Category: Residential

How To Know When It’s Time To Repair or Replace Your Sewer Line?

If you’re beginning to notice wet spots in your yard, or you have a funky smell that lingers around your property, then you could be dealing with a sewer line issue. Because your sewer line is a key component of your plumbing system, it can be extremely inconvenient when something goes wrong with it. It’s essential you keep an eye on signs that your sewer line may be in rough shape and in need of your attention. Here are all the ways you’ll know when it’s time to repair or replace your sewer line.

When To Repair Your Sewer Line

1. Foul Odors 

Smelling sewer around your home? Not only can this be unpleasant, but it could mean there’s a problem with your sewer line.

2. Soggy Yard

If there’s significant pooling in your yard, it could be due to your sewer line. Contact a plumber if you notice puddles in your lawn.

3. Slow Drains

Your drains shouldn’t take too long to empty. If they do, then you could have a clog or blockage in your pipes or even in your sewer line.

4. Strange Pipe Noises

Do your pipes gurgle and sound like a horror movie whenever you flush the toilet or wash your hands? Strange noises coming from your pipes could mean there’s a problem with your sewer line.

5. Rising Water Bills

If you’ve tried everything you can to lower your water bills and still notice an increase in price, then you could have a sewer line leak.

6. Pest Issues

Are animals suddenly super interested in your yard? Be mindful that this could be due to a break in your sewage pipes that is causing the increase in rodents and insects.

7. Inconsistent Water Level in Your Toilet Bowl

One day your toilet bowl may have a normal amount of water, but the next day it barely has any. This inconsistency could mean there’s a clog in your sewer system causing a backup.

When To Replace Your Sewer Line

1. Irreparable Damage

If the damage is significant enough, and there’s nothing you can do to fix it, then you will just need to replace it all together.

2. Old Age

Depending on the type of pipes you have, they can last anywhere from 50-75 years. However, if they are reaching their life expectancy, then it may be time to replace your sewer line.

3. Persistent Clogs

Are you noticing clogs no matter how many times you clear your drains? It could mean there’re more than just hair and debris build-up. It’s a sign your system needs to be replaced.

4. Water Fixture Malfunctions

Whether you’re noticing water backing up where it shouldn’t, clogged drains, or leaky pipes, you should consider having your sewer line checked by a professional.

5. Strange Noises

If significant enough, strange noises like clanking and gurgling coming from your pipes can indicate a sewer line replacement is on the horizon.

6. Tree Roots

One of the most common causes of sewage system issues is the intrusion and clogging of tree roots. Signs you have tree roots include sinkholes in your yard, slow drains, and gurgling toilets, to name a few.

7. Corroded Pipes

When a pipe corrodes, debris can build up in the pipes. This can cause clogs and frequent clogs can lead to damages to your plumbing system, ultimately resulting in a replacement sooner rather than later.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Sewer Line Repair and Replacement Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your sewer line repair and replacement needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

The post How To Know When It’s Time To Repair or Replace Your Sewer Line? appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

It’s HOT in Arizona. Our team has put together a few tips that will keep you COOL and ensure you make the MOST out of the summer season. Read the simple infographic below to find out.

The post Here’s How To Keep COOL In Arizona! appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

Mechanical vs. Electronic Air Cleaners: What’s The Difference?

If you’re in the process of researching the best air cleaner for your home, you’ve probably come across a couple different types: mechanical and electronic. Now begs the question: what’s the difference between the two? In this blog, we’ll cover the main differences between mechanical and electronic air cleaners.

What Are Mechanical Air Cleaners?

Mechanical air cleaners are designed to remove large particles, like dust, dander and pollen from your indoor air. They work by moving air over a media filter in which anything larger than a certain size is captured. The finer the filter, the smaller the particles that are captured. The most common type of mechanical air cleaner is the HEPA (high energy particulate filter) that captures contaminants as small as 0.3 microns or larger. It’s recommended that mechanical air filters be replaced every 3 months or so in order to remain effective.

What Are Electronic Air Cleaners?

Electronic air cleaners are sometimes known as ionizers or electronic air purifiers. They offer further protection by actively removing gas and smoke particles through a process called ionization. This process charges the particles in the air and separates them from the airflow. It only works well for those smaller particles, though, so it’s not effective alone for common allergens such as dust. Electronic air cleaners are 10 to 20 times more efficient at trapping particles in the air than your standard fiberglass HVAC filter.

So, What’s The Difference Between Them?

The main difference between mechanical and electronic air cleaners is that electronic cleaners aren’t filters at all, unlike mechanical air cleaners. Instead, electronic air cleaners create an electric field that ionizes the particles that try to travel through the air.

Another big difference between the two is that electronic air cleaners are designed to remove small particles, like gas and smoke, and mechanical air cleaners are designed to remove large particles, like dust and pollen. If your household has sensitive members or lots of pets, then electronic air cleaners may be the better choice. Most heating and cooling systems will come equipped with a mechanical filter that is “built in.”

Last but not least, another difference between the two is the cost. Electronic air cleaners tend to be more expensive than mechanical filters. However, electronic air cleaners also tend to be more effective – so many people find the cost to be worth it.

Depending on what you need, knowing these differences can help you make the best decision for your household.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Mechanical and Electronic Air Cleaner Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your mechanical and electronic air cleaner needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

The post Mechanical vs. Electronic Air Cleaners: What’s The Difference? appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

Causes Of Clogged Drains And How To Fix Them?

Clogged drains is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. There are many different causes of clogged drains, and many different ways to fix them.

1. Hair

Hair is a big culprit of clogged drains – especially in bathroom drains, like your shower and sink. If enough hair gets down in your drains, it can cause water backups and clogs.

2. Soap

We are all familiar with soap scum that can accumulate over time in bathroom and shower drains. When combined with other materials, like hair and dirt, it can lead to clogs.

3. Oil, Grease and Fat

Oil, grease and fat should never be washed down the drain as it solidifies and hardens in your pipes, ultimately causing clogs. Contrary to popular belief, even running hot water down the drain won’t resolve this problem.

4. Flushing Non-Flushable Items

The only items that should be flushed down a toilet are waste and toilet paper. Flushing non-flushable items, such as cotton balls, hair, toys, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels can cause clogs. Even flushable wipes aren’t the best, as they don’t disintegrate as well as regular toilet paper and could clog your pipes overtime.

5. Tree Roots

If you have a crack in your pipes, even if a very tiny crack, tree roots can get inside and cause blockages. Eventually, this will obstruct water flow and cause damage to your plumbing.

6. Too Much Toilet Paper

Even though toilets are meant to handle toilet paper, too much toilet paper can lead to clogs. If you’re using more than a few squares at a time and noticing frequent clogs, then this could be the cause of your problem.

7. Dirt and Sand

We see this a lot, especially in the summertime. You’re outside a lot, spending time at the beach or watching your kids play in the pool. After all the fun is over, it’s time to take a shower. If you don’t wash off before stepping into the shower or bath, all that dirt and sand can get into your drains and clog them.

How To Fix Your Drain Clogging Issues

Drain clogs can be vert inconvenient to deal with. Whether you’re noticing clogs in your kitchen, bathroom, or somewhere else around your house, make sure to ditch the store-bought drain cleaner. This stuff can really do more damage to your pipes. It’s best that you contact a professional drain cleaner to help clear your drains once and for all. After your drains are back to new, consider taking the following preventative measures to avoid these problems in the future:

• Hair: Use a hair strainer drain guard that will prevent any hair from going down the drain.
• Soap: To prevent soap scum from accumulating, use liquid soap instead of bar soap and keep your shower dry as much as possible.
• Oil, Grease and Fat: Refrain from ever pouring oil, grease or fat down your sink.
• Flushing Non-Flushable Items: Never flush anything that isn’t toilet paper or waste, including flushable wipes.
• Tree Roots: Cut trees around your sewer line, or create a barrier between your trees and sewer line.
• Too Much Toilet Paper: Use less toilet paper in a single flush.
• Dirt and Sand: Always wash off before stepping foot into the shower or bath.

Got Clogged Drains? Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Drain Cleaning Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your drain cleaning needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

The post Causes Of Clogged Drains And How To Fix Them? appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

September is baby safety month and the perfect time to think about how best to babyproof your HVAC system! Young children and babies are curious, and want to touch anything and everything. To keep them out of harms way, here are some ways to protect them when it comes to your heating and cooling unit.

1. Secure Vent Covers

Do you have metal vent covers? Babies are attracted to shiny objects – like metal! Unfortunately, metal vent covers tend to have sharp edges that can cut little fingers and toes. Not only that, but if the covers aren’t secured tightly, your baby may be able to pull up on them. The last thing you want is for your baby to get cut, bruised, or injured in another way by running around with your vent cover. Secure it in place by screwing them down so they can’t be lifted up and taken apart by curious little hands.

2. Switch To Plastic Registers

The thought of a metal vent cover hurting your pride and joy got you feeling uneasy? There are other options – like ditching the metal vent covers and switching to plastic. Plastic vent covers still do its job, but without the risk of injury. With plastic registers, there’s also not really a need to screw them down so that frees up some of your time.

3. Toy-Proof Your Ducts

If you’re a parent, then you know all too well that you find toys and other objects in the most random places. By adding screening to your ductwork, you don’t have to worry about small little toys getting dropped in there.

4. Keep HVAC Remotes Put Away

Just like shiny objects, babies and young kids love to push buttons – literally. Make sure your HVAC remotes are stored away so your little one can’t grab it and mess with it. Not only can they turn your heat up and down and mess with your settings, but handling the remote unsupervised can be dangerous. The last thing you want is for them to accidentally swallow the remote battery and cause serious injury.

5. Be Careful With Your Outdoor Unit

While you don’t think much about your outdoor unit, if you have an “on-the-go” tiny little human running around, then you may want to start paying attention to it. The unit has sharp, spinning fan blades and live electrical wiring that are most certainly not babyproof! To avoid any potential harm, consider fencing in your outdoor unit or enclosing it in a lockage cage so it’s untouchable by your little one.

Need To Babyproof Your HVAC System? Cool Touch Is Here For All Your HVAC Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your HVAC needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

The post How To Babyproof Your HVAC System For Baby Safety Month appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

When Should I Schedule My Furnace Maintenance?

You’ve probably heard time and time again from your local HVAC company that a furnace maintenance is important to schedule every year. Despite being told this, most homeowners forgo maintenance as long as the equipment is working as it should be. However, just like your car needs regular oil changes, your furnace needs regular tune-ups. In this blog, we will cover the importance of furnace maintenances, what a maintenance entails, and when you should schedule yours.

Why Are Furnace Maintenances So Important?

Furnace maintenances are important for a number of reasons. First, they prolong the life of your system. The better shape your furnace is in, the longer it will last. In fact, annual maintenance can prolong the life of your heating equipment by up to 10 years. Second, it’s important to the health of you and your family. Your furnace circulates warm air throughout your home, but if it’s not well-maintained, it’ll circulate dust and other particles, too.  By catching small problems before they become serious and costly, you’re improving your safety and comfort. Thirdly, it helps prevent repairs. Did you know up to 70% of heating repairs can be prevents with proper maintenance? Neglecting maintenance can lead to expensive repairs, breakdowns, and other problems that are easily avoidable. And last but not least, it helps improve efficiency. Your furnace needs annual maintenance to run efficiently. A dirty air filter, for example, can decrease efficiency because it restricts airflow and causes your entire HVAC system to work harder. That’s why we recommend you change your air filter every 1-3 months.

What Does A Furnace Maintenance Entail?

A professional HVAC technician will arrive at your home, ready to perform a number of maintenance tasks. They’ll make sure your unit is clean and free of mildew, mold, dust, pollen and other contaminants that impact your health and overall indoor air quality. They will check and clean the burners and heat exchanger, replace any dirty air filters, lubricate the blow fan motor bearings, and check the electrical connections throughout your system. Most technicians, like the ones at Cool Touch, will also check your ductwork and closely inspect your air handler to make sure they’re working properly, too. A furnace maintenance, when done professionally and properly, will ensure your system runs efficiently and remains effective for years to come.

So, When Should I Schedule Mine?

Now for the million dollar question – when should you schedule your annual furnace maintenance? The best time of year to schedule yours is before you need your furnace the most. A lot of homeowners wait until winter, or until an HVAC breakdown happens, which isn’t recommended. The last thing you want to deal with is no heat on the chilliest day of the year. We recommend you schedule your maintenance in the early fall and conversely, your AC in the early spring. That’s because HVAC technicians are less likely to be tied up and busy with emergency calls around these times and it shouldn’t be too difficult to get on the schedule right away.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Furnace Maintenance Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your furnace maintenance needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance appointment by visiting us online here.

The post When Should I Schedule My Furnace Maintenance? appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

Fall is officially in the air – and what better time to focus on improving the air quality inside your home? This time of year, air conditioning isn’t needed as much to keep cool which can lead to poor humidity levels inside your home. Here are 5 ways to improve your indoor air quality so you can stay comfortable and breathe easier this season.

1. Use Natural Air Fresheners

Air fresheners aren’t really all that “fresh” after all. They might smell good, but they’re not great for your indoor air quality – or your health – a lot of times. Many air fresheners contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are gases that release into the air from processes or products. Exposure to VOCs can cause a host of problems, like headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and irritation in the eyes, throat and nose. Long-term exposure can cause even worse problems, like cancer, and damage to your kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. To help reduce indoor air pollution and improve your health, consider using natural air fresheners in place of commercial air fresheners this fall.

2. Clean Your House Regularly

Many of us clean our homes regularly, already, but we don’t just mean vacuum and wipe down counters. We mean really clean your house. This includes dusting off ceiling fans, vents, and registers, or anywhere that collects dust. Vacuum and steam clean your carpets often. Remove shoes at the door before entering your home. Use natural cleaning products instead of those that are loaded with chemicals. All of these cleaning efforts can really help improve your indoor air quality this fall.

3. Maintain Your HVAC System

The purpose of an air filter is to help improve your home’s air quality, so you should plan to change it every 30-90 days. Your air filter collects dust, dander, dirt, and other particles.  When your filter is clogged with these particles, they can’t filter as easily and can end up circulating throughout your home. Changing your air filter every 1-3 months and scheduling HVAC maintenance annually are great ways to help improve your indoor air quality.

4. Invest In Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Indoor air quality solutions, like air cleaners, are designed to purify your indoor air and remove contaminants like dust, pollen, and dander. Many companies, like Cool Touch, offer products and services like air cleaners, humidifiers, and UV germicidal lights that can help boost your air quality. Take care of your indoor air, and invest in indoor air quality solutions.

5. Have Good Ventilation

When you’re cooking or bathing, make sure to turn on the exhaust fans to exhaust pollutants. This helps circulate indoor air and improve your ventilation. When you’re cooking, the fan will help vent out any fumes, smoke, heat, or steam that builds up and impacts the air you breathe. If you can, also consider opening some doors and windows to let fresh air in and stale air out.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Indoor Air Quality Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your air quality needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance appointment by visiting us online here.

The post Fall Is In The Air: How To Improve Indoor Air Quality In 5 Ways appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

It’s spooky season, which means you may already be on edge. When you hear a strange noise in your home, it can easily send you into a panic. Before you start swinging your bat around, though, pay close attention to the sound you’re hearing and where it’s coming from. If you hear any of these freaky furnace sounds, it’s important you know what’s causing it and how to solve the issue.

1. Rattling

No, there aren’t ghosts or monsters in your furnace. However, it can still be a pretty scary situation. Rattling noises may indicate you have a cracked heat exchanger, which is the biggest cause of carbon monoxide leaks and shouldn’t be ignored. On a less scary note, rattling doesn’t automatically mean a carbon monoxide problem. It could also mean you have a loose panel or a loose screw that needs to be tightened. All that being said, never ignore a rattling sound. Contact an HVAC professional right away to inspect the cause of the noise and offer solutions to fix it.

2. High-Pitched Squealing or Screeching

Yikes! A squealing or screeching furnace? Talk about freaky. If you hear this sound coming from your furnace, it’s usually due to an issue with the blower or motor in your equipment. It’s possible that your blower or motor has overheated, or it’s older and worn out from years of use. If your blower has overheated, it’s likely due to dirt buildup or a bad capacitor. It’s best to contact your local HVAC contractor to come take a look and determine whether it’s something that can be repaired, or if it needs to be replaced.

3. Scraping

Is your furnace making a scaping sound, like metal against metal? This might mean you have an issue with your blower wheel. It could also mean there’s a loose part that is scaping against other parts of your furnace. Whether it be an issue with your blower wheel or a loose part that needs tightening, it can impact the overall efficiency of your furnace. Don’t wait to contact an HVAC professional if you notice scraping.

4. Banging

If your furnace bangs when it shuts off, it could be due to a dirty air filter that needs changed. When your filter is dirty, it restricts airflow and causes warm air to back up into your furnace. This can cause the metal of your ducts and your furnace to expand. But once the heating cycle stops and the metal panels cool, it can produce this banging sound you’re hearing. All that being said, you shouldn’t ignore a banging noise. Have an HVAC professional come inspect your unit, determine the cause of the noise, and offer solutions to fix it right away.

Do You Hear Any Of These Freaky Furnace Sounds? Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Furnace Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your furnace needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance appointment by visiting us online here.

The post Freaky Sounds You Should Never Hear Coming From Your Furnace appeared first on Cool Touch Air Conditioning & Heating.

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Montclair Homes

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