Summer Plumbing Problems — Four Tips to Keep Your Plumbing Humming This Summer
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / July 19, 2024
Four tips to keep your plumbing humming this summer.
Summer was made for water.
From watering plants to diving in pools, we use a lot of H2O this time of year. Increased usage and higher heat can put a strain on your plumbing system. Read on for four of the most common summer plumbing issues and what you can do to spot and prevent damage.
Leaky Faucets & Pipes
High temps and more usage can cause metal components to expand and contract, leading to small leaks at…
Read moreYour House Hunt Plumbing Guide
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / June 3, 2024
House Hunt Plumbing Checks
Searching for a home can be equal parts exciting and stressful. You’re on the hunt for the perfect space for you and your family, and you want to be confident you’re picking a place that looks great, meets your needs, and is built to last.
During the search, you’re likely focused on square footage, entertainment space, and other aesthetic details, but remember the arteries of the house: the plumbing system.
A formal home inspection will cover the roof to the foundation and…
Read moreSump Pump Sunk: Spotting & Preventing Common Issues
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / March 11, 2024
Spring brings warmer temps, melting snow, and rain showers.
While that might be good for brightening our moods and budding fresh flowers, spring could spell trouble for your home’s sump pump, leading to a wet mess.
As your first line of defense against basement flooding, it’s crucial to check and maintain your sump pump, especially with the change in seasons.
Read on to discover common issues, telltale signs, and preventative measures to keep your sump…
Read moreWould You Benefit from a Water Softener System in Your Home?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / February 10, 2023
Owning a home comes with a lot of decisions—some of which might be new to you. For instance, you’ve likely heard people discussing the “hardness” or “softness” of water before, but what does that mean? And how does each type of water impact you and your family as consumers?
Soft Water vs. Hard Water
First, it’s important to understand what it means when water is soft or hard—and the answer is very simple. Natural water sources contain a variety of minerals like calcium and magnesium….
Read more3 Reasons to Consider a Tankless Water Heater
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / November 14, 2022
When we think of water heaters, most of us picture a bulky, cylindrical tank that lives in our basement or utility room. This type of water heater has been around for a long time, and as with most things, it’s since been improved.
As the name indicates, tankless water heaters remove the need for a storage tank. Instead, they heat your water on demand, as needed.
So, what does this mean for you as a homeowner?
You won’t run out of hot water
We’ve all been in…
Read moreMake Your Home More Accessible with a Main Floor Laundry Room
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / September 20, 2022
Many homes have traditional basement laundry rooms, designed to keep dirty laundry out of the way and separate from common living spaces. This layout also decreases the number of areas impacted in the event of flooding caused by machine mishaps.
While this is a great setup for some homeowners, it isn’t sustainable for individuals or couples that want to age in place. As our bodies get older, things like stairs can…
Read moreThe Benefits of Installing a Second Water Meter
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / July 25, 2022
If you are a turf guru or gardening enthusiast—or maintain either on your property —then you know the commitment required to sustain the perfect lawn or crop. This commitment often includes a consistent watering schedule, especially in the driest, hottest months of summer.
Are You Losing Money?
We applaud your dedication, and your landscaping might even be the envy of the neighborhood. But we want to make sure you aren’t throwing unnecessary money away. When your water meter is read, the usage contributes to the…
Read moreExpert Advice for Your Next Bathroom Remodel
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / June 23, 2022
Aside from your kitchen or bedroom, your bathroom is one of the most used spaces in your home. It’s easy to write it off, but it could be one of the most beneficial remodels you do. Of course, there’s the obvious purpose of a bathroom, but it’s also the space where you apply that new skincare product you’ve been excited about, add finishing touches before you head out to meet friends, teach your kiddo best handwashing practices, and so much more.
A lot of…
Read moreHow Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / May 27, 2022
Tankless water heaters deliver hot water instantly when you turn on your shower or faucet. How does it do this? It may seem like magic but it’s not.
1. When a hot water tap is opened, the tankless water heater detects the flow
2. The flow sensor activates to determine the amount of hot water needed
3. The igniter activates
4. The gas control valve opens to supply the correct amount of gas
5. The burner ignites providing a flame to heat the water
6. Cold water passes through…
Read moreOur Customer Experience: “knowledgeable, transparent, responsive”
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / February 2, 2022
Rick first came to us for an in-floor radiant heating project. Throughout the project, he worked with several people on our team from our receptionist, to estimators and installers. Based on his review of the project, we asked some follow-up questions that we hope will give you an insight into our customer experience.
Read moreTop 4 Reasons To Get a Fall Furnace Tune-Up
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / September 30, 2021
Furnaces are notorious for being energy hogs—but they don’t have to be. Think about how often your furnace runs during the Iowa winters. It’s heating and circulating a lot of air every year. If you’ve ever changed your furnace filter, you know how quickly dirt and dust can accumulate when your furnace is running. A regular furnace tune-up (we recommend scheduling one every fall before the cold weather hits) can help save you money and prevent bigger…
Read moreFireworks and Fireflies Returns Labor Day Weekend
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / August 24, 2021
Fireworks & Fireflies is back for 2021. Although the event is typically scheduled in July, organizers decided to move the event to September to accommodate a larger crowd and help kick-off the Labor Day holiday weekend. And just like in 2019, Hanna Plumbing and Heating is the presenting sponsor!
This event is free to the public because of the sponsors who continue to support Fireworks…
Read moreHow to Clean Your Sump Pump
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / July 19, 2021
If your sump is working properly, you probably don’t think about it very often. But taking the time to clean it once a year can help it last longer and catch any problems before you end up with a flooded basement. Let us walk you through the process in six easy steps.
Supplies
For this process you’ll need a piece of plastic sheeting or a large garbage bag, a scraping tool, a large bucket, a garden hose, and a…
Read moreStay Cool and Efficient this Summer with Ductless Mini Splits
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / May 18, 2021
Picture this: It’s midsummer in Iowa and it’s hot and sticky. You have your central air conditioning system pumping out cool air. But your spouse, who is on the second floor, is complaining that it’s still too hot up there and your kids in the basement are complaining how cold it is down there. This is the problem with central air. Depending on the size, age and insulation of your home, you may feel like you have to adjust your AC’s…
Read moreSump Pump Mistakes To Avoid This Spring
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / March 18, 2021
First, a quick reminder of what a sump pump does. A sump pump sits in a “sump pit” below the level of the basement floor and collects excess water that would otherwise end up leaking into the basement. Then your sump pump pumps that water from the pit up and out of your home.
It’s fairly easy to understand how a sump pump operates. But there are still mistakes that can be made in installing, maintaining, or attempting to fix your sump…
Read more5 New Year’s Plumbing Resolutions
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / January 22, 2021
The new year is a time when many people resolve to make a fresh start and build better habits. After this past year, we could all use a fresh start— including your plumbing system. So we put together a list of some New Year’s Plumbing Resolutions to help you build some habits that can save you headaches (and wallet aches) down the road.
1. Show your water heater some love
You probably don’t spend too much time thinking about your…
Read moreThe Importance of Your Furnace and Water Heater Vents
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / November 10, 2020
If your water heater and/or furnace burn gas to heat your water and home, they will also need to expel any byproducts of that combustion (exhaust)— think of the exhaust pipe on your car that removes the byproducts of combustion from your engine. We probably all know that running a car in a closed garage is a bad idea because exhaust (and more specifically carbon monoxide) can be extremely dangerous. Well, the same goes for the carbon monoxide that comes from your…
Read moreWater Heaters 101: What Homeowners Should Know
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / July 8, 2020
Does your water heater pop or leak? It could be time to repair or replace it
Everyone likes to have instant access to hot water when they need it, whether it’s for washing dishes after dinner or taking a relaxing shower or bath. But what if your water heater starts to malfunction? What if you hear a strange popping noise? Or notice a leak?
If there’s something odd going on with your water heater, it’s probably time to call…
Read moreDo I Need a Sump Pump?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / June 12, 2020
First, a quick reminder of what a sump pump does. A sump pump sits in a “sump pit” which sits just below the level of the basement floor and collects excess water that would otherwise end up leaking into the basement. The sump pump then transfers that water from the pit up and out of your home so you and your home stay safe and dry.
How do you know if your home needs a sump pump? Well, that depends on a few…
Read moreProtecting the Health of Our Customers and Employees
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / April 2, 2020
We know that plumbing and HVAC problems don’t wait and don’t follow CDC guidelines. Because of this, we are doing our best to serve our customers in a safe and conscientious manner. We want to assure you that we take our responsibility to protect our staff and customers from illness very seriously. We believe that by taking the precautions below we can help prevent illness from spreading, while still providing assistance for those who need our services.
Specific measures Hanna…
Read morePreparing Your Home for Spring
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / February 26, 2020
Spring is the perfect time to schedule maintenance on your plumbing and HVAC, even if you’re not experiencing an emergency. Below is a short list of services we’ve found to be beneficial to maintaining a healthy and efficient home.
Test and Check for Leaks
Cold Iowa weather can cause pipes to freeze in the winter, meaning these pipes can leak or burst. Test your indoor and outdoor faucets for water pressure. If the water pressure seems low, check your pipes for leaks. Although a…
Read moreThe Complete Guide to Your HVAC System
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / February 11, 2020
Jump to Section:
What is HVAC?
How Do HVAC Systems Work?
Key Components of HVAC Systems
Types of HVAC Systems
The Benefits of Installing an HVAC System
Installation and/or Replacement Costs
HVAC Efficiency
HVAC Providers and Contractors
Whether you’re a contractor, homeowner, or real estate investor, the HVAC system in your property needs to be maintained in order to keep… Read more
How Do You Know If Your Pipes Are Frozen?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / January 16, 2020
It might not always be obvious, but there are some telltale signs that your plumbing system is frozen. Depending on the location of the frozen pipes and how frozen they are, you may need to call a professional to help.
Slow or Sporadic Water Supply: If nothing comes out when you turn on a faucet, then the waterline may be frozen. If the flow is slow or coming out in spurts, you more than likely have ice buildup somewhere in the waterline.
Visible Frost on Pipes: If…
Read moreCommon Winter Plumbing Problems
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / December 27, 2019
As you enjoy the new year with family and friends, the last thing you want to worry about is an issue with your plumbing. Iowa winters can be tough on your plumbing system. While you can’t prevent every issue, there are a few warning signs you can look for to help you catch the problem before it turns into a disaster.
Frozen or Cracked Pipes
There are a lot of factors that can lead to frozen pipes, including uninsulated or exposed pipes coming into…
Read moreHanna and Marion Cares
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / December 10, 2019
Our team participated in the Marion Cares’ holiday gift drive; they purchased winter items for kids in the community. We don’t just work in the community, we live here, and our children go to school with kids who may not have warm winter clothing. As a family-owned business, it was an easy decision for us to support those families in need in our community. We encourage you and your family to support Marion Cares or other local organizations this holiday season.
Read moreDon’t Get Caught in the Cold: Tips To Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for Winter
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / October 15, 2019
Your furnace kept you warm last winter but it is a complex instrument that should be inspected yearly for safety and efficiency.
Every year when nighttime temperatures start to drop below freezing we receive contacts from individuals who do not have heat; their furnace quits or it won’t start. In some situations, these individuals may pay more for emergency/after-hour service or the repair may cost more than it would have if the issue would’ve been caught early.
Check Your Furnace Before You Need It
One of…
Read moreDIY Kitchen Installs: Part 2–Garbage Disposals
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / September 10, 2019
Is it time to update your kitchen? You may be tempted to DIY but the installation of the faucet, garbage disposal, water and drain lines can involve extensive plumbing work. Tackling them on your one, without the help of a professional, could result in injuries, additional expense and damage to your home.
If you plan to install a new a garbage disposal, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind before you start:
Read Part One of this series on… Read more
Common DIY Kitchen Install Problems: Part 1–Faucets and Pipes
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / August 29, 2019
Is it time to update your kitchen? You may be tempted to DIY but the installation of the faucet, garbage disposal, water and drain lines can involve extensive plumbing work. Tackling them on your one, without the help of a professional, could result in injuries, additional expense and damage to your home.
If you plan to update, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind before you start:
Avoid Leaks
A leak can happen at any time. A large leak, especially one that goes unnoticed,…
Read moreInconsistent Temperatures in Your Home? A Ductless Mini-Split Can Help
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / August 16, 2019
A ductless mini-split is a heating and cooling system that allows homeowners to control temperatures in individual rooms or spaces. Similar to a central air system, the mini split has both an indoor and outdoor component. They are relatively quick and easily installed by a professional HVAC technician since they do not require ducts throughout the home.
A ductless mini-split can improve the indoor comfort in larger homes with inefficient conventional HVAC systems. We find that homeowners who face this problem may not be…
Read moreFireworks & Fireflies, Presented by Hanna Plumbing & Heating
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / June 21, 2019
Join us July 3rd at Klopfenstein Ampitheater in Lowe Park for the City of Marion’s Independence Day celebration, Fireworks & Fireflies. The event is free, open to the public, and we’re proud to say it’s presented by Hanna Plumbing & Heating!
Starting at 6PM, enjoy live music by The Bamboozlers, food from local food trucks, and family-friendly activities such as face painting and balloon art. Then at dusk, enjoy a beautiful professional fireworks display on…
Read moreWhich Air Conditioning System is Right for Your Home?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / June 10, 2019
April showers bring May flowers—but what happens after? Here in Iowa, it’s often unbearable heat and unpredictable weather throughout the summer months. And although we can’t control the impending storm or the 95-degree heatwave, we can fix that air conditioning system that only cools the basement you never use, the system that only cranks out cold air when you don’t need it, or the system that just completely stopped working.
To help avoid emergency repairs and replacements, we recommend scheduling an HVAC tune-up each…
Read morePreparing Your Home for Spring
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / April 1, 2019
As the harsh winter weather finally breaks and makes way for spring, we recommend taking a few steps to prepare your plumbing and your HVAC systems to deal with winter’s aftermath.
Inspect Your Pipes
Exposed pipes can freeze and burst, causing flooding and damage to your home. Pipes located in external walls and in unheated portions of your home are especially at risk. Carefully inspect each pipe for cracks. Keep an eye out for mold and moss, since they can be indicative of the presence of…
Read moreIs Your Sump Pump Ready for Spring?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / March 8, 2019
We’re excited to welcome the warmer weather, but unfortunately, this change can cause a several problems regarding basements and flooding. Although you may think flooding only happens during heavy rain, it can also be caused by water from snow melt and saturated soil seeping through small cracks in your foundation.
If your home is prone to flooding, we recommend you take a few precautions with your sump pump to help mitigate the damage or to even prevent flooding entirely.
A sump pump’s job is to collect…
Read moreIs Your Bathroom ADA Compliant?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / February 20, 2019
Multi-level homes can be great for young, growing families, but inevitably as we age, our mobility begins to decline. ADA remodeling has benefits beyond allowing you to age in place. It can serve as a huge selling point, allowing the elderly or those with disabilities to use your home to the fullest extent. It also allows you to more easily host guests of all abilities, providing them with easier access to everything your home has to offer.
Often when we think of ADA remodeling, we…
Read moreWhat You Need to Know About Furnace Maintenance
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / January 10, 2019
What You Need to Know About Furnace Maintenance
The most inconvenient time for your furnace to malfunction is when you depend on it most – during the winter. During this time of the year, we spend a lot of time indoors, often hosting holiday guests or cooking delicious meals for our families. With all the busyness that surrounds us, it’s easy to overlook certain aspects of our home’s maintenance.
Take a look at the benefits of a cleaning and safety inspection of your home’s furnace.
Cost
By…
Read morePreparing your Home for Holiday Guests
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / December 19, 2018
The holiday season is in full swing, but it’s not too late to start preparing your home for hosting friends and family. You may have already hosted guests this year and run into any number of issues (think a lack of hot water or weird garbage disposal issues), so we have a few tips to ensure you don’t encounter any catastrophic snags during the holiday season.
Supply Hot Water
Whether you enjoy hosting your family each year, or you dread spending time with your in-laws, having…
How to Use Your Garbage Disposal the Right Way
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / November 16, 2018
We could write an entire series on the dos and don’ts of using your garbage disposal, but here are a few tips and tricks on how you can help prevent ruining your garbage disposal and how to know if there’s a problem. We tend to field more inquiries about broken garbage disposals around the holidays than any other time of the year. Many times, this is because we don’t always know what foods are “allowed” to be thrown down the garbage disposal. As a…
Read moreFall Home Maintenance Tips
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / October 16, 2018
Autumn is the ideal time to give your home some extra care. The mild weather allows you to spend a little time outdoors and give your home some TLC to make sure everything is in line before the temperature begins to drop.
To combat any issues before they begin, there are a few things we recommend you do before winter arrives.
Shut off Outdoor Faucets
You likely have at least one outdoor faucet, but it’s often not something we think…
Read moreFlooding Prevention Tips
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / September 17, 2018
If you’ve lived in or near Cedar Rapids, you may already know the area can be prone to flooding, especially near the Cedar River. While flood prevention isn’t always possible, there are a few steps you can take to mitigate the damage.
Check Your Sump Pump
Regularly checking your sump pump can prevent your basement from flooding. If you have a sump pump, inspect the sump pit to ensure it is clean and free of debris. Slowly pour a few gallons of water into the well…
Read moreTankless Water Heater Installation at Meth-Wick Community
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / September 13, 2018
Isaac, one of our Commercial Leads, at Hanna Plumbing & Heating, recently worked with Meth-Wick, an assisted living center in Cedar Rapids, to install a series of commercial tankless water heaters. His work with Meth-Wick’s installation will result in countless benefits to the residents while providing a cost-effective solution for their management team.
“We’ve been providing heating and plumbing services for them for a while. While we were taking a look at their steam boiler, we noticed that we could help them be more efficient,…
Read moreA “Fastest Growing Company” for the Third Year in a Row
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / July 3, 2018
For the third year in a row, Hanna Plumbing & Heating was honored as a Fastest Growing Company by the Corridor Business Journal, where we ranked 17th overall. We’re honored to be among the other 24 successful and inspiring companies.
In order to be considered one of the CBJ’s Fastest Growing Companies, each company who enters must meet strict requirements. They must have a revenue of at least $350,000 in each of the past 3 years, show revenue growth in the most recent year,…
Read moreHow to Prepare Your Home for Warmer Weather
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / May 18, 2018
How to Prepare Your Home for Warmer Weather
Spring is the perfect time to schedule maintenance on your plumbing and cooling, even if you’re not experiencing a plumbing or cooling emergency. We’ve compiled a short list of services we’ve found to be beneficial to homeowners who are looking to maintain a healthy and efficient home.
Check for Leaks
Cold Iowa weather can cause pipes to freeze in the winter, meaning these pipes can and leak or burst. As the weather gets warmer, use the time to…
Read morePrepare for Summer with an HVAC Tune-Up
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / April 23, 2018
It’s time to start spring cleaning! From deep cleaning your carpet to dusting your furniture, you have enough on your plate. However, there’s one thing you don’t want to forget to add to your spring cleaning checklist—an HVAC tune-up. If an HVAC tune-up isn’t something you’ve considered, taking a look at the possible benefits may change your mind.
Long-Term Cost
The worst possible time for your HVAC system to break down is when you need it most—during the hottest and most brutal days of…
Read moreWhat Impact Does Hard Water Have On My Home?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / February 22, 2018
Have you ever washed dishes only to find water spots or a white powdery substance when they dry? Do your faucets often get clogged, causing a loss of water pressure? If you answered yes, you are likely dealing with hard water.
You may be wondering “What impact does hard water have on my home?” To discover this, it helps first to learn what causes hard water.
What is Hard Water
Hard water occurs when you have…
Read moreWhen to Call for Emergency Plumbing or Heating Services
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / February 6, 2018
Nothing can put a damper on your day like a plumbing or heating emergency. Many times these emergencies cost a homeowner thousands of dollars and can lead to even bigger issues if not addressed immediately. But what constitutes an emergency and when should you call for emergency plumbing or heating services?
Frozen Pipes/Burst Water Pipes
During the winter, frozen pipes are a major concern for Iowa homeowners. When the water inside a pipe freezes it expands as it turns…
Read moreWater in Your Basement During Winter? Here are 5 Areas it Might be Coming From
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / January 30, 2018
When we think of plumbing & heating issues we expect in winter, a couple of things automatically come to mind: frozen pipes and a broken furnace. One thing that might not be top of mind is water in your basement during winter – but it can definitely happen.
Walking down to your basement on a chilly winter morning to find standing water can be quite a surprise and may indicate a bigger problem. Discover the top 5 areas water…
Read more3 Signs Your Pipes Have Frozen
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / January 11, 2018
With the severely cold temperatures permeating much of the United States this winter, it is important to remain vigilant when it comes to your plumbing pipes. When the temperatures dip below 32 degrees, pipes in un-insulated areas of your home that have not been insulated or wrapped in heat tape are susceptible to freezing.
1. None of Your Taps Produce Water
There are two reasons why your taps would not produce water in the winter. Either your water company has shut off the water to perform…
Read moreEnergy Saving Tips for the New Year
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / December 27, 2017
Are you tired of high energy bills for cooling, heating and lighting? If you are, there are steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption and lower your home’s carbon footprint! The best part? Many of these fixes are low cost. Follow these energy saving tips to reduce your energy consumption!
1. Change Your Light Bulbs
If you are like most people, you’ve probably switched your old incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), but did you know that you can…
Read moreWhat to do About a Leaky Water Heater
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / December 22, 2017
If you discover your water heater is leaking, follow these steps to drain it and save you from a basement full of water!
1. Turn off Fuel Source
For gas water heaters, either turn gas off at the gas meter or using a gas isolation shut-off valve. For electric, turn it off at the breaker.
2. Switch off Cold Water Intake
Turn water off to the unit.
3. Drain the Tank
Attach a garden hose to…
Read moreHoliday Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Home Merry & Bright
Written by deNovo / November 30, 2017
The holidays are a time for families to come together and celebrate love and joy. Unfortunately, it can be a stressful time as well. If you’re having family over, the last thing you need is a plumbing disaster on your hands!
To avoid a plumbing emergency, follow these holiday plumbing tips. You can then forget about potential disasters and focus on the good times this season brings!
Holiday Plumbing Tips
Avoid pouring liquid fats and grease down your drain. As these cool, they will…
Read more5 Tips to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
Written by deNovo / November 13, 2017
Iowa receives up to 26 days of snowfall and 34 inches of snow each winter, with temperatures plunging below zero. To keep the occupants of your home or business safe and warm, we recommend taking steps to prepare your HVAC system for the coming winter.
1. Check Your Building Envelope
Before winter, it is always a good idea to check your building’s envelope for air leaks, especially around doors and windows, and seal any air leaks. For homeowners, this may include replacing the weatherstripping on doors,…
Read more4 Ways You Can Keep Your Water Heating Bill Low
Written by deNovo / October 26, 2017
When was the last time you examined your hot water heater for efficiency? Energy.gov estimates that hot water heaters are responsible for about 12 percent of a home’s yearly energy usage. The only appliance that uses more is the HVAC system. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to control your hot water usage and your water heating bills.
1. Schedule an Energy Assessment
Most utility companies, especially electric companies, offer free energy assessments. These involve examining your home’s total energy usage and…
Read moreSeasonal Sump Pump Maintenance Tips
Written by deNovo / October 10, 2017
To ensure your sump pump is working optimally, it is best to perform general maintenance tasks every three months or so. The best way to remember this is to check your sump pump at the beginning of each season.
These sump pump maintenance tips can help you protect your home and give you the peace of mind knowing your sump pump is working all year long.
Sump Pump Maintenance Tips
Clean the sump pump and sump pit. Uncover the sump pit and clean…
Read morePrepare Your Furnace for Winter with CSI
Written by deNovo / September 13, 2017
Cold weather is right around the corner…is your furnace ready? Now is the time to prepare your furnace for winter! With Our CSI offer we will ensure your furnace will work the first time you need it and every time after. You can’t go wrong with Clean – Safety – Inspection.
Clean
– Remove burners.
– Vacuum heat exchanger.
– Check for leaks.
Safety
– Checking safety limits.
– Testing for…
Read moreIs a Tankless Water Heater Right for Me?
Written by deNovo / August 18, 2017
Tankless water heaters are an energy efficient alternative to traditional tank heaters. They are many times referred to as “on-demand” water heaters because they only heat the water you are using and provide a continuous supply of hot water. In contrast, tank water heaters must fill an entire storage tank full of hot water, which has to be refilled every time it runs out.
“Is a tankless water heater right for me?”
This is a question we get a lot. The truth is,…
Read moreThe A, B, C’s of Back-to-School Plumbing Tips
Written by deNovo / August 7, 2017
As the kids get ready to go back to school, don’t forget to take care of your home’s plumbing! You may not realize it, but your plumbing undergoes a lot of stress as the school year starts up again. By following these back-to-school plumbing tips, you can ensure that a plumbing emergency won’t be on your school shopping list.
A) Shower Safety
Hot showers are nice, but a scalding shower can mean a serious burn for you or someone in your family. To…
Read more7 Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
Written by deNovo / July 25, 2017
Excess humidity in your home can lead to a number of issues, including mold, mildew, allergens, and more. To combat excess humidity you can invest in a dehumidifier. But how do you know when your home is too humid? Here are 7 signs you need a dehumidifier.
You probably need a dehumidifier if:
Poor Ventilation: You have high humidity rooms, such as bathrooms or kitchens, with little-to-no ventilation
A Musty Smell: Your home, or even just a room in your home, has a consistent musty or “wet” smell
Condensation: You experience…
Read moreHow Often Should I Change My Air Conditioning Filter?
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / July 12, 2017
Maintaining your furnace and air conditioner is essential to its efficiency and longevity! One of the most important routine maintenance items is changing your air conditioning filter. A dirty filter slows the air flow through your system and makes the operation of your HVAC system harder, which wastes energy and could potentially cause future problems. The filter removes debris and pollutants from circulating in your home, therefore improving your air quality.
For standard residential disposable filters you should…
Read more7 Washing Machine Tips To Keep It In Tip Top Shape
Written by deNovo / June 26, 2017
You depend on your washing machine to work every time you use it, and you use it a lot. On average, a family runs 400 loads of laundry a year. That’s a lot of wear and tear on your washing machine!
While you can’t prevent every issue that might arise, these seven washing machine tips can help extend the life of your washing machine and ensure it continues working as well as the day your bought it.
Every Time You Wash
These washing machine best practices…
Read moreBenefits of Switching to Central Air Conditioning
Written by deNovo / June 1, 2017
There are a number of benefits that come from ditching your old window unit and switching to central air conditioning. We know that investing in a central air conditioner is a big financial decision, however the benefits are large and, if given proper care, your investment will last for years to come. The following are just some of the benefits of switching to central air conditioning:
Less noise
Central air conditioning units are located outside, which means the noise they produce…
Read more4 DIY Tips for Unclogging a Drain
Written by deNovo / May 12, 2017
Clogged drains are an irritating issue that can quickly lead to disaster if left to their own devices. Whether it’s a complete block or your water just seems to be taking a little too long to drain, clogs should be addressed right away.
Thankfully, there are some remedies you can try at home. We have compiled a list of DIY tips for unclogging a drain. You will be able to find most of the tools and supplies you need in your kitchen or bathroom -…
Read morePreparing Your Air Conditioning Unit for Summer
Written by deNovo / April 26, 2017
Preparing your air conditioning unit for summer is a critical step in getting the most from your HVAC system. These preparations help you save energy and ensure your unit will continue working it’s best throughout the entire season. You don’t want to get caught in the middle of July with no air!
To keep your unit running optimally all summer, perform these three tasks this spring:
1. Wash Exterior of Unit
Using a hose, carefully remove dirt and grime from the…
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