4 Ways to More Efficiently Cool Your Home This Summer

July 15th, 2018

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The summer heat can become unbearable at times, but your home should always be cool and comfortable.  If you still find the heat unbearable, even inside the house, then it might be time to take a look at how to better cool your home.  Here are 4 ways to more efficiently cool your house this summer.

  1. Central Air Is the Most Efficient

Relying on fans, window units, or portable AC units will not cool your home efficiently or effectively.  Central air is the most reliable way to be sure your entire home stays cool and comfortable this summer. These units are specifically designed for efficiency in cooling the entire home that other units just don’t have.  Without the efficiency of central air, you are risking running up energy costs and paying a fortune just to have a little relief from the heat.  Consider installing central air to maximize efficiency and save on monthly costs. Contact a professional AC repair technician to find out more about installing central air in your home.

  1. Pay Attention to SEER Ratings

A SEER rating is otherwise known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.  When looking into a new unit, find one that has a higher SEER rating to guarantee maximum efficiency.  While they may cost more upfront, they ultimately save more money over time as energy costs are reduced each month.  For the best results, look into buying an AC unit with a SEER rating of 16 or higher.  The accumulated savings over time makes the initial investment of an AC unit with a higher SEER rating well worth the purchase price.

  1. Invest In the Right Size of Unit

A unit that is too small for a home will only have to work harder to cool the home, making it less efficient and costing you more in cooling costs this summer.  Investing in a properly sized unit for the square footage of your home means that the AC unit will have enough power to effectively cool the home and save on energy costs as well.  An AC unit that is too large for the space of your house could begin to short cycle, starting and stopping often. Not only is this less efficient, but it also wears down the parts of the AC unit faster.  Consult an experienced AC technician to find out what size unit is right for your home.

  1. Look Into Dual Systems

If the setup of your home allows, inquire about installing a dual system in your home, which allows you to cool the top floor and lower floor of the home separately.  This means you can maximize the efficiency of cooling the entire home by turning the temperature up in areas of the home that aren’t in use and only cooling the areas of the house that you know will be used at certain times of the day.  While the initial cost could be more than you want to pay, this method for cooling your home is one of the best in maximizing the efficiency and saving money long term.

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7 Steps to Follow Before Turning On the AC

July 4th, 2018

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When summer comes, the heat hits with full force.  When it gets hot in our home, it’s time to turn on our air conditioning units for comfortable, cooler temperature.  However, the AC unit has sat idle all winter long and might be in need of repairs before it can efficiently cool the home.  Here are seven step to follow before turning on the AC unit this summer to ensure it will work efficiently all summer long.

Look Over Inside Equipment for Obvious Flaws

Give your AC unit, ductwork, and thermostat a once-over to look for wear and tear.  Check the thermostat to be sure it turns on and is working properly.  If you have an older thermostat, consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient product for energy savings.  Repair or replace air ducts that show signs of wear and tear to also increase efficiency.  Be sure air vents around the home are clear of debris.  Remove anything such as furniture or drapes that could block airflow.

Change the Air Filter

Before turning on the AC, be sure to check the air filter and replace if necessary.  It is recommended that you change the air filter every three months.  Changing the air filter before turning on your AC for the summer is always a good idea to be sure you have proper air flow all summer long. 

Look Over Electrical Connections

Look over wiring and hookups to be certain there is power to the AC unit.  You want to be careful to check that all wiring is securely attached and that the AC unit has power to it so it will power on when you are ready to use it.

Check the Drain Line

Check the AC drain line for debris or clogs that may have occurred during the winter months.  Rinse out the drain line to clear blockage.  A clogged AC line can cause significant damage to a home.  Clogs cause water to back up, and since that water has to go somewhere, it will leak out and cause water damage.  Avoid costly repairs by checking that the drain line is clear each year before firing up the AC unit.

Inspect Outside Equipment

After you are sure everything in the inside of the home is working properly, move to the outside of the home and focus on the unit itself.  Again, check electrical wiring outside for wear and tear.  Refrigerant lines are an important part of cooling a home, so give them a once over.  These lines should be properly insulated to keep the air cool and improve the efficiency of your unit. 

Check the Condenser

The condenser is another area where debris can accumulate and cause a blockage.  Clear any debris from the condenser and clean the unit.  Anything that blocks the condenser will affect the performance of the AC unit.  Ensure that all panels are accounted for as missing panels can lead to poor electrical connections. 

Evaluate the Life of the AC Unit

If you have followed all the steps above and have had yearly maintenance check-ups and repairs, but still feel your AC unit isn’t functioning at full capacity, then it may be time to consider replacing and upgrading your unit. Newer units will run more efficiently and are more energy efficient, saving you money on monthly electric bills.  Contact a reliable ac repair technician to find out more about how installing a new AC unit can improve your air flow and lower your costs.

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Sounds That Indicate It’s Time to Call a Plumber

June 28th, 2018

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Knowing when it’s the right time to call upon the expertise of a plumber can be difficult.  While some sounds in homes are normal, it can be unnerving to hear noises that might be related to plumbing problems.  If you are unsure whether or not to its time to call a plumber, here is a list of common plumbing sounds you might hear and what they could mean.

Gurgling Noises

Gurgling noises coming from sink or tub drains could be a sign of needing plumbing repairs.  The gurgling noise happens because of a blockage in the drains that isn’t allowing water to drain properly.  This means the drain vents aren’t working properly.  Without proper venting, air bubbles get into the drain, block the water from draining correctly, and cause a gurgling sounds.  Call an experienced plumber to come out and vent your drains to remove air bubbles and allow water to drain quickly without being slowed down by blockage from an air bubble.  If necessary, a plumber can also replace drains when needed.

Shaking Sounds

Running water often causes pipes to shake, so this isn’t always an indicator of a major problem.  However, if the sound is so loud that you can hear it throughout the house, it could mean your pipes aren’t fastened securely.  Loose pipes can cause extensive damage if they were to break or require repairs.  Check the mounting straps and tighten them if necessary.  Replace any old or worn part pipes to ensure everything is in proper working order.  If you are uncomfortable performing plumbing repairs on your own, call on the experts at Peaden to tighten straps or replace parts.

Whining Sounds

Turning on a faucet only to hear a whining sound when the water comes out is never a good sign.  This sounds usually means that a part within the faucet is broken.  The best solution is to install a new faucet. If this is not your area of expertise, contact an expert to remove the broken faucet and install a new one to get rid of the whining noise that happens when the faucet is turned on.

Banging Sounds

Loud banging sounds are probably one of the most common sounds you might hear when turning on running water.  This noise is caused by the water hammer.  Water hammers open and close, stopping water from flowing.  The water hammer opening and closing often can cause damage to pipes and loosen parts which might lead to needing repairs.  If you hear a continual banging sound, it could be the water hammer banging against the pipes as it opens and closes.  To avoid more costly repairs in the future, contact a professional plumber to come and inspect the source of the banging noise and make any necessary plumbing repairs. 

Don’t let unnerving plumbing noise cause constant worry that a plumbing issue is going to arise at any moment.  Contact Peaden for all your plumbing needs.

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Signs Your Compressor Might Need to Be Replaced

June 16th, 2018

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When your AC unit is on the fritz, it may be a quick fix or it may be something more serious, like the compressor.  The compressor is an important part of the AC unit and is critical for cooling the house properly.  It’s the job of the compressor to pressurize the refrigerant so it can absorb the heat and release it outside.  A broken compressor can be an expensive AC repair that may even require completely replacing your AC unit. If you recognize any of these signs, call a professional right away.

Improper Airflow

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air and not cold air, then this is a tell-tale sign that your compressor may be bad.  When the compressor is not able to pump refrigerant through your system, it won’t cool down the air, signaling that it is time for an AC repair.  Weak airflow is another sign that the compressor is not functioning properly.  If the air vents aren’t putting out enough airflow, the compressor may be to blame.  Should you experience any of these signs, call an AC repair technician right away to diagnose the problem so that you can have a cool, comfortable home once again. 

Loud and Unusual Noises

When the compressor is about to go out, you will begin to hear louder than normal noises coming from the unit.  If the AC vibrates when it turns on, it may be “hard starting” because it is having trouble turning on.  This is what happens right before a compressor goes out, so be aware of these vibration noises. Grinding, squealing, or any other sound that just isn’t normal means it is time to get your air conditioner looked at by an experience AC repair technician. While noises can be the result of electrical problems or even a loose fan, it is wise to have an experienced technician investigate so that you don’t risk further damage or possible compressor failure.  Unusual noises are not something to wait out or mess around with.  Waiting to have your unit fixed will lead to more expensive repairs or maybe even needing to replace the entire unit.

Temperature Change

You know your AC is set to a lower temperature, but your house is hot and won’t cool off.  A bad compressor could be to blame.  Try turning down the thermostat to get the compressor to kick on, but if it still won’t, then the compressor has more than likely already failed.  The fan could be running and you might hear noise from the unit, but the compressor will not be operating.  Any time you suspect it could be malfunctioning, call a trusted AC repair technician for an inspection.  If your AC is an older unit, then it may be wise to just replace the unit instead of investing in an expensive compressor fix.  Be aware of the signs and inform a technician right away if the compressor is not functioning properly and cooling down your home.

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If You Notice These Things You Need AC Repair Services Right Away

June 9th, 2018

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Your air conditioner is designed and built to be quieter than ever.  If you notice weird noises, odors, temperature fluctuations or, even worse, high costs to simply keep you comfortable, call us.  Your air conditioner is an important, if not vital, part of your home here on the Florida Emerald Coast that includes Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City. 

If you notice any of the following coming from your air conditioner, don’t hesitate to call us for a consultation:

  • Banging, clanking, buzzing, squealing, screaming! These kinds of noises can be a definite sign that something is loose or broken, and needs repair.  Consider needing a new fan, blades, electrical parts.  In other words, something is out of balance.  A high pitch screaming sound can mean a refrigerant leak and needs immediate attention for your unit’s and your safety.  A rattling sound can be that your air conditioner is wearing down, or that it’s a simple fix such as removing leaves or twigs that have accumulated inside over time.
  • Odors like smelly socks, rotten eggs, gun powder, fumes. The mold and mildew that is so prevalent in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City can wreak havoc on the performance and life of your air conditioner.  “Smelly socks smell” indicate such a thing and can easily be remedied with a service and tune-up by us.  The smell of gun powder can reveal electrical issues.  Smells like fumes and rotten eggs can indicate dangerous fluid leaks or a natural gas leak that is an emergency and requires immediate attention by us.  Don’t delay in calling us for any smell coming from your air conditioner.
  • Holding a constant temperature. If your air conditioner is not staying at the set temperature for even a short period of time, it indicates that there is something not working properly.  Our air conditioner technician will not only inspect your entire unit, but ask relevant questions about your home’s insulation and how you use your electricity and air conditioner in order to optimize your air conditioner’s performance. 
  • Your air conditioning costs. Have your air conditioning monthly costs dramatically increased, but not your comfort during those hot and humid days when you need an air conditioner the most?  One of our air conditioner experts will visit your home and assess the situation from every angle, being age and use of the unit, how the environment is affecting it, how you are using the air conditioner for its maximum use and comfort, to name a few.  We also have helpful tips and guidelines to get the most from your air conditioner.

Here at Peaden, we have a staff of experts who are trained, reliable and professional.  It is our goal to keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the year.  Being aware of how your air conditioner is working — or not working — for you can save you money and inconvenience.  And by calling Peaden at the first signs of trouble, you can maintain the life and performance of your unit.

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4 Reasons Your AC Unit May Be Freezing Up

June 7th, 2018

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As you fire up your air conditioner during the hot summer months, you may notice ice forming on your unit.  Frozen AC units won’t work properly and are a sign that something could be wrong.  A frozen unit doesn’t have enough power to properly blow air throughout the house.  Here are reasons why your unit may be freezing up.

Yearly Maintenance Checks Are Not Performed

It is recommended that each year, your AC unit gets a proper maintenance check before you turn it on for the summer.  An AC repair technician will come to your house and check all the parts, such as the air filter, fan, compressor, evaporator coils, and thermostat to ensure everything is in proper working order.  Should they notice any issue, they will repair or replace the necessary parts so that your air conditioner will run smoothly all summer long.  If you skip these maintenance checks, then you might begin to encounter problems.  Lack of air flow from a dirty air filter can cause also a unit to freeze up, so be sure to check your air filter each year and replace as needed.  Similarly, a fan that isn’t working properly will not get enough air flow to the evaporator coils.  This too can cause your air conditioner to ice over. Call an experienced AC repair technician to inspect your unit before you run it this summer to avoid costly repairs.

Refrigerant Levels Are Low

Low refrigerant levels is the main cause of frozen AC units.  Proper refrigerant levels are important for the function of your unit, as the refrigerant is essential for cooling the home.  When the refrigerant isn’t changed or checked often, then the coils will freeze up.  If you notice your unit isn’t working or ice has formed on the air conditioner, then call an AC repair technician to check refrigerant levels.

Lack of Airflow

Consistent airflow is essential for an air conditioner to function as well.  If your unit has iced up and you notice a lack of airflow from your return vents, it may be time to contact a professional.  Airflow is necessary for the hot air to be sucked up and passed through the evaporator coils and cool the home. Without the necessary air flow, a unit will freeze up not be able to keep your home cool and comfortable.  Also, be sure registers are open allowing air to pass through as closed registers affect air flow and are another reason AC units ice up.

Drainage Problems

Condensation from an AC unit drains outside, but if the coils aren’t working properly and the unit is frozen, this drain could be blocked from ice.  The unit will still run, but it will use a lot of electricity and won’t cool down the home.  The coils must be unfrozen and the drain unblocked.  Clear all debris and call a professional AC repair technician.  Running your air conditioner with frozen coils will cause larger problem, such as ruining the compressor or other vital components.  It is imperative that frozen coils are fixed to avoid more costly repairs later on down the road.

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3 Questions to Ask an Electrician

May 30th, 2018

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Before you hire an electrician, consider asking them a few questions about their services.  To ensure you are hiring a qualified electrician to complete work in your home, it is important that you have a little information first.  A qualified, professional electrician won’t mind answering some simple questions and should have the right answers before you hire them to do the job.

What Experience Do You Have?

A reliable electrician will have hands-on experience in the electrical industry.  It is also important to find someone who specifically has experience with the type of project you are looking to complete.  Be sure to ask for references to find out about work this electrician has previously done. Testimonials from other customers will help you know that you have hired someone who can do the job right.  A trusted electrician should be able to offer 3 to 5 references for you to call.

Are You Insured?

Knowing that an electrician has insurance will ease your mind.  Insurance protects not only the workers but also your home, should an accident ever occur while the electrician is in your home.  If an accident occurs on the job site, the contractor or company would be liable to cover the expenses and not you.  Hiring an uninsured electrician may mean that they could come after you for money should they injure themselves on the job.  While you may think you are in the clear and this would never happen, it happens more than you think, so inquire as to whether or not the electrician you are looking to hire is insured and give yourself peace of mind.

What Will This Project Entail?

Getting an estimated quote before a project begins will give you an outline of what to expect.  Have the electrician provide you with a breakdown of what they plan to do to complete the project so there are no surprises or added costs later down the road.  Be sure to also ask how long the project will take from start to finish.  It’s important to know if you will be without electricity at any time during this project so you can plan for that. Hiring an electrician that charges by the job instead of by the hour is a smart choice. You want to know the details of what is being done, how long it will take, and how much it will cost to ensure your money is being spent wisely and not wasted on hourly wages.  A trusted electrician will be honest with you from the beginning, fair in their pricing, and willing to answer any and all questions you might have.  They should offer you a guarantee that the work will be completed and done right or they will make any necessary repairs until the job is done. Call several electricians and get quotes from each one until you find the one you feel comfortable working with.  As the customer, your safety and concerns should come first.

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Why You Might Want To Consider a Programmable Thermostat

May 23rd, 2018

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Programmable thermostats are becoming more and more popular as people are realizing the many benefits they offer. Programmable thermostats allow homeowners flexibility in changing the temperature, even when they aren’t home, and they help save money on energy costs and monthly electric bills. Installing a programmable thermostat is a worthwhile investment that can save money immediately and in the years to come.

Cost-Efficiency
A programmable thermostat allows homeowners to set the thermostat to change temperatures at certain times throughout the day. For instance, if you work an 8 to 5 job and know that you won’t be home during these hours, you can program your thermostat to a higher temperature during the day. To make your home comfortable for when you arrive home from work, program the thermostat to begin to cool the house down 15 to 20 minutes before your arrival time. Not only will you create a comfortable, cool atmosphere, but you will save money because your air conditioner isn’t running as much throughout the day. Let’s face it, saving money on your energy bill is a big plus that makes a programmable thermostat a great home investment.

Energy Savings
Energy efficiency is important to homeowners, and programmable thermostats can help. Setting your thermostat for higher temperature when you know you will be out of town or away from your home is a great way to conserve energy. Energy efficiency not only saves money, but also cuts down on the wear and tear of your unit over time. Not requiring your AC unit to work so hard when no one is home is a great way to make your unit last. Energy efficient units are also beneficial to the environment so you can rest assured that you are doing your part to conserve energy by installing a programmable thermostat to more accurately manage the temperature in your home.

Convenience
Technology today makes having programmable thermostats an amazing convenience. You can access most thermostats and adjust temperatures via phone or computer so that if you are at work and realize you forgot to set your thermostat to a higher temperature while you are away from home, you can easily get on your phone and adjust the temperature from there. Or perhaps you forgot to set the thermostat to begin to cool off your home before you get there and don’t want to come home to a hot, stuffy house. Simply log in and adjust the temperature before you begin the drive home so that you are assured to come home to a cool, comfortable house. The ability to control your thermostat from anywhere in the world is an amazing convenience that homeowners love.

Next Steps
If a programmable thermostat sounds like a great way for you to save energy and cost, but you aren’t comfortable installing one yourself, call a professional. With a professional AC repair technician, you are guaranteed the work is done right so you can begin saving today.

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5 Tips to Prevent Minor AC Repairs from Becoming Major Problems

May 5th, 2018

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Dealing with AC repairs is never something that homeowners want to do, but it is something that they need to do. When you don’t take care of AC repairs right away, it won’t take long for the problem to become worse. After all, your heating and cooling system isn’t going to repair itself! While it may be easy to ignore minor fixes, or you may get forgetful as you go through your weekly schedule, you should be mindful that this can turn into a major problem. When a minor AC repair turns into a major one, then the cost is more expensive, and the sense of urgency is much greater. To avoid this from happening, here are 5 tips to keep small issues from becoming big ones.

#1: Check and Change Your Filter

If you notice your air conditioning is not performing like it should, take a quick peek at the filter to see if it’s clogged. Often, a clogged filter can prevent the system from working at full capacity and it can cause AC repairs to occur prematurely. By paying attention to filters, you can reduce the number of both major and minor repairs, as well as increase the lifespan of your unit.

#2: Schedule an Appointment with the AC Repair Technician ASAP

At the first sign of an AC repair, call a technician to inspect the unit and correct the issue. Don’t put this call off because the unit is working okay, but just not as well as it could. The more you run the system, the harder other parts will have to work to keep up and soon these will start to break down too.

#3: Don’t Ignore or Try to Push Through the Signs of an AC Repair

You should never ignore the signs that you need an AC repair or push through the uncomfortable temperatures. Sure, when the repair is minor, your unit probably still functions, but it will only be a matter of time before you have an emergency on your hands. The longer you put it off, the costly the repair can get. Think of it like a domino effect where one small issue leads to another one, and another one, until you have an unavoidable situation on your hands.

#4: Learn the Early Warning Signs That You Need a Repair

You can’t get an AC repair if you aren’t aware that you need one. Learn the early warning signs that you need a repair like low airflow and strange sounds, so you can reach out to a technician as soon as you notice the trouble.

#5: When in Doubt, Schedule a Maintenance Check

If you aren’t sure whether or not you need an AC repair, schedule a maintenance check so the technician can do a complete inspection and identify any trouble spots. Even if you don’t need an AC repair, you will still benefit from an annual inspection because the pros get into every nook and cranny to keep buildup away and your system working in prime condition.

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Subtle Signs You Should Call a Plumber

April 28th, 2018

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There are many obvious signs that you should call a plumber for a repair or inspection. And then there are those signs that are a bit more subtle than water spraying uncontrollably from a pipe or a large puddle that could only be caused by a leak. While subtle signs that you should call a plumber can be a challenge to detect, you should still make note of these and never ignore them. Here we’ve listed just a few of the signs you should call a plumber, so you can look back to it for future reference.

You Notice an Increase in Your Water Bill

Even if you don’t see where a leak is coming from or notice it at all, you will still have to pay for that additional water that is being released, and you’ll see this on your water bill. When your water bill keeps going up and you don’t know why, call a plumber to complete an inspection. Once they have detected the trouble spot, the plumber will provide you with a solution.

A Steady Drip Is Coming from Your Faucet

If you have a small and steady drip coming from your faucet, you are letting money go down your drain in a few different ways. Once again, you’ll be responsible for the water you’re losing on your bill. Plus, you’ll have to replace your fixtures more often, and you’ll notice that you have to clean the corrosion more often around the handles and spout.

You Detect Extra Moisture Under the Sink

If you detect extra moisture in places like under the sink that it shouldn’t be occurring, it’s time to call a plumber. The extra moisture can be from a leak that you don’t see, or it could just be occurring when you turn the water on and not when you’re rummaging under the sink. Extra moisture will cause problems in the future such as mold and deterioration of the structure, so be mindful that you correct this issue before it becomes more expensive.

Showers and Sinks Are Running Out of Hot Water Quickly

When the hot water in the shower runs out faster than normal or you notice that you can’t get through a round of washing dishes without it turning lukewarm, then a plumber needs to inspect your hot water heater. In some cases, a simple tune-up or adjustment will do the job, and in others, you’ll need a replacement or repair.

Water Sputters Out of the Faucet

If a few air bubbles escape your faucet every time you turn it on, you should call a plumber to detect the underlying problem before it gets worse. Water sputtering out of the faucets may occur if the water has been shut off for a little while or if you don’t use the faucet routinely, but if it happens multiple times a day, let the expert plumbers get the situation resolved for you.

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