How to Prep Your Plumbing for the Colder Months

By taking a few simple steps before the cold weather arrives, you could prevent outdoor pipes from freezing. Being proactive long before temperatures drop is a smart strategy. Here are a few preventative practices to follow. Check for Leaks Now Leaky pipes can freeze more readily, so get them repaired right away. It can save you money on your utility costs and reduce the odds of the pipe freezing. If you suspect you have a hidden leak, contact a plumbing expert to locate the issue and get it repaired. Properly Protect Exposed Pipes Insulating pipes in unheated locations can slow the freezing process, but it cannot stop it. Wrapping them with fiberglass pipe insulation as well as plastic insulation wrap is a good start. Before insulating in this way, add a second layer of protection by installing a heat cable first. Attach the heat cable to the pipe to keep the pipes warm inside, and then insulate and wrap. The heat cable has a thermostat that knows when to turn the heat on to protect the pipe. Maintain Plumbing Year-Round Keeping up with seasonal plumbing maintenance on your home is vital. It’s particularly important if you notice changes in your...

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What to Do Before Turning on Your Furnace

Autumn is the season when your air conditioner and furnace trade places. Your health and comfort depend on a functional and efficient furnace, so you must take the necessary actions to guarantee that your home is heated safely and effectively. Let’s look at the four steps you should take before firing up your furnace for the colder months. 1. Replace the Air Filter and Check the Ducts It is recommended that you change your air filter every three months or sooner, depending on how soon it tends to become clogged. You can err on the side of caution by replacing your air filter before starting up your furnace, regardless of whether you’ve changed it within three months. Check your ducts for debris blockages and make sure that there are no blockages to the HVAC system’s airflow. If cleaning your ducts is too great a hassle for your schedule or they are not easily accessible, call a professional. For those in Ponca City and Stillwater, can provide reliable duct cleaning services. 2. Clean the Vents Vents tend to attract debris which when left uncleaned can obstruct airflow. Wipe your vents clear of any buildup so that your HVAC system can operate...

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Why Is Water Dripping From My AC Vents?

Finding your air conditioner leaking or dripping water is a common occurrence that isn’t usually a cause for major concern; however, it shouldn’t be ignored. Fortunately, it can generally be fixed with proper AC maintenance. Here are a couple of common reasons why water may leak from your AC vents. Problem: Clogged Air Filter A dirty air filter can cause components of your AC to freeze up and then melt. This can lead to water leaking from the vents. When this happens, it’s a sign that the air conditioner is unable to cool the house correctly and is being overworked. Leaking from the vents can also lead to water damage on walls and other areas of your home. The Fix Air filters have a lifespan that is usually printed on their packaging. For people who use their air conditioners regularly, filters should be changed every four to six weeks. If you have pets, live in a place with lots of pollution or dust, or suffer from allergies, you should change the filter every three weeks. If you don’t use the air conditioner regularly, you may be able to change it twice a year: once in the spring and once in...

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Tips to Conserve Energy at Home

A lot of energy is consumed each month by all the electronic devices and lights in our homes. This can lead to some pretty high utility costs if you’re not careful. However, if you make a few purposeful changes, you’ll be able to see a decrease in your monthly electric bills. Keep reading for tips to conserve energy at home. 1. Plug Your Devices Into Power Strips You may think that if your devices are off that they are not consuming any energy. However, this is not the case. If your devices are plugged into a wall outlet, they are still pulling some electricity even when they are shut off. To prevent this unnecessary waste of energy, plug your electronic items into a power strip instead of a wall outlet. When you’re done using them, simply flip the switch on the power strip to the off position. You can also look into purchasing a smart power strip, which allows you to turn it off using your phone. 2. Wait for a Full Load of Dishes or Laundry Washing two half loads of dishes or laundry takes twice as much energy as running on full load. Conserve energy by waiting to...

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Advantages of Aeroseal Duct Sealing

Although it might not seem like it, your home’s ductwork is one of the important parts of your HVAC system. In fact, it is equally as important as your heater or air conditioner since all that hot or cool air would obviously have no way to spread throughout your house if it weren’t for the ducts. The problem is that many ducts often have cracks, gaps, and holes that allow some air to escape and thus prevent the HVAC system from working efficiently and effectively. Still, resealing the ducts from the outside often doesn’t do an adequate job, which is why many HVAC professionals now recommend aeroseal duct sealing. By sealing the ductwork from the inside, the aeroseal method is much more effective and ensures you can enjoy all of the following benefits. Boost the Efficiency of Your HVAC System Some estimates indicate that the average home loses approximately 20% to 30% of its HVAC efficiency due to cracks, holes or gaps in the ducts. This means that at least one-fifth of the air that should be flowing through your vents is instead being wasted. As a result, it becomes that much more difficult to heat or cool your home....

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