Holiday Plumbing and HVAC Roundup
The holidays are a time for good food, good company, and good memories—not plumbing and HVAC problems. You might not think about how functional plumbing and a quality heater can positively impact your holiday, but the truth is, they can make a big difference. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you can use the tips in these articles to ensure your plumbing and HVAC systems are working well all holiday season long.
Guides for holiday hosts
If you’re hosting house guests or dinner guests this holiday season, it’s important to have your home in tip-top shape. There’s nothing worse than dealing with unwelcome surprises in a neglected guest bathroom or because of a poorly maintained heater. From broken heaters and puzzling smells to garbage disposal do’s and don’ts, here are our best guides for holiday hosts.
Heater not working? Ask these questions to find the cause
A broken heater doesn’t exactly make for a very merry holiday. Before calling for a repair, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself. It’s likely that problem is easily fixable, and you don’t need to pay for a technician to come do it for you. These quick fixes can be completed while you wait for your holiday dinner guests to arrive, or in between gift-giving festivities. From checking the pilot light to resetting a circuit breaker, you’ll learn it all in our guide 4 Questions to Ask Before You Call For Heater Repair.
Guest bathroom troubles: 8 ways to get rid of sewer gas smell
If you have a guest bathroom that’s rarely used, it might smell less than pleasant due to sewer gas. Trying to mask the smell with candles or air fresheners may help temporarily, but eventually you’re going to need to stop the odor at its source. Before company arrives, get rid of the smell for good by cleaning the sink overflow, checking for leaks, and following more of the tips in 8 Ways to Get Rid of Sewer Gas Smell.
Know what to expect from heater maintenance
Unlike your air conditioner, your heater only sees heavy use for a brief part of the year. That long dormancy period leads to a buildup of dust, dirt, and damage that may rear its ugly head when you turn your heat on for the first time in the winter. To avoid any sudden problems in the middle of the busy holiday season, it’s best to schedule heater maintenance. Chas Robert’s 26-point maintenance plan includes vital checks like thermostat calibration, burner flames inspection, combustion air check, and more. Before the technician arrives, you can learn all about the process in What to Expect from Heater Maintenance.
6 tips to avoid a plumbing emergency
With increased foot traffic in your home during the holidays, your plumbing system is going to need to work a lot harder. With increased use, issues like leaks, clogs, and other unpleasant events can become more common. Keep plumbing emergencies away from your holiday fun and learn how to recognize common signs with 6 Tips to Avoid a Plumbing Emergency.
Garbage disposals 101
Are you cooking up a holiday feast this year? Holiday cooking may put a strain on your garbage disposal if you aren’t mindful of what should (and shouldn’t) go down your drains. For example: Turkey bones? Nope. Cooking oils? No way. Keep clogs and blockages at bay with our guide to Garbage Disposals 101.
Guides for holiday upgrades and resolutions
If you’re looking to upgrade your current plumbing fixtures, there’s no time like the holidays. After all, is there any better gift than great home plumbing, or a reliable new HVAC system? If an upgrade isn’t in the budget, you can make a New Year’s resolution to save water, energy, and money with your current fixtures and systems.
Put energy-efficient plumbing on your Christmas list
If your sinks, toilets, and showerheads are a few years old, why not give yourself the gift of new ones? As more and more homeowners prioritize energy efficiency, plumbing manufacturers have taken notice—producing fixtures that use less water and less energy. Whether you’re in the market for a money-saving tankless water heater or a high-efficiency gravity-assist toilet, you can get to know the market in our guide to The Best Energy Efficient Plumbing Fixtures for a Lower Water Bill.
Tub or shower getting old? There’s no better time for an upgrade
If you’re tired of dealing with dated fixtures or looking at an outdated bathroom, treat yourself to a new tub or shower this holiday season. New tubs and showers use less water and can boost the resale value of your home. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, for your home and your family. Not convinced? Read our guide to the 6 Reasons to Upgrade Your Tub or Shower.
Make an HVAC resolution this new years
The holidays culminate with the promise of a new year. Make a resolution to take care of your HVAC system in 2020 and beyond with our New Year’s HVAC Checklist. Our tips will help you save money on your monthly energy bills, avoid costly breakdowns, and make sure your system lasts as long as possible. While you’re at it, the New Year is a great time to schedule annual HVAC maintenance. For best results, you’ll want an appointment in the spring (prior to the cooling season) and in the early fall (prior to the heating season).
Lower your water bill in the new year
If saving money is on your to-do list in the new year, lowering your water bill is a great place to start. The average American home uses 100 gallons of water per day, which means that water-saving initiatives can make a big difference. Use our guide 3 Tips to Reduce Your Water Bill in the New Year to get started—your wallet is sure to thank you.
For plumbing and HVAC tips all year round, turn to Chas Roberts
When it comes down to it, we know a lot about plumbing and HVAC—and these guides are just the beginning. We hope you enjoy your holiday with friends and family, and that you contact Chas Roberts with any plumbing and HVAC questions, concerns, or conundrums.
