Press Releases Archive - Page 4 of 27 - Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric

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

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

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.

Distribution Links +

Schedule Service

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.

Distribution Links +

Schedule Service

Reasons Not to Skip Annual Heating Maintenance This Fall

Only the luckiest (or newest) homeowners haven’t experienced a full-blown heating emergency. Sometimes, a strange smell comes from the vents. Other times, it’s a screeching or clanging sound. Sometimes, there’s no sound or smell to accompany the emergency; the heater stops working. When this happens, most homeowners think of one thing immediately: how much will a heater replacement cost? Quickly following this thought is another: why did I skip heater maintenance this year!?

It’s easy to forget about annual heating system maintenance, but it pays to remember it. Because the benefits of regular heater maintenance are no joke, read on to learn how heater maintenance helps homeowners avoid these types of HVAC emergencies.

Consistent Energy Efficiency

Aside from ensuring before installation that the heater is the correct size for the house, regular heating maintenance performed by a professional is the best way to maintain an efficient heating system. Brand-new heating systems will be the most efficient. As the components wear down over time, efficiency will decrease. How much it decreases depends on regular maintenance.

Without professional maintenance by a certified HVAC tech, homeowners can expect their HVAC systems to decrease noticeably in terms of efficiency. But with annual visits from a pro, usually during the fall before the heater gets put to hard use in the colder months, homeowners can rest easy knowing that they’ve done what it takes to maintain the system’s efficiency. Of course, staying on top of regular air filter changes also helps the system work as designed. This means replacing the air filters at least once every 90 days.

Increased Reliability

Another benefit of regular heating maintenance is increased reliability. A properly maintained system is less likely to surprise homeowners with an emergency breakdown or malfunction. This is because HVAC pros have a thorough checklist they go through when doing heater maintenance. They not only make sure everything’s running smoothly, but they also clean components and inspect them for damage or unexpected wear. The technician will also ensure that the thermostat is working correctly and that the heater is drawing the correct amount of power.

The annual maintenance cost is extremely low compared to the heating repairs that can happen if fall heater maintenance is routinely skipped. Thus, fall heating system maintenance may help homeowners save money on repairs in the long term.

Increased Lifespan

The last benefit of heater maintenance—and perhaps the most important—is the system’s lifespan. When a heating system is consistently cared for by a professional HVAC technician, it will last much longer than an identical system with little or no care. Consistency is key here, though. Skipping a year here and there is asking for trouble. This is why HVAC professionals suggest doing maintenance in the fall before the heater is heavily used.

Like any other system that is properly maintained and cared for, a home’s heating system can last a very long time, so homeowners don’t have to worry about the cost of heater replacement!

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

The professionals at Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning have been serving Sun Prairie, WI, with pride since 1894! They are a highly rated and BBB-accredited business that offers fast and friendly service. Their technicians are background-checked, courteous, and professional. Contact them today for heater maintenance in Sun Prairie, WI!