Do I Need a Humidifier or Dehumidifier This Winter?

It’s a smart idea to look ahead to the next season so that you’ll be ready to deal with the upcoming weather. One thing to keep in mind when preparing for the winter is that cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air can. Dry air can be an issue when the temperatures drop, so having a humidifier in the winter can be useful. Issues Associated With Dry Air Many people have dry skin and chapped lips in the winter. That’s a direct result of the dry air that constantly surrounds them. In addition, people can have problems with nose bleeds a respiratory conditions because of the lack of moisture. When a heater is turned on, it can warn things up, but it can also dry out the air even further. That’s why many experts recommend using a humidifier in the winter. Types of Humidifiers Humidifers add water vapor to the air in your home. Sometimes, a portable humidifier is all it takes to enhance the air quality. It can be turned on at night so that people can sleep more comfortably without having their nasal passages dry up so much. In other situations, though, a whole-house humidifier...

View Article

Assessing The Most Efficient Heating Systems

Choosing between a central furnace, a central heat pump, or a ductless mini-split will largely be dictated by your climate and the design of your home. But there are still some potential decisions to make that can determine how efficient your home heating is. Electric vs. Fuel Most furnaces are either electric or burn natural gas. If you’re replacing a system, you will typically stick with the connection you have unless there are incentives covering the cost of the switch. If you do have the choice, it can be a tough one. Electric is a cleaner fuel source, and electric furnaces are cheaper to purchase and install. Gas furnaces are cheaper to run on a monthly basis, however, and that lower expense results in gas furnaces being the cheaper option over the life of the equipment. AFUE AFUE is a heating efficiency rating used to compare furnaces, heat pumps, and other heating equipment. An 80 AFUE rating means that a furnace converts 80% of the fuel it burns into heat. For a furnace to earn the ENERGY STAR label, it must have an AFUE rating of at least 90. Programmable Thermostat A smart thermostat is integral to ensuring that your...

View Article

4 Steps to Installing an Air Conditioning Unit

The lifespan of many air conditioning systems ranges between 10 and 15 years. Beyond this duration, there’s no guarantee of smooth operation. Therefore, AC professionals recommend replacing your AC unit once it runs its course. However, you can also replace your unit if it’s not running efficiently. Here are the steps to follow when installing your new cooling equipment. 1. Remove the Old AC Unit Removing your old air conditioner is not as simple as just taking out the AC and putting it aside. It is the most lengthy and challenging step of the air conditioning installation process. Proper care needs to be taken to make sure nothing gets knocked out of place. That’s because your old system has various components that need proper disposal, like refrigerant. A certified HVAC technician knows how to manage that. After removing the old unit, the technician will prepare the space for the new system. 2. Install the New AC Unit After removing the old system, installation of the new air conditioner can begin. This process might require new ductwork, electrical or piping connections. That will depend on the new and old AC units and whether the connections are the same. 3. Make the...

View Article

Tips for Making the Best Use of Your AC Unit

There are a variety of ways to get creative when it comes to staying cool and comfortable during the summer. But when the summer heat is at its peak, sometimes the wisest choice is to turn up the air conditioning. The problem, however, is that overuse may lead to AC damage and higher utility costs, something we all don’t want to think about this summer. So, to help you maximize your AC, we’ve outlined some top tips. Start Early This means turning your AC on early in the morning before the temperature rises. Doing this will help keep the room cooler for longer. This is much more efficient than using the AC when your home is already hot. In fact, starting the AC earlier may let you turn off the AC later in the day. Close Your Blinds and Windows Another simple trick is to close all your blinds and windows during the day, especially if you have any that face south or west. Not only will this help keep the cool temperature in, but it will also prevent extra heat from the sun from getting inside the house. Check Your Unit’s Filter Next, make sure that your AC’s filter...

View Article

How To Reset Air Conditioning Unit

Problems with your air conditioner in your home can happen due to several reasons. Sometimes you can resolve issues with your AC unit by resetting it. Turning your unit off and on can fix a variety of problems, and it’s often recommended that you do this if you’re dealing with any issues. Understanding how to safely reset your unit can help you avoid reaching out to a repair technician. It will also save you a lot of time. Here are a few simple tips on how you can reset your air conditioning unit. Turn It Off The first step in resetting your air conditioner is to find the shutoff button near the outdoor unit. It’s also a good idea to make sure the thermostat is set to off before you turn off your AC unit. Making sure everything is shut off is essential to safety while you are resetting your air conditioner. Locate Circuit Breaker The next step is to find the circuit breaker for your home. Typically, a circuit breaker is located in closets, crawl spaces, or the basement. Once found, you will need to find the breaker that’s linked to your air conditioner and turn it off. It’s...

View Article

Does Humidity Affect My Air Conditioner?

Humidity reaching over 60% in your home could become bad news if your system isn’t up to par. Moist heat during the summer not only feels gross, but it could also cost you money. Air Conditioners and Humidity Air conditioners function by removing the moisture from the air and dispersing cool air. The consistent process of trying to rid the air of humidity will cause your AC to overexert itself over time. The costs of repairs and the eventual replacement of a system like this in a city with humidity are high. When air conditioners fight against moisture and lose, you’ll notice the humidity settling on your fabrics, making a smelly odor. There are several reasons why your system might not sufficiently eliminate the moisture, but most require immediate action. The Reasons Your Home Is Humid Oklahoma has its humid days. A common issue with moisture in the air is that a sound ventilation system is necessary to avoid negative air pressure. The system will vent all of the humid air inside of your home if the ventilation system is inadequate. Another reason why your humidity may become too high is the speed and size of your air conditioner. Your...

View Article

When Was Indoor Plumbing Invented?

You probably don’t spend much time thinking about how amazing it is to have indoor plumbing in your Ponca City, OK, home. However, indoor plumbing is a relatively new invention. Read on to learn about when indoor plumbing was invented, including the different plumbing fixtures you probably use one or more times every day. Toilets Toilets have been found by anthropologists in settlements from 1500 B.C. in Crete. At that time, the island had an extensive sanitary and septic sewer system. These toilets flushed. In 1775, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued Alexander Cummings a patent for the first flushing toilet. Indoor Pipes The White House was outfitted with indoor plumbing on the first floor in 1833. However, it was another 100 years before a typical American household could afford to retrofit indoor plumbing into their home or build a home that included it. A full indoor plumbing system was uncommon until the 1930s. Faucets In 1937, Alfred Moen received a patent for a single-tap faucet. His mixer tap is still in use today. In the 1940s, plumbers stopped using lead pipes and started to use more copper and plastic pipes. Showers The first mechanical shower was invented...

View Article

Is It Normal to Smell Gas Near a Furnace?

Wintertime in Ponca City, OK, can get downright cold, and you’ll reach for the thermostat to turn on your furnace. If you happen to be near the furnace when it turns on, you might notice the strong unpleasant odor of natural gas. It’s important to know when the smell of natural gas is normal and when it isn’t normal so that you can keep yourself and your family safe. Faint Odor at the Start of a Heating Cycle It’s normal and safe to detect the faint odor of natural gas at the start of a heating cycle. If you happen to be next to the furnace when it kicks on, you might smell the natural gas for just a second or two. It shouldn’t be a strong odor, and it should go away quickly. Persistent or Strong Gas Odor by the Furnace A strong natural gas odor coming from the furnace is never normal. A persistent odor of natural gas for the duration of a heating cycle also isn’t normal. If you notice either of these situations, your furnace may have a problem. To be safe, evacuate everyone from your home. Once you’re safely out and away from the structure,...

View Article

Can Too Much Rain Cause Plumbing Problems?

If there are heavy rains that cause flooding in your area, you could have plumbing problems. These problems range from clogs to sewage backing up into your home. Once the storm is over, inspect your property inside and out for signs of plumbing issues due to weather. Flooding in Your Yard Flooding in your yard can indicate more significant problems with your drains. You could have drainage problems that end up collecting in the basement of your home. If you can inspect your drains inside and outside of your home before the storm, you can determine if they have debris in them or not, which can help with flooding problems. Clogged Drains If your drains start to clog inside your home when there is heavy rain, it is usually because of a blockage that debris caused. This debris can back up the whole system and usually consists of trash, soil, leaves, and tree branches or sticks. To get rid of the clog in your pipes, you’ll need a plumber to clean them out and inspect them to ensure that they are not cracked or broken. Sewage in Your Bathtub, Toilet, or Sinks One of the worst problems after a storm...

View Article

What are the Benefits of a Water Softener?

Many people in the United States live in an area with hard water. They can benefit in several ways from having a water softener installed in their homes by a licensed plumber. What Is a Water Softener? Water softeners remove minerals from the water coming into your home. It’s a whole-house filtration system that removes minerals through ion exchange. This process eliminates magnesium and calcium, which are the two main minerals in water. Save Money on Your Energy Bills When minerals build up in your appliances, they have to work harder to perform the same job. This causes higher monthly energy bills. Soft water will eliminate this problem and save you money. of Ponca City, OK, installs water softeners. We’ve been helping families since 1977. Your Appliances Will Last Longer Your washing machine and dishwasher will last longer once you eliminate hard water. When water is too hard, lime and calcium build-up in these appliances, which shortens their lives. By having a water softener installed, you can add years of life to these appliances. Protects Your Pipes Hard water causes mineral build-up in your pipes. This leads to obstructions forming. Water will flow faster through the pipes once you have...

View Article