Signs Your AC Needs to Be Replaced

It’s almost summer, and the need to turn your air conditioner on becomes important more than ever.

But if your AC shows any of the following signs, you may just lose your cool (pun intended!). Take these as your cue to replace your air conditioner, and settle for a new and better unit.

Inconsistent Temperature

If your AC doesn’t cool or heat up as expected, its compressor might be damaged. Or, the unit may have low refrigerant settings. Once you’ve set up your desired temperature, the AC should give off cool air immediately. However, inconsistent temperature may mean that some elements are obstructing air flow.

Reduced Air Flow

Speaking of air flow, your AC shouldn’t be making guttural noises. A well-functioning AC does emit a low humming sound. But, guttural or even sputtering noises are tell-tale signs of trouble. They could mean that a fan isn’t working properly, or the interior mechanisms are clogged. While these could be solved by cleaning and simple troubleshooting, screeching or ticking sounds already means replacement is a must.

Unusual Odor

An AC emitting foul odor is another indication of a retirable unit. Either the ductwork is already moldy, or the insulation is badly damaged. Moldy units can cause respiratory diseases to your family, so you better replace the AC filter if it’s contaminated.

Frequent Repairs

It’s more practical to simply buy a new unit than have your AC repaired every time there’s something wrong with it. At least check its warranty. Ideally, AC units should function properly within a year; repairs should be rare. Once the warranty expires and you notice more problems in your unit, don’t think twice. Buy a new AC unit.

Short Cycle

AC units don’t switch off automatically unless you intend them to (i.e. you tweaked the settings). If your AC switches itself off more frequently than normal, or doesn’t start off instantly, it is possible that the unit has serious problems. Moreover, it may be a sign of short cycling, which when not promptly addressed, can permanently damage the unit.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills

It is normal for energy consumption and billing to spike up during summer, when you need to turn the AC almost the entire day. But, in cases when you don’t use your unit that much, yet your bills have increased dramatically, then it’s time you investigate the cause. Your unit may be overworking, or the filters could be clogged.

Moisture Buildup

Moisture leak is a sign that the refrigerant also has a leak. Extra moisture will cause the unit to underperform. It is also a health risk as moisture attracts and becomes a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

The thermostat serves as the command central for your AC unit. It is responsible for dictating how cool the air should be. A unit that doesn’t turn on (despite being switched on already), or working for a short period of time before it automatically shuts off, could mean that its thermostat is malfunctioning.

The moment you see these signs, contact an HVAC technician immediately, call the AC manufacturer for any assistance in the warranty, or drop your appliance center a visit for a new air conditioning unit.

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Top Reasons to Upgrade to a New HVAC System

While it is great if your HVAC system can provide you with trouble-free heating and cooling forever, this may not be possible. Time will come when you will need to upgrade or replace your system.

Reasons for a New HVAC System Upgrade

Following are the top reasons you may need an HVAC system upgrade:

•   Your existing HVAC system is aging – On average, a new HVAC equipment can last anywhere from 15 – 20 years. If you have a system that is at least 10 years old, consider getting a replacement that is more energy-efficient. Units with ENERGY STAR labels can help cut your energy bills by as much as 20%. They are likewise less prone to repairs.

•   Your indoor air quality is poor – You need your HVAC system to cool and heat your home. If it doesn’t give you the warm and cool levels you need, then it isn’t serving its purpose anymore. Consider upgrading to a new system. Especially, if you need a system that offers other features like allergen filters, and air purifying and cleaning features, then get a replacement that comes with these features.

•   Your HVAC system requires frequent repairs – If you buy new parts for your unit often, then it might be better to get a new HVAC system. As your unit ages, it would require frequent repairs. In the long run, you may be spending more on energy bills and repairs compared to buying a replacement.

•   Your electricity bills are increasing – The older your unit, the more power it will need to warm or cool your home. This will result to higher energy bills. As soon as you notice your bills starting to rise, call an HVAC specialist to inspect your equipment. While the problem may be addressed by a simple repair, it may also be time for an upgrade.

•   You don’t feel comfortable in your home – If you can’t maintain a home temperature that is comfortable enough for you, this may be a sign of an HVAC problem. What you have may be of the wrong size. It may have also been improperly installed. An upgrade may be necessary, especially if your system is around 10 years old.

•   The unit makes a lot of noise – Unnecessary noise may be an indication of indoor coil problems. Never attempt to repair or replace parts on your own. Have a professional inspect your system. Experts will know if you need an upgrade.

•   There is no programmable thermostat – With a programmable thermostat, you can pre-set your home temperature based on the time of day. This will help reduce your energy consumption. If your system has provisions for a programmable thermostat, then have 1 installed right away. Otherwise, it may be time to upgrade your entire system.

Final Word

When your current HVAC system has already served its purpose, and is starting to show signs of deterioration, it may be time to upgrade to an entirely new system. This way, there will be less frequent repairs, and you will get everything you expect from a cooling and heating system.

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Unclog Your Bathroom and Kitchen Drains the Right Way

Bathroom and kitchen drains often get clogged because of frequent use. While we suggest to invoke an expert plumber to help you, there will be instances when the issue is very easy to fix, and you may unclog your drains DIY-style.

Unclogging Bathroom Tub and Sink Drains

The top cause of clogs in the toilet is the accumulation of hair, toothpaste, and soap scum. If you’re experiencing a clogged bathroom tub or sink, here’s the things you can do.

First, fill the basin with hot water. Then, unplug the drain. This will hopefully flush and clean out the drain. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you can try to set aside the clog physically if you, or to make the most out of snake for the job.
If the issue persists, call any local plumber. You could only make the problem worse if you insist on fixing the issue in your own.

Preventing Bathroom Tub and Sink Clogs

To ensure your bathroom drains don’t get clogged, run really hot water after brushing your teeth or taking a shower. The hot water will dissolve the mash-soluble ingredients as a part of your shampoo, soap, or toothpaste.
Should you sport long hair, you can buy a drain saver for your tub. It’ll catch longer hair, allowing you to lift them and throw away. This manner, nice hair won’t go the drain where it could cause clogging. Likewise, refrain from flushing coat down the drain using bathroom sink.

Unclogging Your Toilet

Keep in mind which human waste and toilet paper should happen your toilet drain. The rest could possibly be too huge, and non-biodegradable. They will quite surely fall apart as a part of your pipes. Should you have experienced a bathroom duplicate before, you understand how nasty the experience can be. A fast fix would be to plunge and snake the toilet. If the toilet remains clogged, then you know it is time to consult knowledgeable plumber.

Preventing Toilet Clogs

To stop toilet clogs, follow these simple tips:

• Make sure to flush only the things that are supposed to happen your toilet (human waste and tissue paper)
• Dump your nail clippings, hair, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, and cotton-tipped swabs. Don’t let them happen the toilet, and also sink and tub.

Unclogging Kitchen Drains

To unclog your kitchen drain, use dish detergent and heated water to take meals away and loosen the blockage. You can run very really hot water to melt the clog. Follow it with some grease-dissolving dish washing soap. If you still have a clog, attempt an internal plunger. Then, put dish soap and hot water into the pipes again.

Preventing Kitchen Clogs

Prevent clogging in your kitchen drain by avoiding grease from stepping into the pipes. When hot, grease may flow inside of pipe, however it will definitely grow to be solid when it cools down. This may then cause clogging. Should you need to eliminate grease, place it within the jar that you can throw away.

To forestall clog-causing solid food, you possibly can install a wire mesh filter on the kitchenette drain. This will keep solid food avoid your drains.

Final Word

Follow the information provided on this discuss unclog and prevent clogging in the home. If none among the solves the issue, it’s time to call knowledgeable for help.

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5 SUBTLE SIGNS YOU’VE GOT A LEAKY PIPE

How To Plumbing - Unclog My Shower Drain

Unclogging your shower drain can be an easy task if you have the right tools available for the job. Most people would usually hire a plumber to do this kind of work but for the sake of this Do It Yourself plumbing article, we are going to show you how to do this yourself. This same process can be used on any drain, not just your shower drain.

5 Steps to Unclogging Your Shower Drain

Step 1. See if you can identify the blockage
Most of the time you will be able to notice what is blocking the drain. Hair is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to drain blockage. So, the first step can be reaching your fingers into the drain to see if you can pull the hair out. More than likely, there is more hair in there than you can pull out yourself, so, the best thing you can do is to purchase a drain cleaning snake or rooter.

Step 1. Part 2
You don't have to purchase a big fancy one. Most drain cleaning products usually come with a small snake that you can use for at home applications. Draino's products come with a small drain cleaning snake when you buy some of their products. You can find these at places like Walgreens and Walmart.

Step 2. Use a plunger
If the blockage is a bunch of gunk, its possible to clear it by using a plunger. Most people think it would be unsanitary to use a plunger on the shower drain but if your taking a shower than doesn't drain all the way, you are already standing in unsanitary water while you are taking a shower and trying to get clean. Plus, you can just clean up after. Use the plunger but make sure that you are getting enough suction to clear the blockage. Some showers or tubs are shapes oddly and doesn't create the proper suction you need. Make sure that the plunger is in a position that allows no outside air to creep its way in while you are pulling up.

Step 3. Snake or Rooter the Drain
Put the drain cleaning snake into the drain and pull it back out to see what it catches. If you notice a lot of hair or other gunk coming back out, it is safe to say that you have found your clog. If nothing comes out or only a small amount, your clog might be farther back in the drain.

Step 4. Pour Draino Down the Drain
You can try to use some of the Draino to pour into the drain. You will need to let it sit there for a while to take action. If you use the Draino and you still have a problem, then it might be time for a professional.


Step 5. Your drain is either good to go or still not working
If nothing else works and you can't figure out how to fix the problem yourself, call a Plumbing Rooter Company or Service.
Sometimes the drain cleaning snake that comes with residential products doesn't work as well as a professional snake or rooter service. Their rooters can reach more than 100 feet and sometimes extend the full length of the underground pipe. They will most likely clear the blockage and get you running back at %100 percent.

First published here:  How To Plumbing - Unclog My Shower Drain