Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog: Archive for April, 2015

Let the Spring Savings Begin

Friday, April 24th, 2015

How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient this Spring

Cedar Falls PlumberWhile many people have moved towards green sustainable living for the environmental benefits that it brings, there is a real gain for homeowners financially as well.

Going green means reducing the amount of energy that you consume and saving money as a result. There are many ways to have your home be more energy efficient and, there is no way to start like the spring. This article will provide some tips for making your home more energy efficient.

Have Your HVAC System Inspected

Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is likely the biggest drain on your home energy usage during the summer.

Start by having your HVAC inspected by a licensed plumber who can help to see how efficiently it is designed as well as if there are any pending issues with the system that can be resolved to help make your home more energy efficient.

Sometimes easy fixes can make a big difference while other times more significant changes are needed. Simple fixes can be as easy as having new filters installed or having the space around an outside air pump cleared of foliage, while more significant changes can involve a redesign of your system or cleaning clogged or damaged air tubes. Only a trained HVAC plumber would know the best course of action for your home.

Have a Plumber Review Your System for Leaks

Sometimes efficiency in your home can be undermined by leaks in your plumbing system. A small leak can lead to big damage to your home and also take a bite out of your efficiency rating.

Having a licensed and experienced plumber visit your home to inspect and search for leaks can make a big difference on the overall energy efficiency of your home.

Cedar Falls Energy-EfficiencyConsider Other Energy Efficient Changes

Energy efficiency changes can come by having a plumbing specialist install newer and more energy efficient thermostats in your home that allow you to regulate the temperature of your home in a more effective way.

Alternatively, other fixes such as more energy efficient windows or house fans can be recommended. The exact recommendations will depend on your home setup and location. Contact a plumber to see what recommendations they have for you.

Spring time is the time for implementing new changes in your life as it is the season of renewal. Use a professional to find the right decisions for your needs and start saving with greater efficiency this coming year.

Interested in going green? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 to make your Cedar Falls home more energy efficient today.

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Get Back to Breathing with Clean Air

Friday, April 17th, 2015

3 Ways To Allergy-Proof Your Home This Spring

 

Cedar Falls Air Quality ServicesThe home is where a lot of allergies can build up. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to fight allergies in your home. This goes beyond taking medication whenever you suffer symptoms.

There are preventive measures that you can take so that you don’t even have to suffer allergies.

Many of these methods are rather simple and do not require all that much skill and time. It is very important to act sooner than later.

Avoid Tracking

A lot of allergies that you suffer in the home come from the outside. Often times, you pick up a lot of dirt and dust from the ground. When you get back home, you tend to track them into the home.

This can be prevented with welcome mats. When you walk into the home, you just have to rub your feet on the mats in order to avoid tracking any allergens in. Another option is to take your shoes off.

Have an Advanced Vacuum Cleaner

Your vacuum cleaner could actually be doing you and your home more harm than good when it comes to allergens. One type of vacuum cleaner that you need has a HEPA filter for trapping tiny particles and allergens.

Replace Air Filters

Those air filters in your air conditioner traps a lot of the allergens. At some point, they lose the ability to trap the dust and other allergens. As a result, the air conditioner will fill the room with all the dust and other things that you are allergic to.

The owners manual of the air conditioner should tell you when you should change out your air filter. If you don’t change out your air filter, not only will your air be dirty, but your air conditioner might break down a bit sooner.

Cedar Falls Allergy ProofAllergies are a big problem, but they do not have to be endured. These are a few of many ways to fight allergies in your own home. A good combination of methods can actually go a long way towards fighting your more severe allergies.

With a doctor, you can know what you need to watch out for when it comes to allergies. This will also help you with the methods that are the most effective for your allergies.

Constantly sneezing in your Cedar Falls home? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 today, and breathe in the fresh air.

 

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Don't Use Cleaning Solutions! Call a Plumber!

Friday, April 10th, 2015

What Are Some of the Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaning Solutions?

 

Cedar Falls PlumberThe most often used solution for clearing drains is a chemical drain cleaner. There are many caveats to using these solutions to clear drains.

The higher end products are caustic and heavily concentrated. They work intermittently and can be damaging to existing pipes.

This is especially true for pipes that are suffering from corrosion or that are made from PVC. Chemical drain cleaners can weaken PVC and cause metal pipes to fail.

Why Do People Buy These Solutions?

People choose these products to clear several types of clogs including hair, human waste, soaps and grease. However, these solutions are not effective on all types of clogs as their advertisements suggest. They do not clear drains in nearly the expedient manner that is suggested also.

Drain cleaner can be problematic to pets that may sneak a drink of toilet bowl water or standing water in sinks. These solutions can kill animals even in low concentrations. In addition, they give off noxious fumes that remain for a long time after the leak has been cleared or the solution is used. These fumes can be harmful to pets and humans. It can be inexpensive to use, but they can easily be used incorrectly and be completely ineffective.

Additionally, the product on the shelves may not clear certain clogs. The most effective method for clearing drains and applying the appropriate fixes are reputable plumbing companies.

Don’t Use Low End Products At All

Using lower end products may not be a good idea. These low end products are ineffective for many reasons. The product is mixed incorrectly or are too diluted to offer an effective clearing of the clog in most cases. Many professional companies offer considerable deals with simple drain clearing.

In addition, they can utilize fixes that use no chemicals at all. These mechanical methods are effective on all types of pipes without fear of damaging the existing pipes. Professional plumbing companies can institute repairs that can cause clogs to occur less frequently.

Mechanical Reasons

Cedar Falls Drain Cleaning ServicesThere may be mechanical reasons that cause clogs to occur more frequently. The issues can be rectified indefinitely by eliminating these problems. A professional is required to assess clogs and determine if they are cause by more severe problems.

This is not possible with chemical drain cleaners. Additionally, drain cleaners can negatively affect the surrounding structure of the drain like sinks, tubs and fixtures. This amounts to added costs with using the product. This is not an issue with professional plumbing companies.

Are your pipes all clogged up in your Cedar Falls home? If you’re having trouble, give Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a Call at (319) 266-3513, so we can get down to the root of the problem.

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Get Informed on Your SEER Rating

Friday, April 3rd, 2015

What is a SEER Rating?

 

Cedar Falls HeatingDo You Know What a SEER Rating is on Your AC?

A SEER rating given to an air conditioner is the explanation of how the unit uses fuel in an average year to convert into cooling. The SEER rating is the explanation of the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute rates a SEER based on its 2008 standard AHRI 210/240 performance rating.

SEER is figured by dividing the total energy input, in an average year, of the cooling season into the cooling output.

This Rating Affects Your Energy Consumption.

Your AC consumes almost half of your homes total energy bill. Knowing what SEER ratings are will help you decide what AC unit is best for your utility budget. A lower SEER rating uses more energy. A higher SEER rating uses less energy to operate but will cost more to purchase initially.

You will need to look at the monthly savings in operating cost verses the upfront investment cost to decide what SEER fits your short term or long term needs in your home. If you are staying in the home you will need to see how long it will take to recover your investment cost in savings.

It is Important to Know the SEER Differences and What it Means For You.

Not only does knowing what SEER is when considering a new HVAC unit but investigating the difference in SEER ratings brings you closer to seeing what your best option is. While getting a higher SEER is good for the environment how high to go is tricky.

The minimum SEER allowed to be sold in the U.S. since January 2006 is now 13 SEER. 13 SEER is the minimum but you have to go to a minimum of 14 SEER to Cedar Falls SEER Ratingobtain an energy star rated unit by the guidelines set in 2006.

So if you are hoping to cash in on the tax credits for the new system that is important to know as well.Places with a longer cooling season will obviously benefit from a higher SEER than say places with colder climates.

Now with this knowledge you can make a wise decision when buying a new AC unit. Places with a longer cooling season will obviously benefit from a higher SEER than say places with colder climates.

Go green with energy and money saving HVAC units. Call the experts of Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 to make your Cedar Falls area home more efficient today.

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