Tech Tip for Better Air Conditioning Performance

To keep your air conditioner running at high efficiency, do these three things:

Tip 1: Change the filters monthly. You may not think it is dirty, but small particles are collected every minute and those clogs are making your unit work much harder to process the air.

Tip 2: Keep you outdoor unit free of debris so that air can easily circulate throughout your system.

Tip 3: Set your thermostat to one temperature and leave it there. Changing your setting by 10 or 15 degrees every hour or two is going to put undue strain on your entire AC system and that will increase your energy bill. We hope these useful tips help you save money and efficiency with your cooling system.

Safety First!

Before embarking on a DIY project, it’s essential that you take the proper safety precautions. Remember to, if in doubt, always consult a professional. For your 24-hour plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical and drains problems, The Problem Solvers are always ready to help.

Tip 1:
When fixing or checking electrical appliances or connections, always switch off the power and remove the fuse or circuit breaker. If you’re fixing an electrical appliance, switch off the appliance at the socket and pull out the plug. Wear rubber-soled shoes when working on electrics.

Tip 2:
Wear protective clothing including safety goggles, mask and gloves when working with potentially hazards like chemicals.

Tip 3:
Ladders are one of the main causes of DIY accidents. Erect the ladder according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never lean to one side as you could lose balance.

Tip 4:
Don’t rush as you’re more likely to have an accident. Carefully plan the job before you start work. Know your limitations and consult a professional if you are unsure.

 

Heating and Cooling Tips:

Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home—typically making up about 54% of your utility bill.

No matter what kind of heating and cooling system you have in your house, you can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment. But remember, an energy-efficient furnace alone will not have as great an impact on your energy bills as using the whole-house approach. By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with recommended insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings, you can cut your energy use for heating and cooling—and reduce environmental emissions—from 20%-50%.

Household Heating Systems: Although several different types of fuels are available to heat our homes, more than half of us use natural gas.

Tip 1:
Set your programmable thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer, as well as when you’re sleeping or away from home.

Tip 2:
Clean or replace filters on furnaces and air conditioners once a month or as recommended.

Tip 3:
Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.

Tip 4:
Eliminate trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; if unsure about how to perform this task, contact The Problem Solvers for routine maintenance.

Tip 5:
Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators. Not sure how to do this? Contact The Problem Solvers: We can help.

Tip 6:
Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing; when replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models. Call The Problem Solvers for a high-efficiency product recommendation and  installation.

Tip 7:
During winter, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

Tip 8:
During summer, keep the window coverings closed during the day to block the sun’s heat.

Tip 9:
Select energy-efficient products when you buy new heating and cooling equipment. The Problem Solvers can you help you understand the energy fact sheets for different types, models, and designs to help you compare energy usage so you make the best decision for your home.

 

Plumbing Tips:

Tip 1:
If you have pipes that are clogged, try a cleaner that is enzyme-based. These cleaners turn the sludge into a liquid using natural bacteria, and then the liquid flows out of the pipes. If that doesn’t work, call The Problem Solvers and ask about our $99 Drain Stoppage Special.

 

Tip 2:
Leaky pipes? Water damage in tiles?  First check to make sure there are not any tiles that have become loose. These loose tiles might indicate that there is leaking somewhere in the pipes that should be addressed. Press lightly against the area where the loose tiles are and pay attention to any softness behind or underneath. This is an indication that the pipes are leaking. If you find that your pipes are leaking and you need them fixed fast, call The Problem Solvers. We’re always open. We’re always ready to help.

 

Tip 3:
To maintain your garbage disposal and avoid malfunction, you should regularly clean it. Prevent unsavory disposal odors through regular use of citrus peel, cherry pits and dish detergent. Not sure how to do this, call The Problem Solvers. We can help.

 

Tip 4:

If you come across a pipe that is frozen, try to thaw it out by using a hairdryer. Try using a lower heat setting on the dryer. Though the task might take a bit longer, you will reduce the risk of harming yourself or your pipes. The better choice is that you call The Problem Solvers to see if there is permanent damage to your pipes. Better safe than sorry…especially with frozen pipes.

 

Tip 5:
A lot of people are afraid that plumbing problems will destroy their home. Luckily, there is an easy solution to avoid a disaster. Always be sure to know where your water meter is and precisely how to turn off the water in the event of an emergency.

 

Tip 6:

If water is draining into a dishwasher, it is probably because the hose attached to the sink is not installed correctly. Your hose must run in a hill pattern to avoid water mixing. Think of the St. Louis Arch — start from your sink, go uphill with the hose, and then down before connecting to the dishwasher. This way, only pressurized water can travel through the hose. Leakage won’t be an issue. No problem is too big or too small for The Problem Solvers. Call us if you want help with this.

 

Tip 7:

Putting in shower heads that are energy-efficient can save you a lot of money in energy costs. Showers and baths are responsible for the bulk of your hot water usage. By installing energy-efficient shower heads for a few extra dollars, you can save up to $100 or more a year per shower head in your house.

 

Tip 8:
Do not use your toilet to get rid of garbage. Under no circumstances flush cotton balls or swabs, paper towels, diapers, sanitary pads or other materials that will not dissolve. These items can cause major clogs.

 

Electrical Repair Tips:

When it comes to safety and electrical repairs at home, we recommend you ALWAYS contact a professional. There are many dangers and a trained specialist knows how to make sure that the repairs are done safely so that you don’t have problems during—or after—the repair. The Problem Solvers is your best source for trained, safe electrical repairs.

 

STOP! DON’T JUST ADD REFRIGERANT TO AN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Without first finding and repairing a leak, this is a very dangerous practice. Yes, refrigerant levels are critical to your air conditioning system’s efficiency. But, refrigerants can be extremely dangerous if released into the atmosphere. The U.S. Clean Air Act mandates that refrigerants CANNOT be released into the air. Just one chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules that protect us from global warming. That is why it is important to have a skilled, trained technician check, measure and put refrigerant into your system. Don’t do this yourself.

The Problem Solvers responsible technicians will ALWAYS check the system first for leaks and necessary repairs before adding refrigerant.