Does your Shower have Low Water Pressure?

Posted on June 18, 2019 by - Blog

Does your Shower have Low Water Pressure?

Many of us start our daily routine by taking a shower to wake-up and prepare for the rest of the day. Water pressure will vary a little bit per shower, but if your water pressure is too low, then you may want to consider having this fixed. Low water pressure isn’t always the result of faulty pipes or an old house. Sometimes there is a fix to low water pressure that can easily be resolved. We’ll go over a few of the potential causes that could be contributing to low water pressure in your shower.

 

  • It’s typically recommended to evaluate your shower head first if you’re having problems with low water pressure. Shower heads are often designed to limit the amount of water per minute that’s being used. They are created this way to conserve water, which is a good thing. However, sometimes shower heads are created to conserve too much to the point that the water pressure is too low, and not serving its purpose. You can solve the problem if it’s coming from the shower head, by replacing it with a new one. Shower heads are typically inexpensive. If you still find that the water pressure is too low, look for the washer inside the shower head. Use a drill to widen it until there is an adequate amount of water flow coming from your shower head.

 

  • It’s also possible that low water pressure is coming from faulty pipes. Depending on the age of your home, your home may have been built with older pipes. Some of the older homes have been built with galvanized pipes. They are coated in molten-zinc, which tends to corrode and cause leaks. These galvanized pipes can leak water before it even gets to your shower head, which then causes the low water pressure. Homes that are built today do not use these pipes because of their tendency to corrode. The zinc in the pipes can also fall off during the process of corrosion, and can build up over time, blocking the proper water flow through your pipes. The fix to this problem isn’t as simple as replacing a shower head. You’ll want to call a professional to come out and check out your pipes to assess the best way to fix them.

 

  • Sometimes the low water pressure can simply be the result of clogged pipes that can be fixed with drain solution or a snake. Try unscrewing the shower head and looking to see if there is any noticeable clog. You can also try using a tool to reach in and see if there is anything blocking the water flow that can be easily pulled out.

When dealing with any maintenance or repairs, it’s always safest and best to call a professional. Not only can a professional do the maintenance or repair work, but they also provide peace of mind for you knowing it’s done the right way! Call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical to check or fix you’re the water pressure in your shower head. While we’re out there, we can also check for any money wasting leaks! Our services also include   maintaining and/or fixing water heaters, drain pipes, exposed hot and cold water lines and ventilation systems!

Give us a call today Call to schedule your appointment today at 800-461-3010.

 

Have you been Flushing these down your Toilet?

Posted on June 4, 2019 by - Plumbing Repair, Central Carolina Plumbing, Blog

Have you been Flushing these down your Toilet?

Have you considered the items that you flush down your toilet? There are many things like sanitary products that most people know not to flush. There are other products like baby wipes that may seem safe to flush, but could pose a problem to your plumbing system. Today, baby wipes are sold almost everywhere in tubs to small packs designed to slip in your purse. Although they are marketed as “flushable” wipes, this label can be misleading. We’ll go over a few of the reasons why flushing wipes can be dangerous for either your septic system or your pipes.  Image result for toilets

  • The baby wipes are made of disposable cloths that are non-woven. They are comprised of synthetic and natural materials to make the wipes both strong yet also thin. The baby wipes include the same material that is used in dryer sheets and diapers – both of which you would not flush down the toilet.
  • The label on baby wipes that claims they are flushable is referring to the fact that they will fit down your pipes. Multiple wipes flushed down the toilet can still clog the pipes, however. “Disposable” is also a term that indicates they can be thrown away in the trash, not necessarily in the toilet.
  • Toilet paper is designed with material that is biodegradable, unlike baby wipes. The material used in baby wipes is the same material found in plastic bags and plastic bottles, which either takes a long time to denigrate or is not biodegradable at all.
  • The size of a household drain pipe is typically 4 inches thick. When wipes are flushed down the toilet, sometimes they can get stuck to the side of the pipes. When these wipes accumulate in the pipes and stick to the side, they can trap other waste materials that flow through the pipes which can end up clogging the pipes. Your pipes are not the only things that could potentially get clogged. Sometimes these wipes can also cause a clog in your entire septic system. If this happens, the problem will cost a lot to repair.

All these potential problems can be prevented by throwing away wipes in the trash can instead of the toilet. If there is a problem with your plumbing system and your pipes are clogged, call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical! We will come out and solve any problems in your pipes or your septic system. While we’re out there, we can also check your drain pipes, and we’ll also check your exposed hot and cold water lines and ventilation systems while we’re there!

 

Give us a call today Call to schedule your appointment today at 800-461-3010.

 

Freon To Be Banned in 2020

Posted on May 28, 2019 by - air conditioning maintenance, Blog

Did You Know Freon Will Be Banned in 2020?

Because of new information that has been released by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), there are upcoming changes that are important to be aware of in relation to your AC unit. You may be wondering what this even means and how it affects you. We’ll go over exactly what the EPA  discovered, and what action steps you need to take. 

Over the past couple decades, air conditioning units have been created with a refrigerant called Freon, which represents primarily two different chemicals – R-22 and HCFC-22. These chemicals, however, have been extensively researched by the EPA. HCFC-22 has been shown to cause damage to the ozone layer. As a result, air conditioning units are not allowed to be built and/or installed that use this chemical. The ban took effect in 2010.

Although  air conditioning units that use HCFC-22 will no longer be created, existing units with this chemical can still be maintained for a limited time only. Another ban will pass in January 2020 that will ban these chemicals can no longer be produced for existing units.   At this point, it’s a fair assumption to say that as existing supply dries up,  the chemical will become expensive to purchase for any unit that uses this form of Freon and eventually won’t be available. 

So, what does this mean for you if your unit is running off this chemical? Well the first step is to check and see what kind of system you have. You can find a sticker on your unit that will say which kind of refrigerant it uses. If it says “HCFC-22 or R-22”, then you know that the ban applies to your unit. It means that you still have some time to get your unit maintained with this chemical, but it will become pricier to service. At some point, the refrigerant will probably run out once they stop importing it which will force you to get a new unit all together. If you have an air conditioning unit that is running with these chemicals that are banned, it’s recommended that you replace your unit sooner rather than later.

The most significant money savings comes from your air conditioning unit. If it is running inefficiently or breaks altogether, it costs significantly more than it would to just keep it maintained. Call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical if your unit is running off the banned chemical, and we can go over replacement options for a new unit. We can also provide routine maintenance so that you can reap the money saving benefits of having an efficient air conditioning unit! Preventative maintenance will also provide a more comfortable living conditioning because your AC unit will be running optimally.

Want more information?  Call to schedule your appointment today at 800-461-3010. 

 

 

Energy Savings for the Summer

Posted on May 16, 2019 by - Blog

Energy Savings for the Summer

Ready to save on energy costs this summer? Out of all the utility expenses, air conditioning accounts for most of the bill during the summer time. There are a few ways that you can still keep a comfortable temperature in your home and also cut down on your energy bill at the same time. A few of these options will require you to put money down up front as an investment. You could also opt for some of the money saving tips that require a little sacrifice or dedication on your part.

Tips for Saving Energy:

  • Change your filters on a regular basis. Your HVAC filter should be changed on time, otherwise it will cause your unit to run much harder. You can also call a professional to change these filters while providing routine maintenance on your unit.
  • Check all duct work and make sure that it is sealed properly. There are multiple reasons that could cause your duct work to be leaking precious air. If it was improperly installed, or if the duct work is old, or if there’s corrosion, these could all contribute to leaks in the duct work.
  • Make sure that all drafts are sealed. It’s more noticeable to feel the cold drafts in your home, but those drafty areas also can let in the hot air during summertime. It’s a good idea to check all the weather stripping in your home and make sure that none of it is cracked. The weather stripping helps create the thermal envelope of your home!
  • Clean your compressor on a regular basis. The compressor is made to be outdoors. However, it can still get clogged with dirt, leaves and other outdoor particles that can slow it down and prevent it from running efficiently.
  • Clean your air vents in your home – AND make sure that they aren’t being blocked by furniture! Even if you change your vents on a monthly basis, but there is furniture blocking them, this will prevent the cool air from circulating throughout the room.
  • Consider insulating your duct work. If you have an unfinished basement or attic, the exposed ductwork could be contributing to lost air. You can have the duct work wrapped in insulation which will help with energy savings.
  • Schedule your routine maintenance on your unit. Maintenance on your air conditioning unit is the same as an oil change on your car. It’s necessary for the longevity of your system and will provide the highest levels of efficiency for your unit, and will also conserve energy in the long run!

Out of all these energy saving tips, the most significant energy saving will come from your air conditioning unit. If it is running inefficiently or breaks altogether, these summer saving tips above wouldn’t even put a dent in the cost you would have to fork up to fix it. Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can come out and check your unit to ensure that it’s running efficiently, and we can continue to provide routine maintenance. We can also clean out your air filters, which will improve the quality of air in your home and save you money as well!

 

Give us a call today Call to schedule your appointment today at 800-461-3010. 

The Benefits to Zoning Systems

Posted on May 16, 2019 by - Blog

Many homes have a typical HVAC system, however, each room in your home has different temperature needs. Tradition systems are not able to adjust for every single room in your home the way that zoning systems are able to. A zoning system allows you to heat and cool each room according to the desired temperature for that room. Depending on the structural layout of your home, a zoned system may be more ideal. For some people, a traditional unit works just fine and meets all their needs. We’ll walk through what a zoned heating and cooling system is and the potential benefits of having one.

With a zoned system, each room in your home is considered a different “zone”. These separate zones are controlled by their own thermostat. A significant benefit of having separate zones in your home is that it eliminates those hot or cold spots that typically exist with a traditional AC unit. If you have multiple levels in your home, you may need HVAC zoning.

  • People often install a zoning system to eliminate the hot and cold spots that we talked about above. Heat rises, which often creates a hotter upstairs and a cooler downstairs. The beauty of having a zone for the upstairs and the downstairs is that the thermostat will close the damper to one zone as soon as it reaches the desired temperature. When the damper closes to that one zone, it forces the air to reach the other zones, therefore creating a more even temperature in your whole home.
  • Extended liftetime for your HVAC. Having zones helps take work off your HVAC system because it reduces the extra load on the air handlers, compressors and the other equipment. It’s overall less wear and tear on your HVAC. As a result, your HVAC system will last longer than a traditional system without zones.

– Lower energy bills. Because you are able to control the energy distribution for each room in your home, this can help save on your monthly energy bill. Although you can still experience energy savings with just zoned heating and cooling, you can receive even more control of the amount of heating and cooling per room by pairing a zoned system with programmable thermostats.

Zoning systems can be installed to your current HVAC system. It is an initial investment up front like most energy saving tools are, however, the benefits you receive will be on going. Zoning systems provide overall comfort to every room in your home.

The most significant money savings comes from your air conditioning unit. If it is running inefficiently or breaks altogether, it costs significantly more than it would to just keep it maintained. Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can come out and check your unit to ensure that it’s running efficiently and provide the routine maintenance. We can also install zoning systems to your current HVAC system!

 

Call to schedule your appointment now with Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical at  800-461-3010

 

 

Is your AC Unit Running Constantly?

Posted on May 7, 2019 by - air conditioning maintenance, Blog

Is your AC Unit Running Constantly?

As we approach the warmest months of the year, some people may be experiencing an air conditioning unit that runs on overdrive. Now is the time to troubleshoot and figure out why your air conditioning unit is running constantly. Depending on the problem, you may be able to fix it relatively quickly. If it’s a more difficult problem, then at least this troubleshooting can pin point where the problem is stemming from so a professional can fix it.

We’ll walk you through the possible reasons why your air conditioner may be running constantly:

 

  • The first reason why your AC unit is running overtime is because the unit is improperly sized.  If the unit installed in your home is too small, then it’s really going to work overtime to cool down your whole home. This causes it to work harder and longer than it should, which will wear down the unit over time. Also,  your home will never be cooled to the desired level, even when the unit runs constantly. If your air conditioning unit is too large, then it won’t properly remove the moisture from all the air in your house. As a result, there will be an additional output of moist air in your home. Even though the unit will run less, it will use more electricity than required which will spike your energy bill.
  • Another common reason why your unit runs all the time is because it could be installed wrong. There is a direct correlation between the duct work and the size of the unit being installed. If the ducts are the wrong size, then they won’t be able to equally distribute air flow to your home.
  • It’s possible that the air conditioning coils could also be covered in dirt. If there are grass clippings or an excessive amount of mud or pet hair covering the coils, it will affect the air flow. When the air flow is affected, it will diminish the overall performance of your air conditioning unit. This can also cause your unit to run constantly.
  • Your air filter could have something to do with the unit running on overdrive. When was the last time that you changed the air filters in your home? If it’s been a long time, then the accumulated dirt on your filters could be preventing proper air flow. This is a common cause for AC units breaking down. It’s important to clean your air filters every month so that your unit doesn’t work harder and overheat as a result.
  • If there is poor insulation in your home, this could be causing your unit to run all the time. Poor sealing or insulation will cause all that cool air to leak from your home, which will require your unit to constantly run and make up for that lost cool air.

Call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical to come out and perform a tune-up on your AC unit! We can also inspect your condenser and evaporator coils. Both require maintenance to ensure that your system is running efficiently. It will also help reduce the cost of your energy bills since your system will be running properly after our inspection and tune-up! We will also come out and check your insulation for any small holes or non-insulated walls.

 Call to schedule your appointment now with Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical at  800-461-3010

 

Have you checked your Exhaust Fans Lately?

Posted on May 3, 2019 by - Blog

Out of all the home appliances and items to maintain, you may not give much thought to a bathroom exhaust fan. They should be on your list, however, because they serve as a home necessity. The purpose of having an exhaust fan is to eliminate any moisture from the bathrooms in your home. Not only does it help control the moisture levels, but it also removes any odors. What many people don’t know is that exhaust fans reduce the fumes that are released from cleaning agents. So they help as a safety measure to eliminate health-related issues from cleaning agents.

We’ll review some the benefits that an exhaust fan provides below:

  • Exhaust fans serve the purpose of eliminating orders in the bathroom. The exhaust fan works to draw out the odors because of the ventilation system within the exhaust fan.
  • Exhaust fans reduce airborne contaminants. Cleaning chemicals used in bathrooms typically have aggressive chemicals that are potentially problematic for health if they are inhaled. The cleaning chemicals can be especially dangerous for young children or anyone with lung conditions. If bathrooms have mold, the exhaust fan works to remove the spores buildup in the air, which slows down the growth rate of the mold.
  • They work to reduce foggy mirrors. The exhaust fans control the moisture levels in the bathrooms. They remove the water vapor that builds up on the walls and mirrors.
  • They reduce the humidity in the bathrooms which can cause serious problems. An excessive amount of humidity in bathrooms can potentially cause doors to warp or paint to peel. What’s worse is that too much humidity can cause mold in your bathrooms to accumulate over time. If left unaddressed, the mold spores can grow at a rapid pace, and they’re not easy to eliminate.

If you’re in need of a new exhaust van, we have some general recommendations that help you know what to look for. The best exhaust fans will remove moisture and odors and also be quiet. There are additional guidelines and a formula that allows you to determine which size fan is best for your bathroom.

The Home Ventilating Institute explains that ventilation rates should be based upon eight air changes every hour. The air movememt is generally measured by an acronym CFM (which stands for cubic feet per minute). What you’ll need to know for the formula is that bathrooms between 50-100 square feet have 1 CFM  per square foot of floor space. If your bathroom is smaller than 50 square feet, it’s 50 CFM. For bathrooms larger than 100 square feet, you’ll have to take into consideration each bathroom fixture that will need ventilation as well. Add on 50 CFM per bathroom fixture. Because the average bathroom size is between 50-100 square feet, the average fan will be rated between 50-110 CFM.

Did you know that cleaning your air conditioning on a regular basis will also help with noise reduction in your exhaust fans? Call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical  to provide routine maintenance on your air conditioning unit! We can also check all your ventilation systems while we’re there. Not only will we make sure that your ventilation systems are running properly, but we can also clean out your air filters so that the air quality in your entire home will be clean and comfortable for your family to enjoy daily living!

Give us a call today Call to schedule your appointment today at 800-461-3010.

 

Ambiance and Lighting in Your Home

Posted on April 15, 2019 by - Blog

Ambiance and Lighting in Your Home

Lighting is important to allow us to see and be able to live in our homes with a source of guidance and light. There’s another reason why light is important though. Let’s talk about ambiance and lighting!

We spend the majority of our time in our homes, and the lighting plays an important role in creating a warmth and ambiance. The lighting should help fulfill a purpose or create a feeling that we desire for each room or space. You probably haven’t considered this and what the lighting in your home says about you. What kind of mood are you trying to create and capture for each room? Let’s talk about the different kinds of lighting and which lighting is best for each room. As you think about the purpose of each room, it’s easier to understand the lighting that fits best for that room.

Types of Lighting

  • Accent Lighting – although every space in your home is probably well decorated and thought out, there are probably a couple spots that should receive extra attention and focus. These are the spots that you want to highlight with accent lighting like a bookshelf or painting. You could include accent lighting in rooms like your study or office.
  • Task Lighting – do you have a project to work on or a book that you’re in the middle of reading? If so, this is a good time to break out the task lighting. You probably want a designated place in your home where you use task lighting. This lighting is the opposite of warmth and ambiance because it’s intended to keep you focused and alert. Task lighting is often bright as well. Task lighting is often used in the kitchen to provide extra visibility for areas like the counter tops. Track lights are typically used under counters to provide this extra lighting. Your library or office is also another good place to put task lighting and keep you focused and alert.
  • General/Ambient Lighting – this type of lighting is typically known a room’s natural light. It brightens up the entire room. There a few different types of lights that can be put into this category. A few of the lights that fall into the category of general lighting are chandeliers, track lights and pendant lights. General lighting is often found in the kitchen where people often gather most and spend the majority of their time. The living room is another area of the home that needs general lighting. Ceiling lights are often used to provide this. A couple lamps can also be used to provide warm ambient lighting in the living room.

When using any form of electricity, it’s always important to make sure that your electrical panel is operating efficiently and safely. Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can perform a thorough scan throughout your home, looking for any hot spots in your electrical system. We will also test the ground fault outlets to make sure that they are functioning properly.

Give us a call today Call to schedule your appointment today at 800-461-3010.

Are You Changing Your Air Filters?

Posted on April 12, 2019 by - air conditioning maintenance, energy efficiency, home maintenance, Blog

Are you Changing your Air Filters

Life often gets hectic, and it’s hard enough to keep up with all the regular household chores like dusting and mopping. Have you given much thought to your air filters? They should be changed out routinely every month. This reminder shouldn’t be taken lightly, because there are many benefits to cleaning out your filters! We will highlight the benefits of routinely changing your air filters, and also provide a list of the different air filter options available!

Benefits of Changing Air Filters

  •  Your health is the most important reason why you should change your air filters. The accumulation of dust and pollen circulate the air and get filtered back into your home and the air you breathe if these filters are not routinely changed.
  • If anyone in your home has asthma or allergies, this is even more of a reason to change your filters to get rid of the contaminants that fill the air so that you and your family can breathe fresh air in your home!
  • Less stress on your air conditioner should also be a motivating factor to remember to pay attention to your air filters every month. Over time, as your filters build up with contaminates, it puts more stress on your AC unit and requires it to work harder to circulate air and it expends more energy to adjust the temperature of your home. Over time, this added stress on your AC unit will put wear and tear on it and limit the lifespan of your unit.
  • The final motivating factor that should prompt you to change your filters is the idea of a lower utility bill. By keeping consistently fresh filters in your home, you will lower your utility bills by saving energy!

So what about the filter types that are offered in stores today?

Types of Air Filters:

  • Pleated Media Filters – these filters gather more particles and are efficient at capturing more of the particles because of the increased surface area of the filter.
  • HEPA Filters – they offer the overall highest air quality control. Many HVAC Systems don’t allow the option to accommodate these types of filters. If you are interested in achieving this high level of air quality in your home, you may want to call a professional to retrofit your furnace to accommodate these filters.
  • Flat-paneled Fiberglass Air Filters – these types of filters have a fiberglass disposable filter. They are an inexpensive option, however they come with a tradeoff by providing a lower quality of air in your home since they don’t clean the air as well as the other filter options.
  • Washable Air Filters – these are a more costly option, and will require some additional maintenance if you’re up for it! You have to allow adequate time for them to dry when cleaning them.

There are a few essential parts to your AC unit that require regular tune-ups. Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can provide routine maintenance on your Air Conditioning unit and we can also change out air filters during our air conditioning tune ups! We will help you save money in the long run and ensure your unit is running more efficiently!

Give us a call today Call to schedule your appointment today at 800-461-3010.

Why you Need Surge Protection

Posted on February 25, 2019 by - energy efficiency, electrical, Blog

Surge Protection

In a previous post, we addressed the dangers that can come from dryer fires and why it’s important to take preventative measures and keep your home and family safe. It’s equally important to have surge protection in your home to protect your home from electrical hazards. Society has evolved over the past several years and there are more technological pieces per household than there have ever been before. With this comes a great chance of surges happening because each electronic often comes with a circuit board.

So what exactly is a power surge? It’s an intense short burst that’s generated within the home. These bursts are caused by motors within electronics, and it’s rare for them to take down the whole electrical system. Over time, however, the mini surges add up and will begin to take a toll on the lifespan and performance of your appliances. We’ve shared a few things that you’ll want to know about surge protectors before getting one yourself:

  •  If you have a device or appliance that isn’t dedicated to a circuit but is connected with other devices, there’s a potential problem. If that device sends a surge through that circuit, the other outlets from the shared devices could also be susceptible to a surge. This is one reason to get surge protection in your whole home.
  • Instead of getting a surge protector at the electrical panel, it’s a good idea to consider getting a surge protector at the point of use to help protect electronics that are especially sensitive.
  • If you have a whole home entertainment system or home theater, power conditioners with surge suppression capability are the best route. They provide power through a filtered system to your video and audio equipment.
  • You don’t want to buy just any surge protector – make sure you’re getting the right one for your home. Many homes have 120V service. If this is the same for your home, then an 80kA rated surge protector should be adequate. The reason why is because it’s unlikely for a home to surge over 10kA, so many homes will be covered and protected with the 80kA rated surge protector. Of course it’s important for you to verify which your home is and what’s the best protector for your appliances and systems.
  • You’ll also want to pay attention to the nominal discharge rating for your surge protectors. Ratings should be 3, 5 or 10KA. This rating is important because it indicates the ability to weather through high energy waves respectively over time and still operate optimally.
  • The Voltage Protection Rating should also be considered when purchasing a surge protector. This represents that amount of voltage that the surge protector allows to pass through it. For this rating, you’ll want to have lower numbers such as 500V to 600V.
  • Surge protectors should be replaced annually to make sure you’re your electronics are protected.

When using any form of electricity, it’s always important to make sure that your electrical panel is operating efficiently and safely. Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can perform a thorough scan throughout your home, looking for any hot spots in your electrical system. We will also test the ground fault outlets to make sure that they are functioning properly.

Give us a call today Call to schedule your appointment today at 800-461-3010.