Tag: maintenance

Protect Your Home with Spring AC Maintenance

The Importance of AC Maintenance and When It's Needed

Think of the air conditioning system as a high-performance vehicle; it requires regular maintenance and tune-ups to remain safe, efficient, and reliable. Proactive air conditioning maintenance is a strategic investment in the air conditioner and leads to significant advantages. This post discusses the benefits of regular air conditioner maintenance, what it entails, and the best time to schedule a maintenance visit.

Benefits of Air Conditioner Maintenance

save money A significant advantage of professional AC tune-ups is energy efficiency. When components are clean and calibrated, and the system is well maintained, the air conditioner requires less energy to keep the house cool, translating to lower monthly cooling costs. Scheduling AC maintenance before the summer heat helps ensure energy-efficient performance when the demand on the air conditioner is highest.

Routine maintenance also reduces the risk of problems and breakdowns occurring, leading to more reliable performance from the air conditioner. During a maintenance visit, technicians perform tasks to help prevent future issues and can spot and address any existing ones, leading to more dependable cooling performance and helping avoid discomfort and AC repair costs. Regular maintenance also helps with the longevity of the air conditioner, extending its lifespan and preventing the hefty price tag of an early air conditioning replacement.

What Does AC Maintenance Entail?

hvac A professional AC maintenance visit includes an inspection that allows a technician to identify and address any existing issues or potential damage. By catching problems early, they can be repaired or components replaced before the issue worsens, helping prevent unexpected breakdowns, loss of cooling, and a more costly air conditioning repair or a full air conditioner replacement. The primary goal is to ensure continuous, reliable performance. 

An AC tune-up also includes several critical tasks necessary for maintaining system efficiency and longevity. Technicians clean the evaporator and condenser coils, which is vital because dirty coils inhibit heat transfer, forcing the unit to consume more energy and potentially leading to refrigerant leak issues. Other essential checks include verifying the accuracy of the thermostat, confirming the appropriate refrigerant level, and ensuring all electrical connections are secure and tightening any necessary connections.

How Often Is Maintenance Needed?

Professional AC maintenance should occur at least annually, and the recommended window for this service is in the spring. This timing is advantageous for a few reasons. HVAC contractors typically have more availability before the summer rush begins, and spring air conditioner maintenance allows any issues to be identified and fixed to ensure the air conditioner is energy-efficient and reliable before it is needed most during the summer heat.

While annual air conditioning maintenance is best left to professionals, there is one essential maintenance task that needs to be done more often that homeowners can perform themselves. Air filter replacement is typically needed at least every three months, and filters can be inspected monthly to see if they are dirty and need to be changed. Replacing clogged or dirty air filters is vital for improving indoor air quality and supporting steady airflow. It also helps maintain the AC system's energy efficiency, keeps cooling costs low, and extends the air conditioner’s lifespan, preventing premature AC replacement.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company serving the Colorado Springs area since 1999. They provide fair, honest pricing, fully stocked trucks, and a maintenance membership plan. Call them for air conditioning maintenance and air conditioner repair services in Colorado Springs, CO. 

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Remember to Schedule Plumbing Maintenance This Year!

remember to schedule plumbing maintenance this year!

What Is Plumbing Maintenance – And Why Does It Matter?

Homeowners understand that nearly every aspect of a house requires regular attention and upkeep to remain in good shape, and the plumbing system is no different. While it may seem like just a network of pipes, valves, and fixtures, these components can wear down or develop issues over time due to age, environmental conditions, and daily usage.

Regular plumbing maintenance is the most effective method to keep the system functioning properly and in good shape. However, what does plumbing maintenance actually involve? This article will outline the details of plumbing maintenance and the numerous advantages it offers to homeowners.

Plumbing Maintenance Benefits

Woman smiling while holding a blue piggy bank, symbolizing savings and financial benefits of regular plumbing maintenance.There are many advantages to maintaining plumbing systems. The most apparent benefit is that it helps avert significant plumbing issues and emergencies – such as clogs and leaks. In this regard, routine maintenance can prevent or at least lessen the necessity for plumbing repairs or early replacement of components and fittings. Consequently, homeowners will avoid incurring expenses on these services.

Plumbing maintenance also helps save money in other ways. Take water leaks, for instance. The average household can lose an estimated 10,000 gallons of water per year due to plumbing leaks. That can add up to a hefty water bill. Regular maintenance allows homeowners to catch and fix these leaks.

Likewise, plumbing maintenance can improve water heater efficiency, reducing energy bills. Regular maintenance can also extend the lifespan of the plumbing system and the plumbing fixtures connected to it (toilets, faucets, showerheads, appliances, etc.), which saves money on plumbing replacement and repair in the long term.

Schedule Maintenance With a Qualified Professional

Many homeowners might feel tempted to handle plumbing upkeep on their own. However, aside from occasional drain cleaning with safe household remedies—such as baking soda and vinegar—it's advisable to leave general plumbing maintenance to the professionals. They possess the training, experience, and specialized tools needed to spot, diagnose, and resolve a wide range of issues effectively.

During a routine maintenance visit, a professional plumber will generally follow a long checklist of tasks, including:

  • Inspecting pipes for leaks and corrosion.
  • Measuring water pressure (and adjusting the pressure regulator if necessary).
  • Testing water quality (for hardness, acidity, heavy metals, etc.).
  • Cleaning faucet aerators.
  • Checking valves and fixtures for leaks.
  • Inspecting drains and cleaning if necessary.
  • Checking backflow prevention devices (to prevent contamination of potable water with wastewater).
  • Testing the sump pump (if applicable).
  • Servicing the water heater.

A typical plumbing maintenance visit takes anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on what needs to be done. Most plumbing experts recommend that homeowners schedule plumbing maintenance services once per year to yield the greatest benefit. 

Maintaining the Water Heater

Water heater unit in a maintenance setting, featuring temperature and pressure relief valve, electrical connections, and service tools nearby, emphasizing the importance of regular plumbing maintenance services by B&L Plumbing.One of the most important aspects of plumbing maintenance is the water heater inspection and tune-up. This deserves its own checklist of maintenance tasks, such as:

  • Checking for leaks in the unit and its connecting pipes.
  • Testing the T&P (temperature & pressure) relief valve for proper function.
  • Calibrating the thermostat.
  • Inspecting the pilot light and gas burners (and cleaning or adjusting them if necessary).
  • Check the exhaust flue for leaks or clogs.
  • Flushing the water storage tank to remove sediment.
  • Inspecting the anode rod (an anti-corrosion device inside the tank) and replacing it if necessary.
  • Checking electrical connections and safety devices.

A lack of maintenance is the number one cause of water heater problems and breakdowns, so this is a vital part of preventative plumbing maintenance. Not only will it help homeowners avoid shelling out for water heater repair, but it will also help extend the life of the unit and boost its energy efficiency. And since plumbing maintenance is generally a low-cost service, it’s an investment homeowners won’t regret!

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

The veteran-owned B&L Plumbing and Heating has provided unbeatable plumbing services in Colorado Springs since 1999. As a testament to their outstanding customer service and workmanship, they have 5-star ratings on Google and Facebook and have won numerous awards, including HomeAdvisor’s Elite Service Award and Expertise.com’s “Best Of” award. They offer competitive up-front pricing, a money-saving maintenance plan, and 24/7 emergency plumbing service with no after-hours fees – so there’s no one to call for plumbing maintenance 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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An Ounce of Prevention: Maintenance Tips for Plumbing Issues

an ounce of prevention: maintenance tips for plumbing issues

3 Ways to Get Ahead of Plumbing Disasters

Summer is a very busy time full of family events, camps, and vacations, and no one wants to take time to deal with a plumbing problem unless it is trying to find a faster method of filling up a pool. That’s why smart homeowners will do their best to prevent problems before they begin. This article will provide a few essential tips for plumbing peace of mind.

Evidence of Leaks

Person using a pipe wrench to fix a leaking white PVC pipe under a sink, illustrating evidence of plumbing problems and the need for timely repairs.One of the first signs of plumbing problems is a small leak. Weakened and aging pipes can form cracks from water pressure, corrosion, or other general wear and tear. Rubber and silicone seals and washers may break down or tear, causing a slow leak around faucets or showerheads.  

A homeowner should not ignore evidence of a pipe leak, no matter how small, because small leaks can quickly lead to more significant leaks. Listed below are a few of the signs that indicate a persistent leak:

  • Mold or mildew
  • Sounds of running water
  • Dripping
  • Soggy spots on the floor
  • Water pooling outside where it shouldn’t be

Put Grease in the Trash, Not the Sink

Pouring cooking oil into a kitchen sink drain, highlighting improper disposal practices that can lead to plumbing clogs.One of the great things about the summer weather is grilling outside and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. Food prep and disposal can be hard on a kitchen, though. A nasty clog can ruin an evening of summer fun. That’s why people should consider what they put down the drain. 

Even the kitchen drain with top-of-the-line garbage disposal cannot accommodate all forms of food debris. Cooking oil and grease are perhaps the worst perpetrators of clogs because, in their liquid forms, they would seem to be easily disposed of by sending them down the drain pipes, but they cannot be dissolved by water as most things can. However, oils and fats can bind up other food and waste particles and create a hard, insoluble ball of a pipe clog that the water cannot break up. Homeowners and their guests should always dispose of grease by pouring it into a sealed container and then putting it in the trash.

Keep the Drains Clean

Another easy bit of pipe clog prevention maintenance is regularly flushing home drains. Just as other parts of the house need regular cleaning, drains can benefit from a bit of a clear-out. This does not have to be intensive, and several easy ways exist to perform this task. Below are two easy methods to use and one to avoid entirely.

  • The Hot Water Flush: This method is done by boiling water and pouring it slowly down the drain. This can help remove anything water-soluble that may be stuck in the pipes.
  • The Baking Soda/Vinegar Combo: Almost everyone did the grade school science experiment of the baking soda and vinegar volcano. This eruptive but harmless chemical reaction can help flush dirty pipes. The baking soda should be poured into the drain and followed by vinegar. 
  • NO Chemical Drain Openers: Those handy plastic bottles on the grocery store shelf may seem like a convenient choice for drain cleaning, but the chemicals are not selective about what they break down and can cause or worsen existing corrosion on the drain pipes.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating 

Veteran-owned B&L Plumbing and Heating has served Colorado Springs, CO, for over two decades. Offering 24-hour emergency service and no after-hours charge, they can bring high-quality workmanship and individualized options for all their clients. Call today for peace of mind and quality plumbing service.

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