spring Archives - Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

The Benefits of Spring Cleaning and AC Maintenance

Three Reasons to Consider Air Conditioning Maintenance

A well-maintained AC system is a happy AC system. And when an AC system works as expected, residents can live comfortably and breathe easily. Yet, an AC system can't maintain itself. It relies on its owners to change the air filter, consult with specialists, and address problems as they arise.

Here, homeowners can learn about the benefits of HVAC maintenance and how to prepare for the upcoming season. Some good things that come with consistent upkeep include:

Saving Energy (and Money!)

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that at least half of a home's energy goes toward heating and cooling. So, homeowners should ensure they're getting the most out of their HVAC systems. A well-maintained system saves energy by:

Getting the job done right the first time. When the thermostat never reaches the desired temperature, homeowners might leave their HVAC systems on all day. This wastes money and energy.
Automatically shutting off. Newer energy-efficient appliances automatically turn on and off to meet homeowners' preferences. What's more, select models let homeowners control them using their smartphones. Here, they can make schedules and make sure every ounce of energy counts.
Consuming less energy. Some appliances, like those produced by EnergyStar, deliver the same results as other leading brands but use less energy. One can save on their electric bills and other utilities by opting for one of these models.

Imagine that a homeowner's HVAC system doesn't effectively cool the house. They may rely on desktop fans, dehumidifiers, and other appliances to regulate the home's indoor air quality. All of these devices need power and consume a lot of energy. Yet, with a functioning HVAC system, a homeowner doesn't have to rely on other additions to feel comfortable.

Fewer Repairs

Problems with the HVAC system happen at the most inopportune times. That's why homeowners want to do everything possible to prevent unexpected breakdowns. In the long run, proper foresight helps prevent:

Rust and corrosion
Insect infestations
Perforated air ducts
Dust buildup
Leaks
Electrical hazards

Air conditioning servicing also prevents fires. Per the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), air conditioning fires cause thousands of yearly fires, some of which take lives. By having a professional regularly inspect the HVAC system, they can keep homeowners safe and comfortable.

Longer Lifespans

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that most HVAC systems last about 15 years. However, this longevity is only partially guaranteed. Homeowners should regularly consult professionals to run diagnostic tests and remedy certain issues. That way, they can get the most out of their systems and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Some air conditioning tune-up tips include:

Regularly changing the air filter
Acting as soon as problems arise
Addressing any mold or mildew around the unit
Patching leaks

Some air conditioning systems can easily pass the 20-year mark with proper upkeep. Homeowners can enjoy good indoor air quality for decades without worrying.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

There's no contest among contractors serving Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning always comes out on top. If a homeowner is looking for air conditioning cleaning or help with repairs, they've come to the right place. These professionals offer around-the-clock care at reasonable rates. Call today for AC service! Learn more about the author here.

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Spring Cleaning and a Home's Air Conditioning

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Can HVAC Maintenance Make Spring Cleaning Easier?

Spring is finally here, and everyone is getting into the season's spirit with bright colors and all the organization tips that a person can handle. When people are considering the next step in their spring cleaning process, they should think about air conditioner maintenance. One should add the cleaning and upkeep of this important home appliance to the list of spring chores.

Cleaner Air Conditioner Means More Efficiency

For an air conditioner to work at its best, it needs to be clean. Professional AC maintenance is a part of that, but a professional HVAC technician will go far beyond just cleaning. They will make sure that a home's air conditioning system is fully functional and at its most efficient level possible. Here are a few of the tasks that a technician might perform:

Cleaning the exterior AC unit
Cleaning condenser coils
Changing the air filter
Inspecting ducts
Inspecting electrical connections
Tightening or adjusting electrical connections
Combing vents
Checking compressor
Checking for coolant leaks
Replacing worn-out or damaged parts

Don't Forget the Ducts

If the AC unit is cleaned, it will still not be completely cleaned without the ducts also being cleaned. If there is still dust and other detritus in the ducts, it can still be affecting indoor air quality even if the air filter is new and AC maintenance has been performed. Since ducts are the corridors through which the cooled air travels, they should be kept clean to safeguard the respiratory health of the household. A few reasons for getting a professional air duct cleaning are listed below:

Consistency: Dirty or clogged ducts can prevent the AC from getting the air everywhere that it needs to go. Some rooms will then not reach the appropriate temperature.
Efficiency: Open, clean ducts allow the air to pass through without hindrance and allow the AC to do its job more efficiently.
Air Quality: There is no getting around the fact that stuff in the ducts can be blown out into the air people breathe in the home.
Peace of Mind: Clean ducts free a person from worrying about pest infestations, mildew, and harmful mold.

Clean Home Leads to Clean AC Which Leads to Clean Home

Though the air is pulled from the outside in a typical HVAC system, there are also air uptake vents that recirculate air that is already in the home. This can create a continuous cycle of cleaner air or can spread dust and allergens even more completely.

If a homeowner keeps their home clean by dusting and vacuuming, this can help keep the air cleaner which keeps the AC filter cleaner, which leads to a more efficient and cleaner system. The intake vents are an area where one should give special attention to dusting, and filters can also be placed in these.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning has been proudly serving Sun Prairie, WI, and the surrounding areas since 1984. They offer energy-efficient and easy-on-the-wallet solutions to modern home comfort problems. Call today for prompt and friendly AC service.

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Do You Know How Spring Plumbing Services Prevent Disasters?

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Plumbing Services for the Spring

When “springing” into the new season, it is time to talk about plumbing issues that arise in the springtime. Many people do not know that spring is a common time for certain plumbing issues. Increased rainfall in the spring is a big reason for the increased need for plumbing services.

Pressure on the pipes from all of the water falling from rainstorms can cause pipes to burst or leak, and fixing them is a job for an expert. That is just one example of a spring specific plumbing problem that can happen. For more information on how to take care of plumbing services in the spring and common plumbing issues in the spring, keep reading.

How to Fix Leaking Pipes

During the spring, pipe leaks become more common. Water pressure in the soil can cause the pipes to literally crack under the pressure. As plants grow in the spring their roots can also penetrate into the plumbing and cause cracks and leaks.

Fixing a leak may be simple, which is why regular maintenance is required to stay on top of leaks. If maintenance is not done on the plumbing a leak can go unnoticed until it has caused significant amounts of water damage already.

Professional plumbers go about fixing a leak by using plumbers putty or tape to first try to patch the leak. Sometimes the leak can be caused in the spring by the land around the pipes shifting around. If the ground is too wet, the pipes can shift and this causes leaks around the connections.

Fixing leaking pipes is best left up to a professional plumber because at-home repairs can often lead to a burst pipe which is dangerous and costly in terms of the water damage they can cause.

Flooding Is Common in the Spring

Flooding can occur more often in the home during the spring months. The main cause for the increased chance of flooding is how much more it rains during the spring months in particular in April. If flooding and water pressure problems are common for a house, it may be recommended to install a sump collector and use a sump pump.

A sump pump works by pumping water out of the house in the case of a flood. A sump pit works by giving the water runoff from heavy rainfall somewhere to go so that it does not have a negative impact on the pipes and plumbing system. Using a sump pump helps to keep the basement dry and keep water from gathering under the house.

Fixing Your Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can occur more often in the spring especially due to heavy rainfall, runoff, and shifts in the dirt. If the drains are clogged often it could indicate that there is a bigger problem.

Some drains can be handled at home, but for the best results and to prevent future clogs a professional plumber should be consulted.

The professionals can clean out clogged drains effectively. One drain cleaning service that can only be done by a professional is hydrojetting services which involve using high-pressure water to clean out the insides of the plumbing and remove blockages with force.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

In addition to best-class plumbing services, Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning also provides HVAC, air conditioning, and heating services. They have technicians for all kinds of home care that are trained in installation, maintenance, and repair services. Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to serve the Sun Prairie, WI community with affordable and expert plumbing and home care services.