Are You Getting the Most from Your Air Conditioning in Detroit?

An efficient cooling system doesn't necessarily need to be brand-new. Even if your home and HVAC system are older, there are many easy ways to improve your air conditioner’s performance during the Detroit summer. Read more to learn how you can get the most from your air conditioning this year.

Is Your Thermostat Old?

Your home’s thermostat is the driving force that prompts your air conditioning to turn on and off. When you set the thermostat to a certain temperature, this tells your air conditioner to regulate the indoor comfort. If your thermostat is old, poorly calibrated, or difficult to set, it could be affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of your air conditioner. Many older thermostats have an arm that can be used to set the temperature. These thermostats often involve significant guesswork to find the right temperature, and are not nearly as efficient as newer digital models. Replacing your old thermostat with a digital one is an easy task that can significantly increase the efficiency of the air conditioning in your Detroit home.

Is Your Thermostat In the Right Place?

The placement of your thermostat is just as important to its function as the thermostat itself. If your thermostat is located near any source of heat or cold, these influences could be affecting its readings and causing temperature problems in the rest of your home. Sources of heat and cold can be anything from a nearby window or appliance to a thermostat located beneath a fan or air register. If you think your thermostat needs to be moved, contact an HVAC professional to get the job done easily and quickly.

Are You Cooling Your Home Wisely?

You want your home to be cool and comfortable while you’re in it—but you don’t need to maintain the same colder temperatures when you’re not around. Turn your thermostat up a few degrees every time you leave home. Without the extra body heat and activity, it will be easier for your air conditioner to keep you home comfortable even when set slightly higher. If you have a programmable thermostat, create a weekly program that coincides with your schedule so you don’t need to change the temperature every day. Additionally, run dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers later in the evening, after the ambient temperature has begun to drop. This makes it easier for your air conditioner to compensate for these heat sources and keep your home cool without working significantly harder.

Are Your Ducts and Registers in Good Repair?

Your home’s ductwork and air registers distribute cooled air as it leaves your air conditioner. If your ducts are dirty or have leaks, then you aren't getting the full benefit of your HVAC system. Have a Detroit HVAC professional check and clean your home’s ductwork before the summer temperatures fully hit. Repairing leaks and ensuring airways are clear can significantly decrease the load on your air conditioner while maintaining a more comfortable home.

At Andy’s Statewide, we promise the best heating and cooling service in Detroit. By visiting our website you can obtain a full list of our services, schedule a home visit and find more tips on maintaining your Air Conditioning system in Detroit no matter what time of year it is.

Exhibiting These Problems? You Could Have a Hidden Leak!

Household leaks account for thousands of wasted gallons each year, which translates into paying for water you’re not using. Could you have a hidden leak in your home? Read on to learn how to identify these pesky Flagstaff plumbing problems in your home.

High Water Bills

One of the first indications of a plumbing leak in your Flagstaff, AZ home is a higher-than-normal water bill. If your recent bills have made you do a double-take, it’s time to start looking for leaks. One of the easiest ways to confirm the presence of a leak is to use a water pressure gauge. Rather than simply reading off the water pressure and removing the gauge, note the water pressure and then leave the gauge in place for 15-30 minutes. If you return and the reading has dropped, you have a plumbing leak in your home. Even a single dripping faucet will register on the gauge.

Musty Odors

Check under your sinks, around your appliances, and in your basement, garage, and attic for odors. A musty odor is indicative of moisture, which could mean a hidden leak. If you smell an odor around any type of plumbing, feel all the pipes and connections to see if you can detect the source of the moisture. Often a connection simply needs tightening, but if the pipes or appliance itself is damaged or corroded, you’ll need a plumber to replace it.

Visible Damage

Leaks can occur in the water pipes that run between your home’s walls and ceilings. Water damage from a hidden leak may be visible over time. Streaks on your walls, floors, or ceilings highlight the presence of running or dripping water. Check behind appliances and along walls and ceilings where possible to identify streaks and moisture. If a leak occurs around the base of a toilet or appliance, you may notice the floor appears warped and feels spongy.

Silent Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks are often audible as a running toilet. Some leaks, however, are silent and more difficult to identify. Take the lid off your toilet tank and inspect the plumbing within. If the flapper valve that connects the tank to the toilet bowl is misaligned or damaged, realign or replace it as needed. Even if the flapper appears to be working, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 15 minutes. If the food coloring has traveled into the bowl, the flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced.

Identifying hidden leaks in your home means preventing water waste, high bills, and damage to your property. Mr. Rooter of Yavapai, Coconino and Maricopa Counties is here 24/7 to help you handle Flagstaff plumbing leaks of any size. Visit our website to learn more about us, or check out Mr. Rooter’s blog for more handy home plumbing tips! 

Local Mr. Rooter® Plumbing Wins Best Plumber in Houston

KHOU Great Day’s ‘Best in Houston’ businesses have been announced. With over 265 categories, the winner for Best in Houston Plumber was Mr. Rooter Plumbing of the Greater Houston Area.

Since 1991, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Conroe | The Woodlands | Spring | Houston | Katy | Sugar Land and Fort Bend has been delivering fast, reliable plumbing services throughout Montgomery, Harris and Ft. Bend Counties.

Handling Your Kitchen’s Plumbing Wisely

You rely on your kitchen’s plumbing every day. Making the best use of your disposal and dishwasher will ensure they stay in good repair to minimize plumbing issues. If you run into a problem you can’t fix yourself, however, call in a plumber to ensure the job is done right.

Disposal Tips

Smart use of your disposal will keep your unit in great repair and your kitchen sink’s plumbing clear.

Replacing Your Water Heater - Consider Going Tankless

Many homeowners in Wilmington, especially those that live in older houses, have experienced an inconvenient morning shower time crunch. In the rush to get clean and get out of the house before work or school, you may run out of hot water before every member of your family has had the chance to bathe. As your water heater ages, these incidents may become more and more frequent, until the time comes to replace this crucial appliance. When you are deciding on a new water heater, consider installing a tankless model. You can discover how tankless water heaters work and the advantages they offer by reading on.

When Is It Time to Call the Plumber?

Installing Appliances

If you’re looking to get a new water heater, kitchen disposal, washing machine, or dishwasher, it’s often best to have a professional plumber install these appliances for you. Water heaters in particular require careful installation; if gas lines must be connected, this task should always be left to a professional. Many washing machines come with rubber hose attachments, but these are a common source of home leaks. Ask your plumber if he can install your washer with a metal pipe instead to prevent this from ever becoming a problem.

Frozen or Burst Pipes

When temperatures drop, especially in areas that don’t often experience cold weather, it can pose a threat to outdoor and minimally-insulated plumbing.