Gainesville Mechanical Inc Blog

What is the Difference Between HVAC and Air Conditioning?

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 19:59:34 GMT

We’ve all heard of air conditioning, and you have likely heard the term HVAC. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Knowing that it might be confusing as to why the two are separated. Air conditioning and HVAC aren’t the same thing. Depending on your climate, you might have one or the other (in rare cases, neither). This article is going to explain what air conditioning does, what HVAC does, and the difference between the two.

If you’ve ever been curious about the difference between HVAC vs AC, you’ve come to the right spot. Read on and learn the difference!

What is air conditioning?

To know the difference between HVAC and AC, we need to know what each system does individually. Let’s start with air conditioning, which has fewer components than an HVAC system.

An air conditioning unit cools a space in a home or other dwelling. It can also be used to dehumidify a room or a space. It’s pretty brilliant in design. The way an air conditioner works is that it pulls in hot air from the outside, gathers it internally, cools the air off, and then pumps it back into the space where it is cooling.

An air conditioning unit has four main parts: compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve. The compressor sends the refrigerant to the condenser, releasing the heat from the air and turning it into a liquid. That liquid is passed through the evaporator and returned to the compressor. The expansion valve controls the temperature by regulating how much refrigerant is released.

You may be familiar with two main types of AC . The first are window units. These units fit snugly into a window and are only good for heating one room. While these are effective for smaller rooms, they can be expensive to run.

The other type of AC you may have heard of is centralized AC. This form of AC is meant to cool off an entire home or building. Centralized AC runs through a series of vents and offers a consistent temperature throughout a space. On the front end, centralized AC is much more expensive. In the long run, it is much more durable than a window unit and will save you money.

What is HVAC?

While HVAC has an element of AC, it also includes heating and ventilation. A simple way to explain the difference between an AC unit and an HVAC unit is that an HVAC unit is meant to control the climate of a home or building throughout the year, as opposed to just the hotter months. When you think of HVAC services, you can think of a furnace, heat pump, blower, evaporator coil, and all the ductwork needed to make it happen.

While an AC window unit can be installed by anyone, an HVAC unit will require an HVAC installer. These huge systems are complicated to set up but easy to use. The furnace heats the air, which the internal blower blows through the ductwork. The air conditioning component of an HVAC system works the same way as a standalone air conditioning unit.

One of the other big differences between an HVAC system and an air conditioning unit is the amount of upkeep that an HVAC unit requires.

An AC window unit doesn’t require too much maintenance. A centralized AC unit will require more maintenance but not as much as an HVAC unit.

For those with an HVAC unit, you will want a trusted and experienced professional to deal with the upkeep of your HVAC unit. An experienced professional will have all the HVAC tools needed to ensure your system is running smoothly.

So, what’s the difference between an HVAC unit and an air conditioning system? The main difference is the climate you are living in and what you need. People in climates that get cold and hot will want an HVAC unit, while those in southern climates will likely opt for just an air conditioning unit.

If you are wondering whether you need an AC or an HVAC unit, please contact Gainesville Mechanical today!

Is a Plumbing Inspection Necessary When Buying a New Home?

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 19:53:36 GMT

If there is anything that could take the joy out of buying a new home, it could be the process of buying a new home. It is a long, often confusing process that, at best, can be described as daunting. Not only is there the process of getting everything lined up with the banks (closing costs, etc.), but there is also the process of having the house inspected to ensure it is up to code. Of course, if anything is found during these inspections, you will likely have to spend money on whatever the issue is to fix it before you can finally move in.

With that in mind, it is worth wondering if there are parts of getting a house inspected before buying that you could skip altogether. How much of it is necessary? In this article, we will go over what is looked at during a plumbing inspection, things that could go wrong if you skip a plumbing inspection, and whether it is even possible to skip this part of the process in the first place. So, if you are planning on buying a house, read on! This article is just for you.

What are they looking for?

What exactly is being looked for when a plumbing inspection is conducted? The basic answer is anything with pipes in your home. A plumber will look at your sinks, toilets, showers, sewage lines, water supply, water heater, and anything else that has water flowing through it. This plumber will look at and test your pipes for corrosion, leaks, cracks, or any other problems that currently exist or could pop up later.

They do this by using two different methods.

The first method is simply an eye test. This is checking out anything visible to the naked eye, including faucets, shower heads , valves, piping, caulking, etc. An experienced professional will be able to tell a lot just from looking. A plumber might find cracking, mold, condensation, leaking, or warping. All of these could be signs of trouble now or in the future.

Next, an experienced plumber will use cameras to look into your pipes . By doing this, a plumber can see if there is any damage or build-up in your pipes that could cause issues in the future. Even if it seems like everything is running smoothly to the naked eye, a camera test might reveal problems that should be fixed now instead of later.

How much does it cost?

The way to go is to see if you have plumbing issues home inspection. However, there is always the concern of price. During the homebuying process, all the little things add up, but you can be assured that the plumbing inspection price isn’t too high.

On average, you can expect to spend a couple hundred bucks. It can cost different amounts depending on how thorough an inspection you are having conducted. For example, a video inspection will cost more than an inspection without video.

What happens if they find something?

A truth of life as a homeowner is that it is better to fix something in the early stages of damage than in the later stages. If you have a plumbing inspection done and it is revealed that you need to fix things, you should be prepared for a wide range of outcomes. Even with knowing this, plumbing problems after buying a house could be much worse than the ones you know about beforehand. Water damage is one of the most expensive things that could go wrong in your home, and most water damage is directly related to plumbing issues.

If your plumber finds something that needs to be fixed, they will recommend how to proceed. It’s hard to decide what to expect, as a simple fix could be as cheap as $100, while more complex issues could wind up in the thousands.

Do I need a plumbing inspection?

Whether or not you must have a plumbing inspection is up to your mortgage lender. There are no laws that say plumbing inspections are required, but a lot of mortgage lenders require them before they will allow an individual to close on a home. It makes sense. Fixing a problem now, as mentioned above, is much less expensive than fixing a bigger problem in the future.

If you would like to learn more, please contact Gainesville Mechanical today.

Why Is My AC Blowing Out Warm Air?

7007994652 — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:57:20 GMT

When the summer sun beats down, we rely on our trusty air conditioners to keep our homes cool and comfortable. But what do you do when you switch it on and realize your AC is not blowing cold air? It can be pretty frustrating, but don't worry – there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Common causes of AC failure

Several things can cause your AC to fail. Some of the most common causes include:

Dirty or clogged air filters . Dirty or clogged air filters can restrict airflow and prevent your AC from cooling properly.
Low refrigerant levels . Refrigerant is the fluid circulating through your AC system to absorb heat from the air. If your refrigerant levels are low, your AC cannot cool effectively.
Compressor problems . The compressor is the heart of your AC system. If it fails, your AC will not be able to cool at all.
Electrical problems . Electrical problems can also cause your AC to fail. For example, a faulty AC capacitor can prevent your compressor from starting.
Old age . Over time, AC units wear out and become less efficient. If your AC is over ten years old, it may be time to replace it.

How to diagnose common AC problems yourself

If your AC is not blowing cold air, you can try to diagnose the problem yourself before calling a technician. Here are a few things to check:

Thermostat settings . Make sure your thermostat is set to the correct cooling mode and temperature.
Air filters . Inspect your air filters for dirt and clogging. If they are dirty or clogged, replace them.
Refrigerant levels . You can check your refrigerant levels using a refrigerant gauge kit. Call a technician to recharge your system if your refrigerant levels are low.
Compressor . If your compressor is not running, you must call a technician to diagnose the problem.
Electrical problems . If you suspect an electrical problem with your AC unit, it is best to call a qualified electrician to diagnose the problem.

How to choose the right AC unit for your home

If you need to replace your AC unit, there are a few things you need to consider when choosing a new unit:

The size of your home . Your AC unit's size will depend on your home's size. You can calculate the size of the AC unit you need using a BTU calculator.
The climate you live in . If you live in a hot climate, you will need a more powerful AC unit than in a cooler climate.
Your budget . AC units can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping for a new unit.

Get A New AC Unit 

Everything has its time, even air conditioners. If your AC gets on in years, it might tell you it's time for a new chapter . Older AC’s lose efficiency, making them less comfy and expensive.

Remember, keeping up with regular maintenance, like AC tune up and air filter changes, can make your AC live longer and work better. But if you've tried everything and your AC still isn't up to the cooling challenge, it might be time to discuss getting a new one. Give your local HVAC experts a shout and see what options they suggest.

Contact Gainesville Mechanical today for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services. We'll ensure your emergency AC repair is sorted out promptly and affordably so you can enjoy a comfortably cool home for years. Stay chill!

How Can I Tell If I Have A Water Leak?

7007994652 — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 19:26:21 GMT

Water leaks are sneaky troublemakers. They can sneak into your home, causing damage to your property and wasting precious water. But don't fear! Detecting water leaks early can save you from costly repairs and conservation woes. In this article, we'll explore the signs of water leaks , ways to find them, the role of skilled plumbers, and the price you might pay for water leak detection.

How to Detect Water Leak in House

Wondering how to detect water leak in house? Here are some simple yet telling signs:

Visible Dampness : Look for damp spots around sinks, toilets, and other areas. Sometimes, water can even sneak through walls and ceilings.
Discolored Water : If the water from your faucets looks dirty or rusty, that signifies a potential problem. But don't jump to conclusions, as it could also indicate other issues. Investigate further to be sure.
Strange Noises : Hissing or splashing sounds from your pipes could mean water leaks somewhere.
Check the Meter : Your water meter is like a detective's magnifying glass. If the leak indicator on the meter is moving, it's time to investigate further.
Obvious Damage : Stains, mold growth, and flaking paint can all point to water leaks. They might seem harmless, but they often signal a hidden leak.
High Water Bill : If your water bill suddenly skyrockets without any changes in your water usage, it's a sign of a sneaky leak.

Detecting Leaks Like a Pro

Professional Water Leak Detection : Sometimes, calling in the pros with specialized tools may be necessary. This can help you save time, avoid more damage, and fix leaks accurately.

Let's delve into crucial information about water leaks:

Water Leak Detection Cost : The price of leak detection depends on factors like leak type, location, and the service provider. Choosing a reputable plumber who offers transparent pricing for detection, repairs, and regular maintenance is important.
Water Leak Detection Plumbers : Skilled plumbers are your go-to for plumbing issues. Whether your sink's acting up or your drain line misbehaves, they've got you covered.
Can a Plumber Detect a Water Leak? Yes, highly skilled plumbers can detect water leaks using a variety of methods, including:
Checking the meter : A leak might lurk if the meter ticks even when you're not using water.
Water pressure test : Turning off all faucets and checking if the water pressure drops is a sign of a leak.
Visual inspection : A careful look at your plumbing system can reveal clues of water damage.
Leak detection devices : Plumbers use specialized tools that listen for leaks using sound or even infrared technology.

Securing Your Home

The consequences of failing to detect water leaks are so severe that they can lead to structural difficulties or the loss of entire properties. As a result, when you discover water leaks, immediate intervention is essential. In preventing property damage and water loss, it is critical to engage a certified and skilled plumber to locate and repair water leaks in your home. Contact Gainesville Mechanical for all your water leak detection, plumbing repairs, and installation needs. Since 1989, we've provided comprehensive residential and business heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services throughout Gainesville. Call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to arrange an appointment with one of our highly qualified and certified technicians.

How Does A Boiler System Work: Boilers Vs. Furnaces

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:42:59 GMT

When heating your home, you have several options, including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and geothermal systems. Many people confuse the uses of boiler vs furnace, but it's important to note that they heat your home differently.

Other considerations when selecting a heating system include energy efficiency, home size, climate, repair costs, etc. You must first understand how each system operates to find the ideal system for your needs.

How Does a Boiler Work?

Boilers typically have a tall, cylindrical design. They are often installed in basements or garages because they must be placed against a wall. Boiler installation and maintenance can be complex, so it's best to leave it to a qualified HVAC professional.

Boilers produce hot air by circulating heated water through a tank. They don't need ducts to distribute warm air around the house. Instead, hot water is piped to different endpoints in the home. This is known as radiant heat transfer.

When you turn on your boiler system, a gas boiler will use a flame to heat the water in the tank. An electric boiler's coils or other heating elements will heat the water.

The boiler heating system distributes heat to each room via baseboard radiators, cast iron radiators, or even radiant flooring systems. The heat distribution increases the surface temperature to warm the neighboring area—moving the heat via the endpoints into the living space. When the water cools (or the steam condenses back into the water), it often goes back to the boiler, restarting the process.

What is A Furnace, and How Does It Work?

Most furnaces are powered by natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity. A typical furnace contains several different components, including a burner (to burn fuel), heat exchangers (to transfer heat), a blower fan (to distribute heat), and a flue (for exhaust).

A furnace produces heat by burning air, which makes it capable of spreading warm air to many rooms. This type of heating system is often called a forced-air heater. Furnaces generate heat by transforming energy.

Room-temperature or cool air is pumped through a heat exchanger and warmed. Once heated, it's distributed via HVAC ductwork. The air is then blasted through ducts and vents throughout your home.

Furthermore, air circulates through the furnace air filter, which aids in the cleaning and purification of the air. This is important for maintaining your HVAC system and reducing furnace odors in the air. It also reduces the amount of dusting and vacuuming required in your home.

When the temperature in your home reaches the desired level, the process is terminated until the next time heat is required.

Some furnaces feature a humidifier that adds moisture to the hot air before it is routed through the ductwork. This contributes to a more comfortable home environment .

How Do Boilers and Furnaces Differ From Each Other?

The main difference between a boiler heater and a furnace is how they operate. As a result, a furnace will use more fuel than a boiler system. Additionally, while a boiler may be slightly more expensive than a furnace, it is designed to last significantly longer. However, this also depends on the quality and frequency of heating maintenance and servicing performed on the unit.

The maintenance needs for a boiler system also differ significantly from those of a furnace. Boiler units require little to no maintenance except for an annual service tune-up performed by a professional.

On the other hand, a furnace requires an annual inspection and the replacement of air filters monthly or quarterly. If you live in a dusty location or have pets, you'll want to change them more frequently, which can quickly add up costs.

A few maintenance differences exist between a natural gas furnace and a boiler. It is critical to have your natural gas furnace or boiler serviced by a professional HVAC technician once a year to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or natural gas leakage.

Ultimately, the best way to decide between a boiler and a furnace is to consider your specific needs and budget. A knowledgeable HVAC professional can help you determine the right heating system for your home and keep it in top operating condition.

If you're unsure how to proceed, contact specialists at Gainesville Mechanical . Your heating professional will assist you in making the best decision for you.

Your HVAC and Carbon Monoxide: A Home Safety Guide

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 19:33:50 GMT

HVAC – heating, ventilation, and air conditioning – plays a crucial role in your home, making your living space the right temperature and ensuring the air you breathe is clean. The HVAC system includes heating, cooling, and plumbing components. On the other hand, carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that's both odorless and colorless. Breathing it in can be life-threatening. This gas can sneak into your home due to faulty equipment or improper maintenance of gas appliances. For instance, during winter , chimneys and vents can become clogged, making it tough for combustion gases to escape. Barbecue grills can also be a source if not properly ventilated.

HVAC Safety Tips

1. Keep Your Air Conditioning Units Well-Maintained

Air conditioners don't produce carbon monoxide because they don't burn fuels. Instead, they work to keep your indoor temperature comfortable. HVAC gauges can help check the pressure of liquids and gases in your air conditioning system. Seasonal maintenance is essential for air conditioners, especially before summer arrives. Another useful tool is the HVAC vacuum pump. This device helps get rid of gas and contaminants from cooling systems. During repairs, the vacuum pump clears harmful substances before refrigerant refilling. This enhances efficiency and improves the air you breathe indoors.

2. Schedule Regular HVAC Tune Up

Plan for an HVAC tune-up at least once a year, preferably before the heating season sets in. A professional should service your filters, furnaces, vents, chimneys, fireplaces, and fuel-burning appliances. This proactive step saves you money on energy bills and addresses any potential carbon monoxide leaks. Carbon monoxide issues arise when carbon-based fuels like wood or kerosene don't burn completely. Poorly maintained or ventilated appliances like cookers, boilers, and furnaces can lead to health risks. Regular HVAC tuning can prevent these problems and keep you safe.

3. Keep Your Plumbing in Good Condition

It's easy to think of plumbing problems as inconveniences, but they can impact indoor air quality. Leaky sewage systems release sewage gas, which contains hydrogen sulfide. This gas can contaminate the air that your HVAC system circulates, affecting your health. Prolonged exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas can lead to discomfort like eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. To avoid these issues, ensure your plumbing is in tip-top shape. Regularly check for leaks and monitor water pressure and drain issues.

Benefits of HVAC Maintenance

With proper training and certification, an HVAC engineer can be a lifesaver for your home's comfort and safety. They handle your HVAC systems' design, installation, and regular maintenance, ensuring everything works. Regular HVAC tune up come with numerous advantages:

Improved Indoor Environment : Your home will be cozy in winter and summer.
Reduced Repair Costs : Catching issues early means less expensive fixes.
Extended Equipment Lifespan : Your HVAC system will last longer, saving you from an early replacement.
Lower Utility Bills : Well-maintained systems run more efficiently, meaning lower energy costs.

Creating a Safer Home with Gainesville Mechanical

Making your home a safe and comfortable place for your family is a top priority. Gainesville Mechanical offers the best heating, cooling, and plumbing repairs and installations. We're residential HVAC and plumbing experts and offer services for hotels, hospitals, and other large-scale projects. We specialize in pre-construction planning, in-house building information modeling (BIM), and design-build solutions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your home's safety and comfort.

Re-Piping 101

7007994652 — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 18:23:46 GMT

When it comes to homeownership, we face a vast array of tasks and responsibilities. Amid all the designing, decorating, and everyday maintenance, repiping plumbing may not initially surface as a subject of importance. Indeed, it's far from the glamorous sides of home renovation we often see spotlighted on TV shows or social media. Nevertheless, it's an aspect that carries immense weight when it comes to preserving your property's integrity, functionality, and longevity.

The need for repiping can emerge from a multitude of factors – the age of the house, deteriorating materials, or simply persistent plumbing issues. The requirement for such a significant undertaking can be daunting for homeowners, often igniting concerns about cost, time, and inconvenience. Furthermore, its under-the-surface nature means that its necessity can often go unnoticed until problems become more severe, impacting not just the house's structural integrity but also your living comfort and home value.

At Gainsville Mechanical, we strive to alleviate these concerns by demystifying the repiping process. We believe that when homeowners are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of what they're dealing with, it becomes easier to navigate the situation, mitigate issues promptly, and make decisions that best suit their needs. Therefore, we aim to provide clear, reliable information to our clients, ensuring they're not just passive service recipients, but informed participants in a process crucial to their home's wellbeing.

What is Repiping a Home?

What is repiping a home exactly? Simply put, replace your house's old, deteriorated pipes with new ones. This process can become necessary for several reasons, such as aging infrastructure, recurrent leaks, low water pressure, or contaminated water. Learn more about our services at Gainsville Mechanical .

Repiping is not a do-it-yourself project; it requires experienced professionals. It involves careful inspection of the existing pipes, detailed planning, removal of old pipes, and installation of new ones.

Why Should You Consider Repiping Plumbing?

Considering repiping plumbing for your home is a significant decision in terms of investment and the impact on your daily life during the process. So, why should you consider it?

If your home's plumbing is over 50 years old, you may start experiencing recurrent issues. Old pipes can cause leaks, water damage, low pressure, or discolored water. All these are tell-tale signs that your home could benefit from repiping. Remember, patchwork repairs can only provide temporary relief.

What Does the Process of Plumbing Repiping Entail?

When discussing plumbing repiping, it's important to understand that it's not just about replacing old pipes. It's about upgrading your home's entire water supply system. The process typically involves an initial assessment to determine the scope of work, followed by carefully removing the old pipes and installing new ones.

Our team at Gainsville Mechanical ensures minimal disruption to your daily life during the process. We use modern tools and techniques to complete the work efficiently. We'll leave your home clean and tidy at the end of each workday. Learn more about choosing the best plumber for your home repair work .

How Can Gainsville Mechanical 's Energy Solutions Help with My House Plumbing?

When you think about “my house plumbing,” you want nothing but the best. At Gainsville Mechanical, we're committed to delivering top-notch service to all our clients. We don't just replace your pipes; we provide a complete plumbing solution tailored to your needs.

Our team comprises licensed and insured plumbers who have extensive experience in repiping. We understand that each home is unique, so we approach each project with dedication and a fresh perspective to excellent customer service. Call us for questions or to schedule an appointment .

Final Thoughts

Repiping your home is an investment in your property's longevity and peace of mind. At Gainsville Mechanical, we believe in delivering nothing short of the best for your home's plumbing needs. We ensure that your repiping project is completed with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail, restoring your home's plumbing system to its peak condition. Remember, good plumbing isn't a luxury; it's a necessity

Should You Use Salt Down Your Drain to Clear Plumbing Clogs?

7007994652 — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:46:36 GMT

Homeowners always seek quick, easy, and affordable solutions to household problems. One such popular remedy involves your plumbing system. If you've ever found yourself struggling with a stubborn drain clog, you may have come across the old wives' tale of pouring salt down your drain to clear it.

You might wonder, "Why pour salt down the drain?" Is this a DIY myth circulating, or is there a scientific basis behind it? It seems simple enough, yet can something as readily available as salt truly be an effective solution to your clogged drain woes?

There are important aspects to consider in the quest to debunk or confirm this hack. How does it work? What types of clogs is it effective against? Are there any potential risks to your plumbing system or the environment?

This article aims to shed light on pouring salt down your drain, exploring its effectiveness, possible downsides, and alternatives when dealing with blocked drains. From the experienced perspective of the professionals at Gainesville Mechanical, we will evaluate this widely mentioned DIY solution to ensure your plumbing system gets the most appropriate treatment.

Understanding The Salt Down The Drain Trick

The salt down the drain trick uses the abrasive nature of salt to break down clogs and build-up in the pipes. The theory is that salt and hot water can help dissolve fatty blockages and eliminate foul smells. But is it a proven and safe method for handling drainage issues?

Should You Pour Salt Down Your Drain?

The quick answer is it depends. According to our experienced plumbers at Gainesville Mechanical, salt can sometimes be beneficial in maintaining clear drains. However, relying solely on salt for significant blockages might not be the best idea.

The effect of pouring salt down your drain to clear clogs is not guaranteed. Salt does not effectively break down all types of blockages, particularly those consisting of hair or plastic materials, often found in bathroom drains.

Furthermore, salt is corrosive. Constant use of salt in your pipes could potentially lead to pipe damage over time, particularly if your plumbing system is old or has metal pipes.

In terms of environmental considerations, while salt is less harmful than chemical drain cleaners, it still harms water ecosystems when it enters the water supply in large quantities.

The Use of Salt in Drains

When used responsibly, salt in drains can be a part of your routine maintenance plan. It can freshen up your drain and potentially break down small fatty build-ups. However, it should not be your go-to solution for substantial blockages.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services

For stubborn clogs, professional drain cleaning services are the best solution. At Gainesville Mechanical , our qualified and experienced plumbers utilize state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to handle all types of blockages efficiently and safely.

We are the go-to experts when it comes to plumbing issues. If you're still unsure whether to use salt in your drains, consult us first to avoid potential damage to your pipes.

How To Choose The Right Plumber?

Choosing the right plumber for your needs can make a significant difference. It can ensure that your plumbing system stays in top-notch condition, potentially saving you from expensive repair costs down the line. Check out our detailed guide on choosing the best plumber for home repair work.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, the salt down the drain trick might seem like a simple solution, but its effectiveness is not universal and might not always be the safest option. While it can be helpful for minor obstructions, professional plumbing services from a trusted provider like Gainesville Mechanical are a better solution for persistent and significant clogs.

Using salt regularly could have potential drawbacks, such as pipe corrosion and environmental harm. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and seek professional advice when dealing with stubborn blockages.

We at Gainesville Mechanical are committed to ensuring your plumbing system's optimal performance. Feel free to contact us if you have any uncertainties about using salt in your drains or other plumbing concerns. Trust the professionals for reliable and effective plumbing solutions!

Working With Your Plumber On A Bathroom Remodel

Thu, 18 May 2023 22:08:24 GMT

Ever stared at your old bathroom and thought, "Gosh, this place needs a makeover?" Imagine stepping into a sleek, spa-like retreat right in your own home. Exciting, right? Yet, the whole bathroom remodeling process might feel like wrestling a bear. There's a whirlpool of choices to make and decisions to drown in.

Wouldn't it be great to have someone who's seen it all, done it all, and can guide you in the bathroom redo battle? With a plumber on your side, you're about to turn that remodeling overwhelm into a shower of benefits. Here’s how.

Unlocking the Complexity of Shower Tile Plumbing

Shower tile plumbing is meticulous art. The subtle choreography of water, pipes, and tiles crafts your bathroom. And a plumber? They're the expert choreographer in this dance. They ensure your shower doesn't merely look stunning but stands as a fortress against leaks and water damage.

However, this is no simple feat. Expert plumbers weave their magic, employing advanced techniques and reliable materials that promise a perfect shower experience every single time. So, even though those DIY videos make shower tile plumbing seem as easy as baking a cake, remember there's a reason why plumbers undertake years of training.

Do Plumbers Install Showers?

It’s easy to underestimate the work that goes into fitting a shower. The installation goes beyond sticking a shower head onto a wall; it's about aligning the plumbing, ensuring correct water pressure, avoiding leakage, and maintaining water temperature consistency . It's the difference between a refreshing morning ritual and a cold, dribbling disaster.

Professional plumbers possess the know-how and skills to navigate these complexities. They turn your new shower into a functional, water-efficient bathroom brilliance. Without their expertise, you could end up knee-deep in instruction manuals, tangled in shower parts, turning your exciting bathroom makeover into a dreaded DIY nightmare.

Plumbing Remodel Contractors: Bringing Bathroom Dreams to Life

These artisans translate your bathroom fantasies into tangible reality. Whether it's an ultra-modern sink that serves as a showstopper while conserving water , or a bespoke bathroom transformation that adds value to your home, these experts curate spaces that are as functional as they are pleasing to the eye.

However, the role of these specialists in your bathroom makeover goes beyond merely beautifying the space. It might be tempting to dismiss their importance in the early planning stages of your bathroom installation, but that would be a mistake. Plumbing remodel contractors bring a unique perspective, identifying potential issues before they become real headaches, offering innovative space-saving solutions, and recommending water-efficient fixtures.

Their extensive knowledge and expertise not only streamline the installation process but also assure the longevity and efficiency of your bathroom. Acting as the secret ingredient that marries seamless functionality with aesthetics, plumbing remodel contractors elevate your bathroom from a simple necessity to a space that induces joy and admiration. Their contributions underscore that an appealing bathroom isn't just about beauty – it's about smart design and practicality converging to create a space that serves you effectively for years to come.

Fostering Effective Collaboration with Your Plumber

Establishing a successful relationship with your plumber can make your bathroom remodel smoother and more enjoyable. It's not a mere transaction; it's a collaboration, a partnership, and to some extent, a friendship. Keeping the lines of communication open allows your plumber to better understand your vision and anticipate your needs.

Regular check-ins and updates foster mutual trust and respect. Additionally, being open to their ideas and feedback can open up possibilities you might not have considered. For instance, they might suggest moving the location of your shower to make room for a luxurious soaking tub, something you'd always dreamed of but didn't think was possible.

Above all, remember that your plumber is there to help make your bathroom remodel a success. They want your project to go as smoothly as you do. Treating them as a valuable part of your team allows for a more positive, productive, and enjoyable remodeling experience.

Navigating the Final Stages of Your Bathroom Transformation

Let's face it; this isn't just about shiny new fittings or modern designs. It's about weaving your dreams into reality. It's about that quiet moment of joy when you see your reflection in the gleaming tiles, knowing you've crafted a space that truly speaks to you.

And while the anxiety might still flutter in your stomach, think of it as the flip side of excitement. It's a testament to the fact that you care and are invested in creating the best space for yourself and your loved ones. That energy will drive you through this journey, turning the unknown into a beautiful adventure.

And, regarding heating, cooling, and plumber bathroom installation, don't hesitate to contact your local experts. Gainesville Mechanical Inc. has been your trustworthy partner since 1989, offering comprehensive residential and commercial services throughout the Gainesville, GA, region. We're here for you 24/7, ready to lend our skills and expertise to your project. Schedule an appointment today , and let's bring your dream bathroom to life.

The History Of Plumbing

Wed, 17 May 2023 20:12:19 GMT

Plumbing is integral to our everyday lives, providing us with essential water supply and sanitation systems. It ensures our homes and buildings have clean water for drinking, bathing, and other domestic needs. However, have you ever wondered about the origins of this vital system? For instance, when was plumbing invented?

Well, plumbing has a long history. The greatest ancient civilizations like Greek, Roman, Persian, Indian, and Chinese have used the first versions of plumbing.

While in the modern era, plumbing includes advanced features that keep your home hygienic and free of disease and contamination, plumbing in the ancient period meant having usable water inside and a way of removing wastewater.

Let’s discover the answers to these fascinating questions about plumbing history, including - when did indoor plumbing start, who invented indoor plumbing, when did indoor toilets become common in America and all the exciting bits.

Plumbing's Origin in Ancient Era

In Mesopotamia, the elite class residents used separate bathrooms and indoor toilets to discard the waste into the river in 3000 BCE.

Around 2600–1800 BCE, some regions, including Harappa, Rakhigarhi, and Mohenjo-Daro, developed the first urban sanitation systems in ancient India. These civilizations used well water through masonry conduits and dumped wastewater into the street drains.

Around 2500 BCE, Egyptians started to use copper pipes to create complex plumbing and drainage system. The first version of flushing toilets was stone seats placed over water streams where a bucket of water was used to do the flushing. Around 2000 to 1700 BCE, these toiles were discovered in the Mediterranean island of Crete.

The ancient Greek island of Crete created an advanced drainage system around 1700 to 1500 BCE. Their design included terracotta pipes and joint sockets.

However, the ancient Romans made significant advancements in plumbing technology. Around 510 to 31 BCE, they started to use fresh water in baths, fountains, and toilets that came through tunnels of pipes. Romans built aqueducts to transport fresh water from the countryside to Rome. The water was collected in tanks to distribute.

But, around 200 BCE, Romans replaced their existing system with lead pipes which caused countless deaths from lead poisoning.

Plumbing in the Early Modern Era

The invention of the flush toilet is attributed to Sir John Harington - Queen Elizabeth I's godson - an English courtier in the late 16th century. Long after, in 1652, America's Boston City built a water system for domestic and fire-fighting purposes, where pipes were made of tree logs.

In 1664 a cast-iron water main was built in France's Marly-on-Seine to the palace at Versailles. This main could reach up to 15 miles from the pumping station, which supplied water to the palace gardens, fountains, and nearby towns.

Then, in 1767, William Feetham designed the world's first mechanical shower. At that time, hot baths were popular, and no one wanted this cold and dirty water for a bath. However, this shower offered recycled water to be used in the shower.

Alexander Cumming patented a toilet similar to the first flushing toilet but with improved features in 1775. This toilet had a flush mechanism that let users employ and refill the pan. It also prevented the sewer gas from entering the bathroom. This invention laid the foundation for the modern indoor toilets we use today.

In 1778, Joseph Bramah patented a new toilet design which was an improved version of Cumming's design. And in 1795, New York built a unique water system for the firefighters. It was a network of logs that supplied water throughout the city. Firefighters drilled the logs and plugged the hole to access water.

Now let’s take a look:

Plumbing in The Modern Era

During 1815 Philadelphia started supplying water governed by the municipality. They built a dam and water wheels across the Schuylkill River to provide water directly to businesses and homes through pipes. By 1819 cast iron mains began to replace the wooden system in Philadelphia.

The Tremont Hotel of Boston installed indoor plumbing for guests in 1829, including indoor toilets and running water. Later in 1833 White House installed a plumbing system on the main floor of the presidential home.

In the 1800s, Midtown Manhattan constructed its first reservoir in 1835, sourcing water from the Croton River. By 1842, the reservoir was operational, supplying approximately 72 million gallons of water daily. Later in 1855, America established its first sewer system, while in 1870, Thomas William Twyford introduced the ceramic flushing toilets.

In the late 19th century, Thomas Crapper revolutionized the flushing toilet by introducing a floating ballcock and a "U" shape trap around 1880. This innovation improved the efficiency and reliability of toilets, setting the foundation for modern plumbing systems.

In the End

Experience a lifestyle upgrade with the latest advancements in plumbing technology. Let our professional team at Gainesville Mechanical Inc assist you in transforming your water supply and sanitation system. As a trusted HVAC service provider in Gainesville, GA, since 1989, we guarantee your comfort and satisfaction. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

How To Replace A Shower Head | Gainsville Mechanical

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:01:25 GMT

Tired of your outdated, worn showerhead? Replacing the shower head is the easiest option. With a new one, you can transform how you feel during showers and even save on water bills by opting for a water-saving model.

If your house's water pressure is too low, you can also select a high-pressure shower head. Depending on your model, a new showerhead might cost anywhere from $25 to $500. Let us guide you through the shower head replacement process.

Shower Head Varieties to Choose From

The sheer variety of shower heads can be overwhelming if you're unprepared. With options like handhelds, wall mounts, top mounts, and more, it's essential to research and understand the styles and models available.

Some of them might have exclusive features like adjustable pressure or water-saving qualities. Some may come with options like temperature control, music, lights, and call receivers to elevate your showering experience.

Most standard showerheads release 2.5 gallons per minute, but if you prefer a lower flow, opt for showerheads labeled as 2 gallons per minute or less. Look for the EPA WaterSense label for efficient water usage.

Equipment Required for Shower Head Pipe Replacement

Revamp your shower and enhance your bathing experience with our guide on replacing a shower head. Discover the necessary equipment and follow our step-by-step instructions to install your new shower head effortlessly. Get ready to transform your daily showers into a spa-like retreat.

Slip-Joint Pliers
Thread Seal Tape/ Teflon tape
Adjustable Wrench
Soft Rag or Towel
A New Shower Head

Steps to Replacing A Shower Head

Elevate your shower experience with our easy-to-follow steps for replacing a shower head. Upgrade to a new model and enjoy a rejuvenating and water-efficient bathing routine. Follow these simple instructions to get started.

Turn the Faucet Off: Before removing the old shower head, turn off the water faucet. No need to shut off the entire home's water supply. Unscrewing the shower head without turning off the faucet can spray water everywhere.

Remove the Shower Head: First, try to figure out if you can remove the shower head by hand. Turn it counterclockwise a few times. If it doesn’t budge, you might need tools for the job.

You must work on the pipe connecting the shower head to the wall, known as the shower arm. Take slip-joint pliers and wrap thread seal tape around its jaws. Now grip the shower arm with these pliers. Next, loosen up the shower head using an adjustable wrench anticlockwise. Keep twisting the wrench until the shower head comes off.

Clean the Shower Arm: Ensure a smooth installation of your new shower head by properly cleaning the arm. Follow our instructions to prepare your shower arm for a seamless shower head replacement. Get ready to enjoy a revitalizing showering experience in no time.

Take a rag to clean off the shower arm.
Clean off any rust, minerals, deposits, debris, and dirt.
Remove old tape and sealant remaining around the shower arm.
Don't skip this step — making the installation easier and obtaining better pressure and cleaner water from the new shower head is necessary.

Wrap Teflon Tape on Shower Arm Threads: Now, apply your thread seal tape on the shower arm threads in a clockwise direction two to three times. Ensure the tape is secure by pressing it. When you install the new shower head, this tape ensures there are no leaks in between.

Screw the Shower Head Replacement: Now it's time to install the new shower head you bought. Depending on the type of showerhead, the installation process varies.

Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the new shower head to create a tight seal. Then you can easily install a wall-mount or top-mount shower head by hand. Simply attach the shower head to the arm and twist it clockwise until you secure a tight fit.

A handheld shower head also comes with a shower mount and hose. Connect the mount to the shower arm by twisting it clockwise. Now connect the hose to the mount and the shower head by turning it by hand.

A combo shower head installation is quite similar. First, you need to attach the diverter to the shower arm similarly. Now the shower mount gets connected to the end of the diverter. In the end, screw the hose to the mount and shower head.

Check For leaks: When you're done replacing the shower head, don't forget to check for leaks. Turn the water on to look for any water seeping from the joints. If you discover leaks, turn off the water to disassemble the head. Now use the Teflon tape once more to secure the shower arm thread before you screw the shower head again. After reinstalling it, turn on the water to see if the joints still leak.

Here we have only discussed replacing shower heads that don't require shower pipe replacement. But if found faulty, you might also need to change the shower arm. You must read the manufacturer's instructions to replace the shower arm and head. Most shower head pipe replacements can be installed easily by hand and using a few tools. But if you find things too complicated during a shower head pipe replacement, get help from technicians .

And you'll find highly-skilled and certified plumbers at Gainesville Mechanical Inc to assist you with plumbing repair and replacement. As Gainesville's trusted HVAC service provider since 1989, our professional team prioritizes your comfort and satisfaction. To give your shower the best plumbing services around northeast Georgia, contact us today and book an appointment.

How Do You Clean a Sump Pump

7007994652 — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:53:56 GMT

Did you know the little engine in your basement could be your home's superhero, preventing an unwanted indoor pool scenario? That's your sump pump, tirelessly working to keep your basement dry and livable.

Perhaps you're sitting there, a cup of coffee in hand, listening to the distant hum of your sump pump and thinking, "I've got this nifty gadget, but what in the world do I do when it comes to cleaning and maintenance?" It's a valid concern, right?

Well, don't fret. You don’t have to be a part-time engineer in your own home. We're about to embark on an enlightening journey to turn this seemingly daunting task into a piece-of-cake experience. You’ll learn the ins and outs of sump pump preventive maintenance and score some unconventional tips that could save you some serious cash. Let's dive right in.

How Do Sump Pumps Work

Imagine your sump pump as a relentless lifeguard, constantly alert in your basement's deep end. It bides its time, ready to spring into action when rainwater or melting snow tries to disrupt your indoor tranquility. The mechanics of it are quite simple. As water levels rise, a float switch triggers the pump. Like an earnest soldier, it swiftly directs the water away from your home via a discharge pipe. Knowledge of these details can be incredibly helpful in cleaning and maintenance.

Preventive Maintenance: The Shield Against Sump Pump Nightmares

Why the fuss about preventive maintenance, you may wonder? Remember that chilly winter morning when your car refused to start, all because you skipped a few oil changes? The scenario is somewhat similar here. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead your sump pump to face issues like clogged pipes, stuck switches, or even burnout – leaving you with an unexpected indoor pool.

Yet, there's more to preventive maintenance than just warding off problems. Regular upkeep of your sump pump brings some unexpected benefits along. Think about it. A well-maintained machine works more efficiently, saving you energy. It also prolongs the lifespan of your sump pump, saving you replacement costs.

How to Clean a Sump Pump

Cleaning a sump pump isn't rocket science. You'll only need a handful of supplies: a bucket, a garden hose, and something as commonplace as vinegar.

Begin by unplugging the pump and disconnecting the discharge pipe. Scoop out any visible debris from the sump pit. Rinse the pump and the pit with your garden hose. Pour some vinegar into the pump, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse again. The acidic properties of vinegar offer a natural, non-corrosive cleaning solution, effortlessly taking care of any mold, mildew, or grease that may have built up.

Professional Sump Pump Maintenance

Of course, there are times when professional intervention is the smart move. If your sump pump is acting up - making odd noises, vibrating excessively, or constantly running - it might be time to call the pros. They ensure safety during repairs and offer thorough service, identifying and rectifying any hidden issues. What's more, they can validate warranties that DIY maintenance might void.

With all said and done, your trusty sump pump needs a bit of your care to perform its best. And in return, it keeps your home dry and peaceful - just how you like it. So why not give it the maintenance it deserves? After all, your sump pump's well-being is your peace of mind.

Knowing Your Sump Pump's Lifeline

Even though regular DIY maintenance goes a long way, your sump pump won't last forever. Just like your favorite old sneakers, they'll eventually wear out. How would you know it's time for a replacement, you ask? If your sump pump is over ten years old, keeps cycling on and off, or you've had a few basement floods, it might be time for an upgrade.

Here's the kicker, though - you don't have to wait for signs of a failing pump before considering replacement. If your area is prone to heavy rainfall or your pump runs frequently due to a high water table, it's wise to replace it sooner. In other words, you're not just buying a new appliance; you're buying assurance that you're prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way.

Who to Call For Sump Pump Maintenance

The familiar hum of your well-maintained sump pump in the basement, standing guard against water intrusion, can be the sweetest lullaby for a homeowner. You may have started with concerns, maybe even a tad overwhelmed by the idea of sump pump maintenance. But you’re now armed with the know-how and ready to tackle it head-on.

Now, if you ever need a hand or feel it's time for professional maintenance, don't hesitate to contact Gainesville Mechanical Inc., Your local experts in heating, cooling, and plumbing repairs and installations. We've been in the business since 1989, offering comprehensive residential and commercial services throughout Gainesville, GA. The best part? We are available round the clock, seven days a week, ready to assist with highly skilled and certified technicians. So why not schedule an appointment and take a step further in maintaining the tranquility of your home?

Programmable vs Smart Thermostats

7007994652 — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 22:00:03 GMT

Both programmable and smart thermostats allow homeowners to save money on their energy bills. Both types of devices are exceptional in regulating the temperature inside your home.

Unlike traditional, non-programmable thermostats, smart thermostats and programmable thermostats are designed to increase and decrease the temperature inside your home automatically — without you having to touch the device physically.

It is essential that you understand the difference between the two devices to determine which option is best for your heating and cooling needs.

What is a Programmable Thermostat?

A programmable thermostat is specifically designed to adjust the temperature inside your home according to various settings. The adjustments are based on settings programmed into the system to take place at different times during the day. For example, a programmable thermostat can adjust to make your upstairs cooler at night when you sleep and change in the morning to accommodate the downstairs temperate for when you wake up each morning.

Programmable thermostats have four diffident models available for scheduling. These include:

The 7-day model: This allows you to set a different temperature for every day of the week.
The 5-1-1 model: This allows you to schedule temperatures for Monday through Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, all separately.
The 5+2 model: This allows you to set two different schedules, one for weekdays and one for the weekend.
The 1-week model: This model allows you set only one temperature schedule for all seven days.

In addition to programmable thermostats, we are seeing more homeowners turn to smart thermostats to manage their home’s heating and cooling system . These devices go above and beyond the services of programmable thermostats in most cases.

What is a Smart Thermostat?

Smart thermostats are more intuitive when it comes to adjusting the temperature in your home. They will actually learn from your behaviors and make changes based on your preferences. Additionally, smart thermostats are Wi-Fi-enabled, which means you can adjust and program them with a smartphone, computer, or tablet from inside or outside the home.

Selecting the Best Programmable Thermostat for Your Home

It is essential to consider your heating and cooling needs when choosing the best programmable thermostat for your home. You must consider the type of system that you have and verify that the system will work with a programmable thermostat.

Things you should keep in mind include:

Whether you have an AC/furnace combo, or a heat pump will play a critical role in your ability to install a smart thermostat over a non-programmable thermostat.
You will also need to know whether you have a single-stage or a two-stage system.
Finally, you will want to verify that the programmable thermostat that you want has as many terminals as the one you currently have installed. You will need to take off the panel on your current thermostat and compare the terminals to the ones listed in the owner’s manual of the product you selected. Having the same number of terminals is crucial for smart thermostat installation.

What About Zoning?

If your home has multiple zones in the HVAC system, you usually need a single thermostat for each zone. However, some programmable thermostats can now be set to act as a master thermostat for the entire home. This allows homeowners to control each zone independently, all from one location.

A master thermostat will eliminate the need of having to set a schedule for each zone in your home. Instead, it will allow for flawless adjustments across your entire property.

Which is Right For You?

Both programmable thermostats and smart thermostats offer money-saving benefits for homeowners. However, the one you choose is really up to you. It is important to remember that the innovative features included in smart thermostat devices will initially cost you more money. However, controlling your home’s temperatures remotely can be quick, convenient, and save you money in the long run.

Let Our Team Help You Decide

If you are unsure which system will work best for your home, you can request a service from Gainesville Mechanical and let our experts help you decide. Our team can meet with you at your earliest convenience to discuss the benefits of each system and help you decide which option will work best for your needs.

How to Tell if My Home Has Dirty Sock Syndrome and What to Do About It

7007994652 — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 19:24:38 GMT

Imagine your air conditioning system just kicked on, and you are looking forward to the nice cool air flowing through your home. Suddenly, a horrible odor is seeping out of your HVAC system’s vents.

If your HVAC smells musty, it can hinder your ability to enjoy the cool feeling. Although extremely unpleasant, this is a common problem that most HVAC contractors call “dirty sock syndrome,” or DSS. Although common, this issue does not have to impact your ability to enjoy the cool air coming from your HVAC system.

What Causes Dirty Sock Syndrome?

The term dirty sock syndrome describes the foul-smelling, mold-like odor from your HVAC’s air conditioning system when you first turn it on. The smell is caused by dust, dirt, and moisture building up on the system’s evaporator coil, causing bacteria growth and mold. The bacteria multiply and get blown into your home whenever the air conditioning system is turned on.

There are situations where DSS can be dangerous to the indoor air quality in your home. People who have compromised immunity, respiratory conditions, and allergy sufferers may be affected by the growth of mold and bacteria. For this reason, it is important to fix the problem quickly to prevent further harm or damage.

How to Fix Dirty Sock Syndrome?

There are a variety of things that you can do to fix DSS. These include:

Changing your air filters - Several factors will determine how often you must change your air filters, including how many people are living in your home, if you have any animals, and if anyone suffers from allergies. Being a smoker can also impact how often the filters need to be changed.

Cleaning the evaporator coils - As your air conditioner removes moisture from the air, it causes water droplets to form on the evaporator coil. When the air filters are not changed regularly, it can cause the AC to start growing mold, which can be problematic. It is essential to routinely clean the metal coils to prevent the buildup from occurring.

Cleaning the drip pan -When moisture is removed from inside your home, it drops from the coils into the drip pan below. Once the pan fills up, the moisture droplets get siphoned out of your home through the condensate line. Emptying and cleaning the drip pan with soap and water or distilled white vinegar can help to prevent future growth.

Cleaning the condensate line - When the water is siphoned from your home, it travels through the condensate line. Without proper draining and cleaning, this line can grow mold. It is important to routinely clean the condensate line as well to prevent any obstructions that can lead to a backup or damage to your unit.

Performing these tasks is critical when it comes to keeping your system working properly for several years to come. Hiring a professional HVAC contractor to come to your home is an important part of ensuring your system continues to produce good quality, clean air.

DSS will not typically go away on its own. Although you may notice that there is no longer a musty odor in your home, it does not always mean that the problem has gone away. All the bacteria will remain inside the evaporator coil until it is removed. For this reason, it is important to keep up with HVAC maintenance to prevent a problem down the road.

Preventative Measures to Take

If your AC system’s evaporator coil is working correctly, it is important that you take a few steps to prevent DSS from cropping up. This includes:

Regularly scheduled air conditioning maintenance with an HVAC contractor
Upgrading to a high-performance air filter
Inspecting your air filters regularly and cleaning them
Having a professional clean the ductwork in your home

If you are interested in combatting DSS in your home’s HVAC system or you would like maintenance performed, feel free to schedule a service visit from our team at Gainesville Mechanical today. Our experts can help you get your system back on track today.

5 Techniques to Maintain Your A/C Condenser

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:54:10 GMT

Let’s face it: The South is sweltering in the summer. You don’t want to endure the Georgia heat without a properly functioning air conditioner, or you’ll be sweating like a sinner in church. But you may not know how to maintain your air conditioner so that you and your family can keep your cool even on the hottest days. To ensure your A/C consistently runs smoothly, you need to brush up on your air conditioner condenser maintenance.

If you’re thinking, “Back up, what is an A/C condenser?” that’s perfect. Let’s start there. An A/C condenser is the unit of your air conditioner that releases heat, and it’s typically located outside your house. Because of its outdoor location, it tends to accumulate dirt and debris that’s airborne from trees, lawn clippings, and more. And a dirty A/C condenser just can’t do its job.

What’s the Harm of a Dirty A/C Condenser?

How can you tell that you might need to clean your A/C condenser? The most obvious indication is that your home isn’t cooling properly. When your condenser coils are dirty, the dirt forms a layer that serves as a barrier between the air blown over the oils and the heat inside the refrigerant that flows over the coils.

That barrier makes it harder for heat to move from the coils to the air outside the house, which means that heat isn’t removed properly from inside your home. When that happens, you might notice your utility bills rising, and your machine laboring more than normal means it’s at greater risk of breaking down.

If your air conditioning unit breaks down, you’ll be looking at repairs or even at replacing your air conditioner, which can cost in the thousands of dollars . So it makes sense to learn how to take good care of your air conditioner condenser unit.

How to Clean A/C Condenser Coils

Now that you have a better idea of what an A/C condenser is and why it’s important for keeping you cool, it’s time to learn how to clean your air conditioner condenser unit and keep it well-maintained.

1. Remove any debris near your condenser unit and clear the landscape around it.

First, cut down any weeds, grass, or plants that are growing around the air conditioner condenser unit and could be blocking airflow. When that happens, it’ll decrease the unit’s efficiency, so make sure to get rid of anything stuck on the unit, like twigs or vines.

Also, make sure there’s no landscaping blocking the unit, so trim back any bushes, tall grass, or vines that are encroaching on the A/C unit’s space.

2. Clean the air conditioner’s condenser unit.

Next, you can clean the A/C condenser using a commercial A/C coil cleaner such as Comstar Coil Safe or Nu-Calgon Evap Foam No Rinse, which are options you can find online or at refrigerator supply stores. Follow the directions on the cleaner’s package, and

3. Straighten the unit’s fins if they’re bent.

Then, clean the unit’s fins extremely carefully with a soft brush to remove any dirt that has accumulated, and if the fins are bent, you can straighten them with a fin comb, which can slide into the spaces between the fins. Straightening the fins is beneficial because bent fins can block airflow into and out of the unit. The fins are delicate, so be sure not to damage the fins as you go.

You can avoid bent fins with regular troubleshooting from a technician, who will catch and correct this problem and keep you cool with a more efficient and quiet unit.

4. Listen for any odd noises.

So often, if your A/C condenser unit is having problems, you might hear loud and disconcerting noises as it’s running. If you hear anything unusual, you should call certified technicians to check out your A/C unit and service it.

5. Schedule an annual air conditioner tune-up

If you’re having problems with your A/C, you should naturally skip to the step in which you call for help. But if you’ve taken care of basic air conditioner condenser maintenance, the next step is to set up a tune-up appointment to make sure everything’s in good working condition. Technicians can clean your condenser unit, inspect all of the unit’s internal parts, and inspect for any refrigerant leaks around your unit.

How to Keep Your A/C Condenser Unit Maintained

You and your air conditioner will be made in the shade if you keep your air conditioner condenser unit tuned up. With Gainesville Mechanical’s Professional HVAC Maintenance Plan , you get simple, reliable, and affordable help without ever having to deal with damage, mess, debris, or delays.

The average A/C repair costs five times as much as scheduled service, so proactive maintenance pays off big-time. Are you looking for a partner in beating the Northern Georgia heat? Contact us at 770-532-9130 today!

Furnace Odors and When to Call the Professionals

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:44:12 GMT

Ah, the smells of autumn. Campfires. Sizzling meat at a football tailgate. Everything pumpkin spice. Acrid, burning dust from an underused furnace.

Wait, what? Well, take it from a plumber: Not all smells this time of year are pleasant, especially when it comes to firing up your home’s heating system for the first time since last winter’s final chill. That unpleasant odor you experience isn’t your imagination: It is a (burning smell from your furnace, as dust that’s collected and settled in your HVAC system over the past several months is literally being cooked by your home’s heater. Who’s hungry?

But seriously, this is an unsettling reality for many homeowners as the lower temperatures of fall descend upon central Georgia. It’s fairly common for concerned folks to dial the fire department when those furnace smells hit their olfactory nerves. If those heater smells do not go away or they get worse, you should contact HVAC service specialists to dispatch a knowledgeable professional to troubleshoot the problem when your furnace smells like burning. In the meantime, do you know which furnace smells are normal and which signal a potential emergency? Here’s what to sniff for when you fire up your furnace.

Other Heater Smells to Be Aware Of

The most common heater smell to expect when a chill sets in? The smell of burning dust. What does burning dust smell like, anyway? It can produce a smoky, musty odor. Fear not — this burning dust smell should go away once all the dust and other debris are burned up by the heating elements. The odor usually dissipates within a couple of hours.

Burning dust is not the only strong odor that can come from your furnace’s exhaust. Some are more concerning than others and may be indicative of a dangerous situation.

Take an electrical burning smell, for example. A metallic smell in the house could be a warning sign of damaged parts, anything from faulty system wiring to a cracked heat exchanger or an overheated blower motor. Either way, electrical issues should always be taken very seriously: Contact us immediately if you suspect any type of electrical burning. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

You may also experience a musty odor coming from your HVAC system, which typically means you have mold or mildew residing in your home’s ductwork or the filter itself. If the smell persists for longer than a couple of days, try cleaning or replacing the air filter. Should that still not solve the problem, you’ll want to schedule heating repair workers to come out and inspect the ductwork. We can zero in on the troublesome areas and get rid of the mold or mildew with specialized tools and chemical cleaners.

Beware Gas Smell From the Furnace

If you experience a gas smell from the furnace, that’s typically just the result of an underused heating system getting cranked up for the first time in several months. Small amounts of gas can reenter the home through the exhaust vents if the wind is blowing a certain direction, and this isn’t cause for alarm. However, a constant, heavy gas smell — especially coupled with a hissing sound — might be symptoms of a gas leak, which is incredibly dangerous and requires immediate action.

When you notice a powerful odor of gas throughout the home, turn off your heating system and get everyone out of the home before calling your local gas provider right away. A gas leak, often indicated by a rotten egg smell, is a highly dangerous situation that could have catastrophic results if not handled correctly.

On top of scheduling annual maintenance checkups for your HVAC system, Gainesville Mechanical advises homeowners to purchase and install a carbon monoxide detector . These cheap, simple alarms are basically maintenance-free and incredibly reliable, having saved countless lives. Protect your family.

Let Us Help Your HVAC System

As with most other home upkeep, the best way to get the most out of your HVAC system is to schedule seasonal maintenance by qualified professionals. In fact, late summer and early fall is the ideal time to get an annual furnace service call on the books so we can make sure everything is in perfect working order before the chilly nights arrive.

Gainesville Mechanical is the best heating , cooling , and plumbing service provider in Hall County. We stand behind our work with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, and we never charge higher fees for work that falls outside our normal hours. HVAC emergencies don’t adhere to standard hours of business, and neither do we. Even if that burning smell happens during Thanksgiving dinner, our team of dedicated professionals will be there whenever you call. Contact us at Gainesville Mechanical today.

What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency?

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:40:28 GMT

Nothing spooks a homeowner quite like the gurgling sound of a slowly rising toilet full of murky evil or the sudden rush of hissing water when a kitchen pipe bursts unexpectedly. Those living nightmares are compounded during the weekend or when it’s late at night, when many plumbers have closed shop and turned in for the evening. Luring them out of their homes to solve a problem at yours can be extremely expensive, as most other plumbers charge exorbitant fees for overtime, holiday, weekend, or late-night service calls.

But does your nightmare scenario with the pipes constitute a plumbing emergency? As a homeowner, it’s important for you to know what common plumbing issues require emergency plumbing repair and which aren’t urgent plumber problems: When do you need to find an emergency plumber and when do you need to seek regular repairs? Here, we’ll break down the serious and not-so-serious common plumbing problems you might encounter.

Instances of Emergency Plumbing Repairs

Plumbing issues feel like emergencies, even when they’re not. Slowly leaking pipes or clogged drains are inconveniences, but many minor plumbing problems do not actually need emergency, right-this-moment repairs. It’s good to know the difference between emergency-level distinction and common, less-severe issues so you don’t overspend for unnecessary late-night visits from your chosen plumbing professionals.

Perhaps the most pressing plumbing emergency is one that involves a risk of flooding, such as a backed-up sewer, water shut-off valve breakdowns, a broken sump pump or the aforementioned burst pipe. Any time flooding is involved, don’t hesitate to call an emergency plumber for urgent repair work. Waiting too long is a safety hazard and could jeopardize the structural integrity of walls, cabinets, flooring, fixtures, and everything else in the affected room(s), so you may want to have late-night plumbers or plumber weekend service options on standby.

Sewage is another serious situation that should be handled as quickly as possible by an emergency plumbing repair professional. Untreated sewage represents a major health risk — not to mention an oppressive olfactory offense — so make sure to call on Gainesville Mechanical as soon as you notice a backed-up sewer line. Same goes for instances where you can’t achieve running water, as living conditions deteriorate rapidly when you can’t procure water to bathe, cook, clean, or flush the toilet.

Not-So-Serious Common Plumbing Problems

The last so-called plumbing emergency is one we don’t see all that often in our corner of the United States: frozen pipes. We have some freezing weather, sure, but rarely do temperatures stay frigid long enough to push spigots or pipes to the freezing point here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. When pipes do freeze , as too many of our homeowner friends in Texas found out in February 2021, water cannot flow through them and cracks can form, which can lead to flooding once everything thaws.

Thankfully, not all plumbing issues have dire consequences if left untreated for a day or two. Maybe your garbage disposal stopped working, or the dishwasher isn’t draining properly. You can rest easy knowing that these types of common plumbing issues likely won’t cause collateral damage and don’t require immediate repair. Call your service provider to schedule a convenient time during normal business hours that works for both parties.

Other common plumbing problems that don’t require you to call late-night plumbers include running toilets, slow-emptying drains, dripping faucets, and low water pressure. If you can live with it, you don’t have to worry about finding an emergency plumber or frantically Googling “do plumbers work on Saturday?”. Inconvenient and annoying, yes. Emergencies? Nah.

The Best Plumber for Every Job

Of course, it’s always best to be proactive rather than reactive. The best protection against plumbing nightmares can be prevention — an ounce of which is worth a pound of cure, last we checked. With Gainesville Mechanical’s industry-leading Customer Assurance Maintenance Plan, you’ll never pay overtime charges, even if disaster strikes at 2:35 a.m. on Christmas morning.

Emergency plumbing repair is never fun and rarely easy. Thankfully, your dedicated team of professionals at Gainesville Mechanical is always a simple phone call away, no matter the day or time. We are here for you 24/7, and through C.A.M.P your emergencies won’t break the bank. When you desperately need an urgent plumber to come to the rescue, Gainesville Mechanical has you covered.

If it’s been too long since you had some regular maintenance on your home’s plumbing system, give Gainesville Mechanical a call or fill out our simple service request contact form . We’ll make sure everything is in optimal working condition and cut common plumbing problems short before they blossom into serious headaches. Our best-in-class customer service and 100% customer satisfaction guarantee are just two reasons why we’re consistently named the Best Plumber in Hall County.

What to Do If Your Foundation Is Leaking

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:37:39 GMT

As a homeowner, you likely try to save money “for a rainy day” knowing that repairs and upgrades are inevitable. Sometimes the rainy day itself is the precipitating factor for those repairs, especially if you find that the floors are suddenly wet in your home. A particularly heavy downpour — and the leaks it could cause — might threaten both your rainy-day fund and your home’s foundation.

In the state of Georgia, the rainy season runs through the wintertime, from December to April, with the wettest months running from January through March. But summer also brings thunderstorms that can start water leaking into your house from the outside. Both seasons are common times for foundation leaks and necessary repairs.

If you see water coming up through the floor, your first step will be to determine whether and why you have water leaking into the house from the outside. Here, we’ll walk through what you need to know about foundation leak repairs: Why is water coming up through your floor? Could the foundation be leaking water? What do you need to know about leaking foundations and how to repair them? Read on for our quick guide to fixing foundation leaks.

Why is water coming up through the floor after a rain?

If water is coming up through your floor after a rain, it’s likely that the soil around your house becomes oversaturated with water, which can create pressure on your walls and find its way into the house through cracks in the foundation. If you’re seeing water coming up through the floor after a rain, your foundation might have an insufficient waterproofing seal, you could have cracks in your foundation floor, or you could have a pipe leak under your slab foundation.

The first step of solving any leaking issues within your house is to determine the origin of the problem: Can you feel warm water spots on the floor? It might be your hot-water lines leaking. Do you hear the sound of rushing water beneath your floor? Your piping might contain a leak. Has your water bill skyrocketed? A sharp increase in utility bills typically points to a broken water line.

The typical steps for identifying and repairing a foundation leak go like this: Check to see where the water might be coming from, look for a way to stop the leak in the immediate term, get your interior dry again by increasing air circulation and reducing humidity, and find a permanent solution for leak prevention in the future. If you don’t see wetness coming from the ceiling and it’s instead rising from the floors, having your home’s exterior and foundation inspected and repaired is your best bet.

What to know about foundation leak repairs

If you suspect water is coming through your foundation, your first question might be, “How much does it cost to fix a water leak in the home’s foundation?” The cost of foundation leak repairs varies by the leak’s severity and your home’s location, but estimates usually run between $2,000 and $7,000 in the United States, with a slab foundation repair typically costing on the lower end of that range.

A slab foundation repair is often necessary when you’ve found a slab leak caused by a plumbing problem under your slab foundation. These leaks are often caused by the erosion of pipes and water and sewer lines. If you call a plumber to repair your foundation leak, the plumber will first work to identify the source of the leak. Then, he’ll need to gain access to the leak’s source, which may entail cutting through the foundation slab with a jackhammer. He’ll then need to check the pipes for leaking and decide to repair or replace the pipe, depending on its condition. Once that’s done, the plumber will bury the pipe, replace the concrete and fix your floors, and you’ll be ready to go.

If the leak proves elusive, extra tools might be required for locating it. Sonar listening devices and infrared cameras are some tricks of the trade professionals use for tracking down elusive foundation leaks.

Professional plumbers in the Gainesville, Ga., area

When you see water coming from your floor, you don’t want to take any chances with inexperienced plumbers or chancy DIY solutions. And you won’t find a better or more affordable plumbing service than at Gainesville Mechanical. Our expert plumbers can provide a wide range of services — including drain and pipe cleaning, clogged drain and pipe repair, sewage leak detection and repair, slab and foundation leaks, and more — to keep your household healthy and safe.

We can fix your current water leaks, and you can call us for regular maintenance to forestall any future damage, expense, and disruption to your home and everyday life. Need a trusted friend in the business to keep your home in the Gainesville, Lawrenceville, Buford, Dahlonega, Braselton, or Cumming, Georgia, area safeguarded from disaster — or even minor inconveniences? Call us today at (770) 532-9130 or request service now .

5 Reasons You Need a Fall HVAC Tune-Up

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:34:17 GMT

The sweltering sizzle of another Georgia summer will soon abate and the majesty of autumn will take its place, causing homeowners to rely less on overworked air-conditioning units and open their windows for a cool, comforting breeze. HVAC units in Southern states are sort of like seasonal employees in that way — nonstop, grueling activity during the summer rush before a long, well-deserved respite.

Which begs the question: When was the last time you had air conditioner maintenance service? Do you have an HVAC maintenance plan? Much like winterizing your vehicles before winter actually arrives, it’s very smart to schedule an AC tune-up now, during the months when your central air service isn’t cranking at all hours of the day.

It’s the perfect time to check under the hood and address any wear and tear that might have occurred over the past however-many months (or, let’s face it, years).

What Is an AC Tune-Up?

You might be wondering what occurs during a seasonal HVAC inspection. It’s a lot like an annual physical or checkup we have with our doctors, where standard measurements are taken and parts are examined to get a picture of health. And just like the human body, an HVAC system that is performing perfectly is one that runs smoothly and efficiently.

One of Gainesville Mechanical’s experienced service technicians will arrive for the appointment and perform a complete visual inspection, taking note of any potential issues that could spell trouble later on. We’ll replace the filter and remove all dirt and sediment build-up with a thorough cleaning, and we’ll verify that the thermostat is producing accurate readings by calibrating the controls. Loose connections are tightened, dry moving parts are lubricated, refrigerant is replenished, and any safety hazards are eliminated.

The professionals at Gainesville Mechanical are well-versed in HVAC maintenance and take pride in making sure your AC unit is performing at optimal levels to save you money and make your home as comfortable as possible.

More Support for Regular HVAC Maintenance

Preventing problems and keeping your HVAC system humming along smoothly aren’t the only reasons to schedule air conditioner maintenance service as autumn approaches. Here are five more benefits of a seasonal AC tune-up:

1. Longer System Life . To be sure, HVAC units are one of the hardest-working pieces of machinery in the home. As such, you should take every measure to make sure it’s as healthy and efficient as possible. A sluggish, ill-performing HVAC system is a constant threat to break down, which would render your home uncomfortable and negatively affect your energy bills. Replacing a busted AC unit is quite an expense, so routine HVAC maintenance can prolong its life and save you big bucks over many years.

2. Preventing Unforeseen Breakdowns . It’s easy to ignore routine maintenance in pursuit of small, short-term financial savings, but that ignorance is bliss only until your HVAC unit breaks down. When you schedule a Gainesville Mechanical expert to check on your system regularly, you get ahead of problems before they can escalate into catastrophes. We’ve seen too many avoidable system failures to count, most of which could have been prevented with simple updates and upkeep.

3. Improved Energy Efficiency . Dust, grime, and other common household particles conspire to clog your air filter and HVAC system, which saps its ability to work efficiently. Not only does the unit suffer, but your energy bills go up as a result. Regular HVAC maintenance eliminates that. We’ll make sure the system is clean and operating in peak condition.

4. Lower Energy Bills . As previously mentioned, an efficient HVAC system is also an affordable one. Did you know that heating your home accounts for nearly 30% of your utility bill cooling it makes up another 13%? A seasonal AC unit tune-up this fall will guarantee your system is raring to go as the colder months approach and will ensure that your energy costs remain as low as possible.

5. Healthy Interior Air . Dust and chemical build-up throughout your HVAC system could negatively affect the lives of your family members, as those particles are spread throughout the home via ductwork and forced air. Prevent your loved ones from breathing in dangerous airborne toxins like dander and mold by scheduling a seasonal checkup. Left untreated, these contaminants can lead to allergies, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. A clean, well-running HVAC unit is instrumental to the comfort, health, and safety of your family. Is there a better reason than that?

Get Ahead of the Surge

Now is the best time to schedule a seasonal AC tune-up. You don’t want to wait until winter, which is peak time in the HVAC industry because too many customers avoid routine maintenance and wait until preventable problems turn into a crisis situation. Don’t gamble on the health of your AC unit — eliminate the guesswork and achieve peace of mind by contacting Gainesville Mechanical to come out this fall for a quick, painless HVAC preventative maintenance visit.

How to Choose a Commercial HVAC Company

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:30:42 GMT

If you are responsible for the heating and cooling operation for your business or rental properties, then the selection of the right HVAC is a critical step in maintain your business operations. Whether it is ensuring that your commercial tenants can operate their business in comfort or making sure your residential tenants have the required services, you need a “go-to” vendor who is consistent and reliable. If you’re new to building or office management, your HVAC solution may not be at the top of your to-do list. But ask a few industry veterans and they will confirm that it is a relationship you want to have established before the inevitable happens. A quick google search and you will find dozens of companies. But how do you know which is the right one for your commercial HVAC needs? Continue reading for a few tips on how to choose the right commercial HVAC company for your business.

1. What do you need?

Before you start making cold calls, make sure you know what you need? Do you understand the current equipment in your buildings? Do you need a company that offers 24/7 repairs and emergency service? Are on-time guarantees or easy scheduling critical for the operation of your business. Do you have a limited budget, or can you afford paying a premium for varying levels of service? Understanding your needs and business operations will help you narrow down your list of proposed vendors as you begin your search and save you time from interviewing or evaluating companies that do not offer what you need or want.

You also need to understand and choose the right heating and air conditioning setup.

Heat Pumps: When it comes to heat compression, heat pumps provide exceptional heating and cooling efficiencies in any space.
Packaged Units: Did you know that a single cabinet is not just good on space but, they are also programmed to provide a consistent flow of cool air during the summer and warm air during the winter?
Ductless HVAC: If you’re looking to improve energy efficiency, ductless HVAC systems have the ability to heat and cool different zones of the property while reducing energy usage in the air handling equipment.

2. Do Your Research

In this economy everyone has a website. Or at least they should. Websites are critical marketing tools allow reputable companies to provide valuable information about the services they offer and more importantly what they do not provide. If you find a vendor that does not have a website, it may be a sign that they have not kept up with technology in other ways as well.

Even if a company does not have their own website, you can use the web to locate reviews and testimonials from previous customers. Sites like Angi (formerly Angie’s List) or Yelp are great resources to get additionally information on potential vendors before you utilize their services.

3. Check the credentials.

This is an industry where training matters. HVAC vendors have to be trained in how to work with electrical components, plumbing fixtures and natural gas. Therefore, before you finalize on an HVAC vendor make sure the company and its technicians are fully licensed and insured. Industry certifications help too. If the vendor cannot or will not produce proof of insurance proper licensing, walk away. This information should be readily available and apparent on their signage, marketing material and their proposal or contract documents.

In Georgia, HVAC licenses can be found using the Secretary of State’s website . If you happen to find a vendor who does not have their own website or if you have questions regarding the validity of a license, you can use the state’s verification portal to look up your vendor. Additionally, your company should be NATE certified to make sure they are up to date on industry standards, safety protocols, and best practices.

4. Ask for a complimentary initial inspection.

A good commercial HVAC company will offer you with a free initial inspection to evaluate your commercial HVAC system. Commercial vendors are accustomed to business owners how have to shop around to find the best fit for their needs. Getting multiple estimates is common and is expected.

5. Phone a friend.

Ask you short list of vendors for references and referrals and actually call them. You’ll want to know how the technicians behaved, not just the owner. Ask if the job was completed on time, on budget and without issue. Did the technicians clean up behind themselves? Was your property respected while the team was on-site? Was the repair or installation tested before the job was considered closed? These questions can reveal if the company actually lives up to the sales pitch and marketing material.

You should also ask your friends and colleagues for referrals. Local trade organizations in your area good source, too.

6. What if I need help?

If you are in the market for a new HVAC vendor, consider Gainesville Mechanical . We proudly serve all of Northern Georgia providing heating, cooling and plumbing services for both commercial and residential properties.

5 Ways to Beat the Georgia Heat | Gainesville Mechanical

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 14:20:07 GMT

Summer is just around the corner. That means outside BBQs, pools, and ice cream festivals. But those summer days we longed for in the winter can come with unbearable heat. It’s not so fun eating an ice cream cone when it melts faster than you can eat it! Luckily, homes have some sort of air conditioner that can help alleviate the heat. But having access to an air conditioner is not the only way to cool off. Continue reading for five tips to beat the Georgia heat.

1. Install a smart thermostat

One of the easiest ways to beat the heat during summers in Georgia is to upgrade your thermostat. You can maximize use and flexibility of your cooling system if you have a smart thermostat that you can control with your smartphone or pc. Smart thermostats have several benefits:

They are easy to install.
You can control them remotely from your smart phone.
You have easier control of your HVAC settings and usage
They can help you conserve energy.

While there is no standard air conditioner summer setting the features of these units can help you find the best settings for the comfort of you and your family. Additionally, managing the operating schedule can save you as much as 10% in heating and cooling costs According to the U.S. Department of Energy

2. Use ceiling fans.

In addition to adding some style to your home ceiling fans are an excellent way to help keep your home cool in the summer heat. While they do not generate cool air, they do help circulate the air in a room. This allows you to reduce your reliance on the air conditioner system and can help you conserve energy and save money. Here a few tips to help maximize the impact of your ceiling fan:

If you are uncertain about your own skill level, have the fan installed by a professional.
Only operate the fans in occupied rooms.
Make sure your blades spin counterclockwise to cool your room. You can change the direction of your blades with the remote control or the switch on the base of the fan.

3. Manage the sunlight

One of the best ways to naturally manage the temperature in your home for a summer in Georgia is to control the amount of sunlight that enters your home. We all love the natural light provided by windows but they also cause a significant amount of heat gain during the summer. About 76% of the sunlight that hits standard windows becomes additional heat in your home. The right window treatments can control your summer heat problems. The use of insulating curtains, drapes, shades, and blinds to are great was to prevent heat form the sun from entering your home. Window films or tints are great options, too.

Exterior window treatment options can also assist with cooling off your home. Solar screens, awnings, shutters and shads can also be installed to minimize the impact of the Georgia sun on the interior temperature of your home.

4. Plant a tree.

Planting trees provides several benefits for homeowners. Adding trees to your landscape is a great way to naturally provide some relief from the Georgia summer heat. Not only can trees provide a great shaded spot to read outside but when strategically placed on your property, trees can provide shade to your home in the summer and block prevailing winds in the winter. However, be sure to plant the trees far enough from your home so the root system does not damage your foundation. You also want to plant the trees on the east and west sides of your home to provide protection from the rising and setting sun. And as an added bonus, planting a shade tree may increase your property value .

5. Service your HVAC system

Finally, and this should be no surprise, make sure your AC system is in proper working condition. It is a good idea to have your system checked before the season begins and to perform the necessary preventative maintenance to avoid larger, more expensive repair work during peak usage months. Make sure your filters are changed, the ducts and registers are cleaned, and that the condenser – the part that is normally outside of your home – is free from debris.

6. What if I need help?

If feel like your AC system is not up to challenge to beat the summer heat, feel free to contact a service provider at contact a certified professional to inspect your system. A professional can not only maintain your HVAC system but guide you through other ways to keep your home cool for the summer.

Tips on Finding the Right Plumber

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 14:18:13 GMT

As with many types of home services businesses, residents can be overwhelmed by their options and unsure of where to start. And, if you've had bad experiences with plumbers or other home services companies in the past, you're probably eager to get a clear, simple answer to the question, "How can I find top-rated plumbers near me?"

While there's no magic answer that will quickly turn up your perfect plumbing match, you can take fate into your own hands by learning how to research and evaluate your local plumbing options . Here's a quick overview of how to find a plumber that you can depend on when plumbing issues arise in your home.

When's the Best Time to Find a Plumber Near Me?

If you're new to your area, unhappy with your current plumber, or you simply haven't had a need to call a plumber to do work in your home, you might not be facing an urgent situation that requires the services of a plumber right away. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be trying to find a local plumber: the best time to find a plumber is before you're dealing with a plumbing emergency .

When plumbing leaks, clogs or other issues develop, you're likely in a rush, and dealing with a lot of stress at the same time. It's hard to make carefully considered decisions when trying to tackle a plumbing crisis. By doing your research, calling around and comparing local plumbers ahead of time, you can create a short list of possible candidates that can be contacted when your moment of need arrives.

What Matters When Seeking Out the Best Plumber in My Area?

What matters when comparing your local plumbing options? If you type "reputable plumbers near me" into a Google search, you'll likely turn up a long list of options. But this doesn't necessarily mean that any of those plumbers is the "best" option, or that they offer the services and customer experience that you're seeking in your ideal plumber.

With that in mind, here are some of the most important criteria to consider when looking for a plumber:

Experience in the industry. Has the plumbing business been around for a while? Do they have an established reputation in the community? Is your home being serviced by a veteran company, rather than a new outfit started by less experienced plumbing professionals?
An active license and insurance policy. Always verify the license of any plumber, including the expiration date to make sure the license is valid. You should also confirm that the plumber is bonded and insured in the event of mishap on the job site.
Hourly rate. Price is always an important consideration when choosing a plumber. However, be careful not to overemphasize price, which can lead you to hiring plumbers with a poor reputation and/or limited experience.
References from past clients. Whether this comes from client referrals, online reviews , or both, these references can help you evaluate a plumber's overall customer service and quality of work.
Overnight and weekend availability. Limited availability outside of regular working hours can be a problem if your home's plumbing suddenly springs a leak. The more available those plumbers are to respond to emergencies, the more peace-of-mind you can enjoy when things go wrong.
Response time. While it's sometimes difficult to determine the response time of a plumber before you experience this response first-hand, most people want their plumbers to make a home visit as soon as possible. If you're constantly facing situations where you're having to wait too long for the plumber to visit your home—and suffering home damage or other inconveniences as a result—you may need to find a different plumber, even if you're happy with their work.

How to Find a Plumber Near Me

Many people want finding a plumber to be an easy, straightforward process. While it's always helpful to identify your local options by conducting a Google search or asking friends, family and neighbors for referrals to plumbers they've worked with in the past, you also need to be able to compare these plumber options based on the criteria mentioned above.

By reviewing company websites, reading online reviews and calling the business office for that plumber, you can gather information that will help you make an informed decision—and increase the likelihood of your satisfaction with the plumber you end up choosing.

Don't wait until you're facing an emergency to start your plumber search. Give yourself time to thoroughly explore your local options and pick out the plumbing businesses that offer everything you're looking for. With the right plumbing business a quick phone call away, you can rest assured that your home will be well-protected and cared for when new plumbing needs arise, or in the event of an inevitable plumbing emergency.

Plumbing Priorities Before You Leave for Vacation

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 14:14:36 GMT

Sometimes you just need a break. Time to get away and gain some peace, refresh your mind and spirit or reconnect with friends as family is a great way to take care of you. If you are a homeowner and you leave home for a period of time it can cause some anxiety. However, there are a number of things you can do to make sure your home is safe and secure while you are away. One of the many systems you should prep for your vacation is your plumbing system. There are a number of things you can do to minimize any plumbing emergencies while you are enjoying your vacation. If you've ever wondered about your water heater shut off valve, keep reading.

Turn it off.

One of the easiest things you can do is shut off the water supply to your home or at least the turn off the supply lines to your faucets and toilets. Water line leaks and busted pipes can happen any time of year with a higher chance of them occurring in the winter months . You can avoid these issues by simply turning off the main water line coming into your property. Make sure you understand the other systems in your home. If you have a sprinkler system, a pool, or a hvac system that requires a water supply, shutting off the main water is not a good idea. In these cases, you only want to shut off the water lines at each individual sink or toilet in your home.

Wrap it up.

If you are traveling in the winter months, you may want to consider winterizing your pipes. Especially if you routinely set lower temperatures on your thermostat when you are not in the home for an extended period of time. If the external temperature drops significantly while you are away, and the interior temperature is cooler because of your away thermostat settings, your pipes could burst. When water freezes, it expands. And this expansion will force your pipes to burst because the water/ice has nowhere else to go. Wrapping your pipes before you leave is a relatively easy step can help your pipes from freezing while you are away. This is also probably something you should do to prep your home for the winter anyway .

No hot water.

Who needs hot water if no one is there, right? An excellent vacation prep tip — as long as there is no risk of your water lines freezing — is to turn off your hot water heater. Depending on your model you should have a hot water heater shut off valve on or near your unit. Some units even have a vacation setting that you can activate on the temperature dial. If you are not familiar with how to turn off water heaters make sure you consult the manual or call a professional for guidance or assistance.

Test the pump.

If your home is equipped with a sump pump, you want to make sure it is fully operational before you take an extended trip. The purpose of the sump pump is to protect your home from water intrusions so it is critical that they are operating properly. As the water collects, the pump will drain the area to prevent the water from accumulating in your home and causing more property damage and health issues for your family. As a result, it is critical that confirm that your sump pump is operating properly before you take an extended vacation.

Call a friend.

Depending on the length of your vacation you may want to have a friend or family member periodically check on your home. Give them access and have them check the yard, laundry room, all faucets and toilets, hvac systems, sump pump and hot water heater area. Having someone do a physical inspection of these spaces while you are away can provide some added peace of mind that everything is inside your home. And while they are there, they can empty the mailbox, too.

Where Can I Get Help?

If you have more specific questions about any of these tips, a certified professional can help assess and evaluate your home. A member of our professional team at Gainesville Mechanical can help you design a vacation check-list to make sure you properly secure your plumbing and hvac systems in the home before you leave for vacation.

How to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 14:08:26 GMT

As the seasons change, so do the demands placed on your HVAC system. The cold winter months ahead may allow you to stash away your air conditioner and save on cooling costs, but those savings will be offset by the time and energy spent running your home's furnace.

With so much change taking place across your HVAC system's operations, it's important to perform seasonal HVAC maintenance that will prepare both your air conditioner and furnace for the months ahead. From making sure you winterize your A/C unit to testing your furnace to make sure it's ready for a heavy winter workload, read on for some winter HVAC service tips to maximize performance and minimize heating and cooling costs.

Schedule Your Air Conditioner's Seasonal Maintenance

Many homeowners question the importance of servicing their air conditioner in the fall, right before the appliance is packed away for the winter months. But while seasonal maintenance for your air conditioner is crucial in the spring, fall maintenance can also impact the health of your air conditioner, the risk of intensive maintenance and repairs come the spring, and the overall lifespan of the appliance.

Fall A/C service can clean out leaves and other debris that accumulate over the summer, and it can reduce the risk of rusting and other material breakdowns that can accelerate aging in the appliance. Once spring rolls around, you can schedule another tuneup to make sure the unit is ready to resume its heavy summer workload.

How to Winterize Your HVAC System

Wondering what tasks need to be taken care of during your HVAC's fall service? While an HVAC technician can evaluate your system's unique needs and make sure it's ready for the long winter ahead, any process to winterize your HVAC system should include the following steps:

Schedule a tuneup for your furnace. A tuneup from an HVAC technician will handle all of the technical maintenance needs that will help your furnace remain up-and-running throughout the winter. Tuneups can clean debris from your furnace, tighten and lubricate internal components, and address small issues before they cause costly appliance breakdowns.
Change furnace filters. Most furnace filters need to be changed every 90 days, if not sooner. HVAC experts recommend starting the fall season with a fresh filter to clean your home's air.
Check your furnace's pilot light. If your furnace runs on gas and the pilot isn't lit, you won't be getting any heat when the appliance turns on.
Disconnect and cover your air conditioner. If your home has a freestanding air conditioner , disconnect it from electricity and place an A/C cover over the unit to protect it from the elements this winter.
Check the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector. Faulty furnaces could release deadly carbon monoxide into your home. A carbon monoxide detector is essential to keep you and everyone in your home safe from an accidental poisoning.

Other Tips to Improve HVAC Performance in Winter

Along with a tuneup and maintenance to both your furnace and A/C unit, every household can take some simple steps to alleviate the burden of keeping their home heated during the winter. While not directly related to the functioning of your furnace or air conditioning unit, the following steps will improve HVAC performance and save you money on heating this winter:

Add insulation in your attic. Increased insulation will reduce heat loss through one of the most vulnerable parts of your home. An insulation expert can inspect your attic's existing insulation and determine whether an added layer could lower heating costs for your home this winter.
Reseal cracks around your doors and windows. Cracks in your home's caulking , or in weather-stripping, can create drafts that accelerate heat loss and increase your furnace's runtime.
Install a smart thermometer. Smart thermometers offer a number of benefits when managing both your furnace and air conditioner operations. Eco-friendly heating and cooling, as well as programmable features to optimize when and how you heat and cool your home, can lower heating and cooling costs while also improving HVAC efficiency.
Turn down your indoor air temperature. Lower heating demands reduce the burden placed on your HVAC in winter. Even a few degrees can drastically reduce the run time for your furnace, extending the life of this appliance and saving you money on your monthly utilities bill.
Clean your air ducts. Dust, pet dander and other debris can build up in your home's ventilation, reducing indoor air quality while also putting your HVAC system health at risk.

Negligent HVAC maintenance won't save you money—it will only delay the cost of tending to your furnace and A/C unit, while also increasing the long-term repair needs for these appliances. With temperatures in decline, take this seasonal opportunity to tune up your HVAC system and enter the winter with greater peace of mind.

Furnace Safety Tips from Gainesville Mechanical

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 14:04:42 GMT

The autumn months are here! In many households this means the renewal of the annual debates of when to turn on the heat. These debates are often centered around the desire to manage energy costs or determining the "right" temperature setting with your family or roommates. Either way, the furnace will come on at some point. But have you checked the furnace since last season? If not, you will want to follow these safety tips to make sure the conditions are optimal for your furnace to work efficiently and that it is working properly for the health, safety, and comfort of your home.

Clean it up.

One of the easiest things you can do to improve the safety and efficiency of the furnace in your home is to clean the air around it. The lint, dust, and other pollutants in the furnace room, closet or basement can impact how your furnace operates. And if you don't clean the area over a significant period of time the dust buildup in your furnace can cause a fire hazard.

You can also clean the furnace itself. But check the cleaning instructions in your furnace manual to make sure you do not unintentionally cause any damage or affect the safe operation of the system.

In addition to dust in and around the furnace room, you want to keep the area around the furnace clean as well. Move any items that may catch fire due to the heat generated by the furnace in the area. If you are using your furnace room or closet as storage, make sure you keep the room as organized as possible, maintaining clear access to the furnace safety switch, and refrain from storing combustible items in the area. If any of these items are left near the furnace, they become a significant safety hazard for your home. Items to avoid in this space include:

Paper or boxes
Cleaning solutions
Gasoline
Paint or paint thinners
Wood scraps
Cleaning rags

According to the National Fire Protection Association furnace fires are one of the top causes of fires in the home with more than half of them occurring during the winter months. With these cleaning techniques, you can decrease the chances of this type of fire occurring in your home.

Change your filters.

Another relatively easy home maintenance item for your furnace is to change the filters often. Dirty air filters restrict airflow to your system and will cause your furnace to work harder than it has to. A dirty filter will allow dirt build up on the internal components and can potentially increase the risk of a carbon monoxide leak.

When replacing your filter you want to make sure you know how to access the panel, have the proper tools — if necessary — and the right size. You can replace the filter with the same type you currently have or upgrade to something with a higher MERV rating like a HEPA filter that provides more efficiency by capturing more of the dust, pollen and other pollutants in the air.

Check your detectors.

Even with all the safety measures and precautions you can implement to make your some safe, accidents still happen. When they do, you want to be prepared and give your family the best chance to get through the situation. Ensuring that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly is a great way to alert your family of danger in the home. Not only does this provide peace of mind, but it is also required by the housing codes of most jurisdictions for residential spaces.

Detectors should be placed in every floor of your home and can be mounted on the ceiling or high on a wall. Do not install detectors above immediately next to or above your furnace or any appliance the produces a flame.

Have your system inspected.

Like any mechanical system, your furnace should be inspected often. Even if you follow the cleaning and filter tips listed above, your system may still require service. The best way to avoid an untimely breakdown is to have your system inspected annually. The best advice is to have they system inspected twice a year when you switch from heating to cooling. The technicians will make sure your system is operating properly and will usually clean the internal components as well. This is a great benefit if you are not comfortable or skilled enough to clean the unit yourself.

Where Can I Get Help?

If you have more specific questions or believe that your system needs more than simple preventative maintenance, a certified professional at Gainesville Mechanic to evaluate your current system. A member of our professional team can explain what is happening with your current system and offer advice on how to make it safe for your home and operate efficiently.

Frozen Pipes? Now What?

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 13:38:32 GMT

Most people have heard horror stories of dealing with frozen pipes that burst in someone's home. This often occurs during periods of cold weather when indoor air temperatures aren't warm enough to prevent the water pipes from freezing. Poor pipe insulation—or insulation in your home—combined with frigid temperatures can create a perfect storm that leads to your pipes freezing, bursting, and causing significant water damage in your home.

For these reasons, a frozen pipe is a serious hazard in your home. If you've identified frozen pipes in your house that haven't yet burst, you're in luck—but if you want to stay lucky, you'll need to move quickly and remedy these blockages. Read on to learn how frozen pipes develop, along with tips on how to unfreeze pipes.

At What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze?

While water's freezing point is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water pipes won't freeze and burst that easily. Since the piping offers its own layer of insulation, and since water pipes are typically run through indoor environments where temperatures are higher, most experts agree that an uninsulated pipe could be at risk of freezing when temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit .

Keep in mind that this is a general rule of thumb, and that many different factors—including pipe insulation, water flow through pipes, and wind chill—may all affect the freezing point for pipes in your home.

Do Frozen Pipes Always Burst?

Fortunately, a frozen pipe does not mean the pipe is certain to burst. Even when water freezes in a pipe, the structural integrity of the pipe may hold and prevent a burst that leads to water leaking in your home.

However, the risk of a burst pipe should be taken seriously when water dips to freezing temperatures. As water freezes, it also expands, and this expansion can create hundreds or even thousands of pounds of pressure inside the pipe, which can cause the pipe to break. If your pipes don't burst when water freezes, count yourself lucky—and make sure you avoid this situation in the future.

Will Frozen Pipes Thaw On Their Own?

As temperatures heat up, frozen pipes may start to thaw on their own. But if you're hoping that a wait-and-see approach can save you the trouble of thawing the pipes yourself, you may want to rethink this strategy. Frozen pipes continue to apply extreme amounts of pressure on the inside of the pipe for as long as the water remains frozen.

When water starts to thaw, it's possible that shifts in the pressure inside the pipe could cause the pipe to break even as the ice is melting. For this reason, you should make a concerted effort to thaw any frozen pipes as quickly as possible.

How Long Does it Take for Pipes to Unfreeze?

The length of time required to unfreeze pipes is affected by many different factors, including the size of the pipe, the temperature of the air around the pipe, the amount of ice inside the pipe, and the methods being used to warm up the pipe and promote thawing.

In best-case scenarios, pipes can be fully thawed in thirty minutes or less—especially if you have the right equipment for this project. In other cases, it could take hours to fully remove ice from the inside of a pipe.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you don't consider yourself handy when it comes to home repairs, you're in luck: when it comes to unfreezing pipes in your home , the simplest solutions tend to be the most effective ones.

Once you've identified the location of the frozen pipe, all you need to do is apply heat to warm the pipe and melt the ice inside. Use any heating element you have in your home, or a combination of devices, including space heaters, hair dryers, heat lamps, and heating pads . Wrap hot towels around frozen pipes to accelerate the heat transfer, and consider even increasing your home's indoor air temperature by a few inches as you work to melt the blockage.

For the best results, start at one end of the pipe and slowly work your way down the blockage until the pipe is clear. While this process could take a half hour or more, don't stop until water is flowing free again—as long as the frozen water remains in place, your pipe could be at risk of a burst.

Frozen pipes are a serious but often overlooked hazard in your home, with the potential to pour gallons of water into your interior spaces in just minutes after a pipe has burst. Take preventative measures to stop frozen pipes before they develop, such as wrapping pipes in insulation and ensuring your pipes are exposed to warm indoor air, and you'll thank yourself later when you don't have to deal with the stress of cleaning up after burst pipes.

Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 13:25:45 GMT

As a property owner you should expect a change in seasons to present new challenges for your home. Some expected, some unexpected. It is impossible to predict when or how systems in a home will fail but there are steps that a diligent household can take to minimize these failures and their impact. Your plumbing system is no exception and there are several common issues that can be avoided with a few simple steps.

Water Line Issues

Leaks in your water lines can happen any time of year. But there is a high likelihood that they will happen during the winter months. The variance or swing in temperatures have a direct effect on the pipes that provide water to your home. Depending on the material these lines are made of, they may be stressed with the sudden drop in temperatures that can occur at the beginning and sometimes during the winter season. When the temperature is colder, some material contracts or shrinks. When temperatures rise, that same material expands. This expansion and contraction process weakens the material of the water line and can cause the line to burst or crack.

This phenomenon is more pronounced in southern climates like Georgia. Since the temperatures are typically milder than colder geographic regions, pipes and water lines are more likely to be exposed to the elements when placed outside the home. Inside the home, the same the lines can be vulnerable to climate conditions if they are in uninsulated spaces. Homeowners and builders in southern climates are accustomed to milder temperatures. As a result, the placement and insulation of these lines and pipes can sometimes be an afterthought in warmer climates. However, in colder climates they are almost always a consideration during the construction process. As a result, homes in southern or milder climates are more vulnerable to the fickle temperatures swings of Mother Nature.

Luckily, you can manage these temperatures swings by wrapping your pipes and lines with insulation sleeves made specifically for this purpose. In more extreme situations, you may have to have a plumber re-route lines to protect them from the elements and provide the proper insulation.

Frozen Pipes

Depending on your regional climate, frozen pipes may not happen often. But if it gets cold enough, even just one night, it can happen. Like with water line issues already discussed, a sudden drop in temperatures can cause havoc on your pipes. Specifically, when the water in your pipes freeze, it expands. If there is no place for the expanding ice to go, pipes will burst . If you suspect the temperature to drop significantly, you can help prevent this freezing from happening by insulating your pipes. With this relatively easy step you can help (prevent drain pipe freezing) in your home.

Hot Water Heater Failures

Almost every appliance or system designed to generate heat works harder in colder temperatures. Including hot water heaters. During winter months a hot water heater must heat up the colder water coming into your home from the main water line. Even if your hot water is located in a temperature-controlled room, the water coming in is not. As a result, the hot water heater must work harder to heat the cold water to the appropriate temperature. This can cause the unit to be overworked…even if your household usage remains consistent with the usage in the warmer months. And if your home is the gathering spot for the holidays, you will experience spikes in usage throughout the season.

The colder source water and potential for increased usage could impact your system and can lead to an increased chance of hot water heater leaks in winter months. If you find that your hot water heater is struggling to keep provide consistent hot water, it may be time for a repair or replacement.

Clogged Drains

Another common plumbing issue during winter months is the increased chance of clogged drains. Like water line cracks, these can happen throughout the year, but they are more prevalent during the winter months because of an increase in usage. Families tend to eat at home more often in the winter and family gatherings during the holiday season will increase the number of people eating at home. As a result, more waste is created in the winter months. This increase in volume can overwork your drain system. You can help prevent this by making sure you manage what is being poured down your drains and garbage disposals. You want to avoid fat, grease, bones, paper towels and wipes and other items that often clog drains.

Where Can I Get Help?

If you have more specific questions or believe that your plumbing system needs repair, a certified professional can help assess and evaluate your home. A member of our professional team at Gainesville Mechanical can explain what is happening with your current plumbing system and offer advice on how to make it run more efficiently to ensure that your household is comfortable during the winter months.

Benefits of Dual Zone HVAC Systems

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 13:18:37 GMT

Many homeowners can agree that keeping your home comfortable and at the right temperature can be challenging. Mostly because what is considered the "right" temperature can vary from each person in your household. Managing this elusive temperature and comfort goal is also challenged by the systems in your home. Depending on the structure of your home and the design of your heating and cooling systems you may experience wide ranges of temperatures from floor to floor in a multilevel home or room to room in a rancher. As a result, homeowners often get frustrated with the battle at the thermostat and the resulting energy bills. But there is hope. A dual zone hvac system provides the homeowner with greater control of the temperature throughout the entire home to create a more balanced energy use, more predictable energy bills and a hopefully a reasonable comfort compromise for the people in you live with.

What is a Zoned System?

A zoned hvac system is an enhanced way to control the heating and cooling of your home. Often referred to as zoning, this system utilizes multiple sensors, thermostats, and dampers to control the temperature in different "zones" of your home. The entire system is operated by a master control panel that manages the operation of each component. Each zone as a separate thermostat that sends readings to the control panel. Depending on the user settings and readings from the thermostats, the control panel sends signals to the dampers that control air flow to the room to regulate the temperature.

Dual Zone v. Dual Unit

A dual zone system should not be confused with a dual unit system. Unlike a zoned system, in a dual unit system you have two separate hvac units that operate a single zone in your home. In this set up, could have a unit and thermostat that controls both basement and first floor while a totally separate unit could control your second floor or a different wing. These systems operate independent of each other and are often operating at the same time. As a result, you most likely will not see the same energy efficiency and cost savings and you will have to keep up with the maintenance on both systems if you want to property heat and cool all parts of your home.

What's The Benefit of HVAC Zoning?

There are a few distinct benefits of installing a zoned system in your new construction home or upgrading your existing heating and cooling system. A new system will enhance the ability to control the comfort settings of your home, reduce your energy cost, reduce your carbon imprint, and the life of your hvac system.

Enhanced comfort control — In a zoned home the occupants of each space can control the temperature settings in their specific location. As a result, the person on the third floor does not have keep adjusting the thermostat to cool the second floor to a cool 68 degrees while freezing out the person in the finished basement.

Extended life of hvac systems — This one is a no-brainer. With the enhanced control offered by a zoned system the individual components are not used as much. Therefore, the components are not working as hard and are not used as much as they would be if the home was based on a single hvac unit. A system that does not have to work as hard that simply lasts longer and saves money on repairs and replacement costs in the future.

Reduced energy cost. — Heating and cooling costs make up a significant portion of your home's energy use. Installing a zoned system that reduces energy consumption and extends the life of your heating and cooling units will reduce the cost of running those systems.

Reduced carbon footprint — This additional control over the use of the hvac systems helps reduce the consumption of energy in the home. As a result, the optimized energy use helps to reduce the carbon imprint of the household.

Is My Home Ready for an Upgrade?

Should you upgrade to a zoned system? There are a few home features that make the upgrade an investment worth considering. If your home has an attic or finished basement, vaulted or cathedral ceilings, really large rooms, additional wings or additions, lots of large glass windows, or rooms that are rarely used, a zoned system may be the way to go. Additionally, you may have family members who have varying ideas of what a comfortable temperature is. Installing or converting to a dual zone hvac system can help alleviate family squabbles over thermostat settings and blankets.

How Much Does a Dual Zone HVAC System Cost?

The investment to upgrade or install a dual zone hvac system in your home will depend on a number of factors. These include technician you select for the job, the availability of parts and pricing in your region, the size of your home and the structure of your existing duct work. The price will also vary depending on if you are upgrading an existing system or designing your new construction home for zoned heating and cooling. With that said, you should expect an estimate between $2,500 — $5,000 to add zoned heating and cooling in your home.

Where Can I Get Help?

If you have more specific questions or have determined that a zoned HVAC system is for you, contact a certified professional to evaluate your current system. A professional can not only explain the benefits of a dual zone HVAC system guide you through other ways to keep your home energy efficient.

How to Choose the Correct Size AC Unit

7007994652 — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 18:43:01 GMT

Temperatures are soaring, and you want to beat the heat by any means necessary. But before you rush right down to the nearest box store to pick up an air conditioning unit , it's wise to do some research.

Air conditioning has come a long way from the massive window hogs of yesteryear. Modern AC units use less energy than ever before, providing relief from searing temperatures, removing humidity, and using less electricity. However, if you don't do your homework, you could end up with the wrong unit for your space and spend way more each month than you need to. Here's what to know before you buy.

How to measure AC power

AC filter sizes are measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs, ranging between 5,000 and 12,000. The higher the BTUs, the greater the cooling power. The federal government EnergyStar program calculates BTU recommendations based on the square footage of your space. But measuring your space is only one factor that goes into choosing a unit. The height of your ceiling, the occupancy of the space, and the amount of sun or shade can also affect your decision.

What size AC unit do I need?

Though other factors are involved, the BTUs you'll need depend mainly on your square footage. For a room of 150 square feet or less, you'll need a model of 5,000 BTUs. For rooms in the range of 150 to 550 square feet, consider bumping up to 8,000 BTUs. You may be wondering what size A/C unit you need for 1,500 square feet, or what size A/C unit you need for 2,400 square feet. For spaces that large , you'll likely need as many as 12,000 to 14,000 BTUs. A general rule of thumb is 20 BTUs per square foot.

What other things should I consider when choosing an AC unit?

1. Windows

Homes lose 25% to 30% of their heat from their windows. If your space has large or multiple windows, you'll need to look for a unit with a larger cooling capacity.

2. Insulation

How's your insulation? If it's an older, less-insulated home, cooling it might not be as efficient and you might require a larger A/C unit.

3. Sun

Shadier rooms need 10% less power, sunnier rooms need 10% more. Higher ceilings (10 feet or more) also require an additional 25 percent BTU.

4. Placing the Unit

In window-mounted AC units, the appliance sits half-in and half-out of the window, held in place by a bracket, which divides cool air from hot. That's why it's essential that you measure your window and get the proper dimensions, so no air leaks out the frame.

5. Permanent or Temporary

What about when summer's over? If you have a window AC unit, you can either remove your unit at the end of the summer or buy a permanent mount, so you don't have to worry about replacing the air conditioner when hot temperatures hit. However, there are also portable air conditioners on wheels that come with a mounted exhaust hose in your window.

6. Condensation

Consider the condensation that the AC unit will produce as it pulls moisture from the air You will need to direct this moisture into an internal drip tray or an external drain hose.

7. Voltage

Most air conditioners these days don't require high-voltage electrical outlets. 120 volts, the standard US home voltage, is enough. However, if you don't have enough standard outlets nearby or have a lot of appliances plugged into them, you may need to call in an electrician to add some extra circuits.

8. Extra features

AC units these days have smart features like mobile app controls and voice commands. Some machines come with built-in ionizers to help fight seasonal allergies. You'll also find eco modes, scheduling, and Wi-Fi.

Noise

Be sure to check the decibel rating. Although air conditioners are quieter and more efficient than ever, nobody wants to be kept away by a clattering appliance at night.

With so many options to choose from, you may still have questions about which A/C unit is right for you. If so, contact Gainesville Mechanical today.

5 Ways an Old HVAC System Is Costing You More

Sat, 13 Aug 2022 21:38:21 GMT

As a business owner, you always have your eye on the bottom line, and you know how much overhead — especially electricity bills — can make up your expenses. But you may be shocked to learn just how much your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system accounts for that bill — nearly 40% . If you don't have a modern, efficient system, you could be wasting significant energy and throwing away more money than you need each month on electricity costs. If your bills are higher than they should be, it may be time to take a serious look at how well your HVAC system is working for you.

SEER rating

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the rate at which your air conditioning system produces cooling. It is calculated as the amount of cooling produced divided by the electricity used. A higher ratio means higher efficiency. You can usually spot the yellow and black EnergyGuide sticker on the outside of an appliance that will show its rating. If a SEER rating is less than 10, that indicates you have an older appliance. If you choose to upgrade from a SEER rating of below 10 to say, 13, you could see your energy consumption reduced by 35%.

How old is your unit?

To determine the date of your unit, look at the nameplate with the manufacture date, or if that's not available, the HVAC unit serial number. You can also call the manufacturer or do a quick Google search.

Additionally, if you see your energy usage spike and your bills increase when the temperature rises, your HVAC fuse might be inefficient. Heating and cooling again and again over time can cause the appliance to slowly break down and lose energy efficiency. Here are the many ways installing a new AC unit can save you money.

1. Efficiency

The fact is, if your air conditioner or heat pump was installed prior to January 2006, it could be costing you around 20% more to operate as opposed to more modern, highly efficient models. You may think you can't afford the HVAC line set replacement cost now but take a minute to think about how much you could be gaining. A new, modern HVAC system will instantly pay for itself by reducing energy consumption by as much as 20% to 40% , slashing your electricity bill by as much as 15%

2. Comfort

Besides improving efficiency, newer systems can improve indoor air quality and increase comfort levels. Modern systems contain more features than ever before, including air purifiers, programmable thermostats, and the ability to adjust temperatures zone by zone. They are also quieter than the loud, clunky models from past decades. All these features will increase comfort and improve the value of your business , all while saving you money on your bills.

3. Maintenance costs

If your HVAC unit has been repaired multiple times, it may also lose energy efficiency, especially if an experienced commercial HVAC repair specialist didn't handle the job. Not only are these newer models more efficient, but they won't require constant repairs, which will also save you money in the long run. New AC units are more compatible with modern energy management programs.

4. Time

You'll save money on maintenance expenses due to system warranties. You may be eligible to get rebates and incentives to offset the initial cost, too.

5. Other factors

Your energy bills are also affected by proper installation, correct equipment size, and the timing of the cooling cycle. You can talk to an experienced HVAC specialist about your system and its needs.

When you allow your old, outdated HVAC system to run, your monthly bills can compound, impacting your business's bottom line month after month. Think of installing a new HVAC system as a long-term investment in the health of your business. It's time to take a look at your system and consider the savings you could be missing out on.

Looking for commercial HVAC repair near you? Contact Gainesville Mechanical's friendly and experienced team to schedule an evaluation of your HVAC system and come up with a plan to help you lower your energy costs.

How to Find the Best Temperature for a Good Night's Sleep

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 17:42:41 GMT

The National Institute of Health discovered humans spend nearly one-third of their lifetime sleeping — or at least trying to sleep. The right environment and temperature can impact one's chances of getting a good night's sleep. A study from Science Advances found that warmer nighttime temperatures can often contribute to insufficient sleep.

Every aspect of your life may become more challenging if you are lacking sufficient sleep, particularly if it happens frequently. You might experience exhaustion, lethargy, lack of motivation, and/or irritability. Insufficient sleep can weaken your immune system, making it more difficult to fend off diseases. When going to bed, it's important to set your AC to the best AC temperature for sleeping. If your home is too hot or too cold or if you are having problems with your AC unit , you may not be able to sleep very well.

What is the best AC temperature for sleeping?

The general rule of thumb for setting your thermostat for sleep can vary slightly, but 65 degrees is the best AC temperature for sleeping. But like a lot of things in life, there's no one size fits all. If 65 degrees is a little too chilly for your personal preferences, it is advisable to aim for any number in the temperature range of 60 to 72 degrees.

What is the best AC temperature for sleeping in summer?

The Department of Energy stated that the best AC temperature for sleeping in summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5 degrees Celsius).

What is the best AC temperature for sleeping in winter?

When you are at home, the best thermostat temperature in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. But what is the temperature to set the thermostat in winter at night? The best temperature to set the thermostat in winter at night is about 10-12 degrees Fahrenheit or 6-8 degrees Celsius. It is also an appropriate temperature for when you're away.

Why does temperature matter for sleep?

There's a science to how temperature affects sleep. This relates to your body's internal temperature regulation. Your body's internal temperature shifts during a 24-hour period. This is known as a circadian rhythm .

By coordinating with the rhythms of our core body temperature, setting the temperature to midway between 60 and 72 degrees helps produce the ideal environment for sleep. This temperature range is excellent since our body's circadian rhythm regulates changes in core body temperature, which fall in the evening and correlate with the release of melatonin from the brain.

This temperature drop can be further encouraged by a cool room setting, enhancing our sleep quality. Our bodies start producing the hormone melatonin, which is important for controlling sleep as it gets darker. Our brains receive a signal from melatonin that it is time to go to sleep. In the morning, as melatonin production slows, our brains receive a similar signal to wake up.

How to find the best temperature for a good night's sleep?

Implementing the following tips in your bedroom can help optimize your bedroom temperature for a good night's sleep:

Lessen the accumulation of heat during the day by closing the blinds.
Regularly clean your AC vents and replace your filter .
During the summer, relocate downstairs.
At night, lower the thermostat.
In warm climates, use a fan or air conditioner; on chilly nights, use a hot water bottle.
Open the windows to allow fresh air in.
Use the ideal mattress, sheets, duvet, comforter, pillow, and pajamas for temperature regulation to lessen perspiration.
Before going to bed, take a warm bath to promote a natural cooling effect.

You can also hire professionals to check your heating and cooling systems if you are having issues with your home temperature. Some reasons to call an expert can include inconsistent temperatures, air and water leaks, a decline in the quality of air, and abnormal noises from your unit. If you experience any of these problems call (770) 532-9130 to connect with expert technicians at Gainesville Mechanical Inc. At Gainesville Mechanical Inc. , we also provide complete residential and commercial heating , air and plumbing services.

Does My Home Pass the Energy Efficiency Test?

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 17:40:29 GMT

According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , the average household spend on energy costs is roughly $2,060 annually. This money is used to heat your house, run your appliances, lighting, and more. However, 35% of the power used is wasted.

A home energy assessment can be used to ensure that your home's energy usage is as efficient and conservative as possible. Now, you may be wondering, "Does my home pass the energy efficiency test?" Well, we can't answer that question for you, but here are some tips to help you find out:

1. Locate and seal air leaks.

It is not uncommon for homes to have leaks, but by sealing ducts properly, you can gain 5% to 30% back in savings. To find these leaks, you should begin your assessment outside the house and work your way to the attic and then the basement. Outside the house, you should check for problems around walls, joints, and under the eaves. If they are not a tight fit, you are probably losing energy and money .

2. Use energy-efficient appliances.

As a homeowner, you need energy-efficient appliances to improve your lifestyle, save money and energy, and protect the environment. Although the savings from a single energy-efficient device may seem little, these savings build up over time. Using energy-efficient appliances such as an energy-efficient heater, light, refrigerator, and air conditioner will reduce your power costs.

3. Inspect the insulation of your home.

Older homes were not required to install as much insulation as newer ones. Owning an older home may indicate that your home's insulation is inadequate. Energy loss from insulation can also occur as it degrades and develops structural holes.

Inspect your attic, and don't forget about the hatch. Make sure it is properly insulated to stop energy loss. You should also make sure that the foundation wall, ductwork, hot water pipes, and the area around your water heater in the basement are all properly insulated.

4. Inspect your HVAC.

Every HVAC system should undergo an annual inspection to look for flaws and maintenance issues. Professionals can perform complete HVAC checks for you.

But if you are a DIYer, check your HVAC filters and replace them every one to six months depending on the type of filters you have. If you haven't already, think about switching to more modern, high-efficiency filters. Keep an eye out for dirt streaks in your ductwork since they may be signs of air leaks.

If you'd rather, you can find air leaks caused by pressure loss by using a pressured duct blaster gadget. Insulate any pipes or ducts that require it and use duct mastic to seal any air leaks in the ductwork. If necessary, get experts to install a new air conditioner.

An HVAC that is not regularly maintained is less likely to operate effectively, will cost you more money, malfunction more frequently, and reach the end of its lifespan earlier. While carrying out your assessment, it is important to do an HVAC tune-up.

5. Turn to the professionals.

You shouldn't assume that because your home is new or recently built, there are no places to save energy. A professional home energy assessment is the ideal approach to determine where your home is wasting energy and where you can cut costs. However, you can perform your own straightforward but thorough walk-through, find issues with your property, and then call professionals to fix them.

At Gainesville Mechanical Inc. , we are dedicated to your home's energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Our experienced and well-trained technicians can perform a more in-depth home energy assessment, spotting even the most negligible of problems.

For the DIY homeowners experienced in performing their home energy audits, you can turn to us with your assessment results. We provide preventative maintenance and repair services such as HVAC tune-ups that will ensure your HVAC system is running at an optimal level. Gainesville Mechanical Inc. also provides complete residential and commercial heating , air and plumbing services.

How Can I Tell If My Sewer Line is Clogged?

7007994652 — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 15:32:52 GMT

We all know how frustrating it can be when a drain in your home gets backed up. The first instinct most people have when a drain gets backed up is to grab a plunger to try to fix it themselves. Or, they scour the internet for quick and easy DIY home fixes. While we understand the urge to resolve the problem quickly, there are some situations where plunging can be completely useless — and most DIY solutions end up causing more harm than good.

We always suggest that you call a professional plumber if you have a drain clogged. Sometimes, a clogged drain is a symptom of a much larger problem — a sewage line clogged up. A sewer clogged up can lead to major household problems, including flooding and plumbing issues. But how do you know if you have a clogged sewer or a less severe problem?

Below, we’ll go over what a sewer line is, the causes of a clogged sewer, and the signs of a sewage line clogging, so that next time your plumbing is acting up, you won’t have to wonder, “Is my sewer line clogged?”

What Is a Sewage Line?

In your home, you have many pipes that carry water from the area. A shower drain, a bathroom sink, the kitchen sink, the washing machine, and the dishwasher all have pipes that lead to the main sewer line, or pipe. A sewage pipe is about 4 to 6 inches in diameter and is one main line that draws all the wastewater from your property and leads it to the sewage or septic system. Sewage lines are typically buried deep underground and far away from your home.

How Do I Know My Sewer Line is Clogged?

There are a few telltale tiles that you have a sewage line clogged up. The most common indicators of a clogged sewer are:

1) Multiple Clogged Fixtures

If multiple areas in your home are clogged and have water backing up at the same time, this is a big indicator that it’s not just one pipe, but your entire sewage line clogged up. Toilets usually get backed up first, but watch for shower and sink drains backing up at the same time, especially on the first floor, where pipes are low lying.

2) Dark and Foul-Smelling Water

When a pipe is leaking, the water will run clear. A clogged sewage line will cause dark and foul-smelling water to back up. This is because your sewage line is removing wastewater, and when you have a clogged sewer, the wastewater has no place to flow but back where it came.

3) Gurgling and Bubbling in Plumbing Fixtures

Hearing gurgling noises — and hissing, bubbling, or trickling — from any of your drains or seeing the water in your toilet bowl start to bubble is another sign that the sewage line is clogged up. When water travels through your pipes and gets flushed, it will naturally form air and water bubbles. When your sewage line is backed up, those bubbles get trapped and come back into your pipes and plumbing fixtures.

What Causes a Clogged Sewer Line?

The most common problems that lead to a sewage line becoming clogged are:

Damage to the pipe itself

Pipe damage can happen from corrosion, the soil shifting around the pipe, heavy traffic above the pipe, and leaking joints.

Tree roots

Tree root infiltration is the second most common reason for a clogged sewer. Older pipes were constructed out of clay and other porous materials, and as trees grow, their roots instinctively grow towards water sources. Roots can penetrate clay pipes, causing an obstruction.

FOG

Fats, oil, and grease — also referred to as FOG — should never be poured down any of your drains! You should always pour FOG into a can and let it solidify, and then throw it away. When it goes down your drain, it hardens and sticks to the inside of your pipes, leading to a sewer becoming clogged up.

Foreign objects

You cannot use your toilet as an ordinary wastebasket. Only waste and toilet paper should be flushed down it. Anything else will lead to a clogged sewer.

There’s no safe or effective way to fix a clogged sewer line yourself. And you shouldn’t try any fix-it jobs on your own, due to a sewer line’s location and major role in your entire plumbing system. If you suspect you have a clogged sewer line, contact Gainesville Mechanical today. We’ve been serving Gainesville, GA, and its surrounding areas since 1989 and are available 24/7.

How to Avoid Water Pressure Loss in Your Shower

Wed, 11 May 2022 13:28:44 GMT

There's nothing worse than coming ho me from a long day with the hopes of washing away all your stress and worries and instead being met with water pressure in the shower that's too low. Over time, the water pressure in your shower might diminish, which will leave you wondering how to fix the shower head pressure so you can enjoy decompressing, personal hygiene, and comfort like you once did.

Tips to Help Fix Shower Head Pressure

Luckily, it’s not impossible to fix the water pressure in your shower. Here are some steps you can take that will help avoid or fix this issue, restoring the shower head pressure you've grown accustomed to.

Check the Shower Head or Pipes

There's a chance a blockage is the root cause of water pressure in your shower that’s too low. For a variety of reasons, pipes might accumulate grime, preventing proper water pressure. In some circumstances, these built-up particles might settle in the shower head. The best way to check this out is by removing the shower head from the wall and soaking it in a biodegradable cleaning solution before scrubbing the nozzle with a bristled tool or old toothbrush. If you can't remove it from the wall, try wrapping a solution-soaked towel around the head for a few moments instead.

If the water pressure in the shower is still too low after cleaning the head, the issue might be in the pipes, which will require a professional cleaning. Depending on where you live, an expert might recommend a water softener installation to ensure the shower head pressure doesn't get impacted by hard water over time.

Inspect the Water Pressure Around Your Home

If the issue isn't isolated to the shower, there could be a problem with the water pressure reduction valve. This mechanism helps control the pressure of the water as it enters your home, so any issues with how water comes out of your plumbing fixtures can likely be traced back to that. The valve might be broken or otherwise malfunctioning, requiring a readjustment, which would require a professional plumber’s services .

Consider the Diverter Valve

When you turn on your shower and the water comes out of the bath faucet instead, it's because the diverter valve is switched in that direction. Turning the proper knob will redirect the water to your shower head. But if there's something wrong with the valve, it'll cause issues with the shower head pressure because an improper amount of water is being pushed in either direction. This possibility is pretty common due to the heavy use of a home's bath and shower. Normal wear and tear can impede the diverter valve from functioning properly. Luckily, a professional visit from a qualified plumber can solve the issue with a replacement diverter valve.

Look Out for Leaks

What if there are no apparent clogs in your pipes, but you still are experiencing a leak in the system? You may still wonder how to solve your low-pressure shower issue. At this point, you may need to enlist a professional plumber to repair any pipe damage. If there are any water stains on the walls, floors, or any other surface in your home, there might be a leak or fracture in your pipes.

Otherwise, keep an eye and ear out for water dripping or running somewhere it shouldn't be. If left unattended, the water pressure will become the least of your worries. Over time, a leak can worsen, eventually causing a pipe to fully burst. And that outcome can result in a flooded home or at least higher-than-normal utility bills.

Wondering about your next step? We recommend scheduling a service call with a professional plumber from Gainesville Mechanical Inc. We can assess all the pipes in your home, from the ones under the sink to the harder-to-reach spots behind the walls. Get in touch with us today .

Tips to Lower Energy Bills This Summer

Sun, 01 May 2022 12:55:34 GMT

The arrival of spring signals new be ginnings and warm weather — and that summer is just around the corner. It's also a time of increased energy usage, putting the grid and your cooling systems to the ultimate test. Because of this uptick in energy expenditure, utility bills tend to see an increase as well.

This can strain your finances, especially in a season when many try to vacation or take advantage of outdoor activities. That said, there are some great ways to cut your power bill while still staying cool for the summer.

What Are the Best Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill in the Summer?

1. Adjust your thermostat.

On those intensely hot summer days, it's tempting to continuously press the down arrow on your thermostat until the number is significantly lower than the temperature outside. But later in the month, you might be left thinking, "My electric bill is out of control!" Instead, lower the thermostat to a few degrees below the outside temperature. If it's 85 degrees outside, setting your system to 79 will still feel way cooler; it's one of many simple ways to reduce your AC bill.

2. Service your AC Unit.

Air conditioners can diminish over time. Whether a new part is needed or an air filter cleaning is in order, having your AC serviced is a surefire way to cut your power bill. By ensuring that each mechanism in your unit is in working order, you're allowing for efficient energy flow, rather than making the system work on overdrive using outdated, clogged, or broken parts.

3. Invest in drapes or window treatments.

Natural light is a welcome perk year-round, but if that light is unfiltered during the summer months, a home's AC unit is going to work twice as hard to cool a space. Even using sheer drapes can help reduce the intensity of the sun, and is one of the best ways to lower an electric bill in the summer. By keeping some of the bright light out, the room will be naturally cooler than it would otherwise.

4. Unplug devices when they're not in use.

Reducing energy usage in other parts of the home is another of the many ways to cut your power bill. If a device is plugged into the wall, even if it's not being used, there's "standby" energy still running through the circuit, waiting to go full-throttle whenever the "on" button is pushed. That standby energy adds up on a power bill. Removing a plug from a power outlet while a device or appliance isn't in use will ensure that no unnecessary energy expenses end up on next month's bill.

5. Close your doors.

One benefit of a modern cooling system is being able to control the air differently in each room. If you're taking a nap in a bedroom, there's no need to share the air with other empty rooms. By closing the door to the bedroom, you're trapping the cool air instead, which will allow the space to cool down more quickly. This decreases the need for the thermostat to run and reduces the power bill. If you don't do this, your AC unit is working twice as hard to cool a larger space. Either by turning the thermostat off in rooms you don't frequent as often or putting those rooms on a slightly higher temperature with the door closed, you'll cool down the space without running up any unnecessary costs.

As spring approaches and summer follows close behind it, it's smart to be thinking about the best ways to manage your AC bill and conserve energy. If you think it might be time to service your AC unit, give us a call today. The Gainesville Mechanical team is ready to help set you up for a great, energy-efficient summer.

How Often Should I Replace My Air Filters?

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 16:15:11 GMT

Despite your HVAC system being a powerful machine that keeps your home comfortable for several years, it can actually be quite delicate to maintain. Over time, several parts will need replacing. Additionally, trained HVAC professionals will need to perform regular maintenance checks on your system to ensure optimal performance.

One thing you must always remember is to regularly change your system's air filters. Air filters have an extremely important function . Air filters trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other harmful substances to help you breathe comfortably in your home. This also prevents these particles from being recirculated in your house.

It's easy to understand the importance of an A/C filter change, but do you know how often you need to replace your A/C filter? It's probably more frequent than you think. This article will detail what a proper replacement schedule looks like and what happens when you neglect to change your A/C filter.

The Importance of Changing the Air Filter on Your A/C Unit

Air filters are a crucial but often overlooked component of an HVAC system. Many people go months without changing their filters thinking that neglecting their air filters has no consequences. That's because people mistakenly assume that the primary function of A/C filers is to filter dust and improve air quality when, in fact, they do so much more.

When homeowners fail to replace their air filters regularly, a ripple effect occurs. To start, a dirty air filter reduces the airflow to your HVAC system, which causes it to work harder. More hard work for your system means more energy consumption, which results in higher energy bills. Additionally, a bad air filter may not be able to effectively regulate your home's temperature. This causes additional strain on your HVAC system.

What Happens If You Skip an A/C Filter Change?

Importantly, not changing the air filter on your A/C unit lowers your indoor air quality and can necessitate regular repairs. That's because a dirty filter hinders your system's ability to clean the air more efficiently and leaves more contaminants in your home, potentially causing illness. A dirty filter may also require more (expensive) repairs because it can damage other parts of your system. Overall, changing your filter regularly keeps your system running smoother and more efficiently, extending its life span and improving the health and comfort of your home.

The Proper Frequency of Replacing the Filter on Your A/C Unit

The frequency at which you should change your filter depends on the type of air filter you use. If you have fiberglass filters, which are less expensive, you will need to replace them once per month, or every 30 days. The thicker, pleated filters, however, last for six months. Of course, this assumes average use and doesn't take into account the size and type of filter.

To be safe, it's better to replace even pleated filters every 90 days. This is especially true if you or your family members deal with persistent allergies. If that's the case, then you may need to replace the filter more often. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America , indoor air quality matters just as much as outdoor air quality. Pets, dust mites, cockroaches and mold can negatively impact indoor air quality, making it almost impossible to bear without a clean filter.

To remember to replace the filter on your A/C unit regularly, mark your calendar or set yourself reminders so that you don't miss an A/C filter change.

Have More Questions About A/C Maintenance?

Changing the air filter on your A/C unit may seem like one more chore of living in your home, but it's one of the simplest solutions to indoor air quality issues and constant HVAC maintenance problems. By changing your air filter as recommended, you can stave off a lot of headaches associated with dirty air filters.

To further prevent maintenance headaches, Gainesville Mechanical offers maintenance plans for HVAC units that include essential tasks to optimize your equipment so that you're protected from paying higher costs. For more information on HVAC maintenance, contact the professionals at Gainesville Mechanical .

Should You Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature?

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 15:49:35 GMT

When most people think of their hot water heater, they often associate it with comfortable temperatures in the shower. That's because, when it goes out, taking a bath or even washing your dishes becomes a pain. In fact, most people don't think about adjusting their water heater temperature at all.

Importantly, lowering your water temperature can save energy and lower your energy bills. How? Water heater temp has a significant impact on overall energy usage. According to the U.S Department of Energy, your water heater is responsible for about 20% of total energy use in your home, costing between $415 and $460 annually. Keeping a normal water heater temperature at 120ºF, however, can save home dwellers almost $50 per year .

It's important to think of new ways to conserve energy — especially as costs continue to rise. For many Americans, their hot water heater is an untapped opportunity. Below is more information about your hot water heater's temperature and how to adjust temperature to save on energy costs.

How Hot Should Your Water Heater Be?

Most people rarely think about water heater temperature, but it matters in terms of energy conservation and safety . What is the best temperature for a hot water heater? Many water heater manufacturers set the default temperature to 140ºF. However, turning down your heater to 120ºF can reduce standby losses from your water heater and other appliances that rely on it, including your dishwasher and washing machine. Combined, reducing these losses can save more than $400 per year.

Additionally, keeping your water heater at 140ºF poses important safety risks. At this temperature, home dwellers risk scalding temperatures in the bath or shower. To help avoid scalding water, you can install mixing valves that help regulate the temperature. Also, while some appliances, such as dishwashers, usually require a water temperature of 130ºF due to the possibility of legionellae bacteria, the risk of severe illness is low at 120ºF. If you are immunocompromised or have chronic respiratory disease, however, consider keeping your water temperature at 140ºF.

Now you're probably wondering, "Will a temperature of 120ºF be hot enough for my home?" In general, the answer is yes. According to the Department of Energy and the EPA, this temperature gets rid of most bacteria. Plus, a temperature of 120ºF slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. While there's no one temperature that fits all households, 120ºF is pretty close.

How to Adjust Water Heater Temp

If you're considering lowering your water heater temp, it will be helpful to know how to adjust your water heater's temperature. This process may look a bit different from heater to heater, but adjusting most heaters should feel relatively the same. Here's how to change your water heater's temperature:

1. Testing the water temperature

First, it's important to test the water temperature. Run the water in your bathtub or sink and let it run until it's reached maximum heat. Once the water temperature has reached that point, hold a thermometer in or under the water to get an accurate reading.

2. Adjusting a tankless heater

Adjusting a tankless water heater should feel similar to how you adjust your thermostat. All you have to do is use the digital control panel to turn the temperature up or down as needed. The temperature should start to change immediately.

3. Adjusting a gas or electric heater

Some gas heaters have a dial at the bottom of the unit that you can simply turn right or left to adjust the temperature. With newer gas and electric heaters, all you have to do is turn off the power to the heater at the circuit breaker, find the access panel for the thermostat and peel back the insulation. Using a flat-head screwdriver, you can then adjust the temperature. Once you're finished, replace the insulation, reinstall the access panel and restore power. You might need to relight the pilot light if your water heater is powered by gas.

Lowering your water heater temperature may seem like a small step, but it could make a difference — both in safety and energy saving. If you have questions about water heater temperature and what it means for your home and your family, contact the team at Gainesville Mechanica l today. We're ready to help!

Water Heater Not Heating? Now What?

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 21:47:34 GMT

Hot water. We all take it for granted. For instance, when you want to take a hot bath, you probably don’t boil water on your hearth like the pioneers did. Instead, you just turn on the tap. When you feel like washing your clothes in hot water, you just set the washing machine to “hot” and let your water heater do its magic.

But what happens if you discover that your water heater is not heating? You’ll want to troubleshoot the problem by understanding all the possible reasons for your hot water problems.

Hot Water Heater Not Working? Here Are Some Possible Reasons

When your water heater isn't working and is either barely heating water or not heating it at all, you may have one or more issues on your hands. Same if you find your hot water not working but the cold is.

Below are some common reasons for a “sick” water heater:

The heating element is damaged. Do you have an electric water heater? You may not realize it, but you have two heating elements. Either one could become worn out and stop working.
The gas valve isn’t keeping your pilot light on. If you have a gas-fueled water heater, you have to be able to keep your pilot light going strong. If the valve that enables your pilot light is broken, you’ll only get a stream of chilly water.
Your water heater's dip tube has a crack in it. Unless you’re a plumbing technician, you might not know about dip tubes. The dip tube is inside your water heater and pushes cold water toward the heating element. When the dip tube becomes cracked, it allows cold water to go straight to your pipes without getting hot first.
Your water heater is filled with lots of sediment. Older water heaters naturally collect lots of sediment that can get in the way of optimum performance. The sediment clogs up all the inner workings of the water heater, making it work harder — and inevitably fail you when you most need hot water.

You have a faulty thermostat in your water heater. Does your water get scalding and then icy? That’s a back-and-forth experience that’s not fun or healthy. In this situation, your water heater thermostat may be to blame.

When to Replace Water Heater Elements — or the Water Heater Itself

Even if you’re a DIYer, you still probably shouldn’t poke around your water heater to fix what’s wrong. And that’s especially true if your water heater runs on gas. (Never mess with the gas line. You could have a huge problem on your hands that goes far beyond a freezing shower).

That said, if you're dealing with the following, seek out a professional to fix your water heater:

You're getting no hot water from any of your faucets.
You’re only getting hot water some of the time.
The temperature of your water fluctuates and you can’t seem to control it by manipulating the thermostat on your water heater.
You get hot water for a couple of minutes but it runs out quickly and turns cool.

You may also need a new water heater or need some maintenance if you have hot water most of the time but notice that your water heater makes odd gurgling sounds or your water emits a bad odor.

Who Fixes Water Heaters?

So, who should you bring in to fix your water heater? Plumbing technicians. A plumber can help you know when to make repairs versus when to replace a water heater entirely. For instance, they can come to your house and run some tests to figure out what’s making your water heater “sick.” Maybe you need a fast fix — or perhaps it’s time for a complete appliance overhaul. Either way, your plumber will give you the scoop.

It’s important to remember that the average age of a hot water heater is about 10–12 years, at most. Consequently, if your hot water heater is on its last legs, you may be in need of an upgrade. Reach out to our team at Gainesville Mechanical today to request a service today .

What to Do with Leftover Grease and Oil

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 21:45:32 GMT

Some of our favorite foods to cook are definitely not our favorite foods to clean up. Take bacon, for instance. It’s a breakfast staple that brings everyone in the family to the kitchen before their alarms go off. But after all that bacon has disappeared, you’re left with a skillet filled with grease.

You might be tempted to dispose of grease and other fatty sources down the drain. Don't! Instead, learn the proper techniques for grease disposal to keep your plumbing healthy.

Why is Grease Disposal Important?

Think back to the last time you had a pan brimming with oils and grease after making an amazing meal. What happened to the grease as it sat? Whether the grease came from an animal or plant source, it probably congealed at least a little or became cloudy.

This is a natural process for grease. At room temperature, some grease will solidify, and even if it doesn’t, it still retains a “clingy” texture. That’s what makes it so tough to get an oily plate spotless. Without special attention, the oil will linger and leave a film on whatever it touches.

Knowing how to properly get rid of grease is a valuable — yet surprisingly underrated — skill that everyone needs to know. Therefore, keep reading to learn the right ways to give hot and cooled grease and oils the boot without causing damage to your plumbing system.

How to Dispose of Hot Grease

Let’s go back to our original scenario. You’re ready to dispose of bacon grease the minute you’ve taken out all the bacon strips. At this point, the bacon grease is hot.

If you hate to have dirty dishes around, you might think that you should address the grease right away. A better solution, though, is to wait for the grease to cool down. Never pour hot grease or oil down the drain, into a toilet (yes, people have done this), or directly into your garbage can lined with a thin plastic bag.

That said, if you just can't wait for it to get cold, you can carefully pour it into a container, like a glass jar, and let it congeal there. But you’re still going to have to dispose of the grease later.

How to Dispose of Used Cooking Oil and Grease Once It’s Cool

Once your grease or fat has turned into a thick residue, you might wonder, “Can I pour oil down the drain? It seems like it won’t hurt the plumbing at this point.” The answer is, "No."

Here’s why pouring oils and grease — even if they’re room temperature or cooler — down the drain is a bad idea: Both will stick to the walls of your pipes. Over time, their stickiness will attract food particles and other debris, creating a blockage. Plus, all the oils can damage your garbage disposal, too.

In other words, you can’t treat grease and oils like you would broth or non-oily sauces. You have to get rid of grease and oil in a specific way:

Wipe It Off: Is your grease hard? Animal and dairy fats often harden after cooling. To clean them up, wipe off your pots and pans where they've hardened. Use paper products like paper towels or even old newspapers. Be as thorough as possible. You can just toss the greasy paper into the trash.

Drip It Away: Is your oil still pretty thin and runny, even though you stopped cooking more than an hour ago? Find an old container you no longer want and pour the oil into it. Then, discard the container filled with liquid grease into the garbage. You may want to put it into a separate bag first if you’re worried it might leak all over once it’s in the trash can.

Oil and Grease Disposal Tips

Here are a few grease disposal tips to keep in mind:

Never put any type of oil down the drains in your home or office.
Never pour oils and greases into your backyard as a desperate measure to get rid of them.
Never give grease to your pets — it’s bad for them, even if they seem to like it.
Never pour hot grease directly into the garbage.

What to Do if Grease Causes a Plumbing Problem

If you've been pouring grease or oil down your drain and have started to notice bad smells, slow draining, or problems with your garbage disposal, what should you do? Call in a professional! A plumber will get your system running smoothly again. From that point, you can make sure that you discard grease and oils properly to avoid future issues.

At Gainesville Mechanical, our experienced professionals can help you address even the messiest grease disposal problems. Click here to request a service . We'll talk soon!

Does Water Usage and Conservation Really Matter?

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 22:41:46 GMT

For generations, our country has been on a mission to conserve water. Yet you might be scratching your head over the concept. Is wasting water a real problem, especially with water being a renewable resource?

You’re technically correct that water is renewable. However, potable water — that is, the water you can safely drink — is not limitless. That’s why we have municipal water treatment plants around the nation. And even if you get your water from a private well, you will have to treat it in some way to ensure it won’t be harmful to your health.

In other words, water conservation is much more than meets the eye. The more you understand about water conservation, the more you’ll understand why staying on top of your water usage is both necessary and important.

Why Is Water Conservation Important?

As mentioned before, most potable water has to be transported and treated to get to your home. Consequently, it needs to be accessible. Sometimes, it’s hard to access water — and in zones that are experiencing unprecedented heatwaves, water accessibility is becoming a bigger problem.

Remember: Water reaches you from relatively nearby places with fresh water (not salt water) like bays and rivers. The more water you and your neighbors use, the more water is diverted from those natural waterways. Therefore, those waterways’ water levels go down, which can hurt any living organisms that rely on those waterways for existence.

Another reason to consume a little less water? It takes energy and resources to bring water to your home. And if you have to heat the water, you’ll use even more energy. This puts a burden on non-renewable energy supplies, particularly if you use coal or oil to bring your water to a tepid or warm temperature.

The Immediate Benefits of Water Conservation

Obviously, the long-term benefits of water conservation are that saving water puts less stress on the environment. However, you will get some short-term benefits of water conservation that you can see right away, too.

Lowered utility bills. When you prioritize the protection of water resources by lowering your water usage, you get a financial payback in the form of a reduced water bill. You might even save on other bills, like your gas or electric bill, depending upon how you heat your water.

More time. Let’s say you normally take a 10-minute shower. Cutting your shower down by just two minutes a day gives you a full hour back each month! As you know, time is valuable and finite. Even a few minutes add up and save water at the same time.

Ingenuity opportunities. Do you love a good challenge? Use your commitment to conserving water as a springboard for creative thinking. Think of creative ways to make your water go further? For instance, could you water your garden with leftover water from boiling cabbage for dinner? Use your imagination. Get the whole family thinking and involved.

How to Save Water in Daily Life

You know wasting water is a bad idea, but you also don’t want to feel like you have to monitor every ounce of water you use. Below are some ways to save water in daily life that are simple and effortless.

Buy and install high-efficiency appliances and hardware. Replacing old toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines can save you tons of water as well as money. They eventually pay for themselves by using less water and requiring less energy to operate.

Take care of leaks. Suspect you have a leaky fixture somewhere? Call a plumber to tighten up those drips by making repairs or replacing broken-down systems and parts.

Collect rainwater. Do you normally use your hose or taps to get water for your plants? Collecting rainwater in a rain barrel or other container instead allows you to have access to gardening water without tapping into your water supply.

Protect Your Home by Conserving Water

When you think about it, conserving water isn’t hard. Just making a few adjustments in your everyday habits can make a huge difference for the places you call home. To learn more about making water conservation a priority in your home, get in touch today .

Benefits of Installing a Water Softener

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 22:39:08 GMT

Since you moved into your house, you’ve had a nagging feeling that your water isn’t quite up to par. It tastes a little funky, which you remedied by buying a water filtration pitcher. And it doesn’t always seem to give you the nice suds you want when you’re washing dishes or shampooing. So what gives?

From the sound of it, you may be struggling with a case of the hard water blues. Don’t worry, though: Hard water isn’t something you have to live with. You can always purchase and install a water softener to eliminate the problem.

What Is Soft Water?

Let’s start today’s lesson by talking about hard water. Hard water is water that contains trace amounts of minerals including magnesium and calcium. Though the minerals won’t harm you on the outside or inside, they can make your water perform less consistently and taste unpleasant. Plus, they can take a toll on all your plumbing because they cause corrosion within many types of pipes, fixtures, hardware, and supply lines.

Consequently, you want water that’s “soft” and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. That’s why so many homeowners use water softeners as a hard water treatment solution.

How Water Softener Works

Water softeners are pieces of equipment that are hooked up to your incoming water supply. It doesn’t matter if you rely on well water or water pumped in from a municipal water system. Either way, you can run your hard water through the water softener.

When hard water enters the water softener, it goes through the mineral tank. The mineral tank contains resin beads with a negative charge. Since minerals like calcium and magnesium are positively charged, they’re attracted to the resin beads. As they stick to the resin beads, they’re replaced by either sodium or potassium molecules.

The result is “soft” water that flows directly into whatever taps you want — the taps that go to your washing machine, dishwasher, bathtub, or shower. Overnight, your water softener will go through a process to clean the resin beads with a special brine and send the unwanted minerals out through your wastewater line.

The Benefits of Water Softener

Like you would for any plumbing upgrade you make to your property, you’ll want to know the advantages that come with installing a water softener. Here are just a few:

More efficient appliances. Do you have at least one high-efficiency appliance? It won’t be as efficient as you’d like if it doesn’t have a supply of soft water.

Longer-lasting appliances and plumbing . Unless you enjoy replacing your appliances or water pipes sooner rather than later, consider buying a water softener. If your water leaves mineral stains on your clothing or has begun to damage your water supply lines, hard water might be the problem.

Softer hair and skin. If it feels like you can’t quite get clean no matter how much you try, hard water could be the culprit. Hard water can cause your skin to feel dry and itchy and your hair to look frizzy, even if you use conditioner.

Less soap scum. If you’re fed up with thick layers of soap scum around your tub, find out if you have hard water. Hard water usually creates large amounts of soapy residue that’s hard to scrape off tiles and tubs.

Cleaner clothing. Who wants to deal with stiff clothes that may not feel or smell completely clean even after being laundered? A water softener can make laundry feel cleaner, softer, and wearable.

Should You Make Softer Water a Habit?

Now that you have a better appreciation for how a water softener works, you may want to explore which softeners are the right fit for your home. Get in touch with Gainesville Mechanical today to get advice from one of our expert technicians and learn what water softener could be best for your needs.

When Should I Replace My Old Plumbing?

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:30:41 GMT

Nothing lasts forever. Not 1970s shag carpet. Not your beloved pair of comfy slippers. And certainly not your home’s plumbing and pipes.

Of course, if your home was built in the past few years, you won’t have to worry about replacing or repairing your old plumbing for a while. However, many homes are decades old. That means their plumbing systems could be ready for retirement.

What is “old plumbing,” though?

Unless you’re in the plumbing industry, you might not have a good perspective on what old plumbing looks like.

Home plumbing fixtures and pipes reach old age much faster than others. Consider copper pipes, which are still popular. The best of the best can last up to 80 years. Pipes made of cast iron, galvanized steel, and even brass can hit the century mark. By contrast, newer PVC pipes may break down after 50 years. In other words, your 50-year-old copper plumbing could very well be working great and your 20-year-old PEX or PVC plumbing could be in need of repair or replacement.

How can you know if your plumbing needs an upgrade, then? Aside from contacting a plumber to get advice, you can look for the signs that your plumbing may not be working at full capacity.

As a side note, if you find out that you have lead pipes in your plumbing, call a plumber immediately. Lead can leach into the water and be a health hazard for you and your pets.

Common Indicators of Worn-Out Old Plumbing

Below are a few of the red flags that typically indicate that old plumbing has reached the end of its usable life.

You’re seeing bits of the pipe material coming out of your faucets when you run the water.
Your water is a different color because the pipe material is leaching into it.
Your water pressure goes up and down without any good reason.
Your water pipes are leaking.

You can't ignore these symptoms. In some cases, they may require a smaller fix than replacing a wide expanse of pipes in your home. You can’t be sure, though, until you get feedback from a professional.

What is the Typical Cost to Replace Plumbing in an Old House?

For people with older homes, especially, old plumbing can be a concern. And wondering what the cost to fix or replace that plumbing might be can feel overwhelming.

As you might guess, the cost to repair your plumbing varies. For example, your plumber might recommend replacing just a small part of your overall system and not everything. If that's the case, the cost may not be too terrible.

What if you have to replace all the pipes in your old house? That’s a different matter and will necessitate a larger price tag. A big plumbing job in a big house can be expensive. If you need to replace both your plumbing supply and sewer lines, your plumbing quote may look higher.

Again, the key is to call a plumber at the first sign that something might be wrong. This allows you to ward off higher costs, especially if your plumbing can make fixes that allow you to get more years out of your old plumbing.

What to Expect When Replacing Old Plumbing Pipes

Old plumbing is destined to break down someday. When it does, you can expect a plumber to take a few steps during the replacement process.

First, the plumber will do a thorough evaluation of your home and let you know which plumbing to keep and which to replace. They can also help you prioritize repairs and replacements so that you’re tackling one thing at a time. For example, if you have old toilet plumbing in dire need of repair, they might say to prioritize fixing that first. Next, they'll set up a time to come to your house and start the repair or replacement work. You’ll be able to choose the types of replacement pipes that are best suited to your home.

Remember that the plumber will usually need to turn off your water supply while working. Therefore, be sure you have water on hand for drinking and cooking during that time. A full-scale re-piping can take several days or longer if you have a very large home, so be patient and prepared. The result is worth the wait because you’ll have dependable plumbing that should last longer than you live in your house.

Find a professional plumbing company you can trust and let experienced technicians do the diagnosing, maintaining, and replacing work. If you're looking for plumbing professionals in Gainesville who are equipped to fix and replace old school plumbing, we're here to help. Click here to request a service and get started today!

Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 22:26:40 GMT

Walk through the household paper products aisle in any grocery store. In addition to rolls of paper towels, boxes of tissues, and packages of toilet paper, you’re going to see something else: containers of flushable wipes.

If you’ve ever used flushable wipes, you know their basics. They tend to be damp, super-soft, and somewhat thick. And to be honest, they do what they're supposed to do and do it well. However, the term “flushable” is a bit misleading.

Why Even the "Best Flushable Wipes That Actually Disintegrate" Actually Don't

Here’s the problem: Just about anything is flushable, in technical terms. Plumbers frequently get called by frantic homeowners whose kids have flushed anything and everything down the toilet. From small stuffed toys to articles of clothing to wedding rings, tons of weird and wacky stuff has been rescued from the sewer by intrepid plumbing technicians.

In other words, anything is "flushable." With that being said, not everything should be flushed.

The only things you should flush down your toilet are the results of your natural body functions and sewer (septic-safe) toilet paper. That’s it. No feminine hygiene products. No cigarette butts or matchsticks. No paper towels. And certainly, no flushable wipes constructed of synthetic materials.

Confused? That’s understandable. After all, aren’t you being told something else by makers of flushable wipes that are supposed to disintegrate once they hit the sewer? Yes. But it's advertising.

What Really Happens to Flushable Wipes

To get a broader perspective on what makes flushable wipes bad for flushing, consider how they get from the toilet to the sewer.

After you use a flushable wipe, you toss it into the toilet water and flush it. The wipe travels through the pipes connected to your toilet and makes its way out of your home. From there, it ends up in the sewer and on its way to a wastewater treatment facility or straight into your septic tank.

Though this journey isn’t long, it involves twists and turns — and lots of chances for your flushable wipes to get caught in pipes. A trapped wipe can turn into a serious clog over time. Suddenly, your drains slow down or stop allowing water to escape, you notice an unpleasant smell by your septic tank, or water starts to pool around the edges of the tank. These are all indicators of a potential clog.

Of course, even if the wipes head straight out of your house and to the wastewater treatment facility, they aren’t guaranteed to dissolve. Lots of plants experience clogging due to a build-up of the wrong types of items being flushed.

How to Dispose of Flushable Wipes the Right Way

This doesn't mean that you can't buy or use flushable wipes. Why would you? To be honest, they work great. You just have to avoid falling for the advertising telling you that you’re buying flushable wipes safe for plumbing or septic-safe flushable wipes.

The way to properly dispose of your flushable wipes is to toss them directly into the wastebasket. Many homeowners like to wrap them first in plastic baggies, like the environmentally safer kind made for discarding dog or cat waste. Yes, it’s an extra step. Nonetheless, it keeps you from having an avoidable plumbing emergency.

Finding a Viable Alternative to Flushable Wipes

What is an alternative to flushable wipes? You can use a spray designed to wet down your toilet paper just enough so that it cleans more thoroughly.

You don’t have to find a fancy or expensive spray, though. You can make one yourself by just putting witch hazel in a spray bottle and giving your toilet paper a spritz when needed.

What to Do If You Already Flushed Too Many Wipes?

Perhaps you’ve come to this article a little late. Not a problem. If you suspect that you have a wipes-related clog, the team at Gainesville Mechanical can help. You’ll feel better and you’ll be doing your part to make things right for your septic system or nearest wastewater plant.