Press Releases Archive - Page 20 of 27 - Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric

javierStay on the Lookout for These Electrical Hazards

Electricity remains one of the few home projects that most people won’t try to DIY, and this is the way it should be. Not only is dealing with electricity illegal for unlicensed individuals, but it is also dangerous and can present long-term hazards if not properly installed. While professionals should always be called when problems arise, everyone can do a few things to avoid the hazards that electricity can present.

In this quick article, local electricians share some knowledge about things they’ve seen in the field. By avoiding common mistakes, homeowners can make their homes safe from the dangers of electricity.

Overloaded Power Strips and Outlets

Everyone is guilty of this one. Who hasn’t been inside someone’s home or office and seen a power strip completely overloaded or outlets with multiple extenders? In an age with so many electronics, this is an easy mistake to make.

Adding power strips or outlet extenders isn’t always a bad thing. Most electronics are low-wattage devices that pull very little power. This is why power strips are completely acceptable for running a desk at home. However, as more things get added to an outlet, it can cause an overload without anyone noticing.

When outlets have too many devices plugged into them, it increases the amount of electricity flowing through a home’s wiring. This excessive heat can slowly cause problems that can lead to fires. Always try to spread devices, especially high-wattage devices, across different circuits around the home.

Outdated Wiring or Handyman Wiring

Wiring a home is not a project for anyone other than a licensed electrician. Often in older homes, homeowners will try to replace old wiring themselves. While it is a good idea to replace certain outdated portions of a home’s wiring during a renovation, a professional should always do so.

Apart from handyman wiring jobs, old wiring can also be a hazard. As for wiring ages, the insulation can become damaged and become a source of fires or electrocution. Modern wiring has been engineered to not have these problems as it ages, so upgrading outdated wiring is a great idea to protect a home.

Incorrect Light Bulb Wattage

This one may sound trivial. Why does it matter what size of the light bulb gets put in a fixture? In truth, the properly sized light bulb is of vital importance. Just like how outlets and power strips get overloaded when too many devices are plugged in, a light bulb that is too high of a wattage for a fixture can cause dangerous overheating. When a high wattage light bulb is screwed into a fixture that requires a lower wattage, the bulb’s demand for electricity can cause the fixture to overheat and melt or cause a fire.

Luckily, now that most light bulbs are switching to lower wattage LEDs, the problem may soon be a thing of the past. However, it is still an important detail to pay attention to when upgrading lighting. One of the problems with LEDs is that it can be hard to determine the wattage equivalent for a traditional incandescent bulb. This could lead to confusion that could cause someone to install an oversized light bulb that may cause damage to the fixture or even an electrical fire.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning is the only trade company a homeowner will ever need. With high-quality plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services available, they can attend to every need. Call Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning today for fast and competitive electrical service in Sun Prairie, WI.

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Let’s Learn the Basics of Air Conditioning Together!

As one of the most important systems in the modern home, homeowners must understand the basics of air conditioning. Knowing and understanding the basics could save homeowners a lot of money on repairs and bills in the long run, but that’s not all. This information is important because it gives homeowners a new appreciation for their indoor air quality, which is extremely important to the health of those living in the home. Without proper care to maintain indoor air quality, many in the home are likely to experience easily prevented illnesses.

Continue reading to learn more about indoor air quality, the different types of air conditioning systems available, and when it might be time for repairs.

Inside the Different Cooling Systems

Today, there are so many different types of air conditioners on the market, and it can be hard to decide which one is worth the investment. When it comes to their homes, homeowners typically look for something that complements their lifestyle while potentially saving them money.

If they are going to make the right decision for their needs and their home, they must first know the different types of air conditioners they have to choose from. Here is more information:

Dual AC Unit: Uses a gas and electric furnace for cost-efficient cooling.
Central AC: By far the most common source of AC in the modern home, this type uses a ductwork system with two separate units to cool every area of the home at once.
Ductless Mini-Split: Works similarly to central AC but is more efficient. There are unit heads in each room of the home, and it doesn’t require a ductwork system.
Geothermal AC: This heating and cooling system gets installed in the ground and uses the Earth’s natural temperatures to heat and cool the home.
Window AC Unit: Those without central AC tend to get a window unit for their upstairs rooms to keep them cool in the summer. They work great for bedrooms or open areas.
Floor Mounted AC: Takes the AC from the window and places it in the room. Typically, you’ll see this style of air conditioning in hotel rooms.
Portable AC: Works similarly to a window unit. These units cool down individual areas of the home.
Smart AC: Works with ductless mini-split, portable, or window unit ACs and is Wi-Fi and smartphone app-enabled. This is one of the most efficient types of AC on the market.

It Might Be Time for Air Conditioning Repairs

There might be numerous different types of AC units and systems on the market today, but when something goes wrong, they all tend to show similar signs that repairs are needed. Homeowners must be aware of these signs.

Some common signs that it is time for air conditioning repair include:

The monthly bill is a lot higher than normal
The unit or system starts making strange noises
The homeowner can smell something coming from the unit or system
Poor airflow
The system constantly turns on and off or just stays on
It’s no longer blowing out cold air
The temperature in the home continues to rise even when the system is running

What Is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Why Is It Important?

IAQ is simply how clean the air is within the home. This is extremely important to maintain because when the air in the home isn’t at its highest quality, it can lead to several problems, including health problems of those living within the home. The most common health problem people experience when they have poor indoor air quality is increased allergy symptoms, but it can lead to more serious long-term health effects.

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning Is There To Help

Sun Prairie, WI homeowners can trust the Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning professionals to get the job done right the first time. They have enough experience to know how to handle nearly any HVAC issue a customer throws at them. They even offer 24-hour technician care because HVAC issues happen at all hours of the day and night. Call today to learn more about their AC services!

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How To Prepare for Your Epic 4th of July Blowout!

Throwing the biggest and best Independence Day bash on the block is about more than just cooking up a delicious feast and making sure there are plenty of drinks in the fridge – as important as those things are. It’s also about keeping the guests safe and happy and making sure everything goes smoothly. And that means making sure the home’s plumbing is in good shape.

Everything from the kitchen to the bathroom to the gas appliances needs to be ready to handle the day’s festivities. A smelly drain, a clogged sink or toilet, or worst of all, a gas leak – these can all bring the fun to an abrupt end. So read on to learn a few ways to prevent any issues in advance to ensure a safe, fun, and free Fourth of July!

Install a New Garbage Disposal

No 4th of July bash is complete without lots of great food. Prepping and cooking can be quite a time-consuming process for such a feast – but it’s nothing compared to cleaning up once the party’s over. And without a garbage disposal, the task becomes so much bigger (and nastier).

All the little bits of scraps and food waste are no fun to scoop out of the drain grate – but the pieces that escape into the drain can lead to bigger problems, like a clogged sink. No one wants to spend their holiday evening contending with that! A garbage disposal can make short work of most foods, grinding them into harmless little pieces. And if the kitchen sink already has a garbage disposal, it’s worth checking for problems before the big day – leaks, strange sounds, electrical issues, etc.

Have the Gas Lines Inspected

In homes that utilize natural gas for any appliances, it’s a good idea to get all of the gas lines and gas-connected appliances inspected. This should be done regularly regardless, but there’s no better time than before a big get-together if it hasn’t been done in a while. A gas leak is hazardous and can’t always be detected easily. A faulty burner or pilot light on an appliance can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fire hazards.

For the safety and well-being of everyone in the home and every guest, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection with a qualified plumber or gas company technician to make sure everything is working properly.

Get the Bathroom Ready for All Those Guests

Of course, the kitchen isn’t the only place that sees a lot of action during a party. With a big group of guests, the bathroom is sure to get plenty of use throughout the day. Giving it a good scrub goes without saying, but the plumbing fixtures may also need a little attention.

A buildup of hair, dirt, and soap scum in the drains can cause them to drain slowly or back up and cause unpleasant odors. Pouring baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water down the drain may help, but a professional drain cleaning may be necessary in some cases. One should also check the toilet for cracks, leaks, a wobbly base, or flushing issues. Nothing crashes a party like a busted toilet, so it’s always best to get it dealt with ahead of time!

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning has handled the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing needs of Sun Prairie, WI for over 35 years. Their courteous, background-checked technicians always arrive on time in clean uniforms and fully-stocked trucks, ready to solve any problem. Cardinal offers 24/7 emergency service, financing, and membership perks. Call now for gas line leak repair!