Category: Land & Property

The Air Conditioner Basics Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Simple but Powerful Information on the Home’s Air Conditioning System

Homeowners don’t need to be an expert on all the home’s systems. However, every homeowner needs to understand the systems that help keep their home livable. The air conditioning system is perhaps among the most impactful, for it helps control temperature and humidity levels. Without a basic knowledge of AC systems, homeowners may struggle to know what they can do themselves, when to call an expert, and how to best care for the air conditioning system. 

The Two Most Common Types of AC Systems

home ac In the United States, central air units are the most common type of air conditioning system. However, mini-split systems are popular in many other countries and are fast becoming popular here in the US, especially in certain situations.

Central air systems are just what they sound like. There’s a centralized system that conditions the air and then delivers that air throughout the home through a system of ducts. Mini-split systems, often called ductless systems, consist of several smaller units placed throughout the home. Each unit is responsible for cooling one room or an open section of the house. However, there’s one big difference between a central air system and a mini-split air conditioner. A central air unit can only cool the home, whereas mini-split systems can heat and cool the home. If the entire house has mini-split systems, this would eliminate the need for a furnace or another heating system. 

However, the major drawback here is that you would need multiple mini-splits throughout the house to eliminate the need for a central heating and air conditioning system. This is why many people in the United States use mini-splits as supplemental systems for home additions or standalone structures. For some situations, a hybrid central/mini-split system means the best of both worlds! 

Common Signs an AC Unit Needs Repair

hot at home Since most homes in the US have central AC systems, homeowners need to know the signs the system needs repair. The most common sign involves a lack of cooling in the home. If the air conditioner seems to run but isn’t blowing cold air or runs for only short periods before cycling off, it’s important to call a professional to have it checked and diagnosed. 

Likewise, if the house seems muggy like there’s too much humidity, it could be a problem with the air conditioner. When strange smells come from the air conditioner unit, like burning plastic or ozone, it’s best to shut the system off and call a professional. Similarly, an HVAC professional should address a banging, clanging, or grinding sound from the unit as soon as possible.

The Benefits of HVAC Maintenance

Like any other complex and often-used system, the air conditioner needs regular maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. One of the most important components of AC maintenance is filter changes. Luckily, homeowners can do this every 60 to 90 days. But these systems also require a professional touch. 

Without regular air conditioning maintenance performed by a professional, homeowners risk the system breaking down more often, eventually leading to the need for replacement. Luckily, most professional HVAC companies offer air conditioner maintenance plans so homeowners can stay on top of it. During a maintenance visit, the HVAC technician will inspect and clean the components, tighten electrical connections, check efficiency, inspect ducts, lubricate moving parts, and ensure the drain isn’t clogged. 

With the help of a professional HVAC company, homeowners can stay on top of HVAC maintenance and repairs, ensuring a long life for the AC system!

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

Veteran-owned B&L Plumbing and Heating has been proudly serving Colorado Springs, CO, for 25 years. They offer tailored options and competitive pricing and never charge after-hours fees. Contact B&L Plumbing and Heating today for air conditioner repair or maintenance in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Everything Homeowners Should Know about Slab Leaks

everything homeowners should know about slab leaks

Understand the Essentials of a Slab Leak

A slab leak is one of a house's most troublesome and difficult-to-repair plumbing problems. Still, with a reputable professional who looks out for the homeowner, it can be a more manageable experience. Today’s technology makes fixing a leak beneath the home’s foundation easier. This article will discuss some frequently asked questions about slab leaks, their detection, and the methods of slab leak repair.

Slab Leaks: What Are They?

Cracked concrete slab foundation indicating potential slab leak issues, relevant to plumbing and repair concerns.Slab leaks are breakages in one or more pipes found beneath the “slab.” The slab is the concrete foundation or support layer of the house. Most houses without basements are built with a slab foundation. This means getting to the pipes can be difficult because the plumbing professional is either going through the slab or under it, neither of which is without collateral damage. 

But what causes a slab leak in the first place? There are many causes, but a few of the primary culprits are listed below.

  • Abrasion or Corrosion of Pipes: If pipes are installed incorrectly or come in contact with corrosive chemicals, this may cause a pipe weakness and lead to a leak. A pipe that has a scrape can also burst at that narrow point.
  • Shifting Foundation: As the home ages, it moves a little on the ground. This occurrence is often called settling or foundation shift, which can stress pipes and cause leaks.
  • Hard Water: Water full of dissolved minerals, or hard water, can cause mineral buildup on pipes, leading to the corrosion and abrasion listed above. 
  • Water Pressure: If there is an unexpected increase in a home’s water pressure, this can lead to a broken pipe. This can happen anywhere within a home’s plumbing system but is more difficult to reach if it happens under the slab.

What Problems Indicate a Slab Leak?

Hand holding a thermal imaging device, detecting potential leaks in a wall, relevant to slab leak detection services and plumbing maintenance.A slab leak is not only difficult to reach but also difficult to detect. Some telltale signs can help homeowners know they may need to call in professionals for leak detection. Homeowners should look into leak detection services once they see any of the following signs:

  • The water bill suddenly skyrockets without any increase in usage. 
  • Water damage is occurring without a clear source of water.
  • Mold is present in the walls.
  • Puddles of water are appearing outside without rain or other obvious source.

A high water bill with no visible leak is usually a clear indicator that something is up, even if there are no other signs.

Professional Slab Leak Detection and Repair

Plumbing technicians can use several leak detection methods, including sewer video cameras that can be fed directly into a drain or other pipe. Likewise, ultrasound equipment can be used as a radar to pinpoint the location of a leak. Repair has traditionally been done by either breaking the slab as precisely as possible to reach the leak or digging underneath the slab. New techniques for repiping may be successful and less invasive, depending on the leak's extent.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating proudly serves the Colorado Springs, CO, community and the surrounding areas for all their household comfort needs. They are veteran-owned and provide tailored solutions for each household. Call the experts today for foundation leak detection and slab repair service in Colorado Springs, CO, for no after-hours fees. 

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When Is Air Duct Repair Needed?

when is air duct repair needed?

Spotting Damaged Ductwork 

Owners spend a lot of time worrying about their air conditioners and heaters. With semi-annual maintenance, the machinery that keeps residential and commercial spaces comfortable often precedes the somewhat invisible portion of the HVAC system: the ductwork. Ductwork makes up at least half of an HVAC system when considering the space that is occupied and the installation cost of a new heating and cooling system. Too often, the ductwork goes unnoticed, to the detriment of the space's comfort. 

Ductwork can develop serious problems that contribute to discomfort in a home or business. Here are the three top signs that ductwork is the source of heating and cooling headaches. 

Dust Buildup and Poor Housekeeping 

Dusty HVAC ductwork vent showing significant dust buildup, illustrating poor indoor air quality and the need for maintenance.Air quality has always been a main concern in HVAC systems, but in recent years, it has become a topic of discussion for the average person. In the wake of a respiratory pandemic, most people are more aware of their indoor air quality. One thing people are not aware of is the role that their ductwork plays in their indoor air quality and general housekeeping. 

Ductwork is expected to last for decades, but aging ductwork can deteriorate and cause damage. Outside dust can be distributed around the home when holes form in ductwork. When owners are diligent with their air filter replacement, but dust is still a problem in the space, the source of the problem is likely the ductwork instead of the air filter. To spot this problem, keep an eye out for: 

  • Dust buildup on air vents
  • Dusty surfaces
  • Frequent cleanings are necessary
  • Poor indoor air quality 

Airflow Problems 

If there is one job for ductwork, it is protecting airflow. Air can only be efficiently distributed around the home with ductwork to keep it regulated. The value of good airflow for comfort and health cannot be underestimated, so when owners notice problems with airflow, they should rectify them quickly. Some of the signs that airflow is being restricted by ductwork are: 

  • Uneven heating or cooling in the home
  • Hot and cold spots
  • Humidity problems
  • Weak airflow from vents

These problems arise when ductwork is damaged or aging. As modern plastic ducts age, they are more likely to collapse. Even with older metal ductwork, corrosion can cause collapse, or external forces can pinch them closed. All of these will contribute to poor airflow and require air duct repairs. 

Energy Bills Are Getting Higher

Young woman reviewing rising energy bills at a kitchen table, surrounded by paperwork, calculator, and a laptop, reflecting concerns about HVAC efficiency and ductwork issues.Efficiency is a major concern with heating and cooling. When owners have to upgrade their equipment, most will pay extra for a few percentage points of efficiency. However, the ductwork is the biggest source of inefficiency in every system. 

Air ducts are insulated to help distribute conditioned air without wasting energy. Over time, the insulation can degrade, allowing heated or cooled air to escape into unoccupied space. The wasted energy from this process can greatly drive up energy bills so it is always in the owner's best interest to get ductwork repaired quickly to keep costs low. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a veteran-owned plumbing and HVAC contractor. They understand that emergencies happen, so they never charge after-hours fees. Their teams take the time to custom-tailor repair and installation options on each job. Call today for HVAC repairs in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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Signs of a Faulty Water Heater That Indicates a Need for Service

signs of a faulty water heater that indicates a need for service

Signs of Failing Water Heaters 

A water heater is one of those appliances that only seems to fail at the worst moment. When people are vulnerable, disrobed, and ready to end the day with a hot shower, the water heater will fail and cause intense disappointment. Being forced to take a cold shower is bad news, but the good news is that water heaters usually give some preliminary signs that they will leave their owners in the cold. Spotting these signs early can save owners headaches and allow them to take preemptive action. 

Aside from obvious problems like leaks and insufficient volume of hot water, there are three good indicators that something is wrong with the water heater. Here are the top three signs that water heater repairs are needed so homeowners can respond early. 

High Monthly Bills 

Stressed woman sitting at a desk with a laptop, papers, and a coffee mug, illustrating the challenges of managing high utility costs from water heaters.Water heaters use vast amounts of energy. Apart from the heater and air conditioner, the water heater is the home's second-largest power user. Observing the bills for the utility corresponding to the water heater is a great way to catch problems early. For example, monitoring gas bills when a gas water heater is in the home can allow homeowners to catch inefficiencies sooner than they would. 

Over time, inefficiencies and higher utility prices will cause bills to spike. However, the water heater will likely only lose about one percentage point of efficiency every year. Water heater repairs will be necessary if bills are climbing faster than the cost of utilities and the natural loss of efficiency. Additionally, water heater maintenance is an excellent option to prevent natural efficiency losses. 

Unusual Sounds 

Man covering his ears with a pillow, appearing distressed from loud noises, illustrating the effects of unusual sounds from a water heater.One of the best things homeowners can do to ensure their water heater is in good shape is simply paying attention to it. Taking some time every month to listen to it can provide valuable information to the owner. Listen for sounds like: 

  • Banging: Water hammer is a common cause of violent banging noises. When the diaphragm of the expansion tank is damaged, water hammer can echo through the water heater. 
  • Hissing: When leaks form in the water heater, water may drop down onto the hot burner. The resulting steam formed will create a hiss that indicates leaks need to be repaired. 
  • Ticking: Ticking is a normal noise, especially when someone has recently used hot water. Ticking could be mistaken for the next noise if it is too common. 
  • Popping: When sediment forms in the water heater, steam bubbles can cause a popping or rumbling noise. Scheduling water heater maintenance can remove the sediment and restore lost efficiency to the unit. 

Discolored or Smelly Water 

Water heater tanks are lined with glass or enamel to prevent water from contacting metal that might rust. When these linings wear out, the rust that forms in the tank can discolor water or cause odors. Water heater replacement is the only way to fix this problem. If the problem isn't fixed quickly, leaks or tank failures may result. Calling a professional quickly can prevent the problem from causing unnecessary damage to the home. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating can help with sewer service and water heater repairs. Their teams handle home and business owners' complaints quickly and accurately. Call today for plumbing service in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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Prepare the AC With Spring Maintenance

prepare the ac with spring maintenance

3 Key Benefits of Yearly AC Maintenance in the Springtime

As summer approaches, homeowners should prepare for the warmer weather to come. Colorado may not be as hot as some places in the Southwest, but it can still get downright toasty, so the best way to get ready for summer is to make sure the home’s air conditioner is in good working order. 

Air conditioning maintenance, performed by a qualified professional, can do just that. But the benefits of having the AC serviced in the spring go beyond simply staying cool for the summer. This article will lay out the biggest reasons why AC maintenance is a must-do this spring!

Improved Energy Efficiency

Woman replacing air filter in home air conditioning vent, emphasizing spring maintenance for improved energy efficiency and comfort.A well-maintained air conditioning system will run better and smoother than one that hasn’t been cleaned or serviced in years. Small tasks like cleaning the evaporator coils, lubricating the blower motor bearings, and recharging the refrigerant (just to name a few) will keep the unit working at peak energy efficiency. Naturally, the more efficient the system is, the less energy it uses to maintain a comfortable temperature, and the less homeowners will have to shell out for their utility bills.

Of course, springtime maintenance is no substitute for regular air filter replacement. As the AC runs, the air filter will inevitably become clogged with dust and debris, reducing the airflow to and from the air handler unit. So, to help keep their energy bills as low as possible, homeowners should change their air filter(s) at least every three months–or even more often, depending on how many pets they have and how dusty their home tends to get.

Better Reliability & Fewer Repairs

Air conditioning unit with refrigerant tank, illustrating HVAC maintenance for energy efficiency and reliability.On top of making the AC more energy efficient, annual spring maintenance also makes it more reliable. If the system has been serviced in the spring, the likelihood of an unexpected breakdown or performance issue is extremely low. That means homeowners won’t have to worry about being without their air conditioner on a sweltering day while waiting for an AC repair technician.

This also means that homeowners will save money on air conditioner repair costs over the long run since the service technician can catch and address any potential issues before they escalate into larger problems. Annual air conditioner maintenance is a relatively inexpensive service, so considering how much it can save on air conditioning repairs, it practically pays for itself!

A Longer-Lasting Air Conditioner

Annual AC tune-ups can also help extend the system’s lifespan. After all, a big part of any professional AC service visit is keeping everyday wear & tear at bay, making it less likely that homeowners will need a premature air conditioning replacement. This is so huge that many AC manufacturer warranties require regular maintenance from certified technicians to keep the warranty valid. 

Air conditioners are expensive appliances, so the last thing any homeowner wants is to find themselves dipping into their savings for an AC replacement years ahead of schedule. However, those who stay on top of annual maintenance may find that their air conditioner can meet or exceed its life expectancy.

So, for those who want to enjoy peace of mind, stay cool all summer, and save money on energy bills, repairs, and early air conditioner replacement, spring AC maintenance is the way to go!

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been the go-to plumbing and HVAC resource in Colorado Springs since 1999. As an award-winning local business, they proudly offer competitive pricing, tailor-made solutions to fit any budget, 24/7 emergency service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. They also offer a money-saving membership maintenance plan that makes annual tune-ups a breeze, so don’t hesitate to call for AC maintenance in Colorado Springs, CO!

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