Homeownership is expensive, to say the least. In fact, one of the most expensive times for homeowners is right at the beginning, when they’re buying their home. More than the down payment, expenses like home inspections, title costs, closing costs, necessary repairs and more all come out of your bank account.
The last thing you need after signing on the dotted line of your mortgage is another expense. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what many homeowners are met with. Their whole-home evaporative cooling unit fails on a hot, sunny day. Or, they find evidence of water damage and a major leak in their plumbing in Mesa, AZ. It’s another fee and another headache to resolve these issues.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. If you take the time and pay the cost to have plumbing and HVAC inspections before buying the home, you can avoid paying out the nose after the fact.
Above and beyond home inspection
Most home inspections will cover plumbing and HVAC, but only in a general sense. The home inspector isn’t a master plumber or a seasoned HVAC tech by any means. They’ll simply make sure things work and move on to the next checklist item. The problem is, just because your plumbing and HVAC systems work doesn’t mean there’s not a problem.
To really get the lay of the land, hire an expert for a thorough inspection. No one is going to get more in-depth with your plumbing or HVAC in Mesa, AZ than someone who handles it for a living. They’re the person who’s going to catch the failing blower in your furnace or faulty backflow valve in your toilet’s plumbing.
You’re going to pay a fee and have to go through another inspection, but the cost is worth it. Consider $250 and an hour of your time for a plumbing inspection, versus thousands in costs when a pipe fails and floods your basement. That $250 is the cost of peace of mind.
End-to-end inspections
What you get from a professional plumbing or HVAC inspection is end-to-end thoroughness. A regular home inspector isn’t equipped with a drain cam to examine your sewer line or the electrical equipment to measure your AC unit’s capacitor function. As a result, they’ll give everything a quick check, but miss things at the beginning of the system. The problem is, these are the things that cost you the most!
A damaged sewer line can range anywhere from $2,500 to $15,000 to fix, depending on the extent of the damage and any excavation work.
New AC units and furnaces typically start at $5,000 and go up from there. Damaged ductwork will tack on costs.
Water line repairs can lead into the untold thousands of dollars and beyond, especially if there’s any water damage to remediate.
A regular inspector may be able to clue you in on a non-functional forced air register or a leak under the sink, but that’s the extent of their insight. To avoid big costs and all the frustration that comes along with them, make the decision to call a professional to inspect your HVAC and plumbing in Mesa, AZ.
As a general rule, you should have your HVAC systems serviced once or twice a year, depending on usage levels. This includes your furnace, air conditioner and heat pumps. Doing this helps you to keep that equipment in good operating condition for longer, extending the life of the equipment so you don’t have to buy a brand new system sooner than necessary.
If you plan to stay on top of your regular HVAC maintenance—and you should—you can benefit from having a scheduled maintenance contract with HVAC contractors in Mesa, AZ. Here are just a few examples of some of the benefits of these agreements:
Thorough documentation: Every time you have your HVAC system serviced, your contractor will be able to provide you with clear documentation that shows exactly which steps were taken to service your systems and which systems they inspected. These documents can also include information about potential repairs that could be coming down the road. This documentation helps you keep your equipment warranties valid and can be valuable if you sell your house to show the potential buyer you have done a good job of keeping up with this maintenance.
Pricing discounts: Most service agreements come with extra perks that one-off maintenance clients don’t get, including various discounts and savings opportunities. The plan could also help you get reduced prices on parts, new technology and many types of repairs.
Longer lifespan: Your heating and cooling systems work hard (around the clock at some times of the year) to make your living space as comfortable as possible. Without getting this maintenance performed, that equipment might not last as long. Annual service can extend the life of your HVAC systems by as much as 50 percent in some cases. It makes much more financial sense to keep up with your maintenance and avoid having to pay significantly more to replace your system early.
Prevent expensive repairs: Regular maintenance makes it easy for your technician to identify potential problems or issues and make the necessary corrections before they become serious (and expensive). You won’t be likely to skip maintenance appointments when you have a service contract in place.
Priority service: If you end up needing repairs or replacement of your furnace or air conditioner, your job will be a higher priority than that of a first-time customer for the business, because you are already under contract with them.
Energy efficiency: The longer you keep your HVAC systems operating at peak efficiency, the less energy they will consume, meaning you’ll be able to save money on your utility bills, increase the lifespan of the equipment and help reduce your overall carbon footprint.
These are just a few of the biggest examples of the benefits of scheduled service agreements with HVAC contractors in Mesa, AZ. Your home cooling systems will benefit greatly from regular maintenance from our professional technicians. To learn more about the services we provide, we encourage you to get in touch with PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating & Air today.
The weather is warm, the days are longer, and it is time for outdoor cooking and entertaining. There are so many features that you can choose for your outdoor decor that make your backyard enjoyable. A well dressed patio often features a gas grill, or even a whole outdoor kitchen. Gas fire pits are also nice, for an enjoyable fire to sit around in the evening. You can roast marshmallows with the kids. They always love that.
Propane
So many of these are propane versions, which have you loading empty canisters into your car and dragging them to the exchange point. Often as not, you turn on the grill only to discover you should have already done that. Not only is this a hassle, but do you really want a pressure vessel full of flammable liquid in your car on a hot day? Do you know that heat reduces the filling capacity of a propane bottle, and that if it gets too hot you could have the safety lift?
Natural Gas
This is why you might seriously consider having these outdoor features run off of the natural gas line that serves your house. You have all of these wonderful features without the safety worries of transporting and exchanging those propane canisters. Best of all, you will never go out to your grill, outdoor kitchen, or fire pit with a fun evening planned and discover you don’t have gas.
At PlumbSmart, we know gas line, and we know that any new gas appliances you wish to add requires that your system is professionally sized to determine if it can properly handle the additional demand. PlumbSmart will inspect your system at no charge. You will enjoy knowing that your outdoor gas features are professionally installed a. perfect for your entertaining pleasure and your family’s safety.
Call us anytime with questions or leave us a question or comment using our online form below, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
The weather is already starting to get hot here in Mesa, and it’s only going to get hotter as the summer draws on. Therefore, you should think about getting your air conditioner tuned up as soon as possible so you can guarantee it will be in good condition when you need it most throughout the dog days of summer.
Here are a few of the benefits associated with calling HVAC contractors in Mesa, AZ for AC service before the temperature gets scorching:
Save money on energy:
Arizona summers are, to put it mildly, a little hot. If your air conditioning system isn’t running as efficiently as it could be, you’ll end up paying quite a bit more in cooling costs this summer than you would if you had it tuned up before the season began. So the initial cost of the AC service can save you some money throughout the rest of the season and year.
Greater comfort this summer:
What’s the point of having an air conditioning unit that doesn’t keep you cool and comfortable when it gets hot? Arizona summers are challenging for any air conditioning unit, so it needs to be in optimal condition if it’s going to give you the cool air you need this summer. Our team will ensure your unit is up to the task.
Lower risk of costly repairs:
By getting air conditioner service before the hottest season of the year, there’s less of a chance the unit will break down at the worst possible time during the summer months. The last thing you want is to be without air conditioning when it’s 110 degrees outside. In the event you do end up needing some repairs performed to your air conditioning system during the summer, they will probably be much less serious and expensive than if you hadn’t had air conditioning service. This is because most of the potential problems that would be most costly would be addressed during your tune-up appointment, so you’ll be able to mitigate the risk of these part failures and prevent any potential repairs from getting too expensive.
Greater dependability for years to come:
Getting your air conditioner tuned up before the summer season doesn’t just provide you with immediate benefits—it also helps your system stay reliable long into the future. With how much you’ve invested into the air conditioner, your goal should be to try to extend its lifespan as long as you can, and regular maintenance is one of the best ways of doing that.
Better air quality in your home:
Your air conditioner doesn’t get as much of a workout during the winter as it does during the summer, which means it’s certainly possible you’ve had a buildup of dust and debris inside the unit. Your tune-up will include a cleaning of the system, which will improve the air quality in your home.
For more information about our AC service, contact the HVAC contractors in Mesa, AZ at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air today. Mention this blog post, and you can get our $99 special for your tune-up!
Today, we live in a world that relies heavily on heating and air conditioning. We have become accustomed to having our indoor climate regulated, and comfortable. So while we usually take this for granted, here is a short overview on HVAC.
Service
Getting your system serviced does not mean you need to wait until there is a problem. Actually it works best if you have your system gone over twice a year, in the spring and the fall. This maintenance keeps your system cleaned, lubed, topped up, and checked out on a regular basis. The cost of having this done is readily recouped in your energy savings over the season. It also usually keeps you from having a surprising problem mid-season.
Maintenance Contracts
Maintenance contracts are available for either 1 or 2 year terms, at reasonable prices. This provides seasonal tune-ups, cleanings and inspections, that will extend the life of your heating and cooling system. All manufacturers recommend that you have your system serviced bi-annually to keep it safe and operating at peak performance. If after this you need repairs done to your system, you are then a priority customer. This means not only will we rush to service your unit when necessary, but you also receive a 10% discount on repairs.
Repair
This is for when your system is either not maintaining temperature, or when it makes you worried. Do not ignore strange noises, odors, or any changes in how your unit is functioning. Catching a problem early can mean it is more likely an easy fix. If you put if off, you are more likely to need your unit replaced and soon.
Replacement
This is not a comfortable thought, but these units do have a lifespan. Eventually you will need a new one. When you do, you want the assurance that you are getting the best unit available at a reasonable price. If you are getting your service work done, it is less likely for this to come as a surprise. Finding problems early gives you a chance for scheduling repairs or replacement during the off-season.
About Us
At PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, we are experts at service, repair, and replacement of HVAC systems. No matter when your system fails, we will do our best to minimize the down time. We know you want your unit back up and running quickly. We will also save you more money on your next purchase and installation of a new high-efficiency AC unit. We offer the best warranty in the industry.
We also provide commercial HVAC services that include furnace & air conditioning installation and repair, electric and gas heat pumps, new HVAC systems, ductwork service and maintenance. Property management companies valley wide rely on us for plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and excellence in customer service. Our industry trained professionals are experts in both residential and commercial plumbing and HVAC service and maintenance.
Call us anytime with questions or leave us a question or comment using our online form below, and don’t forget to like us on Facebookand follow us on Twitter!
5 Signs Your AC Needs Repairs
The weather is starting to warm up, and air conditioning season is here. There are some signs you can watch for that will let you know your air conditioner is in need of repair or even replacement. The earlier in the season that you catch these problems, the less likely you will face extreme temperatures without a working unit.
Poor air flow
It feels like the fan is not moving air like it should. This can mean that your compressor is failing, or your duct work might be to blame.
Parts of your home are getting cooler and others are not
This could be a problem with the thermostat, or with the AC unit.
Odd or loud sounds
Anytime your unit is making odd or excessive noises, it is a sign of a problem, it may mean that your unit is getting ready to fail. Sometimes it is something simpler, and getting your unit serviced quickly could prevent failure.
Strange odors
Odors are a sign of a problem. Musty smells are of sign of moisture in your unit or duct work, and are a sign that moisture is getting someplace it shouldn’t. This is not only bad for your air conditioner, it is bad for the health of your family. Acrid or pungent smells are a sign of something getting hot that really shouldn’t.
Ice build-up
If you can see ice on your AC unit, this is a sign that your unit is seriously having problems.
Under any of these circumstances, it is time to call for repair and possibly replacement of your air conditioner. When it is a minor problem, getting the unit repaired can prevent your needing to replace it. When it is time to replace your AC, there is financing available, and we can help you with that. We will also help you get rebates that will cut your cost. At PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, we always offer you quality service, the best warranty in the industry, and the lowest possible prices.
Please feel free to leave a question or comment and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
