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5 Signs Your Home Needs a Main Water Line Repair
As a homeowner, it’s important to keep an eye out for any potential issues with your home’s main water line. The main water line is responsible for bringing fresh water into your home, and if there are any problems with it, it can lead to a range of issues from low water pressure to water…
Knowing the Location of Your Main Shut-Off Valve
As plumbing professionals, one of the most important pieces of advice we give homeowners is to know the location of their main water shutoff valve. In an emergency, shutting off the main water supply can prevent costly damage to your home. In this post, we will discuss the importance of knowing the location of your…
Don’t Panic: Understanding What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency
As a homeowner, you’re likely to encounter plumbing issues at some point. Some plumbing problems are minor and can be easily fixed, but others require urgent attention from a professional plumber. Knowing how to distinguish between the two can save you a lot of trouble, time, and money. In this post, we’ll guide you through…
Finding the Perfect Balance: Choosing the Ideal Water Pressure Rating for Your Home
When it comes to water pressure in your home, there is a sweet spot where you want it to be strong enough to clean, but not so strong that it is damaging your plumbing. But finding the right balance can be challenging. Choosing the right water pressure for your home starts with understanding the…
What to Do When Your Water Heater Springs a Leak
A water heater is an essential appliance in any house since it provides hot water for laundry, dishwashing, and showering. But when your hot water heater suddenly springs a leak, it can create a stressful situation and leave your home open to water damage. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the steps you need…
The Benefits of Installing a Sump Pump in Your Home
Is your basement or crawl space prone to flooding or excess water accumulation? If yes, then installing a sump pump in your home is a smart investment. A sump pump is a device that helps prevent basement flooding and water damage by removing excess water from the home’s foundation. In this post, we’ll explore the…
The Importance of Sump Pumps: What They Are and How They Work
As a homeowner, you want to do everything you can to protect your home from potential damage. One important tool in that effort is a sump pump. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or an old pro, we want to make sure you have everything you need to keep your plumbing system running smoothly. In this…
Main Sewer Issues: Clogs, Causes, Warning Signs & Replacement Options
As a homeowner, you might not think about your main sewer line very often, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your home running smoothly. If your main sewer line experiences a problem, it can lead to serious issues such as sewage backups, water damage, and expensive repairs. Here we will discuss how…
Which Is Better for Your HVAC System: HEPA or MERV Filters?
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system has a filter that cleans the air in your home. This helps lessen the symptoms of allergies and asthma and contributes to the overall cleanliness of your house. The filter can clean the air moving around your house, which is then distributed back into the rooms in a…
What Is the Ideal Temperature for Your Home AC in the Summer?
High temperatures and high humidity characterize the summer months in Atlanta. This, of course, can’t be denied. However, the issue that must be addressed is whether maintaining a pleasant temperature in your house is more essential than saving money on your monthly energy costs. As a result, you could be considering your possibilities and asking…
Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?
Like it or not, our daily activities in Atlanta and its surrounding metro areas produce all those hidden particles at home or in business. So, despite cleaning the filters regularly, your home’s HVAC system can become quite unclean from normal usage. However, all this dust, grime, and allergens love to remain in your air ducts,…
Reasons to Get Your Dryer Vent Cleaned
Most Atlanta homeowners probably don’t give it much thought, but drying your clothing, linens, and bedding is a significant part of everyday living. And one of the essential home appliances to assist with this is a dryer. A typical home dryer is used between two to ten times weekly, generating a significant amount of lint.…
Guide to HVAC Maintenance For Homeowners
Every year, Atlanta homeowners and its surrounding metro areas encounter various temperatures and weather conditions. However, we are fortunate that our HVAC systems always come through for us, which is why we assist you, our fellow homeowners, in maintaining your HVAC systems properly. This article will fill you in on all you need to know…
8 Signs Its Time To Replace Your HVAC System
A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the most expensive house improvements you can make. So even though you want to maintain it operational for as long as possible, you must recognize when to replace it. Do you need clarification about whether or not your HVAC unit needs replacement? Then read on…
9 Air Conditioning Problems You Should Know About
Homeowners in Atlanta and its surrounding metro areas must be aware of air conditioner issues. Luckily, you don’t need to be an air conditioner expert to recognize a problem with your cooling units. No one likes being cooped up indoors during a blisteringly hot Atlanta summer without air conditioning. To avoid malfunctions of air conditioning…
Do Water Heaters Require Maintenance?
Every household has a regular cleaning routine. You vacuum the floors. Wipe down the countertops. Scrub the tub. You might even have a regular cleaning routine for your major appliances. Have you ever added white cleaning vinegar to your washing machine and ran a cycle to clean it? When this cycle is done, use a…
Benefits of Installing a High-Efficiency HVAC System
Want to know the biggest energy hog in your home? It’s your HVAC system. That’s why as a homeowner, making smart decisions about your heating, cooling, and ventilation process can make a difference on your utility bills as well as your comfort levels. 1. A/C & Furnace Cost Savings Replacing an older furnace with a…
When to Replace Your Commercial HVAC System
Did you know that the term “air conditioning” was first coined in 1906 by Stuart Cramer, who was a textile mill engineer? Since then, air conditioning systems have evolved to become the commercial building HVAC systems we all know and love. Can you imagine walking into a shopping center with no air conditioning on a hot summer day? While HVAC…
Professional Advice on Commercial Rooftop HVAC Unit Installation
HVAC rooftop unit installations are popular in commercial properties due to their wide-ranging benefits. They include improved energy efficiency, reduced space consumption, and the ability to provide heating and air conditioning within a packaged unit. However, an improperly installed commercial HVAC rooftop unit may result in extensive structural damage to the building’s roofing, which can cause…
The Top 5 Signs You May Need To Replace Your Air Conditioner
It’s not cheap to replace an air conditioner, but it’s much more expensive to keep it chugging along for years with high repair costs and emergency fixes. It may be time to swap out that old AC for a new one. But how do you know it’s time? We’ll help you find out if it’s…
The Top 5 Reasons You Need Air Conditioning Maintenance
The first air conditioner was invented in 1902. More than a century later, millions of people rely on them for comfort, ease, and enjoyment. Especially on a hot summer day in Atlanta, using a reliable air conditioner is key to a good day. In homes and offices, productivity and general happiness rely on comfort level.…
The Top 5 Most Common Problems With Home HVAC Systems
Being stuck inside with a broken air conditioner during a hot Atlanta summer is nobody’s ideal situation. When your air conditioner stops operating, it seems like the end of the world. It’s good to be aware of when problems arise so an HVAC contractor in Atlanta can help to prevent further damage. Let’s take a…
How Cooling Towers Work in Commercial Buildings
By 2028, the market for cooling towers is expected to reach $5.03 billion. That’s a whole lot of cooling towers! But what are cooling towers? How do they work? Why do we need them? There’s no doubt that you’ve asked yourself these questions if you’ve ever driven past these massive, concrete, upside-down, funnel-like structures or the…
How To Stay Cool Without Maxing Out Your Air Conditioner During Atlanta Summers
This summer will be some of the hottest temperatures recorded yet, so learning to cope with extreme heat is at the top of our to-do list. While an air-conditioner is a luxury for many people, and some are just trying to reduce their carbon footprint or electric bill, there are ways to keep cool without…
How To Choose the Right HVAC Contractor in Atlanta
When your heating or cooling system breaks down, it’s important to have the right HVAC contractor on speed dial. The Atlanta heat doesn’t joke around for even the most patient or tolerant people. When you need a quick fix or a longer-term solution, you want someone who can be efficient, proactive, and deliver high-quality work.…
3 Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
Air ducts are a crucial part of a building’s infrastructure, and, like roofs, you’re never really aware of them until something happens that gets your attention. Whereas a roof might leak, when air ducts require service, you might encounter an unpleasant odor floating around, poor airflow in the building, or mold or mildew building up…
Preventative Maintenance: Sewer Cleaning for Your Commercial Property
Preventive Sewer Maintenance Unlike residential properties, commercial properties have reinforced piping and sewer access to handle increased activity better. If you notice anything clogged, it could mean that there may be an issue. Find out how to rectify the emergencies that arise from commercial buildings, the practicality of preventative measures, and who to call for…
How to Save Money on Your Commercial HVAC System
In commercial buildings, the HVAC system can be a significant expense. Since you can’t avoid running the furnace in the winter and the AC in the summer, you can only make sure your system operates at peak performance. You’ll save money and energy when you maximize your HVAC system. Perform Regular Maintenance Don’t wait for…
Fiberglass vs. Cellulose Insulation
As a homeowner, you probably want to start working on ways to reduce your energy costs and save money. One way to cut down on these costs is by investing in insulation for your home. You can choose between two types: blown-in fiberglass or blown-in cellulose insulation. While they offer similar benefits, what are the advantages…
What You Should Know About the Life Span of a Water Heater
Many people take their water heater for granted, simply assuming that a hot shower or dishwater isn’t going to be a problem. Commercial buildings like schools, shopping centers, and offices rely on hot water, whether for cleaning or the hygiene needs of the occupants. Planning for the replacement of a water heater can prevent unexpected…
How To Improve the Air Quality in Your Commercial Property
Did you know that the air quality in your commercial property is often much worse than the air quality outdoors? This usually stems from dirty HVAC systems and chemicals indoors for cleaning, disinfecting, and air freshening. So, how can you effectively tackle improving air quality at the property? Vacuum Regularly Regular cleaning of floors and…
Pipe Maintenance: Freezing Pipes
As the weather gets colder, you have to make sure that every part of your home is ready for winter. At R.S. Andrews, we know the importance of pipe maintenance. Failing to check them could result in potential problems, such as bursting or frozen pipes, once winter weather sets in. Inspect for Problems Early Sometimes,…
Tips on How to Find the Best Commercial Plumber
If you own a commercial building, plumbing maintenance and repair are critical to the building’s health. When looking for a commercial plumber, there is a lot you need to consider. We understand how important it is to find a plumber with qualities that fit your commercial plumbing needs. Look for Reliability Being stuck in a…
What You Need To Know About the Frequency of Cleaning Your Drains
During the summer, you may notice the annoying presence of gnats coming from the drains on your property. You may also notice a persistent odor that bleach doesn’t seem to kill during the hot, humid weather. These conditions could be more than just unpleasant. They could be damaging to your home and the plumbing system.…
How To Save on HVAC Costs
It can be difficult to remain productive when it’s too cold and likewise when it’s too hot. As a building manager, it is your responsibility to ensure your workers are safe and comfortable. Did you know that the optimal temperature for productivity is about 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit? At R.S. Andrews, we can help you cut…
Prepare Your HVAC for Summer
With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s critical to ensure that your HVAC is running efficiently. Without proper maintenance, the system’s components wear out, get dirty, and come out of alignment. Regular maintenance keeps cool air flowing through your building on hot summer days. At R.S. Andrews, we can catch HVAC problems before they become…
Is It Time To Declare an Electrical Emergency?
Electrical problems are often scary, as they can be signs of a potentially dangerous issue. Rather than second-guessing yourself, speak to the professionals at R.S. Andrews. We can help you determine whether you are experiencing an emergency or something that can wait until normal business hours. Power Outages In some situations, losing power can be…
Spring Maintenance For Your HVAC System
There are a lot of things to love about spring, especially if you’re coming out of a rough winter. As you look at the maintenance items that will prepare your commercial property for spring, you will likely have a long list that includes landscaping, roofing, and more. Does this list include your HVAC system? Proper…
How Long Does a Water Heater Typically Last?
When you turn on your shower in the morning to get ready for the day, you have the right to expect hot water to come from the tap. It’s easy to forget about the importance of your home’s water heater, that is until it stops working. Before you wake up to a cold shower, you…
Preventing the Transmission of COVID-19 Through Your HVAC System
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists didn’t think the virus was transmitted by air. A short time later, their tune changed when they realized through hundreds of studies that it was indeed spreading through airborne transmission. At R.S. Andrews, we have a solution that could help to slow the spread and transmission of…
How Does HVAC Impact the Spread of Coronavirus?
Building managers are preparing their reopening strategies. During preparation, cleaning, PPE, and social distance policies are at the top of the strategy list. As you prepare for a reopening, you also need to think about your HVAC system. Does air filtration and ventilation reduce coronavirus spread? Can the recirculated air spread the virus? Can the…
Is Your AC Unit Ready To Take on the ATL Summer?
The nickname “Hotlanta” references two aspects of Atlanta’s summer weather: hot and humid. There are several cool days to look forward to, but for the most part, the summers can feel unbearable. One way to beat the summer heat is to ensure your air conditioning unit is up to the challenge. If it is 10…
3 Things You Should Know About Your Air Conditioning System
Air conditioners are life savers when they are maintained and working well. While you don’t need to know everything about the system in order to enjoy the cool air, it won’t hurt to know a few things that could help you keep the system running smoothly. The following are just three items to get you…
Prepare Your Commercial Plumbing for Spring
Many business owners start to think about renovations in the spring. After a long winter of cool temperatures, it’s time to check out your building and find out how you can improve its energy efficiency and convenience. Whether you’re operating a rental building, school, office, or retail store find out how to prepare your plumbing…
Are Your Outdated Appliances Costing You Money?
Remember when you picked out that new washing machine when your old one broke? It was the top of the line back then. Your refrigerator had the latest features. Your dishwasher promised energy savings features. And now, they’re just old. Are they still saving you money? Or are they costing you so much more? Do…
Flexible Ductwork May Be Your Problem
Most HVAC contractors have a love/hate relationship with flexible ductwork. They see it frequently in households as it’s an easy system to install in tight or difficult spots. They have to deal with it; it’s already in place. But there’s a problem with flexible ductwork: It’s rarely installed correctly. And that leads to a lot…
What Are ALCI Plugs? How Are They Different From GFCI?
Chances are you’re familiar with the concept of GFCI – ground fault circuit interrupter. GFCI receptacles became mandatory in all houses built in 1971 forward. Initially, they were only required outside and around swimming pools. But because of their safety features, they moved indoors and are needed anywhere there is water, such as the kitchen,…
What’s Lurking In Your Basement’s Air Supply?
The basement can be one of the most challenging rooms to keep adequately conditioned. It might be the coldest part of your home. It might feel damp as you take each step down. And what’s that funny smell? Whether your basement is finished or not, water can be a problem. Because your basement is below…
Power Surges – They’re More Powerful Than You Think
Power surges are very brief electrical disturbances. They usually are no longer than a millionth of a second in length, and will vary in duration and magnitude. Then can send thousands of volts of power through the wires, and be destructive to anything in its path. How common are power surges? Think power surges rarely…
Why Lights Flicker or Dim When Your Air Conditioner Runs
You’re sitting down, enjoying a good book. You hear the familiar sounds of your air conditioner turning on. For a brief moment, your lights flicker and dim. In seconds, it’s all back to normal. Should you be concerned? What dimming lights mean The good news is dimming or flickering lights isn’t necessarily dangerous. It depends…
Be Proactive And Test Your Sump Pump Battery Backup
Water is one of the most destructive forces on earth. The last thing you want is water flowing through your house in a way you don’t control. Whether you’ve faced water damage in your home before or not, you’ve probably heard enough horror stories to take action to prevent it from happening to you. That’s…
How Far Apart Should Home Electrical Outlets Be?
Have you ever wished for a home electrical outlet somewhere else in a room? Have you ever stopped to wonder why the builder installed an electrical outlet in one place and not another? There’s a reason for that. The US National Electrical Code, Section 210.52, states that there should be an electrical outlet in every…
Types of Commercial Drain Cleaning Services
Routine maintenance and prompt emergency services are essential to keeping your commercial drain system working properly. A major plumbing issue is not only costly to fix, but can affect your business’ productivity. Here are some common drain cleaning services you can receive from a qualified professional. Video Inspections Typically, the first step in drain cleaning…
What To Know Before Buying a Water Heater
The average water heater needs replacing approximately every eight to twelve years. That means over your lifetime, you won’t have the opportunity to purchase more than a few of them. And when you’re only considering your options every decade or so, technological advances can confuse you and make your decision more difficult. If you’re in…
How Do I Know If My Plumbing Is Bad?
Your plumbing is one of the most essential systems in your home. Yet plumbing problems aren’t always obvious, and if left unchecked can cause severe damage in a short period of time. Even the smallest leak can filter to many different rooms, damaging flooring, wallboards, paint, and your personal property. It can cause biological growth,…
How Can I Improve The Lighting In My Home?
Light on. Light off. Remember when that’s all lights could do? No more. Today’s homeowners can control temperature, color, brightness, and even mood lighting, all with the flick of a switch. With smart wireless technology, you can improve the lighting in your home for both safety and function. Where do you start? Strategize your lighting…
The Electricity Is Off But The Circuit Breaker Isn’t Tripped? It Could Be This
You flip a light switch or plug in an appliance, and nothing happens? What’s wrong? Your natural reaction is to assume the circuit breaker tripped. But after checking the electrical panel, you determine that’s not the problem. What could it be? If your first reaction is to call in an electrician, go with your gut.…
How To Get Static Electricity Out Of Your Home
We’ve all experienced static electricity in a variety of ways. Ever had clothes stuck together out of the dryer? That’s static electricity. Ever touched someone gently and had a “shock” jolt between your hands? Yep, that’s static electricity too. In the industry, it’s referred to as electrostatic discharge. And while you might have enjoyed playing…
Make These Plumbing and HVAC Updates To Increase Home Value
Thinking of selling your home in the future? It’s time to make a list of to-do’s to get your home ready for sale. Some projects simply have to be done. You can’t expect someone to buy your home if a light is blinking on and off, or the dishwasher no longer works. Other projects are…
The Most Common Commercial HVAC Problems and How To Fix Them
Your commercial heating and cooling system do more than keep temperatures at a consistent level. It creates a comfortable, productive work space for your tenants or employees. If it’s not working correctly, you’ll be the first to know with frustrated calls and emails. The most common commercial HVAC problems aren’t things that appear only once…
What’s The Difference Between Plumbing Pipes? Which Should You Have In Your Home?
Not all plumbing pipes in your home are the same. Do you know the differences? Copper Plumbing Pipes Copper pipes have long been considered the standard in the industry. Because they offer durability and reliability, they have been used in construction for many years. They provide superior corrosion resistance, and work well for both hot…
How To Read Residential Electric and Gas Meters
Have you ever had a jump in your utility bill and wondered why? Do you know how to read your residential electric and gas meters? It can help you determine how efficient you are with your energy usage. It can also alert you to discrepancies between what you’re charged and what you actually used. First,…
What Is Short Cycling? How Do You Prevent It?
Have you noticed a change in the way your HVAC equipment operates? Does it seem like your furnace or air conditioner turns on and off all the time? It might be short cycling. Short cycling happens when a furnace or air conditioner frequently cycles through its operation and terminates prematurely. Something is interrupting the “normal”…
Can You Clean Flexible Ducts?
What are ducts made of? In most cases, when you think of ductwork, you tend to think of metal ducts (also known as rigid or hard ducts) placed throughout your home. But metal ducts don’t always work for every situation. That’s when flexible ducts are installed. Flexible ducts are used when metal ducts can’t reach…
Why Is There A Sewer Smell In My Basement?
What’s that smell? Why does it smell like a sewer as you walk down into your basement? Nothing can be more gut-wrenching than thinking sewer waste may be backing up into your home. That can involve a whole host of remediation needs, costing you both in expense and time for recovery. Even if it smells…
Is It Safe To Use Extension Cords and Three-Prong Adapters This Holiday Season?
Do you live in an older home that still has two-prong outlets? Do you regularly use extension cords to give you enough access to plug everything in? We all laugh at movies like The Christmas Story that jokes about plugging too many things in. Sparks fly, and the circuits shut off. It may be amusing…
Why You Should Test Indoor Air Quality In The Winter
What’s the worst part of winter? Having to keep your door and windows sealed up tight, with little to no ventilation circulating throughout your home. Your indoor air quality is anything but fresh. You can smell last night’s dinner, the fire you made in the fireplace last night. What else is lingering in the air?…
The Most Common Sources Of Carbon Monoxide In Your Home
Every year, more than 20,000 visits to the emergency room come from exposure to carbon monoxide. What’s scary about that is carbon monoxide is difficult to detect. It’s odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can settle into your home and impact you before you even know its there. What causes carbon monoxide? The answers may surprise…
How Often Should My Tank Water Heater Be Serviced?
One of the most important appliances in your home is probably one that you think the least about. Your tank water heater works day in and day out, providing you hot water whenever you want it. A tank water heater can easily give you 8 to 12 years of uninterrupted service. But if service your…
What Is Biological Growth And How It Affects You At Home
We talk about biological growth quite frequently here on our site. But what is biological growth? And more importantly, why should you pay attention to it? Biological growth includes many different types of pollutants and contaminants that may exist in your home. They include things like bacteria, viruses, dust, mites, pollen, animal dander, and pests.…
World Toilet Day – It’s Not Just A Toilet
Chances are you have several toilets in your home. You don’t think much about them. Yet they are one of the most integral parts of your plumbing system. Because they’ve always been there, it’s difficult to think much about what life would be like without a working toilet. But not everyone in the world has…
HVAC Safety Tips: Stop Holiday Office Fires Before They Happen
The holidays are almost here. That means more people will be on vacation, fewer people will be working throughout the building. But if you are working, there’s a good chance you’ll be celebrating in some fashion. Office parties seem to occur weekly at this time of the year. How does all this lead to higher…
Plumbing and HVAC 101: Sounds You Should Never Ignore
Bang. Crash. Squeal. Occasionally, your house speaks to you. Through the noises it makes, your house is trying to tell you something is wrong. You’ve probably picked up on the way your dishwasher works, or the sound your furnace makes as it cycles from beginning to end. But after a while, you’ll start to hear…
Two Major Commercial Plumbing Problems to Watch Out For
As the owner of a commercial property, you’re responsible for more than just yourself. You possibly have tenants, business owners, customers, and clients who are counting on you to take care of maintenance on a regular basis. When it comes to plumbing, you don’t want those individuals to be disappointed. The following are two major…
How To Have A Well Lit Home
In the middle of winter, you look at your home in a different way. Inside, those dark corners in the rooms you use the least seem extra dreary. Curb appeal isn’t just about the landscaping and the color you paint the front door. It’s also creating a well lit home. Adding a new porch light…
What’s The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Plumbing?
Think a plumber is a plumber? Think again. Residential plumbers deal with plumbing issues on a smaller scale. They’re trained to understand how a residential home works. Commercial plumbers deal with larger problems. They understand how large commercial plumbing systems work. Both residential and commercial plumbers use similar materials and understand the general flow of…
What Is A Whole House Ventilation System?
Thinking of incorporating a whole house ventilation system into your home this year? What benefits can it deliver once you’ve installed it into your home? During the winter months, ensuring you have ample amounts of fresh air coming in plays an important role in comfort and safety. Let’s look at how a whole house ventilation…
Is Your Older Home Insulated Enough?
Did you know 90 percent of homes across America are underinsulated? The older your home, the higher the chance it has of not being as efficient as it could be. What that means to you as a homeowner is you’re spending more money than you should on heating and cooling your home. Do you have…
How Do You Tell If A Stove Is Gas Or Electric?
Wondering what appliances to add to your new kitchen design? A new stove can improve the way you cook and save you money too … if you purchase the right piece of equipment. What’s the difference? How do you tell if a stove is gas or electric? Which is better? Let’s start with how they…
Plumbing Questions To Ask Before Converting Your Tub To A Shower
Thinking of upgrading your bathroom? Does your family prefer showers over baths? You’re not alone. According to the American Institute of Architects, having a tubless bathroom is moving up on the list of desires. In many cases, having a larger shower makes more sense. They’re more convenient for busy households. They’re easier for aging in…
Central HVAC Maintenance Tips
Central HVAC is one of the most convenient ways to heat and cool your home. Instead of having to heat or cool one room at a time, your entire house is interconnected with a ventilation system, pushing conditioned air to every corner. It takes energy to make this system work the way it should. In…
Get Started Now With This Winter Energy Saving Tips
As much as we like to hang on to the warm summer months, the shorter days and colder temperatures signal we’re moving into winter. Our natural reaction is to spend more time at home. We watch television more. We curl up in blankets and sit by the fire. And, of course, the furnace is kicked…
How Often Should Electrical Wiring Be Updated?
How old is your home? Statistics show that the average home in the US was built in 1974. That means in most cities across America, Atlanta included, you can easily walk into any community and find homes built more than a half-century ago. Think building codes have changed a bit since then? If you’ve been…
Why Right Now Is The Best Time To Buy A Smart Thermostat
With every changing season, the way you use your furnace and air conditioner changes with it. Hot summers may mean you use your air conditioner more than usual. A cold autumn means you’ll switch back and forth between furnace and air conditioning, over and over again. But one thing is for sure – how much…
Find A Trusted Plumber By Asking These Questions
There are certain service companies every homeowner should have in their contact list. These are industries you’ll use throughout your life, as problems continue to arise as a part of regular home maintenance. Why? Because having people you trust with the most important systems in your home means you know it’s operating as best as…
Should You Get An Attic Fan or a Whole House Fan?
Want to make your home more energy efficient? Want your home to be cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and save money throughout the year? Then you’ve probably contemplated adding a fan to your attic. But if you’ve done a little research, the concept can be more than a little confusing. Attic fan?…
What You Need To Know Before You Invest In LED Lighting Technology
The Energy Independence and Security Act was passed back in 2007 as a way to make lighting more efficient. This was meant to bring in new, greener technology, and phase out old, inefficient light bulbs and fixtures. Slowly, we’ve been trading out old incandescent lighting and replacing them with LED lighting instead. But with this…
Take Care Of Your Garbage Disposal With These Maintenance Tips
One of the top reasons a plumber is called into a home is to clear drains. And since the kitchen drain is one of the busiest areas of the home, it’s the one most frequently clogged. Most homeowners would never think of stuffing a plateful of food down a drain. But attach a garbage disposal…
How Many Lumens Do I Need For A Parking Lot?
Deciding how many lumens you need for your parking lot design can be a tough decision. Choose too low, and your parking lot may be a dark, scary place. Select too high, and it may come off as a runway for your local airport. First of all, let’s define lumens. Lumens, quite simply, equals brightness.…
Restroom Design For Your Commercial Property
Think about this for a moment: most people feel that a messy restroom tarnishes a businesses image. Yet almost 70 percent of respondents to a recent survey say they’ve experienced unpleasant conditions in a restroom either as an employee or a customer. What tops the list of dislikes is an empty or jammed toilet paper…
What Are The Effects of Biological Growth on your Air Conditioner
For most of us, biological growth isn’t something we spend much time thinking about. But we live with it, it surrounds us, everywhere we turn. We see it in nature – on trees, under rocks and leaves on the ground, or on plants in the garden as they decay in the fall. We see it…
Should My Ductwork Be Replaced After 20 Years?
As a homeowner, you’re “honey-do” list grows with every passing year. There are chores where you gain instant gratification: repainting a room, adding new flooring, installing closet organizers. And then there are chores where the rewards are more difficult to see. HVAC falls into the latter category. As a homeowner, you know your furnace and…
When Things Stop Working After a Power Outage
When the power goes out, you quickly realize how reliant our society has become on electricity. Every turn to do something reveals how many electrical items are in use at home. A power outage that lasts a few minutes is an inconvenience. If it expands to a few hours, it increases in difficulty. But what…
Keep Your HVAC Running Efficiently With Proper Maintenance
Your customers and employees deserve a climate-controlled business. From a small storefront to a large office building, heating and cooling are essential for a comfortable, productive work environment and a positive shopping experience. Beat the heat and help your customers stay cool this summer with proper maintenance on your HVAC system. Benefits of Proper Maintenance…
Switching Your Heat Pump to Heat and Cool
One of the best reasons to install a heat pump in your home is that it has the ability to both heat and cool without the need for investing in separate pieces of equipment. A heat pump works by transferring heat from one place to another. They don’t produce heat like a furnace; they move…
Why Do Pipes Get Clogged?
Modern plumbing is a convenience we don’t think much about. Until it no longer works the way it should. Unfortunately, clogged drains are a part of having indoor plumbing. At some point, you’ll face a toilet that won’t flush, a sink that backs up when the water simply won’t go down the drain. The good…
Why An Air Conditioner Tune Up Is So Important
In the heat of the summer, your air conditioner becomes one of the most important appliances in your home. Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool all summer long. But it does more than just create cool air. If it’s not working correctly, it can impact the air you breathe. It can allow…
Where Should You Be Concerned About The Ventilation System In Your Home?
Trying to make your home more energy efficient? Maybe it’s time to look at your ventilation. Proper ventilation means your: Attic won’t accumulate excess heat Kitchen will exhaust toxins and other pollutants Bathrooms will avoid excess moisture Home will be properly conditioned, properly controlled Of course, that doesn’t happen by accident. In the most basic…
Actions That Will Keep Your Commercial Air Conditioner Healthy
A commercial air conditioner is generally made to cool a large space. They will withstand a lot of use, but they’ll need some upkeep to remain in use for as long as possible. If you want to make the most of your air conditioning system, it’s important you complete the following actions to keep it…
The Hazards Of Insulation
When you pop your head up into your attic, you’ve probably noticed the insulation tucked in between the boards. If it’s doing a proper job, your insulation is helping to keep your conditioned air where it’s supposed to be. It prevents heated or cooled air from escaping from the conditioned rooms in your home, and…
What Your Kids Should Know About Electricity
It’s challenging to raise kids; there’s so much to teach them! We work so hard to get them into activities they love, make sure they’re doing well in school, that sometimes we forget the little things that are super important. Like electricity. School’s out. Your kids are more likely to be home on their own.…
3 Ways To Add Smart Technology To Your Home For The Ultimate Energy Savings
Did you know your heating and cooling system consumes almost half of your monthly energy bill? And the problem with most households is they don’t think twice about how efficient their HVAC systems are. For most, the furnace, air conditioner, and ventilation system are “out of sight, out of mind.” But becoming more energy conscious…
3 Benefits of Installing A Smart Thermostat
Are you struggling to keep a constant temperature throughout your home? Are you tired of having to adjust the thermostat again and again every time you feel hot or cold? Maybe it’s time to install a smart thermostat. Sticking with an old, outdated thermostat means your HVAC equipment won’t be as efficient as possible. And…
Plumbing Basics – The More You Know, The More Problems You’ll Avoid
Have you ever watched a stream running downhill? It follows a predictable path. Add more water, and it flows over the banks. But it always continues to run downhill. Likewise, the water in your home is designed to take a predictable path. Gravity and pressure assure it runs where it’s supposed to go. Your plumbing…
Why An HVAC Service Plan May Be Right For You
Where does a lot of your monthly expenses come from? Your HVAC system. No matter if it’s the coldest days in the winter, or hottest days in the summer, it takes a lot of energy to ensure your home is conditioned properly. And every time your furnace or air conditioner kicks in, you’ll feel the…
Ways To Make Your Commercial HVAC System More Sustainable
Staying on budget can be difficult at best for most commercial property managers. Just when things look good, an emergency strikes and expenses skyrocket. Your heating and cooling systems are at the top of the list for potential problems. The US Department of Energy states that about 15 percent of your energy budget goes to…
Common Household Items That May Be A Fire Hazard
Did you know many common household items can increase your risk of fire? Just knowing what to watch for and fixing a few things can create a safer living environment. Extension Cords How old is your home? Older homes weren’t built for our modern lifestyle. Older homes often only have one outlet on a wall.…
5 Reasons Your House May Smell
Have you ever entered your house after it’s sat all day and wondered what the smell is? Especially after a long, hard winter when you haven’t been able to open a window in months, your house takes on a funny smell. What is it? Today’s homes are more energy efficient than ever before. That means…
Why You Should Choose UL Certified Products
Still in love with the old lamp by your bedside table? Or how about the antique fan that cools you in your living room? While virtually every room has multiple appliances we leave plugged into the wall each day, most of us have never given a thought about their safety. What does UL mean? UL…
Plumbing Trends You Should Think About For Your Home
Thinking of updating your home and not sure where to start? Today’s technology has brought exciting things to the plumbing world, and these trends are the perfect way to make your home more functional. Like other industries, smart technology is taking the plumbing world by storm. You’ll be surprised at some of the ways your…
How Does Your Air Conditioner Remove Humidity?
Have you ever noticed that high humidity makes the hottest of days hotter, and the coldest of days colder? At points, it can seem as if the weather is almost unbearable. That’s why it’s important to ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. In the summer, your air conditioner is designed to regulate humidity. It…
The Most Common Pollutants That Impact Your Indoor Air Quality
What do you think of when you hear the term pollutants? For most, pollutants are something you find outside. Like when you pull up behind an old car, and it leaves a puff of smoke behind when it pulls ahead from a stoplight. Or the chemicals that trail out of smokestacks on factories down in…
What Makes Blown-In Cellulose Insulation Unique
When it’s time to upgrade the insulation in your home, you have several choices. If you’re looking to replace or add to the insulation in your attic, you might look at loose-fill or blown-in insulation, as well as other choices, including fiberglass batt or blown-in fiberglass. But if you’re adding insulation to enclosed walls, blown-in…
Is Blown-In Fiberglass Insulation Safe?
When you hear the term “fiberglass,” what’s the first thing that goes through your mind? Fiberglass has a long history, and not all of it is good. Reports have shown just how detrimental it can be to the human body. It’s known to cause: Rashes and itchiness Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat Worsening…
How Long Does Insulation Last In The Attic?
How old is your home? When was the last time you were up in your attic, evaluating the effectiveness of your insulation? Insulation isn’t something most of us think about on a regular basis. But if your energy bills keep rising, you might have an insulation problem. Like everything in your home, insulation is only…
How To Recycle LED Bulbs
In the past, when your fluorescent bulbs would burn out, recycling them was your best solution. Thanks to technology and innovation, LED bulbs are quickly taking over and becoming the norm for lighting our homes and businesses. High quality LED bulbs have an average life expectancy of 50,000 hours. Depending on how much you use…
What If Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping?
When you trip a circuit breaker, the room you’re in goes dark. If it’s on a broader scale, your entire house may be impacted. In many cases, it’s merely a case of having too many high-powered appliances plugged in at one time. It’s something that happens only once in a while. When a surge of…
The Different Types Of LED Lighting
The lighting world is buzzing with LED – everybody wants them. LEDs – or light emitting diodes – are electronic lights. There are several different types of LED lights, and you’ll find they serve in different kinds of devices with varying levels of function. Miniature LEDs are the most common. You’ll find these in a…
Drain Maintenance for a Busy Commercial Property
When property maintenance comes to mind, many people forget to consider plumbing since it is behind the scenes. However, a large part of keeping your busy commercial property clean and productive has to do with your drainage system. Some tips for proper plumbing maintenance are found below. Preventative Measures There are some techniques to extend…
What Causes A Sewer Backup and How To Prevent It
A sewer backup should be treated as a plumbing emergency. If pipes and drains are filled with raw sewage, it puts your family’s health at risk. There are several signs it might be a sewer backup. You’ll notice A foul smell coming from the drains. Slow draining tubs, showers, and laundry lines. A gurgling or…
3 Common Problems With Water Main Shut Off Valves
Every home has a water main shut off valve that brings fresh water into your home. If you don’t know where it is, it’s important to find it before an emergency happens. It’s also important to educate everyone in your home where it is, in case you’re not home. The water main shut off valve…
What To Do When Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Is Beeping
We install carbon monoxide detectors in our homes to prevent the worst from happening. But like any other insurance protector we use or install, we hope we never use it. So what do you do when your carbon monoxide detector starts beeping? Determine what the beep is Like a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector…
What Happens If You Put Drano Down The Toilet?
When you think of a clog in your drain, chances are you immediately think of Drano. Drano is one of the oldest chemical clog cleaners on the market today. If you were alive in 1923 to hear the original jingle to promote it, you would have heard, “Once every week, Drano in every drain.” While…
5 Signs You May Have A Slab Leak
If you’ve lived in your home for any length of time, it’s pretty easy to tell when something is no longer working the way it should. You can detect problems just by paying attention to how well things work. But while it may be easy to realize something isn’t working the way it should, finding…
Hardwired vs. Battery-Powered Smoke Alarms—Which Is For You?
One of the most important fixtures in your home for safety and peace of mind is a smoke detector. A combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector should be installed outside every bedroom, within 10 feet of the bedroom door for maximum efficiency. How long have the smoke alarms been installed in your home? The National Fire Protection…
Does Duct Size Matter?
Take a big breath – breathe in, breathe out. Now try and do the same thing, only taking a breath through a straw. Can’t get the same amount of air, can you? Your HVAC system works in a similar fashion. If your ducts are installed correctly and are clear from dirt and debris, air flow…
What Kind Of Wastewater Do You Have?
Nothing is worse than walking into a room with standing water. Whether it’s a small puddle, or several inches, your mind quickly races to: What now? Quick action is key. It can make all the difference to how much damage your house sustains. While the first step is getting to the root of the problem…
The Top Signs You Have An Indoor Air Quality Problem
How clean is the air you breathe when you’re at home? It’s probably not something you spend time thinking about. It’s home, and there are so many other things to do. But what if your air quality is bad? What if it’s making you sick? What if there was something you could do? Your first…
Is It Time To Repair or Replace Your Electrical Panel?
Every home has one – an electrical panel or a breaker box. It’s the heart of your electrical system. Yet very few homeowners think much about it. The electrical panel connects to the power lines brought in by the utility company. It delivers current to every outlet you have throughout your home. The electrical panel…
If You Had A Generator During These 4 Times …
Whether you run a business out of your home and are there day and night, or hang out at home nights and on the weekends, try managing it all without energy. That’s why a generator may be the perfect addition to your home to ensure you have power when you need it most. When The…
4 Reasons Your Toilet Won’t Flush & 4 Ways to Fix It!
If you’re known as the handyman around your house that your spouse, kids, or roommates come to when there’s a plumbing problem, chances are that you’ve heard “the toilet won’t flush” a few times (usually followed by “but it’s not my fault!”). Trying to figure out the problem that’s preventing a toilet from flushing properly…
Clear the Air: How to Improve Air Quality
You rely on your HVAC system to heat and cool your business. While controlling your business’s temperature is important, the air quality is equally so. Even with a filter, your system still inhales a lot of dust and this dust ends up inside your business. The filter can only do so much. Don’t worry, here’s…
How To Get Instant Hot Water With a Traditional Water Heater
Think about your daily routines. You turn on the shower, then go about your business for a minute or two while the water warms to the touch. If you want hot water to do the dishes, you turn the water on for a bit and let it run. That water usage adds up over time.…
Tackling Condensation In Your Bathroom
What room in your home is the most commonplace for moisture to build? Yep, it’s your bathroom. Water droplets can easily form on windows, mirrors, walls, and fixtures when the warm, moist air is cooled by these surfaces. How you control this moisture is what can help curb biological growth. Ventilation One of the easiest…
Do You Have To Remove Insulation Before Adding New?
Every year you add new to-do items on your home maintenance checklist. Paint the outside of your home. Check. Install new air filters in your furnace. Check. Some to-do items are easy to see. If the paint is peeling from your home, you know you can’t ignore it too long without dire consequences. But other…
The Differences Between Blown-In Fiberglass and Blown-In Cellulose Insulation
One of the best ways to tighten up the envelope of your home and make it a more comfortable living environment every month of the year is to add more insulation. If you’ve started the process of looking at which insulation product is best, you’ve probably discovered the two most common products are fiberglass and…
Why R Value Matters In Home Insulation
Once upon a time, across the US, we built our homes strictly out of wood. It was easy to chop down a tree, and put them together to create a simple shelter. As time went by, building became more sophisticated. We processed the wood into boards, and added filler to block out some of the…
How To Avoid Duct Cleaning Scams
Your heating and cooling system is something you use year round. It’s one of the most expensive systems in your home, one you spend money on every month in the form of utility bills. So it’s only natural that you choose to keep it in as good of working condition as possible. Do a little…
Consider These Options When Buying A New Toilet
Overall, toilets are one of the most trouble-free appliances in your home. The porcelain fixture can remain in good, physical condition for years – decades – as long as a crack doesn’t appear. Occasionally, it might need new water supply valves, flush valves, or even a wax ring to seal it to the floor. But…
Are You Programming Your Thermostat Correctly?
In the fall, temperatures begin to drop. And that can be a good thing after a particularly brutal summer. But as those temperatures continue to drop, a chill can settle into your home. It’s time to turn on the furnace and let the heat settle in. It feels good, but you also know your utility…
Preventing Biological Growth In Your Air Ducts
Most homes have biological growth in them. If you head into the bathroom, you’ll see tiny spots in the corners of the shower. Or if you investigate the damp, dark spots in your basement or crawlspace, you’re likely to find traces of it throughout. In most cases, it isn’t of concern. Not all types of…
The Hot/Cold Dilemma: Heating and Cooling Office Space
It’s battle of the sexes, coming to an office near you. Whether you’re male or female, if you sit in an office next to someone of the opposite sex, chances are one of you have complained a time or two about the heating and cooling inside the building. It turns out there might be a…
Are The Electrical Problems In Your Home Hazardous?
If you’ve owned your Atlanta home for any length of time, you’ve probably fallen into the “only when necessary” maintenance trap. Owning a home takes a lot of work. And with so many projects on your list, why worry about any one project until it becomes a necessity? Electrical problems tend to fall into that…
Commercial Building Maintenance: Commissioning, Recommissioning, Retro-Commissioning – What’s The Difference?
Once upon a time, your commercial property was nothing more than a plan on a blueprint. Architects, engineers, and systems designers all came together to put up your commercial building in the best and most efficient way possible. At least, that was the plan. Commissioning is that process, that plan. It’s the process of ensuring…
What You Should Know About LED Light Sensitivity
You can’t go into any home improvement store or flip through a decorating magazine without noticing how LED lighting has taken the industry by storm. LED bulbs are quickly becoming the lightbulb of choice as the technology continues to build. And that’s a good thing. LED lighting helps reduce energy demands and can bring us…
Getting Your HVAC System Ready For Vacation
The last few weeks of summer means one last chance for a vacation. If you’re heading out of town for more than a few days, you may have considered turning off your HVAC system in order to save energy. It sounds logical. Why heat or cool a place where you won’t be? But in the…
Can Your Air Conditioner Be Making You Sick?
Many people dread moving into the colder months of the year knowing cold and flu season is on its tail. Because we’re inside more, in close proximity to the people around us, the chances of us catching something spikes. But what about the summer months? Have you noticed that you’re getting sicker in the hottest…
Have You Fallen For These Home Cooling Myths?
We’ve reached a point in the year where we can’t imagine not having air conditioning in our homes. That cool breeze when you walk through the door is oh, so inviting. But are you cooling your home in the correct manner? Are you blasting air conditioned air through your home 24/7? Are you using fans…
Are You Properly Changing Your Furnace Filter?
If you’ve followed any checklist for fall home maintenance, chances are “changing out your furnace filter” is on the list. There’s a good reason for that. Changing out your furnace filter at the beginning of the season will ensure proper airflow into your heating equipment. It can help improve the indoor air quality in your…
Do My Outside Lights Need To Be On A GFCI?
Any time you’re dealing with electricity, it’s important to handle it with care. That’s why recommendations are made for homeowners to avoid DIY projects that require working with electricity. That’s why requirements exist for how it’s installed. Increasingly, we’re moving our living space outside our homes. We like our landscaping lit up to see day…
Is It Time To Bring Your Office Lighting Up To The 21st Century?
Lighting. It’s something we take for granted when we step into the office. Yet it has a huge impact on our overall health. Think about how many of us spend our days. We get up and head into the office to spend eight, nine, ten hours or more sitting at a desk. If you’re lucky,…
How To Get Rid Of Toilet Odor
It’s hard not to get swept up in the movement of poo-pourri. Why face embarrassing bathroom odors when you can get rid of them effortlessly? But sometimes those bathroom smells linger. No matter what you do, they seem to hang around. So you clean. And clean some more. What’s that lingering smell? And more importantly,…
Are You Taking Care Of Your Air Conditioner This Summer?
The first warm day of the year means it’s time to turn on your air conditioner. For many Atlanta residents, they flip the switch and the air conditioning remains on for months at a time. Has it been properly maintained? Was it working properly when you turned it on? Is it still working as effortlessly…
Conserving Energy and Air Conditioning – Can You Have Both?
What matters most to you: creating an energy efficient home or having a cool house to come home to? Can you have both? With just a few simple steps, you can make your air conditioner run as efficient as possible, lower your utility bills, and prevent your AC unit from breaking down at the most…
Is It Time To Add An Outside Water Faucet?
When most homes are built, the builder will include an outside water faucet to help you with your outside maintenance needs. You might have one in the back of your home and one in the front. But are they in the right places for your needs? And do you have both hot and cold water…
Why Air Conditioners Help With Home Humidity
There are two kinds of summertime heat: a dry heat and a sticky heat. Chances are you’ve experienced both in your home. If your air conditioner is working correctly, your home is cool enough to leave you comfortable even on the hottest of days. No matter how hot the temperature gauge rises, your home is…
Should Your Home Have An Attic Fan?
Energy efficiency; it’s something every homeowner thinks about from time to time. Every time your air conditioner turns on, air circulates throughout your home. You probably have spots in your home that are colder than others. Maybe it seems like some rooms just won’t cool down. Is it your equipment? Or is it your attic?…
What Do All Of Those Electrical Wiring Colors Mean?
What’s one of the most dangerous systems in your home? Most people would guess the electrical system – it’s just common sense that tells you to stay away from it unless you know what you’re doing. If you’ve ever felt a little jolt plugging something in, you understand the dangers. We’ve all experienced a breaker…
What’s Involved In A Ductwork Inspection?
When you have a gas-forced air heating and cooling system, it’s easy to focus in on the heating and cooling units when you have a problem. If you turn up the thermostat on a cold day and your room doesn’t warm up like it once did, it’s easy to blame your furnace. Yet it might…
What An Outside Ceiling Fan Can Do For You
Love your outside living space but rarely use it because of the heat? Maybe it’s time to install a ceiling fan. But not every ceiling fan will do. There is a difference between indoor and outdoor ceiling fans. Outdoor fans offer damp and wet ratings that allow them to operate in all kinds of weather…
Ductwork Installation: What You Don’t Know May Be Impacting Your Health
So you’re thinking or remodeling. Maybe you’re ripping out a wall or two to open up the space. Or bumping out the kitchen wall to add 100-200 square feet to the room. Kitchen cabinets and new flooring may be on your mind. New ductwork installation might not. Yet room additions and changes can have an…
Does Your Plumbing Need A Little TLC This Summer?
Summer is one of the most special times of the year. Life slows down. We enjoy more time outside. We take vacations. We have more sunshine. What’s not to love about summer? Yet being at home more can have its downsides. More people at home can equate to more clogged toilets. More family get togethers…
Air Conditioners And Room Size: What To Know About BTU
Are you looking for a new air conditioner for your home? Will you select a portable or window unit to cool one room, or are you looking at central air conditioning to cool your entire home? It’s not as easy as heading down to your big box store and selecting the first cooling system you…
What To Know About Adding Electrical Outlets
Have you ever looked at your electrical outlets and wondered why they’re placed where they are? Is there a rhyme or reason to placement? If you have an older home, you may be questioning the logic. Electrical code is created to keep you and your family safe, and to give you enough flexibility in being…
What’s The Difference Between Ceiling Fan Blades?
Have you started the process of looking for a new ceiling fan? It’s more than finding one that looks good; it’s also a matter of finding one that works well too. Fans come in all shapes and sizes. You can select one that provides light as well as air movement. You can select three, four,…
What Do AC Star Energy Ratings Mean?
My AC unit is only a few years old. It had a high Energy Star rating when I purchased it, isn’t that good enough? Doesn’t it still provide me with high efficiency when cooling down my home? Great question. And we’ll admit, the concept of selecting an air conditioner based on energy ratings is a…
It’s Summer. How Can Your Home Be More Comfortable?
Are you ready for 90 degree weather? How about when the temperatures exceed 100 degrees? While inside you may already be cringing, anticipating the stifling heat and humidity, a part of you can already feel the cool breezes you’ll feel as your air conditioner kicks in and cools your home. How old is your cooling…
Dishwasher Won’t Drain? This Might Be The Problem
Have you ever opened up your dishwasher and found several inches of water sitting at the bottom? When an appliance quits working, you naturally think of replacement cost. If it doesn’t drain, it’s time to start shopping for new dishwashers. At the very least, you’re in for some costly repairs. Instead of being a problem…
How Duct Cleaning Can Improve Your Commercial HVAC Performance
Commercial buildings are rarely without conditioned air. The HVAC systems onsite move from heating to cooling and back again, all in an attempt to keep the space at a consistent temperature. That means your duct work is in constant motion, having air flow through it most of the year. Clogged equipment, no matter how small…
When Should You Get An Electrical Inspection
What’s the most powerful system in your home? Your electrical system tops the list. It’s also one of the most hazardous. While we take electricity for granted, always expecting it to be there when we flip a switch or insert a plug into an outlet, even those simple acts can be dangerous if your system…
What If My Hot Water Heater Is Leaking?
Hot water heaters, in general, will last you 8 to 12 years if you take good care of them. Even with regular maintenance, there’s always a chance your water heater could leak. This isn’t a sign that your water heater needs replacing. In fact, it might be a small repair that can be patched up…
3 Tips To Repair Your PVC Pipe
When it comes to the pipes used in your plumbing system, PVC is the clear winner. PVC – polyvinyl chloride is lightweight, crush-resistant, affordable, and available in many different sizes and lengths. It’s strong under pressure and you never have to worry about it rusting through. It’s so easy to work with, you’ll find DIYers…
Don’t Forget Surge Protection When Installing Smart Home Technology
Are you upgrading your home for smart technology? Chances are you have a lot invested in expensive electronics. Before you hook it all up and assume everything is set to go, consider an essential component you might have missed: surge protection. Why do you need surge protection? Think for a moment about how old your…
Are Water Heaters Supposed To Drip?
A leaking water heater can indicate several problems. It can be something as simple as a loose connection, or more serious such as a corroded water tank. The first step is to determine how much water is leaking and where it’s coming from. A couple of the most obvious places to start is with the…
Are Water Heaters Dangerous?
Did you hear about the time a water heater exploded and caused extensive damage to a home? No, it’s not an urban legend. Turns out it isn’t a myth. Water heaters can pose significant danger without proper maintenance. The average lifespan of a water heater is somewhere between 8 to 12 years. Here in Georgia,…
Ceiling Fan Installation: What Can Go Wrong?
Ahh, the warm, slower days of summer are almost upon us. Planning out your vacation time already? Does it involve a lazy afternoon with nothing but a book and a drink in hand? How about a cool breeze to help chase away the most intense heat of the day? Then it’s time to install a…
How Does Electrical Grounding Work?
As a homeowner, you’ve probably heard the term “electrical grounding” before. But what does it really mean? Grounding gives electricity the most effective way to return to the ground via your electrical panel. A grounding wire gives an appliance or electrical device a safe way to discharge excess electricity. An electrical circuit relies on both…
Beware Of This Easy To Fall For AC Scam
It’s springtime. Time to pull your spring cleaning chores to get your home ready for the new season. Cleaning the windows? Check. Airing out your home? Check. Adding refrigerant in your AC unit? Take that one off the list. We’ve noticed some homeowners fall for this every year, pulling out their wallets for something that…
4 Signs Your Atlanta Home Needs Rewiring
Got an old Atlanta home? If so, the wiring may not be up to code. According to the National Fire Protection Association, around 45,000 home fires occur each year involving electrical failure or malfunction. Don’t let your home be one of them. How do you know if your home needs rewiring? Your home is over…
4 Warning Signs Your Home Is In Danger Of An Electrical Fire
Every year, close to 45,000 homes have fire damage caused by an electrical fire, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The good news is it doesn’t have to be your home. Electrical fires can be prevented if you know what to look for. Your circuit breaker keeps tripping This is the first sign your…
Why Is My Hard-Wired Smoke Alarm Chirping?
For some homeowners, that annoying chirping sound from your smoke alarm is a simple reminder it’s time to add new batteries. But what if your smoke alarm is hard-wired in? A hard-wired smoke detector usually chirps for one of three reasons: A dead battery Dust inside your smoke detector An old or malfunctioning detector Problem…
Should I Change My Two Prong Outlet To Three Prong?
If you still have two prong outlets in your home, should you upgrade them to three prong? Our professional answer is yes. If you have a two prong outlet, they are ungrounded. This means they don’t have an extra ground wire that protects you from possible surges of electricity. Without this extra protection in place,…
Why Does My Shower Have Cold/Lukewarm Water In The Morning?
Nothing is worse than stepping into a lukewarm shower in the morning. One reason may be that your water heater can’t keep the water at a constant temperature. A water heater’s thermostat is a long metal rod that expands and contracts as the water temperature changes. This turns on and off the burners that heat…
What Causes Your Lights To Flicker and Dim?
Flickering lights happens from time to time in homes and offices everywhere. Flickering lights can be distracting, but if you have them enough, they can impact you in other ways too, like causing headaches and wasting energy. What causes your lights to flicker and dim? And what can you do? If it’s a single bulb…
Common Electrical Code Violations That May Be In Your Home Right Now
Is the electrical wiring in your home up to code? Many homeowners can’t answer that question. And for good reason. Ownership changes – who knows what tasks past homeowners attempted on their own? Older homes were built under different guidelines. Even changes in the way we live, with different appliances and technology, can impact the…
Why My Water Heater Keeps Turning Off
Your water heater is designed to either warm the water in a storage tank and keep it ready at demand, or it is a “heat on demand” where it heats and supplies hot water as you need it. In both cases, a heating element is warmed by a burner, which is triggered by a pilot…
What Would Cause Electric Furnace Circuit Board To Fail
If your electric furnace is blowing a fuse repeatedly when turning on, your first step should be to call in an experienced HVAC repair professional. It is possible that the problem could stem from your electrical system rather than the furnace itself, but your HVAC system is the best place to start. Electric furnace problems…
Which Trees Cause The Most Pipe Damage
Planning on adding new landscaping to your yard this year? Be sure to plant the right trees and shrubs. Sewer lines can fail for many reasons; intrusion from invasive trees is one of the most common. If a tree or shrub isn’t native to the Atlanta area, it might not thrive in the conditions commonplace…
What Would Cause A Power Surge In A House?
Power surges happen more often than you think. Whenever the wiring in your home experiences a brief jolt of high electrical voltage, you’ll see it in a flicker or buzz through your appliances or electronics. When the lights blink? Yep, that’s a power surge. In most cases, we never think much about it. Even when…
5 Causes Of A Garbage Disposal Leak
A garbage disposal is a fairly simple piece of machinery. Yet there are several different places within the system that can spring a leak. Between all of the multiple inlets, outlets, rings, connections, and seals, leaks can form at any time. Here are the five most common causes of a garbage disposal leak to help…
How To Lower Your Commercial Energy Costs
No matter how big or small your business, commercial energy costs are a major expense. By lowering these costs, you can keep your building adequately heated and cooled without having your profits disappear through cracks and leaks in the structure. Energy consumption is impacted every day by the changing weather and your building’s envelope. There…
5 Things That Can Damage Your Plumbing System
What’s one of the most vital systems within your home? Your plumbing system connects from the street through your property and into your home via an intricate network of pipes and fittings. Sadly, many things can seriously damage it and cause severe problems for you. Harsh Chemicals Think about what you send down the drain…
Why Does My Electrical Outlet Feel Hot?
Have you noticed that an outlet somewhere in your home has been feeling warm after unplugging? Does it remain warm even when there is nothing plugged into it? When an electrical outlet is warm or hot to the touch, there is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. What could be the problem? What’s…
Installing A New Refrigerator May Mean A Plumbing Upgrade
How old is your refrigerator? Are you looking at upgrading? Today’s refrigerators have many added performance features and added technology benefits than models from even several years ago. It’s easy to get excited about the many benefits a new fridge can offer. However, in order to enjoy many of these new features, upgrading or installing…
Can Your Duct Work Be A Fire Hazard?
Nothing is scarier to a homeowner than the potential threat of a fire. We do what we can to protect ourselves and our homes, but the thought often lingers in the back of our minds. If your home is new, fire danger is rare, thanks to our modern building techniques and the advent of safer…
How Often Should You Test Backflow Devices?
Backflow is the reversal of the flow of water and/or other mixtures of liquids, gases, or other substances in the distribution pipes of the water supply system. Whether it’s for your home or for a business, these backflow devices should be checked yearly. The backflow prevention device consists of two independently acting, spring-loaded check valves…
How To Survive A Day Without Electricity
Every day, we use electricity for almost everything we do. We rarely stop to think about the impact it has on our daily lives. Until it stops. Then all of a sudden you realize how much a part of our lives it is. We take it for granted. We expect it to be there. All…
Differences Between Natural Gas and Propane
Many furnaces and appliances use either natural gas or propane as a fuel source. Natural gas is found underground and contains several different gases, including butane, propane, and methane. It can be in liquid form, or as a compressed or uncompressed gas. Propane gas, also called liquefied petroleum gas or LPG, is stored as a…
Why Utility Poles Are Dangerous
They blend into our surroundings. If they’re close to your home, chances are you don’t see them at all. What are they? Utility poles. Electricity is an important part of our daily lives. It’s also extremely dangerous. If you have a utility pole near you, it’s important to keep your distance. If a downed power…
Repairing Your Plumbing After A Flood
Think the only flood danger comes from a hurricane? Think again. Homes can flood for a variety of reasons. Rivers can rise. Rain can fall in abundance. Even the pipes inside your home can suddenly crack, leaving behind inches of water especially if you aren’t home at the time. If your home is impacted by…
Should You Upgrade The HVAC In Your Rental Property?
Have a rental property here in Atlanta? Upgrading your HVAC is beneficial for both you and your tenants. Although property owners are conscious of every dollar they spend, upgrading your HVAC now before a major problem has its benefits. It Saves On Repairs This is the most obvious. New equipment works. It won’t fail at…
The Benefits Of Installing A WiFi Thermostat
It won’t be long before we replace our winter coats for spring jackets. It won’t be long before we trade in our heating system for a nice cool blast of air. And with summer’s heat and humidity comes the need for an efficient system in which we control the cooling of our homes. Installing a…
Selecting The Right Plumber From The Start
Some jobs are do-it-yourself by nature. Others require assistance. And while many homeowners often try and mix the two, taking on more chores than they have the knowledge or skills to complete, the results can be disastrous. Water and DIY don’t mix. Yet for many homeowners, the thought of hiring a plumber can be almost…
How To Locate Your Home’s Water Main Shut-Off Valve
Imagine walking into a room and finding an inch of water pooling on the ground. The plumbing moved beyond a tiny crack to a full-blown leak. Water is freely flowing everywhere. What would you do? Water is one of the most damaging forces in your home. The quicker you take action, the quicker you can…
How To Protect Your Home With Security and Landscape Lighting
Every home has outdoor lighting. But have you ever stopped to think about its purpose? You may use a street light to highlight your driveway; it works well when you’re unloading packages after a long day. You may use a front porch light to help you enter your home. A little light makes it easier…
How To Read Your Electrical Panel
Like most of us, you probably take the electricity in your home for granted. But if something goes wrong, it’s important to understand how to read and use your electrical panel. If you’ve ignored the mysterious gray metal box, afraid opening it and touching it could cause disaster somewhere in your home, it’s time to…
Why You Should Hire An Atlanta Licensed Electrician Instead Of A Handyman
No matter how big or how small your home improvement project is, it’s important to hire the right contractor for the job. If a professional is anything but professional, you might not receive the service you deserve. And while that’s important for any home improvement project, it’s especially so with electrical. While both licensed electricians…
Updating in 2018? Focus On Where HVAC Is Going
How do you approach your home’s maintenance routine? Do you plan for the future? Or are you more of a “wait for an emergency” kind of person? While it’s easy to fall into the latter routine, it’s also the most costly. Fixing a problem when it’s a tiny leak is much easier than dealing with…
Are Your Outdoor Outlets Safe?
When you plugged in the string of lights to decorate the outside of your home, did you consider how safe your outdoor outlets are? Most of us don’t. They’re there, and so we use them. We assume their safety as long as they “look” all right. Unlike the controlled indoor environment of your home, outdoor…
Your Generator Safety Checklist
You can’t control the weather. But you can ensure your generator is ready whenever bad weather strikes. Generators are handy to have around in case of emergency. But if it isn’t operating properly or you’re not sure if you’re using it safely, it can do you harm. Here are four tips to keep in mind.…
Who Invented The Modern Day Bathroom Fixtures and Other Bathroom Facts
Every space has a story. And as humans, we love to tell them. Like the one about the house down the street. You DO know what happened there … Stories make the world go around. That’s how we carry on from generation to generation. Have you ever thought about the stories of how our modern…
Ideas To Turn Your Bathroom Into A Spa Retreat
What’s on your New Year’s wish list this year? Do you have a few remodeling ideas in mind? Why not turn your bathroom into a spa retreat? Like most spa services, your bathroom can offer you a private retreat where you can relax in a shower or snuggle down into a warm tub to destress.…
5 Types Of Ceiling Fans: Which Is Perfect For Your Home?
Ceiling fans can add function and style to any room in your home. They can also help keep your energy bills low by circulating air throughout your rooms, helping you feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. But choosing the right ceiling fan can sometimes be a difficult process. There are a…
Hot Water Running Slow? Here’s The Problem
Have you noticed it’s taking longer for the hot water to reach your fixture? There are a number of factors that could be slowing up the process of hot water traveling from your water heater to the fixture. The most obvious is the distance. Water is heated in your water heater and travels up to…
Using Rule Of Thumb For HVAC Load Calculations
How often do you purchase new clothes several sizes too big just in case you need the extra volume at some point in the future? Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Yet we’ve seen HVAC systems installed for that very reason. The heating and cooling systems are oversized and not operating as efficiently as possible because a…
Making Sure You Never Have To Think About Your Power Supply
As a business owner, you have a lot to think about. And while the facets of your heating and air conditioning may come up on a regular basis, the quality of your power probably doesn’t cross your mind. Power is either on or off, right? Why should you worry about the quality of power being…
Common Tankless Water Heater Problems
Have a tankless water heater? They can be a great investment for your home. Never again will you have to worry about not having enough hot water. If you want a few extra minutes in a hot shower, indulge. But like every appliance in your home, tankless water heaters aren’t invincible. They wear down over…
Furnace Smells You Should Never Ignore
Have you noticed a weird smell circulating through your home? Is it coming from your furnace? There are many reasons you may suddenly notice a different smell in the air. Some are more dangerous than the rest. There are three smells you should never ignore, for both the safety of your family and for your…
Heating And Air Conditioning Considerations When Finishing Your Basement
Are you living on top of an unfinished basement? Have you been wondering whether it’s time to move due to your lack of space? Sometimes the perfect place to look for more space isn’t in a new neighborhood, it’s right below you. Don’t let the dark, damp space below your floors prevent you from turning…
4 Reasons Your Water Heater Needs To Be Replaced
Like any appliance in your home, your water heater will eventually wear down and need to be replaced. If you ignore the warning signals it sends out at the end of its life, you’ll likely face a cold shower one morning. Or worse, a flood when your tank gives way. How do you know what…
Is Pet Dander Circulating Through Your Ventilation System?
Pets are an important part of our lives. They not only provide comfort and joy to our daily lives, in many cases, they offer their services to us as well. The benefits of owning a pet increase all the time. If you’ve brought a pet into your family dynamics, the rewards can be endless. But…
Need-to-Know Commercial HVAC Installation Facts
For commercial buildings, a highly efficient HVAC system is vitally important. Not only is it important for the comfort and productivity of every individual within the working environment, but it’s also important to ensure a healthy atmosphere too. For many property owners, their commercial HVAC system may be as old as the building itself, repairing…
Commercial vs. Residential Electrical Installation
Electricity is one of those things we take for granted. Flip a switch, and it’s there. Flip it again, and it goes away. Electricity is a current that flows continually, much like a raging river. It’s always there, it’s up to the system within a home or building to control how it is delivered. And…
Do I Need to Upgrade My Electrical Outlets?
How long have you lived in your home? Years? Decades? Now take a walk around your home and notice all of the things you’ve upgraded in that timeframe. You’ve swapped out the refrigerator a time or two. You’ve upgraded to a front load washer just a few years ago. New flooring? Of course. What about…
How to Prevent Clogged Toilets
Toilets were designed to flush two things down into the plumbing pipes and beyond into the sewer: human waste and toilet paper. Even too much of these things at one time can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. And when your toilet clogs, it can be a mess, damage floors, or even cause health problems.…
What Is an Arc Fault Circuit Breaker?
Did you know that electrical problems are one of the leading causes of home fires? If a home was built after 2014 or had electrical work after that time, the breaker box will contain breakers called “arc fault circuit breaker”, “arc fault circuit interrupters”, or AFCI for short. They help prevent electrical fires in a…
Tips for Buying a Toilet
A toilet is a toilet, right? Or so you’d think, until you look at all the possibilities on the marketplace today. You might be a little surprised when you start looking at what manufacturers have to offer. A basic model is always an option. But styles and shapes are plentiful, giving you everything from elevating…
How to Pick the Right Ventilation System for Your Home
Over the years we’re building tighter houses that offer more comfort and more energy efficiency. Yet by creating a barrier and sealing indoor air in, we’re also creating a problem by sealing in moisture, chemical toxins, and cooking odors too. Sure, opening a few windows can help in the short run. But what if the…
How to Protect Your Air Conditioner from a Storm
Is your air conditioning unit protected from big storms? It’s not something most of us think about. But storms can and do damage equipment in and around homes all the time. Strong winds, excessive water, even lightning strikes can result in the loss of use. Not only can this be an uncomfortable situation, but it…
How to Use a Garbage Disposal
Fall is a time when friends and family start to gather inside instead of out. The weather cools down. We spend more time at home. And the parties grow larger as we head into the holiday season. Regardless if you’re cooking for two or a party of twenty, chances are there will be more food…
Is Surge Protection Really Necessary?
Every year, millions of dollars are spent advertising the need for surge protection. And it makes sense. Even though most homeowners don’t understand the inner-workings of their electrical system, they understand enough to realize that electrical currents vary in force. Surges happen, and when they do, their results can be catastrophic. That’s what makes surge…
Winter Weather and Water Main Breaks
Here in Atlanta, summers are hot and muggy, the winters are cold and wet, and the temperatures typically vary from 35 to 89 degrees. Occasionally they dip down into the twenties, and on a rare day, it will climb high into the nineties. After a dry, hot summer, it’s almost welcome relief as the months…
4 Questions About Your Water Pipes Atlanta Homeowners Should Know The Answers To
We protect ourselves against many things. We ensure warranties exist for our appliances. We sign up for health insurance to protect our health. We take out a homeowners policy to protect our houses. But what about costly water line and sewer line disruptions? According to the National Association of Water Companies, there are around 650…
Do You Need Backflow Prevention Service in Atlanta?
Are you familiar with the concept of backflow? Backflow is when water flows in the wrong direction through your plumbing system. Instead of freshwater feeding through your home’s system and into the wastewater system, the wastewater flows up into your freshwater system. This usually occurs when there is an increase in pressure on the wastewater…
4 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Water Heater
Like every appliance in your home, the water heater has a rich history. In London in 1868, a painter discovered he could heat cold water as it flowed through pipes by placing a burner at the bottom. Hot water then flowed to where he demanded it, either a sink or a tub. This invention influenced…
It May Be Copper Pipes That Are Causing The Issue
If you notice water in your home where it shouldn’t be, it’s a reason to be concerned. Copper pipes are often used in a home’s construction because they are generally resistant to corrosion and plumbers can easily shape them. They use them because they are durable. However, copper pipes can also get what is called…
If Your Vacuum Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker, Call an Atlanta Electrician
Vacuuming is one of those chores that consumes quite a bit of time. And if you trip the circuit breaker every time you vacuum, it can increase your frustration levels tenfold. If you have a normal circuit breaker, you either have an electrical short, an overloaded circuit, or a worn out breaker. If the circuit…
Common Appliances Can Easily Flood Your Home
Any appliance in your home with a pipe or other fixture attached to a water line has the potential to develop blockages or leaks and cause serious flooding throughout your home. Toilet Let’s start with the obvious and possibly the biggest culprit. The average home in Atlanta has an equal number of bathrooms for the…
Make The Laundry Room More Convenient
Have an older home? Contemplating a remodel? Something that can make a big difference both in the way your home functions, and ultimately in the resale value is by moving the laundry room. Older homes often have the laundry room tucked away in the basement. Even if it’s on the main floor off of the…
Simple Ways To Reduce Humidity In Your Home
When humidity levels rise, our bodies cool off by perspiring. When there is excessive moisture in the air, our bodies can’t perspire, leaving us feeling uncomfortable. The last thing you want to do is walk into your home after a long day and not be comfortable. If the humidity levels inside match the levels outside,…
A Guide To Kitchen Pendant Lights
Are you looking for a way to update your kitchen, bring in more light, and add to the ambiance too? Look no further than pendant lights. The kitchen pendant light can be the focal point of the kitchen. It’s an important fixture that helps with everyday tasks, and adds to the decor too. While there…
7 Culprits That Cause Havoc On Your Drains
Avoiding clogs in your drain can help keep your home safe and healthy. When pipes become blocked, contaminated water can begin flowing into different areas, including back up into your sinks, or into your basement or crawlspace. While clogs can occur from many things and in a variety of ways, there are certain situations we…
Don’t Purchase and Install The Wrong Lighting Fixtures
What makes a home beautiful? Is it the flooring underneath? Is it the decor? Is it the accessories that blend in and set the tone? Or is it your lighting? Not only is lighting used for illuminating your room, but the right lighting fixtures can also be used to create ambiance throughout. Before purchasing any…
The Dangers Of Deferring Your HVAC Maintenance
In good times and in bad, businesses look for ways to cut costs and add profits to the bottom line. And in an effort to minimize the costs they incur on a daily basis, some turn to deferring maintenance – putting off repairs and upgrades on their HVAC systems until it is absolutely necessary. The…
R.S. Andrews Services Receives Excellence Award from Lennox Industries
R.S. Andrews Services, based in Atlanta, recently received the Lennox Partner of Year Award from Lennox Industries, an international heating and air conditioning equipment manufacturer. Mike Hart, Lennox’ Vice President of North American Sales, presented the award to Dari Payrow, President of R.S. Andrews Services during a recent ceremony in Orlando, FL. The Lennox Partner…
The Dangers Of A Gas Leak
Sitting in chemistry class, you may have learned that the carbon-hydrogen compound that makes up natural gas doesn’t have an odor. Because we frequently use natural gas throughout our lives, that makes it dangerous to our safety. So before it’s introduced to our homes, we add a sulfuric smell, often referred to as a rotten…
What You Need To Know About Smart Meters in Atlanta
Want to know the oldest technology in your home? Look no further than your old electric meter. The technology behind these relics dates back to the time of Thomas Edison. Since we as a society decided to bring power inside the home and charge for it in the process, electric meters were installed to provide…
Upgrade Your Bathroom With A New Shower
Ready to remodel your home? Where should you start? A great place is in the master bathroom, specifically in the shower. Today’s showers are no longer lurking in the bathtub, one small showerhead at an odd angle trying to spray effectively. Instead, today’s showers come with every option imaginable: shower heads, rain showers, handset, fixed…
Is Your Home Properly Grounded?
What is electrical grounding? Grounding adds safety to your home. Electricity travels the path of least resistance. When there’s too much supply, it needs to go somewhere. That’s where grounding comes in. If we didn’t have grounding in our home, the entire force of the current would move into your appliances, your electronics, or possibly…
How To Avoid The Ceiling Fan Blues
If you’re like most homeowners, you’re constantly looking for new ways to update and improve your home. We do it for efficiency. We do it to be more comfortable. We do it for the looks. But what if you really like something and the home shows all tell you it’s a no-no? A lot of…
Plumbing Tips For The Ultimate Bathroom Makeover in Atlanta
Tired of looking at the same boring, out-of-date bathroom every day? Want a remodel but not sure where to begin? Start with the basics: fixtures, placement, and plumbing. In most cases, with bathroom remodels, space is limited. If you have an unlimited budget, you could always knock down walls and expand to your heart’s desire.…
7 Things To Consider When Purchasing A New Toilet in Atlanta
While it might not be something you talk about at the dinner table, the toilet is one of the most important items in your home. The color and cost might influence your purchasing decision, how much water it uses and how well it flushes should matter more. A good toilet will conserve water and generate…
Why Tight Ductwork Is Important
When was the last time you had your car serviced? As you drive around, belts wear down, bolts loosen, and materials deteriorate. Open up your hood, and you can see how everything is connected and even find evidence if something isn’t working as it should. But your home’s heating and cooling system is a little…
How Tankless Toilets Work
When it comes to bathroom fixtures, sinks and tubs aren’t attached to tanks. Water comes in and flushes out without a tank, so why does a toilet need one? The reason is most residential toilets operate by using a siphon, which is a tube located at the bottom of the bowl. Water coming into the…
Common Toilet Problems And What You Can Do To Fix Them
Problem #1: The Clog This problem comes as no surprise. It’s the most common problem you’re likely to have with your toilet. Whether it’s a little too much toilet paper, a child’s toy that is “accidentally” flushed, or a deeper problem within the pipes, toilets can clog for a variety of reasons. Keep several tools…
How Older Commercial Businesses Can Go Green With LEED
When a new commercial building is built, we expect it to have a variety of environmentally friendly features in place. In new construction homes, we expect the latest technology to save water and energy too. But the vast majority of Atlanta’s home and work space is not new. The new is built around an infrastructure…
Lightning Strikes & Surge Protection in Atlanta
Lightning is one of the most powerful forces in nature. It also has the potential for being one of the most dangerous. A single bolt of lightning can carry over 100 million volts of electricity. Each year, thousands of homes and properties are damaged or destroyed by lightning strikes. With one direct hit, it can:…
Warning Signs It May Be Your Main Sewer Line
Every home has a sewer line attached that transports waste water away from the home to underground sewer mains. When a clog occurs in the plumbing within our homes, we notice. It backs up. It causes an immediate problem. But few of us notice the signs of a clog in the sewer line. A sewer…
Taking Control Over Your Home Entertainment Wiring
Throughout the Atlanta area, we see both new construction and remodels include a home theater somewhere within the floorplan. It’s no longer tucked away in a basement; they are being included in rooms front and center in your home. But not all home theaters are created equal. Some are piecemealed together over time, adding a…
Does Your Ceiling Fan Meet The New Rules?
The US Department of Energy has new energy efficiency rules for ceiling fans. These efficiency standards will begin implementation on September 30, 2017, with a compliance deadline of January 21, 2020. What does that mean for you? Under these new guidelines, ceiling fan efficiency standards would save about 11 percent of the energy used in…
One Piece Toilet Design – Is It Right For You?
If you’re remodeling your bathroom, you’ll have to decide the right toilet to install. The standard two-piece toilet consists of a separate tank and bowl and has been used in homes for years. But one-piece toilets, which are manufactured by fusing the tank and the bowl into one solid unit, offer several benefits. Which one…
Make your Plumbing Emergency Kit and Be Prepared
What’s the one thing that can cause a disaster in your home like no other? If you said water, you’re correct. Water can be a damaging force. And it doesn’t take much. One drop of water every hour for a few months behind the drywall in your bathroom will prove it. When you have a…
5 Benefits Of Cleaning Your Air Ducts in Atlanta
The air ducts in your home have a very important job. They circulate the air flow from your heating and cooling equipment throughout your home to ensure it is properly conditioned at all times. And this occurs multiple times every day. But it’s not just the warmth or coolness that impacts you and your family;…
Small Plumbing Leaks Could Be Costing You A Fortune
That tiny drip, drip, drip you’ve been ignoring in the bathroom sink may be costing you a lot of money. Studies show that the average home loses anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 gallons of water per year due to those tiny drips we tend to ignore. And that’s just from the leaks you can see.…
Why Outdoor Outlets Need Extra Protection
Outdoor electrical outlets provide a convenient place to power up everything you need when you’re outside. From power tools to lights for your yard, to entertainment late in the evenings, homeowners are spending more time than ever outdoors. Failure to properly protect these outdoor outlets, however, can not only damage your equipment, but can also…
The Benefits Of A Tankless Water Heater
Do we recommend installing a tankless water heater in your home? You bet. Atlanta is the perfect community for using tankless water heaters to heat your home’s water supply. We’ve been installing them for years, and our customers love the results. Here’s why: Tankless water heaters never run out of water This is what attracts…
Why Are There More Power Outages In The Summer?
When does the power shut down the most? When the temperatures begin to rise. Why? It’s quite simple. When temperatures and humidity begin to rise, we turn on our air conditioners in droves. Air conditioners require a lot of power to operate, and that power supply is only generated at a few places around the…
How To Protect Your Computer Investment Against Power Fluctuations
Computers and technology have become so much a part of our lives; they are an extension of who we are. We carry them with us, and sit down with them almost everywhere we go. Yet at the end of the day, in order to survive, you have to plug your digital devices in. They need…
The Problem With Doing Your Own Electrical Work in Atlanta
“That looks easy to fix.” How many times have you said that as problems arise in your home? We do it all the time. A screw comes loose. A nob needs tightening. A fresh coat of paint and everything looks brand new. While some home improvement projects may be perfect for the DIYer, electrical work…
When Your Atlanta Home Needs Electrical Wiring Updating
Your lights are working. Your appliances run when you turn them on. So that must mean your electrical wiring is working too, right? Not necessarily. Electrical wiring is something installed at the time a home is built, and we rarely think much more about it. Until a problem arises, that is. The wiring in your…
Is Your Atlanta Sewer Line Backed Up?
Very few major plumbing problems occur without a few warning signs. With sewer line backups, it’s a gradual process that can take months or even years before it turns into an emergency. But when it finally hits, you’ll face one of the biggest messes you can have in your home. Sewage is not only smelly…
Are Your Gas Appliances Making You Sick?
Carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t something new. It’s something that’s been a part of our daily lives for as long as we’ve used fuel sources within our homes. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, sometimes deadly poisonous gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels such as wood, coal, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, or…
6 Tasks You Should Expect From Your Air Duct Cleaning Company
When was the last time you had your air ducts cleaned? The EPA recommends cleaning them every few years, especially if you notice dust and debris in the ducts, have recently renovated a portion of your home, have bought a new home, have a rodent/insect infestation, or have a problem with biological growth. Airborne particles…
How To Unclog a Kitchen Sink With a Garbage Disposal
If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you probably send a wide variety of things down the drain every day. Food scraps in small quantities can usually make it down without incident. But send a larger portion through, and you’ll likely encounter a problem. When clogs occur, a natural reaction is to…
How To Minimize Energy Loss In Your Atlanta Air Ducts
If you’ve ever seen a new home under construction, you’ve seen ductwork in place. It’s a network of tubes that carry conditioned air through the walls, floors, and ceilings. Ducts are made out of sheet metal, fiberglass, or other materials. If they are installed correctly, your home will operate efficiently. However, if they leak heated…
Understanding Toilet Tank Floats
Lift the lid on the tank of your toilet, and you’ll find the toilet float. The toilet float is a device that allows water to fill the tank without overflowing. You may have heard it referred to as the ballcock or float valve. While the design has changed over the years, and a variety of…
Creating Your Backup Generator Maintenance Checklist
According to an annual Blackout Tracker report, last year nearly 18 million people were affected by power outages across the US. These power failures lasted on average over 48 minutes, and impacted people and businesses in all 50 states. Of course, you can simply stop everything and wait it out. If you’ve ever sat through…
Creating A Breaker Panel You Can Live With in Atlanta
Every home has a breaker panel, also known as the main service panel, which controls the circuit for every permanent electrical device in your house. When you need to shut off the power to a circuit for repair work, or reset a breaker that has tripped, you have to find the right breaker for…
What To Expect From Energy Auditing
Maybe your home is a little drafty. Maybe you’re still living with old single pane windows. Maybe your furnace is old and in need of repair. This is the year you make major efficiency improvements to your home to make it a more comfortable and efficient place to be. Before you take the next step…
How Static Electricity Affects Your Electronics
Do you remember as a kid, taking a balloon and rubbing it on your sweater before holding it above your head to make your hair stand on end? It was a game that could have kids laughing for quite some time. But what may be a fun game to play with small amounts of static…
Is Your Atlanta Shower Too Hot or Too Cold?
Sometimes, no matter what you do, you just can’t get the shower to the right temperature. A little to the left and it’s so hot it turns your skin red. A little to the right and it’s so cold you jump out of the way. What causes that? Is it your shower fixture? Is it…
The Advantage Of Dual Flush Toilets for Atlanta Properties
Dual flush toilets are popping up everywhere, and with good reason. Dual flush toilets do exactly what they claim to do: they give you the option to choose from two different flushes. Why? By purchasing a toilet that gives you the option of using two different water levels, you’ll cut the water usage of your…
Tips For Buying An Outdoor Ceiling Fan in Atlanta
The lazy days of summer are coming soon. What could be better than sitting on your porch with a cold glass of iced tea in your hand, enjoying the gentle breezes of your outdoor ceiling fan? Don’t have an outdoor ceiling fan? Maybe now is the time to install one. But before you run out…
Ductwork Condensation May Be Damaging Your Home
For many decades, new home construction in Atlanta did not require return duct work in unconditioned spaces to be insulated. In some scenarios, this allows moister to form on metal ducts and allows excessive energy loss through the duct system. By current building codes, all new homes must have both supply and return ducts insulated.…
Charging Your Electric Car At Your Atlanta Home
Ready to dive in and purchase your first electric car? Statistics show that more than a half-million electric cars have been sold here in the US to date. And while having an electric car may be an effective way to get around Atlanta as you head into the office and handle errands, before you finalize…
Indoor Air Quality Depends On Proper Ventilation in Your Atlanta Property
Proper ventilation can improve indoor air quality. And we’re learning more about the process every day. Any building, residential or commercial, is at risk of having poor air quality. And because most of us spend a significant portion of our days indoors, improving it means we enhance our health right along with it. High indoor…
How A Central Air Conditioning Systems Works
From Marietta to Brookhaven, and every neighborhood in the Atlanta community, we’d be hard pressed to imagine surviving a summer without the use of air conditioning. Our modern homes include central air conditioning systems to help cool your entire living space. But it wasn’t always that way. Even in older homes, central air isn’t always…
Myths About SEER Ratings
Is this the year you buy a new air conditioner? If you’ve done a little research, you’ve probably noticed air conditioners have SEER ratings. A SEER rating is the ratio of the cooling output over an average cooling season, divided by the energy it consumes over the same time period. It’s calculated by assuming…
Your Atlanta Home’s Spring Cleaning Should Include An Air Conditioner Tune Up
If you read any home maintenance articles, they will tell you that spring is the perfect time for tuning up the major appliances throughout your home. While you’re cleaning out the gutters and putting away the heavy covers that protected everything for the winter, don’t forget to spring clean your air conditioner too. What does…
How Big Should Your Hot Water Heater Really Be?
Is it time to replace the hot water heater in your Atlanta home? When selecting a water heater, it’s important to choose the right size for your home and your family. Choose one too big and you’ll see the impact on your utility bills each month. Choose one too small, and it won’t provide enough…
Why Every Room Needs A Ceiling Fan in Your Atlanta Home
Are you ready for the heat? A chilly breeze may still be blowing across Atlanta, but it won’t be long before the days grow longer and the sun begins to heat our homes a little bit more. Of course, we can’t survive the summer heat without an air conditioning system in our homes. When the…
The Difference Between Commercial and Residential HVAC Systems
There are two different types of HVAC systems: residential and commercial. And while both condition the air, providing heat in the winter and cooled air in the summer, they have a few differences. This includes a variety of things, including the amount of power needed, size, location, complexity, and responsibility. While the concepts are similar,…
The Long Term Effects Of Drain Cleaners on Your Atlanta Home’s Plumbing System
Have you ever thought about what’s in those drain cleaners they sell at your local big box store? Some of it can be pretty scary stuff. The two most common forms of drain cleaners are either alkaline drain openers that contain sodium hydroxide, or acidic drain openers that contain sulfuric acid. In both cases, the…
What’s The Best Location For A Thermostat In Your Atlanta Home?
For most of us, when we purchase our homes, we accept the layout as is. Over time, we start questioning the way some things have been placed. We may wonder why the dishwasher was placed on one side when it clearly would have been more convenient on the other. Or why the laundry room was…
How To Match Lighting Needs To Commercial Applications in Atlanta
Consider the activity in today’s workplaces. People enter at all hours, day and night. They park and walk in along pathways and through entryways and corridors. They climb stairs rather than taking the elevators. They sit in cubicles for many hours a day. And all of that can take its toll on workers health and…
Busted Pipe? Here’s What To Do Before The Atlanta Plumber Arrives
Pipes break for a variety of reasons. Cold temperatures can freeze a pipe, causing it to burst as it thaws. Age can allow pipes to become brittle or corrode. Constant use can cause wear and tear, allowing leaks to form in any pipe in your home. The source can be difficult to find. While some…
How To Bring Cost Justification and HVAC Upgrades Together in Atlanta
Running a commercial property is difficult. Top management wants to postpone costs for as long as possible. Tenants and employees want comfort and convenience. You’re stuck in the middle trying to make everything run as effectively and as efficiently as possible. Still, if you don’t control the money supply for major purchases, you’re likely to…
4 Signs It’s Time For New Bathroom Plumbing
Have an older home? You may be content with the appearance of your decades-old bathroom fixtures, but what about what lies behind them in your walls? Bathrooms live with some of the harshest wear and tear of any room in your home. With the constant flush, daily showers and baths, and the endless on/off use…
Choosing The Best Brand For Your Atlanta HVAC Equipment
When it’s time to shop, we all think in terms of brand. Honda versus BMW. Walmart versus Nordstroms. We choose brands for a variety of reasons. In some cases, we use branding to make a statement. In some cases, we choose a brand because of its benefits or features. Selecting a brand is often an…
How To Tune Up Your Water Heater in Atlanta
Water heaters are generally efficient and reliable appliances. Unlike other appliances in your home – your dishwasher, washing machine or stove – a water heater is in constant motion, operating to replace the water that is needed throughout the home. Over time, these demands can cause the water heater to operate less than efficiently. Problems…
A Drain Snake For Every Job
With every home maintenance project, there’s a tool for the job. Use the wrong tool and disaster might not be far away. When it comes to maintaining the plumbing system within your home, the right tool often comes in the shape of a snake … a drain snake. When you have a clogged drain, nothing…
Why Steam Showers May Be A Good Addition To Your Atlanta Home
Looking for ways to renovate your home, add value as well as luxury? How about a steam shower? Adding a steam shower will make your home more modern and technologically advanced. And because steam showers come in a multitude of sizes, they can be added to almost any bathroom space. Increase Relaxation Using steam on…
Detecting Gas Leaks In Your Atlanta Home
When natural gas leaks into an enclosed space, like a basement, it can be a serious, sometimes fatal problem. While the most common cause of death is asphyxiation, natural gas can also sometimes explode into a fireball that quickly consumes the entire house. Detecting gas leaks before they turn into serious problems is a must.…
How UV Light Works
Many homes these days have ultraviolet lights inside the HVAC system. The way these work is it’s a light that stays on inside of the ductwork all the time. And any time the fan inside of your system turns on, either for heating or cooling, the air moves through and across this light. The light…
Can Toilet Paper Clog Your Atlanta Plumbing System?
Flushing and watching the water rise can be very scary indeed. A clogged and overflowing toilet can cause a lot of damage if not fixed quickly. While a toilet clog that appears once can simply be a one time problem, where the real trouble lies is when it occurs again and again. There can be…
How To Prevent A House Fire in Atlanta
Home is where the heart is. It’s the embodiment of comfort and security. Yet statistics show that eight out of ten fire-related deaths occur within the home. Accidental house fires are the third most common cause of accidental deaths in the home. Accidents aren’t inevitable. In almost every case, they are preventable. By following just…
Signs It May Be Time To Repair Or Replace Your Atlanta Ductwork
Faulty Atlanta ductwork can lead to increased use of energy throughout your home, which leads to increasingly higher energy bills every single month. It can also force your heating and cooling equipment to overwork trying to compensate for air losses in your ductwork. But ductwork doesn’t work like other appliances in your Atlanta home. It…
Curbing Your Atlanta Utility Bills While On Vacation
The few hours leading up to when you leave on vacation is exciting. All of your plans come together to create a memorable time away from home. Of course. you can’t forget to pack up your suitcases and bring your pets to the kennel. And a walk through to ensure your windows are locked and…
Is Your Atlanta HVAC System Protected From Power Surges?
Here in Georgia, your home is subjected to hundreds of power surges each year. Each time it happens, these sudden fluctuations in power overwhelm the circuitry of many electronic devices, causing damage and even total destruction in some cases. Which is why you’ll find many people using surge protectors for their most expensive electronics, including…
Do Your Atlanta Air Ducts Have Asbestos?
Asbestos was a popular construction material on Atlanta homes built before 1980. It was used in many places throughout the home, including floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roof shingles, siding, and insulation. It was used for its fire retardant and insulating properties, before the dangers were fully understood. Asbestos can cause severe health problems, including mesothelioma,…
How Often Should You Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced?
When it comes to HVAC equipment, it should be serviced annually at least twice a year. One time in the spring for your air conditioner, and one time in the fall for your furnaces. During these routine checkups what we do is we come in and we look at the equipment. We check all…
Do Gas Fireplaces Cost You Energy Efficiency?
The Association of Realtors reports that having a fireplace in your home can make a big difference in the perceived value. A fireplace is often one of the top three amenities requested when a buyer starts hunting for a new home. But it’s not just any fireplace; increasingly people want gas fireplaces for the convenience…
A Guide To Bathroom Exhaust Fans
It’s not difficult to guess the bathroom is the most volatile room in your home. Nowhere else do you have conditions that can change so rapidly, with moisture and humidity in abundance at certain times of the day. If this moisture is allowed to sit in the air for any length of time without being…
Before You Buy A Tankless Water Heater
Is it time to replace your water heater? Maybe it’s time to invest in a tankless water heater. The Size The best tankless water heaters will pump out about 5 to 6 gallons of hot water per minute. That’s just about 300 gallons per hour, and you’ll never run out of hot water if you…
A Guide To Energy Recovery Ventilators In Commercial Applications
Are you looking for ways to reduce the load of your HVAC equipment? Trying to find ways to make your heating and cooling process more efficient? Then it might be time to consider an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). An ERV is designed to recycle and reuse a building’s exhaust air, using it to pre-treat the…
5 Reasons Your Furnace Could Be Blowing Cold Air
You count on your furnace to keep you warm on those chilly days and nights. The last thing you want to experience is a drop in temperature and a furnace that only blows cold air. Yet it happens on occasion. In some cases, the problem can be simple. In others, it may require servicing right…
How Long Does Air Duct Cleaning Take?
Air duct cleaning on average takes anywhere from three to five hours, depending on the size of the system as well as the size of the home. The amount of registers you have and exactly how involved the actual cleaning is are additional factors. In some instances it can actually take longer than five…
Problems With Flex Ducts
Flex ducts have a purpose. And in fact, can be quite useful in certain situations. The problem arises with the installation process. In most cases, flex ducts are rarely installed correctly, and there begins the problem. The most common problems we see with flex ducts are: Kinks Sharp turns Long duct runs without proper support…
How Water Gets Into Electrical Panels
“I happened to be outside after a heavy rainstorm and noticed water flowing from my electrical panel. Is this normal?” Phone calls like this one come in every once in a while. And our answer: “While it shouldn’t be happening, we do see the problem again and again.” A wet electrical panel with water flowing…
Solving Filter Bypass Problems
An open filter rack is often installed in an HVAC system to allow easy access to the filter. The problem is by allowing easy access to the filter, it also creates space around it, which leaves the potential for leaks to occur within the system. As airflow moves closer to the fan within the HVAC…
How To Improve IAQ This Winter
If you work outside of the home, it’s not the ice and cold that is the harshest part of the winter months. Instead, it’s the problems that are building in the place you work. That’s because as many as 30 percent of commercial buildings right here in the U.S. have poor indoor air quality (IAQ),…
Does Air Duct Cleaning Reduce Dust?
Air duct cleaning in your home can help reduce the amount of dust inside the home but it will not eliminate it. What air duct cleaning does is it helps the HVAC system. It helps prolong the life of the system, and it helps keep contaminants out of the system. When examining a system,…
How Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters Keep You Safe
Ever seen the acronym GFCI? It stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. It’s designed to help prevent electrocution. If a person’s body begins receiving a shock, the GFCI senses this and cuts off the power before injury takes place. GFCI’s are installed wherever electrical circuits may accidentally come in contact with water. You’ll find them…
Hot, Neutral & Ground Electrical Wires—What’s the Difference?
Pull off a switch plate or open up a circuit panel and you’ll see a lot of wiring connecting everything together. A house is created with alternating current. It doesn’t operate like direct current in batteries or cars; you’ll never have positive or negative charges. Instead, electricity flows from the transformer terminal into your house…
How to Check If the Vent Pipe Is Clogged
Is your sink clogged? Have you looked again and again for the problem to no avail? It might not be your drain. When your sink isn’t draining properly and the sewer line isn’t clogged, it may be time to look upward instead of down. The vent system (those plumbing pipes that stick out of your…
How Electric Circuits Go Wrong
A circuit provides a path for current to flow. To be a circuit, this path must start and end at the same point. It must form a free-flowing loop. Why should a system with so few moving parts be subject to failures? Like every technological design we have in place today, eventually, things happen. Parts…
How to Run Electrical Wiring Outside
Before you run any electrical wiring outside whatsoever, you absolutely need to make sure you call utility location. Essentially there’s two ways to run wire into the ground. You can do direct burial cable, which has to be dug down to 24 inches deep. You need to have a trench 24 inches deep before…
What Are Your Air Ducts Made From?
Your air ducts are an important part of your heating and cooling system. Ductwork comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, and can be made from many different things. They aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of product. Before you embark on maintenance work or ensure they are in top working condition, it’s important to understand…
It’s Time For Your Bi-Annual Maintenance For Your Commercial HVAC
You may still be running the air conditioning system in your commercial space, but cooler weather can set in quickly and make you swap your air to heat in a matter of days. And the last thing you want to deal with is a heating problem right when your building occupants demand it. A poorly…
The Benefits Of Professional Drain Cleaning
Have you ever walked into your kitchen and immediately had your attention – and your nose – move to the sink? What is that smell? And why is it coming from the drain? Drains have a big job in the average home. They handle thousands of gallons of water each year, and have more than…
4 Things To Consider Before Having Your Water Heater Repaired
Think your water heater isn’t working right? When was the last time it was serviced? Like every major appliance in your home, a water heater will only last so long. Yes, you can extend its life through regular repair and maintenance. But eventually, it will wear out. If your water heater is more than several…
How to Connect Electrical Wires
Any electrical work in your home needs to have a qualified (preferably licensed) electrician to do the work. It is a dangerous hazard in your home if not done correctly, so we highly recommend that you call a licensed electrician. When we talk about connecting wires and making connections to electrical wires themselves, you need…
The Most Common Places In The Home For Fires and How To Prevent Them
One in three of all reported fires in the U.S. takes place in residential homes. They start from a number of factors, including cooking, open flames, negligence, and more. The key to preventing them is to understand the common places in the home they occur and putting safety measures in place to ensure they never…
How Safe Are Drain Cleaners?
You turn on the water, and it won’t go down the drain. Instead, you have a sink full of water … and a big problem on your hands. If you head to your favorite big box store, you’ll find a plethora of drain cleaners available for use. But how safe are they? Should you really…
Atlanta Plumbers Do Renovations Too
Plumbing. When you hear that word, you probably think of an emergency in your home. Maybe your water heater breaks and you no longer have hot water. Or a drain is clogged and causes a flood to roar through your home. But plumbing isn’t always associated with emergencies. In fact, plumbers are often the best…
Is Sick Building Syndrome All In Your Head?
It’s the dirty little secret nobody likes to talk about. Is your building making you sick? Every day, we spend our days moving from one building to the next. For some, that means going from a high rise residential building, to a high rise office building, and back home once again. Even if you live…
Common Problems With Smoke Detectors And How You Can Avoid Them
Smoke detectors are a common fixture that you know is there, but ignore almost every day of the year. You’ve never needed it, have no desire to see it in action. Yet statistics show that on average, over 350,000 home fires take place every year in the United States, claiming thousands of lives. We all…
How to Install an Electrical Outlet
Before any work is done, you should have a certified electrician come into your home or business to do this work. It is the one thing in your home that will create a fire rather easily and put your family in jeopardy. If you want to move an electrical outlet, if you had one on…
Should I Replace A Toilet That Keeps Clogging?
Nothing can be more frustrating than having an old toilet that keeps clogging. You quickly get tired of constantly plunging. You get even more tired of flushing again and again, knowing multiple gallons of water are being wasted in the process. Does that mean its time to replace the toilet? Will that solve the problem?…
What You Should Really Know About Low Flow Fixtures
Nothing feels as good as stepping into a hot shower on a cold morning. The warmth runs over your skin. The pressure is just enough to invigorate you for your day ahead. So why would you ever mess with perfection and install a low flow showerhead instead? There are myths that surround the concept of…
5 Common Ductwork Problems
Ductwork isn’t something you probably think about most days. But without them, our cooling and heating systems wouldn’t be able to bring our homes conditioned air that keeps us at a comfortable, consistent temperature. If you have problems with your ductwork, it’s costing you more with fluctuating temperatures. It’s also costing you money on your…
Are Flushable Wipes Safe to Flush?
Head down the paper aisle at your favorite big box store and you’ll find row after row of products and recognizable brand names. If they’re on the market, they must be safe to use, right? In recent years, pre-moistened “flushable” wipes have been all the rage. They make promises to help you feel cleaner and…
How A Hot Water Circulating Pump Can Make You Eco-Friendly
It’s a chilly morning. You get out of bed, eager to jump into a hot shower. You turn on the faucet and stand there, waiting for the water to turn from ice cold to comfortable before stepping into place. Seconds, even a minute or two go by before you peel back the curtain and step…
Is Duct Cleaning A DIY Project?
Duct cleaning has grown in popularity over the past few years. You’ll find commercial duct cleaning companies popping up everywhere. But is it worth it? Type “duct cleaning” into Google and it autofills with the phrase “duct cleaning scams”. Search the phrase and you’ll find several thousand search results devoted to the subject. Is duct…
Should You Replace Polybutylene Piping In Your Home?
When was your home built? There are many good reasons to purchase an older home. The neighborhood is more established. Landscaping is lush and full. And while there are a host of reasons that went into making your final selection, choosing your home because of the piping used in your plumbing system probably wasn’t one…
Energy Saving Tips To Improve HVAC Efficiency For Commercial Buildings
Thirty percent. According to the EPAs Energy Star program, that’s the amount of energy wasted each day in the average commercial building. If you’ve never taken steps to increase the efficiency within your commercial building, there is a lot of room for improvement. In fact, it’s easy to reduce as much as 10 percent of…
4 Signs You Need A New Toilet
Making improvements to your home? Nothing feels better than to update a room and have everything shiny and brand new. We enjoy updating a refrigerator, increasing the technology in our appliances, even having a modernized fixture with all the bells and whistles. But a new toilet? It might not have a high placement on your…
What Kind of Generator Do I Need?
What Kind of Generator Do I Need? | RS Andrews Atlanta Electrical Services RS Andrews general electrician Matt Mihalek explains how to select a generator for your home based on your specific needs. Any licensed electrician or certified electrician (especially the ones at RS Andrews) can help you figure out the kind of generator you need.…
5 Signs You Need A Whole House Dehumidifier
Humidity in the air is something we deal with regularly. But is there such a thing as too much humidity in your home? The correct answer is YES. Humidity is the measurement of water in the air, and when there is enough water in the air, living organisms can grow and thrive, and we don’t…
How Surge Protection and Power Conditioning Work Together
The heart of your electrical system is the main panel, usually a gray metal box that is hidden away in a utility room, the basement or the garage. Large wires from the utility company feed into the main panel. Circuit breakers in your main panel control the power level to the wires that run throughout…
Do You Have These Common Electrical Hazards In Your Home?
Every day things change around your home. With daily use, wear and tear, and even with normal aging, common electrical connections can suddenly go from working properly to electrical hazard, one that can be dangerous, even deadly for your family. But how do you know where problems lie? Are there electrical snags you can fix…
What is an HVAC System? | R.S. Andrews Atlanta HVAC Services
An HVAC system consists of your furnace, your air conditioner, and the blower motor inside the furnace is also part of the HVAC system. HVAC simply stands for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, and part of its job is to maintain the temperature inside of your house for you whether it be summertime or…
What You Should Know Before Signing Up For A Commercial HVAC Maintenance Contract
There are two approaches to maintaining your commercial HVAC system. 1.The “Wait and See” Approach. Install the equipment and wait and see what happens. Call in a HVAC technician whenever you have problems or concerns with your equipment. 2. The HVAC Planned Maintenance Approach. Invest in a plan that provides regular maintenance from a HVAC…
Ask These Questions Before You Buy A Generator
Strong winds. Out of the ordinary storms. Power outages. It doesn’t take much to make you realize how dependent we are on electricity. Going without it for a few hours can be difficult. But a few days? Nearly impossible given our lifestyles. Which is why the demand for home generators is increasing. Generators cost anywhere…
Should Your Insurance Claim and Restoration Include Duct Cleaning?
The scenario is all too familiar. A water heater bursts. A washing machine overflows. A pipe behind the wall begins to leak. And before you know it, extensive water damage occurs throughout your home. The first place to start is to stop the water flow. The second step is to begin clean up. Yet cleaning…
How HVAC Impacts Your Building’s Clean Air
HVAC maintenance. For many property owners, those two words simply mean the act of keeping equipment in proper working condition. But there’s more to HVAC maintenance than the equipment alone. If not properly maintained, your HVAC system has a good chance of impacting the people in your building in a variety of ways, including comfort…
How Often to Change an Air Filter | RS Andrews Atlanta Air Conditioning Services
How often should you change your air filter depends on what type of filter that you have in your home. There are several on the market. Some of them are one inch. Some of them are five inch. If you have the one inch filter in your home, typically these are replaced between 30 and…
Does Turning Off The Lights Really Save You Money?
When you drive up to your home, are the lights blazing? Do you leave every light on in your home, no matter what room you settle in? Do you forget to turn out a light before you head out for the evening? It’s a big deal. Not all light bulbs are created equal. The more…
How An Energy Audit Helps Your Business
Energy audits. Are they worth the hassle? As a busy property manager, adding one more thing to your calendar can seem like more work than its worth. But what if you gain valuable knowledge about energy efficient solutions that could benefit everyone in your building? And save you a lot of money over time? As…
Finding Your Main Water Shutoff Valve
Imagine coming home or walking into a room and finding a rush of water at your feet. Instant panic. Water is one of the most destructive elements in a home. Time is of the essence to stop the problem before it continues to escalate. But in order to do that, you have to start at…
How Do Heavy Rains Affect Your Air Conditioner
Sometimes a summer rain shower can turn into a foot or more of water, causing floodwaters that wreak havoc on homes and businesses throughout our community. How will that much water affect your air conditioner? Air conditioner units are designed to withstand many of the extreme elements that nature sends its way each year. Outdoor…
Easy Ways To Fix Office Temperature Fluctuations With Your Commercial HVAC System
Chances are the people in your commercial space are facing it now. In some offices, people are wearing sweaters, running personal space heaters, and doing everything they can to block the flow of cold air. In other offices, people are fiddling with thermostats and making every attempt to get a stronger flow of air into…
How To Evaluate Your Parking Lot Lighting
If your property was constructed ten or more years ago, there’s a good chance your lighting is inadequate. For many years, parking lot lighting was a low priority for designers. The purpose was more for enhancing architecture and appearance rather than for safety and security. Therefore, evaluating your outside lighting today can be an important…
The Importance of Attic Fans
Have you checked your fans lately? The average power roof ventilator or attic fan lasts 5 to 7 years. Is it time to have yours inspected? As spring turns into summer, temperatures continue to climb higher. But it’s not just the temperatures that can weigh you down; the humidity can leave your living space stifling…
What’s That Smell Coming From Your Ductwork?
It’s in the air, and you’re not quite sure what it is. The windows are shut, you’ve turned on the air conditioner for the first time, and instead of a stream of cool air enveloping your room, the smell overwhelms you instead. Is this your signal of a bigger problem? Some smells can be a…
What You Need To Know About Commercial Backflow
Much of our modern day lifestyles depend on clean water. Plumbing regulations continue to be refined and upgraded to help us maintain a fresh, unpolluted supply of water, and do so in an environmentally and sustainable way. We tend to think of plumbing systems in our homes and businesses through output – we want warm…
How Do Gas Water Heaters Work? | R.S. Andrews Atlanta Plumbing Services
How a gas water heater works is simple. You basically have a very big tank. In this particular case, it’s a 50 gallon gas water heater. The way it operates is the cold water comes into the unit right here, and on the inside of this tank is a tube called the dip tube…
Why Every Property Manager Needs An HVAC Professional On Their Team
As a property manager in today’s commercial marketplace, you’re moving faster than ever. Every day brings new problems and opportunities to light. And with the many challenges and responsibilities that move across your desk, your HVAC equipment is the last thing that comes to mind. Until something goes wrong. Here at RS Andrews, we know…
What Happens During A Power Surge
A power surge is a sudden increase of voltage that significantly exceeds the standard 120-volt flow of electricity that normally enters your home or building. As it shoots through the lines, it can cause tremendous damage to electronics, appliances, even your HVAC equipment. Power surges can carry thousands, even tens of thousands of volts into…
How Power Surges Affect Your HVAC Equipment
Chances are you’ve thought about protecting your computer and electronic equipment from power surges. Power strips and other surge protection equipment is often sold in conjunction when making these purchases. But what about your HVAC equipment? Is it protected in the event a lightning strike occurs near your home? Or a surge ripples through your…
Why Water Pressure Is Low In Your Home
Nothing feels as great as climbing into the shower, letting the warm, powerful stream of water soothe and relax you. Nothing can be as disappointing as realizing that powerful stream has been reduced to a mere trickle. What can cause low water pressure in your home? Water Valves If a water valve is partially or…
How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work? | R.S. Andrews Atlanta Plumbing Services
Tankless water heaters operate based on flow. What that means is when you turn on a plumbing fixture, when you turn on a faucet in your home, that establishes flow of water through a tankless water heater. The water heater then senses the flow. The flow sensor tells the computer of the tankless exactly how…
Sick Building Syndrome: Is Your Office To Blame?
It happens every day. People drive their cars into the city to work and park in the underground parking garage located below their high-rise office building. People head outside to smoke, spend time chatting with friends near the building. Printers and fax machines busily work away in offices throughout the building, emitting ozone and other…
5 Things That May Be Living In Your Ductwork
In most cases, your home’s ductwork tends to be an “out of sight, out of mind” system. As long as we have heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, we ignore the process. Yet we care about the air we breathe. Which makes indoor air quality important. Small actions like changing your…
How To Tell When Your AC Condenser Coil Needs Cleaning
In many cases, knowing something needs to be done and being able to do it yourself are two different things. If your home or business has an air conditioning system and it’s up to you to make sure it’s running at its optimal level, you probably know it will need routine maintenance. You’ve probably heard…
Why You Should Tune-Up Your Air Conditioner Before The Heat Of The Summer
When you purchased your car, you knew that in order to keep it running at its optimal level, it would need periodic maintenance along the way. New tires. Oil changes. New belts. You also knew that if you didn’t keep up with regular maintenance, you would have big problems down the road. If you never…
DIY vs Handyman vs Qualified Electrician, What’s The Difference?
Some projects are perfect for the do-it-yourself homeowner. Others, not so much. Most homeowners should never attempt DIY electrical work unless you have experience in the electrical field. Electricity is extremely complicated and dangerous; the risks are many. But how do you know who to trust? What if your friend offers you a bargain for…
What Size Ceiling Fan Do I Need?
Choosing the right size ceiling fan ensures maximum performance, comfort, and style. But how do you know what the right size is? Are small ceiling fans designed for small spaces, large ceiling fans created for larger rooms? What happens if you mix it up? There is an easy way to size your ceiling fan to…
How to Install a Water Heater | R.S. Andrews Atlanta Plumbing Services
RS Andrews Master Plumber Ben Kendrick walks through the steps of installing a water heater. Water heaters should always be installed by licensed local professionals, to ensure quality, safety and stability. To install a water heater you must first remove the old water heater. That means disconnecting your water supplies, your T&P drainage supply, your…
Are Your Furnace Noises Normal?
In some cases, you expect your HVAC system to make noises as it works throughout the day. It takes a lot of energy to push air from the furnace through the duct work, and out through the vents in each room. Slowly, over time, things begin changing. A hiss here, a whistle there. Something tells…
Indoor vs Outdoor Ceiling Fans: What You Need To Know
What could be better than sitting outside on your front porch swing, sipping ice tea, and watching the world go by? It’s a perfect setting for the beautiful spring days when the days are still perfect enough to enjoy it, and all you need is a gentle, cool breeze to keep you enjoying for hours.…
3 Reasons You Should Have Your Duct Work Cleaned Today
Spring cleaning. It’s something we face each year. As you make your way throughout your to-do list for the season, certain tasks easily fall into place. Dusting. Cleaning out cabinets. Airing out your home. Nothing feels better than opening up the windows for the first time, letting the gentle breezes flow through your home. The…
Using Ceiling Fans In Winter
Think the only time to use a ceiling fan is in the summer? Think again. For many homeowners, ceiling fans are a must have item during the summer months to keep cool through the heat. This is because air flow from the blades causes a wind chill effect that cools your skin. They don’t produce…
The Dangers Of Ungrounded Electrical Systems
Statistics show that millions of people receive voltage electric shocks each year, of which thousands will receive a serious enough injury to wind up in the hospital. And while there is a variety of reasons for this to occur, one of the biggest is because of failure to make sure the electrical system is properly…
How to Light a Water Heater | R.S. Andrews Atlanta Plumbing Services
The lighting instructions are located right on the front of a water heater, but it’s pretty simple. You turn the gas valve to the pilot position, you depress the pilot assembly, and what that does is allow gas to come into the pilot tube. You then strike your striker and you can visually see the…
Is It Time To Install A New AC System In Your Home This Summer?
Summer means longer days and more sunshine to play in. It also means higher temperatures and more record-breaking days. Yet here in Atlanta, that can be solved easily. Simply turn up the air conditioner in your home and enjoy the cool breezes as you relax. How old is your AC system? When is the last…
What More Than One Backup Is Telling You About Your Plumbing
We’ve all had a sink or a toilet back up from time to time. And in many cases, it’s easy to find the clog. When something doesn’t drain correctly in your home, it’s likely a clog. It’s actually a pretty common issue in all drains, sinks, toilet and showers alike. Take a look under your…
Does Your Home Have Adequate Lightning Protection?
Ever noticed your lights quickly dimming before returning to the bright light you’re used to? Ever have the electricity flicker on and off so fast, you weren’t sure if it happened? Dangerous power surges happen all year long. Nearly every electrical device and appliance in your home use sensitive components for operation. And although you…
How Long Does a Water Heater Last? | R.S. Andrews Atlanta Plumbing Services
RS Andrews Master Plumber Ben Kendrick elaborates on the factors that impact the lifespan of an average water heater in Georgia. How long a water heater lasts can vary drastically based on a variety of factors. The average life of a water heater is 8 to 12 years; more specifically, the average lifespan of a…
Improper Electrical Grounding Techniques: Do These Exist In Your Home?
Proper electrical grounding prevents the unwanted voltage on non-current-carrying metal objects. It also aids in the correct operation of overcurrent devices. Codes and rules have changed considerably over the years, meaning how the electrical system operates today are very different than how it operated a decade or two ago. You may love your thirty, fifty,…
Why You Need Surge Protectors
Take a quick look around your home. How many dollars do you have invested in the latest technology? If you’re like many homeowners, you may have purchased a surge protector to use in offices or family rooms. Computers and home theater equipment are the first things people think of to protect from powerful and violent…
Increase Safety With The Right Parking Lot Lighting
Want to increase safety in your parking lot? Simply add more lighting, right? Well, that’s not always the case. Unnecessary parking lot lighting will cost you more over time, both in energy costs to operate, as well as maintenance costs of the equipment. It is also more environmentally unfriendly. Excessive lighting does not improve safety;…
5 Things To Consider Before Installing Ceiling Fans With Lights
Ready to install a ceiling fan with lights in your home? There are a number of things to consider before making your final decision. Energy Savings and Efficiency Efficiency is defined by the EPA as the amount of airflow a ceiling fan produces, divided by the amount of electricity it uses on its high speed.…
How to Drain a Water Heater | R.S. Andrews Atlanta Plumbing Services
RS Andrews Master Plumber Ben Kendrick explains the steps for properly draining a water heater. First and foremost, you want to turn the gas or the power supply off to the unit. Second, you want to connect a garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the water heater. Third, you want…
Identifying the Most Common Air Conditioner Problems
With weather looking like it’s going to steadfastly remain warm for the foreseeable future, the majority of us are dependent on our air conditioning systems more than ever. This dependence means that we need our AC units to be in top running condition so we aren’t faced with the uncomfortable prospect of a breakdown –…
How to Take Your Plumbing Outdoors
Now that summer is fully in swing, most of us are going to be spending more time outside than ever. From playing in the yard with the kids to watering your garden, life tends to move outdoors this time of year. So, it makes sense to start considering an outdoor plumbing system (if you don’t…
What’s the Deal with Infrared Inspection Cameras?
You may have noticed if you’ve ever used our services before that your R.S. Andrews technician used some sort of strange camera to inspect your HVAC system, plumbing, or water heater. These are not just any plain old cameras, of course; we’re on the forefront of HVAC and plumbing maintenance and repair technology here at…
How to Dehumidify Your Home This Summer – Naturally!
Summer in the south means one thing: humidity, and lots of it. A certain level of humidity is good for your health and home (the ideal humidity level in a home is 35-45% and can be determined by using a hygrometer), but once you pass that point it can wreak havoc on both you and…
What’s the Story on UV Air Cleaners?
You may have noticed on our Current Specials page that we are offering up to $100 off our best indoor air quality package, which includes an air cleaner with an ultraviolet purification light system. Since the whole concept of UV air purification is relatively new, we decided to give our readers a UV air purification…
Going on Vacation? Learn How to Cut Your Energy Bill While Away
Spring is quickly turning into summer, and as the kids get out of school many of you will be taking summer vacations. Despite many of our best efforts, vacations usually end up costing more than we planned, so why add to the expenses? By implementing some of our tips you’ll be able to cut energy…
Time for Spring Cleaning – Don’t Forget Your AC!
It’s hard to believe it’s already spring! The first part of the year seems to have flown by for us at R.S. Andrews! Springtime means it’s time to start your spring cleaning, but have you scheduled a maintenance visit for your HVAC system in time for Spring as welll? If there’s one thing we rely…
What to Look for in a Programmable Thermostat
If you’re a regular reader of this blog you should know the benefits of installing a programmable thermostat in your home. Programmable thermostats pack a twofer: they help you conserve energy and save you money. You can simply program your thermostat to adjust itself to your desired temperature an hour before you come home and…
Easy Ways to Improve Home Air Quality
During the dog days of summer in Atlanta, many of us hunker down at home in the air conditioning. However, with that choice you forgo fresh, clean air. You may think that your home air quality is up to par, however, you may be mistaken. Everything from moisture to cleaning supplies can leave harmful pollutants…
What Goes Into HVAC Maintenance?
We are making the assumption that by reading this blog, you know that R.S. Andrews is your go to source for all your HVAC needs (as well as plumbing!). However, when people call us to schedule regular maintenance checks on their HVAC systems, they often have no idea what it is we are doing. So…
How to Stop Cool Air From Sneaking Out
One of the biggest home expenses during the summer is your energy bill due to heavy air conditioning use, especially here in Atlanta. It would make sense then that every home owner would want to conserve that cold air. Unfortunately, many homes lose some of that cool air in different ways, resulting in your air…
When Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?
Water heaters are easily among the most important appliances in the home. They are so commonplace, most of us take hot water for granted. Can you imagine a life where you had to take only cold showers? Not pretty. This reason alone makes it important for you to keep track of your water heater, and…
HVAC: Your First Line of Defense Against Allergens
Your home is supposed to be your refuge, the place where you can be the most comfortable. For allergy sufferers, the indoors provide more than that: they offer relief. Allergens can have a strong effect on people. Those suffering from allergy symptoms often experience respiratory issues similar to asthma in addition to a runny nose…
Increase Your Home’s Value With Plumbing Upgrades!
When considering home improvement projects, the goal for most people is to not only make everything in their home operate at full efficiency, but to also add value to their home. Given the current market conditions for homes, adding value of any kind is going to beneficial to the seller. One way to do this,…
Is Your Toilet Running? Here’s How to Catch It!
There are few things that can annoy a homeowner more than a running toilet. Not only is the constant trickling sound enough to push someone over the edge, but the increased water bill adds insult to injury. Most people don’t have the slightest idea how to fix this problem, and simply leave it unattended. At…
Your Insulation Questions – Answered!
The attic: it’s usually not a place that is regularly ventured into. Whether it’s because of difficulty getting to it, or the fact that attics can reignite our childhood fears of ghosts, many of us spend very little time thinking about this part of the house! At R.S. Andrews, we’re here to give you a…
Your Quick Spring Plumbing Checklist
With Spring comes the chance to open the windows, clean the house – and check on your plumbing! A little preventative maintenance on your plumbing now will save you time and trouble over the rest of the year. Here’s a rundown of the plumbing issues you should check into as part of your Spring cleaning!…
4 Reasons To Buy A Whole-House Humidifier
Home appliances don’t usually work double duty, providing benefits for both your health and your house. Humidifiers, specifically whole-house humidifiers, are an exception. Whole-house humidifiers can be installed directly into your existing HVAC system, and in addition to protecting the wood in your home from the damaging effects of excessive dryness, they can also help…
Time for Spring Cleaning – Don’t Forget Your AC!
It’s hard to believe it’s already spring! The first part of the year seems to have flown by for us at R.S. Andrews! Springtime means it’s time to start your spring cleaning, but have you scheduled a maintenance visit for your HVAC system in time for Spring as welll? If there’s one thing we rely…
Duct Layout & Your Energy Bill: What You Need to Know
The layout of your home’s HVAC duct system is one of the most important factors in the energy efficiency you’ll be able to achieve with your heating and cooling system. The size of the ducts need to be properly matched with your house’s needs and your HVAC system, and they need to be properly insulated…
Is Your Garage Making You Sick?
If your home has an attached garage, you’ve no doubt been enjoying the convenience and comfort that comes with being able to end a winter drive by getting out into a room that’s relatively warm and protected from the elements. Your car stays cleaner as well, protected from dirt, snow, and from birds dropping unwelcome…
Low Water Pressure Got You Down? Troubleshoot!
Low water pressure is one of the most common Atlanta plumbing problems we hear about. It may not represent an emergency, but it sure does affect your quality of life – with water pressure too low, you wind up wasting lots of time waiting for water to come out of your faucet or shower head,…
How to Save Money…by Flushing Your Tankless Water Heater!
There are a lot of reasons to recommend a tankless hot water heater, ease of maintenance being one of them. But there’s one threat that anyone who owns a tankless heater should be aware of and take the proper steps to avoid: hard water scale buildup, primarily on the heat exchangers. If hard water scale…
What’s the Worst for Air Quality? (Hint: Not the Furnace!)
If you’re a regular reader of Smiley’s blog, you already know how important indoor air quality issues can be for your family’s health, and you know that regular maintenance of your HVAC system is the key to maintaining high air quality in your home. One thing you may not know is that many air quality…
The Energy Star Most Efficient Label: Look for It When You Buy!
If you’ve been shopping around for new heating or cooling equipment for your Atlanta home, chances are you’ve seen the Energy Star logo on just about every appliance available these days. Energy Star is an international energy efficiency standard that applies to products made in the USA, and has become pretty ubiquitous over the years…
Save Money – Seal Your HVAC Ducts!
With winter temperatures continuing to drop as heating bills continue to rise, it’s no surprise that we’ve spent some time here on Smiley’s blog talking about all the ways homeowners can save money on heating, from focusing on heating system efficiency to getting your furnace tuned up to adding insulation and weather-stripping. One thing we…
9 Reasons to Get Your Furnace Serviced – Now!
We’ve talked about furnace and HVAC maintenance frequently here on the R.S. Andrews blog, but we know that most of the time heating and air conditioning systems just get ignored until they malfunction and stop working. Avoiding an emergency that could result in a financial catastrophe is all the incentive anyone should need to prioritize…
HVAC Filters – If You Haven’t Been Changing Them Monthly, Do It Now!
We’ve made it to the middle of the heating season here in Atlanta, and it’s as important as ever to make sure you’re keeping up with proper HVAC maintenance. If you read Smiley’s blog often, you probably already know that the single most important heating maintenance measure you should be taking is to replace your…
Thinking of Buying a New Heat Pump? Read This First!
This winter hasn’t been particularly cold for Atlanta, but we’ve still been dealing with wintery weather enough lately that you’ve probably had the chance to take note of what’s good about your home’s heating system, and what could use some improvement. When it comes to both effective home heating and energy efficiency that will keep…
Thinking of Buying a New Heat Pump? Read This First!
This winter hasn’t been particularly cold for Atlanta, but we’ve still been dealing with wintery weather enough lately that you’ve probably had the chance to take note of what’s good about your home’s heating system, and what could use some improvement. When it comes to both effective home heating and energy efficiency that will keep…
Keep Chilly Drafts at Bay & Save Money by Sealing Those Leaks!
Have you been experiencing chilly drafts and uneven heating in your home this winter? Have your energy bills seemed higher than they ought to be for an Alpharetta or Decatur winter? If so, there’s a good chance you have air leaks in your house that need to be properly sealed. The good news is, sealing…
Is Your Family Protected from Carbon Monoxide?
With the heating season in full swing, we wanted to take the opportunity to talk about the importance of carbon monoxide detectors, and remind Atlanta residents that now is the time to check your carbon monoxide detector if have one, or get one if you don’t. Everyone knows why it’s important to have a working…
Extreme Cold Is Coming This Weekend…Are You Ready?
Freezing temperatures are being forecast for Atlanta this weekend – the wind chill could be as low as 17 degrees! Since this is the first time this year that temperatures have gotten down to potentially dangerous levels of cold, here are some tips for making sure your HVAC and plumbing systems can operate normally and…
Holiday Plumbing Tips…So You Don’t Have to Call Us!
The holiday season tends to be stressful for all of us, what with all the visiting relatives, last-minute shopping and long hours in the kitchen preparing tasty meals and treats for the family – but your home’s plumbing system is also under the greatest stress it experiences all year. Lots of cooking and cleaning means…
Here’s Your Tankless Hot Water Heater Buying Guide – Part 2!
In Part 1 of our Tankless Hot Water Heater buying guide, we talked about the differences, advantages and disadvantages of gas-fired and electrically powered tankless hot water heaters. Today, we’re going to talk about the other main considerations that are the most important when buying and installing your new tankless hot water heater. What’s It…
Home Improvement Tip: Large Appliance Maintenance & Upgrades Pay Off
Every homeowner knows that regular, professional maintenance of their heating, cooling and plumbing systems is crucial to the successful upkeep of a house. After all, the safety and efficiency of these systems can affect everything from how much money your family spends on energy bills to whether you suffer a catastrophic furnace problem on the…
Here’s Your Tankless Hot Water Heater Buying Guide – Part 1!
We talked about many of the benefits you can see from switching to a tankless water heater in a previous post, and since we know that many Atlanta plumbers are fielding questions about this upgrade a lot these days, we thought we’d give you the low-down on what you need to know when you decide…
5 Energy Saving Facts…That Are Myths!
With today’s high energy costs, we’re all looking for ways to save money on cooling and heating our homes, and there are certain things that get repeated again and again in any discussion of efficiency. The problem is, many accepted “facts” about energy efficiency are actually myths! Despite people’s best intentions that may be behind…
Don’t Let Your Drains Clog Up Your Thanksgiving Weekend!
Did you know that the day after Thanksgiving is widely cited as the busiest day of the year for clogged drains? It’s no surprise once you think about it – with so many big holiday meals being prepared and cleaned up, the potential for clogged drains and garbage disposals is particularly high, and extra house…
Heat Pump or Furnace? Smiley’s Take
A question we often get from homeowners when heating season rolls around is whether a heat pump or a high-efficiency furnace would be better for their home’s heating needs. The answer is that it depends: there are some advantages and disadvantages to both, so we thought we’d give Atlanta homeowners the low-down on the heat…
Furnace Maintenance Tips from Atlanta’s Heating Experts
During the winter months, when the air in our homes starts to feel chilly and a sweatshirt and blanket aren’t doing the trick, many Atlanta homeowners tend to reach for the thermostat to heat things up. But what if the reason your heating system isn’t performing up to snuff isn’t because your thermostat is too…
Smiley’s Money-Saving Tips for Winter
That’s right – winter! It’s hard to believe, but summer is long over, Halloween was earlier this week, and winter is coming soon. It’s still in the 70’s during the day, but temperatures in Atlanta are getting down into the 40s when the sun goes down, a sure sign that heating season will be upon…
Quiet Those Noisy Pipes!
If you’ve got noisy drain pipes in your home, you’ve probably accepted the fact that every time someone flushes a toilet or drains the water out of the bathtub, the walls seem to reverberate with the sound of water rattling on down the drain pipes. This is annoying when you’re alone, and embarrassing when you…
Get Your Plumbing Tuned-Up and Save $$$
When it comes to plumbing maintenance for Atlanta homeowners, we at R.S. Andrews want to remind you that proactively maintaining your home’s plumbing is practically guaranteed to save you big money and even bigger headaches down the road. The best way to do this is to schedule a whole-house plumbing system inspection from R.S. Andrews…
How to Clean Your Heating Ducts
If you want better air quality in your home, and want a heating system that runs more efficiently this winter, why not learn how to clean your own air ducts? Keeping these ducts clean will mean less dirt and fewer germs in the air your family breathes, and will help your heating and cooling system…
Water Heater Maintenance Basics
Regular maintenance for your water heater is a crucial part of keeping it running efficiently and economically. That’s why we recommend having an expert from R.S. Andrews perform a water heater inspection and tune-up annually – our experienced technicians can fix problems before they occur, and ensure that your system is well calibrated to provide…
Don’t Let Your Furnace Leave You Out in the Cold
Last week we talked about ways Atlanta homeowners can get their plumbing systems ready for fall and winter, so today we thought we’d give you some insight into furnace maintenance and repair and why it’s so important. As the weather becomes colder, your furnace will take the lead in powering your home’s heating, so it’s…
Time to Check Those Pipes!
Your Fall Plumbing Checklist Fall is here, and we just want to take the opportunity to remind Atlanta residents that fall is the time to get their plumbing ready for winter. Atlanta is nice and warm this weekend, but it won’t be long before your plumbing might be threatened by freezing temperatures, so R.S. Andrews…
Who’s Ready for Sweater Weather?
For Atlanta residents, heating is something we only worry about for the few months out of the year when the weather isn’t hot and humid. The result is that many Atlanta residents are well-versed in all the tricks to get the most out of their air conditioning system but may know little about how to…
Does Waiting for Hot Water Get You Steamed? Go Tankless!
Are you tired of standing around waiting for the water to warm up every time you take a shower, and then having to rush once the water is finally ready? Do you get sick of standing in the kitchen with your hand under the faucet, waiting for the water to get hot enough to wash…
How Bad is a Slab Leak?
>A leak that occurs underneath your home’s foundation, called a “slab leak,” is a very serious problem. If the water pipes that are located under the “slab” of concrete that makes up your house’s foundation develop even minor cracks or holes, they can cause serious water damage to your property. If you have a slab…
Do You Have Dirty Sock Syndrome?
When you start up your HVAC system, does it emit a mildew-y odor reminiscent of a dirty, musky locker room? The reason for this smell, dubbed “Dirty Sock Syndrome” by many in the HVAC industry, is caused by an accumulation of bacteria that grows on the indoor coils of heat pumps and air conditioners. One…
Lower Your Heating Bills This Winter With a New Furnace
It’s still warm in Atlanta, but heating season is fast approaching, so now is a great time to give a little thought to furnace efficiency and its impact on your finances and the environment. Heating expenses form the largest portion of overall energy expenditures for the vast majority of homeowners, accounting for between 30% and…
Dealing With Basement Flooding
Weather reports are calling for heavy rain this afternoon and evening in Atlanta, and with heavy rain come flooded basements. No matter the source of basement flooding, whether it’s a burst pipe or a leak from the outside, you can be in deep water fairly quickly and facing a variety of problems and calls to…
Is Your Heating System Ready for Fall (and Winter)?
Though it may not feel like it yet in Atlanta, fall is almost upon us, and it’s time to take a look at our home HVAC systems and make sure they’re ready for the cold months ahead. Your furnace has been out of sight and out of mind all summer while you’ve been worried about…
How to Troubleshoot Your AC Compressor
One of the most important components of your home’s air conditioning system is the compressor. The compressor squeezes or compresses air conditioning fluid into a dense, high-temperature liquid, which is then passed into the evaporator through a tiny intake hole. On the other side of this hole, the fluid’s pressure drops and it begins to…
3 Reasons Your AC Won’t Get Cold
Atlanta homeowners are suffering through some of the hottest weather in recent years this summer, and a well functioning AC system is an absolute necessity to combat the heat and high humidity. Most modern air conditioning units have a lifespan of decades, but even the most well-maintained systems will at times fail to provide air…
Is Your Ductwork Costing You Money?
Ductwork, the system of ducts that moves air throughout your home, is a major factor in determining how well or how poorly your HVAC system is utilizing energy. On average, ductwork in homes loses about 20% of its heating and cooling energy to poor connections, leaks, and other damage. An additional amount of energy can…
Is Your Air Conditioner Making You Sick?
During the hot summer months in Atlanta, chances are you’re going to be spending a majority of your time inside where it’s nice and cool. But are you taking care to make sure that the air quality in your home isn’t unhealthy? It may surprise you to know but the quality of indoor air can…
Solving the World’s Most Embarassing Plumbing Problem
A clogged toilet is always a frustrating, and often messy situation to deal with (especially if you have house guests at the time!). Fortunately, most of the time you can take care of a clogged toilet yourself without the need to call R.S. Andrews plumbers for assistance. If you flush your toilet and the flushing…
Air Conditioning Specials and Discounts to Beat the Heat
Atlanta’s record heat wave has caused many AC units a huge amount of stress, working to keep our families cool and comfortable. If your Air Conditioning isn’t performing up to snuff, there is no better time to check out some of R.S. Andrews’ AC specials! The month of July is chock full of hot deals…
Will Your AC Be Effective in This Weekend’s Extreme Weather?
The Heat Advisory for 100+ degree temperatures that authorities are forecasting for the Atlanta area this weekend and next week will be far above the conditions in which your cooling system was designed to operate. We are providing some information to help educate our customers, and we hope it will give some insight into what…
Welcome to Smiley’s Blog!
Welcome to Smiley’s blog, your resource for all things R.S. Andrews! We created this blog to share helpful information & expert tips concerning your home’s heating, air conditioning, and plumbing systems, and to keep you up-to-date on our great specials that will save you money. Your home’s HVAC and plumbing systems perform best when they…
Why You Should Get An Air Conditioning Tune-Up Today
Summer’s sweltering days and muggy nights are officially upon us, but between driving the kids to swim practice and day camp and taking care of a thousand other things homeowners face, it can be hard to find time to schedule a tune-up for your air conditioning system. But, delaying a tune-up, and overlooking proper preventative…
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