Plumbing and HVAC systems undergo a lot of wear and tear throughout the year. However, they’re especially strained during the holiday season. There’s typically an increase in cooking and entertaining, both of which can take their toll on your systems. Understanding some of the top ways to prevent problems can help keep your holidays merry and bright.
HVAC System
Proper heating is crucial in Brunswick, where January low temperatures can drop into the single digits. You can’t risk your HVAC system breaking down at the worst possible time. Following a few major tips can help get your system in the best shape before the holidays arrive.
Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection
A professional HVAC technician can be invaluable for preventing heating disasters. Our team can easily notice minor issues, giving us the chance to address them before they turn into major, costly ones. HVAC problems worsen over time, so catching them early is crucial. During the appointment, we’ll perform tasks such as lubricating moving parts, assessing the electrical wiring, and calibrating the thermostat. Schedule the inspection in early fall to give you peace of mind that your system is ready for the holidays. An adult must be on site during the appointment in case we need to check multiple areas of your home.
Make Repairs Before the Holidays
Although it’s possible that your HVAC system could get a clean bill of health, we may spot potential issues. For example, we might notice leaks, frayed wiring, or a broken component. It’s vital to schedule the repairs as soon as possible. Booking promptly means you’ll have time to choose an appointment that works best for you. Additionally, you won’t have to worry throughout the season that a breakdown could happen at any moment.
Replace or Clean Filters
Cleaning or replacing the system’s air filter may seem like a minor task, but it prevents major problems. A clogged filter could lead to issues like short cycling, overheating, and poor indoor air quality. If your system has a disposable filter, turn the unit off. Remove the old filter, put the new one in, and turn the system back on. If it has a reusable filter, you should also turn off the system first. Clean and dry the filter thoroughly before putting it back in and restarting the system. You can clean reusable filters every few weeks and replace disposable filters every few months. If you have kids or pets in the home, consider cleaning or changing the filters more often.
Plumbing System
Guests coming in and out of your home mean a busy plumbing system. Increased usage could worsen existing problems, leading to serious disruptions. There are a few crucial steps you can take to help keep your system functioning optimally during the holiday season.
Be Mindful of What Goes Down Drains
Many food items should go in the trash instead of down drains. For example, grease, butter, and oil might seem like they can easily slide down kitchen drains, but they can actually build up in your pipes. Other common contributors to clogs include pasta, vegetable scraps, fruit pieces, and coffee grounds. Your best option is to put them in the garbage instead of putting your plumbing system at risk.
Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
Scheduling an appointment allows our plumbers to look for both subtle and obvious signs that you may have a plumbing issue. For example, we’ll look for leaks, take note of moldy odors in bathrooms, and check your water pressure. We assess many areas of your plumbing system, from your water heater to the P-trap under the bathroom sink. It’s a good idea to book the appointment during early fall to ensure your system is in excellent condition.
Book a Drain Cleaning
Drain cleanings are an excellent way to remove the built-up gunk in your plumbing pipes. This helps prevent numerous issues, including slow-draining water, foul odors, and pest infestations. They’re not part of a plumbing inspection. However, you can request to have both services done during the same appointment.
Get Your Home Ready
Don’t let disaster strike your home’s HVAC or plumbing systems. Dog House in Brunswick, ME, provides a wide range of services, including HVAC inspections and drain cleaning. Call us today to schedule an appointment or request service via our website.
