The thermostat is an essential part of your home’s HVAC system. This component is responsible for communicating with your air conditioning or heating system to turn on and off to keep your home comfortable. When you notice problems with your HVAC system not operating correctly, replacing the thermostat could solve your problems.

The Importance of a Good Working Thermostat

The thermostat is the heart of your home’s heating and cooling system. A good working thermostat can turn the system on and off to regulate and maintain desired indoor temperatures, whether it is hot or cold outside.

When you have an old thermostat, it can show signs that it is no longer communicating effectively with your HVAC system. For example, the thermostat may send false signals because it inaccurately reads indoor air temperatures.

As a result, your HVAC system can turn off or on unexpectedly. In addition, it could run longer or short-cycle because the thermostat is not sending the correct information to the system.

Signs Your Thermostat May Need Replacing

1. Your HVAC system will not turn on or off. If you notice your HVAC system is not turning on or will not shut off, the culprit could be your thermostat. Try adjusting the setting up or down to see if this turns on or shuts off your system.
2. There is nothing on the display screen. If your thermostat is not getting power, it will not operate your HVAC system. Verify the breaker is not blown and attempt to reset it.
3. The indoor temperature reading on the thermostat is inaccurate. When the temperature on the display screen is off by a few degrees or more, it will cause your home to be warmer or cooler. Adjusting the thermostat to compensate for the variance is a short-term solution. However, you will want to contact your HVAC technician to have them test the thermostat to see if it needs replacing.
4. The thermostat is outdated for your HVAC system. Newer HVAC systems may not be compatible with old thermostats. If you recently upgraded your HVAC system or are planning on doing so, it is a good idea to replace the thermostat too.
5. You notice an increase in heating and cooling bills. Aside from increases from your energy provider, other increases in energy bills could be related to your thermostat not working properly or indicate your HVAC system is aging. Have your HVAC technician test your system to determine the cause.
6. You notice your air conditioning or heating is short cycling. Short cycling can occur when the thermostat signals the system to shut off before the heating or cooling cycle is complete. This can also happen when your current system is undersized for your home.
7. The thermostat’s technology is outdated. Digital programmable thermostats have been around since the 1980s. However, newer technologies, like smart thermostats, can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.
8. It is installed in the wrong location. Your thermostat should be installed on an interior wall, away from direct sunlight and register vents. Direct sunlight will cause your thermostat to think it is warmer inside than it is in the rest of the house. If the thermostat is installed near register vents, when the system runs, the hot or cold air will heat or cool the thermostat, resulting in short cycling.

How Long Do Thermostats Last?

Most thermostats can last about ten years before they need to be replaced. In addition, digital and smart thermostats have backup batteries to retain settings that should be replaced every year or two. However, if you like having the latest technology, replacing a thermostat before it is ten years old will give you access to the latest features to heat and cool your home.

Thermostat Replacement in Austin and San Antonio

If you have an old thermostat, notice any of the signs we mentioned, or simply want to replace a thermostat to upgrade to the latest technologies, please feel free to call Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing at 512-246-5400 today. Our HVAC technicians will perform a detailed HVAC system inspection to determine if your thermostat is bad and to identify other potential HVAC problems.

Many people do not consider how cooler winter temperatures affect their home’s plumbing and water heater. Instead, they take their water heater for granted for hot steamy showers and doing dishes. However, in wintertime, things are more likely to go wrong with your water heater and leave you wondering why your hot water is not working in cold weather.

How Does Cold Weather Affect a Hot Water Heater?

The water coming into your home will be much cooler than it is in the summer.

While temperatures do not get below freezing much in Austin or San Antonio, they still can get quite cold. As a result, you can expect the water coming into the home to be around 25 degrees cooler and even colder if it should get below freezing.

With the colder water refilling the water heater’s tank as you use hot water, it will need to run longer to bring it up to your desired temperature. So, you will notice right away an increase in energy bills.

Your water heater will have to run more often if it is not insulated.

The amount of heat transfer loss from the water heater will be more in the winter. So, as heat is lost, the water heater will run more frequently to maintain your desired temperature level. Unfortunately, this also places added wear and tear on the water heater. Therefore, you should insulate your water heater to reduce and prevent heat transfer loss.

The location of your water heater affects its wintertime performance.

Most homes have the water located in a garage, basement, or other areas of the house that have minimal protection from cooler weather. The colder air that circulates around the water tank lowers the water temperature and causes the water heater to run more often. Hence, the importance of insulating your water heater.

In addition, if there are air drafts, and you have a gas water heater, you need to keep an eye on the pilot light. The water heater pilot light goes out in cold weather more often because there tend to be more drafts than in summer. So, if you are scratching your head and thinking “Why is my water cold?”—check the pilot light.

Your water heater can start to make snapping, popping, and crackling noises.

The sediment found in the bottom of tank-type heaters will tend to become more noticeable in the winter. This is because as the water heats up, the sediment becomes warmer and draws in heat from the water. Not only does this cause your water heater to work harder, but it also causes the sediment to snap, pop, and crackle.

Your demand for hot water is often higher in the winter.

If you are like most people, you tend to take longer hot showers in the winter to warm up. Sometimes you may shower a few times each day. However, as hot water demands increase, your water heater may have a hard time keeping up.

While it can be tempting to crank up the temperature dial on the water heater, it increases the risk of being scalded. Plus, your water heater will have to work even harder to heat water to a higher temperature, shortening its lifespan.

The ideal temperature for a water heater is 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if your water heater is currently set at 120, it is okay to turn it up to 130 or 140 to see if this helps keep up with your hot water demands—but never go over 140.

How to Prevent Water Heater Problems in Cold Weather

You can do several things to ensure you have plenty of hot water in your home all winter long. Many of these things will take the added strain, wear, and tear off your water heater too.

• Insulate your water heater and exposed plumbing lines. We already mentioned insulating your water heater will help stop heat loss transfer and keep it from working as hard to maintain your desired water temperature. Furthermore, you should also insulate any exposed plumbing lines. Doing so will prevent a frozen water heater and frozen pipes should temperatures drop below freezing.
• Have your plumber flush your water heater. Regular flushing will help remove sediment from the tank to help it last longer.
• Schedule annual maintenance on your water heater. Yearly maintenance allows your water heater to be inspected and tested to identify any potential problems or parts that need to be replaced.
• Upgrade to a tankless water heater this winter. Tankless water heaters are much more energy-efficient than tank-type heaters. Next, they can be installed just about anywhere inside the home, so they are not exposed to cooler temperatures. Best of all, they make hot water on demand to provide as much hot water as you need when you need it.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced

Instead of waiting for your water heater to fail, it is better to be aware of common signs indicating that it needs to be repaired or replaced.

• The hot water temperature never gets hot.
• You run out of hot water frequently.
• Your energy bills have increased excessively.
• Your water heater is more than ten years old.
• Your water heater is rusty or has leaks.
• Your hot water has sediment or rust in it when it comes out of the faucet.
• Your water heater constantly runs.
• Your pilot light goes out often.
• Your water heater is making strange sounds.

By taking the time to address these issues, you can avoid waking up on a cold winter morning and not having any hot water.

Water Heater Services in Austin and San Antonio

It is easy to ensure your water heater is prepared for cold weather by scheduling water heater service with the trusted and experienced plumbers from Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our plumbers can take care of water heater maintenance, flushing, repairs, and new installations of tank-type and tankless water heaters. Contact us at 512-246-5400 today to book your appointment.

When colder winter weather arrives, it can cause varying problems to your home’s plumbing system. Many of these problems, however, can be easily avoided if you take the time to winterize your home correctly.

Unfortunately, some people mistakenly assume it will be a mild winter and later have to deal with a host of winter-related plumbing problems because they did not plan ahead. Even if you think it may be mild this winter, you are better off winterizing your home’s plumbing system. This way, you will not have to worry once temperatures dip below freezing.

Frozen plumbing lines are one of the most common winter plumbing problems because they are not properly insulated. For example, exposed plumbing lines in exterior walls, crawl spaces, or basements are vulnerable to freezing.

Your sewer lines to your septic system can also be vulnerable if they are not buried deep enough in the ground. Even your outdoor water spigots and bibb lines are susceptible to freezing. The best solution is to ensure your water pipes are insulated and winterized correctly.

Another common plumbing problem in winter is clogged drain lines. During the holiday season, drain lines and toilets are likely to clog with all the extra cooking and more guests in and out of your home. One solution is never to put anything down sink drains or flush anything in the toilet that you should not.

To learn about the top winter plumbing issues and their solutions, we invite you to continue reviewing the following infographic.

From cold weather clogged drains to frozen outdoor sump pumps in winter, you can count on Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing to be there for you should you have winter plumbing issues.

Our experienced plumbers can also help you winterize your home, so you are prepared. Please feel free to contact us at 512-246-5400 today.

You rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool and comfortable indoors when it is hot outside. Yet, your air conditioner may not always perform as expected and cool your house correctly. So, when your AC is running but not cooling properly, there are several things you can check before calling an air conditioner repair technician.

Dirty Air Filters

Cooling systems require proper airflow to function correctly. Suppose your air filter is dirty with dust, dirt, pet hair, and other such things. Then the airflow through the system is restricted and will not cool correctly. Therefore, check your air filter and change it if it is dirty. Next, wait about thirty minutes to an hour to see if your AC starts cooling properly.

Outdoor Unit Is Clogged Up with Dirt

There are air vents on your outdoor unit that helps remove heat from cooling coils as the system cycles. When these are clogged with dust, dirt, leaves, and other debris, it can be the cause for your AC not blowing cold air. To have the outdoor unit cleaned, call your AC technician.

Thermostat Issues

Another thing you can check is your thermostat to see that it is set correctly. If it got turned up, the AC could be working correctly, just not cooling your house to your desired temperature. In addition, verify the thermostat is getting power by checking your breakers.

If a breaker tripped, that could be the cause of the problem. Reset the breaker to get your AC going again. However, if it trips again, call your AC technician, as something is overloading the system.

Air Duct Leaks

If you have leaks in your air ducts, they will suck warm air into the house whenever the AC is running. A common sign that your air ducts leak is when your home gets extremely dusty very quickly. You can schedule air duct cleaning and leak sealing with your AC technician.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

If you set your thermostat too low or your air filter is dirty and clogged, it can cause the coolant in the system to freeze. When it does, it will not cool correctly. You will have to shut off the system and wait for it to thaw out. If the problem keeps recurring and your air filter is clean, it is time to call for AC service.

The AC Wasn’t Sized Correctly

AC systems that are too small or too big for your home will not adequately keep your house cool. Undersized systems run almost constantly on hot days because they simply cannot keep up with cooling. Oversized systems tend to short cycle where they turn on, run for a few minutes, and shut off. Have your AC tech verify your system is sized correctly. If not, you should replace it.

There Is a Coolant Leak

While coolant leaks are not as common on modern AC units, they can still occur. Once the coolant leaks out, there will be insufficient coolant left in the system to cool the air when the system runs. If you suspect a leak, shut down the system and call your AC technician for service.

The AC Is Old

As air conditioners age, they gradually start losing their cooling efficiency. So, if your AC is more than ten years old, it just may be time to get a new energy-efficient unit for your house.

Air Conditioner Repair, Maintenance, and Replacement Services

When your AC is not blowing cold air, you can rely on Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing for AC repair, maintenance, and replacement services in Austin and San Antonio. We will diagnose your system to determine the problem and provide you with potential solutions to get your house cooling correctly. Contact us at 512-246-5400 to schedule service today.

When your home has a forced-air cooling and heating system, it uses ductwork to force air throughout the house into the different rooms. A return air vent draws air out of the house and moves it through the air conditioning or heating system. However, you will need to consider air duct replacement or sealing eventually.

Why Is a Duct System Important?

According to Energy Star, most homes lose about 20 to 30 percent of the cooled or heated air in the duct system due to holes, leaks, or poorly connected ductwork. Unfortunately, most homeowners overlook their air ducts when maintaining their HVAC systems.

The duct system ensures that cooled and heated air is distributed evenly throughout the house. When there are leaks in the system, it causes a reduction in system air pressure.

As a result, the amount of air reaching each room in your home is diminished. In addition, your air conditioning or heating system has to work twice as hard to cool and heat your house.

So, how do you know if you need to repair or replace HVAC ductwork? By familiarizing yourself with the following signs.

Common Signs of Bad Ductwork

There are unexplained increases in your energy bills.

Suppose you notice your cooling or heating bills have been steadily increasing, and there have not been any major increases from your utility company. In that case, it is a good indication that your ductwork has air leaks.

Instead of keeping cooled or heated air inside the ductwork, it escapes. As the air escapes, it draws in uncooled or unheated air and pushes that air into the house. Therefore, your HVAC system has to run longer to reach your desired temperature setting.

You notice your house gets dusty really quickly.

While getting rid of dust completely is impossible, your home should not get dusty that fast. Yet, if you notice that dust is accumulating faster than usual, it could be a sign of bad ductwork. For example, you dust on Saturday and by midweek there is a thick layer of dust where you just dusted.

The excessive dust gets into your house through the air leaks in the ductwork. As we already mentioned, cooled and heated air is lost through the leaks, while uncooled or unheated air is drawn in. As this air is drawn in, it also draws in dust, which is blown throughout the home.

Your HVAC system seems louder than normal.

Your air conditioning and heating system will make some noise when it cycles. However, the noise should not be excessive. If it is, it can indicate a wide range of problems, including air duct problems.

For instance, if you hear a whistling noise when the system runs, this is common when the air leaks are sucking in air through tiny gaps. Another common sound you may hear is a rattling sound coming from the walls, ceiling, or floor, depending on how the ductwork was installed.

You notice an increase in pests inside the house.

Seeing a bug inside the home periodically is bound to happen. However, if you start seeing ants, roaches, or other bugs more often, this indicates they have gained access through an opening, often the ductwork. Increased rodent activity is another common sign of damaged air ducts.

Your seasonal allergies seem to be worse indoors.

If you notice you are sneezing or coughing more often indoors, this is directly related to the air quality inside your home. When you have problems with your air ducts, the air leaks can allow more allergens to enter the house through the cooling and heating system.

You have to change your air filter more often.

Another sign of bad ductwork to look for is how often you change your air filter. For example, if you have a 90-day air filter but have to change it every 45 to 60 days or sooner, this often indicates faulty ductwork that needs to be repaired or replaced.

You notice there are cold or hot spots in different parts of the house.

It is essential to remember air duct leaks can occur anywhere in the duct system. So, if you notice certain rooms in your home feel hotter in summer and colder in winter, it is a good idea to have your duct system inspected.

Should I Repair or Replace HVAC Ductwork?

Deciding whether repairing or replacing ductwork is best depends on whether you have a few areas that need to be repaired or if the entire duct system has numerous issues. Unless you replace the whole duct system, there are specific steps you will want to take to ensure the system is repaired correctly.

1. Determine the location of air leaks. You will want to have your HVAC technician conduct an airflow and air quality analysis to help pinpoint the location of air leaks. If they are widespread, replacement might be necessary.
2. Replace any necessary sections of the ductwork. If there are huge gaps between ductwork joints or extensively damaged sections, have these replaced and fixed.
3. Have your ductwork cleaned. The next step in repairing ductwork is cleaning the entire system to remove excess dust, dirt, and debris.
4. Have your ductwork sealed. After the duct system has been cleaned, you want to have it sealed. There are different sealing methods, and one of the more popular ones is to use a spray sealant and circulate that through the system until all air leaks have been sealed.
5. Insulate and protect exposed ductwork. If you have exposed ductwork sections, like in your basement or crawl space, you should have these insulated and protected to help reduce the risks of air leaks.

If you replace the entire duct system after installing it, you will want to check for leaks and have it sealed as an added precaution.

How Often Should Ductwork Be Cleaned and Sealed?

It depends on the type of ductwork used in your house. For example, if you have plastic ductwork, you may need to have it sealed more often than metal ductwork. Your best option is to watch for the signs of bad ductwork and have your ducts inspected annually by your HVAC technician.

In addition, you should have your air ducts cleaned and sealed whenever you have a new air conditioning or heating system installed. This way, you do not have to worry about excessive dust entering the new system.

Schedule an Air Duct Inspection Today

When you notice any of these signs of bad ductwork, you will want to get your air ducts inspected today by one of our HVAC technicians at Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing. After your inspection, our technicians will tell you what is wrong and provide you with different air duct replacement, repair, cleaning, and sealing options to resolve air leaks.

Please feel free to call us at 512-246-5400 to schedule an air duct inspection today.

Source:

1. Duct Sealing

When you are running water and hear a clunking noise coming from your plumbing, it may surprise you. If the problem persists, it is essential that you determine the cause of the problem to avoid damaging your home’s plumbing system. Most of the time, you will need to call your local plumber for assistance once you have a better idea of why your plumbing is clunking.

Why Am I Hearing a Clunking Noise?

There can be several reasons for clunking and knocking pipes. The noise usually occurs when one of the following occurs:

1. The flow of the water is stopped abruptly.
2. When the hot water is turned on.
3. When the cold water is turned on.
4. At random times when the water is running.
5. Occasionally when the water is turned off.

The frequency and speed of the clunking can also help you determine the underlying problem. When you hear the noise, ask yourself whether the clunking is a singular occurrence, continuous, periodic, or rapid.

Common Causes and Fixes for Knocking Pipes

Now that you know the reasons for clunking sounds and have narrowed down the frequency of the clunking, let’s look at common causes and how to fix the problem.

Pipes Making Noise When Water Is Turned Off

Some of the common situations where you can hear a singular clunking noise and bang when you:

• Shut a faucet off
• After the washing machine has filled with water
• After flushing the toilet and the tank refilling with water
• Your sprinkler system shuts off

The most probable cause is due to the flow of the water being abruptly stopped. When the valve on the pipe is closed, the flowing water bangs into the valve. This is why this problem is referred to as “water hammer.”

Fixing water hammer problems depends on your home’s plumbing system. For example, if you have vent chambers, they are most likely filled with water. So, you would need to shut off the water main, open the highest and lowest faucets, and allow the water to drain out of the vents before turning the water back on.

If your home is newer, you most likely have a faulty arrestor that acts like a shock absorber to prevent water hammer. Replacing arrestors requires help from your plumber.

Constant Knocking Noise When Faucet Is Turned On

If your pipes constantly knock as the water runs, this problem could be caused by either having a faulty water meter or your water pressure coming into the house is too high. To fix this problem, you should check to see if your house has a water pressure regulator connected to the plumbing where the water main comes into the house.

If you do, you can turn it down until the problem stops. The water meter is the most likely culprit if it is already turned down. Contact your plumber to test the meter and replace it or install a water pressure regulator if yours is broken or you do not have one.

Periodic Knocking Noise When Running Water

A periodic clunking sound is often due to the straps and retaining clips that secure the plumbing in place becoming loose or being too tight. For example, when you run the hot water and hear knocking pipes, your pipes have expanded from the hot water, and the strap or retaining clip is too tight and causes them to bang.

Have your plumber pinpoint the location of the clunking sound. Then they can repair or replace the straps or retaining clips.

Rapid Knocking Noise When Faucet Is Turned On

If you hear a rapid clunking, banging, or knocking noise when running water, this often indicates air in pipes. The easy fix is to turn on all the faucets in the home and flush your toilets a few times to help push the air out. Then allow the water to run for about five to ten minutes. If the sound does not stop, it is time to call your local plumber for assistance.

Knocking Pipes When Water Is Turned Off

Occasionally, you will hear a knocking or banging sound randomly when the water is turned off. The most common cause is when your water heater has excess sediment buildup in the bottom of the water tank.

The sediment releases air bubbles whenever the water heater turns on to maintain the preset temperature. These air bubbles need somewhere to go, so they rise to the top of the tank or into the water supply lines. When they do, they create the banging sound.

If you have a tankless water heater but have hard water, you can also experience occasional clunking sounds from the scale and mineral deposits. The fix for this problem for tankless and tank water heaters is to have your plumber perform water heater maintenance to flush out the sediment.

Why Should I Have Knocking Pipes Fixed Promptly?

Clunking, banging, and knocking pipes create vibrations. These vibrations can cause all sorts of problems for your home’s plumbing system, including:

• Causing straps and retaining clips securing pipes in place to break or come loose
• Causing pipe connections and fittings to separate and start leaking water
• Damaging faucets and fixtures
• Causing water supply lines to burst and break

Suppose you are hearing clunking noises and knocking pipes in your San Antonio or Austin Metro area home. In that case, you can rely on the experienced plumbers at Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing to resolve the problem promptly. Contact us at 512-246-5400 to schedule an appointment today.

Dishwashers are the perfect kitchen appliance that makes doing dishes quick and easy. They not only save us time but help save water. Did you know that running a dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand?

On average, you can use 27 gallons of water or more washing dishes by hand. Newer Energy Star certified dishwashers use between four and eight gallons of water per cycle. Even if you have an older model that is not Energy Star certified, it uses between 9 and 14 gallons of water per cycle.

Ensuring your dishwasher continues to work correctly requires periodic dishwasher maintenance using the following tips:

Clean the Filter and Drain Trap

Under the lower spray arm, in the bottom of the dishwasher can be a filter. You should remove the filter and rinse it off under hot water to remove debris. If your dishwasher doesn’t have a filter, clean out excess food debris from the drain trap to avoid dishwasher clogs.

Clean the Dishwasher Every 30 Cycles

Most dishwasher manufacturers recommend running a clean cycle monthly or every 30 cycles. You can use dishwasher cleaning tablets by running a clean cycle or normal cycle. You can also pour a cup of vinegar into the bottom before starting a normal cycle. Regardless of the method, ensure the dishwasher is empty before cleaning it.

Clean the Door and Seals Monthly

Food particles, grease, and other icky stuff can get stuck on the door seals and interior side of the dishwasher door. Use hot water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap and a damp cloth to clean these areas. For difficult, stuck-on gunk, wet the cleaning cloth and place it over the area for about five minutes to help loosen and break up the gunk.

Use Your Dishwasher Weekly

You never want your dishwasher to sit for a prolonged period without using it. The rubber seals and gaskets can dry out, crack, and break. If they do, your dishwasher can leak out onto the kitchen floor when you run it. Even if you only have a partially filled dishwasher, running it at least once a week is better than letting the seals and gaskets dry out.

Start the Cycle with Hot Water

Before starting a wash cycle, turn on the sink faucet and wait for the water to heat up. Starting a cycle on cold water can leave a greasy residue on the dishes. Even if your dishwasher has a high temperature or water heating option, you still want to start with hot water to put less strain on these features.

Use a Rinse Aid

You may notice white spots on your dishes and scale and mineral deposit buildup inside the dishwasher if you have hard water. Using a rinse aid can help prevent these problems some of the time. However, if you have especially hard water, consider having your plumber install a water softener for your home.

Only Wash Items Meant to Go in the Dishwasher

Not all dishes and utensils are dishwasher safe. For example, cast iron pans should never be washed in a dishwasher, as they can rust. You also would not want to wash fine china with gold, silver, or copper accents in a dishwasher. Always verify whether something is dishwasher safe. When in doubt, don’t put it in the dishwasher.

Prevent Rust

Most dishwasher racks are made of metal with a plastic coating over them. Over time, the plastic coating can come off, exposing the metal. When this happens, it can rust and cause rust spots on your dishes. Most dishwasher warranties cover the racks for at least five years, sometimes longer, so get them replaced if necessary.

Should I Repair or Replace My Dishwasher?

By using these dishwasher maintenance tips, you should avoid most dishwasher problems. However, if your dishwasher starts to have problems, consider the problem and repair cost versus the cost of a new dishwasher to decide if it is better to repair or replace it.

For example, replacing door gaskets is a reasonable repair. However, if the dishwasher motor goes out, it can be more expensive, and it may be better to buy a new dishwasher.

When you have dishwasher issues and need a dishwasher tune-up or help to remove and install a new dishwasher in San Antonio and the Austin Metro area, you can rely on the experienced plumbers at Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Contact us at 512-246-5400 to schedule dishwasher repair service today.

According to the Department of Energy, 20 percent of your home’s energy use is for water heating. Furthermore, the average household uses about 64 gallons of hot water daily. So, looking for ways to reduce water heater energy use is a great way to lower your water heating costs.

Before summer is over, now is the perfect time to start implementing cost-cutting measures by checking out these excellent ideas and tips.

Upgrade to Water-Saving Fixtures

Switching out your faucets and showerheads with ones that use less water cuts your hot water usage. Your local plumber can provide you with a selection of water-saving fixtures for your home.

Turn Down the Temperature Setting

You can lower your natural gas and electricity consumption by reducing the temperature setting on your water heater. You need to ensure you do not turn it below 120 degrees Fahrenheit because this is the lowest temperature where harmful bacteria are killed.

Insulate Your Water Tank

Your water heater uses energy to maintain your desired temperature by running periodically to compensate for heat loss. Heat loss transfer occurs when the tank is not insulated as the heat slowly escapes.

Insulating your tank helps create a barrier to reduce how fast the heat is lost. As a result, your tank runs less often to keep the water hot.

Insulate Your Pipes

Heat loss transfer also occurs if your hot water pipes are not insulated. As you run hot water, the water loses some of its heat. Therefore, the water heater has to work harder and run longer to provide the hot water you need. Having your pipes insulated helps reduce heat loss and keeps the water hotter.

You should also insulate the incoming cold water supply line that connects to your water heater. Insulating this line helps reduce temperature differences as the cold water enters the tank, resulting in less heating time and energy usage.

Upgrade Your Appliances

You could get a new washer or dishwasher with energy efficiency and water-saving features to reduce hot water usage. Some new appliances also have steam settings that use a fraction of hot water to clean clothes and dishes.

Only Run Full Loads

Get into the habit of not running the dishwasher or washing machine unless you have a full load. Partial loads waste hot water and increase your energy use.

Wash Your Clothes on Cold

Another way to lower hot water usage is only to use cold water to launder your clothes. Most detergents work just as effectively in cold water.

Wash Dishes in Your Dishwasher

It might seem faster to wash dishes by hand. However, you are wasting more hot water than loading and running the dishwasher. According to the NRDC, you use 27 gallons of water or more to hand wash your dishes compared to as little as three gallons using an Energy Star-rated dishwasher.

Even older dishwashers use less water ranging from five to ten gallons a cycle. Plus, you do not need to pre-rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. You just need to scrape off excess food.

Schedule Water Heater Maintenance

Regular water heater maintenance helps ensure your water heater is operating properly. Over time, the heating elements will lose efficiency, so they should be replaced regularly.

In addition, sediment and particles accumulate inside the tank, further reducing water heating efficiency. Have your plumber flush your tank yearly as part of your annual maintenance.

Furthermore, maintenance helps identify potential problems and resolve them before they become major repairs.

Fix Any Water Leaks

If you have any hot water leaks in your plumbing system, you need to have those fixed. Not only are you wasting hot water, but you are also causing water damage to your house. As the water damage worsens, it promotes wood rot, mold, and mildew growth.

Fix Dripping Faucets and Fixtures

Do you have dripping faucets and fixtures where the drips are coming from the hot water supply? If so, these drips will cause your water heater to run more often. You are also wasting water. Resolving the drip could be as easy as having your plumber replace a washer inside the faucet handle.

Reduce Water Usage

Another way to reduce water heater energy use is to change your hot water usage habits. For example, instead of taking daily baths, take showers instead. If you have a bad habit of leaving the warm water running while brushing your teeth, break the habit by shutting the water off until you are ready to rinse.

Upgrade Your Water Heater

As water heaters age, they slowly lose their energy efficiency. So, if your current water heater is ten years or older, upgrading to a new tank-type heater can help reduce your energy usage. New tank-type heaters are more energy efficient than older models.

Better yet, upgrading your water heater to a tankless water heater will provide you with the most energy savings. Tankless water heaters make hot water on demand and provide an endless supply of it. Unlike tank-type heaters that run periodically to maintain the desired temperature, tankless heaters only run when you use hot water.

As a result, you save a significant amount of energy compared to tank-type heaters—up to 40 percent in energy savings. Plus, tankless water heaters are an upgrade that will add value to your home. Even though they cost more upfront, they have an average lifespan of about 25 years.

Water Heater Services in San Antonio and Austin

Annual or bi-annual water heater maintenance from Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing ensures water is not wasted by finding corrosion, improper venting, leaks, and other potential problems that reduce energy efficiency.

When it is time to upgrade or replace your water heater, we provide access to energy-efficient tank-type water heaters and even more energy-efficient tankless water heaters with complete installation.

To schedule water heater maintenance or to request a quote on a new water heater, please feel free to contact us at 512-246-5400 today.

Sources:

1. U.S. Department of Energy. Water Heating.
2. NRDC. 9 Tricks That Save Tons of Water.

Have you noticed foul shower drain smells every time you take a shower? Maybe the smells have become so bad they stink up your bathroom all the time? There can be several causes why your shower drain stinks, depending on the cause.

What Causes a Shower Drain to Smell?

Biofilm Stuck to Drain Pipes

If you think about everything that goes down a shower drain, including hair, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and shaving gel, it is only a matter of time before these things start to build up in the drain lines. Eventually, as hair decomposes and is mixed with the other things stuck to the pipes, it can start to stink. This slimy, icky stuff is often referred to as biofilm.

Removing biofilm from drain pipes requires a professional drain cleaning from your local plumber. They have special equipment that removes the biofilm and cleans the drain line to eliminate foul odors.

Vent or P-Trap Issues

Sometimes the smells from your shower drain come from farther down the drain line. Shower plumbing is connected to a p-trap that allows water to flow into the main sewer line. A vent is also connected to the p-trap to allow gases and air to escape as the water drains away.

If the vent is clogged, broken, or damaged, the air cannot escape. So, it can be forced back up the drain line and bring unwanted smells with it. Furthermore, if the p-trap is not retaining enough water, it can dry out and lead to bacteria growth, which causes unwanted smells.

This type of smell is also common when you rarely use a shower, such as in a guest bathroom. So, running water down the drain a few times a week is a good idea to prevent it from drying out. However, if you are running water regularly and it still smells, you should call your plumber for assistance.

Water Leaks

Leaks in water supply lines and drain lines can cause unwanted smells in the shower. Water leaks also promote the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, all of which can stink. If you suspect a water leak and cannot find the source of it yourself, your plumber has the tools that pinpoint leaks so they can be repaired.

Damaged Backflow Preventer

As wastewater and raw sewage exit the home, it passes through a backflow preventer. This device stops the water and sewage from back-flowing up the drain pipes. Unfortunately, when this is damaged, there is nothing to prevent the backflow, which can cause shower drains to smell like sewage.

Clogged, Broken, or Damaged Sewer Lines

When your main sewer line is clogged, broken, or damaged, it can cause smells to travel back up drain lines. Usually, you will notice smells coming from the shower drain first. However, the odors can become more noticeable in other drains the longer the problem exists.

What Is the Best Way to Resolve Shower Drain Smells?

The best way to resolve smelly shower drains is with assistance from your local plumber. At Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer leak detection, sewer repair, p-trap and vent repair, and drain cleaning in Austin and San Antonio to eliminate foul odors from your shower drains. Contact us today by calling 512-246-5400.

The last thing you want when trying to stay cool indoors from the hot, triple-digit temperatures in summer is to start coughing and sneezing because of allergies from your AC. Unfortunately, some people can experience air conditioning allergic reactions.

However, the allergic reaction is not from the cold air being blown into the house. Rather, it is caused by one or more allergens in the indoor air.

What Are Allergens?

Allergens are various types of harmless antigens that the body’s immune system perceives as a threat, so it triggers an immune system response, such as:

• Runny Noses
• Watery, Itchy Eyes
• Coughing
• Sneezing

What Are Some Common Allergens?

The most common allergens people are sensitive to include:

• Pollen
• Dust
• Mold
• Mildew
• Pet Dander
• Dust Mites
• Pollutants
• House Plants
• Chemicals Used in Household Cleaning Products

Reasons You Experience Allergies from Your AC Inside a Home

As cool air is circulated throughout your house, it easily spreads allergens to every part of the home. So, if you are sneezing, coughing, or experiencing other allergy symptoms, you need to track down the source of the allergens to determine how to best resolve the issue. Start by checking the following parts of your air conditioning system.

Is there an air filter in the air return, and is it dirty?

Running your air conditioning without an air filter is never recommended. Dust, dirt, and debris can get inside the cooling system. When it does, it can cause operational issues, shorten its lifespan, and spread the dust, dirt, and debris throughout the ductwork and the home, triggering your allergies.

When the air filter is dirty and not changed regularly, it can become clogged and no longer remove allergens from the indoor air. Therefore, you want to inspect your air filter monthly and change it whenever it is dirty.

What quality is the air filter?

Low-quality air filters will not filter out allergens that well. You want a decent air filter that does not restrict airflow yet can remove allergens from indoor air. To choose the best air filter for your AC system, ask your AC technician to recommend one.

Do you smell mildew when the AC is running?

If you do, chances are your home also has mold. Both mold and mildew thrive in humid environments, including inside your AC system. You should have your AC technician help find the source of the mold and mildew so it can be eliminated.

Do you have air leaks in your home?

Air leaks can occur around doors and windows, allowing pollen and other allergens to get inside. Another cause of air leaks is in your ductwork. You will want to resolve air leaks to prevent outside air from getting into the house.

When was the last time your AC system was serviced?

Regular maintenance is essential to help prevent problems that could contribute to allergens inside your home. For example, when the water drain on the AC is clogged, it can back up inside the unit, resulting in higher humidity levels that can lead to mold and mildew problems.

Your AC may also require cleaning to remove dust, dirt, and debris from the outside unit so that it doesn’t get into the system and into your home.

How Can Your HVAC Technician Help?

Your HVAC technician offers a range of services to help reduce and eliminate most allergens from your indoor air, including:

• Air Quality Inspections – You can find out what allergens and pollutants are in your air to determine what sort of solutions can help improve indoor air quality and reduce your allergies.
• Air Duct Cleaning and Sealing – Cleaning and sealing your air ducts will help remove and prevent problems with dust, dirt, and debris being circulated through the AC system.
• Allergen Reducing Air Filters – Getting a better air filter that helps remove allergens can improve indoor air quality and reduce your allergic reaction
• Dehumidifiers to Control Humidity Levels – Maintaining humidity levels helps prevent problems with mold and mildew.
• Air Purification Upgrades – Air purifiers, UV sterilization lighting, and special HEPA filters are some of the upgrades you might want to consider when you want to remove allergens from your home.

If you are experiencing air conditioning allergies inside your home and want help improving the indoor air quality to eliminate allergens, Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. We can test your indoor air quality, clean and seal your air ducts, and make recommendations about what upgrades could benefit you and your family the most and provide you with the highest possible indoor air quality.

For further information or to schedule an appointment in San Antonio or the Austin Metro area, please feel free to call us at 512-246-5400 today.