Cardinal HVAC Press Releases & Service Updates

Is This the Right Year to Upgrade to a Ductless Mini Split System?

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to start planning for upcoming projects. When it comes to replacing the heating and cooling system in the home, most homeowners value having a little bit of time to make the right decision, given that the project will be expensive and they will have to live with it for a long time. One of the choices many homeowners make when it comes to replacing their heating and cooling systems is installing ductless mini splits. Here are a few significant benefits of ductless mini-split systems.

Lower Energy Bills

Energy bills are a major concern for every homeowner. At the beginning of the year, many homeowners set a resolution to save money, and lowering energy bills is a great place to start. Since energy bills are composed largely of heating and cooling costs, making the HVAC system more efficient is an easy, passive way to start saving money. With ductless mini splits, savings can be easily maximized.

Ductless mini split heating and cooling systems run off of heat pump technology, which is an efficient way to heat and cool a home without the energy losses that occur in air ducts. By switching to ductless mini splits, homeowners waste less energy through inefficient and leaky ductwork in addition to the inherent energy efficiency of the technology.

Easy Installation

Ductless mini splits do away with the need for bulky ductwork and the need to install them, so installation is much easier and quicker. This means less time waiting for installation to finish and more time enjoying a comfortable home.

Instead of crawling around in an attic or crawlspace to install or replace ductwork, ductless mini splits need only a few small holes in the wall to accommodate the heating and cooling unit in each zone of a home. Most installations progress quickly and wrap up within a day or two.

Better Comfort and Flexibility

Central heating and air conditioning systems don’t allow for much flexibility. The whole home must be set at one temperature, so some people may feel too hot or too cold. Ductless mini splits allow each area in the home to be set at its own temperature. This zone control leads to better comfort for everyone.

With the press of a button, any occupied zone can be heated to the perfect temperature without disturbing the other areas of the home. Additionally, utilizing zone control can help homeowners lower bills during every season by not heating and cooling unoccupied spaces.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning handles every skilled trade that a homeowner could need. Whether the owner is interested in ductless mini-split installation or electrical work, their hard-working professionals are skilled and ready. Call today for ductless mini split installation in Sun Prairie, WI.

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A Whole House Surge Protector Offers the Ultimate Protection

Power surges are not uncommon and can happen at any time. Most of the time, there is no warning, which means homeowners can’t take steps to prepare or protect appliances and electronics in the home. This can leave behind costly damages and other issues and lead to hazards in the home. A whole-house surge protector is designed to proactively prepare and protect the entire home against any potential power surges that might happen.

Knowing the Danger of Power Surges

Flames engulfing an electrical outlet, illustrating the dangers of power surges and the risk of electrical fires in homes.

Many homeowners invest in a power strip surge protector for electronics and appliances. While these can be helpful and offer surge protection for just one item or one plug, a whole-home surge protector can protect an entire home.

Most power surges occur outside of homeowners’ control. They could stem from a lightning strike or something related to the electrical grid. A small fluctuation in voltage can cause major damage to sensitive electronic devices or appliances.

These are a few common dangers of a power surge:

Damage to sensitive electronics (computers, televisions, etc.)
Appliance failure
Risk of electrical fire

Understanding these risks is important to emphasize the value and safety a whole house surge protector can provide. At the very least, using a surge protector power strip is recommended.

Reasons Whole House Surge Protection is a Must

Power strip surge protector with multiple outlets and colored plugs, representing limited surge protection for home electronics and appliances.

Ultimately, when a power strip surge protector is used, it provides limited protection. While limited protection is better than nothing, it doesn’t protect everything. These are designed to protect a single device in most cases. The difference between this and a whole-house surge protector is how comprehensive the protection is.

A whole-house surge protector comprehensively protects all home devices and the entire electrical system. It is installed directly on the home’s electrical panel and designed to guard against power surges outside the home, such as lightning strikes.

There are so many benefits to this type of comprehensive protection:

Long-term savings by preventing damage to valuable appliances and electronics
Peace of mind that the entire electrical system is shielded
Complete and total protection of devices and the home’s entire electrical

The protection is broad and more reliable. It’s an investment that often pays for itself by protecting everything in the home.

Knowing When To Replace a Surge Protector

It is important to know that a whole-home surge protector and surge protector power strips don’t last forever. Generally speaking, a home system lasts about 3-5 years, depending on how many power surges it has to handle.

Check out these signs it’s time to replace the surge protection system:

Frequent power surges and electrical disturbances
The indicator light is flickering or off
An increase in electrical damage or lack of protection

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning offers a wide range of services. Its solid reputation and expertise are reflected in its 4.9-star rating. Customers can count on fast and professional service every time. Contact them today for whole house surge protector services in Sun Prairie, WI.

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Understanding Backflow: What Every Homeowner Should Know

The holidays should be full of laughter, joy, gatherings, and more. Many people have extra guests in their homes, which means there is an increase in water usage and a larger strain on the plumbing system.

Backflow is a common problem during this season, but there are ways for homeowners to combat the risks of backflow and be ready ahead of the holidays. To be prepared, backflow testing is essential in keeping the home’s water safe all year.

The Hidden Dangers of a Backflow Situation

Backflow occurs when wastewater reverses flow and goes in the wrong direction in the pipeline system. When this happens, wastewater, chemicals, and other unwanted contaminants can often contaminate clean water. At this point, what should be clean water is now contaminated and potentially harmful.

Backflow occurs when there is a sudden drop in water pressure in the plumbing system’s inner workings. It can arise for various reasons, but a backflow test can help prevent unexpected issues.

Because of the contamination from wastewater and other nasty things, backflow can be very dangerous. If not handled quickly, backflow hazards can affect the community as well as the home. These are some common dangers of backflow:

Chemicals and pesticides in the water
Harmful bacteria, pathogens, and other biological contaminants
Dirt, particulates, and unwanted debris or sediment
Potential wastewater contamination

When backflow occurs, it can cause illness, but it also disrupts water pressure and the performance of the plumbing system. Moreover, the risks increase when a home uses more water.

Backflow Testing Explained

A proactive backflow test can be a game changer. The backflow testing process checks a plumbing system’s backflow prevention, and adjustments can be made when needed.

The system is checked using a backflow tester to ensure any backflow prevention device works properly. If necessary, a backflow preventer can be installed or even replaced.

A plumber performs backflow testing to determine whether the backflow prevention device is working properly. This test typically pressurizes the system and measures its response.

Professionals recommend that backflow testing be completed at least once a year, preferably before the home is going to experience an increase in water usage. Testing typically works like this:

Isolate backflow prevention device
Apply pressure to check for leaks or weakness
Ensure the device is operating as it should
Complete any repairs or replacements as necessary

The backflow testing process takes less than an hour, and the test results are instantaneous.

Why Is It So Important?

Backflow affects more than just the home; it can also affect public health. When backflow occurs, water contamination occurs, and it can also contaminate the main lines that go into the city infrastructure. The testing process can help maintain safe and healthy water supplies for all.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning is a trusted and longstanding company that provides top-notch service to every client. With 24/7 live answers, straightforward pricing, and the latest technology, you can count on them for all your plumbing needs. Contact them today for backflow testing services in Sun Prairie, WI.