Month: March 2020

Some people think that the dry climate and the lack of natural trees reduce the impact of allergies in the Permian Basin. Anyone who lives here knows the wind, dust, and plants we have are enough to drive any allergy-sufferer crazy! While we can’t do much to help with outdoor allergies, we can take some practical steps to prevent the impact of indoor allergies. A healthy HVAC unit will ensure that the air inside your home is fresh, clean, and free of dust and other bacteria likely to kick up your allergies. In today’s post, we’ll look at some things you can do to breathe easy.

UPGRADED FILTER

In a fundamental sense, the air in your home is constantly circulating. That’s how the air temperature is able to be changed to keep you comfortable. If functioning properly, filters can keep bacteria, dust, pet dander, and other contaminants out of the air in your home. A HEPA filter with a MERV rating of at least 10 will lead to better performance and cleaner air.

CLEAN FILTER

Regardless of the type of filter you’re using, keeping it clean is critical. Filters should be changed out or thoroughly cleaned about once every three months. Not only does this keep your air cleaner, but it also keeps your heating and cooling system running efficiently. City Plumbing has experts who can let you know if you have the right filters or if they need to be replaced.

FILTRATION

Aside from regular filters, there are also electronic air filters, ionizers and air purifiers that can help clean the air in your home. These also come with a MERV rating that regulates the size of particles that get through the filter. City Plumbing can explain these options thoroughly to find the right solution for you.

HUMIDITY BALANCE

Contrary to other parts of Texas, here in the Permian Basin, we need to add a little humidity to the air to make it more comfortable. Air that’s too dry can trigger headaches or dry eyes. A humidifier can balance your air to an appropriate relative humidity level.

CITY PLUMBING CAN HELP

City Plumbing does more than just plumbing and you can view a range of products with various health benefits. To set up your HVAC appointment, call us at 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

With the weather warming up, it will soon be time to turn off the heat and turn up the A/C. Just because your heater worked perfectly all winter, doesn’t mean your air conditioning is up to the same task this summer. In this post, we’ll take you through a few things you can do in the springtime to make sure your A/C is running as efficiently as possible. These tips will help keep your utility bills down while keeping you comfortable at the same time.

CHANGE YOUR HVAC FILTER

You really should change your filter on a regular basis to prevent dirt and dust from clogging it up. But at the very least you should change it in the fall when it gets cool, and again in the springtime as it warms up. Dirt and dust in your filter reduces your air quality and makes your HVAC unit work that much harder.

CHECK OUT THE DUCTWORK

Clean air ducts make all the difference in getting cool air to your home efficiently. By having them cleaned and checked, you can make sure you’re getting what you pay for. Look for debris or other damage around the fittings. Good ductwork will also keep the air in your home clean.

CHECKING THE THERMOSTAT

Like anything else, the batteries in your thermostat can lose power. When that happens, your thermostat will not run properly to keep your unit running efficiently. This, in turn, will mean that the temperature will not adjust properly meaning you could get too hot or too cold as the thermostat adjusts to changing temperatures. The simple fix is to change the batteries to keep it running properly.

WE’LL COME RUNNING

Plumbing’s in our name, but we do HVAC too! If you need help getting your unit ready for summer, make an appointment for our Spring Clean & Check today by calling 432-366-2401. Just give us a call, and we’ll come running.

In our last post, we discussed some basic things you can do to maintain your HVAC unit. We also talked about things the experts at City Plumbing can do. In this post, we are expanding on that theme: Why regular HVAC inspection is necessary and a benefit to you and your home.

HOW OFTEN?

How often is it really necessary to get your HVAC unit checked out? A general rule is once a year. Just a once-over to make sure everything is in working order. Ideally, you’ll check it twice a year…around the times the season changes. So in the fall when you switch from air to heat, and in the spring when you switch from heat to air. Of course, if you notice something wrong, have City Plumbing check it out right away!

WHY CHECK?

Looking for a reason to get your system checked out? Here are just a few:

• Air conditioners: They collect dirt, dust, and debris. You can clear the area around your external unit to keep it running efficiently.
• Make it last: Getting your HVAC maintained regularly will increase its overall lifespan. 
• Preventive maintenance: A routine maintenance check could catch something that would have turned into a bigger problem. Damage can be hard to spot if you’re not looking for it regularly.
• Electric bill: Regular maintenance will not only keep you comfortable, but it will also keep your electric bills low.
• Condenser: This is a critical component of your HVAC, and failure to run properly could cause big problems.
• Drainpipe: Along with the condenser, if your drainpipe is blocked, this can cause significant water damage to your home. A simple check can detect and fix the problem.
• Air quality: A clean HVAC will have a significant, positive impact on the air quality in your home.
• Avoid expenses: Routine maintenance can help avoid expensive repairs in the future.

Are you ready to let us give you peace of mind by checking out your HVAC unit? Give us a call at 432-366-2401 to schedule an HVAC inspection today. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

There is so much you can do to keep your home in good shape. Regular HVAC maintenance is no different. There are some easy things you can do to keep your heating and air conditioning running smoothly for years to come.

HVAC Maintenance Tips

Here are some pointers to help you stay comfortable:

• Change your air filter every three months
  • If you have an electrostatic filter, it can be washed
• Clean the area around your A/C unit outside your home by removing leaves and other debris
  • You can even spray it down with a hose to clear away dirt and dust
• Make sure registers in your home are not blocked by rugs or furniture

Maintenance For The Pros

You can probably take care of the above pointers on your own. Some other tasks may require a professional to ensure quality maintenance. City Plumbing has the tools and expertise to do these kinds of HVAC jobs:

• Electrical connections: Tightening loose connections not only make them work better, but are also safer, as they can prevent an electrical short.
• Condensate drain: A/C units can produce a lot of condensation while they are running. Most units have a pan to catch the runoff, and then are piped out of the home. If this pipe gets clogged, it can cause significant water damage to your home.
• Moving parts: As with anything mechanical, lubrication of moving parts will prevent overheating. This will help keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently, and keep your bills low.
• Blower: If your blower is dirty or needs adjustment, it can really cut into efficiency. When it’s properly adjusted, you’ll be able to tell the difference in your home.
• Refrigerant: A/C units need something to keep them cool, but you have to have the right type and the right amount to be as effective as possible. If there’s a leak in the system, you could be losing some of the cool that you’re paying for.
• Fuel lines: Gas or oil lines can be extremely hazardous if not connected properly. Make sure to have a pro check them out!

City Plumbing is here and ready to help you with all your plumbing and HVAC maintenance needs. You can make an appointment today by calling 432-366-2401 or scheduling one online. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

Ever worry about hearing a bump in the night? Sometimes those strange sounds that keep you up could be coming from your hot water heater. Compared with other appliances, your HWH is one of the busiest! It’s constantly working to make hot water available at the turn of a faucet. In most cases, you only notice it when something’s wrong.

POPPING SOUNDS

This is a common culprit in West Texas. Mineral build-ups from hard water can cause the hot water heater to make popping, clanking, or cracking noises. The sediment can build up in your tank and really hurt its efficiency, costing you money! City Plumbing’s experts can do a routine clean of your HWH about once a year to prevent any problems.

HISSING SOUNDS

Electric water heaters may be prone to a hissing sound. The culprit is the same – mineral build-up from hard water. The heating devices that warm up the water will hiss if covered with sediment.

BANGING SOUNDS

If your hot water heater is making loud banging sounds, call City Plumbing immediately! This is likely a problem with the burner, and could mean a damaged gas valve. That’s a dangerous combination, and could result in an explosion if not handled right away. Another possible reason for a banging sound could be if your HWH expands due to a large volume of water. Calling a plumber is a good way to make sure and stay safe.

WHISTLING SOUNDS

Screeching or whistling sounds should be easy to fix. It’s likely a loose water valve. You can check this yourself and adjust. Another possible culprit is the exhaust flue, which can also be adjusted. 

CLICKING SOUNDS

Ticking, clicking, and tapping sounds are generally considered normal. If they are loud or bothersome, have City Plumbing check the piping that goes to and from your HWH.

PHONE DIALING SOUNDS

This is the sound of calling City Plumbing to schedule an appointment at 432-366-2401. You can also schedule an appointment online. We’ll take a look at your hot water heater, and make sure you stay safe, warm, and protected from strange sounds for years to come! Give us a call, and we’ll come running!