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Do You Need a Water Softener?

That is dependent on the hardness of the water and estimated usage. First of all, owners should determine how hard the water is. Obtain a water hardness kit from a local municipality or hardware store. It will provide a water strip that can be dipped into a home’s water supply. Each kit has a color chart. Match the color on the test strip to the chart to see the hardness of the tested water. A water softener may be a good idea if the water is tested as hard. 

Hard water may cause clogged drains and pipes, white filmy stains around drains, and dry skin and hair. Some water softeners remove hard minerals using a salt-based tank that extracts hard minerals and removes hard water effects and lime buildup internally in pipes and plumbing fixtures and on dishes. Others condition the water and particles so they can’t build up on faucets and pipes. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners decide if a water softener is right for their home. 

How Do Water Softeners Work? 

water softenerSalt-based water softeners, the most common style of water softener, work by the chemical process of ion exchange. In a conventional system, water passes through a tank with a bed of resin beads saturated with sodium. Sodium ions are exchanged with calcium or magnesium ions. The minerals attach to the beads. The sodium ions enter the water going into the facility, and the water is no longer hard. The water softener regenerates when the hard minerals have saturated the resin bed. Sodium-rich water restores the water softener to regular operation. 

Signs of Hard Water in the Home

Hard water is a very common problem in homes. Nearly 85% of US homes have some level of hardness in their water that can interfere with the plumbing in a home. Deciding whether or not to take action starts by recognizing the signs of hard water and determining if they are serious enough to warrant a water softener. Some of the common signs of hard water in the home are: 

  • Dingy and faded clothing
  • Soap residue left on skin and hair leading to a dry and dull appearance 
  • White, crusty scale on plumbing fixtures like faucets and shower heads 
  • Plumbing problems, including corrosion and low water pressure
  • Short-lived appliances like water heaters and coffee makers 

Benefits of a Whole-Home Water Softener

water softener benefitsSoftening water for home use is a simple and cost-effective process. Once an owner decides they could benefit from a water softener, they should partner with a local plumber. Local plumbers can recommend and install the perfect whole-home water softening system for every home. After installing the system, the homeowner can sit back and enjoy higher-quality water. 

Softened water will:

  • Save money on plumbing repairs in the long run
  • Provide cleaner hair and skin 
  • Brighten and soften clothes
  • Clean dishes and glasses better
  • Reduce time spent cleaning
  • Make drinking water clearer and better tasting

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning 

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning will advise on which water softener is best in any residential or commercial setting. They will handle installation and repairs with speed. Call today for plumbing service in Sun Prairie, WI. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pumps

Back in the day, homeowners had one option when keeping their homes warm: throwing some logs into the fireplace and huddling under a blanket. But that was then––this is now, and today, homeowners have plenty of options when getting through Wisconsin’s harsh winters.

One of those options involves getting a heat pump. Some commonly asked questions about these appliances include:

What Exactly Is a Heat Pump?

heat pumpPer the U.S. Department of Energy, a heat pump offers an energy-efficient alternative to traditional boilers and furnaces. These systems usually use electricity to transfer heat from one area to another. They can also cool a home during the summer months.

Heat pumps come in different shapes and sizes. Some rely on air ducts, insulated passageways in the ceiling that transfer air. Others don’t rely on air ducts, making them somewhat easier to install and maintain.

Heat pumps are getting better and better all the time. Newer models have zone control systems, smartphone compatibility, and two-speed compressors.

What Are the Benefits of a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps offer many benefits, some of which are immediately noticeable. One may install a heat pump because:

  • They’re inexpensive to operate. Heat pumps are very energy efficient, driving down operation costs.
  • They last more than 10 years. With proper maintenance, a heat pump can easily pass the 10-year mark. Here, a homeowner can come to rely on their HVAC systems for years to come.
  • They’re good for the environment. Unlike other heaters, heat pumps emit less greenhouse gasses. That’s why many are eligible for tax credits and rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Heat pumps also don’t make much noise, so homeowners can enjoy a warm, full night’s sleep without being awakened by the appliance turning on and off.

What Signs Call for Heat Pump Repair or Replacement?

bad heat pump signsAlthough heat pumps are very efficient at heating the home, they periodically need repairs and maintenance like all appliances. Some signs that a homeowner should consult a professional about their heating and cooling system include:

  • The thermostat gives inaccurate readings. While this could point to an issue with the thermostat, it could also mean that the heat pump needs evaluation.
  • The home never gets to the desired temperature. This one’s obvious. The house will never get warm if the heat pump doesn’t work. Potential problems depend on the heat pump’s design and function (such as whether it relies on air ducts).
  • There are unreasonably high energy bills. Homeowners should have a basic understanding of how much their energy bills cost. If one notices a sudden increase in their month-to-month expenses, this could mean an issue with the heat pump.

As a good rule of thumb, homeowners should schedule an annual maintenance visit with a skilled professional––preferably before the start of winter. That way, one has more options when scheduling an appointment and getting convenient service.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

The Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning professionals know firsthand the benefits of heat pumps. That’s because many own them, too. In addition to service with a smile, these professionals offer heat pump installation, maintenance, and repair. Call now to learn more about making an appointment in Sun Prairie, WI. Learn more about the author here.

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Signs You Need Professional Evaporator Coil Cleaning

When the house is not cooling to the desired temperature even though the air conditioner is running, it can signal the system’s evaporator coil needs to be cleaned or serviced. 

A dirty evaporator coil can cause many negative effects, including causing an AC unit to overwork and leading to higher energy bills. To avoid these problems and keep their house cool and comfortable all summer, AC contractors recommend that homeowners watch for signs indicating their coil needs to be cleaned. 

Loss of Cooling Function

hotOne of the first symptoms homeowners may notice that can indicate a dirty evaporator coil is if the house seems warmer than it should be. If it fails to cool the house, homeowners might start adjusting the thermostat or fear a major issue with the air conditioner. However, this can be due to a dirty evaporator coil. 

Some other signs of dirty coils homeowners should be aware of include:

  • There is frost or ice on the coil
  • The coil is damaged
  • There are signs of corrosion on the coil
  • There is dust, dirt, or debris on the coil

If homeowners notice these symptoms, they should call an AC contractor to schedule evaporator coil cleaning services.

Frost

frostFrost or ice on AC coils requires professional services. An expert must remove the buildup to prevent the coil and the air conditioner from malfunctioning. 

If there is frost on AC evaporator coils, it can prevent air from properly flowing through the component. This can occur with a clogged air filter or a blocked vent. 

When ice or frost is suspected on an evaporator coil, a professional must repair or clean it quickly to enable the air conditioner to function properly. Frozen evaporator coils should be treated immediately!

The AC Runs Longer

Another sign that an evaporator coil needs to be cleaned or repaired is if a home’s air conditioner runs longer than expected without turning off. Longer cycles can be problematic as they can cause the air conditioner to overwork and increase energy bills. 

An AC system can fail to turn off properly due to a dirty coil if there are buildups of frost, dirt, or other debris. Continuous running can also be due to a problem with the heat exchange process or can signal there is a malfunctioning sensor.

Homeowners should schedule regular evaporator cleaning services to prevent an air conditioner from malfunctioning due to a dirty evaporator coil. The sooner professional services are booked, the sooner an AC system can get up and running again, and an ideal temperature can be restored in a home. 

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning has handled Sun Prairie’s electrical, plumbing, and HVAC needs for nearly 40 years. With their competitive up-front pricing, tailor-made solutions, money-saving membership plan, and fast turnarounds, it’s no surprise that they’ve won numerous awards – including the Angi Super Service Award for several years running. Their trustworthy, clean, licensed technicians are available 24 hours a day for emergency service. Don’t hesitate to call them today for evaporator coil cleaning and repair services in Sun Prairie, WI! Learn more about the author here.

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