Having the Ideal Setting, Will Save You Money

June 19th, 2015

Ideal Thermostat Settings for Every Season

Correctly setting your thermostat each season can help you to reduce your energy costs and help to preserve the natural resources of the planet too.

Even adjusting the thermostat a few degrees can result in you saving hundreds of dollars each season in your heating and cooling bills. Here are some recommendations for the ideal settings for your thermostat for any season.

Thermostat Settings for Winter

During the cold winter months, the tendency in the home is to raise the thermostat as high as possible to heat all the rooms in the house.

The first hiring that you need is to call a local plumbing repair company and have them install a programmable thermostat if you do not have one already.

They can help you with the setting and programming if you are not familiar with this process. Set the thermostat at 68 degrees during the day. That will keep the chill out of the air. During the night when you are under your blankets, the thermostat should be a few degrees cooler. If it feels too cold, add another blanket on the bed.

Thermostat Settings for Summer

The summer months bring extreme heat, and your cooling system will be working overtime to keep the house cool. Set the thermostat in the day to no lower than 78 degrees. To help reduce the strain on the cooling system, keep curtains and blinds closed during the day where direct sunlight can get in the home.

Turn on ceiling fans instead to circulate the air around the rooms and give the impression on the skin that the moving air is actually cooler than it is. During the night, when the humidity drops, you can raise the temperature a few degrees and turn on a fan instead to save energy.

Thermostat Settings for Spring/Fall

In the spring and fall, chances are your system will only run on extreme cold or hot days. Keep the thermostat on during these months, and adjust the settings accordingly.

If it is a unseasonably cold day, set the heat at 68 degrees. On warm and muggy days, raise the thermostat cool setting to 78 degrees.

The system will not be running for days on end during these seasons, so accompanied by a fan should keep the indoor temperature quite comfortable for you, especially when you are about to go to bed for the evening.

Trying to figure out the best thermostat setting for your Waterloo home? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (319) 266-3513, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

The Dawn of the Toilet

June 12th, 2015

The History of the Toilet

In the modern world the toilet has become a major architectural element in many houses as the need for the most luxury and technology. Professional plumbers and designers asked to create luxurious toilets and bathroom spaces for their clients.

The toilet has evolved from a simple hole in the walls of a castle into the modern flush toilet that takes many different forms around the world.

The Garderobe Shaft

The toilet was once simply a hole in the ground until medieval times in Europe when people moved into large castles for protection and a solution needed to be found to get rid of the waste produced by the inhabitants of the castle.

The stepped garderobe was the solution an ingenious plumber came up with, which was basically a chute between the castle walls where the waste was dropped.

A number of options were also introduced to try and stop the bad smells and reinforce the walls, which included a twisted design that stopped invaders attacking the defenses and bad smells rising through the castle.

The Crapper Conundrum

Sometimes the man credited with inventing the toilet is named as John or Thomas Crapper. However, it is now believed Crapper was a professional plumber enlisted by Sir John Harrington to help create and install the first toilet for England’s Queen Elizabeth I.

Crapper is credited with the decision to allow a small amount of water to return to the toilet bowl and reduce the risks and problems of waste returning to the toilet from the sewer. The first known plumber in the world was already making improvements to the system created by Harrington.

Plumbers Make Sure Toilets are Ready to Use

The modern toilet is a sophisticated piece of equipment that should be cared for as well as any other form of technology.

A plumber can make sure a modern low level flush toilet is installed correctly and has the power to move waste through the system successfully.

Modern toilets are designed to be installed by a professional plumber who has the skills to install a toilet successfully to give a toilet its longest possible lifespan.

Modern systems are also created to be easily repaired by a plumber who can install broken parts with ease to provide a toilet that should last for many years and lower utility bills with less water use.

If you live in the Waterloo area, and are having toilet troubles, Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 and find out how you can get your toilet back!

Feel the Fresh Clean Air

June 5th, 2015

Signs Your Air Duct Needs Maintenance

5 Signs Your Air Duct Needs Cleaning or Repair

Anyone who is a homeowner knows that home utilities can fall into disarray as time goes on. When it comes to air conditioning and ventilation, there are some signs that should tell one that the air ducts need some cleaning.

Mold and Dust Buildup

A major sign that the air duct in the household needs a cleaning is because of the presence of mold and mildew.

Over time lots of mold, mildew, fungus and other unhealthy substances can start to build up in the air ducts.

None of this is healthy for any home at all, so the problem to this would be to start spraying around and cleaning them. This will cut down on repair costs.

Mold is not the only problem, as dust buildup can also be problematic. If dust is blowing out of the air ducts on a constant basis, then it is also time to clean or repair it. Needless to say, some simple household products and cleaning can correct this problem with little cost.

Problems with People Breathing

In relation to mold and bust buildup, this problem can occur when occupants or visitors to the home find themselves having trouble breathing, or worsening any present respiratory problems.

Mold and dust buildup in the air ducts mean that someone will inevitably end up breathing that in, with or without being fully aware of it. This here would be even more reason to start cleaning up the ducts or getting them repaired altogether.

Reduction in Air Flow

A change in the quality and quantity of air blowing out of the air ducts should be another cause for concern when it comes to ventilation.

This can also relate to mold and dust, in that these substances can start to block airways and reduce the amount of air flow that blows out of the ducts.

As with the other problems some cleaning products and a scrub down could solve this mess quickly.

Pests can even be a serious problem and be a cause of bad air flow. Insects or rodents like mice or even rats can get caught up in the vents and nest there, which can also constrict air flow.

With this problem a simple cleaning may not be enough but resorting to hiring an exterminator or a professional duct cleaner to fix the problem may be necessary.

Not feeling the fresh, clean air in your Waterloo home? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling at (319) 266-3513, and feel good again in your home.

Do Your Research on the Plumbing Myths

May 29th, 2015

Popular Plumbing Myths Debunked

Some plumbing myths have become so prevalent over the years that many people now genuinely believe them.

Plumbers are often called out to deal with problems that are caused by these myths, and if you are fooled into thinking they are real, they could cause you no end of problems, both financially and in terms of hassle.

So what are the most Popular Plumbing Myths Debunked?

1. Do-It-Yourself Is Easy

There are now countless books to read and online videos to watch, all providing tips for DIY plumbing.

Although many of these can be useful when it comes to fixing minor issues and, especially, preventing some problems from occurring, it is also responsible in part for the growing belief that plumbing is easy.

In short, it’s not. Tradespeople require years of training and special qualifications to carry out work on people’s pipes and fittings, and thinking that you can learn everything from a five-minute video is misguided. Plumbers sometimes find when they are called out to deal with a problem it can be that the owner has tried to have a go and ended up causing more problems as a result.

2. If Food Can Fit Down the Sink It Won’t Cause Any Problems

Most people have some notion of the idea that some things can cause bathroom and kitchen sinks to become blocked. However, many people still assume that if items of food, hair, and other such matter are small enough to go down the sink, they cannot cause any problems.

In fact, most blockages are caused by exactly such things. The ideal is to only allow water to go down the sink. Obviously that is not always practical, but the effort should be made to prevent as many solids from going down the plughole as possible–and that includes oil.

3. Hiring a Professional is Expensive

Although hiring a qualified tradesperson is not always cheap, you have to put the cost into perspective. Plumbers who are called out to local households perform an invaluable job, and they are always well worth the money.

For example, if you have a leaking pipe and you put off calling a tradesman, the damage can be catastrophic and can end up costing many times more than if you had just hired a one to start with.

Or, if you decide to do some DIY but you really don’t know what you are doing, the damage can again be incredibly expensive.

So it always pays to put these issues into perspective, and even if it does cost you money, the chances are that you are making a good financial decision.

Banish the Myths

Myths such as the ones above are so prevalent that many people end up causing themselves no end of problems by believing them.

Plumbers can be a very worthwhile investment when something goes wrong, so steer clear of these myths and save yourself money and hassle.

Don’t let the myths get to you in your Waterloo home. Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 today, and overcome these plumbing myths!

Beat the Summer Heat this Year

May 22nd, 2015

10 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Summer Heat

As the warm weather of summer approaches, there are many things you can do to keep the home cooler and cut down on excessive utility costs. Here are ten simple ways to prepare your home for the summer heat.

1. Dark Curtains

Invest in some darker curtains, they will help to keep the direct sunlight from penetrating and heating up the interior of each room.

2. Sun Reflecting Blinds

Blinds that reflect the sunlight and keep the rooms dark can help to cool the home and reduce your air conditioning cots. These blinds can reduce the sunlight entering rooms with direct sunlight exposure.

3. HVAC Tune UP

Call your local HVAC repair company and schedule an inspection and maintenance immediately. Your cooling system will be running much harder, and if it is tuned up, will run more effectively this summer.

4. Replace Cooling Air Filter

Run down to the hardware store and purchase a few HVAC air filters, and replace one immediately. The cleaner the filer, the easier for the system to operate this summer.

5. Cleaning Near the Foundation

Remove any weeds, shrubbery, or plants growing too close to the house foundation. These attract a variety of insects who will then try to find easy access to the home to escape the heat.

6. Seal Exterior Holes

Patch any holes or cracks along the perimeter of your home. Rodents will try to escape other predators and the heat, looking for safe refuge in your garage or attic.

7. Wash the Screens

While the daytime will be hot, many times the evening will be very comfortable. Clean the window screens so that when you do open the windows you are not confronted with nasty filth.

8. Clean Out the Garage

If your garage is full of clutter from this winter, now is the time to start cleaning so you can get your vehicle out of the heat and inside the cool garage.

9. Patch Any Screens

With the windows open many nights, you want to repair any holes in the screens now so insects are not gaining access to the home each time you open the windows.

10. Cleaning the Outside Fan

During the winter, the outside HVAC fan can accumulate, branches, twigs, and even the occasional rodent nest. Have your local HVAC professional open the unit and carefully clear out any debris.

Don’t let your A/C suck the fun out of summer. Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 for greener HVAC services in the Waterloo area!

Make Sure You Choose the Right Brand

May 15th, 2015

What are the Top 10 Plumbing Fixture Brands Recommended by Plumbers

Selecting Fixture Brands

Many excellent brands of plumbing fixtures exist today. A plumbing company may offer recommendations about several of these items, based upon a number of different selection criteria.

Property owners ultimately make decisions that reflect their specific, individual needs. Some of the factors that enter into a favorable recommendation by plumbers include the following:

How long will the fixture typically remain in good condition?
Does the fixture reflect high-quality craftsmanship?
Are parts metal or plastic?
What is the quality of the fine finishing detail?
Are replacement parts readily available?
Is the price range reasonable?

In some situations, a fixture proves suitable for a home, yet exceeds the price a property owner considers affordable at the time. For example, durable brass faucets typically cost considerably more than plastic ones utilizing metal cladding.

A high quality brass faucet will likely last considerably longer than one using metal-coated surfaces. Additionally, the overall quality of various fine finishing details may vary, based in part on price ranges.

Some Excellent Brands

Bearing in mind that ultimately, a property owner makes the decision about purchasing particular fixtures, here are some of the top ten brands many plumbers recommend.

Fine Brass Faucets

A number of English and German firms produce outstanding brass faucets. These items tend to run in the upper price ranges. Some noted brands include:

Dornbracht: A leading German manufacturer of upscale faucets;
Samuel Heath: A well respected English company known for its brass faucets and fixtures;
Barber Wilsons: This family-owned firm has manufactured metal faucets for over a century;
Waterworks: This respected manufacturer of high grade metal faucets also accepts customized individual orders.

High Range Fixtures

One company with a great product line including high grade faucets and shower heads and pull-out faucets is Rohl: rohlhome.com. The firm began manufacturing in 1983.

High Middle Range Faucets

Grohe: This company produces roughly 8% of faucets and sanitary fittings sold globally;
Hansgrohe: A firm founded in 1901.
Delta: A popular brand.

Fixtures

Two popular high-quality American brands include:

American Standard: Manufactures toilets, bathtubs, faucets and other fixtures.
Moen: High quality faucets, sinks, shower accessories.

Plumbers today recommend many other excellent brands also.

If you’re in need of plumbing fixtures in your Waterloo home, these are recommended the best! Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 for installation.

Breathe in the Fresh Air You Deserve

May 8th, 2015

The 5 Best Ways to Handle and Prevent Indoor Air Pollution

According to studies, indoor air pollution is trumping outdoor air pollution, at least in terms of health hazards. As a homeowner, your job is to use preventive measures and nip the problem at the source.

Most homeowners try to keep the four major indoor air hazards at bay – mold, chemical emissions, particulates and pollutants.

However, with the help of some simple steps, you can get a complete hold over the problem. The following are 5 best ways to handle and prevent air pollution.

Install Proper Ventilation

Because of better energy efficiency, indoor air pollution has become a real problem. However, instead of going back to the days of high energy bills and wasted energy, you can improve ventilation in certain areas of your house. This includes your basement, attic and bathrooms as these are the biggest problem areas.

Get An Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Everything smelly in your air need not be a pollutant in the same way that there are a lot of pollutants that you can’t smell. Radon, for instance, is a gas that cannot be smelled and yet, is also one of the most dangerous indoor air pollutants. Getting an air quality assessment would help you formulate your plans accordingly.

Reduce Chemical Use

Go for organic cleaners for keeping your house dust, debris and pest free. When you buy products, keep a close eye on the back label.

Activities like dry cleaning should also be done sparingly because chemicals are used in the clothes and when you bring them into your house, you are increasing pollutants in the air.

Use Better Furnace Filters

Advanced furnace filters have an ability to trap almost all air particulates, thereby making the indoor air clean and healthy.

Apart from investing in such filters, you also need to maintain your HVAC systems with the aid of trained and qualified professionals.

Invest in an Electronic Air Cleaner

Electronic air cleaners might be expensive but they do their job 30 times better than regular air filters. You would also benefit from these cleaners for a lot of years to come.

If price is something of an issue, it is best to buy a portable one that works pretty well and doesn’t drill a hole in your pocket.

You should call prefer professional HVAC companies because then, you could enjoy customized tips to keep your indoor air free from pollution.

Make sure you’re breathing in the fresh air in your Cedar Falls home. Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling at (319) 266-3513, and get the experts to solve the problem.

Let the Spring Savings Begin

April 24th, 2015

How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient this Spring

While 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.

Consider 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.

Get Back to Breathing with Clean Air

April 17th, 2015

3 Ways To Allergy-Proof Your Home This Spring

The 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.

Allergies 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.

Don't Use Cleaning Solutions! Call a Plumber!

April 10th, 2015

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

The 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

There 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.