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If you haven’t turned on your heater yet this season, chances are you will soon. The first time you fire it up, you may recognize a familiar smell. If it smells like something burning, don’t be alarmed. In this post, we’ll explain what’s going on and how you can make sure that the burning smell won’t cause any issues.

WHAT’S WITH THAT BURNING SMELL?

All summer long, while you’re cranking the A/C, your furnace is literally gathering dust. Dust and dirt built up on the heating components, just like they would in any other unused area of your home. That “burning” smell is exactly that – the dirt and dust burning off when you start using the heater again for the winter.

While the smell shouldn’t be a concern initially, it should go away after the first few times you use your heater for the winter. If it continues for longer than that, you may have an issue.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

If you’ve been running the heater every day for a week, and the burning smell persists, there are a few common causes you can check out. One possible culprit is a clogged air filter.

• A clogged filter means that dirt and dust are getting into your system. That means you’ll smell that burn off every time you use the heater.
• The burning smell can also come from a heater that’s working too hard. A clogged filter means your air handler is working hard to keep air moving through the system.

Another possible cause of the burning smell is electrical problems. Any frayed or damaged wiring can not only cause a bad smell but a fire hazard as well, so be sure to get it checked out right away if it persists.

TIMELY TUNE-UP

Want to minimize the smell and the chances of any problems? Schedule a Fall Clean & Check with City Plumbing! Our experts will give your entire system a complete cleaning and inspection, to make sure you’re ready for winter! Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

When it’s time to talk about HVAC, there may be a lot of terms you aren’t familiar with. One of the most common, and most important, is your condenser coil. You may not know exactly what it is, or why dirty condenser coils can cause major problems. In this post, we’ll discuss what they are, why it’s important to keep them clean, and how City Plumbing can help.

WHAT IS A CONDENSER COIL?

Condenser coils are found in your HVAC’s outside unit. When the system is on, and heat is being sucked out of your home and pushed outside, the refrigerant travels through the condenser coils. As the unit blows air over the condenser coils, the heat is transferred outside, then blown out through the fan.

WHAT CAUSES COILS TO GET DIRTY?

The condenser coils are subject to a lot of wear and tear. Being outside, dust, dirt, and other debris blowing around your unit can attach itself inside. Any dirt or particles in the air that your unit pulls from inside your home will also stick to the condenser. The dirt will naturally build up until you clean it.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF DIRTY CONDENSER COILS?

• When the dirt starts to build up, your home won’t cool properly. The layer of dirt prevents them from working properly, making it harder for heat to transfer from the coils to the outside air. That means more of the heat will stay inside your home.
• Dirty coils can also result in higher energy bills. If your coils are dirty and not working, you’ll likely try to counter that by blasting your A/C to try to stay comfortable. Unfortunately, this drives your bills up and probably won’t make you much cooler.
• If you continue pushing the system, it will eventually break down. The system can reach a point where it’s working so hard, that elements of it will overheat and stop working completely. Then you’re in real trouble!

HOW DO YOU KEEP CONDENSER COILS CLEAN?

• The best way to maintain your condenser coils is by leaving it up to the pros! A semi-annual tune-up will work wonders for your HVAC system in both the long and short term. Part of our routine maintenance check involves cleaning the entire condenser unit.
• One thing you can easily do on your own is clear the area around your exterior unit. That means trimming back bushes or brush and sweeping away leaves or other debris that can build up and block airflow to the area surrounding the unit.
• It may sound silly but listen for unusual sounds coming from the unit. Anything like a grinding or clicking sound, or anything out of the ordinary could be a sign of a problem.
• The blades of the fan can bend over time for a variety of reasons. These can be replaced or repaired to help improve efficiency.

WE’LL COME RUNNING

The fall is the perfect time to get your HVAC checked out and make sure you’re prepared for the switch from cooling to heating your home! Our Fall Clean & Check is only $89.99 and is the best way to ensure your condenser coil is clean and your system continues running optimally. Make an appointment online, or contact City Plumbing today at (432) 366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

 

There are many concerns and worries that come with homeownership. Homeowners want to keep their home safe and comfortable, but not spend a fortune doing it! In many older homes, it can be tough to decide when to replace aging appliances. In this post, we’ll take a look at old air conditioners, and how to know if it’s time for a replacement.

#1 – AGE IS A FACTOR

General wear and tear will take a toll on any appliance, and your HVAC is no exception. Every year your A/C ages and is, unfortunately, closer to needing to be replaced. The good news is that a little maintenance can go a long way in making the unit last longer. Simple steps like making sure your outdoor pump is cleared of grass, weeds, and bushes will make sure it has “room to breathe” and won’t overheat while it’s working to keep you comfortable. You should also get a professional tune-up a couple of times a year. A professional technician can give your system a thorough check-up and make sure nothing’s wrong.

#2 – LOSING EFFICIENCY

An unexplained increase in your electric bill can be a red flag that your HVAC is in need of replacement. Or maybe your home just doesn’t feel as cool (or as warm) as it should – even though the system is constantly running. While there are always small fixes, a loss of comfort and increased bills are a sign of bigger problems. A replacement system may actually save you more money in the long run.

#3 – LEAKING COOLANT

Aside from the environmental concerns, there’s also a problem with supply. R22, commonly called Freon, has been used as a refrigerant for years – but the Environmental Protection Agency started phasing out the product in 2020. It’s still available for now, but can be tough to find, and the price is greatly increased. If your unit was built before 2010, it likely uses R22, so replacing it now could save headaches in the future.

#4 – FAN BURNOUT

The most obvious way to tell whether you need a new A/C is if the fan is out. That’s the part that blows cool air into your home once it’s cooled down. The fan needs to be working properly. A professional like ours at City Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning can check it out and make sure it’s ready to cool.

#5 – ELECTRIC

With all the wiring throughout your home and HVAC system, electrical components are critical. That’s what keeps the system connected and running strong. As the fan, compressor, or coils start to wear, the electrical parts can become frayed as well. We can diagnose and repair any issue.

WE’LL COME RUNNING

If any of these red flags are happening in your home – and your unit is more than 10 years old – it’s a good idea to seriously consider a replacement. The lifespan of your unit relies on several factors, including its age, usage, and maintenance schedule. Another important task is making sure your current unit is the right fit for the size of your home.

If you’re ready to replace your HVAC, or just need some advice, City Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning technicians can help you decide what’s right for you. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

In the long, hot summers we often experience in Odessa and Midland, having a properly running air conditioner is critical. That’s why your HVAC is one of the most important things to check before purchasing a home. You want to make sure you stay cool and don’t get stuck with expensive repair bills. In this post, we’ll discuss what to look out for in your A/C when purchasing a new home.

LET IT FLOW

If standing in the home – really anywhere, bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc. – you should be able to tell if the A/C is turned off or on. You shouldn’t only hear that the unit is on, but should feel the flow of air throughout the house. If you don’t feel the flow, that’s a sign there could be issues with the system.

KEEP IT DRY

Air conditioners were designed to eliminate humidity from the air to make you more comfortable. Even in the dry climate of West Texas, moisture accumulates and should be removed from the unit by a drain line. When inspecting the HVAC unit, it should be dry because all of the excess moisture should be gone. If there’s moisture in the area of your unit, that means you have a leak or a clogged drain line.

LISTEN UP!

You can usually hear when your air is off or on. However, if you’re hearing banging, shrieking, or grinding coming from the unit when it’s turned on, it’s likely that a part or two needs to be replaced.

TAKE A WHIFF

It’s not wholly uncommon for it to smell like something is burning – but that’s typically only when you turn your heater on for the first time during the winter. If you regularly notice a burning smell when the A/C is on, that’s cause for concern. It could be burnt-out wires, which can be a fire hazard, or could even be the result of mold building up in the system.

FEEL THE FREEZE

When the A/C is turned on, the air from the vents should feel COLD! Not just cool, but ICE COLD! If it’s just blowing but not cooling the air, there’s definitely a problem – probably with the refrigerant. Definitely get it checked out!

WE’LL COME RUNNING

Most new home inspectors offer basic inspections of your entire home. If you notice any of the red flags mentioned above, City Plumbing strongly recommends you have our HVAC professionals fully inspect the system prior to purchase. Or maybe some of these issues have shown up in your current home. Either way, we can help make sure your HVAC unit is ready for the heat and the cold.  Make an appointment online or call us today at 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

Summertime heat in Odessa and Midland, coupled with the increased rain we’ve had, means you’re likely spending a lot of time inside. You go from your air-conditioned home to your air-conditioned car to your air-conditioned job. With all the time we spend indoors, you see just how important indoor air quality can be. So many factors can impact your air, it can sometimes be tough to tell its quality. In this post, we’ll take a look at some testing easy ways to test your air, what to look for, and how City Plumbing can help improve your air quality.

TYPES OF CONTAMINANTS TO TEST FOR

There are many ways you can measure indoor air quality. The EPA offers a few tips on what to look for. An important fact to remember is that many air quality kits search for specific contaminants, and aren’t necessarily testing overall air quality. With that in mind, you should consider the possible causes of pollution that could be impacting your home.

• Allergy sufferers know the impact of poor air quality all too well. Testing for pollen, mold, and dust could explain sneezing, water eyes, and even asthma symptoms. Biological tests can check for these and many more pollutants.
• Chemicals can be a danger to your air quality as well. Harsh cleaning products, paint, or even older homes with lead-based paint. Fumes from these products can make you feel nauseous or dizzy if not used with proper ventilation.
• Cigarette smoke, even if it’s secondhand, can create an unhealthy environment indoors. Similarly, carbon monoxide can lead to fatigue, nausea, and even death. These combustion contaminants can be detected by air quality testing.

 

TAKE THE TEST

Once you have determined what you’d like to test for, you can purchase an air quality test kit online. Most will come with step-by-step instructions. The final step is sending the test back and waiting for the results. Most testing companies will provide a detailed report about your air quality within a relatively quick period of time.

TREAT THE AIR

If you have poor air quality or want to avoid these tests completely, there are a few things you can do. If you have the opportunity, you should remove contaminant sources as much as possible. This would include limiting smoking or the use of harsh chemicals to outdoors, or areas that are extremely well ventilated. You should also regularly change your air filters and make sure ventilation throughout your home is in good working order.

WE’LL COME RUNNING

City Plumbing does more than just plumbing! We offer a variety of HVAC services, including the installation and service of air purification products such as the Bryant Evolution Air Purifier and RFG HALO-LED Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier. These products will help maintain the air quality in your home, which helps keep you safe and healthy! Make an appointment online today, or call us at 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

HVAC Maintenance is important as we’re in the midst of another hot West Texas summer. If you want to stay comfortable in your home, it’s likely you’ve got the A/C running almost constantly. Unfortunately, pushing your system to the max can be really hard on the equipment. That’s why it’s critical to maintain regular maintenance to ensure long life. While it is important for a professional to regularly maintain your HVAC system, there are a few things you can do in between checkups to keep your system strong.

CHANGING FILTERS

You’ve probably heard “change the air filters” before, so let me give you a few specifics. First of all, you should check your filters once a month. That doesn’t mean you need to actually change them once a month; just check and see if they need replacement. If they’re clogged, that means your HVAC is working harder to allow air through. Replacing a dirty filter or cleaning a reusable one can save you between 5 and 15% a month on electric bills.

CLEANING THE DRAIN LINE

When your A/C takes moisture out of the air, those droplets accumulate, then are removed from your home via a condensate drain line. These lines can become clogged – which can lead to major problems, including water damage in your attic. In many cases, the clogs are simply the result of mold and mildew that accumulates over time. These can be cleaned using a bleach solution and a long brush. Be sure to flush the line out with pure water to avoid any corrosion.

Pro tip: The drain pan underneath your HVAC unit will tell you if there’s a clog in your drain line. It means water isn’t successfully passing through the line. Make sure the pan is completely dry to ensure your drain line is clear!

CLEAR A PATH

Your exterior a/c, or condenser, unit needs to breathe. If it’s in your yard, make sure there aren’t weeds, brush, or tall grass surrounding it. Give it at least three feet on all sides to ensure the unit doesn’t overheat.

WE’LL COME RUNNING

These are things that you could do on your own to help maintain your HVAC and keep it going strong and running efficiently. The best thing you can do is have your unit professionally maintained in the spring and fall each year. City Plumbing is still running our Spring Clean and Check, which includes a complete inspection, cleaning, and calibration of your unit for only $89.99. You can make an appointment online or call us at 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

Hard water is a common topic for West Texans. While the buildup of calcium and magnesium in your tap water may come with a bad taste or smell, and be hard on your fixtures and appliances – it isn’t necessarily dangerous. But it is definitely inconvenient. Constantly buying bottled water for drinking and cooking, as well as the premature breakdown of appliances, can be hard on your budget. In this post, we’ll discuss water softener solutions, and how they can be a good solution for improving water quality in your home.

WHAT IS A WATER SOFTENER?

Water softeners work slightly differently from reverse osmosis, or RO, systems. Simply put, RO systems act as filters by removing contaminants, while water softeners add ions to your water that neutralize the contaminants. These two products working together create the cleanest possible water.

BRIGHTER LAUNDRY

Hard water can be hard on your laundry – so soft water does just the opposite. Not only does hard water fade colors, but it can also make your clothes and linens stiff and scratchy. Soft water will keep them soft and snuggly, and help those colors hold wash after wash! You should be able to tell the difference after just one wash!

MONEY SAVINGS

Besides making clothes last longer, a water softener also saves you money because it makes the water so much easier on your appliances and faucets/fixtures. Dishwashers, washing machines, showerheads, sink faucets – all of these and more are negatively impacted by hard water. Even your water heater and refrigerator filter need more frequent replacements because of hard water.

HEALTHY SKIN AND HAIR

Despite the taste, drinking hard water won’t hurt you – nor will bathing in it. However, it can make you uncomfortable. Hard water can remove the natural oils of your skin and leave it dry and flaky. This may lead to spending money on lotions to add that moisture back to your skin. Hard water can also dry out your scalp causing dandruff, and be hard on your hair itself. Again, these issues can be fixed – but at the cost of additional products.

WE’LL COME RUNNING

Are you ready for the advantages that come from having a water softener? City Plumbing is proud to offer the WaterTech Reionator Pro Ultra Water Softener for all your water softening needs. Make an appointment online, or call us at 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

Congratulations on purchasing your new home and becoming new homeowners! If you’ve ever lived in an apartment, you know to call the office if you have a problem. But now, you are the office! That’s why it’s important to get familiar with your home’s plumbing system. In this post, we’ll offer a few tips, and let you know when it’s time to call a professional.

SHUT-OFF VALVE

Every person who lives in your home should know how to shut off the water to your home. This includes kids or teens who may at times be home alone. In an emergency, it may be important to shut off the water completely. A broken pipe will already be very costly, but additional water damage could drive those costs up exponentially!

If your home has a crawl space, the shut-off valve could be there. It may also be near an outside faucet. Once you find the shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to close it. If you aren’t sure how to find it, the experts at City Plumbing can help.

DRAIN CLEANERS

Chemical drain cleaners are available at most hardware stores, but they really should not be used by amateurs. Sure, they can clear a clog, but these products are so powerful they can actually damage your pipes in the process. They can cause major damage to your septic tank as well. This is due to a high concentration of hydrochloric acid found in many of these cleaners.

There are other ways to unclog a stopped-up sink. Chemical drain cleaners are really for professional use only. If you have a problem you can’t fix, call the experts at City Plumbing.

PLUNGERS

Not only should your home have a plunger, but it’s a good idea to have more than one. There are actually three different styles of plungers, and each has a different function:

• Flat plungers have a straight handle with a rubber cup at the end. They are ideal for sinks and bathtubs.
• Flange plungers are best for toilets. They have an additional extension underneath the cup that creates powerful suction that will fit over the toilet drain.
• Taze plungers are for more serious clogs. They have a steel rod connected to a small disk. Taze plungers are not for novices and generally require professional help.

WE’LL COME RUNNING

The last tip? Have a plumber you can trust in your cell phone contact list! City Plumbing can help you with any of your plumbing needs, and more! Save our number – 432-366-2401. You can also make an appointment online. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

 

By now you’ve probably heard about tankless water heaters. Traditional hot water heaters have tanks that take up space, constantly burn energy keeping the water warm, and can run out of hot water. All of these potential hazards are avoided by a state-of-the-art tankless water heater.

Sounds great, right? But like any appliance, traditional water heaters and tankless models need regular maintenance in order to maintain efficiency and ensure a long life. A tankless water heater can last up to 20 years when properly maintained. In this post, we’ll explore a few things you can do to make sure your tankless water heater stays in tip-top shape for years to come.

HARD WATER

Hard water is common in West Texas, and the buildup of minerals in your water can have an impact on your water heater, whether it’s traditional or tankless. If left unchecked, the amount of “hardness” in your water (calcium and magnesium deposits) can actually increase over time.

In a tankless water heater, buildup over time can restrict water flow to the point that you start to lose pressure. You’ll lose efficiency as well because the unit will work harder to push out the same amount of water. This extra effort can lead to a premature breakdown. Regular and thorough cleaning is recommended. A water softener can also reduce the impact of hard water before it even reaches your unit.

TEMPERATURE CHECK

A small dial on your water heater will set the temperature. Have you noticed that you’re having to keep turning the dial up to get the same temperature water from your shower? Hot water, when combined with hard water, can make the buildup on your faucets even greater. That hard, white, chalky substance on your showerheads is the perfect example. When there’s enough buildup, the system has to work harder to produce the same amount of heat. So a good clean of your faucets and showerheads could save you in more ways than you realize!

WE’LL COME RUNNING

City Plumbing offers a variety of services and products, including Rheem Tankless Water Heaters. If you need maintenance or are considering making the switch to tankless, give us a call today. You can reach us at 432-366-2401, or make an appointment online. Give us a call and we’ll come running!

 

The hot weather is here again, and that means many of you may be shopping for a new HVAC unit to ensure you stay cool. There are so many companies and styles to choose from; how do you decide? In this post, we’ll introduce you to Bryant heating and air systems, of which City Plumbing is a certified dealer.

A HISTORY OF QUALITY

Bryant has been providing in-home comfort for more than 100 years. Their HVAC heating and cooling systems have always been built for both comfort and efficiency, consistently breaking new ground with state-of-the-art technology and award-winning innovation. Every Bryant unit is factory-tested so it will be ready to start working the day it is installed.

BRYANT PARTNERS

When purchasing a Bryant system, it’s always a good idea to go through one of their partners. City Plumbing is a factory-authorized dealer. This means we are specially trained directly by company employees on all Bryant equipment and can give advice on which model is right for you. The training also ensures we can troubleshoot any potential issues, should they arise. Bryant dealers like us are also NATE certified, meaning they are the top HVAC installers in the business.

BRYANT MAINTENANCE

As with any home appliance, maintenance will be necessary at some point. Regular tune-ups (twice a year is recommended) make sure that the unit is running strong (at top efficiency), keeping your home cool or warm, and eliminating potential airborne contaminants. You can even take simple steps on your own, like changing your air filters every 3-4 months, which will help improve air quality and long-term efficiency.

Preventive maintenance from a Bryant-certified technician is recommended once a year. Not only will this improve efficiency and performance, but it will also extend the overall life of the unit and decrease the chances of a breakdown. Heating systems with heat pumps should be checked out twice a year, since these function in all seasons for both heating and cooling.

WE’LL COME RUNNING

Lucky for you, not only is City Plumbing a Bryant partner, but we’re also still offering our annual spring clean and check! For just $89.99, we’ll check out your entire HVAC system, and even throw in a free 1” filter. Make an appointment online, or give us a call at 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come run