The Benefits of Ductwork Testing in Mesa, AZ

How long has it been since you last had your air ductwork tested? If you’re like most people, that’s probably lurking at the bottom of your priority list—if you even realized you need to do it at all. Ductwork testing in Mesa, AZ is the key to getting great performance from your HVAC unit, as well as improving your indoor air quality.

Here’s how to tell when it’s time for ductwork testing, and what the process involves.

How often do I need my ductwork tested?

Generally, you should have your ductwork tested every three to five years. If you live in a particularly dusty area, have family members with respiratory illnesses or have noticed that your indoor air quality is declining, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Some other signs that it’s time to have your ductwork checked out include smelling mold—it’s a musty odor that is usually unmistakable. You might also notice your HVAC unit sending out puffs of dust, or black dirt collecting around your air vents. If it’s been a while since you’ve changed your air filters, that could be contributing to the problem, too.

Age is also a good indication of when it’s time to have your ductwork inspected. Over time, your ductwork and its components will deteriorate, even if you’ve kept up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained ductwork system usually lasts about 15 years on average.

Finally, if you notice buzzing or screeching sounds—or have seen insects and other pests enter your ductwork—schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Insects, rodents and other critters can travel inside your ducts and cause damage.

The ductwork testing process

When you schedule a routine HVAC maintenance appointment, your contractor should inspect your ductwork at the same time. They’ll go through your home’s ductwork system and look for holes, tears, evidence of pest intrusion and other problems. If the ducts are in relatively good shape, they might simply repair minor problems. However, if your ductwork has suffered extensive damage, you’ll probably need to replace it.

You can also schedule appointments specifically for ductwork testing.

Benefits of testing your ductwork

Ductwork testing in Mesa, AZ offers immediate benefits. First, you’ll save money on your utility bills. When you have leaky or malfunctioning ducts, your HVAC system has to work twice as hard to distribute hot or cold air. If the ducts are leaking, you might be paying out the nose to air condition or heat your attic.

You’ll also notice an improvement in indoor air quality, which is great for people with respiratory ailments and allergies. Clean, sealed ducts are less likely to send dirt and debris into your home through the vents. You’ll breathe easier, your home will smell better and you’ll pay less money to the utility company.

If it’s been a few years since your last ductwork testing in Mesa, AZ, call PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air today to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help with all your HVAC and plumbing needs.

5 Signs Your AC Needs Repairs

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.

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.

This could be a problem with the thermostat, or with the AC unit.

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.

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.

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!

Replace Your Tub With A Shower

Day-after-day there you are standing in the tub taking a shower, and if you are like most people you almost never take a sit-down bath. A study once found that the most dangerous place in your house is standing in the bathtub. If you are not taking baths, how about making your space work better for you. There is plenty of room for a nice walk-in shower in the space your tub is now. There is water and a drain in the space, so you will need a minimum of reworking on your plumbing. So for a safer more useful bathroom, get rid of the unused tub.

If your bathroom has not been up-dated, this would be a good time to get the whole room redone. If you are budget conscious, keep in mind that up-dating without rearranging is much less expensive. This would include replacing old fixtures with new ones, and can also mean replacing the old tile with new ones. By doing this, you can give your bathroom with a fresh new look in colors and styles to match your tastes.

A glass enclosure for your new shower will make your whole bathroom look more open and brighter. You can even have a niche built-in for shampoo and soap, or opt for a handy shelf or two. Since the space is long, you have room for a convenient bench. Also, your new shower will help you in the future if you decide to stay in your home into retirement. Or if you don’t, it could be a selling point in the when the time comes, because the population is aging. Most retirement aged people find a shower with a place to sit is the best answer for keeping clean.

At PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, we are ready to help you make your new shower a reality. Please feel free to leave a question or comment and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

One of the most common questions we hear is, “How long will my water heater last?” An electric tank type water heater will typically last 8 to 10 years, while gas water heaters have a slightly shorter lifespan. Whether gas or electric, water heaters do not last forever and can breakdown suddenly and begin to leak, resulting in flood and water damage. Eventually, they wear out and occasionally, they can break suddenly.

When you have a water heater problem, you want to address it promptly. We understand the apprehension you might feel worrying how much it will cost to restore hot water (and sanity) to your home. But there is no sense in suffering while you delay a needed repair or replacement. At least there isn’t when you can simply call PlumbSmart to get honest and quick assistance.

At PlumbSmart, we offer a range of plumbing services, including water heater repair. We want to resolve your water heater problem promptly and we want to do it cost-effectively. We don’t simply recommend ripping out any existing water heater and replacing it with a new one. (Doing so would certainly be easier in some cases and would likely be more profitable.) Instead, we specialize in troubleshooting the problems that water heaters can have. And as we diagnose the problem with your water heater, we can help you assess whether it will be more cost-effective and prudent to repair your current water heater or replace it with a new one.

So don’t take any more cold showers or wash your hands in icy water one more time. Call us at 480-654-8865 or 602-256-9181 today so we can diagnose your water heater’s problems and bring back the flow of glorious, hot water.

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