Although most people enjoy a nice warm summer day, their joy can quickly be taken away when the air conditioning breaks. The summer heat can be brutal in many areas, and not having a functioning HVAC unit can quickly lead to uncomfortable, or in some cases, unsafe living environments.

But when it comes time to get your HVAC system serviced, it’s important to know how to choose the right contractor for your AC repair needs.

When to Call a Contractor

Most HVAC systems are built to last quite a while, and many homeowners can do certain DIY tasks to keep them in good running condition. However, over time, there may be signs that it’s time to call a professional. These include:

• Obvious Malfunctions:A telltale sign that something may be seriously wrong with your HVAC unit is if it doesn’t turn on at all. It could also be making loud or unusual noises or blowing warm air.
• Reduced Cooling Efficiency:Most people will be able to feel when an AC unit is not working as it should – although, during the colder months, it may not be as noticeable. However, during the summer, you may start to notice higher-than-normal energy bills and rooms that don’t cool as evenly as the rest of the house.
• Strange Odors:Since AC units play an important role in filtering and distributing air throughout the house, when something isn’t functioning properly you may start to experience musty or burning smells near air vents. These can be a result of mold, refrigerant leaks, or even electrical issues in the unit.
• Frequent Cycling:HVAC units run on various cycles. However, if the unit turns on or off too often, there could be issues with refrigerant levels, or the overall size of the AC unit may need to be evaluated for the space it’s trying to cool.

Finding Qualified Contractors

It’s important to keep in mind when getting your HVAC system serviced that not all contractors offer the same level of reliability. Taking the time to research qualified contractors might take a bit of time, but it’s well worth the effort in the long run.

Below are a few considerations you should make before hiring an HVAC contractor:

Referrals

Most people own a home with an HVAC system and have had their own experiences (good or bad) with contractors. Speaking with friends or family and using their recommendations regarding who to hire can help you avoid working with unqualified contractors.

Referrals can be a way to find out exactly how detailed a contractor’s work is as well as the relative costs you can expect. Be sure to ask your referrers if they’ve worked with this contract for a number of years and how satisfied they were with the experience. This information can give you the insights you need to make the right decision before you make a decision.

Online Research

Most people begin their search for an HVAC contractor online and search for local repair services. There are oftentimes many service companies to consider, so it’s important to take your time reviewing various qualifications.

One thing to look for is how long the company has been in business and looking at review sites like Yelp, Angi, or Google Reviews. It’s important to keep an eye out for red flags from other customers, like negative reviews, and to stay suspicious of pricing that falls well below average for various services.

Hiring the Right Contractor for Your Needs

Once you’ve created a shortlist of the potential contractors you want to work with, the next step you’ll want to take is to verify their credentials. Below are some of the important factors you’ll want to think about before making a hiring decision:

Licensing and Insurance

Your HVAC system is something you use almost every day and has a major impact on your personal comfort and air quality. Because of this, it’s important that you’re hiring a contractor who has proven they’re up for the task.

Licensing and insurance are legal requirements of any professional HVAC contractor you work with, and their validity can be verified by contacting local authority offices or verifying through documentation.

You’ll want to make sure that the contractor has both liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance to ensure you’re not liable in the event of damage to your property or if the contractor is injured while performing services in your home.

Skills and Expertise

Completing work on an AC unit can require a number of technical skills. A contractor’s level of experience and overall expertise can mean the difference between getting the job done right the first time or leading to a number of additional issues with the unit down the road.

You should research or inquire about the contractor’s level of expertise when working with your specific type of AC unit. HVAC systems come in many different formats, so it’s important to make sure you’re deciding to work with a service company that is relevant to your needs.

Communication and Customer Service

It’s important to remember that HVAC systems will usually need some form of regular maintenance over the years. This is why it’s vital to create a longer-term relationship with a trusted contractor.

Like with so many other relationships, trust and communication are crucial to moving forward. From the very first phone call to their first visit, your HVAC technician should put you at ease while keeping you clearly informed on all servicing issues or requirements you have. You should also feel comfortable asking questions about the repair process and timelines and being given transparent pricing upfront.

Guarantees and Warranties

HVAC systems can be a significant investment. Whether you’re buying a home with an AC unit already installed or installing one yourself, you’ll want to make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your investment as long as possible.

One way to ensure your HVAC system has the most life is by ensuring the servicing you’re receiving is backed by certain guarantees or warranty periods. Many contractors will guarantee the quality of their work over a certain period of time. This means that after servicing, if you experience additional issues, there may be a certain level of protection you will have for additional costs when working with certain partners.

While the extent of servicing warranties will vary from contractor to contractor, it’s important to inquire about the extent of a contractor’s service quality guarantee. This can give you the peace of mind of making a hiring decision knowing that the work performed will be the highest quality.

How to Make Sure You’re Getting the Best Value

When you’re thinking about hiring an HVAC contractor, remember that finding the lowest price shouldn’t be the main priority. While you’ll want to make sure you’re not spending more than you need to, you’ll also want to make sure you’re getting the best “value” for your money.

Below are a few tips you can use to make sure you’re getting the best value from your contracted services:

• Request Multiple Estimates: Receiving estimates from different service companies is a great way to vet a contractor’s ability to provide fair pricing. By getting a service quote from multiple contractors, you can compare the levels of service they offer to the budget you’re looking to stay within. This will help you narrow down your options even further.
• Thoroughly Review Service Proposals: You’ll want to take your time to review the service proposals you receive while not focusing specifically on the total price points. It’s important to know what these price points represent, and you should compare the parts and labor that are estimated as well as any additional fees they list. Most proposals will stipulate that the “estimated” service costs could change depending on the scope of the work. You’ll want to make sure you have an idea of how different these costs might be to make sure you have an accurate estimate of your final bill.
• Beware of Red Flags: During the vetting process, you’ll want to keep an eye out for potential red flags. Some of these might be high-pressure sales strategies telling you that you’ll only get special pricing if you “sign right now.” Having an estimate that is too vague can also mean a lot more unexpected costs after a contractor visits your home, so you’ll want to avoid service companies that aren’t as transparent as possible when providing you with a proposal.

Work With a Reliable HVAC Contractor Today

Choosing the right HVAC contractor takes some research, but it’s worth the effort. At the end of the day, it’s important to partner with someone you can trust who has years of experience handling all types of AC maintenance and repair. If you’re looking for a qualified contractor in your area, contact us today at Sierra Air to receive a free estimate.

Desert living can be a great choice for individuals who love being able to see beautiful landscapes while enjoying dry, warm weather. However, while avoiding harsh winters and never-ending rainy seasons can seem like paradise for many people, there are some challenges that desert living can produce.

One of the primary issues with living in desert areas has to do with the impact of dry air and the resulting impact of low indoor air quality. It’s important for homeowners to know how to properly address these issues to ensure they’re living in more comfortable and healthier conditions.

The Problem with Desert Air

Many people love the feeling of living in a warm climate, but the desert air can also present a number of problems for homeowners.

Dust

If you’ve lived in a desert climate for any amount of time, you no doubt have already invested in a great vacuum or dusting kit. Deserts are inherently dusty environments, and it can be very hard to keep a home clean from sand and dust collecting on blinds, air ducts, and floors.

The challenge with this dust is that once it gets disturbed and the microscopic particles that make it up enter the air, they can stay in the air for quite some time and be inhaled as you breathe. Long-term exposure to high levels of dust in your home can actually irritate your lungs and could lead to an increased risk of developing certain respiratory issues.

Allergens

Even those desert areas may seem like they’re too dry to contribute to allergies, the reality is most deserts still have many common allergens. Dust mites and even pollen produced by desert plants and flowers can quickly circulate through windy regions and enter into homes.

During rainy periods, mold spores that often lie dormant during the year can quickly start to proliferate and lead to strong allergic reactions for individuals who might be sensitive to them.

Dryness

Desert living is great for individuals who prefer warm, dry air. However, the dryness of the air in these areas can actually lead to various issues with an individual’s skin and immune systems.

When the air lacks moisture, it can often lead to very dry nasal passages and cracked skin. These can lead to a number of skin issues and make it more difficult to sleep. Living in an area that is too dry can also weaken the body’s natural defenses against certain airborne viruses and bacteria.

Dry air can also irritate the lining of the respiratory system and make some individuals more prone to coughing or nasal congestion.

Improving Indoor Air Quality in the Desert

The challenges that living in desert areas brings should leave homeowners running for the hills. There are a number of steps that can be taken to improve the indoor air quality of homes, including:

Air Filtration

Filtering your home’s air through your HVAC system is one of the first lines of defense against low air quality. Since your air conditioning system is likely to be running more often in desert climates, your air filters will play an important role in reducing or eliminating many airborne pollutants.

To ensure your filtering the air the best you can, it’s important to invest in high-quality filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of at least 13. These types of filters are certified to capture even the smallest particles that pass through your HVAC system and will help to eliminate airborne dust, allergens, and other respiratory irritants.

Air Purifiers

 

To supplement the air filtration of an HVAC system, standalone air purifiers are a great solution for improving the air quality in each room of your home. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) air purifiers are capable of removing over 99% of all airborne particles and are portable enough to be discreetly placed anywhere.

For individuals who have increased sensitivity to strong odors, chemicals, or smoke, purifiers with activated carbon filters can achieve the same level of purification as other HEPA solutions.

When looking for the best solution for your home, look for purifiers that are certified by organizations like the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to ensure the unit is as efficient and effective as advertised.

Controlling Humidity

Maintaining a certain level of humidity in your home is actually a good thing. Humidifiers are portable devices that come in a wide range of sizes and can add moisture to the air in the room. Having sufficient moisture in the air helps to improve breathing, improve the quality of your skin, and actually reduce the risk of catching certain virus strains.

The preferred humidity level of a home will vary from person to person, but the suggested level is 30-50%. As with an HVAC system, however, you’ll want to regularly clean and maintain your humidifier to avoid the growth of mold or bacteria.

Proper Ventilation

Ensuring your home gets proper airflow is another important way to improve the quality of the air you’re breathing in. Strategically ventilating the home during favorable outside conditions can help to keep the air indoors from getting too “stale” and allow more fresh air indoors.

Windows and ceiling fans can help to circulate the air you’re breathing as well as using exhaust fans when cooking and when having showers. The exhaust fans in your home actually help to reduce too much moisture or odor build up and are another important way to keep your home air clean.

Effective Tips for Ensuring Optimal Air Quality

Other than using HVAC systems and air purifiers, there are other effective tips you can follow to help ensure optimal air quality levels in your home.

Minimize Dust Collection

Dust naturally collects in all parts of our homes, regardless of where you live. However, the more dust that collects, the more likely it is to be disturbed and enter the air we breathe.

It’s important to have a regular cleaning routine in your home, including vacuuming with HEPA-filtered vacuums and using a damp cloth to remove dust buildup on surfaces. While having a clutter-free home is easy on the eyes, it also reduces the number of surfaces on which dust can collect.

The more regular you are at keeping your home clean, the less likely that you’ll be breathing in dust particles or other airborne bacteria.

Use Natural Cleaning Products

There are so many different cleaning products on the market today. Unfortunately, however, many household cleaners contain a variety of harsh chemicals that can cause a number of respiratory issues.

To keep the air pollution in your home low, you should choose natural cleaning products whenever possible. These solutions contain baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and essential oils instead of harsh chemicals.

Purchasing natural cleaning products, or even making your own, can help you reduce the amount of fumes in your home and keep your indoor air much healthier to breathe.

Purchase More Houseplants

Having houseplants in your home can be a great design choice, but they also provide hidden benefits. Many plants are natural air filters, absorbing many of the harmful pollutants in the air while also releasing oxygen.

Some examples of great plants for air purification include spider plants, peace lilies, and different types of palm plants. They are great for helping with air quality and are also a great decorative piece for your home.

Avoid Using Air Fresheners

Many people associate poor air quality with bad odors. And while it’s true that the common odors we smell in our homes are airborne bacteria, many people overcompensate by using air fresheners to eliminate them altogether. However, many air fresheners contain artificial fragrances as well as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) used to get rid of odors.

While they may make the air smell better, they can also contribute to more airborne chemicals in the home and lead to poor indoor air quality. A better solution is to neutralize odors naturally with homemade solutions, or home air diffusers that use natural oils.

In most cases, the odors come from a central source. Addressing the source of the problem directly, including cleaning the fridge or maintaining the home’s HVAC system, can help to fix the issue without contributing to poor air quality.

Monitor Your Home’s Air Quality

Because we all breathe involuntarily throughout the day, it can be hard to keep track of the air quality in our homes. Most of the time, individuals only consider the quality of air indoors when they notice something is wrong like smelling a strange odor, experiencing breathing issues, or when fighting a cold.

Investing in an indoor air quality monitor can be a great way to take a proactive approach to keeping your home more comfortable and healthy to be in. Air quality monitors can help you track humidity levels or even levels of particular matter and VOCs that you’re unable to detect on your own. This lets you adjust your air purification strategies based on the results you’re seeing.

Keep Your Home’s Air Quality as Clean as Possible

Desert living doesn’t mean you need to compromise on the air quality in your home. But in order to make sure your HVAC system is filtering the air the way it should, it’s important to have it checked and maintained by a reliable contractor. Contact us today at Sierra Air for a consultation and let us help you make sure your home’s air quality is what it should be.

The humble toilet is a vital fixture in every modern household, providing both convenience and sanitation. Like anything else, toilets break on occasion, leading to frustration, inconvenience, and a major disruption in your home.

Once you understand the common causes of toilet issues, however, you can resolve them efficiently. Find out more about toilet troubles and learn the most common causes and what to do next from the experts at Sierra Air.

How Does a Toilet Work?

Your home toilet has two major parts: the bowl that rests on the floor and the upper tank that holds the water that’s released each time you flush. The bowl is basically a solid piece of porcelain with a drain fixture and no moving parts. Most repairs won’t involve the bowl.

The tank, on the other hand, is where most of the functionality comes from. There are two important valves and the handle that initiates flushing. This is where most of the repairs occur, but fortunately, you can fix a lot of them yourself.

Keep in mind that some newer style toilets can differ in the way they flush and their parts. Make sure you know the make and model of your toilet before you work on it yourself. Typically, the manufacturer’s name will be stamped on the porcelain and the model is on the underside of the tank cover.

Before you can start repairs, you have to have a basic understanding of how your toilet actually works. The toilet tank’s function is to hold a quantity of water until you flush the toilet, at which time the water in the tank rushes through the opening at the bottom of the tank and into the bowl. This action forces waste out of the bowl and into the drain and sewer lines.

There are two major toilet parts in the tank that make this happen: the flush valve and the fill valve.

The toilet fill valve is the mechanism that fills the tank with water. It’s also known as the ballcock or refill valve. The fill valve is usually located on the left side of the tank as you’re looking down from above with the lid removed.

There are four basic variations of fill valves:

• Plunger-type ballcock:This is the oldest type of fill valve and is usually made of brass.
• Diaphragm-type ballcock:Older styles of toilet may have a brass diaphragm-type ballcock, while newer types are plastic.
• Float cup fill valve:This is a newer design and often made of plastic.
• Floatless fill valve:This is newer design that isn’t always allowed by some codes.

Whatever design you have, the fill valve has basically the same function – it automatically opens the tank water supply valve when the water levels falls in the tank during a flush, then it turns off automatically when the water level rises to a specific level. Depending on the design, the valve is operated by a floating ball or a float cup that moves up and down with the water level. Floatless fill valves operate by sensing the water pressure at the bottom of the tank.

If you remove the tank lid and watch the process of a flush cycle, you can easily see how a toilet flushes.

Here are some common causes of toilet troubles:

Clogged Drains: A Common Culprit

One of the most common toilet troubles is a clogged drain. This issue can manifest in slow drainage, water pooling, or a total blockage. The primary cause of clogs is the improper disposal of items in the toilet, such as too much toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, or even foreign objects that can obstruct the pipes. Remember, just because it says “flushable” doesn’t mean it’s safe for your toilet.

How to fix a clogged drain:

1. Start with a plunger.
2. Ensure you have a proper seal around the drain.
3. Use rhythmic plunging motions to dislodge the blockage.
4. Try flushing.
5. Repeat if necessary.

If the plunger isn’t effective for removing the clog, you can try a plumbing snake to reach deeper into the pipes and break up the obstruction.

Running Toilet: A Water Waster

A running toilet is not just annoying. It can lead to significant water waste and high utility bills. The most common cause of a running toilet is a faulty flapper valve or flush valve, which tends to wear out over time. When this happens, water continuously flows into the bowl.

To diagnose and repair a running toilet, start by removing the tank lid and inspecting the flapper valve. If it seems damaged or misaligned, a replacement may be necessary. Additionally, you should check the float mechanism and adjust it to the proper water level. You may need to replace the flush valve for a comprehensive fix.

Phantom Flushing: A Common Mystery

If you hear the toilet flushing by itself, you’re experiencing a “phantom flush.” This phenomenon occurs when the water leaks from the tank into the bowl, triggering the fill valve to activate and refill the tank. This constant water loss can lead to increased water bills.

To troubleshoot phantom flushing, inspect the flapper valve for a proper seal. If it’s in good condition, check the water level in the tank and adjust it if necessary. The leaking flush valve can also be a culprit. If this is the case, replacing the valve will resolve the issue.

A Weak Flush: Low Pressure

A weak flush can be a persistent problem in some toilets, leading to incomplete waste removal and potential clogs. The most common cause is a low water level in the tank or an issue with the flush valve.

To enhance the flush, check the water level in the tank and adjust it to the recommended level  marked inside the tank. If this doesn’t improve the flush, inspect the flush valve for signs of wear or damage. Replacing the flush valve or adjusting the chain connected to the flush handle may be necessary.

Leaky Seals: A Source of Silent Damage

 

Leaky seals are often overlooked, but they can cause significant damage over time. The wax ring, which seals the toilet to the floor, and the tank-to-bowl gasket can deteriorate, leading to water leakage around the base of the toilet.

To fix leaky seals, start by inspecting the wax ring for any signs of wear and damage. If it’s compromised, make sure to replace it as soon as possible. Similarly, check the tank-to-bowl gasket for proper positioning and replace it if necessary. It’s important to address leaky seals as soon as possible to prevent water damage to the flooring and subfloor.

Condensation: Sweating Toilet Tanks

Condensation on the exterior of the toilet tank, which is often referred to as “sweating,” is a common issue – especially if you have a lot of humidity. While it may seem merely inconvenient, prolonged condensation can contribute to mold growth and damage to the surrounding area.

To combat toilet tank condensation, consider using a tank liner or insulating the tank. These measures help regulate the temperature difference between the cold water inside the tank and the ambient air, reducing or eliminating condensation.

Strange Noises: Gurgling or Bubbling

Unusual sounds coming from your toilet can be a cause for concern. Gurgling, bubbling, or hissing sounds may indicate a problem with the drainage system. These sounds are typically caused by a blocked vent pipe or a partially clogged drain.

To address strange noises, start by plunging the toilet to unblock it. If the problem persists, a plumbing snake can be used to clear blockages further down the drain.

Noisy Toilet Seat: An Annoying Problem

Noisy or slamming toilet lids can be irritating, but they can also damage your toilet. The toilet seat hinges may need maintenance or it may be time to upgrade the entire toilet seat.

First, spray lubricant on the seat hinges and open and close the seat and lid a few times to distribute it. If the noise continues, replace the hinges.

If the toilet seat is slamming, replacing it with a new slow-close lid may be necessary. If you prefer not to switch out your current seat, install bumpers to reduce noise and impact. If you already have a slow-close lid, the hinges may be loose or misaligned. You can readjust the hinges and re-tighten the nuts and screws.

Stuck or Loose Toilet Handle: A Sign of Potential Problems

If the toilet handle is too loose or too tight, it can cause problems. You may need to tighten or loosen the mounting nut to resolve the issue.

If the toilet handle sticks in the down position, which makes the toilet run constantly, make sure the handle mounting nut inside the tank isn’t too tight. Loosen it slightly if needed. Flush handles are usually reverse threaded, which means you have to turn the nut clockwise to loosen them.

After that, clean the handle mounting nut and shaft threads so the handle operates smoothly. Make sure the flush arm is pulling up the chain and opening the flapper correctly. Adjust the arm or chain as needed.

If the toilet handle is too loose, clean any debris or buildup from around the handle mounting nut inside the tank. Tighten the mounting nut carefully so the handle moves smoothly. Flush handles are usually reverse threaded, which means you’ll turn the nut counterclockwise to tighten.

Get Your Toilet Fixed

Toilet troubles are a common occurrence, but there are many problems you can fix on your own. It’s important to take quick action if you notice a toilet repair, however, as it can lead to bigger problems down the line.

If you need toilet repairs, contact the pros at Sierra Air to schedule your appointment!