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The Top 8 New Years Resolutions For Your HVAC Unit

A new year brings new opportunity. You have twelve months to start making (and achieving) goals! While you’re making New Year’s Resolutions, consider adding “be a better owner of HVAC systems” to the list! Here are the top 8 New Year’s Resolutions you should have for your HVAC unit.

1. Change Your Filters Regularly

Changing your filters regularly is one of the easiest yet most effective things you can do for your HVAC unit. While it’s a small task to accomplish, it has a big impact. Air filters prevent dust, dirt, and other particles from entering the heating and cooling system while also keeping it clean and preventing breakdowns. However, if dirt and debris gets clogged in your filter, it can obstruct air flow. Not only does this increase the workload of your HVAC unit, but it can also hurt your indoor air quality.

2. Schedule Preventative Maintenance Once a Year

Maintaining and servicing your heating and cooling system on an annual basis has several benefits, including:

• Improving your indoor air quality
• Enhancing the performance of your unit
• Increasing the lifespan of your unit
• Lowering your energy bills

3. Upgrade Your Thermostat

Are you still using an old thermostat? Consider upgrading this year! Using an outdated thermostat can be contributing to your high energy bills. Here are some reasons why switching to a smart thermostat is the smart choice.

• You can adjust your home’s temperature remotely
• Improves your indoor air quality
• Saves you money on power bills
• Enhances your comfort at home
• Saves you time and boosts convenience
• Increases home energy-efficiency and HVAC lifespan

4. Have Your Ducts Cleaned

Depending on the activity in your home, you should think about having your ducts cleaned every 3-5 years. Your home is full of circulating particles, such as dust, pollen and pet dander. When your HVAC system draws air, it pulls in these particles, which can build up inside your ducts. Not only can this contribute to poor indoor air quality, but it can also reduce air flow and make your system work harder than it needs to. To improve the efficiency of your unit and air quality inside your home, consider having your air ducts cleaned this year!

5. Upgrade Your HVAC Unit

If your current HVAC unit is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more modern and energy-efficient unit. The older a system is, the more maintenance it requires and the high the risk of requiring frequent HVAC repairs. Consider upgrading to start saving money this year!

6. Add Zoning

By adding zoning to your system, you don’t ever have to heat and/or cool unoccupied areas of your home. Instead, you have the ability to set a different temperature for each zone and each room. There are three main reasons why adding zoning is a good New Year’s Resolution to have, including:

• Energy Savings
• Better Comfort
• Increases Home Value

7. Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

While changing the air filters and scheduling duct cleaning are two ways to improve your indoor air quality, there are many other things you can do, as well. Improve your indoor air quality this year by:

• Use cooking vents whenever you’re cooking
• Keep your rugs and carpets clean
• Control the humidity in your home
• Buy indoor plants to freshen the air
• Invest in an air purifier
• Use bathroom fans when showering/bathing

8. Adjust Your Thermostat With the Seasons

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68 degrees while you’re awake and setting it even lower when you’re either asleep or away from home. In the summer, you can follow the same strategy by keeping your house warmer than normal while you’re away.

Contact Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric Today For All Your HVAC Needs in Tampa Bay, FL and Surrounding Areas!

Acree is here for all your heating and cooling needs this year. Our team of professionals are always here and ready to assist you. Contact us today at (813) 703-1273 or fill out our online form here so a team member can be in touch with you soon.

 

6 Reasons Why A Furnace Upgrade Should Be On Your Wish List

By now, you have likely already added to your wish list, and maybe even finished your holiday shopping for the year! However, if you haven’t added a furnace upgrade to the list, you may want to consider checking it twice. Here are 6 reasons why a furnace upgrade should be on your wish list.

1. Saves Money

If you have an old furnace heating your home, then chances are you are spending more money on energy bills than you need to. As your unit ages, it naturally will begin to decrease its efficiency, which means it will require more energy to heat your house. As a result, your energy bills will also increase.

2. Prevents Constant Breakdowns

Not only can furnace breakdowns be inconvenient, but they can also be costly. Upgrading your furnace to a newer, more efficient model will help you prevent constant breakdowns. Are you tired of your furnace turning itself off in the middle of a winter cold spell? Then, consider an upgrade this season!

3. Improves Energy Efficiency

Modern heating systems have proven to be a lot more energy-efficient than your older models. If your home is still using that old furnace from way back when, then you may be just wasting money and energy. When your home is more energy efficient, you’re also helping the world achieve a healthier – and greener – planet. It’s a win-win!

4. Improves Indoor Air Quality

Many homeowners don’t realize just how much heating systems play a role in your indoor air quality. We’re here to tell you that it plays a MAJOR role. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the main purposes of an HVAC system are to help maintain good indoor air quality through adequate ventilation. If your HVAC system isn’t adequately ventilating your indoor space or filtering out the pollutants in your air, then it could cause health problems for you and your family. However, upgrading to a new furnace is one way to really improve the indoor air quality in your home.

5. Comfort Upgrade

When you invest in a new furnace, you’re not just upgrading the equipment – you are also upgrading your comfort. Modern furnaces have a wide variety of some incredible features that are all designed to make you more comfortable.

6. Catch Problems Early

There is nothing like your furnace failing in the middle of winter. However, when you upgrade your furnace, your contractor will be able to tell you of any problems that you may not have noticed before. This can help prevent a major issue that not only can compromise your comfort, but also cost you a lot in the end.

Contact Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric Today For All Your Furnace Needs in Tampa Bay, FL and Surrounding Areas!

Acree is here for all your heating needs. Our team of professionals are always here and ready to assist you. Contact us today at (813) 703-1273 or fill out our online form here so a team member can be in touch with you soon.

 

Top 5 Tips To Get Your Plumbing System Ready For Winter

Is your plumbing system ready for winter? Your plumbing system may undergo more stress than usual during the winter holiday season – especially if you are planning on hosting guests. Therefore, there are 5 tips to get your plumbing system ready for the season ahead.

1. Prevent Drain Clogs

Chances are you’ll be spending more time in the kitchen this season if you’re hosting out-of-town guests. Prepare those elaborate and delicious meals but take precautions to avoid drain clogs. Make sure you’re disposing of food scraps in the trash can and not putting the following foods down your garbage disposal:

• Coffee Grounds
• Egg Shells
• Potato Peels
• Bones
• Grease, Fat, and Oil
• Fibrous Foods
• Pits and Seeds

2. Create a Schedule for Guests

You may think your plumbing system can handle all your out-of-town guests – but this is not the case. Create a schedule for bathroom trips and showers. As a general rule of thumb, you want to wait at least 10-15 minutes before showers to give your drains a chance to clear and give a chance for the water to warm up again. No one likes a cold shower – especially in the winter.

3. Fix Leaks Now

Did you know that the average household’s leaks can account for almost 10,000 gallons of water wasted each year, according to the EPA? Not only is this wasteful, but it can also contribute to your increasing water bills. If you’ve noticed a constant drip from a faucet, or another leak, it’s time to take care of it! Even the smallest leak can cause extensive – and expensive – damage.

4. Flush Your Water Heater

Generally, it’s recommended that homeowners flush their water heater every six months or so – unless you’re prone to more hard water than most. Hard water and sediment buildup can cause rust, which in turn makes its way into the water you use in your everyday life. If you’re unsure how to flush your water heater, the pros at Acree Plumbing, Air, and Electric are always here to help.

5. Schedule Plumbing Maintenance

To catch problems early before they become major issues, schedule a plumbing maintenance with your local plumbers at Acree. It’s never recommended to attempt DIY projects on your plumbing. Instead, make sure to have your maintenance done by a licensed professional who can diagnose issues and fix them before they turn into a major plumbing disaster. That is the last thing you need this winter – especially during your holiday!

Schedule A Plumbing Maintenance With The Pros at Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric in Tampa, FL Today!

Acree is here for all your plumbing needs. Whether you need professional drain cleaning, leak detection, water heater installation, or plumbing maintenance, our team of professionals are always here to help. tact us today at (813) 703-1273 or fill out our online form here so a team member can be in touch with you soon.

Scary Sounds Coming From Your HVAC Unit You Should Never Ignore

Spooky season is upon us, and you may be extra alert to strange sounds in your home this month. Most likely, the sounds you hear coming from your basement or garage is just your HVAC unit trying to tell you something. Here are the top scary sounds coming from your HVAC unit you should never ignore

1. Rattling

A rattling noise could mean nothing serious, or it could mean something very serious. That is why you should never ignore a rattling sound. This noise may indicate one of the following problems:

• A Loose Panel or Screw: Usually, this is an easy fix. While a loose panel or a loose screw is something you want to have fixed soon, it’s usually not something that puts you and your family at immediate risk.
• A Leak or Crack in Your Heat Exchanger: Now this is when it becomes a more serious issue. If not addressed quickly, this is very dangerous. Faulty heat exchanges can end up leaking carbon monoxide into your home, which can be fatal. According to the EPA, you can reduce expose to carbon monoxide by having a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your HVAC system on an annual basis.

Whether the cause for rattling is from a loose part or a leak or crack, it is better to be safe than sorry. Contact your local HVAC professional as soon as possible.

2. Booming

Homeowners report that this booming noise coming from an HVAC unit sounds a lot like a gunshot. Usually, this is an indication that there’s gas buildup in the system. If ignored, this could eventually lead to your heat exchanger cracking, which we have already determined is very dangerous. Not only can it lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, but it can also completely burn out the furnace if not addressed. The sooner you address the problem, the better off you will be in your overall comfort.

3. Whining or Squealing

Animal? Or HVAC unit? A whining or squealing noise, whether it be from an animal or your furnace, can still be kind of scary. Usually, this is due to your blower belt. Over time, your blower belt can experience wear and tear, which causes it to loosen or misalign. Sometimes, this just means your blower belt needs lubrication. Other times, it could mean there’s a bigger, more serious issue going on. That’s why it’s recommended you address this at your next maintenance.

Schedule Your HVAC Maintenance with Acree in Tampa, FL Today!

We recommend you schedule an annual maintenance at least once a year. Have you scheduled your annual HVAC maintenance yet this year? If not, now is the perfect time! Whether you need a diagnostic, repair, replacement, or maintenance, Acree is here for all of your HVAC needs. Contact us today at (813) 703-1273 or fill out our online form here so a team member can be in touch with you soon.

 

Top 5 Most Common Garbage Disposal Problems For Homeowners

Garbage disposals come in handy when you’re in the kitchen. It’s important to remember, however, that a garbage disposal isn’t a trash can despite the name. Certain foods should be avoided at all costs to prevent damage to your appliance. When your garage disposal starts to have problems, or fails completely, it can be inconvenient and stressful. Here are top 5 most common garbage disposal problems homeowners face.

1. Leaks

Not only can leaks be annoying, but they can also lead to water damage. If you experience water damage from a leaky garbage disposal, you may start to notice warped cabinets, mold growth, pest infestations and foul odors. It’s important that you address leaks quickly, no matter how big or small, to avoid expensive water damage. According to the EPA, household leaks can result in a waste of 180 gallons of water per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually.

2. Clogs

At one point or another, you’ve probably experienced a clogged garbage disposal. If the wrong type of food or a large amount of food waste is put down your drain, it could lead to a clog. While tempting, don’t run to the store for chemical store-bought drain cleaner, as they can further damage your sink and fill it with toxic chemicals. Contact your local plumber to schedule professional drain cleaning.

3. Jams

Have you ever turned on your garbage disposal to find that it makes a loud humming sound but won’t grind? That’s because you have a jam. Much like clogs, jams are usually brought on by too much food waste or the wrong type of food being sent down the garbage disposal.

4. Foul Odors

No one likes a smelly garbage disposal, especially if you’re having a house full of guests. Usually, these odors are a result of food particles that have been trapped somewhere in the drain pipe. This is one of the main reasons why it’s so important to flush enough water through the disposal while grinding food debris.

5. Total Breakdown

Has your garbage disposal just suddenly stopped working? This could mean that it’s reached the end of its lifespan (10-15 years), or it could be an indication of a larger issue. Like any appliance in your home, a garbage disposal needs to be treated with care and maintained properly to keep it from having problems. If your garbage disposal has failed, contact your local plumber to see about getting a replacement.

Got Problems With Your Garbage Disposal? Contact Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric For All Your Tampa, FL Plumbing Needs!

Acree is here for all your garbage disposal and other plumbing needs. Make sure your garbage disposal is in working condition before the holidays arrive. By scheduling an appointment with Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric today, you can save both time and money. Contact us today at (813) 703-1273 or online here. Our expert and professional technicians are standing by, ready to help with all your HVAC, plumbing and indoor air quality needs.

 

Top 5 Home Plumbing Maintenance Tips For Fall

You don’t want to fall behind on your home plumbing maintenance this year. Crisp October days means winter is right around the corner. Make sure to give your plumbing a little TLC to make it through those cold days. Here are the top 5 tips to keep your plumbing in tip top shape all fall and winter long.

1. Insulate Pipes

Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. The best way to ensure you don’t have to deal with frozen pipes is to insulate them before the cold winter months roll around. This is especially important if your pipes are located in non-heated areas, such as your garage.

2. Check Your Outdoor Faucets

Are your outdoor faucets leaking? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second could waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. Once you remove the outdoor water hoses, make sure to check for any signs of leakage. When temperatures get at or below freezing, leaky faucets can lead to serious plumbing maintenance issues and even costly water damage. Not only that, but ignoring leaks can also lead to high utility costs.

3. Clear Away Debris

Whether around your outdoor unit, your sewer lines, or your gutters, it’s important to remove any leaves, twigs or dirt that may have accumulated around these areas. When it comes to your sewer lines and gutters, cleaning will help ensure they’re draining properly and prevent any issues this fall and winter.

4. Inspect Your Water Heater

Your water heater will begin working twice as hard to provide you with the same amount of hot water the colder temperatures get. To keep your tank running as efficiently as possible, make sure to have it flushed so you can remove any buildup and blockages.

5. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Do some areas of your home have a slight draft? When you’re trying to keep warm, the last thing you want to deal with is cold air seeping through. If you find there are areas that feel drafty, seal off the areas where your pipes are present. By insulating the gaps where there’s cold air coming through will help prevent frozen pipes this winter.

Is Your Home Plumbing Ready For Fall and Winter? Contact The Pros at Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric To Schedule A Plumbing Maintenance!

Whether you need help detecting a leak, repairing a plumbing fixture, cleaning your drains, or something else, Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric is here to help with all your plumbing needs! Make sure your plumbing is ready to take on these cold, crisp months that are ahead. By scheduling plumbing inspections or maintenance, you can save yourself time and money. Call Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric at (813) 703-1273 or contact us online here today to schedule your plumbing maintenance!

[Infographic] Benefits of Air Conditioner Maintenance

The top 5 benefits of air conditioner maintenance that homeowners like you should know about. 

• Energy Savings

Start off by changing your air filter to reduce your energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Then, consider having a professional seal your home to reduce your energy costs by 10% to 20%. 

• Increased Comfort

By scheduling maintenance once or twice a year, you and your family will be guaranteed comfort all season long. Don’t ignore problems that may arise with your AC.

• Less Expensive Repairs

Avoiding maintenance can lead to sudden breakdowns and malfunctions that could have been easily prevented if you had scheduled a tune-up with your local HVAC company.

• Better Air Quality

By taking steps to ensure your AC is clean, well-maintained and functioning properly, you will ensure better indoor air quality – preventing health issues in the future. 

• Prolongs The Life Of Your System

By doing even the smallest things, such as changing your filter and cleaning your outdoor unit, you will be prolonging the life of your system and its various components. 

Time To Schedule An AC Maintenance? Call Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric Today. You can also visit us online here.

For more information on the benefits of AC, ,visit our blog here!

The Top 5 Benefits Of Aeroseal Duct Sealing For Your Home

Aeroseal is a duct sealing technology that improves the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. It’s a patented breakthrough technology that effectively and safely tackles leaks from the inside out. Sealing your ducts helps you save money and energy while also improving your comfort and health. Because it’s non-toxic and water-based, it is entirely safe to use in the home. Here are the top 5 benefits of aeroseal duct sealing for your home.

1. Lower Energy Costs

Did you know that leaky ducts can cause higher-than-usual energy bills? However, when you invest in aeroseal, you can reduce your energy bill by up to $1,000 per year. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical home may lose up to 20-30% of its conditioned air due to leaky ducts. Not only does this result in your HVAC unit having to work harder and longer, but it also consumes more energy and increases your energy costs.

2. Increased Comfort

Every homeowner deserves to be comfortable in their home. Unfortunately, air leaks can make this almost impossible. If you’re noticing that some rooms aren’t cooling or heating properly, then it’s possible you have a hidden leak in your air vent and duct system. With aeroseal, however, there will be no more hard-to-heat or hard-to-cool spaces in your home so you can stay comfortable in every season.

3. Consistent Temperature

Aeroseal allows your HVAC system to properly heat and/or cool your home by providing consistent temperatures in every room of your home. Not only does it help you eliminate uneven temperatures throughout your home, but it can also allow you to achieve better airflow and have better control over your humidity levels.

4. Improved Indoor Air Quality

Leaky ducts can lead to poor indoor air quality, which can also lead to poor health for you and your family. According to the EPA, indoor air pollution can be 2-5 times worse than outdoor air pollution. In fact, The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimates that 50% of all illnesses are caused by poor indoor air quality. With aeroseal, you can achieve a cleaner environment, healthy airflow throughout he home, greater humidity control, and less dust.

5. Improved Home Safety

Not only does aeroseal technology improve home comfort, but it also improves home safety. Gas appliances in your home, such as water heaters and furnaces, release carbon monoxide through the ventilation system. Leaky ductwork in your HVAC system has the potential of drawing these combustion gases back into the home, rather than releasing it outside. Breathing in these gases can be harmful to your health. However, when you invest in aeroseal duct sealing, you can greatly reduce these risks.

Interested In Learning More About Aeroseal Duct Sealing? Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric Is Here To Help!

Aeroseal technology has proven safe and effective. At Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric, we believe in this duct sealing process. Using an EPA-approved polymer sealing formula, you can rest assured your ducts will be as airtight as possibly be the time it’s finished. Not to mention, you can achieve better airflow and lower energy bills in just three hours. If you’re interested in aeroseal duct sealing for your home, contact Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric today.

Common Causes Of Poor Indoor Air Quality – And How To Fix It

It’s a common misconception that outdoor air is more polluted than indoor air. According to The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality can be 2 to 5 times worse than outdoor air quality. Here are the common causes of poor indoor air quality and how to fix it.

1. Household Cleaning Supplies

Many people use store-bought chemical sprays to clean their indoor space. While they may free you of germs, they’re not freeing you of indoor air pollution. In fact, they’re a direct cause of it. The chemicals in many of these household cleaning sprays ends up circulating in the air you breathe.

Solution: Avoid using chemical sprays and wipes and air fresheners and fragrances.

2. Carpeting

Carpet – both new and old – can be bad for indoor air pollution. When you have new carpet installed, sometimes it can release chemicals from the vinyl backing. Sometimes, these chemicals can cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and asthma. Old carpeting can also trigger bad indoor air quality because it can trap pollutants – such as dust mites, pet dander, particle pollution, lead, dirt and dust, etc.

Solution: In order to avoid poor indoor quality, make sure to clean your carpets regularly. If you’ve just had new carpet installed, use heavy ventilation methods for at least 3-4 days after the carpet installation has been completed.

3. Paint

There’s a reason why you may feel a headache come on after you’ve just finished painting. This is because there’s a lot of VOC’s, also known as volatile organic compound, found in many household paints. When your paint has finished drying, most of the VOC’s will disappear, but some may overstay their welcome and linger a while. The VOC’s found in paint are a direct cause of poor indoor air quality.

Solution: Use paint with low VOC content.

4. Mold Growth

Mold thrives in damp, moist climates. If you have excessive moisture in the air, then you’re giving mold a better chance of growing. Mold can cause poor indoor air quality and is not something you want to continuously be exposed to.

Solution: Use a dehumidifier and control the humidity levels in your home. Humidity levels should always be around 30-50%.

5. Poor Ventilation

Poor ventilation equals poor indoor air quality. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by failing to circulate outdoor and indoor air properly.

Solution: Use exhaust fans when cooking, use bathroom fans when bathing, change your air filters regularly, open your windows, clean your carpets frequently, and use an air purifier or dehumidifier.

6. Cigarette Smoke

Some people smoke in their homes. But did you know that a single cigarette contains about a hundred toxic substances? This makes smoke from cigarettes one of the most common causes of poor indoor air quality.

Solution: Don’t smoke indoors would be the number one solution to this problem. But if that’s not an option, then using an air purifier is another way to help your indoor air quality.

Got Poor Indoor Air Quality? Contact The Pros At Acree Today!

Acree is here for all your indoor air quality needs. Whether you need UV air cleaners, air filters, dehumidifiers, or ductwork, the pros are here to help! Contact us today to make your home healthy, comfortable, and efficient again. Call us at (813) 703-1273 or online here.