Get the Purified Air You Deserve

January 23rd, 2015

How Does an Air Purifier Work?

 

 

Health Benefits of Air Purifiers

Without air purifiers, tons of dust, mold, and other debris would build up in the air and vents of a family’s home. This in turn can cause a wide range of health problems such as asthma, bronchitis, lung infection, and all sorts of other illnesses.

This is why having a good working air purifier is vital to the health of all inhabitants inside a house. Immediate benefits of a good working air filter include better breathing, less dust accumulations, and cleaner air. Air purifiers use very effective methods of cleaning air, such as using activated charcoal.

How Air Purifiers Work

There are many different types of air purifiers such as air cleaners, HEPA cleaners, ionizing purifiers, ozone generators, and absorbent air purifiers. However, they all use the same principle to purify air by running air through some sort of filter. For instance, air cleaners runs air through a fabric that filters and strains out all debris and dust particles, leaving fresh, clean air.

These type of air purifiers are in almost every heater/cooler system inside a house. On the other hand, there are air filters that use activated charcoal to filter air. More advanced air purifier systems use ionized electric charges to purify air.

Are All Air Purifiers the Same?

All air purifiers are definitely not the same. They may all clean air, but some do a much better job than others do. An activated charcoal based air purifier will clean air far better than a simple air cleaner, due to activated charcoal’s large surface area. An ionized filter may perform even better than an activated charcoal filter. However, it’s important to keep in mind that with better quality comes greater price.

The filters in air purifiers to need to be changed every so often. Some of the better ones can last longer before changing is needed, hence, the price. In other words, what type of air purifier a person wants will depend on their budget and needs. Although the better purifiers may cost more, they may pay off in the long run.

Want the fresh purified air in your Cedar Falls home? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. at (319) 266-3513 and breathe in the purified air you deserve.

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Heating Your Home Properly Requires the Right Size Furnace

January 16th, 2015

What is the Importance of a Properly Sized Furnace System? 

 
Everyone needs a furnace in their home or office. However, people often make a big mistake when it comes to actually purchasing it. A common assumption among many people is that bigger is always better.

On the other side, many people feel that a smaller and less expensive option is always the right choice. In reality, one of the most important aspects of a new furnace is how well it fits certain size specifications.

Associated Costs

The most practical reason for buying a furnace that’s properly sized is related to cost. The general costs for a furnace vary heavily through a number of different factors. However, it’s important to remember that the initial differences with any furnace are minor compared to a larger associated cost.

Actually operating the furnace is where the expenses really begin to build up. And a furnace which isn’t properly sized to what the building requires will come with much higher operating costs. It will either use far more power than is needed, or it will end up struggling to provide for a building’s needs.

A Refreshing Silence

Many people assume that a furnace will always be loud. This is just based on their personal experience. And they are, of course, correct in assuming that a furnace will always make noise. However, much of what people assume is normal for a heating system is actually due to a improperly sized furnace. Both one that’s too small and one that’s too large can contribute to general noise pollution within a building.

It’s either going to be struggling to keep up with the building’s requirements, or it will be blasting out a level of power which is overwhelming. What’s needed is a nice middle ground which will allow for a much quieter level of operation.

Cedar Falls Furnace SizeAn Appropriate Amount of Space

Of course another element of the size of a furnace is the space it takes up. People often forget that a furnace can take up a rather sizable portion of an area.

And because the furnace’s size will scale to the area it needs to heat, this often means that a larger home isn’t much protection from lost space. Space is always a precious and scarce commodity. One needs to ensure that his home is as efficiently run as possible if he wants to maximize it’s value.

Are you looking for the right furnace size for your Cedar Falls home? Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. can help, just Call (319) 266-3513, to get reliable service from the professionals.

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Water is Off, and Still Hear Water Running? Common Issue of the Slab Leak

January 9th, 2015

Slab Leaks: What Are the Causes of Slab Leaks? 

 

Cedar Falls PlumberSome of the most frequent questions from our customers deal with the unfortunate intrusion of a slab leak within the home. A slab leak is a water leak below the concrete foundation of a home or property.

These leaks are breaks in the pipeline that lead to a small or large amounts of water spilling out somewhere near the foundation.

What Causes Slab Leaks?

There are many reasons why slab leaks occur. The four most common reasons are: corrosion of the pipe, pressure placed on the pipe, abrasion or vibration within the pipe, and improper construction. We will break down each of these four reasons for slab leaks to give you a better idea of the root cause of the leak.

While many home and property owners associate fear slab leaks due to the inevitable expense of repair, there are also severe health risks that can develop from leaks.

Leaking water will inevitably lead to mold and mildew. Breathing mold-saturated air can lead to long-term respiratory issues. Leaks left untreated can also lead to the rotting of supporting structures in your home, hurting your property value.

How to Tell if you Have a Slab leak

Some of the most common signs of a slab leak are: the sound of water when all faucets are off, excessive mold or mildew, an abnormally high water bill, consistent low water pressure or a hot spot on the floor. If you notice any of these issues, it’s advisable to call your plumber immediately to confirm the location of the leak and repair it before further damage is done.

Repairing a Slab Leak

Repairing a slab leak is not as trying of a process as you may think. Most repairs can be done within three days. During the first day, your plumber use electronic equipment to detect the actual source of the leak, as well as any outside factoring contributing to the occurrence of the leak.

Cedar Falls Slab LeaksOn the following day(s), your plumber will repair the actual leak. In rare cases the leak may not be able to be repaired quickly. In that instance, your plumber will install a temporary water line so that your water being shut off doesn’t affect your day-to-day routine.

A slab leak is an unfortunate occurrence. However, when working with a capable plumber you can repair the leak in a timely, cost-effective manner that will prevent future damage.

Are you seeing signs of a slab leak in your Cedar Falls home? No time to waste here, Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc.  at (319) 266-3513 to see what is causing that slab leak.

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A Regular Plumber Won't Tell You This About Bathroom Remodels

December 26th, 2014

Possible Problems With Bathroom Remodeling

 
It’s time to remodel your bathroom and you’re thinking of doing it yourself. Before going down the DYI path, consider how working with a professional plumber can help in unexpected ways.

Common Plumbing Issues 

• Will your existing plumbing work for your new bath design? Before starting your plumber will evaluate the condition of existing plumbing and determine if it will compliment your new bath design. Weak pipes will be replaced and if necessary, rerouted to work with your plan.

• Can anything be more aggravating then discovering that you forgot a part? A bath has lots of parts. From the obvious sink and toilet to the small hidden fittings behind the walls your plumber will provide the expertise to point out the parts you’ll need to pick out and fill in the rest himself.

• Do you want to play with the hazardous combination of water and electricity? A bath remodel brings together the most hazardous elements of home renovation— water and electricity. Your plumber knows how to safely handle these components.

What Local Codes Need To Be Followed?

An experienced plumber will be knowledgeable with regards to local codes and during his work may also discover old code violations he can correct. Fixing these violations during the building process is better than having them discovered by an inspector later.

When Should You Replace Your Shower or Tub?
If you are doing a bathroom renovation, it’s the perfect time to evaluate and adjust for tub or shower use. For example, if an aged family member will be using the room exclusively, an easy to step into shower may work best. If this is the going to be your own private sanctuary it’s time to shop for that two person whirlpool you’ve always dreamed of.

Another very necessary time to replace your tub or shower is when it’s cracked or leaking. Cracks and leaks don’t get better. If left broken, water from these leaks can ruin floors as well as ceilings in the level below. Moisture also promotes growth of mold which can spread throughout your home.

Working with your professional plumber can mean the difference between an okay remodel job and creating the bathroom of your dreams. He offers the valuable expertise to get the job done right. Talk to a professional plumber today.

Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc.  at (319) 266-3513 right now for bathroom remodeling services. Our experienced technicians will service your Cedar Falls home in no time! 

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Must-Know Information About Your Home's Furnace

December 19th, 2014

Dealing With Your Furnace

 
In the dead of winter, the last thing someone wants is an issue with their furnace. However, as with most mechanical items in our homes there can be common problems that could cause it not function correctly and therefore not produce the warm home we need. Some of these problems you may experience include a furnace that produces no heat which could be caused by a thermostat problem, a pilot light that is out, or maybe even an electrical issue.

Another issue you may have is that your furnace is not producing enough heat. This could be as simple as an obstructed air flow problem or your gas burners needing adjustments. Alternatively your furnace could have problems that cause it to turn off and on in an excessive amount. This might be caused by the dirty air filter or something more serious such as a problem with the blower motor.

Benefits of Timely Repairs

There are several reasons why you should conduct timely repairs on your furnace and your overall HVAC system. First, it will cost you less over the life of your system if you conduct the maintenance and repairs when they are called for vice waiting until you need the system to be functional because of the weather outside.

Second, these systems are mechanical in nature and engineers are constantly looking for ways to improve them. Waiting to make the repairs could put your system in danger of becoming an out of date and obsolete system. When this occurs there are no longer repair parts and it may call for a total replacement of your system. Another reason and the most important reason for conducting the timely repairs on your furnace are for the safety of your home and system. As previously mentioned, these furnace systems are mechanical in nature that are run on either electricity or gas. An issue with these systems could be a sign of a serious problem that could potentially be a fire hazard.

When to Call a Professional

Furnace RepairWith any potential repair of an HVAC system, a homeowner needs to understand what they can do themselves and when it’s time to call a professional. For this there is a simple litmus test, first can you identify what is wrong with your system? Second, is the repair within your rational scope of knowledge? Obviously some repairs such as changing out an air filter, or thermostat, or maybe relighting a pilot light are probably easy fixes for most homeowners. But the idea of changing out a blower motor, or checking its belts maybe something that is better left to a professional HVAC contractor.

Looking to hire professional HVAC technicians for your Cedar Falls home’s furnace repair? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. at (319) 266-3513 for our quick and efficient services. 

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Forgot About The Air Filter Again?

December 12th, 2014

Air Filter Replacement

 

Cedar Falls Heating & CoolingChanging your air filter is a chore that many of us tend to forget about. It is a simple task that we over look and take for granted. Though air filters are a small part of the home they pay a major role. Switching air filter’s in a timely manner can help to maintain a safe and comfortable environment while saving you money.

When you change your air filter in a timely manner you are helping to keep your home safe and free from particles that can cause an allergic reaction or trigger asthma. Failure to change your air filter will result in various particles being circulated back into your home. This can become dangerous for you and your family. Dust, pollen, and other particles can trigger an asthma attack, allergic reaction, or cause other repertory issues to develop. Keep your family safe by changing your air filter in a timely manner.

Air FilterIn addition to helping keep your family safe, changing your air filter in a timely manner can help maintain the comfort level in your home. An air filter that is not changed in a timely manner can cause your HVAC system to accumulate dirt and become clogged. When this occurs, your HVAC system can stop working properly. A malfunctioning HVAC system will not be able to provide an ample amount of heat during the cold months or cool air during the hot months. Don’t put your family’s comfort at stake, make sure that you change your air filter in a timely manner is order to make sure your HVAC continues to provide heat and cool air when needed.

Finally, changing your home’s air filter in a timely manner can help to save you money. Failing to change your air filter, will more than likely lead to an HVAC system that is clogged with accumulated dust and other particles. This clog will can cause your system to work harder in order to provide your family with needed heat or cool air. A system that works harder than usual means that more electrical current will be used to power these particular efforts. More electrical use by your HVAC system will lead to a hike in your utility bill. Also, you HVAC system can become damaged due to being overworked or clogged resulting in repair costs. Don’t let this happen to you, be sure to change your air filters in a timely manner in order to help save money.

Does your Cedar Falls home need urgent air filter replacement? Dial (319) 266-3513 now to contact Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. top notch services. 

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Must Know Home-Owning Information

December 5th, 2014

Maintaining a Garbage Disposal

 

Garbage DisposalThe garbage disposal helps to reduce the trash being thrown away and keep it from the landfill. When operating perfectly, the garbage disposal chops and churns the food particles into liquid, allowing them to flow easily down the pipes with water. The problem is that many foods that should not be in the disposal get trapped in the pipes and begin to solidify. They start to smell soon after and can cause a terrible odor in the kitchen area.

Why Does the Disposal Smell So Bad?

When foods that are recommended enter the disposal, they are chopped into such small pieces they easily flow right out of the home. It is those items that should not be chopped that do not break down small enough, becoming easily trapped to the inner walls of the pipes. There, the food particles simply begin to rot each day, emitting that terrible odor into your home.

What Can a Plumber Do to Fix The Smell?

Cedar Falls PlumberYour local plumbing professional will open the pipes and scrub clean the interior surface of the pipes with an organic cleaning solution. This solution will remove any rotting food that is causing the smell, and the coating will also act like a barrier for future particles to simply slide right off. The food that is liquified by the garbage disposal will now flow right down the pipes like they were intended to. It is important to have your local plumber do a cleaning at least once a year to keep the pipes clear. This will get rid of that odor coming from the pipes in your kitchen.

What Shouldn’t I Put into my Disposal?

Obviously, bones of any sort should never be placed in the disposal because they can damage the blades and get stuck in pipes where another food particles will be attracted to. Never put oils or grease in your garbage disposal, they will eventually solidify overnight and cause the pipes to clog. Egg shells are very dangerous to the blades of the disposal, the membranes easily attach themselves to the metal and make it hard for the blades to properly chop other foods. Read the owners manual of your garbage disposal, many fruit and vegetable skins are also not recommended in the disposal. Rice and macaroni will continue to expand in the disposal, so throw them in the trash and not down the drain.

If your home is in need of garbage disposal services, call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc.  at (319) 266-3513 for the best services in the Cedar Falls area. 

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Save Money With A Thermostat Today!

November 28th, 2014

Benefits of a Thermostat Upgrade

 

Thermostat InstallationWi-Fi thermostats are quite popular and easy to use. They can control your home or business temperatures from anywhere. This product can make your life easy and uncomplicated. Initially, there is additional costs to get it going but the money you save on energy will more than pay for that initial cost.

Wi-Fi Thermostats can be Controlled Anywhere

What makes this product so useful is that it can literally be controlled anywhere in the world. For example, if you want your home to be warm and inviting before you get home from a cold and windy day outside, simply set the setting for your home from your office or other location and your home will welcome you with warm and comfortable temperatures. It is important to note that you can use your cellphone, tablet or laptop to control the settings of your wi-fi thermostat.

Improves Efficiency and are Easy to Use

Keep in mind, a wi-fi thermostat also gives you updates and alerts about the maintenance of your thermostat. For instance, if the air filter needs to be changed, it will tell you so. The wi-fi thermostat makes your heating and cooling systems work more efficiently and productively.

Wi-Fi Systems are Precise, Energy Efficient and Look Great!
It’s a known fact that a wi-fi system is more precise. The variations and swing are much less compared to regular thermostats. You will also enjoy the savings that come with wi-fi thermostats. It is definitely user friendly. Most people are able to save 20 percent more than with a traditional thermostat. Most importantly, wi-fi thermostats have a unique, contemporary and trendy look, which adds to the beauty of your home. Some may not know it but you can change its display so that it matches the interior of your home.

Alerts also come with the Wi-Fi Thermostat

Most importantly, you can receive alerts to your email or smart phone concerning the variations of your home’s temperatures. For example, if you home is getting too hot or too cold, your applications on the Wi-Fi can easily take care of that.

To conclude, Wi-Fi thermostats are loaded with benefits! Talk with your heating and cooling contractor or check out your local hardware store!

Is the varying temperature in your Cedar Falls home making you consider a thermostat installation? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc.  today at (319) 266-3513 for top quality installation services.

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Top Drain Hygiene Hacks For Your Home

November 21st, 2014

Drain Clog Prevention

 

Drain CleaningOne of the most common and annoying problems that many people have with their plumbing systems is clogged drains. Clogged drains happen all the time, and many people wonder why it keeps happening to them. The answer is simple: Drains clog because of what you put down them. Unfortunately, many people consider sink, drains and toilets as some kind of liquified waste and garbage disposal systems. Part of the solution to preventing clogged drains lies in educating people about the limitations of their plumbing systems, however, the best solution is always calling professional Drain Cleaning services.

Generally, plumbing drain systems are designed to carry certain waste materials combined with a limited amount of paper and other minimal bi-products with a larger amount of water. It is the force of the water alone that pushes debris out of the drain and eventually into the main sewer line. Eventually, the debris in a drain or sewer line can build up to the point where the water can no longer move them, resulting in a clogged drain line.

How Can I Prevent Drain Clogs
One of the best ways to prevent drain clogs is to pay attention. During the coarse of your everyday activities, you should pay attention to what is going down your drains and toilets. Make sure that nothing goes down your toilet except waste and a reasonable amount of toilet paper. Also, make sure that you have a good strainer on all of your sinks. The strainers will catch unwanted debris such as food waste and hair. These things will clog up your drain real quick.

While it is a good practice to take every precaution you can to keep your drains free and clear, you will need the help of a professional plumber to ensure that your plumbing system is running at its best.

Professional Drain Maintenance

Regular and routine drain maintenance is essential in keeping your plumbing system functioning at its best. A professional plumber has the knowledge, skill and equipment to provide a wide variety of drain maintenance services that will keep your home’s plumbing operating perfectly.

Professional plumbers will come to your home with equipment that is specifically designed to clear out your drains. Professional plumbers s plumbing “snakes” of all sizes to clear out each and every drain in your house. They will use specialized hydro-jetting equipment to completely clear out your main sewer line; leaving it aw clean as it was when it was new. Only a professional plumber can ensure that your drains are as clean as they should be.

Are you looking for Drain Cleaning services in the Cedar Falls area? Look no further than Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. , call us today at (319) 266-3513. 

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The One Home Tip You Must Never Forget

November 14th, 2014

Heating & Cooling Systems’ Air Quality

 
Indoor air quality is one of the most important things going in your building. Your workers need to have quality air to breathe, but you also need to have a clean building to work in. When you are trying to make your building a clean place to work, you must consider several options that make this possible.

What Does An Air Handler Do For You?

An air handler is a large air filter that helps to clean the air in your building. It is a large unit that sits in front of your heating and air units. Your air handler can be set to any air quality you like, and it can help you control the air quality in the building all during the day.

Why Do You Need This?

HVAC ServicesThe air quality in your building impacts your workers more than anything else. Low air quality in your building will cause people in your building to get sick more often, productivity will go down and you will spend an incredible amount of money on paid sick days. If your workers are being paid an hourly wage, you are going to hurt their monthly paycheck.

Also, clean air in your building can help to make your building a better place to work. People who work in research and development need to have clean rooms where they can develop new products. A hospital needs to have sterile air to protect the patients, and operating rooms need to have air that is perfectly clean.

Installing These Items

When you want to have these items installed in your space, you need to make sure that you install the right type of device. We can measure the size of your building to make sure we offer you the right unit. We can also provide you with a number of different filters that will help to control the quality of the air.

When you take notice of the air quality in your building, you will find that your workers do not get sick, your development wing has a nice place to work and your business is a better place to be.

Concerned about the air quality inside your Cedar Falls home? Take action and call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc.  today at (319) 266-3513. 

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