Uncategorized - Maeser Master Services

If the time has come to have a new heating system installed in your home, the first step is to have a professional visit your home to perform a heat load calculation. We can complete this for you, and we also offer installation, maintenance and repair services for all major brands and types of heat pumps, furnaces, dual fuel systems and ductless split air conditioners and heating systems. Call today to learn more.

If you need a new air conditioner for your home, call Maeser today. One of our expert technicians will come out to complete an inspection and help you select the system that matches your needs. We’ll also install it for you and ensure it continues to work properly for years to come through our comprehensive maintenance and repair services.

Indoor Air Quality

No matter what type of indoor air quality issues you’re having, our professionals can recommend the best combination of new air filters, UV germicidal lights, energy recovery ventilators and humidity control systems to suit your specific needs. We also install, repair and maintain all of these great systems to keep your indoor air quality high all year long.

Shepherdsville Duct Cleaning Service

The ductwork in your home moves air between air handler and the registers in your living spaces when your heating or cooling systems are on. Because they perform such a vital task, you need regular professional duct cleaning to ensure that your home’s ventilation system continues to work properly for years to come.

Plumbing Services in Shepherdsville

We understand that plumbing emergencies don't always happen at regular business hours. They can occur when you least expect it, during the middle of the night, right in the morning, or at a home gather. At Maeser in Shepherdsville, we have you covered 24/7/365 in case of any emergency.

Concerning emergency plumbing repairs, we realize that you need a plumber who can handle the issue right then and there, regardless of what it is, to prevent further damage spread and to guarantee the problem doesn't get any worse. At Maeser, we employ plumbers in Shepherdsville who are ready to handle the challenge you're facing.

Shepherdsville Water Heaters

If you need a new water heater installed in your home, the first step is to call Maeser and talk to one of our Shepherdsville water heating experts. We can recommend a new tank or tankless water heater, remove your old unit and perform any necessary upgrades before installation of your new unit. We also offer ongoing maintenance and repair services if they become necessary.

Indoor Air Quality

Jeffersonville Duct Cleaning Service

Plumbing Services in Jeffersonville

We understand that plumbing emergencies don't always happen at regular business hours. They can occur when you least expect it, during the middle of the night, right in the morning, or at a home gather. At Maeser in Jeffersonville, we have you covered 24/7/365 in case of any emergency.

Concerning emergency plumbing repairs, we realize that you need a plumber who can handle the issue right then and there, regardless of what it is, to prevent further damage spread and to guarantee the problem doesn't get any worse. At Maeser, we employ plumbers in Jeffersonville who are ready to handle the challenge you're facing.

Jeffersonville Water Heaters

If you need a new water heater installed in your home, the first step is to call Maeser and talk to one of our Jeffersonville water heating experts. We can recommend a new tank or tankless water heater, remove your old unit and perform any necessary upgrades before installation of your new unit. We also offer ongoing maintenance and repair services if they become necessary.

A shut off valve is meant to save your neck in case of an emergency, such as if a pipe bursts or a fixture starts leaking. Water can pour pretty quickly into your home if that happens, so a shut-off valve, if used in time, can prevent a lot of water damage. If it doesn't work, however, everything can go wrong pretty quickly. Here's everything you need to know about shut off valves, and what to do if yours doesn't work.

What Is a Shut-Off Valve?

When most people hear the words shut off valve, they think of the main one, which stops the water coming into your home. This is your go-to defense against pretty much any plumbing catastrophe and should always be kept in good working order. Whether you have a leaking pipe, a broken shower knob, a busted water heater, or almost any other emergency you can think of, your shut off valve is what will save you from endless water damage.

Besides the main shut off, you also typically have shut off valves at every toilet, faucet, and appliance in your home. These shut off valves are perfect for any situation involving very localized issues. If you have a leaking dishwasher, broken faucet knob, or a toilet that won't stop running, for instance, this small shut off valve will stop water flow to just that location while preserving water to the rest of the house.

Either way, any shut off valve can mean the difference between a minor plumbing fix and major water damage, so it's important to check these regularly to make sure they work properly.

Types of Shut Off Valves

The smaller shut off valves are typically just a small metal handle you twist to close the valve and shut off water flow. You can easily find an example of one next to your toilet. The main shut off valve, on the other hand, is usually a ball valve, identifiable by a large lever or handle, often red in color, that runs perpendicular to the pipe when open. To close it, you'll turn it a quarter turn until it goes the same direction as the pipe. Some older homes will have a gate valve, which will have a small metal wheel, also usually red, which you turn to close the valve. If your home has a gate valve as the main shut off, be careful, as these can break easily. It's best to have it replaced with a modern ball valve as soon as possible.

What to Do with a Non-Working Valve

But what should you do if your valve breaks? The answer depends upon what the valve is actually doing. If it's leaking, for instance, you could try grabbing a pair of pliers and tightening it up. If it's stuck, you can try spraying it with WD-40 and letting it sit for a while before trying again, in the hopes that the oil will loosen up whatever is stuck.

If the valve is only partially closing, or if you can't get it unstuck or to stop leaking, you'll need to call a plumber to determine whether the valve needs to be replaced. A shut off valve that doesn't close all way can't do its job in an emergency and is liable to leave you with a house full of water.

It can't be stressed enough how important it is to check your shut off valves occasionally! Finding out one isn't working in a non-emergency situation is much less stressful and gives you time to get it fixed during normal business hours. Finding out it doesn't work when you need it most is going to make a bigger problem out of something that could have been little more than an inconvenience.

Next Steps

If you've found a shut-off valve that isn't working, call Maeser ASAP to get it straightened out. Our experienced technicians can assess the valve and determine whether it needs to be replaced. And because we know life happens and you aren't always going to catch a problem during business hours, we also offer 24/7 emergency service.

Heating water for use in your home makes up about 18 percent of your energy bill, according to the US Department of Energy, so investing in a more energy efficient water heater can save you some real money. The drawback is that it can cost you a little more up front, whether that's the cost of a more energy efficient replacement for your existing system, or a total upgrade to a more advanced system. Is it worth it, in the long run? To help you make that decision, here is everything you need to know about water heaters: why they lose energy, how energy efficient systems combat energy loss, and how much money the investment will ultimately save you.

How Do Water Heaters Lose Energy?

Traditional storage tank water heaters bleed energy, especially older ones. There are a variety of ways this happens.

First of all, many older tank-style heaters aren't as well insulated, allowing them to lose heat while the water is just sitting in the tank. In addition, many have inefficient heaters that lose energy just by not converting as much of it into heat. Newer, more energy efficient tank style water heaters, such as those marked with the ENERGY STAR logo, convert a higher percentage of energy into heat and lose less heat through standby. The result is a more efficient water heater, but of course the overall design of the system still wastes energy by keeping that hot water ready for use at all times.

The last way that water heaters lose energy is via distribution. This means that as hot water travels through the pipes to get to you, it's losing heat along the way. How much heat it loses depends on how well insulated the pipes are, and how far it has to go to get to you at the shower or the kitchen sink. This is true of any hot water system, whether you have a storage water heater or a tankless water heater.

How Are Energy Efficient Water Heaters Different?

If you want a more energy efficient water heater, there are a number of different options. The first and easiest is of course to get a more energy efficient version of the traditional storage water heater. While these still use energy to keep hot water at the ready all the time, they are designed to minimize energy loss with more efficient heaters and better insulation. Some ultra high efficiency water heaters even use the properties of condensation to minimize the heat lost through exhaust gases.

For all of the higher efficiency of these storage water heaters, though, they still lose a lot of heat through standby. That's why tankless or on demand water heaters have become a favorite option of those who are truly looking to minimize their energy use. Tankless water heaters only heat the water when it's being used. This already makes them less of a energy hog, but the more efficient versions will offer better heaters, as well.

How Much Can You Save?

How much money you can save depends on what kind of system you spring for. An ENERGY STAR storage water heater is 8 percent more efficient, but you can save as much as $3,500 over the life of the heater, especially if you spring for one with a heat pump. If you really want to save money, though, consider a tankless hot water system. According to the Department of Energy, tankless hot water will save you anywhere from 8 to 34 percent on your hot water bills, depending on how much water your household uses. An ENERGY STAR tankless water heater is an additional 9 percent more efficient than a standard model. According to Bankrate, that can add up to a savings of more than $100 per year.

How to Enjoy Hot Savings

If you're ready to do your part for the environment and save a little money in the process, it's time to check into upgrading to an energy-efficient water heater. Call Maeser today and one of our experienced technicians will help you find the hot water that is best for your budget, your household, and your energy goals.

The short answer: yes. Your HVAC system can have a major impact on your family’s sleeping habits. Things like temperature, humidity, noise and air quality can all affect the way you catch your Z’s every night. Getting enough sleep is important to you and your family’s overall health and wellbeing. Make sure your HVAC is adjusted correctly to improve your quality of sleep so you can wake up every day ready to take on the world.

Inconsistent or Wrong Temperatures

Temperature plays an important role in your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Studies have shown that the optimal sleeping temperature is between 60-67 degrees. Babies and younger children prefer a slightly higher temperature between 65-70 degrees. Set your system to a temperature that fits your family’s preferences.

If your HVAC system is older or in need of a service, it might not be able to maintain a consistent temperature. Fluctuating temperatures can hinder your ability to fall asleep or even wake you up in the middle of the night. One minute you’re sweating under the covers and the next you’re shivering while you reach for another blanket. If your HVAC is having trouble maintaining a consistent temperature, it could be your thermostat.

High or Low Humidity

As anyone living in Louisville, Kentucky already knows, humidity can make things uncomfortable in a hurry. If the humidity is too high, you’ll probably toss and turn all night. If the humidity is too low, you could be left with dry, itchy skin. Maintaining the right humidity is a tricky job, especially during seasonal changes, but it’s important for quality sleep. Here are some things that might be affecting your indoor humidity:

AC unit is too large for the space
Unit limited to a single speed
Negative air pressure inside your home
Using the wrong thermostat setting
Old unit can’t handle the load

Noisy HVAC Systems

It can be pretty hard to sleep when it sounds like a monster is just outside your bedroom. A sudden loud noise in the middle of the night can wake you up and prevent you from getting a good night’s rest. Depending on the outside temperature, your HVAC system might have to kick on multiple times per night and stop you from getting the sleep you need.

Whether it’s your AC unit or your furnace, loud noises could mean that your unit is in need of repair. Call a technician to service your HVAC unit before small issues become larger, more expensive problems.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Your HVAC system recirculates the air in your home several times per cycle. If there are contaminants in your duct system like dirt, dust, pollen, dander or pet hair, it’s all being scattered throughout your home and lowering the overall air quality.

If someone in your family has allergies, these contaminants can be a major problem that could affect their ability to breathe or even make them feel sick. If you regularly wake up with congestion, eye irritation, sore throats, or headaches, it might be your HVAC system.

Follow these easy steps to help improve your indoor air quality for better sleep and overall health:

Change air filters regularly
Open windows and let fresh air in
Keep up with HVAC maintenance

Sleep Better with a Professional HVAC Service

With the impact that your HVAC system can have on your family’s sleep, it’s important to keep it properly maintained. If you’ve been experiencing anything from this list, it might be time to call a professional. At Maeser, we have years of experience working with Louisville, KY, families performing HVAC services, repairs and tune ups. Let us help your family stay comfortable and healthy. Contact us for a quote today and be on your way to better sleep in no time.

As Americans are becoming more environmentally conscious, many are questioning whether it's better to drink bottled water or tap water. The impact of using plastic bottles is part of the equation, but there are also concerns over the taste and quality of the water.

So, should you choose the bottle or the tap? Let's take a look.

Safety

If your water isn't safe to drink, nothing else matters. Luckily, there's rarely anything to worry about in the US. In fact, according to the nonprofit watchdog group Food & Water Watch, tap water is completely safe and most bottled water comes from a tap.

In the US, drinking water is regularly tested, monitored and treated to meet federal standards. Although there have been public water issues in the past, there are laws in place to deal with them. Installing a carbon water filter or a reverse-osmosis system will help remove contaminants that may be in water.

Bottled water manufacturers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which ensures that the bottling conditions are sanitary and the water remains safe. Bottled water recall incidents are extremely rare.

There's also some concern about microplastics in bottled water and whether they pose any health risks. If you're concerned about this, you may want to opt for tap water.

Taste

Multiple studies and blind taste-tests have found that most people tell bottled water brands apart or bottled water from tap water. While tap water sometimes has an "off" taste, that's usually due to problems like having a high mineral content or chlorine levels rather than a safety issue. A water filter can take care of these problems, leaving you with water that's virtually tasteless.

Some people truly do prefer the taste of bottled water. If you're going to purchase bottled water, however, check where it comes from to ensure that you're not just buying filtered tap water. Some of the FDA-approved classifications for water that comes from underground include "artisan well water," "mineral water," "spring water" and "well water.

Convenience and Cost

There's no arguing that tap water wins when it comes to both convenience and cost. Tap water is free at most establishments, and a simple turn of the tap provides you with water at home.

Tap water costs about $0.005 per gallon, while a single-serve bottle of water will set you back almost $9.50 per gallon. This is almost 2,000 times more expensive! It's also far more expensive than a gallon of gas or milk. When you think about it in these terms, it seems crazy to spend your hard-earned money on bottled water. This is especially true when there's a chance it might simply be filtered tap water.

That being said, if you're going someplace where tap water isn't readily available — such as hiking, a road trip or a boat ride — then bottled water is obviously the more convenient option.

Environmental Impact

You might not realize it, but drinking bottled and tap water both have at least some environmental impact. To keep tap water safe for drinking, the water company adds chemicals such as chlorine. If you drink water out of a glass or reusable bottle, you'll also need to use water and energy to wash it.

However, this doesn't compare to the impact of single-use plastic bottles. Not only will each bottle eventually end up in a landfill or at a recycling center, but there's also the energy that goes into making the bottles and labels, bottling the water, transporting it and refrigerating it. It's estimated that in 2016 alone, US bottled water production used a whopping 4 billion pounds of plastic. This production also required the energy equivalent of 64 million barrels of oil!

So... Which Is Better?

Considering all the facts, it's safe to say that — in most cases — tap water is a better option. While bottled water has some benefits, it's expensive, bad for the environment and often similar to tap water.

If you have any concerns about drinking water from your tap, a good water filter is the solution. For help with installation or any other plumbing concerns, contact Maeser Plumbing. Our team of professionals has been helping customers with their residential plumbing needs since 1975.

Indoor air pollution is a serious issue. In fact, it can cause problems that range from itchy eyes and sinus congestion to headaches, fatigue and respiratory issues. If you're concerned about the air in your home, you may have thought about adding some houseplants to your home decor — but can indoor plants really improve air quality?

The answer is: sort of.

While plants don't use filtration to remove contaminants from the air like an air purifier does, certain kinds of plants can improve air quality. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been studying how plants affect indoor air quality for over 20 years and has concluded that some types of plants do have an impact.

How Plants Contribute to Air Quality

Plants undergo a process called photosynthesis that converts carbon dioxide into oxygen. While a home filtration system purifies the air, it's not able to add oxygen to it. This makes indoor plants the perfect complement to a home air-filtration system.

Plants also undergo another process, called phytoremediation, that pulls airborne toxins out of the air and into the plant's leaves and roots. According to the NASA study, rooms filled with plants contain 50 to 60 percent fewer bacteria and airborne mold than rooms with no plants. There's also anecdotal evidence that having plants indoors can improve productivity and concentration, reduce stress and boost your mood.

The Best Indoor Plants for Air Quality

When it comes to improving air quality, not all plants are created equally. Here are a few of the most effective air-cleaning plants that you may want to consider adding to your home collection.

Elephant Ear Philodendron

Known for their oversized leaves, the elephant ear philodendron is one of the most popular houseplants thanks to its ability to tolerate most indoor conditions. These plants have been shown to improve air quality by removing formaldehyde.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a bit challenging to grow indoors, but once you learn how, it makes an interesting addition to your houseplant collection. Both bamboo and reed palm will remove formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene from the air.

Ficus

The ficus, also known as a "weeping fig," is another popular option among plant lovers. It has also been shown to remove formaldehyde from the air. However, this species can trigger allergies in some people, so you may want to avoid it if someone in your home is sensitive.

Rubber Tree

Novice plant owners love rubber trees because they're quite attractive and are also very difficult to kill. They contribute to air quality by removing formaldehyde from the air.

Peace Lily

The peace lily is a beautiful plant that looks great on a shelf or tabletop. It removes acetone, benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from the air. However, this plant is poisonous to cats.

Lady Palm

The lady palm is an air-cleaning superstar. It's been shown to pull multiple types of toxins out of the air, including some that have been linked to cancer!

Dracaena 'Janet Craig' (Corn Plant)

If you have a smoker in the house, you'll definitely want to invest in a few corn plants.They can help clear out both cigarette smoke and benzene.

Spider Plant

The spider plant is notoriously easy to grow and is known for its distinctive striped leaves. This plant has also been shown to eliminate carbon monoxide from the air.

Aloe Vera

This cool-looking plant will pull toxins out of the air, including formaldehyde. As a bonus, it's also handy to have around in case you get a burn!

Improve Your Air Quality Today

Not only do houseplants make a great addition to your decor, but if you get enough of the right types of plants there's a good chance you'll see some improvement in your air quality. However, if you're truly concerned, it's a great idea to take extra steps to ensure that you and your family are breathing the safest air possible.

The pros at Maeser can help you out by evaluating your home and providing services including installing air purification systems, cleaning and repairing your air ducts, changing out your air filters and more. Give us a call at (502) 206-4192 or use our convenient online form to schedule an appointment.

Have you been putting off calling a plumber, even though you know it's needed? Putting it off for too long can turn a minor hassle into a major headache, especially if you need a major repair done, such as a sewer line replacement. But how do you know the difference? Here are six clues that your sewer line might be the culprit.

Multiple or Chronically Clogged Drains

If you have just one clogged drain, most likely the problem is with just that drain. But if you have seen two or more slow or clogged drains popping up throughout the house, chances are you have a problem with the sewer line that serves the entire house. It's fairly common for roots from large neighboring trees to find their way into sewer lines, and tree roots can go farther than you think, compromising your entire sewer line.

Water Backs Up Into Other Drains

If, say, you flush your toilet and find water backing up into your shower, or if you run the washing machine only to find water backing up into the utility sink, you likely have a problem with the sewer line. A severely clogged sewer line will cause water to back up into other fixtures, simply because there is nowhere else for it go quickly enough to make room for the draining water.

Changing Toilet Bowl Levels

On a related note, if you see the levels in your toilet bowl changing, chances are you have an issue with the sewer line. For instance, the toilet bowl might be full now, but next time you look, the level has gone down. This happens because blockages in the sewer line cause the water to drain slowly.

Gurgling Noises

Sometimes you will also hear gurgling noises coming from the drain pipes, such as when you flush the toilet or drain the bathtub. These noises are also associated with problems in the sewer line, and are likely accompanied by bubbling in the water as it drains. If you see and hear this, call your plumber, as these are signs that the water is being forced back up by a slowly draining line.

Odor

If your sewer line starts not just draining slowly but backing up badly, you'll start getting sewer gasses escaping into the house. If there's a break in the line under the ground, you may also smell sewer gasses around the property, and not only inside.

Green or Soggy Patch in the Lawn

If you notice an exceptionally lush, green patch of grass on your lawn, or worse, if you notice the ground is soggy in certain areas, you may have a broken sewer line under the ground. Because of the danger of spreading bacteria and disease, it is important to call a plumber as soon as possible to locate and fix the problem.

Repair or Replacement?

Some of these symptoms, such as swampy areas in your yard or a foul odor around the property, are an easy call for full sewer line replacement, but what about problems that could just as easily be fixed by repairing or snaking the sewer line? In general, it's time to replace the line if:

You're having chronic problems. One blockage isn't a big deal, but if it's happening over and over again, most likely the line is compromised and needs to be replaced.
You have lots of big trees on the property or on neighboring properties. If you have noticed an increase in problems, look to the trees for the reason why. Most likely their roots have found so many openings that it's just going to keep happening until you replace the line.
The camera shows damage to the line. This is when modern technology can really take the guesswork out of plumbing and repair. Have your plumber send a camera down the line to see how serious the situation is.

The Sooner You Call, the Better

If you think you may have a problem with your sewer line, you could avoid some of the nastier problems listed above if you get it taken care of right away. Call Maeser today and we'll schedule your repair with one of our experienced technicians.

The garbage disposal is one of the most underappreciated kitchen appliances that there is. A good garbage disposal makes it easy to get rid of food scraps, saving you the hassle of wiping them into the trash. It will also shred those food scraps, thereby preventing them from clogging your pipes. Considering just how useful it is, you'll want to get your garbage disposal repaired as quickly as possible should anything go wrong with it.

Signs You Need Garbage Disposal Repair

The following are some of the common signs that indicate that there's an issue with your garbage disposal that you'll want to have repaired:

It won't turn on - If the garbage disposal won't even turn on, then you know that there's an issue. Try resetting the unit first. If this doesn't work, check the circuit breaker. If your garbage disposal still won't turn on, you'll need a plumber to come to inspect it for issues.
It's making strange sounds - A garbage disposal has a lot of moving parts. If you hear strange or loud noises, there's a chance there's something wrong with these parts. It could be because something that can't be shred has jammed the disposal. It could also be because one of its moving parts is damaged or has broken down.
It's producing foul odors - If you rinse your garbage disposal, any odors that were lingering should go away. If they don't, it means that old food particles have latched on to the disposal and it requires cleaning.
It constantly needs to be reset - Hitting the reset button can help bring a garbage disposal back to life if it was having trouble turning on. However, if you're constantly hitting the reset button, it means that there's an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
It's leaking water - If your garbage disposal is leaking water, then it may be cracked. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to have it replaced.
It's taking too long - If it's taking way longer than usual to break down food scraps, it may be because the blades are dull. You may have to have the blades sharpened or replaced.

How to Prevent Garbage Disposal Problems

Nobody wants to deal with a broken or malfunctioning garbage disposal. Fortunately, if you know how to use it properly, you can prevent some of the more common issues. The following are a few tips that can help you avoid the need for garbage disposal repairs:

Use ice once in a while - Putting a small amount of ice down your garbage disposal will help clean the blades and prevent foul odors.
Avoid putting too much down the drain - Your garbage disposal is going to have a tough time breaking down a lot of things at once. This is especially true for tougher items, such as vegetable peels.
Don't pour chemical cleaning agents down the drain - If you have a clog or you're just trying to keep your lines clear, don't use a store-bought drain cleaner full of chemicals. These chemicals can damage your garbage disposal over time, thereby shortening its expected lifespan.
Avoid putting certain items down the disposal - First of all, only food scraps should be going down the garbage disposal. Don't put actual trash down there. Secondly, avoid fat, grease, hard bones, and materials that are very fibrous, such as cornhusk silks. These can clog up your drain and cause unnecessary wear and tear on your garbage disposal.
Run cold water while using your disposal - This will help clear particles from the blades and help flush shredded materials down your pipes. Do not use warm water while running your garbage disposal.

Schedule Garbage Disposal Repair Today

If you're having problems with your garbage disposal, inspecting it on your own can be dangerous. You're dealing with sharp blades that could potentially injure you, after all. Instead, contact a professional plumber who can safely inspect and repair your garbage disposal.

If you are in need of garbage disposal repair, be sure to contact us at Maeser to schedule an appointment in the Louisville area today. We have over four decades of experience and have built a reputation as one of the most dependable and trustworthy plumbing services in the area.