spring Archives - B&L Plumbing and Heating

Protect Your Home with Spring AC Maintenance

The Importance of AC Maintenance and When It's Needed

Think of the air conditioning system as a high-performance vehicle; it requires regular maintenance and tune-ups to remain safe, efficient, and reliable. Proactive air conditioning maintenance is a strategic investment in the air conditioner and leads to significant advantages. This post discusses the benefits of regular air conditioner maintenance, what it entails, and the best time to schedule a maintenance visit.

Benefits of Air Conditioner Maintenance

A significant advantage of professional AC tune-ups is energy efficiency. When components are clean and calibrated, and the system is well maintained, the air conditioner requires less energy to keep the house cool, translating to lower monthly cooling costs. Scheduling AC maintenance before the summer heat helps ensure energy-efficient performance when the demand on the air conditioner is highest.

Routine maintenance also reduces the risk of problems and breakdowns occurring, leading to more reliable performance from the air conditioner. During a maintenance visit, technicians perform tasks to help prevent future issues and can spot and address any existing ones, leading to more dependable cooling performance and helping avoid discomfort and AC repair costs. Regular maintenance also helps with the longevity of the air conditioner, extending its lifespan and preventing the hefty price tag of an early air conditioning replacement.

What Does AC Maintenance Entail?

A professional AC maintenance visit includes an inspection that allows a technician to identify and address any existing issues or potential damage. By catching problems early, they can be repaired or components replaced before the issue worsens, helping prevent unexpected breakdowns, loss of cooling, and a more costly air conditioning repair or a full air conditioner replacement. The primary goal is to ensure continuous, reliable performance.

An AC tune-up also includes several critical tasks necessary for maintaining system efficiency and longevity. Technicians clean the evaporator and condenser coils, which is vital because dirty coils inhibit heat transfer, forcing the unit to consume more energy and potentially leading to refrigerant leak issues. Other essential checks include verifying the accuracy of the thermostat, confirming the appropriate refrigerant level, and ensuring all electrical connections are secure and tightening any necessary connections.

How Often Is Maintenance Needed?

Professional AC maintenance should occur at least annually, and the recommended window for this service is in the spring. This timing is advantageous for a few reasons. HVAC contractors typically have more availability before the summer rush begins, and spring air conditioner maintenance allows any issues to be identified and fixed to ensure the air conditioner is energy-efficient and reliable before it is needed most during the summer heat.

While annual air conditioning maintenance is best left to professionals, there is one essential maintenance task that needs to be done more often that homeowners can perform themselves. Air filter replacement is typically needed at least every three months, and filters can be inspected monthly to see if they are dirty and need to be changed. Replacing clogged or dirty air filters is vital for improving indoor air quality and supporting steady airflow. It also helps maintain the AC system's energy efficiency, keeps cooling costs low, and extends the air conditioner’s lifespan, preventing premature AC replacement.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company serving the Colorado Springs area since 1999. They provide fair, honest pricing, fully stocked trucks, and a maintenance membership plan. Call them for air conditioning maintenance and air conditioner repair services in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Prepare the AC With Spring Maintenance

3 Key Benefits of Yearly AC Maintenance in the Springtime

As summer approaches, homeowners should prepare for the warmer weather to come. Colorado may not be as hot as some places in the Southwest, but it can still get downright toasty, so the best way to get ready for summer is to make sure the home’s air conditioner is in good working order.

Air conditioning maintenance, performed by a qualified professional, can do just that. But the benefits of having the AC serviced in the spring go beyond simply staying cool for the summer. This article will lay out the biggest reasons why AC maintenance is a must-do this spring!

Improved Energy Efficiency

A well-maintained air conditioning system will run better and smoother than one that hasn’t been cleaned or serviced in years. Small tasks like cleaning the evaporator coils, lubricating the blower motor bearings, and recharging the refrigerant (just to name a few) will keep the unit working at peak energy efficiency. Naturally, the more efficient the system is, the less energy it uses to maintain a comfortable temperature, and the less homeowners will have to shell out for their utility bills.

Of course, springtime maintenance is no substitute for regular air filter replacement. As the AC runs, the air filter will inevitably become clogged with dust and debris, reducing the airflow to and from the air handler unit. So, to help keep their energy bills as low as possible, homeowners should change their air filter(s) at least every three months–or even more often, depending on how many pets they have and how dusty their home tends to get.

Better Reliability & Fewer Repairs

On top of making the AC more energy efficient, annual spring maintenance also makes it more reliable. If the system has been serviced in the spring, the likelihood of an unexpected breakdown or performance issue is extremely low. That means homeowners won’t have to worry about being without their air conditioner on a sweltering day while waiting for an AC repair technician.

This also means that homeowners will save money on air conditioner repair costs over the long run since the service technician can catch and address any potential issues before they escalate into larger problems. Annual air conditioner maintenance is a relatively inexpensive service, so considering how much it can save on air conditioning repairs, it practically pays for itself!

A Longer-Lasting Air Conditioner

Annual AC tune-ups can also help extend the system’s lifespan. After all, a big part of any professional AC service visit is keeping everyday wear & tear at bay, making it less likely that homeowners will need a premature air conditioning replacement. This is so huge that many AC manufacturer warranties require regular maintenance from certified technicians to keep the warranty valid.

Air conditioners are expensive appliances, so the last thing any homeowner wants is to find themselves dipping into their savings for an AC replacement years ahead of schedule. However, those who stay on top of annual maintenance may find that their air conditioner can meet or exceed its life expectancy.

So, for those who want to enjoy peace of mind, stay cool all summer, and save money on energy bills, repairs, and early air conditioner replacement, spring AC maintenance is the way to go!

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been the go-to plumbing and HVAC resource in Colorado Springs since 1999. As an award-winning local business, they proudly offer competitive pricing, tailor-made solutions to fit any budget, 24/7 emergency service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. They also offer a money-saving membership maintenance plan that makes annual tune-ups a breeze, so don’t hesitate to call for AC maintenance in Colorado Springs, CO!

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Get the Sump Pump Ready for the Spring

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

Most owners know that it takes a lot to protect a home or property from the ravages of nature. Whether it is the harsh winter precipitation or a summer storm, the weather always cooks something to cause damage. Reliable roofing and strong siding can do a lot to protect the structure from rain damage, but in many cases, it simply isn’t enough.

When unfavorable grades or poorly draining soils combine, the results can be disastrous for a home or building. Allowing water to pool on a property or near the foundation can result in anything from landscaping problems to significant structural damage. That’s where sump pumps come in.

“Sump pump” is a trade term for submersible pumps. These pumps are part of a larger system installed to help handle floodwater on a plot. A sump pump system drains water to a central location and quickly pumps it away so that it won’t pool or damage a foundation or landscape.

How Do Sump Pumps Work?nbsp;

A sump pump works by having part of its assembly submerged in water. Whether that part is the entire assembly or just the pump, the sump pump draws from a sump pump basin, where water is collected as part of a drainage system. A float switch tells the pump when to turn on when the basin is full and when to turn off when it is empty. When the switch turns the pump on, a powerful centrifugal pump quickly evacuates the water.

In most cases, properties vulnerable to flooding will already have a drainage system and sump pump in service. In that case, it is simply the owner’s responsibility to ensure they are always working. In other cases, such as when water pools in a landscape or near the foundation of a structure, a new system will need to be engineered.

Options for Sump Pumps

Sump pumps come in two main varieties, each with pros and cons. The two main choices are:

Submersible Sump Pumps: Submersible sump pumps are reliable and effective. Since they sit directly in the basin, they are challenging to work on, making them quieter.
Pedestal Sump Pumps: Pedestal sump pumps have the motor out of the water, driving a shaft to turn the pump in the sump pump basin. This makes them louder but also easier to inspect and maintain. Often, these are the most cost-effective options.

Testing the Sump Pump

Sump pumps are vital to a property's safety and longevity, so owners must know how to deal with them. Inspecting sump pumps for proper operation should be done at least annually. This can be done manually by filling the basin with a hose and observing operation, but often, the best bet is professional maintenance. When plumbers are allowed to test sump pumps, owners can be assured the system is working and the pump won’t unexpectedly fail any time soon.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating performs residential and commercial plumbing repairs and installations. It custom-tailors options for every client and never charges after-hours fees. Call today for sump pump service in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Reasons to Install a Water Softener This Spring

How Do Water Softeners Work?nbsp;

A water softener is a device that is engineered specifically to treat hard water. How can water be hard? Water becomes hard when it dissolves certain minerals in its journey through the water cycle. These minerals become part of the water and are hard to remove on a municipal scale. They can, however, be removed on a smaller scale, like in a home, for a low cost. This is good news for the 85% of Americans with hard water in their homes.

Why is having soft water a good thing? Water is the basis for so much of modern society. While hard water is fine to drink, with the possible exception of having a bad taste, it can interfere with every other use for water. Water carrying a high mineral load can interfere with cleaning, ruin plumbing, and cause negative health effects. Here are three ways that installing a water softener can help every home.

Makes Cleaning Practices More Effective

Remember the adage, “Oil and water don’t mix.” This is a true statement that is easily illustrated in a grade-school classroom. The secret to getting oil and water to mix is chemicals known as soaps and detergents. These chemicals are special because they can interact with water, oils, and even dirt.

When minerals are present in water in the form of hardness, the ions interfere with water’s ability to interact with soaps and detergents. This leads to several problems:

Faded clothing
Deposited stains and soil on clothing
Spotted dishes with no luster
The dull sheen on cleaned surfaces
Soap scum buildup on bathtubs and sinks

Using soft water in the home can be more effective in sweeping away dirt. Consider installing a water softener for brighter clothing, cleaner dishes, and a cleaner home in general.

Keeps the Plumbing Safe

A second problem associated with hard water is higher plumbing bills. When water carries extra minerals around, the minerals tend to deposit themselves into piping and plumbing fixtures. This leads to unsightly scale as well as problems with water pressure. This scale can be particularly harmful in water heaters, lowering efficacy and volume. Installing a water heater can protect plumbing and restore the water heater to proper operation.

Improves the Health of Hair and Skin

One of the more annoying consequences of hard water’s diminished capacity to remove soils is its effect on health. When water can’t effectively wash away soaps and soil, the grime stays on the hair and skin, leaving a dull film that adversely affects its health and appearance. This is most evident in dry hair and skin.

Instead of letting hard water take a toll on the health and appearance of the family, why not look into water softener installation? Installing a water softener can allow the water in the home to completely wash away soap residues and grime, leaving the home healthier and cleaner.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has the plumbing solutions every home needs. With residential and commercial water softener services, they can help every home or business get the most from their water. Call today for a plumbing service in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Spring Is the Best Time for Drain Cleaning!

No Spring Cleaning Checklist Is Complete Without Drain Cleaning!

Springtime is the perfect season for cleaning. With the longer days and nicer weather, homeowners can open up the windows to let in some sunshine and a nice breeze while they tackle those long-neglected cleaning chores. There’s one area of a home that seldom gets added to the list, however: drains. The kitchen and bathrooms may even get cleaned every week, but many homeowners let their drains go years without a thorough cleaning - and they usually pay the price in clogs, nasty odors, or expensive repairs. Fortunately, this is one spring cleaning task that can (and should) be outsourced to a pro.

Why Routine Drain Cleaning Is So Important

Anyone with a clogged drain knows that it’s no fun. Whether it’s a stopped-up sink or a shower that drains too slowly, it makes for a messy and unpleasant experience. And in drains that don’t get cleaned often enough, it’s just a matter of time before a clog forms. Even before the obstruction becomes large enough to affect water flow, it can produce offensive odors as it decays inside the drain. Dirty drains are also more likely to harbor mold and mildew.

Many homeowners turn to store-bought chemical drain cleaners or other DIY methods to battle clogs and odors, but these solutions can damage the plumbing system if used improperly or too often. By hiring a professional, homeowners can be sure their drains are cleaned safely and thoroughly.

Drain Cleaning Methods Used By Professionals

Plumbers and drain cleaning specialists have a few tools and methods at their disposal for clearing clogs and removing nasty buildup from pipes. Flexible metal coils called drain snakes are often used to drill through obstructions and pull them up out of the pipe. However, drain snakes are not very effective when removing mildew or other grime from the pipe walls.

Hydro-jetting is a better method for all-around cleaning and clog removal. With hydro-jetting, the plumber sprays the inside of the pipe with a high-pressure water hose. When using hot water, this is highly effective at clearing blockages and washing nasty residue off the pipe wall - even as far down as the sewer lines.

Keep Drains Clean Between Professional Cleaning Visits

Annual spring drain cleanings are the best way to prevent drainage issues and foul smells, but that doesn’t mean the drains should be neglected the rest of the year. There are perfectly safe and easy ways for homeowners to reduce the likelihood of clogs and keep nasty buildup at bay.

Pouring boiling water down the drains will help kill odor-producing germs and flush out oils and other gunk. But it’s even more effective to do this after pouring a generous helping of baking soda followed by vinegar into the drain and letting it sit for several minutes. The fizzy reaction will help break up minor obstructions as well as neutralize odors, so it’s a good idea to do this once a month, at least.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

The veteran-owned B&L Plumbing and Heating has served Colorado Springs, CO with pride since 1999. Their clean, courteous professionals arrive promptly in full-stocked trucks, ready to answer any question and solve any problem. B&L provides up-front, competitive pricing, tailored options, and 24/7 emergency service with no after-hours fee. Call now for expert drain cleaning services!