Your Guide to Drain Pipes

Drain pipes, they’re everywhere. From homes to offices to your favorite restaurant or bar, they’re going to be there. But most homeowners don’t actually know much about them, except the very basic statement: well, they’re pipes. As drain pipe experts, we’re here to tell you there’s much more to it than that!

What is a pipe?

Anytime you use water, either for washing dishes, showering or washing your hands, the pipe is the main passageway the water goes through. Pipes also drain your home of any unwanted or used water, so they are a necessity for any house to have running water.

What can go wrong with pipes?

A lot of things can go wrong with pipes. Many of the issues start with the installation, as they can sometimes be installed incorrectly and this causes major problems over time. These problems can include significant leaking due to loose nuts or bad soldering or sealing amongst other things. If you are having some problems with your pipes, the bad installation might be a likely culprit.
Incorrect installation of your pipes means that there are other issues that can occur. One of the most common problems is plugging, which is caused by a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is mineral deposits or buildups, foreign objects, grime or due to everyday use. If this is the case, cleaning them thoroughly can easily solve the problem. Another common mishap is leaking, which can be caused by loose nuts, wear and tear, high water pressure, insufficient sealing or holes. If your pipes are leaking, the best course of action is to contact a professional plumber to inspect your pipes and fix any problems. A small leak can turn into a big flood, and you don’t want this to happen, as your house may sustain severe damage from the flooding.
Pipes naturally erode or corrode over time, so you want to make sure your pipes are replaced before this happens. Plumbers recommend that you have a professional check your pipes at least every once a few years. Take note of how they are holding up, and how old your pipes are. This will give you a guide to determine the lifespan of your tubes.
How to prevent your water pipes from clogging
You probably don’t consider how water enters and exits your home, so you might place a considerable strain on your water system without taking into account how it will affect the pipes. This can include flushing down hairs or food particles or running faucets at high pressure and hot temperatures.
How to keep your drain pipes in good shape
As excess pressure takes its toll, that’s when problems with your pipes start occurring. Most homeowners only start to consider water pressure in relation on how it affects heating costs and water bills. You might assume that your pipes can bear any amount of pressure, but this isn’t the case.
Keep water pressure at appropriate levels
Beware of high mineral content in level: hard water is a threat to your plumbing system, as the minerals accumulate and hamper the flow of water. If you live in a state with hard water, think about investing in a water softener.
Don’t DIY drain repairs
It’s vital that you know the basics of home sewer maintenance, but at some point, your pipes will break down, and they will need to be repaired or replaced. It’s important that you schedule routine drain maintenance and call a professional when a problem starts to occur.

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Air Conditioner Tune Ups Helotes, Tx

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Air Conditioning Tune Ups & Maintenance

Are your electric bills too high? Is your AC not cooling your house like it used to? Maybe it’s time for an Air Conditioning tune up. At Trophy AC, we can make your air conditioner perform like it’s brand new. Not only can having annual air conditioning maintenance put the life back into your old AC unit, but it can also help to reduce those high electric bills. A neglected air conditioner loses almost 5% efficiency every year. If your air conditioning unit hasn’t had a professional maintenance check for five years or more, you could be operating your AC system at 75% or less efficiency.

Here at Trophy AC, all of our professional and skilled technicians have had years of experience when it comes to air conditioning tune ups. Over the years, we have worked with many different types and brands of AC units – there’s not much that we don’t know about air conditioners. We understand how important it is for homeowners to have a fully functioning unit, so we can promise you that with our annual check-ups, your AC will always be fit and ready to perform. Not only do our maintenance checks help to discover any problems, but they can also prolong the life of your air conditioning system.

Professional HVAC Maintenance and Tune ups

Neglecting your AC unit can lead to poor performance and an increase in your energy consumption. If one component isn’t performing correctly and it goes unnoticed or ignored, it can cause damage to other parts of your unit. Not only could you be paying more in energy costs, but you could also end up forking out for costly repairs or, worst case scenario, needing an entirely new AC installation.

Yearly air conditioning maintenance is far less expensive than a typical unit repair or replacement. An air conditioning tune ups can keep your AC unit performing at peak performance and will offset your costs by lower HVAC Maintenance bills and savings on your electric bill.

Complete AC Tune Up

At Trophy AC in Helotes, Tx, we offer substantial savings on our immeasurable AC tune up. You can rely on us to carry out the air conditioning tune ups with great professionalism and also to the highest possible standard. When you choose us to service your air conditioner, one of our certified technicians will come to your home and thoroughly check your air conditioning unit.

Our AC tune-ups always include the following:

• Check refrigerant level
• Check compressor
• Tighten all electrical connections
• Check relay fan

• Evaluate condenser coil
• Check evaporator fan motor
• Check temperature drop at coil
• Check breakers

• Check plenums
• Conduct energy evaluation of system
• Check wiring

• Check disconnect box
• Check t-stat for proper calibration
• Clean or replace filter

Helotes, Tx HVAC Company

Temperatures during the summer months in Helotes, Tx often flirt with the 100-degree mark on a regular basis. Your air conditioner works hard to cool your home to the temperature set on the thermometer. If you’re guilty of neglecting your air conditioner, you’ll be unaware if it has any problems. If there’s a component that isn’t working correctly, your AC could fail on you at any moment. The last thing you want is for your unit to malfunction when you need it the most.

To avoid encountering any AC troubles during the summer months, schedule a air conditioning maintenance check today. Call the best Helotes, Tx HVAC repair company and ensure your Air Conditioning unit will function properly during the hot days in Helotes, Tx. You won’t only save money on your electric bills; you’ll also have a unit that performs to its full potential. You can also save money now by using one of our AC Tune Up coupons. Find out why your neighbors are using Trophy AC by calling us today at 210-465-7283.

Helotes, Tx

Texas

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4 Things that Can Go Wrong with Your AC

It can be difficult to detect when you are having problems with your heating and air conditioning system (HVAC). Some common problems, if left unattended, can damage your system, increase your utility bills and cause poor indoor air quality. Any time one of the following problem presents itself, make sure to have your HVAC system repaired by a professional, to avoid it breaking down or needing to be replaced.
1. A Dirty AC Filter
The air filter in your HVAC system will eventually become clogged with dirt, dust, mold and other pollutants. When the filter is clogged, your system needs to work harder, expending more energy and reducing its lifespan. A dirty filter also spreads contaminants around your home and the other parts of your HVAC system.
It’s essential to check your filter monthly by holding it up to the light. If no light passes through the filter, it needs to be changed. To keep your HVAC unit working correctly, you must change your air filter every three months and make sure that nothing is blocking your air registers, such as curtains or furniture.
2. Low Refrigerant
The refrigerant in your HVAC unit absorbs outside air heat during the winter, and gives off heat in the summer, warming and cooling your home as needed. If your AC is not cooling your home properly and you notice an increase in your utility bills, the culprit can be low refrigerant caused by poor installation or a leak.
A wet area around the connections of the hose or oily streaks around your compressor are possible signs of a leak. A lot of older HVAC units leak some refrigerant every year, so regularly replacing this refrigerant should be part of its maintenance. If you find that your coolant needs to be recharged more than once per year, an AC technician needs to repair the leak in your unit.
3. Problems With the Thermostat
Your thermostat won’t work properly and get an accurate measure of the temperature of your home if it’s close to your oven, next to a draft or on a warm sunny wall so make sure to avoid these placement areas. The components in your thermostat can also be dirty from dust, causing your AC unit to work overtime and waste energy.

If your thermostat is not working at all, most likely this is due to a wiring issue, or a battery issue if you have a wireless model. Check that your unit is turned on, the batteries are working, and it’s correctly set for the season.
4. Ductwork That’s Leaky or Dirty
Dirt, must, dust and other contaminants will start to accumulate inside your ducts, lowering your HVAC units efficiency. Other things that can lead to lower indoor quality and higher energy bills are gaps, leaks or poorly installed ductwork. Some of the indicators of a leak are whistling, buzzing or flapping wings noises.
To ensure that you have clean ducts, open the air register and wipe the inside with a damp cloth. If any pest droppings, cobwebs, mold or dirt remains in the fabric, then your ductwork needs to be professionally cleaned. An HVAC professional will also register and fix any leaks, so your unit runs at its optimal conditions.

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Air Conditioning Services San Antonio

Tune up and your AC service

The hard working appliance that helps you to defeat heat is your Air conditioner. It comes with a number of moveable parts and it can generate the immense amount of heat. This appliance has an indoor part and an outdoor part due to which it is exposed to many different elements like dust and dirt in the air; also it requires much wear and tear maintenance. If you just look briefly into the mechanism of your air conditioner you will come to realize that in order to get it work more efficiently and effectively it has to get maintenance tune-ups on regular basis especially before summers ,the spring tune ups
So we reach the main point that regular tune ups are required to keep away the dust and dirt from your AC to make it work effectively and efficiently. But, how it can be done is still a question. The most effective system can only be achieved by having a most effective and efficient AC filters. The description of which is described below.
Clean filters; keeping the filters of your AC clean is the most vital part of AC maintenance. It can help you in saving both time money and energy. It will save up your maintenance cost. Most importantly a clean filter provides a clean environment by refining the air quality of your room.
Replacing your AC filters three to four times per year is very vital during the time of high usage. Always prefer to buy the one which provides the maximum benefit, otherwise, you will end up replacing it again and again for different reasons and requirements. There are many different types of filters available in the market. Some of them are
1. Filters with disposable fiberglass; these filters are the least expensive which makes it comes with the least benefits and effectiveness. It is only designed to help to block the large particles and small particles can very easily pass through it.
2. Filters with washable electrostatic; As the name explains these filters comes with the static charge that has the ability to attract the dust particles and may other matters. These are not so cheap and are comparatively more effective than disposable ones, but still, it also lacks the ability to stop small dust particles.
3. Filters with plated allergy; this is designed to trap big allergens similar to pollens and molds which are done through a dense and networked material.
4. Electrical air cleaners; removing the pollutant particles by magnetizing it in an ionized electrical field is done only by electrical cleaners. It has the ability to remove or trap all the pollens and spores of molds for up to 90% to 95% and also it helps in removing airborne viruses for more than 80%
5. HEPA furnace filters; these filters are the most effective and the most efficient thus they are mostly used for commercial purposes. It is designed to clean all small and large particles providing the cleanest and effective system.

Tune-ups for your Air Conditioner

It is highly recommended to get the inspection of your AC each season to prevent and maintain it from different problems that can affect its working; it will help in making your system run throughout the year.
AC tune-ups include number of services like;
• To get the peak level of efficiency it is important to make the inspection of you air conditioner’s coolant level and its pressure.
• For the improvement of comfort and to get maximized control it is important to check for ideal temperature and cycles and to calibrate the thermostats.
• To control the wear and tear cost it is important to make inspections of wirings, capacitors, and contacts.
• Keeping the elevator coil clean is very important
• The drain of Condensate should be clear and clean
• Air Conditioner’s condenser should be clean
• Inspection of outdoor disconnect is necessary
• Lubrication of condenser’s fan motor, blades and other parts is must
• The amplifiers of compressors should be checked
• Safety checks should be performed on regular basis.

Maintenance of your Air Conditioner

Timely and regular maintenance of your air conditioners can save you a lot of time and energy by improving the system’s performance and reducing the cost of energy. As it improves and maintains the system’s parts it increases the life of your AC and its equipment’s. Costly and expensive breakdowns are also prevented by regular maintenance.
Small maintenance can be performed at home as well no professional are require every time to make small adjustments. Here are something’s that you can at your home
1. Make sure you have turned off or have disconnected the electricity to your AC before initiating any task
2. Also, try to keep the outdoor unit clean from dust and leaves
3. A garden hose can be best utilized to clean the compressor but make sure to turn off the electricity first.
4. Most importantly as mentioned above change your AC’s filters on regular basis. Mostly do it every month during the season of high usage to keep your air conditioners working efficiently and effectively
5. Make inspection of your fan belt tension
6. To get the accurate and precise measurements try to keep your AC’s thermostat away from the sources of heat.
7. Try to keep the temperature of your thermostat as high as possible because for every 1 Degree increase in thermostat can save the cost of energy by 3%
8. Try to keep the windows and drapes of your house closed during the day time when the sun is out to keep your house naturally cool
9. Placing barriers around your AC is very important. Placing a fence around your AC is the best option. Many people prefer to place bushes around it but it leads to reduced airflow. The fence will prevent stray animals especially dogs to stay away from it. Dogs often urinate around the AC’s outdoor; its urination is acidic in nature and can very adversely affect your air conditioner’s equipment. Bushes can also work but then they have to be placed at least 20 to 30 inches away from your unit.

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How Air Conditioning Improves Your Quality of Life

As the number of people that have asthma or allergies has risen in the past few years, so has the discussion of the importance of making improvements to indoor air quality. Indoor air quality focuses not just on making sure your AC unit runs smoothly and operates at full capacity, but also on making sure your health is not at risk. Using an AC means that your indoor air quality is improved, and in turn your qualify of life as well.

Better Air Quality – Better Breathing

When your body is not inhaling contaminated air, it is easier to breathe and you feel better. For you to stay alive, your body needs to receive the appropriate oxygen. When the indoor air quality in your home or office is at its best, the need for doctors and hospital visits, as well as multiple sick days, will be diminished. When your environment has the right amount of moisture in the air, you will also be able to breathe easier, as you are not breathing in dry air.

Enjoy the Indoors

You always want to be comfortable in your environment, especially in your home or office. Unfortunately, having a poor indoor air quality makes your office or home life uncomfortable. It’s important that you walk into your home or office and not feel sick or that your breathing capacity is diminished. When you improve your indoor air quality with an air conditioner, it makes a huge difference in your comfort levels.

Less Allergies

If something in your home is making you have allergic reactions, but you’ve ruled out almost all the possibilities, making a change to your indoor air quality with an AC can be the solution you’ve been looking for. AC units remove a surprising amount of allergens from your home, including pollen, mold, pet hair, and other allergens that can cause you trouble. When you take the step of installing an AC unit in your home, this will substantially increase your indoor air quality by removing the allergens.

How Does an AC Improve Air Quality?

All AC units contain filters that remove pollutants and allergens by trapping them and therefore improving the air that circulates in your home.
However, this dust, dirt, and mold can build up inside your filters and AC unit, so the filters need to be regularly maintained. Otherwise, your air quality will be reduced.
To improve the air quality in your home, follow these steps:

1. Choose an AC unit that suits your homes individual needs: Make sure that you are purchasing your unit that fills both your AC and heating requirements. It’s also recommended that you get the expertise of an AC technician to discover your home’s specific needs, so you keep your home cool and your energy bills low.

2. Clean your filters: You should clean your AC filters yearly, to ensure any dust, dirt or mold buildup is removed.

3. Replace your filters: Your manufacturer’s guide should tell you how often your filters should be replaced; it’s usually around every three years.

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Prevent Damage to your Air Conditioner with Maintenance

There are always going to be some frustrating times when your air conditioner requires repair and knowing that you could have averted the problem will double the frustration. Hence in this article, we stress the idea of keeping your air conditioner in a tidy and well-maintained condition in order to minimize any future cost of repair.

Following are some common damages that occur in air conditioning units if they are handled with negligence and proper care is not made available for them.

1. Freezing of Evaporator Coils
One of the most common yet concerning problems that occur in an air conditioner is freezing in the evaporator coils. Even though freezing sounds as something super fantastic for an air conditioner it actually is not.
It is normal for the air conditioner to move hot air out of the house in order to pump in the cool air and it tends to decrease the temperature of a coil responsible for cooling the air. However, the problem occurs when the coils get cool to the extent that it starts freezing. A frozen coil will stop removing heat from the air and thus the performance of the air conditioner will definitely be harmed.
This issue can easily be resolved if you take proper care of your AC unit and keep constant checks regarding its maintenance. Glitches in the fan motor, lower levels of refrigerant and a muggy air filter are possible reasons for this problem.

2. Water Leaks
Air conditioners can sometimes cause some really disastrous water leaks which can damage many important parts of your house depending upon the placement of the indoor unit. So next time you see a water leak somewhere in the house stay alert as it is possible that it is not your common plumbing leak but a potential air conditioner problem.
Drainage is a routine task for an air conditioner, it carries the moisture that condensates on the inner coil to outdoors through a drainpipe. However, if there is some obstruction in the drain which does not allow it free passage to move the moisture outside then it is bound to leak. Just keep the drain clean to avoid this problem.

3. Untimely Wear and Tear
No air conditioner can work forever. With time they will require their share of attention. However, if you don’t maintain your air conditioner properly it is bound to develop problems earlier than expected.
If you calculate the expense of maintenance to the possible expense of repairs that your air conditioner can cost you without maintenance then you will find that maintenance at proper intervals is way cheaper and cost-effective.

In the End
Most of the problems that happen with our air conditioner should not require repair but only a maintenance inspection from a professional team of air conditioning repairers that can get rid of potential threats which may mar the performance of your air conditioner in the future and save you from expensive repair costs.

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4 Things that Can Go Wrong with Your AC

It can be difficult to detect when you are having problems with your heating and air conditioning system (HVAC). Some common problems, if left unattended, can damage your system, increase your utility bills and cause poor indoor air quality. Any time one of the following problem presents itself, make sure to have your HVAC system repaired by a professional, to avoid it breaking down or needing to be replaced.

1. A Dirty AC Filter

The air filter in your HVAC system will eventually become clogged with dirt, dust, mold and other pollutants. When the filter is clogged, your system needs to work harder, expending more energy and reducing its lifespan. A dirty filter also spreads contaminants around your home and the other parts of your HVAC system.
It’s essential to check your filter monthly by holding it up to the light. If no light passes through the filter, it needs to be changed. To keep your HVAC unit working correctly, you must change your air filter every three months and make sure that nothing is blocking your air registers, such as curtains or furniture.

2. Low Refrigerant

The refrigerant in your HVAC unit absorbs outside air heat during the winter, and gives off heat in the summer, warming and cooling your home as needed. If your AC is not cooling your home properly and you notice an increase in your utility bills, the culprit can be low refrigerant caused by poor installation or a leak.
A wet area around the connections of the hose or oily streaks around your compressor are possible signs of a leak. A lot of older HVAC units leak some refrigerant every year, so regularly replacing this refrigerant should be part of its maintenance. If you find that your coolant needs to be recharged more than once per year, an AC technician needs to repair the leak in your unit.

3. Problems With the Thermostat

Your thermostat won’t work properly and get an accurate measure of the temperature of your home if it’s close to your oven, next to a draft or on a warm sunny wall so make sure to avoid these placement areas. The components in your thermostat can also be dirty from dust, causing your AC unit to work overtime and waste energy.

If your thermostat is not working at all, most likely this is due to a wiring issue, or a battery issue if you have a wireless model. Check that your unit is turned on, the batteries are working, and it’s correctly set for the season.

4. Ductwork That’s Leaky or Dirty

Dirt, must, dust and other contaminants will start to accumulate inside your ducts, lowering your HVAC units efficiency. Other things that can lead to lower indoor quality and higher energy bills are gaps, leaks or poorly installed ductwork. Some of the indicators of a leak are whistling, buzzing or flapping wings noises.
To ensure that you have clean ducts, open the air register and wipe the inside with a damp cloth. If any pest droppings, cobwebs, mold or dirt remains in the fabric, then your ductwork needs to be professionally cleaned. An HVAC professional will also register and fix any leaks, so your unit runs at its optimal conditions.

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