Press Releases Archive - Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Go Green With LED Lighting

Making the Switch

Green lights are an environmentally friendly way to light indoor and outdoor settings. Homeowners who opt for LED lights will also save on electric bills by using less overall energy. During the colder months, green lighting is popular when less natural light is available.

What Is “Retrofitting”?

Instead of buying all new appliances, retrofitting allows homeowners to use their existing light fixtures for environmentally friendly lighting options. The upgrade reduces monthly bills and improves the overall lighting levels.

Since an LED retrofit is designed for the entire household, homeowners can save up to 80% on energy costs per year. While this is a much higher savings than just one or two LED light fixtures, an electrician is crucial.

Instructions on how to rewire a lamp can technically be found online, but retrofitting is not the same type of job. Homeowners should never try to rewire their entire household lighting system independently.

A trained and licensed electrician can safely handle lighting installations while avoiding electrical code violations. Wisconsin’s electrical codes are different from those in other states, and if they are not adhered to, it can be difficult for homeowners to sell their homes. In addition to staying up-to-date on the rules and regulations, electricians often leave room for future renovations.

What Makes LED Lights Special?

Safety, energy efficiency, and cost are just a few of the benefits of LED lighting. Because these lights use diodes to emit power, they last an average of 11 years. They are also considered more safe.

Traditional bulbs that are left on for long periods generate excess heat. This is especially dangerous for indoor and string lighting. LED lights are designed for continuous use and are safe because of their lower wattage. Although they produce a slightly lower glow than traditional bulbs, it is challenging to notice the difference.

UV emissions are not a problem with light-emitting diodes because they produce a very small amount of infrared light. LED lights will help protect goods affected by temperature changes from heat.

Planning for the Switch

Changing from traditional bulbs to LED lighting is not difficult individually. It is easy to tell if specific lamps are compatible with LED bulbs simply by testing them. Retrofitting with LED dimmers and ceiling lights is a little more complicated.

Dimmers are known to be especially problematic when it comes to making alterations. Specialized dimmers may need to be used depending on how modern the fixtures are within the home. It is by no means impossible to switch traditional dimmer lights to LED dimmers, but an electrician should be consulted beforehand.

Although most of the newer LED light bulbs are designed to be compatible with standard fixtures, older lamps may also need to be exchanged. Luckily, homeowners can choose from multiple lighting fixtures, depending on their style.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning provides reliable service at competitive prices for Sun Prairie, WI residents. Call Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about their one-day light installation services.

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Top Ways for Homeowners to Identify Water Leaks

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How to Find Leaks Before Water Damage Occurs

When leaks occur in a plumbing system, homes can quickly endure major water damage and even structural damage. This can be messy and expensive and lead to damaged flooring, walls, and other systems needing replacement.

Fortunately, homeowners can avoid these problems by quickly identifying leaks and scheduling repairs as soon as possible. Sun Prairie plumbers give homeowners tips on recognizing the signs of a leak, changes to watch for in utility bills, and how to monitor the water meter.

Common Symptoms of Leaking Pipes

When determining if there is a leak in their house, homeowners need to watch for key symptoms. While it can be obvious there is a leak if property owners discover standing water in their house, other signs can also indicate a leak, including rising water bills, and sounds of running water even when plumbing appliances or fixtures are not running.

Other signs homeowners should watch for are mold or mildew, wet areas, water stains, or discolored wall spots. Lowered water pressure in fixtures or appliances and increased humidity can also indicate a leak in the house. Property owners should call a trusted local plumber and schedule prompt repairs if they notice any of these signs.

Unexplained Increasing Water Bills

Property owners should pay close attention to their utility bills, as a sharp rise in water bills can indicate a leak in the plumbing system. This can be particularly concerning if the household has not changed their water usage and the bills are still increasing.

If there is a crack in the pipe, water will seep out, causing water to be wasted. This can result in higher water bills and homeowners should schedule water leak detection services. The faster an expert inspects and repairs the leak, the better the chance homeowners have of limiting the damage.

Running Water Meter

Another key way for property owners to detect a leak is to check the water meter. If the water meter runs even when appliances are not being used, it can indicate a leak in the system.

To get an accurate reading, property owners should ensure all plumbing fixtures and appliances are turned off. They should ensure no one uses the sink or flushes a toilet until after they check the water meter to get an accurate reading.

If the water meter is running or homeowners notice other symptoms of a leak, they should schedule water leak detection services with an experienced plumber as soon as possible. Identifying and repairing leaks as soon as possible is essential to limit the amount of water damage.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Homeowners in Sun Prairie and the surrounding area can rest at ease all year long, knowing their plumbing system is protected by the best of the best. Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning offers services designed to meet home service needs. With a commitment to quality plumbing service and only the finest materials and products used, know the home is in good hands. Learn more about the author here.

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Improve Indoor Air Quality To Breathe Easier in 2024!

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3 Easy Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality In the New Year

2024 is underway, and many folks are working on their New Year's resolutions to start the year off right. If it isn't already, one item that should be on everyone's list of resolutions is improving their home's indoor air quality.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the measurement of airborne pollutants in an indoor space – the higher the concentration of pollutants (and the more harmful they are), the lower the indoor air quality. The typical home can contain a wide variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, mold, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from household products, just to name a few. So this article will share a few simple ways for homeowners to reduce these pollutants and boost indoor air quality this year!

Replace the Air Filters On Time

The first step toward improving indoor air quality is regularly changing the HVAC air filter. Since most homes are designed to keep indoor air inside to maintain a consistent temperature, airborne pollutants tend to build up inside the home rather than being ventilated. The AC or furnace filter helps offset this by capturing some pollutants as air is pulled through the air return vent.

But the more particulates the filter captures, the harder it will be for the air handler to circulate air throughout the home. A dirty air filter hurts the system's performance and efficiency and reduces its efficacy, leaving more pollutants to hang out in the home's air.

For most homes, it's recommended that the air filter be replaced (or cleaned if it's a permanent filter) every three months. But suppose anyone in the home has a respiratory condition or seasonal allergies. In that case, if multiple pets are in the house, or it just gets dusty very quickly, it's better to change the filters every 1-2 months.

Install an Air Cleaning System

If homeowners want to pull out the big guns in the fight against airborne pollutants, they can install a whole-home air sanitizer or air purifier. These are typically installed near the indoor air handler unit, either at the air return vent or in the ductwork. While both systems are considered air cleaners, they do the job differently.

An air purifier or air filtration system is a more powerful version of a regular air filter. It captures even tiny particulates from the air, typically using a physical HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter or an electrostatic charge. On the other hand, an air sanitizer uses ultraviolet (UV) light to neutralize viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms, rendering them inert and harmless.

Both air purifiers and air sanitizers have pros and cons, but either can be a powerful tool in improving IAQ. If considering installing one (or both), homeowners should consult with an HVAC professional to determine what system will best suit their needs.

Stay On Top of Household Cleaning Chores

Finally, one of the best ways to help boost indoor air quality is to simply keep the place clean. Regularly vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, and mopping will help reduce the amount of dust, dander, debris, and other common air contaminants that get kicked up and breathed in. A clean environment also makes it harder for bacteria, mold, and microorganisms to propagate.

Homeowners should clean the tops of fans and bookcases, curtains, upholstery, and bedspreads, where dust mites love to hang out. This may not seem like it can make much of a difference. Still, especially when combined with the other tips mentioned above, it can dramatically help improve the home's indoor air quality. Homeowners can enjoy a cleaner, healthier home all year long!

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning has served the Sun Prairie community for 37 years. Their commitment to honesty, fast turnarounds, superior workmanship, and outstanding customer service has earned them numerous 5-star reviews and awards, including the Angi Super Service Award. They offer competitive up-front pricing, financing, 24/7 emergency service, and a money-saving membership program – so don't hesitate to call Cardinal for indoor air quality services in Sun Prairie, WI! Learn more about the author here.