Schedule Service

The Top Signs That AC Repair Is Needed Before Summer Hits

Summer marks the season of hot days at the pool with cool glasses of lemonade. There’s nothing worse than walking inside from a hot afternoon to a broken or aged air conditioner. That’s why it is so important for homeowners to know the different signs to look for that their AC needs repair. Of course, it is best to notice these signs before summer even hits. Now is the perfect time for homeowners to professionally maintain their air conditioner to prepare it for the season ahead. 

Still, though, breakdowns can happen anytime. Below is more information so homeowners aren’t stuck with a hot house in the summertime!

hot air

Hot Air and Low Air Flow

When an air conditioner blows out hot air, this is typically the first noticed sign that the AC needs repairs. After a long winter, it is common for air conditioners to need some form of maintenance or repair. That is why it is always recommended to have maintenance done in the spring, so homeowners aren’t stuck with a broken air conditioner when the weather gets hot. 

However, this isn’t the only sign of a broken air conditioner. Low airflow is also a common sign that there are some problems within the unit. If the homeowner feels as though their home isn’t cooling down as fast as it used to, this is a Telltale sign, but there are some underlying issues. When these things occur, the homeowner should call in a professional. The professional will be able to inspect the unit and has everything fixed accordingly and efficiently. 

Signs of Leaking

Leaking is another sign that the air conditioner is having some problems. However, this sign isn’t as easily noticed because the air conditioning unit is placed outside. So, the homeowner will have to go outside and check the unit themselves periodically. Doing so will ensure that if there is a leak, the problem gets eradicated immediately.

The most common sign of a leak in the air conditioner will appear just around the outside of the unit. There may also be leaking happening within the unit, but this likely goes unnoticed most of the time. That said, leaking can lead to other signs, including:

  • Low airflow 
  • The air conditioner not turning on 
  • Strange odors surrounding the air conditioner 
  • The smell of freon in the home 

Hearing Strange Noises?noises

Similarly to when plumbing pipes are clogged, a broken or compromised air conditioner can also lead to strange noises being heard in the home. The same strange noises could come from the unit itself as well. There could be metal pieces banging around within the unit if there is a broken piece somewhere, or the unit could make loud noises every time it tries to turn on. 

If the sound has anything to do with the air conditioner, the homeowner should call a professional. All of the above-stated signs can lead to serious and expensive repair bills if they are not caught early enough. It is always best to have the AC unit professionally maintained every spring to ensure that it is ready for the season ahead.

Leave It To Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning work hard to keep the residents of Sun Prairie, WI safe with efficient air conditioning. They are committed to providing fast, clean, and professional services no matter what. They even offer 24-hour services because they understand that AC problems can occur at all hours of the day or night. Call today for AC repair service!

Schedule Service

Professional Plumbing Services That Save Water

When it comes to professional plumbing services, homeowners hardly ever think about looking to professionals when they are trying to conserve more water. However, professional plumbers can give homeowners the tips they are looking for to save water this Earth Day. Homeowners really can’t go wrong, and the best part is that it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to have any of the services done. Below are three things that homeowners can try this Earth Day to help them conserve a little more water and money!

Plumbing Inspections Have Plenty of Benefits 

When a plumbing system hasn’t been inspected in a while, there’s no way of knowing how efficient it is. This can make it even harder to predict when clogging or more severe problems will occur. The plumbing system is something that homeowners should have regularly inspected because water damage to the home is nothing to mess around with. 

Here are a few benefits of regular plumbing inspections: 

  • A more efficient system: A plumbing system that works efficiently throughout its life is a plumbing system that lives longer than the average system. 
  • Reduced need for repairs: When the system works efficiently, there are fewer problems that occur, which also means fewer repairs. 
  • Saves Money: It might seem contradictory, but spending money on regular plumbing inspections can save homeowners money in the end, namely, because of the two above-stated benefits. 

With benefits like these, how could one not want to get regular plumbing inspections? Homeowners and those living in the household rely on indoor plumbing every single day. It is arguably the most used system within the home. It is important to take care of it!

Hands inspecting a leaking PVC pipe under a sink, using a yellow cloth to absorb water, illustrating the importance of plumbing maintenance and leak detection services.Water Leak Detection and Repair

Another great service that helps homeowners conserve more water is water leak detection and repair services. This is something that can be done when the professional plumber does the usual plumbing inspection. Professionals recommend that homeowners go ahead and have water leak detection done during their inspections because this is the only way to know the plumbing system’s exact state. 

Some companies will even mention the service when a plumbing inspection is booked.

Essentially, the professionals place a video camera in the pipes of the plumbing system. The camera records as it moves throughout the system. If the plumber sees something that resembles a leak, he will slow down the camera to get a better look. 

Many people believe that if there is a leak in their plumbing system, they will know right away because it will leak into the home. This isn’t necessarily true. The leak could be somewhere that isn’t easily visible, which means the homeowner wastes water and money without even knowing it! Water leak detection gets rid of this issue entirely. 

Consider Upgrading the Toilet

Tools for toilet repair including a wrench, screwdriver, and plumbing supplies on a toilet seat, emphasizing the importance of professional plumbing services and water conservation.

The toilet is something that gets used more often than any other fixture in the home. This is especially true for multiple people living in one home and sharing one toilet. In this circumstance, it is often better to have the toilet replaced sooner than the average toilet. 

Common toilet repairs that homeowners usually need are because the toilet won’t stop running or is leaking out of the bottom. Either way, this wastes a lot of water and can cause damages to the flooring of the home. A simple toilet repair can help the homeowner save water and also save their toilet. However, sometimes, a replacement is necessary. 

That is why it is important to always have a professional inspect the plumbing system and ensure all fixtures, including the toilets, are working properly. 

Keep the Home Efficient With Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning is the Sun Prairie, WI professional plumbing company that keeps residents safe and efficient all year round. They always promise to provide fast, clean, and professional services at a fair price. They even offer coupons for those interested! Call to schedule plumbing service today!

Schedule Service

3 Tips To Make a Home More Green

St. Patrick isn’t known for being the patron saint of energy-efficiency. He is, however, known for wearing green. As the seasons begin to change and the green starts to return to the landscape, St. Patrick’s Day is a good reminder of another kind of green, namely being environmentally-friendly. 

When it comes to becoming a better steward of the environment, there are many actions that a person can take. One of the areas where greening up a home will help the most is how it uses electrical power. This St. Patrick’s Day, homeowners can take advice from local Sun Prairie electricians about how to make a home greener. 

Natural Lighting

Woman opening window blinds to let in natural light, promoting energy-efficient home practices and the benefits of natural lighting.

Solar power is one of the fastest-growing energy sectors. However, few people realize how easily available solar power is to the average homeowner. No, it doesn’t involve mounting expensive solar panels or buying battery backups. It simply involves opening the curtains. 

Opening the curtains and letting in natural light is the original solar power! There’s no need for lamps or overhead lighting during the day when homeowners can let in natural light. Some of the other benefits of natural lighting are:

  • Free energy!
  • Passive heating 
  • Better ambiance
  • Vitamin D production
  • Better regulation of sleep cycles

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Appliances account for much of the energy usage around a home, so it only makes sense that installing energy-efficient appliances can not only help. Energy savings are everywhere when it comes to appliances. Water heaters are a great place to start. Up to 10% of a home’s energy bill can come from an inefficient water heater. Upgrading a water heater, or even just washing clothes in cold water, can lead to big savings and greater enjoyment of its hot water capabilities. 

Another great way to green a home is by upgrading HVAC systems. HVAC accounts for around a quarter of a home’s energy budget. By upgrading to efficient electric heat pumps or high-efficiency models, homeowners can save money and protect the environment. 

Unplug Unused Electronics

One of the easiest ways to save on energy costs and go green is to unplug unused electronics. Most electronics, like computers and TVs, keep drawing a small amount of power on standby. This is called a “vampire load” because it slowly sucks up energy. Vampire loads can account for as much as 20% of a home’s electricity bill. 

Hand unplugging an electrical cord from a wall outlet, emphasizing energy-saving practices and reducing vampire loads in home electronics.

While it may seem tedious to run around unplugging unused electronics, there are simpler alternatives. Power strips are a great way to manage vampire loads easily. For example, putting a computer and all of its hardware on a power strip can keep it from drawing power. 

Another great example is bundling home theater equipment onto a power strip. With a power strip, all energy vampires can be turned off by the flick of a switch when they are not in use. Additionally, this will help protect them from power surges as well. 

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Sun Prairie, WI for 35 years. They excel at tailoring electrical solutions to fit budgets and expectations. Let them demonstrate why they have a reputation for a job done right the first time. Call now for expert electrical service!