service in Monterey, CA.

3 HVAC Problems That May Affect a Home’s Heating

Winter is just about here, which means that home heaters are seeing more and more use. During the winter, a functioning heater is just as important as a functioning air conditioner during the summer. And just as there are common AC problems homeowners should look out for during the summer, there are also common heater problems they should be aware of during the winter. Read on to learn about these common problems and what they could mean for the home’s HVAC system.

The Wrong Size Unit

One common problem that can affect both the heating and the cooling of a home is a unit of the wrong size. This isn’t something that happens gradually. It happens when an improperly sized unit is installed in the home. This can have several detrimental effects on the home.

A system that’s too large for a home will draw too much power, sending utility bills rocketing. It will also cause the heating and cooling systems to cycle on and off quickly, reducing efficiency and causing the system to wear down quickly. A system that’s too small will have trouble heating and cooling. The systems will struggle to meet the house’s needs, and it will end up costing the homeowners more money than a properly-sized system.

Common Thermostat Issues

Since a home’s thermostat is like the control center of the HVAC system, a problem there can cause widespread issues that can affect both heating and cooling. Older thermostats can easily build up grime between connections, causing malfunctions or even causing the entire thermostat to stop working. If the thermostat is old, chances are it costs the home money through a simple lack of efficiency.

If the home’s thermostat is programmable, it should be set up properly at installation to take full advantage of the energy-saving features. Many homeowners fail to do this and are surprised when the home doesn’t heat efficiently, or the energy bills don’t go down. Unfortunately, modern thermostats can sometimes have glitches that cause the HVAC system to act strangely. It usually takes a professional to work out the bugs when this happens.

Debris Around the Outdoor Unit

In some places around the country, like here in Monterey, winter doesn’t get all that cold. Some days are cool, and other days can get warm enough to warrant the use of the air conditioner. Unfortunately, when the outdoor AC unit sits unused for any amount of time, it’s liable to collect some debris. Branches, leaves, and other items can clog up the outdoor unit and affect its use.

The best way to keep a home’s HVAC system running all year round is to have a professional HVAC company involved in heater maintenance, thermostat services, and twice-yearly HVAC maintenance. A local HVAC service company can help ensure that a home’s HVAC system works efficiently all year round — no matter whether the heater or the AC is in use.

About Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc

Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc has served Monterey, CA since 1999. They offer 24-hour service performed by friendly and respectful technicians. They also offer competitive pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call now for heating services!

Homeowners Need To Stay Ready for the Fall and Winter

There are a plethora of reasons why a home should have its heater and furnace maintained. Heaters are used quickly, easily, and without much thought. It is as simple as pressing a button on the thermostat, allowing warm air to fill the home. Heaters are like many other household appliances because they must be maintained, up-kept, and remain cleaned inside and out.

A poorly maintained heating unit can cause some safety issues too! If something is wrong with the unit or it has a leak, dangerous carbon monoxide fumes could fill a home. Even if there have been no issues with the heating unit before, having it checked twice a year by trained technicians is the only way to ensure safety.

5 Reasons Why Heater Maintenance Is Important

Heater maintenance should never be put off and is far more important than many homeowners may realize. Most calls to HVAC technicians regarding heaters happen on the first cold day of the year. This leads to potentially packed schedules, making it more difficult to get service sooner. Keeping track of this by pre-scheduling heater maintenance will make for a happy, safe, and warm home.

Here are 5 reasons why heater maintenance is so important:

• It makes sure that the heater is in working order when the time comes. This way, no homeowner or family is left in the cold.
• Saves money! Keeping the heater functioning correctly will let it work as efficiently as possible, keeping energy costs down.
• Allows for cleaner air. Regular upkeep will keep the unit filter clean, reducing the number of allergens and airborne pollutants.
• Increases the lifespan of the unit. Routine maintenance will allow the unit to last 15 - 20 years.
• Keeps repair costs down. Preventative maintenance will, at times, come with small repairs. These repairs help prevent larger issues from forming, keeping the costs of greater repairs down.

Isn’t It Too Early for Heater Maintenance?

It is never too early for heater maintenance! One should do maintenance of HVAC systems twice a year. Keeping up-to-date with this standard will allow for an easy transition into the colder and winter months. Preventative maintenance and preemptive care will provide a comfortable home by finding any potential issues or hazards such as; thermostat issues, uneven air distributions, weird noises from the unit, and higher energy bills.

Stay on top of heater maintenance by scheduling in advance with a trusted HVAC maintenance and repair company. Increase overall reliability and comfort by staying up-to-date on household appliance maintenance.

What To Expect From Standard Heater Maintenance

Standard heater maintenance will include several steps while tailoring solutions per each individual and home. Some things that a technician will do include:

• Identify any mechanical issues or repairs of the unit
• Look over the unit and make sure that all connecting wiring is good
• Check the fuel line and levels
• Clean the pilot light and anything that might need it

Another thing that can be expected from standard heater maintenance is the overall efficiency of the units. Being maintained allows for cleaner units that fill a home with warm air of good quality.

About Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc

Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc has been established since 1999. Industry-born and raised, this family-owned and operated company offers same-day and 24-hour emergency services. Call today for any heater maintenance and repair needs in Monterey, CA!