Cedar Falls, IA Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Blog | Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc.

An AC Upgrade Might Be in Your Future

August 7th, 2023

Air conditioning is all over the news these days. It’s not by accident either, there are record-breaking heatwaves happening all over the country–and we’re still barely in August.

This means that you’re likely getting inundated with advertisements about central air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless systems, and more. But why can’t you just rely on your old window air conditioner?

Well, you can, but it’s not going to be as reliable as a more robust system. Window AC units are not as powerful, efficient, or as convenient as central air conditioners.

In fact, central air conditioners are almost better in every single way, and window units are only better in very specific situations (like small apartments and tiny homes).

We’d like to talk about all of the ways a central AC upgrade in Cedar Rapids, IA is going to be a great decision, and when it might not be.

Big Tips: Saving Money During a Heatwave

July 31st, 2023

You’ve probably seen the news over the past few days or weeks. Half of the country is encountering record-breaking heat and, in some cases, extreme weather warning. This is causing some serious strain on the power grid as everyone begins running their air conditioners throughout the days and nights.

There’s no escaping this heat if you live where we do. Air conditioning in Cedar Rapids, IA is necessary at this point, and while we’ve just made it to August, there’s likely a lot more heat to come.

So, how can you get through a heatwave and record-breaking temperatures without breaking the bank? We’ll go over some tested tips and best practices that can help you tremendously over the next few weeks–and some of these tips are free!

Just be sure to call a team of professionals if you encounter any problems, from blown-out compressors to ice forming on your coil. We can be the technicians to help you.

How Do I Know Where My Water Leak Is Coming From?

July 24th, 2023

This question gets at the heart of an issue we call “leak detection.” In the plumbing industry, this is a difficult subject to approach, because everyone has their own methods and strengths when it comes to finding a leak and having it dealt with.

Some folks, for instance, have very sharp ears and can detect even the slightest “dripping” sound coming from their basement in the middle of the night. Other people might be losing their hearing, but they’ve got great vision where they can see the moisture of a pinhole leak developing on a pipe.

In fact, there are several different methods for water leak detection in Cedar Rapids, IA, and many of them can be done either by professionals or for free at home. We’re going to go over a few methods of water leak detection, from audio cues to exact measurements using your water meter. Then, we’ll let you decide if you should call us for professional services when it’s finally time to plug that leak.

What Is a Ductless System?

July 17th, 2023

We talk a lot about ductless HVAC systems on this blog. In fact, people are just talking about these systems everywhere nowadays and it’s important to know why. The honeymoon phase of this new technology being “exciting” and “innovative” has slowly gone away, but their absolute dominance in the field of comfort and efficiency is here to stay.

Ductless heat pumps are powerful mounted systems that can run both air conditioning and heating. They don’t require air ducts and they function via air handlers in your home. This is what they are on the surface, but once you dig a bit deeper, they get a lot more enticing if you can believe it!

Just remember that a ductless system isn’t for everyone and every budget. They tend to run more expensive than standard central AC or heating systems. Be sure to speak with an expert for your ductless air conditioning in Cedar Rapids, IA.

When Do You Need AC Service?

July 17th, 2023

The answer might seem simple when you ask us. You need AC service any time your air conditioner exhibits any strange noises or problems that require fixing. While this sounds easy enough, it’s actually a lot more complicated than that.

For instance, what exactly is a problem? Is that little squeaking noise in an otherwise perfectly fine air conditioner an issue? Or what constitutes a bad noise when compared to good noises, like the sound of air coming from your air vents? These are all good questions, and ones that make this process a lot harder for homeowners than many people initially think.

Even a customer who might have an otherwise working air conditioner could see a terribly high energy bill every month–which constitutes a definite need for AC service in Cedar Falls, IA. These things require a bit more thought, which is what we’re going to cover today.

What Should I Do If I Have Hard Water?

July 10th, 2023

Well, ideally nothing. This sounds like a problem for your prospective plumber who has access to solutions that we’ll get to below. But trying to solve this problem DIY is never really a good idea.

Hard water is more of a matter of chemistry than it is a physical problem you can fix. You can’t just reach your hand into your water supply and pull out the minerals, they’re dissolve to a microscopic level, even where a filter wouldn’t be able to help much. A water softener is going to be your best bet, and it’s an incredibly simple water treatment system in Vinton, IA. It uses a bit of chemistry to remove all of the minerals from your water while keeping your plumbing system from getting overwhelmed.

Let’s talk about how this system works, why it’s so helpful, and how you can get started on your journey towards having a hard water treatment system like a water softener installed in your home.

How Do I Read My Electrical Panel?

July 3rd, 2023

This is a great question and one that we get from many different customers. Some electrical panels are poorly labeled and homeowners are practically searching in the dark for the right switch for a circuit. Other homeowners might have strange numbers or symbols on their electrical panel that can correspond to different types of industry jargon.

As your local electrical experts, we’d like to do a deep dive on reading your electrical panel. The more you know about how it operates and how it should be correctly labeled, the better off you’ll be when something goes wrong or when you’re diagnosing a problem.

Remember, knowing this kind of information does not replace professional electrical panel service in Cedar Rapids, IA. In fact, customers can seriously injure themselves or ruin electrical components of their home if they’re not careful. This guide is meant to inform you so you can better know when a pro is needed, or if you just need to flip a switch.

Top 5 Tips for Indoor Lighting

July 3rd, 2023

Where would our homes be without lights? Seriously, since the stone age, we’ve been able to do more every single day thanks to the ability to use light and see during the night when the sun isn’t out anymore. Our homes are as cozy and comfortable because we can see them using lighting systems that are affordable, simple, and easy to operate.

Instead of approaching lighting like the miracle that it feels like, let’s talk about some of the nitty gritty. After all, some of our customers might have a broken light or some lighting fixtures that need to be upgraded. This can be frustrating, and you could have people telling you to avoid calling a professional for this kind of work.

Today, we’d like to give you some tips on lighting and general electrical repair in Cedar Falls, IA. We’d like to show you why we’re the qualified team of experts to call, and how our experience can lead you to having a more comfortable and safe home.

5 Common DIY AC Repair Mistakes

June 26th, 2023

We’d like to start this blog post with a handy PSA: Air conditioning repair should never be done DIY. It’s not like other repairs where you can try your hand at a few fixes yourself. An AC is complex and usually covered by a dealer’s or manufacturer’s warranty that can be immediately voided if you’re not careful.

That being said, we’d like to talk about the other main reason why we advise homeowners to steer clear of DIY AC repair in Cedar Rapids, IA. We’re talking about mistakes.

It’s incredibly easy to mess something up, break something, or even forget something when you try to fix your AC yourself. And since these systems are large, expensive, and extremely complicated, that chance is very likely and can lead to some unintended results.

From broken parts to a completely botched unit, we’re going to highlight some of the most common mistakes we see when customers try to fix their AC units themselves.

Will a Geothermal System Help Me Save Money?

June 19th, 2023

Yes, it absolutely will. But not in the ways you would expect.

Geothermal HVAC systems are becoming more and more popular these days. With the advent of heat pump technology and legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, the spotlight is beginning to fall on the most eco-friendly comfort systems we have available. And geothermal systems belong squarely in that category.

Geothermal heating and cooling in Cedar Rapids, IA isn’t as complicated as one might think. It uses the consistent temperature underground as a heat source to keep your home comfortable all year long. It uses heat pumps which are extremely efficient and refrigerant lines that go deep underneath your home to draw out the mild heat that keeps temperatures comfy.

A geothermal system will cost more to install upfront, but it will save you money for years to come in a lot of interesting ways.