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Hopefully, you won’t need to fully replace your HVAC unit very often – but when you do, it is critical that you get one that is the right size. That means that it has to have the right amount of power to heat and cool your home. Obviously the size of your home is an important factor, but there are other variables as well, including the number of stories in your home, placement of the unit, and heating and cooling preferences. Getting the wrong size A/C can cause expensive issues and discomfort in the future. In this post, we’ll help pick out the perfect HVAC unit for you!

PERFECT FIT

An air conditioning unit that is too big for a home will do a great job cooling it down. But that’s not the only thing consumers should consider. A unit with too much power will cause it to heat or cool so quickly that it will end up turning off and on frequently. This is not efficient, and creates unneeded wear and tear on the system. It also reduces the A/C effect of eliminating humidity because the temperature itself drops so fast that the system doesn’t have time to adjust the humidity level of the air. 

By contrast, an HVAC unit that’s too small is also not efficient. If your home is too big for the unit, the unit will likely stay on around-the-clock in an effort to cool your home. It’s possible you’ll never get to your desired temperature and will rack up an enormous utility bill in the process.

YOUR SIZE

There are multiple factors that should be considered when selecting the proper size air conditioner for your home:

• Square footage – consider the size of your home, and specifically the area that you want to cool (for example you may have an unused bedroom where the vents can be closed, that does not need to be cooled).
• Local climate – Here in West Texas, it’s hot, but it’s also dry. That means that the dehumidifying function of an HVAC unit is less important here than it would be in places with higher humidity.
• Insulation – Consider the quality and amount of insulation in your attic. This can also include energy-efficient doors and windows that can save you money by keeping the cool air inside, and the heat outside!

WE’LL COME RUNNING

City Plumbing does more than just plumbing! Our experts are fully certified for your HVAC needs, as well! We can help you evaluate your home and decide which HVAC unit is perfect for you. Make an appointment today at 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

Of all the luxuries of the modern world, indoor plumbing may be one of the greatest. Not only is it convenient and comfortable, but it’s also considerably more sanitary than the washroom options of yesteryear. A toilet in the next room is great, as long as it’s working properly! If it mysteriously starts to run off and on for hours on end, it can not only waste hundreds of gallons of water, but it can also be really annoying! In this post, we’ll look at some ways to test your toilet and share some tips for fixing it if there’s a problem.

TEST THE TOILET

If you hear the sound of running water coming from your toilet, it’s possible that you have a leak. Remove the lid from the back of the toilet and drop about 10 drops of food coloring into the tank. Don’t flush it just yet. Wait about 15 minutes, then check the bowl. If there’s any color in the bowl, you’ve got a leak!

CORRECT THE COMMODE

Fixing the leak can be easy, but if you have any doubts, call your friendly professionals at City Plumbing! Once you are familiar with the working part in your toilet tank, you may be able to diagnose and fix the problem. Here are some of the possibilities:

• Broken or worn flapper
• Broken fill-valve
• Flapper chain is trapped
• Water level too high

Unless you have just flushed the toilet, the flapper should be securely at the bottom of the tank. This is essentially what’s allowing water to get from the tank to the bowl. The reason could be any of the bullet points listed above. These parts can be easily replaced.

If multiple parts in your toilet are in need of replacement, you may want to replace the whole thing! Not only are future problems likely, but you’re losing water with every flush!

WE’LL COME RUNNING

At City Plumbing, diagnosing and fixing common plumbing issues is what we do best. To get a diagnosis, make an appointment by calling 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

Plumbing is one of, if not the most important part of making your home livable. That includes pipes, drains, and fixtures, all of which need to be properly maintained. Even with good maintenance, problems can still happen as your plumbing infrastructure ages. Damage to pipes can not only be expensive but tricky because it can be tough to tell when there’s damage. In this post, we’ll take a look at ways you can spot damaged pipes early to prevent them from getting any worse.

STAINING

Water damage from a busted pipe can often lead to staining on your walls or ceiling. Sometimes dark spots will start to form well before the stain becomes obvious. If you notice these, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your pipes to see if repairs are necessary.

LEAKS

Leaks can show themselves in a variety of ways. Water collecting in places it shouldn’t is the most obvious sign. Others can include warping drywall and flaking paint. Just one small leak from a damaged pipe can be an indicator of other, larger issues with your plumbing, roof, or insulation. Leaks can get out of hand quickly if the water is allowed to spread, so they should be checked promptly.

FLAKING/CHIPPING

As your pipes age, corrosion can cause them to visibly flake or dimple. This happens when the water flowing through them is acidic and eats away at the pipes tubing. If you notice anything odd, get it checked out by a licensed plumber. It can go a long way in saving the health of your entire plumbing system.

WE’LL COME RUNNING

City Plumbing has the experts you need for all your plumbing and piping needs. If you know or suspect that damaged pipes are an issue in your home, make an appointment today by calling 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

During the summer months, your HVAC unit has several critical jobs. The two you might think of first are the ability to cool and maintain airflow. While these are certainly the most important, having clean air to breathe is a vital factor in ensuring the comfort of you and your family. In this post, we’ll take a close look at air filtration and air purification. 

DEFINITION

First, let’s define those terms because “filtration” and “purification” have different meanings in the HVAC world.

• Filtration is the process of “catching” dust, germs, and other contaminants, and preventing them from being recirculated into your airstream.
• Purification is actually “killing” or “destroying” those contaminants. This is especially important for particles too small to be caught during the filtration process.

Often, filtration and purification are accomplished by two different devices. However, newer models can do both, if there is enough room in your HVAC system. Older systems often either perform either filtration or purification, but not both.

ODOR CONTROL

Another consideration when choosing air filters or purifiers is odor control. Depending on the age of your home, the location, and even your personal sensitivity to odors, this can have varying importance. In general, the purifiers, since they are actually killing the bacteria, do a better job of eliminating odors. The good news is that odors, while bothersome, do not generally pose a health risk. There are a variety of purification products available that can help with odors.

RGF HALO-LED

At City Plumbing, our certified techs do more than just plumbing. We can help with a variety of household needs, including HVAC. City Plumbing is an authorized dealer of the RGF HALO-LED Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier. You can set up an appointment for a consultation by calling 432-366-2401. We’ll let you know if a purifier or filtration system is right for you, install it, and make sure you’re comfortable all summer long. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

It’s that time of year. It’s getting hot, and your HVAC unit is working overtime to keep you cool! In this post, we’ll take a look at some practical tips that will ensure you won’t burn out your system before it cools you! These 6 tips will help maintain longevity and efficiency, and keep your home cool for years to come.

ADJUST THE THERMOSTAT

When you’re away from the house, turn the thermostat up. It seems obvious, but there’s no reason to keep your home cool when you’re not home. Not only will this save you money, but it will also give your HVAC a break from constantly running. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to start cooling before you get home so it’s comfortable when you arrive.

CLEANING AIR FILTERS

Clean or replace air filters regularly. If it’s clogged or dirty, air can’t get through and that makes your HVAC unit work harder.

ATTIC FANS

Ceiling fans can provide a breeze, but have you considered an attic fan? This helps keep your attic cool, which in turn helps keep your home cool. It’s also good for your roof to keep the temperature in the attic under control and reduce the risk of mold.

REDUCE THE HEAT

There are other ways you can reduce heat in your home besides running the A/C. Obviously keep the windows closed when it’s hot out and the A/C is on, but close blinds and curtains too – especially when in direct sunlight. Things like cooking or showering should be reserved for the cooler times of the day, if possible.

IMPROVE INSULATION

Updated insulation in walls, ceilings, and attic will help keep cool air inside! You can also reinforce seals around windows and doors.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

One of the most important ways to keep your home cool is regular A/C maintenance. We offer a spring clean & check and a fall clean & check. At City Plumbing, we do more than just plumbing. You can schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC experts today by calling 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

Do you remember anything about your high school chemistry class? You might actually use some of the skills you learned more than you realize. Take water purification for example. It’s a must-have for homes in West Texas, particularly with the hard water that’s so common here. Did you realize that one of the common “cures” for hard water is straight out of your chemistry textbook? In this post, we’ll provide a simple explanation of how reverse osmosis works, and why it means cleaner water for you and your home.

WHAT IS OSMOSIS?

To define reverse osmosis (commonly called R.O.), you must first be able to define osmosis. Let me give you an example: If you poured a glass of dirty water into a glass of clean water, the two would merge. You would still have a glass of water, but it would be cleaner than the dirty water and dirtier than the clean water. That’s because all of the particles would naturally merge together when they are put together. This process is called osmosis.

HOW DOES REVERSE OSMOSIS WORK?

So if osmosis occurs naturally, reverse osmosis does not occur naturally. To make the water clean again, you have to apply a force. An easier way to explain reverse osmosis is to call it a filter. The filter acts as a selectively permeable membrane, meaning the smaller particles will get through, but the larger ones will be left behind. In the example with water, if you force the dirty water through the filter, it will leave the contaminants behind, only allowing pure water to pass through.

You are essentially doing the opposite of the merging process that occurs during osmosis. Hence, this process is called reverse osmosis. Simple, right?

WE’LL COME RUNNING

If you’d like more information on how reverse osmosis works, the experts at City Plumbing can explain it and how it will help you provide clean water to your home. If you’re ready to make an appointment, you can reach us at 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

As plumbers in West Texas, some of the most common questions we encounter involve dealing with hard water. Water is hard when added minerals infiltrate your water on its way to your faucet. Those minerals aren’t necessarily dangerous, but they do impact the taste and smell of your water. You know you have hard water if you have chalky build-up on your faucets and showerheads. If you don’t clean the build-up regularly, it can lead to stained fixtures and sinks, and faucets not working properly. There are two common solutions to battling hard water: reverse osmosis, commonly called R.O, and water softeners. These two systems function differently and can be installed separately, but are highly recommended to be used together. In this post, we’ll specifically take a look at water softeners.

HOW IT WORKS

Water softeners use what’s called an ion-exchange unit. Without getting too scientific, it removes the minerals that make the water hard and substitutes them with sodium (salt). Systems can include single or dual tanks depending on the need in your home. For example, a two-tank system can continuously deliver soft water to the home, while a single tank system contains brine that needs to self-clean once a week.

Salt-free alternatives are also available, which modify the minerals instead of actually removing them to make the water soft. The alternatives do help prevent visible buildup around fixtures and faucets but don’t protect piping and appliances like a traditional water softener.

WE CAN HELP

Lucky for you, City Plumbing has water softeners as well as reverse osmosis systems. Remember, for the cleanest, safest water, you’ll want to get both! Call us today at 432-366-2401. Our experts can provide full details and help you diagnose your home or business to determine the system that works best for you. Give us a call and we’ll come running!

Dusting your home is one of those things. No matter how consistently you practice this household chore, you’re going to have to do it again, and again. The dust will continue to come. Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, dust is inevitable, but there are ways to prevent it from accumulating so quickly in your home. In this post, we’ll take a look at a few of the causes and some solutions.

AIR FILTERS

Air filters are one of those things that everyone knows you should change, but very few do. Some people even say they’ve NEVER replaced a filter! What you may not realize is that this can increase the dust in your home. It can even get so bad that your A/C evaporator coils get dusty, that will send dusty air throughout your home.

IMPORTANT: If your filters seem clean, but your furniture is dusty, that could mean you’re not using the proper type of filter. You might need air filters with a higher MERV rating. They’ll need to be changed out frequently, but you’ll notice the difference as they collect dust when it comes through the vent.

It’s also important to change your filters when they clog up with dust. Not doing so can be bad for your HVAC unit…and your electric bill!

VACUUMING

Vacuuming cleans your carpet but you’re kicking up dust as you go, spreading it around your house. We’re not telling you to not vacuum; just consider that it will make your home a little more dusty every time you do. Many newer vacuum models have great features to help reduce the spread of dust. If the vacuum has a HEPA filter, you’re on the right track. HEPA stands for “High-Efficiency Particulate Rate” and means the dust will stay in the vacuum instead of getting out!

Of course, hardwood or tile floors will retain less dust than carpet – especially that shag-style from the 60s and 70s.

AIR DUCT LEAKS

Your dust problem could also be something hidden in your attic. Tears or leaks in your duct system could allow dust from the attic to seep into your airflow and land in your living space. Rooms that are warmer or cooler than others could be an indicator of air duct leaks.

HOW WE CAN HELP

City Plumbing does more than just plumbing!  We can run a pressure test on your ducts to determine where the air is escaping or dust is getting in. If you are ready to make an appointment, give us a call at 432-366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!

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.