How Regular HVAC Maintenance Can Save Your Money

Photo by Alexander Mils

It's no secret that regular HVAC maintenance helps keep your furnace running smoothly and your home more comfortable. But did you know it can also help you save money in the long run? By scheduling routine maintenance, you can avoid common furnace problems and unexpected breakdowns that mean costly repairs and even furnace replacement due to total neglect.

This blog post will discuss eight ways regular HVAC maintenance can save you money.

1. Improved Efficiency

Regular HVAC system maintenance saves you money by keeping your furnace and AC unit running at peak efficiency. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on essential components, making them work harder and use more energy. This not only leads to higher utility bills but also puts unnecessary wear and tear on your system, which can shorten its lifespan.

When you have a furnace repair expert tune up your furnace and air conditioner, they will clean away this built-up dirt and debris, change the filter, check for any malfunctioning parts, and more. This will restore your system to peak efficiency, so it doesn't have to work as hard – and you can start saving money on your energy bills right away.

In fact, regular HVAC maintenance can improve your system's efficiency by up to 30%. So if you have a $100 monthly energy bill, that's an extra $30 in your pocket every month – or $360 every year – thanks to regular furnace tune-ups. A well-maintained HVAC system is more efficient than one that is not, so you'll save money in the long run by keeping up with regular maintenance.

2. Fewer Repairs

By scheduling regular HVAC maintenance, you also save money by preventing small problems from turning into larger, more expensive ones. For example, if your furnace's filter is dirty, it has to work harder to filter the air needed to circulate throughout your home. This puts extra strain on the furnace and can cause it to overheat and break down. If you have a furnace repair expert clean the filter and make any other necessary adjustments, you can avoid an expensive breakdown.

But if you let the problem go, you could be facing a costly repair bill – or even a total furnace replacement. In the same way, if your air conditioner's coils are dirty, it will have to work harder to cool your home. This not only wastes energy and drives up your utility bills but can also damage the compressor, leading to an expensive repair. Again, regular maintenance can prevent this problem before it starts, saving you money in the long run.

You can avoid these and other common furnace and air conditioner problems by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance. As a result, you'll need fewer repairs – and you'll save money on the ones you do need. Plus, you can be confident your furnace and air conditioner will keep you comfortable all winter and summer long.

3. Extended System Life

Regular maintenance also extends the life of your furnace and AC. Like any other mechanical system, your furnace and air conditioner have moving parts that require regular maintenance and tune-ups to keep them running smoothly. If these parts are not properly maintained, they'll start to wear out and break down, leading to a need for repairs or even replacement.

But with regular tune-ups, an expert can identify problem areas and do repairs quickly. That helps keep your system running smoothly for years to come – and save you money in the long run by avoiding the need for an early replacement. Most homeowners get about 10-15 years out of their HVAC system, but with regular maintenance, you can easily extend that to 20 years or more.

4. Fewer Emergencies

HVAC emergencies are never fun – and they're always expensive. If your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter, you'll have to pay for an emergency repair – which is almost always more expensive than a regular repair. The same is true for air conditioner breakdowns in the summer. But with regular HVAC maintenance, you can avoid these emergencies altogether.

Furnace and air conditioner problems usually don't happen overnight. There are usually warning signs of something wrong, but homeowners often ignore them until it's too late. However, if your HVAC system is serviced regularly, you can avoid most of these emergencies. That means you will spend less time and money dealing with unexpected repairs.

5. Reduced Energy Bills

As mentioned earlier, a well-maintained HVAC system is more efficient than one that is not. That means it will use less energy to heat and cool your home, which will save you money on your utility bills. Just as regular furnace tune-ups improve your furnace's efficiency by up to 30%, it also improves your air conditioner's efficiency by up to 15%.

So, schedule regular HVAC maintenance if you want to save money on your utility bills. Every dollar you save on your energy bills will add up over time, and you'll eventually recoup the maintenance cost. When you combine this with other energy-saving tips for your entire home, you can significantly lower your monthly energy bills.

6. Improved Air Quality

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, asthma, or another respiratory condition, you know how important it is to have clean air in your home. However, your HVAC system can worsen your air quality if it's not maintained properly. Your HVAC unit circulates the same air repeatedly, so if it's not cleaned regularly, it can spread dust, pollen, and other allergens throughout your home.

Regular HVAC maintenance will ensure that your system is clean and running properly. As a result, you'll enjoy improved air quality in your home – and fewer respiratory problems for you and your family. That means fewer visits to the doctor, fewer missed days of work or school, and a better quality of life for everyone in your home. That translates to real savings in terms of your health and wallet.

7. Improved Comfort Levels

If your furnace or air conditioner is not running properly, it can make your home uncomfortable. An inefficient furnace will struggle to heat your home, and an inefficient air conditioner will have a hard time cooling it down. As a result, you'll constantly be adjusting the thermostat in an attempt to find the right temperature – and you'll never quite be comfortable.

You don't have to spend more money on other comfort-enhancing features like extra insulation or double-paned windows. Just maintaining your HVAC system will improve your comfort levels and save you money in the process. You can also install a smart thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature based on your needs and further improve your comfort and save even more money.

Regular HVAC Maintenance Gives Your Peace of Mind

In conclusion, regular HVAC maintenance gives you peace of mind. You don't have to worry about your system breaking down when you need it the most, and you don't have to worry about unexpected repair costs. A well-maintained system will also last longer, serve you longer, and be more energy-efficient, saving you money in the long run. If you have an older HVAC system past its prime, it may be time to start considering replacing it.

But if your system is still relatively new, or even just a few years old, regular maintenance can help keep it running smoothly for many years. Save yourself some money, valuable time, and stress by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance appointments with a reputable company. Your family, wallet, and peace of mind will be grateful.

Save Money and Space With a Tankless Water Heater

via

If you're looking to save money, space, or both in your home, installing a tankless water heater is one of the best things you can do. These heaters are more efficient than traditional heaters using storage tanks.

Tankless water heaters don't run out of hot water because they produce hot water as needed. Tankless heaters can be mounted in tight spaces, and their compact size makes them easy to install anywhere in your house. They're also maintenance-free—no need for annual cleaning or servicing.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters use less energy, so they cost less to operate than traditional storage tank heaters. Choosing a tankless water heater installation that an expert technician can connect directly to your plumbing system is the best option.

The benefit of this installation is that you won't have to wait for the stored hot water in your tank to heat up before using it. The tankless water heater heats the water when you turn on the tap, unlike traditional storage tank water heaters that must heat a large amount of water before you can use it. You can use instant hot water and get straight into the shower after turning on the faucet.

Tankless Water Heater: Reasons to Install It

When you think about the size of a tankless water heater, you may be surprised that they are significantly smaller than the typical water heater. Tankless water heaters fit perfectly into tight spaces and can be mounted on the wall, in a closet, or even in a crawlspace.

When installing your new tankless water heater, it's essential to know where it needs to go to be easy to access when needed while also fitting into your home's aesthetic. If your space is small enough, mounting it on the wall is an excellent option because it keeps installation and usage simple and convenient for homeowners.

Tankless Water Heaters Save You Money

A tankless water heater is an excellent tool if you're trying to save on your utility bills because they only heat the amount of water that is needed. The benefit is that it allows them to heat what you need rather than heating the entire tankful, as most traditional models do.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Made Easy

Tankless heaters are also easy to maintain. There are no tanks to clean or parts to change, so you can spend less time worrying about your water heater and more time enjoying it. Tankless water heaters have fewer moving parts than traditional ones, which means they're much more durable since fewer things could break or go wrong over time.

And the beauty of a tankless unit is that it will last much longer than a regular tanked model (upwards of 50 years), saving you money in the long run on replacement costs.

Traditional Water Heaters Vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Traditional water heaters are large and bulky, while tankless heaters are compact and sleek. They are smaller than traditional heaters but need room under your sink or in your garage.

Tankless heaters typically use less energy than traditional heaters because they only produce hot water when you need it. Installing a timer on your heater will allow you to save more money. It will only turn on when needed, reducing energy use.

Tankless Heater Benefits For Your Home and Budget

Tankless water heaters are much more energy-efficient than standard storage tank water heaters. They provide hot water at a higher temperature, saving you energy.

Tankless heaters take up less space because they do not require a storage tank to function correctly, which means installing one in any part of your home without worrying about finding a room.

While traditional gas-powered tankless heaters cost more than electric versions, this gap has been closing over time due to technological advances and production processes that have made them cheaper (and thus affordable) for most homeowners today.

Tips To Help You Get The Most Out Of Bath Remodeling

Even more so than kitchens, homeowners' bathrooms are the rooms in their homes that get the most attention during renovations. Because bathrooms are often more compact than kitchens, cleaning them is typically less difficult and takes less time. Additionally, since there is less room, there will be a reduction in the amount of money spent on things like flooring, painting, cabinets, and countertops.

With these helpful hints, you'll be able to make your bathroom redesign more appealing while also ensuring that it runs smoothly, effectively, and without breaking the bank.

Make Use of Blank Space by Constructing Niches and Recesses

Instead of building out into the surrounding area when the room is really limited, try building in. Built-ins in the bathroom, such as recessed toilet paper holders, medicine cabinets and soap dishes, and even built-in soap dishes, help squeeze every last bit of space out of cramped bathrooms. Converting your existing ceiling fixture to a recessed one will allow you to flatten it even more. In order to provide more storage space, you may build into the walls.

Address Bathroom Ventilation

By law, all restrooms must have some kind of ventilation, either via a window or an exhaust fan. When shopping for exhaust fans for the bathroom, you should consider not just how much air they can move, measured in cubic feet per minute, but also how loud they are. Due to the bathrooms' compact size, even a moderately noisy bathroom fan might seem overly loud.

Put some plants in there for some living color

It shouldn't be an afterthought to put some plants in the bathroom. Plants provide much-needed color to antiseptic bathrooms. You may want to think about installing a floating shelf specifically with the aim of providing a warm and inviting environment for your trailing plants.

The Importance of Selecting the Appropriate Flooring

Although solid wood floors provide bathrooms with a lot of personality, they are not the most practical sort of flooring material to use in bathrooms. This is despite the fact that they give bathrooms a lot of character.

Choose instead a kind of flooring for the bathroom that is durable enough to withstand the constant usage that the space receives on a daily basis. Ceramic and porcelain tiles, luxury vinyl planks, and vinyl tiles are all popular choices for bathroom flooring.

The waterproofing capabilities of sheet vinyl flooring put it in a class by itself. It is possible to install sheet vinyl flooring in a compact bathroom using a single width of the material, which will allow you to avoid seams entirely.

Change the Color to Change the Size of the Room

It is important to keep your color palette within the white or light color spectrum if you have a tiny bathroom so that it seems larger. The use of dark hues in a space may make it seem even smaller and more confining. Utilize lighting that is either white or a light color. Always give it some serious thought before painting the ceiling of your bathroom any color other than white or off-white, since this has a tendency to make the space seem even smaller.

The Importance of Bathroom Lighting

A ceiling fixture is the most common source of illumination in a place where individuals need to check their hair and face. At the absolute least, you should give some thought to installing illumination in the shape of sconces around the bathroom mirror. However, glaring brightness is not always desirable.

A dimmer switch as can be read here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimmer,  is a relatively simple appliance that may improve the atmosphere of your bathroom. The dimmer switch works well for soothing evening soaks in the tub.

Include Items That Can Stand Alone

As a design feature, having one freestanding object in the room, such as a beautiful chair or cabinet, is recommended by many interior designers if the space allows for it.

Because of the lack of space, you may tuck away other necessary items like clothing hampers or just relocate them. This ornamental piece may, of course, also serve a useful purpose by providing a location to keep towels, soaps, and many other goods of a similar size.

Increase the number of available hanging spaces

Hooks are the most convenient method to expand surface space in a bathroom without really adding a genuine countertop surface area. A wide variety of items, including clothing, bathrobes, and towels, may be hung on hooks. Take advantage of unwanted wall space by attaching hooks to rear doors, the sides of cupboards, or the backs of the doors themselves.

In the Bathroom, You Should Have More Mirrors

The majority of people assume that mirrors in bathrooms are solely there to check their appearance (makeup or hair) before leaving the house.

However, while considering the design of your bathroom, it is essential to keep in mind the role that mirrors play as design components that visually enlarge the space and bring more light into the area. The major mirror that is often hung over the bathroom sink is sometimes supplemented by a secondary mirror that is hung elsewhere in the room.

Mirrors with a big surface area and a full-wall coverage are ideal for use in bathrooms with limited space. It is important to provide room behind mirrors to allow for ventilation and prevent the buildup of mold.

Use Wainscoting to Both Protect and Improve the Look of Your Space

Beadboard for wainscoting serves two important purposes. To begin, it gives the appearance of age wherever it is used, and it is really simple to put in place. Second, beadboard protects the lower walls from tub or shower sprays. In a bathroom remodel, Connecticut homeowners know wainscoting adds to the classic New England bathroom appeal. 

Beadboard will be almost completely waterproof if it is painted with an oil-based paint, so make sure to give it at least one layer of that. If the beadboard doesn't match your room's style, try a tile wainscot. The application of tile accomplishes the same goal of defending the walls from the effects of moisture, and also offers an almost endless number of design options.

When to call in a plumber

Luis Tosta on Unsplash

Blocked drains are a common problem for homeowners, but it doesn’t mean that they’re not still pretty stressful. Taking the plug out of the sink and having the water go nowhere is clearly worrying. So too is flushing the toilet and having it come close to overflowing. These problems trigger alarm bells, because they are an unmistakable sign that something is wrong. It doesn’t matter where you are, there are many plumbing options.

Fortunately, there are plenty of reliable plumbing companies that are used to dealing with residential plumbing. If you fear that you might have a problem, you need to get in touch with these experts right away. They will come to your home, diagnose the issue, and get to work on solving it. You’ll have your drains back to normal in no time.

Sometimes, the plumbing problem has been neglected for too long and sometimes, catastrophe strikes all at once. In that case, you'll need water damage restoration in Sacramento or anywhere else.

This guide to some of the most common warning signs of a potential plumbing disaster will help you identify the problem quickly.

Slow Drains

You probably have a blockage somewhere if your sink or sinks drain very slowly or not at all. This kind of thing can also occur in the shower. If left untreated, it will get worse. There is a risk that whatever is blocking the pipe will flood back out of the drain.

Bad Smells

If a clog is preventing dirt and debris from moving down the pipe, as it usually would, you could start to smell a bit of a nasty whiff coming from the drain. This happens because hair, dirt, and food waste is building up behind the blockage and slowly decomposing. It is a really unpleasant symptom and most homeowners can’t go longer than a week without calling in professional help.

Gurgling Noises

Sometimes, blocked drains can cause fixtures to make a bubbling, gurgling sound. This might be an indication that you have a main sewer drain clog, particularly if you hear it while you shower as well. On the other hand, all drains are different. If you do hear strange noises, watch to see if the water leaves the drain reasonably quickly.

If it does, you should be fine. If it doesn’t, you may need to call in a plumber to fix what could be a blocked drain. Make sure that you give a plumber all of the details about the problem that you can when you first speak to them on the phone. It will help them identify the issue faster.

Unusual Flushing

A blocked drain or pipe can sometimes manifest itself in the form of abnormal flushing responses. So, when you flush the toilet, the water either rises much higher than normal or there is a lot less water than usual in the bowl.  

If you experience either of these things, deal with the problem quickly, because it can lead to toilet water rising up through sinks and shower drains. Once again, get on the phone to the professionals. They will be able to find a solution in no time, so that you can get on with life and keep your home functioning smoothly.

Washing Machine Back Ups

If your washing machine causes the sink in your bathroom to start gurgling and spewing water, you definitely have a clog or blockage somewhere. As the water in the appliance drains, there should be no obvious activity in the bathroom pipes.

It can be difficult to trace the source of blockages without expert help, so don’t delay. The faster that you address the issue, the less risk there is of it turning into a flood hazard. Though rare, this can happen. Address potential blockages quickly and efficiently.

Just remember that plumbing problems don’t fix themselves and it’s always less expensive and troublesome to deal with a problem earlier rather than later.

When it's time to call a plumber

You can use your kitchen area without hesitation if your plumbing is in good operating order. When your plumbing fails, however, it can feel like you're dealing with the most inconvenient situation you've ever encountered. Plumbing expenditures are something that most people, including yourself, are unaware of. It's the last thing on your mind, and you're more likely to get a plumber after the harm has been made.

The key is to call in a plumber before you experience a catastrophic failure and the resultant flooding. By that time it'll be too late and you have to call in water damage professionals.

Many other plumbing-related repairs should be left to the pros, primarily for safety reasons and to ensure the task is done the first time correctly. There are numerous warning indications that a plumbing problem is about to begin. Knowing what to look for can help you save time and money. Here are a few indicators that it's time to call your kitchen plumber:

1. Decrease Of Water Pressure

One of the more obvious symptoms that your plumbing system has gone bad is a decline in water pressure. A leak or an obstruction is the most common cause. Water pressure is lost in proportion to the degree of the leak or obstruction. Consistently lower water pressure over time indicates that you have a problem that is becoming worse. 

It's most likely a tiny leak or a buildup of limescale. An abrupt loss in water pressure, meanwhile, is often a sign of a pipe burst and should be addressed quickly. In any case, this plumbing problem symptom should never be overlooked. 

2. Rust-Colored Water

Rust indicates the presence of iron in your water. It frequently suggests that you must replace parts of your home's plumbing pipes. It could also signal that you require a new water heater. Likewise, it may indicate a concern with the water's safety in rare situations. In any event, don't take risks. If your faucet starts to leak rust-colored water, call a professional plumber right away.

3. Slow Drainage Of Sinks

While there are several possible explanations for your sink problems, the truth is that your plumbing is clogged. Anything, from children's toys to food waste and even small rodents, can clog your pipes, and you won't know unless you peek down your clogged drain. A plumber can clear any stubborn obstructions using specialized equipment known as an auger. He may also use a drain snake, which is a long, flexible gadget that is 10 times more efficient than your ordinary wire coat hanger. Make the call rather than wasting time chipping away at it and maybe damaging the interior of your pipes.

4. Constant Running Or Dripping Water

Running or dripping water is one of the telltale signals that it's time to call a plumber. One of the earliest evident symptoms of a leak could be this. If you hear the sound without running your faucet recently, take extra measures. It could indicate a leak beneath the floor or behind the walls. Hidden leaks are inconvenient and, if ignored, can cause significant damage. If you hear running or dripping water where there should be none, it's a good idea to call a plumber to be safe.

5. Smelly Gas Leaks

Gas leaks aren't the same as a trickling pipe under your kitchen sink, which can be easily fixed. Fortunately, obtaining expert help from a plumber is simple. The most frequent and well-known odor associated with a gas leak is rotten eggs. This odor is overpowering and unappealing. The distinct smell may emanate from within or beyond your home, depending on the location of the leak. Open your windows and ventilate as much as possible if the leak is from the inside. If feasible, leave the area until the leak is fixed. 

6. High Water Bills

Water bills will undoubtedly fluctuate with a faulty plumbing system throughout the year. If your water costs continue to rise month after month despite not using significantly more water, you should have a professional check your plumbing system. Water seeping from your plumbing system, which is still considered water usage and contributes to your increased rates, may be the cause of unusually high monthly water bills.

Turn off all of your home's plumbing appliances, then check your water meter to determine if this is the source of the problem. There is probably a leak somewhere in the system if the meter continues to run. A professional plumber should assess the situation to establish the exact location and severity of the leak.

Takeaway

There are several signs that you should contact a plumber immediately. Seek help if you see rust-colored water, an increase in your water bill, or clogged drains. Do not hesitate to contact a professional and experienced plumber if you are experiencing severe issues with your plumbing system.