Does your home in Louisville, KY, have a basement? If it does, then it's more vulnerable to potential water damage and moisture buildup than other areas in your home. This is because basements are built below the ground, meaning that there's a greater risk that water collecting outside the home could potentially leak into your basement space. Unfortunately, such vulnerabilities can end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements. However, you can prevent such costly damage by installing a sump pump.
What is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a device specifically designed to help prevent flooding in the basement. It's installed inside of a sump pit, which is dug in a central location within the basement or underneath the house. Because of its location, any water that makes its way into the basement will flow into the tank that's located in the sump pit. The sump pump then pumps the water that's collected in the tank through a pipe that runs out of the house. As a result, the water is safely dispersed away from the home.
How Can a Sump Pump Save You Money?
Installing a sump pump might seem expensive. There are a lot of factors that contribute to the cost, such as the ground your home is situated on, the type of flooring in your basement (concrete will be more difficult to dig through, after all), and more. However, even though the cost of installing a sump pump might seem expensive initially, the investment will be well worth the money in the long run, especially when you consider how it can help you save money. The following are a few ways in which having a sump pump could help you to save money over the long term:
Prevent serious water damage costs
Because the basement is underground, it's much more vulnerable to water damage should flooding occur. Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding as water builds up outside and begins leaking in through basement windows or even through the foundation. Not only can any water that leaks into your basement cause damage to your belongings, but serious flooding can also cause structural damage as well.
The costs associated with such damage can be significant. Besides replacing any belongings that were damaged or destroyed by water, serious flooding will require water removal, cleanup, ventilation, and decontamination, not to mention building and structural repairs. Regular homeowner's insurance generally doesn't cover flood damage either -- you need to purchase additional insurance for flood coverage. The risk of flooding can be mitigated by installing a sump pump, thereby helping to prevent such costs.
Prevent the cost of electrical fires
Flooding doesn't just cause water damage. It can also potentially cause electrical fires. This can happen when water comes into contact with electrical devices that are plugged into the outlets in your basement. As a result, you could end up having to pay to repair the damage caused by an electrical fire -- not to mention that an electrical fire could endanger your entire home.
Avoid the cost of removing mold and mildew
Water can sometimes get into your basement without completely flooding it. However, just because your basement isn't flooded doesn't mean that damage can't be done. The presence of standing water in your basement will cause humidity levels to increase, thereby increasing the risk of mold and mildew growth. Both of these can affect the health of your household and will spread quickly in the right environment. Removing mold and mildew can be expensive as well.
Avoid the cost of pest control services
In addition to creating an environment that promotes mold and mildew growth, excess moisture can attract pests as well. By removing all water from your basement, you help prevent potential pest infestations. Not only can it be costly to hire a pest control service, but it can also be incredibly inconvenient to have to deal with an infestation.
Install a Sump Pump in Your Louisville Basement Today
Installing a sump pump in your basement can help prevent many of the costs associated with potential flooding and exposure to excessive moisture. Even if you have flood insurance, a sump pump can help prevent the headache of having to deal with the potential damage that flooding can cause. To install a sump pump in your basement, contact us at Maeser to schedule an appointment in Louisville, KY, today.
Is it time to replace your hot water tank, or is it just becoming apparent that you need an upgrade, and you're wondering what size to get? The size of your hot water tank will make a huge difference in everything from your morning routine to your utility bill. Here is everything you need to know to help you choose the right size gas water heater for your home.
What Factors Impact Tank Requirements?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding what size gas water heater your home needs. The number of people in your home has the most obvious impact on your hot water usage, of course, especially when people are on the same general schedule. The more people showering around the same time, the faster you'll plow through that hot water tank! How much hot water you go through in a day might be a little different, though, depending on individual habits such as how long showers take, how often you run the dishwasher or hot water loads of laundry, and so on.
What to Look For: Tank Size
The first and most obvious feature to consider, of course, is the size of the tank. How many gallons your tank holds will determine how long of a shower you can take, whether multiple people can shower in the mornings and whether you can do multiple tasks that use hot water, such as run the dishwasher, washing machine, and still have enough hot water for a shower. Too big a tank can backfire, though, as you'll be spending a lot of energy to heat far more water than you need.
According to Energy.gov, the average shower takes about 10 gallons of hot water, while the dishwasher and clothes washer takes 6 and 7, respectively. Your gas water heater should be large enough to support all of the demands of "peak" times, such as when everyone is showering at the same time in the morning. Another way to look at it: You'll want about 30 gallons for one person, and another 10 gallons for each additional person. So if you have a four-person household, you should be looking at 60-gallon tanks or larger, which would allow for multiple people to shower simultaneously and still have enough hot water to run the dishwasher or washing machine.
Other Features to Consider
Tank size isn't the only feature you should be looking at in a gas water heater. You should also pay attention to the first-hour rating (FHR), which will tell you how much hot water the unit can put out in the first hour of its usage. This will tell you whether the unit can provide enough water for everyone in your household to shower at once in the morning, for instance. You'll also want to look at how quickly the water heater can reheat the water once most or all of its contents have been used up. This is determined by looking at the BTU, which is a measurement of the amount of energy the heater uses. More powerful heaters will be able to recover more quickly.
Making the Right Decision for Your Household
A water heater can be with you for ten years, so it's important not only to look at your current hot water needs, but where you'll be in four, six, or eight years, especially for those with growing families. Choosing the right water heater is a big decision, but not to worry, Maeser's is here to help you make the right choice! Call us today and we'll schedule one of our experienced technicians to help you choose a gas water heater that will meet your needs for years to come.
Installing a new propane hot water heater might not sound like a big deal, but it means working with potentially dangerous systems that not every homeowner has the knowledge or experience to be tinkering around with. Here is everything you need to know when considering who is going to do your gas water heater installation.
The Basics: How to Install a Gas Water Heater
If all you need to do is change out your water heater, it might seem like an easy swap. On the surface, it's not difficult: You drain the old tank, turn off the gas and the water, unhook everything on the old heater, haul it out, and hook up the new heater. There aren't many attachments to unhook, just the gas supply and exhaust (flue), and the lines for cold water going in and hot water going out. But even though it's a seemingly simple job and doesn't require a lot of time to get it done, home improvement sites like Home Depot rate the difficulty of gas water heater installation as "advanced." There's a good reason for that.
Safety Concerns
Despite the seemingly easy installation, it's working with gas that justifies the "advanced" rating for this job. Working with gas is potentially very dangerous for you, your family, and even anyone who shares walls with you or is located in close proximity to your home.
When you install your new water heater, you will have to turn off the gas so that you can disconnect the supply line and hook it up to the new hot water heater. It's important to get the gas supply line as well as the heat trap and exhaust hooked up correctly. Once you have the new heater all hooked up, you can turn the gas back on, but you'll need to check the line for leaks. For the amateur at home, this usually means slathering the connection with soapy water and watching for bubbles. A professional installer, on the other hand, will not only have greater experience working with gas lines, and therefore less trial and error, but also will have the equipment to detect gas leaks with greater certainty, keeping you and your family safer.
Plumbing Expertise
Although the plumbing required in gas water heater installation doesn't carry the same dangers as working with the gas lines, it's still a good idea for the person doing the job to have some plumbing experience. Not only will fittings need to be connected correctly, depending on the age of the old heater, how it was installed, and whether the replacement is an upgrade, you may need to update the plumbing as well.
Updates and Upgrades
Finally, if your system needs to be updated to meet modern standards, or if you're considering an upgrade to a more advanced hot water system, such as a tankless gas water heater, you're looking at a much bigger job than simply swapping out one water heater for another. If you're upgrading from a traditional storage water heater, a tankless system will need to be retrofitted with new gas lines, new water lines, and a new ventilation system, making the upgrade much more advanced than the skills of your average do-it-yourselfer.
Professional Gas Water Heater Installation
If you're getting ready to replace your water heater, for safety's sake, look into professional installation. Not only does it keep you and your family safer by avoiding any newbie mistakes, it means getting it done quickly and efficiently so that you can get back to life as normal. Additionally, you can discuss your upgrade options with a knowledgeable professional to help you decide whether a more powerful hot water system is right for your family. For more information about gas water heater installation or to schedule with one of our experienced technicians, call Maeser today.
Clogged drains can be a major inconvenience. If you've been nursing that slow-moving drain for a while now, it's time to take care of it before it gets any worse, rendering the bathroom or kitchen sink completely unusable.
It might be tempting to try to clear a clogged drain yourself, but if it's been gradually getting worse for a while or if you have no plumbing experience, the job might be better left to the pros. Here are a couple of easy do-it-yourself plumbing tricks you can try to clear a clogged drain, as well as some scenarios where you'll be better served by calling in a plumber.
Zip Your Way Out of a Hairy Situation
One common cause of clogged drains, and an easy issue to resolve is hair in the bathroom drains. Often this issue is easily resolved with a handy plastic tool, found at most hardware stores, called a Zip-It. The Zip-It may go by another name at your store but look for a long, flat, slender plastic strip with curved teeth on it. Simply wiggle the Zip-It down into the drain as far as it will go, and then pull it back out. It'll remove any hair buildup that is clogging the drain.
Take the Plunge
If you suspect a temporary blockage further in where the Zip-It can't get, you might try plunging the drain. Run a little water in the sink or tub, then put the plunger over the drain. Push the plunger to push the air out and pull it back out again to fill it with water, and then make sure it creates a seal around the drain. Next time you push on the plunger, it'll force the water down the drain. Start gently at first as you don't want to bust any pipes or force water through any weak points! You may have to plunge the drain 15 or 20 times before the clog clears and the water starts to drain from the sink.
Call the Pros
While the two methods above can clear quite a few of the clogs that most people face, they won't make a difference with more substantial clogs. Avoid pouring caustic chemicals down the drain, as they can damage pipes. Instead, if your efforts don't make a difference, it's time to call a plumber.
Here are a few advantages to calling a professional to clear a clogged drain.
- A professional can use his training and experience to diagnose the problem. Your technician has been trained in his field and has the experience to help him make the call. What seems like a simple clogged drain to you may, in fact, be a more serious mainline problem and identifying the true problem before you spend a lot of time chasing down the wrong drain can save you time and expenses.
- A professional can get the job done quickly. No time-consuming troubleshooting! The professionals come in, diagnose the problem, and fixed it. An hour or two of inconvenience and you'll be back to life as normal, instead of spending hours or days trying to fix it yourself.
- A professional will save you time and money. You won't have to buy products or rent equipment you may not need while you troubleshoot the problem. Professional drain clearing may seem like it costs a lot, but you'll quickly rack up that much or more in expenses and lost wages as you try to figure out where the problem is and how to fix it, and in the end, you may have to call in someone anyway.
Got a sink or a tub that's draining slowly? Or does more than one drain seem to be affected? Stop worrying about what it could be! An experienced professional can take that worry off your plate by quickly diagnosing and fixing the problem. Call Maeser today!
Has your air conditioner gone out or developed problems? With plenty of hot weather still left in the season, now is not the time to be left without an air conditioner. But with an unexpected expense looming, you're probably shopping around for the cheapest HVAC repair you can find.
But wait! By hunting down the cheapest quote, you may actually be setting yourself up to pay more than you would otherwise. A popular tactic for many less-than-reputable HVAC repair companies is the bait-and-switch, where they offer low cost repairs that are later switched out for expensive replacements you just "have" to have. Remember, f it seems too good to be true, it really may be.
Did your HVAC repair company quote you a price significantly lower than the competition? Here are a few tricks to watch out for.
Replacing Parts Unnecessarily
A favorite trick is to quote you a low price for a quick check and a tuneup, and once they've set eyes on the system, to "find" serious problems like failing components. Chances are they're claiming they need to replace parts that don't really need to be replaced, usually for a huge markup and a much pricier install than is necessary. If you haven't had cooling problems and haven't heard or smelled anything amiss, the technician may be taking you for a ride. Refuse the repair and get another opinion before spending money on an expensive replacement.
Replacing More Than One Part at Once
Another red flag is if the technician claims you have a number of parts that need to be replaced. Statistically, it's just not very likely. If you've been having problems with your air conditioner, as long as you addressed the problem promptly there's usually no reason for multiple parts to need replacing. Refuse the repair and get a second opinion and some quotes before allowing a technician to replace half of the components in your air conditioner.
Replacing the Entire System
Let's say you really have been having air conditioner problems, or maybe you haven't and your system is just an older one. Disreputable HVAC repair services like replacing an entire AC system, because they get to charge for a pricier install, mark up the price much more than individual parts, and possibly even upsell you on a new furnace as well. They can make it seem more appealing just to replace the entire system by pricing the repairs you need so high that it starts seeming like the smart choice just to get a whole new system. If you've been told your AC needs to be replaced, get a second opinion before making such an expensive commitment.
Recharging the System Instead of Fixing Leaks
Sometimes it's a case not of an HVAC company trying to upsell you on something you don't need, but just of getting what you pay for. Any time a technician says that your AC just needs to be recharged, it's time to start asking questions. A sealed system shouldn't need to be recharged all the time, so if yours does, that's a sign you have a leak somewhere. By recharging your system regularly without fixing the leak, the technician can make it seem like they're saving you money, but really they're just ensuring that they'll have to come back regularly, charging you another repair fee each time. On the other hand, many leaks are not repairable and your component will have to be replaced.
Showing a Lack of Expertise
Sometimes a cheap HVAC company isn't trying to pull a bait-and-switch on you at all. Sometimes they're just trying to undercut the usual market prices so that you'll choose them instead of another company. Unfortunately, that's usually a sign that they don't have the same experience, training, and expertise of the other companies, or they would value their services more and charge market rates. Watch out for these repair companies, as any mistakes they make could actually cost you more in the long run.
HVAC Repair You Can Trust
Sometimes saving money isn't worth the potential headache that you could create by going with sub-par or dishonest services. If you want a technician whose shoulder you don't have to look over, call Maeser today, and we'll connect you with someone you can really trust.
A leaking pipe in your home can be a disaster, leaving you with not only a pipe to repair, but also potentially a bunch of water damage to fix. As you start making phone calls to get the work started, you might be wondering, why am I in this situation? What could have caused this leak? Here are six major reasons why pipes leak.
Corrosion
Many pipes are metal, and with water running through them day in and day out, it's only a matter of time before they spring a leak. Why? Metal pipes tend to rust over time, and eventually, this corrosion will eat through the pipe and start causing leaks.
Cracks
A cracked pipe is bad news. Most household plumbing systems have pressure regulators, which means the water in them is kept under a decent amount of pressure. A crack is a weakness in the pipe that will eventually lead to failure. It might start as a drip or a small leak, as the pressure slowly forces water through, but eventually the pipe walls will give way, and you'll find yourself swimming in regret that you didn't do something about it sooner.
Broken Seals
Since your plumbing isn't one continuous piece, but has many sections and appliances it provides water to, it also has many seals to keep those connections from leaking. Over time, however, seals wear out, dry out, and fail. Any time you have any plumbing work done on your home, the seals should be checked and updated as needed.
Blockages
It may seem counter intuitive, but sometimes the source of your leak is actually a blocked pipe. You'll notice this most if your drainage pipes are blocked. Tree roots tend to get into sewage pipes that run waste water out of your house, starting a blockage by creating a sort of net that allows food, toilet paper, and other debris in your waste water to get caught up. Over time, the blockage will build, until waste water simply can't get through when you flush the toilet, take a shower, or run the dishwasher. And unfortunately, physics dictates that the water has to go somewhere, so if it can't go through, the pressure will build up until it finds a weakness in the pipe where it can escape.
Damaged Joints
The joints between pipes are potentially the weak point of any system, so it makes sense that any damage to these joints could cause leaks to develop. Whether it's caused by pipes heating and cooling, expanding and contracting, or just shoddy workmanship, any damage to a joint compromises its ability to hold back the pressure in the system.
Excessive Water Pressure
If your water pressure regulator is producing too much pressure, you could have a bigger problem on your hands than you realize. Sure, a lot of water pressure may be nice when you want a shower or need to hose something off, but don't forget that the water is sitting in the pipes under that kind of pressure all the rest of the time too. Your plumbing is designed to withstand a certain amount of water pressure, but if there's too much, any weak links in the system will be put under stress until, eventually, they fail to keep the water in any longer.
How to Take Care of Leaks Before They Start
When it comes to leaking pipes, your best approach is always prevention. This means having your plumbing assessed regularly to look for corrosion, cracks, signs of deteriorated seals or damaged joints, blockages or slow drains, banging, and even too much water pressure. For more information on how an occasional checkup and preventative maintenance can avoid expensive leaks, call Maeser today, and we'll hook you up with a reputable technician who can keep your water flowing smoothly.
Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive investments you'll make on your home. Many homeowners see that price tag and start thinking about how to cut costs, but there's one place you don't want to skimp, and that's on a professional installation. Hiring someone on the cheap can result in shoddy work, a failed system, and even a voided warranty, while doing the work yourself could quickly get you in over your head. It's important to hire experienced, professional air conditioning installers, and here are just a few of the reasons why.
Professional Installers Really Know Their Stuff
Probably the number one reason to hire the professionals is that they have the training, experience, and specialization your air conditioning install needs. At Maeser, for instance, our technicians have been trained in HVAC and offer the wisdom that comes with working on these systems for years. Their specialization benefits you every step of the way, from choosing the right air conditioner for your home to ensuring everything is installed correctly.
AC Installers Get the Job Done Quickly
Everyone knows how do-it-yourself jobs can stretch on for days or even weeks before completion. This is another area where your technician's professional training and experience benefits you. They install air conditioners every day, so they know what needs to be done and how to do it. No stopping to YouTube what to do next, having to undo things to do it again the right way, or making up for costly mistakes! They get the AC in and running, get out, and let you get on with your cool and comfortable life.
Professionals Guarantee Their Work
One of the best things about hiring professional air conditioning installers is that their work is guaranteed. When you do the work yourself or hire a handyman on the cheap, you're on the hook if anything gets messed up or installed wrong, but any good professional will guarantee his work. Of course, with his superior experience and know-how, it's highly unlikely he'll mess anything up, but if there is anything that's not done right, he'll fix it. When choosing an HVAC installer, make sure they offer this important guarantee before making any commitments.
Professional Installation Preserves Equipment Warranties
Your new air conditioner comes with a warranty, but a poor installation could actually void that warranty. System damage or failure that was caused by improper installation is generally not covered, and often the air conditioner manufacturer will even require that the installation be done by a professional. This isn't done to trick you out of your money, but to protect you and your home by ensuring the air conditioner is installed right from the beginning.
Professional Installation Is Just the Start of an Ongoing Relationship
To keep your brand new air conditioner running smoothly, and most likely to maintain the warranty, you'll need to have regular maintenance and tune-ups done on your system. Having a professional installation done now helps by setting up a relationship with an HVAC company that you can call the next time you need maintenance, or heaven forbid, a repair done on your system. Be sure to ask the installers to explain to you what maintenance will need to be done on your new air conditioner, and how often. They can help you set up a maintenance schedule to keep your system running in tip-top shape so that all of the occupants of your home can keep their cool.
For Top Service, Call Maeser
Perhaps letting someone qualified handle your air conditioning installation is an easy sell for you, but you're just not sure who to turn to. Rest assured that any time you choose Maeser for your HVAC needs, you'll be in good hands. Our technicians are trained to provide you with experience, fast, and friendly service. Call Maeser today for worry-free professional air conditioning installation.
Did you know that your hot water heater generates not only hot water, but also the second-largest expense on your utilities bill? Keeping that water toasty warm typically accounts for about 18 percent of your bill, according to the Department of Energy, so it's one of the go-to places if you're wanting to reduce your monthly expenses.
Whether you're up for a new water heater or just wanting to invest in something more energy efficient, there are a number of different water heaters to choose from. Don't let the selection confuse you: There are only two basic types, gas and electric, and the type of hot water heater you choose can also play a big part in how much your hot water costs.
Up-Front Costs
There are two costs you'll have to pay for up front when buying a hot water heater: installation, and the cost of the water heater itself. Typically an electric heater is actually less expensive to purchase than a comparable natural gas water heater, perhaps even by as much as $100. If your home isn't already set up for a gas water heater, it will also be less expensive to install an electric one, simply because it's expensive to run the natural gas lines. But don't let the price tag fool you! After all, what's more important, the cost to take the water heater home or the cost of running it for the next 10 or 12 years?
Ongoing Costs
The type of water heater you choose will have a decisive impact on your monthly utility bill. Natural gas is a cheap source of energy, which means that a natural gas water heater is relatively inexpensive to run. It can vary depending on where you live, but in general the power to run an electric heater will cost about 1.5 times as much as the natural gas to operate a comparable gas heater. In fact, the cost difference to run a gas heater versus an electric one is so great that you'll likely recoup the difference in purchase price during the first year.
Efficiency
While the power source for a natural gas water heater is cheap, making it the less expensive option over the long run, in all fairness gas water heaters are just not as efficient as electric ones. Gas water heaters lose some of their heat via necessary venting, whereas electric water heaters don't have that requirement and therefore don't lose any of their heat. When you consider that electric water heaters also take longer to reheat the water after the tank has been depleted and refilled, however, it becomes clear that the efficiency of an electric heater comes at a price: both in cost, and in convenience.
EnergyStar Water Heaters
If you want greater efficiency while still enjoying the cost savings of natural gas, you can always shop for water heaters with the EnergyStar logo. EnergyStar appliances are those that have met certain standards for efficiency and power usage. The label should clearly tell you how much it will cost to run an EnergyStar water heater, and you can use that information to make a decision that will minimize your energy usage and save you even more money.
Consult the Experts
If you're still not sure which would be the best type of water heater for your household, or if you want help determining the size and output that will best meet your family's demands, give Maeser a call. Our experienced technicians will discuss your situation with you, assess your needs, and provide professional advice to ensure you're happy with your choice. Contact us today at (502) 206-4192, or by scheduling online.
Has your water heater failed, or do you suspect a failure is just around the corner? The sooner you start your research, the better prepared you'll be when it's time to call a plumber to do the work. What might seem like a big hassle can actually be an even bigger opportunity, if you take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade your hot water system to one more appropriate for your family, home, and hot water requirements. Here are a few things to know about water heater installation before you make the call.
When was the last time your system was updated?
Has your hot water system been updated recently, or has the water heater simply been replaced with another identical one every time a new one is needed? Traditional water heaters typically only last eight to ten years, but that doesn't mean that any upgrades were done the last time yours was replaced. If it's been a while since the system was upgraded, it may be time to make some changes. For instance, you might need to make changes to the plumbing or even where the water heater is installed if you want to be able to accommodate a larger tank.
Time to Reassess Your Needs
Did you buy your home with the current hot water heater installed? Did you miss having any say in the hot water system? If your answer to these questions is yes, think of needing a new one not as a hassle, but an opportunity. This is your chance to reassess your family's hot water needs, and decide whether the current system is sufficient or warrants an upgrade. Have you been running out of hot water at inopportune times? Are you wanting something more eco-friendly or more economical?
Water Heaters Come in All Sizes
If you've been running out of hot water a little too often, you might want to consider upgrading the size of your hot water heater. Most modern homes are designed to accommodate a larger tank, making the new water heater installation quick and easy. A larger tank may cost a little more to buy and to run, but it may be worth it to you not to have to worry about the water running cold during prime time at your house.
Modern Hot Water Heaters Are Eco-Friendly
If it's been a while since your hot water heater was last replaced, you may not realize how much has changed since then. Energy Star water heaters are designed to operate using less energy (and less money) than their competitors. When you shop for a water heater, be sure to check the tag, which will tell you approximately how much it'll cost to operate. Whether you want to save money, save the planet, or just plain get the best that the current market offers, you'll find a variety of eco-friendly hot water heaters to choose from.
No better time to go tankless!
Have you thought about the conveniences of "on demand," or tankless, hot water? On demand hot water uses a tankless water heater that heats the water as it flows through the pipes, providing an endless supply of hot water. If you have a big, busy household that frequently runs short on hot water, one or more tankless hot water heaters might be perfect for you. They also offer economical and environmental considerations, such as the energy and cost savings associated with only heating the hot water that you need, as well as lasting about three times longer than a traditional hot water heater. If you think tankless might be for you, there's no better time than when you'll be investing in a new water heater installation anyway.
Turn to the Experts in Water Heater Installation
You probably have a good idea of whether your current system has been meeting your needs, but you might not know what that means in terms of what you should buy. If it's time for a new hot water heater, call Maeser today. One of our techs will assess your current system and plumbing, discuss your options with you, and help you make a decision about what will best suit your family's hot water needs.