Plumbing problems may be common for homeowners, especially those living in older houses. These problems may vary from leaking faucets to broken pipes, which will best be solved with the help of a plumber. Before you can find the right plumber to fix your plumbing concerns, there are different things you need to be consider, including:

Experience and Accreditation

Getting services from a licensed and professional plumber doesn't only save you time, but will save you money as well. A trustworthy plumber will show his license number in his marketing materials and ads, and will also have an ID with him to prove that he is really accredited with the proper agencies.

Price

This would probably be one of the biggest issues when it comes to finding a plumber. The cost of various plumbing services differ from each other. However, you shouldn't always just focus on the price; there is a chance that a plumber who charges very low delivers low-quality service as well, leaving you unsatisfied.

Availability

Another important factor when selecting a plumbing contractor is availability. Some plumbing problems will need to be fixed right away. So hiring a plumber that is available and can tend to your problems immediately is the best choice. Before completely hiring a plumbing company, know how busy its schedule is, since some plumbers have scheduled services in advance.

More people are becoming aware of the benefits of having energy-efficient homes: lower utility bills, enhanced indoor comfort, improved structural durability, and environmental protection. Here are a few ways to keep your home running cost-effectively:

Use compact fluorescent (CF) and light emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

According to Energy Star, CF bulbs reduce mercury emissions that result from electricity generation and use 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs, on the other hand, use only 2-17 watts of electricity and prevent heat build-up, reducing air conditioning costs.

Fill in the gaps.

Air leaks often cost you more money by letting heat escape and letting cold drafts into the house. Seal your homes by caulking in cracks and gaps in walls, roofs, and insulation. For windows and doors, secure weatherstripping that can withstand temperature changes, as well as wear and tear.

Install an insulation system.

By properly insulating your house, you will be able to regulate indoor temperature without having to rely heavily on heaters or air conditioners. Insulation will also help ensure that warm or cool air does not escape your home.

Change your air conditioner filter regularly.

Air filters remove pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke, and other pollutants from indoor air.

Regular maintenance makes your air conditioner run as efficiently as possible and keeps the air inside your home cleaner and fresher.

Invest in landscaping to add shade.

Plant trees near windows to keep away the harsh sunlight and cold winds. Low-water native plants like the yucca can also help you cut on your water bills.

Most components of a home are bound to encounter problems in the long run – especially the plumbing system. Plumbing problems can occur even in homes that are well-maintained, and professional plumbers can help in handling repairs.

Leaking faucets. For most people, leaking taps and faucets are just minor problems that can be ignored. However, if neglected for a long time, this can result to pricy water bills and extensive damage in your home's plumbing system.

Blocked toilets. This is one common problem that homeowners face, which is usually caused by a buildup of waste that impedes proper water flow. Homeowners should remember to keep a plunger in their home since blockages may result in an overflowing toilet and can even damage your bathroom's floor. However, when a plunger doesn't work, calling in a plumber would be best.

Damaged water heaters. Hot water is an essential part of every home, but can still be damaged at one point, which can result to a loss of hot water in the house. One reason that may have caused this problem is a loose connection or a broken part that prevents the water flow. If it becomes impossible to repair a damaged water heater, it would be wise to get a new one instead.

Salt Lake City is a charming city around this time of year. The city is also cold, with the temperature mean measured below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature only encourages people to stay in and warm up for the holidays, turning their HVAC systems to high.

If the HVAC system suddenly breaks down, however, it could mean experiencing one of the coldest winters you and your family will ever experience in a while. To avoid that, it is important that the common problem areas are checked. Here are some of the common problem areas an HVAC system has:

Filters

Filters clean up the air that is to be used by the HVAC unit. A dirty or clogged filter means that the unit will be producing less air than usual. Cleaning the filters is a good solution to the problem, but there are instances where replacing it would become necessary.

Thermostat

The thermostat is the part of the HVAC system that is going to help you set the temperature for the room. If the thermostat is faulty, you can be sure that the heating of the entire house will become erratic as well. Repair or replacement of your thermostat is necessary.

Pilot Light

Pilot lights are commonly found in gas-powered HVAC systems. These lights are the source of the HVAC’s heating capabilities. So if the system’s pilot light went out, it is imperative that it is turned back on using the prescribed methods to ensure the safety of everyone.

As the winter chill dawns upon your neighborhood, your central heating system will see the most frequent use than any other time of the year. However, using your heater immediately after its long hibernation without checking it first might get it into trouble in the middle of the season. Here are some basic heater troubleshooting tips you can try:

Initial Inspection

The most notable sign of a failing or faulty heater is uneven or insufficient heat. If you notice it, the first place you should check is the thermostat, since it might simply have reset or someone might have adjusted it. Otherwise, check the main electrical panel, as your heating system might have blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.

Air Filter

Should you notice that the heater is indeed working, just not efficiently, you might have a problem with dust or debris. In this case, turn off the thermostat and check the air filter for any obstruction. Clean and replace the filters, or you might have to buy a new one entirely.

Condenser

Look for your heating system’s condenser (in most central heaters, this should be located outside). Check the condenser for air flow problems like you did with the air filters, and clean it accordingly as well. There might be weeds or vines working their way through your condenser; make sure they are removed.

Are you going away on a winter holiday with your family? Know that when it comes to your home, out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. Achieve lower heating costs for your home while you’re away with these simple energy efficiency optimizing tips:

Rooms and windows

Close interior doors completely, and close heating vents in all the rooms partially to cut airflow volume and minimize the heating load on your system while there’s no one in the house. Close all the drapes and curtains to minimize heat loss through windows.

Garage

Turn off the heat going to your garage. If your garage and house are attached, secure the garage door shut to prevent cold winter drafts from entering your home through it. If you don’t, it may compromise the heating efficiency of your home.

Electronics

Even when they’re turned off, electrical devices big and small consume a small amount of electricity as long as they’re plugged. Unplug all your electronics and appliances before you travel. It will also be wise to turn down your water heater to the lowest setting.

Lighting

Install timers for your lights and set them so that they turn on at night. Lights at night while you’re away can be an effective deterrent against unwanted intruders.

For best results, have your home inspected by a qualified HVAC contractor before you go.

Every winter, Salt Lake City homeowners call furnace repair services to complain about a cold living environment because of inadequate heating. They would learn from even the most reliable furnace repair specialists that such calls can actually be avoided with little fixes that can be done without the help of a professional.

True, fixing a furnace can be intimidating. That only makes familiarizing yourself with how it works vital. First, before diagnosing a problem, make sure that the thermostat is working. Check the temperature setting and make sure that it is switched to “heat” mode. It is easy to get confused with a thermostat's complicated settings, especially if you're dealing with one that is programmable. Don't let that stop you.

Second, make sure that the furnace filters are not clogged, as dirty filters are the most common culprits behind a faulty furnace. Lastly, even the most efficient furnaces shut off because of blockages in the form of debris or mold growth. If the hose of your furnace appears dirty, drain and clean it with a mixture of bleach and water to keep it from malfunctioning.

Assess your abilities to check and troubleshoot your furnace. If the listed measures do not fix your furnace, it is best to call noted service providers to repair your heating equipment.

The end of the year coincides not only with two of the country’s biggest holidays but its coldest season as well. As the day grows shorter and snow falls on the land, people are once again firing up their furnaces to keep their homes and loved ones warm. Like any machine though, a furnace works best when it’s properly maintained, so make sure to check on it every now and then.

Professional Checkup

Furnaces spend most of the year dormant in your basement, and in the intervening months, it gathers dust that can clog its various parts. Once a year, have your furnace professionally serviced by a heating company to make sure it’s in tip-top shape for winter. The contractor can also spot and repair problems so you won’t have to brave winter with a broken furnace.

Change the Filter

Having a warm house in winter does come with a price, as electric bills often surge due to heating costs. If your furnace’s filter is dirty, it has to work extra hard and this will further increase your energy bill. Replace your filters at least once a month to help your furnace operate more efficiently and save you money.

Clear Away Flammables

Your furnace is a major heat source but your basement is also a place to dump flammable knick-knacks like old clothes or magazines. Clear away these items to prevent house fires from happening.

Furnaces are appliances designed to warm the air inside a building, and they do this by taking in air and running it through a series of heaters. Once the air gets warmed enough, it’s then pumped back into the building through a series of ducts. Crucial to this system is the air filter, which prevents particulates from entering the ducts and assembly.

The importance of air filters within furnaces can’t be stressed enough. The dirt and contaminants that filters catch can potentially harm the respiratory systems of people who inhale them. Worse, if dirt is allowed to circulate around the assembly, it could clog some parts and lower the performance of the system. Dirt doesn’t even have to pass through a filter to hamper furnace performance; if the filter has collected enough dirt, the latter can block out a portion of the air current.

Homeowners should remember to occasionally clean their furnace filters to prevent such problems. Filters also need to be changed if they’re showing signs of damage and can’t properly catch dirt. Replacements are quite affordable, and come in numerous sizes. It will be a tedious job to do either of the tasks mentioned, yet homeowners can simply hire contractors to perform these tasks for them.

Wiring a building isn’t as simple as following a blueprint and expecting it all to work. This delicate task requires expert knowledge of electrical systems to create logical and functional wiring. Utah locals who have reason to suspect troubles with their home or commercial electrical systems should call upon a qualified Salt Lake City electrician—like someone from ESCO Services, Inc., for instance—to troubleshoot problems before it is too late. Electrical system repairs are not only complicated but also potentially dangerous. A system that’s not properly grounded can pose electrocution hazards to those unfortunate enough to come into contact with it. Rather than deal with electrical problems on their own, residential and commercial property owners should leave the job in the hands of trained professionals who have the experience and equipment necessary for the appropriate solutions.

http://www.esconow.com/2013/11/sensible-reasons-hire-qualified-electrician-salt-lake-city/

Insulation and other measures can barely have any effect, however, if the water heating devices themselves are defective. Water heaters, which are some of the most used devices during wintertime, may develop troubles without warning. This is especially true if the heating equipment is in between scheduled maintenance periods. Rather than attempt DIY repairs, it would be wiser to call in a trusted Salt Lake City plumber with proven expertise in home heating concerns. There comes a time when a water heater fails to perform its most basic task, i.e. produce enough hot water. Gas-powered water heaters are often crippled by defective gas pilot control valves, while faulty thermostats are the bane of most electric water heaters. While comprehensive DIY instructional guides can show you how to replace these faulty components, you’ll no doubt need the expertise of an experienced Salt Lake City plumber to prevent such problems from getting worse.

http://www.esconow.com/2013/11/trust-salt-lake-city-plumber-keep-heater-good-condition/

Most homeowners invest considerably in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems of their homes. However, the effectiveness and efficiency of these systems may be highly compromised without proper insulation. Insufficient insulation can cause your HVAC system to work harder, and thus generate higher energy costs. Good insulation is essential in protecting Salt Lake City homes from the cold, snowy winters and the long hot summers the city gets. As Angie Hicks says in her article, homeowners may inspect their existing insulation and find out if it is still functioning as effectively as it should; however, some of the insulation, such as those tucked in walls, are not easily accessible for assessment. Professional energy audit teams dispatched by Salt Lake City insulation experts like ESCO Services Inc. can conduct more thorough insulation inspections.

http://www.esconow.com/2013/11/installing-proper-insulation-salt-lake-city-homes-save-energy/

Cost-conscious Salt Lake City locals will certainly be displeased at the prospect of having to pay extra to keep their homes warm and comfy during winter. However, homeowners don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to enjoy sufficient warmth if they can optimize their heating systems. A Salt Lake City heating expert like ESCO Services, Inc. can help local residents make the most out of their heaters and enjoy lower energy bills. To ensure that your heater is indeed energy efficient, you need to clean and maintain it as often as necessary. Take note that dirt buildup can put a significant strain on your heating system, thus, forcing the device to expend more energy while in operation. Replace dirty and worn-out filters, seal any cracks where hot or cold air could seep through, and ensure that heater pipes and ductwork are adequate insulated to keep your energy expenses from ballooning.

http://www.esconow.com/2013/11/optimizing-heating-salt-lake-city-reduce-energy-consumption/

According to the report, nobody was harmed because the leak was caught early, although another incident in the same article makes mention of a man passing out. Since carbon monoxide doesn't have any odor, it is very difficult to determine when it's leaking until it's already too late. Gas furnaces produce small amounts of carbon monoxide during their operation and, if the equipment is in good condition, the substance is safely expelled from the home through the furnace's venting. Gas furnaces that are not cleaned and maintained well cannot work efficiently and may produce large amounts of the substance. Moreover, as time passes, the furnace's combustion chamber may develop cracks not easily visible, and it is through these cracks that carbon monoxide can leak into the home. This is why homeowners should make it a point to get themselves some Salt Lake City heating repair and maintenance services from companies like ESCO Heating.

http://www.esconow.com/2013/11/annual-inspection-salt-lake-heating-systems-helps-protect-families/