If you have allergies that come with respiratory symptoms, each season of the year comes with its own challenges. Spring has flowering plants with plenty of pollen, and summer has grass pollen from neighborhood lawns, for example.
Winter brings dry indoor air, courtesy of heating your home with a furnace. Monitoring and improving your indoor air quality may help to reduce allergy symptoms. Here are some tips for allergy sufferers heading into the cool season.
1. Monitor Humidity Levels
Dry air can irritate your respiratory system whether you have allergies or not. If you do have allergies and a more sensitive respiratory tract, things can be even worse. This effect is exacerbated by the fact that dry air helps to dry out the dust in your home so it can become airborne more easily. Then the irritants in the dust can reach and irritate your respiratory tract.
While overall humidity levels may become very low when your furnace is turned on in the winter, that doesn't mean you have to live with low humidity. Use a hygrometer to help you monitor the humidity levels in your home, and make simple changes to increase humidity naturally (such as cooking on the stove without a lid on the pot, so steam can escape).
You can also consider using a humidifier for those times when your home's humidity drops too low. Whole-house humidifiers or smaller point-of-use humidifiers can both be purchased as standalone units, or you can have your HVAC contractor install a furnace humidifier.
Greater humidity in your home will lower the chances of allergy problems this winter.
2. Research and Change Furnace Filters
While dry air can more easily stir up irritants, a great furnace filter can counter that effect by removing these allergens from the air. You should choose the best furnace filter for allergy sufferers, but this can be a balancing act. The denser the filter is, the better it can catch tiny pollutants; but the density will simultaneously restrict furnace airflow, which can be bad for your furnace.
One solution to the problem of airflow is to use a filter that comes with an extra fan to help airflow through the filter better. Your furnace contractor can help you find a great filter without damaging your furnace. Frequently changing the filter is important for allergen removal as well, since a dirty filter blocks airflow and thus doesn't filter as much air.
3. Consider a UV Light Purifier
UV light air purifiers can provide benefits for anyone who wants cleaner air. As long as you choose a model that's proven to effectively neutralize air pollutants, you'll be able to use a UV light purifier to remove not only bacteria but also some allergens (mold, for example). This can help your indoor air become less irritating to your respiratory tract.
4. Don't Forget Ventilation
Although the outdoors can often be a source of allergens (such as pollen), airing out your house on occasion in the wintertime may actually help air quality. In the winter, outdoor air will likely have lower levels of irritants such as pollen because fewer plants are blooming. And outdoor air is often much less polluted than indoor air.
Of course, the trouble is that wintertime is so cold. But airing out the house every now and again on mild days may help flush some pollutants out of your indoor air, even if it does cause your heating to work harder.
These four tips can help you arm yourself for the battle against polluted air, allergens, and allergy symptoms throughout the winter.
For more information on how to control your air quality and how we can help, get in touch with Dick Kearsley Service Center today. Air quality and heating services are two of the things we do best, so we can help you with your furnace filters, furnace humidifier, UV air purifiers, or other air quality and heating issues.
You rely on your AC to cool your home during the summer, and that's not just the outdoor unit; it includes the distribution system as well. Moving air through the system to cool it and then distributing the cooled air around your house is a major function of your AC system. When this goes wrong, you can sometimes end up with reduced cooling or uneven cooling.
Here are four reasons why your house may not be cooling evenly.
1. Appliances Adding Heat
Some areas of your home may accrue more heat than others due to daily activities or even due to constantly-running appliances that put some heat into the air. Here are some appliances that could add extra heat:
If any of these items are nearby in the areas you feel aren't cooling well, that could be part or all of your problem. This is especially likely if the appliance is in a closed-off area or relatively small room such as the kitchen, meaning there's less air to heat up and temperature changes are felt more quickly.
In some cases, such as with a water heater, you can add insulation to reduce the amount of heat the appliance adds to your air. In other cases, you may need to adjust your AC system to compensate for the increased heat. Your AC contractor can help you diagnose the source of the heat and come up with the best solution.
2. Not Enough Attic Insulation and Ventilation
Your roof is typically the number one part of your house's exterior that adds unwanted heat. That's because it's not only relatively flat and typically exposed to full sun, but it’s often made of black asphalt as well.
Attic insulation and ventilation are designed to help carry away some of the accrued heat so that it won't simply transfer into your house. But if your attic insulation or ventilation system has gone awry somehow, you could see increased heat transfer from your roof into your living space. This often presents as warmer temperatures in your home's upper floor.
3. Clogged AC Filters
Clogged AC filters are a huge problem for your entire AC system. They can reduce airflow, cause the AC unit to work harder, and reduce overall air conditioning capacity. And because the unit has to pull harder to get air into the system, the system pressure will be lower. This means it won't have the amount of pressure it was designed for, and could end up cooling unevenly.
Of course, a clogged AC filter can also cause far-reaching damage such as an iced-over unit and early failure. So whether your old filters are causing your uneven cooling problem or not, you still need to change them before they start causing potentially serious malfunctions.
4. Blocked or Closed Vents
Blocked vents are another reason your system may have the wrong amount of pressure. But in this scenario, the blocked vents can actually prevent the cooled air from getting to where it needs to go, meaning that area of your house isn't being cooled properly. Fortunately, this issue is easy to check for.
Even if the vents are open and furniture is an adequate distance, the airflow might still be reduced if the vents have a buildup of dust. Vacuuming off any dust bunnies can help keep the air flowing freely into each room in your home.
These four problems can cause cooling problems in your home such as uneven cooling. Dick Kearsley Service Center can find the issue and repair your AC system to get it cooling all parts of your house evenly once again. Give us a call today to learn more about our services
An air conditioner can make a significant difference in your quality of life during the hot months. True, you might be able to get away without one, but you may end up suffering. The lack of an air conditioner can also affect your ability to sleep. If you're thinking about buying an air conditioner, consider the following basics.
Consider Window-Mount Versus Wall-Mount Units
Window units are a staple in apartments and small houses. A window unit doesn't require any outside contractor work, which makes it ideal for rentals. It mounts into the window opening, staying put with the weight of the window sash. While you can buy bigger units that can cool up to 900 square feet of space, typically they work best for small spaces.
If you own your home, whether it's a condo or a house, a wall-mount air conditioning unit might be a better bet. With these units, contractors cut a hole into your wall and insert a metal sleeve. They then slide the unit into the new hole. Naturally, the price of installation, plus the work itself, is a consideration. That said, a wall-mount unit is better for larger spaces.
Invest in a Central Air Conditioner
Older homes often aren't constructed to accommodate central air conditioning. Most new homes are, though. If your home is set up for central air, consider investing in such a unit.
The big down side is that central air conditioners are expensive. However, they're more efficient at cooling your home than individual units, whether window-mount or wall-mount. The presence of air vents distributes the conditioned air more evenly around your home.
Measure the Space You Want to Cool
You need to determine the size of the space you want to cool in order to choose the right size of air conditioner. This measurement is paramount if you're buying a central air unit, but it can also help you with window-mount or wall-mount units.
So, start by measuring your rooms. If purchasing a single-room unit, your measurements may end there. However, for whole-house units, you'll need to measure all the areas, including hallways. When you have the width and length of your room, multiply the numbers to get the square footage.
Determine the Energy Efficiency of Your Air Conditioner
For many homeowners, energy efficiency in their air conditioners is a major issue, especially if you want to save on energy bills and help the environment. With any newer air conditioner, energy efficiency will likely be a given, though energy efficiency does range based on various factors. Consider the following if you want to maximize the energy efficiency of your air conditioning unit.
Energy Star Rating
Most, if not all, energy-saving air conditioners have the Energy Star rating. This rating means that your AC unit meets certification guidelines from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star–certified AC units have high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and EER (emergency efficiency ratio) ratings.
Energy-Saving Features
Energy efficiency is easier than ever with the right features on many air conditioners. Some features that can help the energy efficiency of your air conditioner could include smart and programmable thermostats, energy-saver switches that turn off fans when the compressor goes off, and motors that operate at different speeds.
Air Conditioning Size
Many people think that a bigger AC unit is better. However, that is not always the case. The best AC size for your space is the one that matches your exact needs. A too-small unit won’t likely have the capacity to cool your space down, but a too-large unit often will go on and off so frequently that it raises energy bills and doesn’t last as long. The perfect size will cool you down and save on energy.
Do some research, and consider your basic options for a new air conditioner. When you're ready for some expert advice, contact Dick Kearsley Service Center.
A noisy central air conditioner isn't only an annoyance and distraction. It can also be a sign of a serious issue. Understanding the reason your central A/C system is so loud and what you can do to remedy the problem can help you enjoy your time indoors this summer. Here is how you can figure out what the problem is and how you can respond.
Schedule an HVAC Inspection
If your air conditioner is the ideal size for your home and the noise is a loud banging or grinding that has been going on for a long time, contact an HVAC technician right away. The technician will examine every component and determine what can be done to eliminate the noise. Here are a few common HVAC issues your technician might diagnose:
Your condenser features mounts and brackets that help keep it in place. If these mounts or brackets are damaged during a storm or by your lawn mower, it can cause the condenser to shake, which in turn can cause a loud rattling or banging noise.
Dampen the Noise With Fences, Bushes, or Shrubs
If there aren't any broken components and your central air conditioner is still loud, you have other options to help you control the noise without impacting the air conditioner's efficiency. Here are a few ways you can quiet your central air conditioner:
In addition to dampening the noise from your HVAC system, a fence can protect the condenser from storm damage.
Install a Smaller Central Air Conditioner
To maximize their air conditioner's efficiency, some homeowners mistakenly install a massive unit that is far too large for their home's square footage. When a condenser is too powerful for a home, the air conditioner will continuously turn on and turn off. This is because the massive central air conditioner is cooling the home too quickly. In addition to creating a lot of noise, this constant cycling will cause premature wear to the air conditioner's components.
Talk to your HVAC technician to determine the right size central air conditioner for your home. Several features on modern central air conditioners can ensure your new air conditioning unit is quiet. For example, specialized mounts are designed to prevent excessive condenser noise.
Your technician may also recommend a unit featuring specialized fans that are built to reduce noise or a condenser that comes equipped with a covered compressor.
Don't spend another summer dealing with a noisy air conditioner. Instead, find out the cause and solution for the problem. If you have any further questions, contact the professionals at Dick Kearsley Service Center.
Living in an older home can be quite charming. Older properties have a lot of history. They also have architectural features that aren't found in many modern homes. Unfortunately, older homes do come with some limitations when it comes to the comfort of modern homeowners.
Heating and cooling systems weren't part of the construction process for homes built many years ago. You may find that the cost of heating and cooling your older home is becoming a burden. You don't have to compromise your desire to live in an older property to access efficient heating and cooling services.
Consider these options to help make living in your older home more comfortable and affordable.
High-Velocity HVAC System
One great option that you can rely on to efficiently heat and cool your home is a high-velocity HVAC system. These systems are designed to work much like traditional forced-air heating and cooling systems. A furnace or air conditioner generates heated or cooled air, then this air is pushed through a series of air ducts and vents to the various rooms in a home.
The similarities between the two systems ends there. Older homes might not have enough space between floors to install ducts out of sight. You don't want bulky air ducts to detract from the beauty of your home, so the skinny tubing that is paired with a high-velocity system is a better option.
The vents used by a high-velocity system are also much smaller in size. This will help you preserve any original flooring in your older home.
Ductless Mini-Split HVAC System
If you don't like the thought of having any air vents installed in your older home, then a ductless mini-split HVAC system is right for you. These systems are extremely efficient. A single exterior heat pump can be connected to small air handling units in various rooms throughout your home.
These air handling units can be installed anywhere — up high on the ceiling or down low on the wall. Many air handling units can even be controlled with a remote device that helps to make them incredibly convenient.
Homeowners like ductless mini-split systems because they allow for greater control over the performance of a home's HVAC system. You can create a zoned heating or cooling system that will allow you to enjoy maximum comfort while reducing your energy costs over time.
Modulating Condenser Boiler
In-room radiators were the most popular form of heating during bygone eras. Many older homes are equipped with radiators that are designed to deliver heated air throughout the home. You can retain the original function of your home's radiator system by making a few simple modern upgrades.
A modulating condenser boiler can be added to the existing radiator system. These boilers are capable of operating efficiently due to their ability to harness the energy released by water vapor when it condenses back into a liquid.
Select a modulating condenser boiler that is sized appropriately to meet your home's HVAC needs. An appropriately sized modulating condenser boiler helps you maximize the energy efficiency and cost-savings these boilers can provide.
When you pair a modulating condenser boiler with upgraded and more efficient in-room radiators, you can create a comfortable living space within your older home at a fraction of the cost.
Heating and cooling can be serious concerns for homeowners residing in older homes. You don't have to compromise your personal comfort or the original structure of your home to enjoy efficient and reliable HVAC services.
Contact Dick Kearsley Service Center today for more information on the many types of HVAC systems that will pair well with your older home
No matter what condition your AC is in, you always have a small chance it can face a sudden failure. Failures can happen to any mechanical appliance, but these failures often have a reason. Here is how you can deal with a sudden fail from your air conditioner.
1. Check the Thermostat
When an AC suddenly stops working, the thermostat is usually the first thing you should check. Check the thermostat to see if it's on. You can also try changing the temperature on the thermostat to see if that kicks the AC into operation.
The location of your thermostat can also affect your AC. If the immediate area around the thermostat feels cooler than the rest of the house, the thermostat may turn off the AC to match the temperature it reads. This can occur if your thermostat sits by a window or something that creates a cool draft.
Your thermostat may also need cleaning, repair, or fresh batteries. Since the thermostat has absolute control over your AC, you should keep it in good condition. The thermostat isn't always the culprit for an AC not working, but you should always check it.
2. Check Your Breaker Box
Air conditioners can trip a breaker. When this occurs, the AC will shut down. Check your circuit box to see if a breaker tripped. If you find a tripped breaker, switch it back on, then try your AC again.
Tripped breakers can come from electrical problems in the house. An AC can trip a breaker for other reasons as well. For example, overheating or an AC trying to use too much electricity at one time will cause a tripped breaker.
You can check a few things to make sure the source of the problem is an AC issue and not a wiring problem. First, leave the breaker switch tripped. You don't want any current coming through while you investigate. Then check the air filters of your AC and the condition of your AC condenser.
If you find dirt and dust accumulation, then cleaning might help. Dirty air filters and condenser coils will cause your AC to work harder to give you conditioned air. That extra effort will cause the AC to heat up.
3. Check for Airflow Issues
Your AC requires unencumbered airflow. Usually, if you hear the AC turning on but don't get any conditioned air, you may have an airflow issue. Check to see if you have anything blocking airflow. Start with your vents and grilles. If they're blocked, then moving whatever is blocking them may solve your problem.
Your filters may also need cleaning or swapping. The air filters can contribute to the aforementioned overheating, but they can also cause a lack of airflow as well.
The type of air filters you have will depend on the type of AC you have installed. Consult your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to learn more about swapping or cleaning your filters.
4. Check Your Maintenance Schedule
If you haven't started or stuck to a maintenance schedule, then wear and tear may catch up to you. A sudden AC failure can occur for various reasons. Regular maintenance can mitigate many of those reasons.
The manufacturer of your AC unit will have guidelines for the maintenance routines you can perform yourself. These will generally consist of cleaning your AC and changing its filters. For all other maintenance procedures, you need to contact a professional HVAC service.
Many things beyond your control can go wrong with an AC unit. A professional can diagnose issues and fix problems that aren't on the surface. If your AC suddenly stops, and none of these easy solutions work, contact Dick Kearsley Service Center immediately.
If you depend on your HVAC system to keep you comfortable night and day, you may know how unpleasant and nerve-wracking it is to hear a loud clunking sound from your AC unit just when you're settling down to sleep. Here are a few common reasons why your HVAC system may be making abnormal sounds.
1. Mechanical Breakdown
Your AC unit works very hard in the summer, and its functioning can go wrong in several ways. For example, moving parts such as fan blades can come loose inside your outdoor unit and start banging around, or some large twigs or other debris could fall into the unit and get noisily beaten up by the fan.
Another potential issue is that your unit could be working too hard. This could cause the coil to freeze up, which reduces the effectiveness of the unit and causes it to run constantly. A constantly running unit may be less noticeable than other abnormal sounds, but if you notice that your unit never seems to take a break, something is probably wrong.
If you notice a loud or abnormal sound coming from your outdoor unit, immediately shut it down and call a technician. These issues can range from mild to quite serious, so get a diagnosis right away, and don’t use the unit in the meantime.
2. Rodent or Roach Invasion
Small insects such as ants typically don't tend to make a lot of sound if they invade your HVAC system. However, it's also common for mice, rats, bats, or cockroaches to show up inside your ducts. These types of pests can make enough noise to be heard, especially at night when the house is quiet. They can also cause serious electrical problems and health risks.
If you hear scuttling sounds or scratching in your walls or ducts, a pest problem could be the issue. Roaches will probably only make small scuttling sounds (possibly amplified by the ducts themselves), but rodents may make scratching, chewing, and even squeaking sounds (or, in the case of bats, chirping sounds).
If you suspect pests in your ducts, do not spray poison inside — it will simply blow back out into your living space. Instead, have an exterminator remove the pests professionally and then have your ducts cleaned by an HVAC expert.
3. Thermal Expansion
Sounds from the ducts may not necessarily mean that there are animals inside. Sometimes metal ducts make loud banging sounds just because they're expanding and contracting with a change in temperatures. If this is the case in your home, you may need a contractor to come in and insulate the ducts.
Typically this type of noise occurs in cooler temperatures when your furnace starts running. The warm air causes the cold metal to expand, making a popping sound that's amplified into a banging or booming sound. If the ducts are square or rectangular (rather than round), this is more likely to happen. In addition, nearby wood framing means the noises are likely to be louder.
Insulating the ducts can help because the insulation absorbs some of the vibrations. You may need to place foam or rubber cushioning between the ducts and nearby wood too, and your HVAC technician may even be able to add duct liners to absorb vibrations from the inside as well.
These sources are three common reasons for strange or abnormal sounds coming from your HVAC system. Whether the noises are coming from your ducts or from your AC unit itself, Dick Kearsley Service Center can help you get to the bottom of it. Get in touch today to schedule an appointment with us.
If you own a washing machine, you'll want to protect your investment and keep it operating efficiently. Follow the advice below to keep your washer in tip-top shape.
1. Level the Washing Machine
If the washing machine is not level, it may shake and vibrate when in use, possibly causing damage to the unit. You can check to note whether the washer is level by using a leveling device. Also, the washing machine may have adjustable leveling legs in the front of the unit. If necessary, adjust each of the front legs to the right height.
The rear legs of your washing machine are probably self-adjusting. You might need to set them to the proper level, however. Read the instructions that came with your washer to ensure you are doing it correctly.
2. Keep Your Washing Machine Interior Clean
A simple way to keep your washer clean and eliminate residue and lint is by using a product known as washer tablets. When the washing machine is not in use, place these self-cleaning tablets inside an empty wash cycle. Self-cleaning washing machine tablets may also help prevent mold from growing inside the washer.
3. Clean or Replace the Front Loading Washer Filter
If you own a front loading washing machine, you will need to clean out the filter periodically. A dirty filter will reduce your machine's efficiency. If the filter becomes worn or torn, you must replace it.
Before cleaning or replacing the pump filter, always unplug the unit. Drain the water inside the washer tub before cleaning or replacing the filter. Refer to your washing machine manual for further instructions.
4. Inspect External Hoses Periodically
Have a look at the hot and cold water hoses connected to your washer. If you note any holes or worn parts, the hoses need to be replaced.
For the best performance and durability, replace your rubber hoses with a set of stainless steel hoses. Unlike rubber, which expands and is prone to breakage, stainless steel hoses will be long lasting. Metal and fiberglass reinforced hoses are also good choices.
When installing washing machine hoses, make sure there is enough clearance between the back of the unit and the hose connection. Aim for approximately four inches of space. To prevent potential leakage of water, secure the hose connections tightly. You might also want to turn off the hose connections when you are not using your washer.
5. Use the Right Detergent (and Correct Amount) for Your Machine
If you have a high-efficiency washer, your machine will conserve water. Therefore it will require the use of less detergent. Using too much detergent in a high-efficiency machine will create too many suds, leaving behind residue. This residue may lead to odor and mold or cause internal issues with the machine.
Also, follow the instructions from the manufacturer regarding the correct amount of detergent per load. While you may safely use a quarter cap of detergent for a high-efficiency load, a standard operating machine may safely use no more than a half capful of detergent. These specifications may vary, so again, check with the instructions from the manufacturer.
6. Prevent Mold and Mildew Inside Your Washer
A good way to prevent mold and mildew from accumulating inside your washing machine is to remove wet laundry as soon as the wash cycle is finished. Allowing wet laundry to remain inside the washing machine may trigger mold and mildew. A commercial mildew cleaner may help if a problem does occur.
If you own a front loading washer, leave the door ajar after the wash, allowing the machine to dry quickly and thoroughly.
As a final consideration, always use caution when troubleshooting your appliances. Turn off and unplug your washing machine before replacing or cleaning parts. If you need help keeping your washer working as intended, contact Dick Kearsley Service Center. Our experienced team can solve your problem.
Congratulations on your new home! Maintaining your HVAC system will help you stay comfortable indoors all year round. If your last home was an apartment, you may not have a lot of experience maintaining an efficient and functional HVAC system. If you feel a little overwhelmed at the prospect of having and maintaining your own air conditioner and furnace, here's what you need to know.
Year-Round HVAC Maintenance
HVAC systems function best when they get periodic year-round maintenance. There are many things you can do to keep your HVAC system functioning properly.
Replace the Air Filter
HVAC systems come with an air filter to clean the air. The air filter helps improve the functionality of the HVAC system and can even improve indoor air quality. Air filters trap dirt, dander, and allergens and prevents these pollutants from circulating through the HVAC system.
Over time, air filters become dirty and need to be replaced. Your home's HVAC air filter should be replaced every 3 months, or when it starts to look dirty.
The air filter is often found in a slot near the air handler. If you can't find it, talk to an HVAC professional, or read the HVAC instruction manual, if the seller left you one.
Clean the Condenser
If your home has central air conditioning, the condenser is the part of the air conditioner that appears outside the house on a concrete slab. Condensers blow warm air from the home into the yard. When the condenser gets dirty, it must work harder to blow warm air out.
You can clean the condenser yourself. Cut power to the unit, then remove the top of the condenser. Use a shop vacuum to suck out dead leaves and debris, then spray the inside of the unit with a hose. If the coils seem grimy, use coil cleaner to clean them.
Maintain Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
Gas furnaces produce carbon monoxide. A furnace that works properly will produce an insignificant amount of carbon monoxide, while an inefficient furnace will produce a lot. To protect yourself and your family, keep a carbon monoxide detector in your home, near your furnace. Change the batteries every six months or as often as recommended by the manufacturer.
Get Annual Tune Ups
Sign up for a service plan to get your air conditioner and furnace tuned up once per year or every six months. During the tune up, your contractor will clean your furnace and air conditioner, check the functionality of each unit, and make recommendations for repair as needed.
Signs of HVAC Distress
Older HVAC systems break down from time to time. Before they break down, some will show signs of a problem. Common signs of HVAC distress include:
An HVAC unit that displays these problems needs attention from an HVAC contractor. If your unit is nearing the end of its service life, it may even need to be replaced. Furnaces last as long as 20 years, and air conditioners last up to about 15. If the HVAC system in your new house is already many years old, have it diagnosed by an HVAC contractor to find out how many more years you can expect it to last.
Improve Efficiency to Reduce Costs
Over time, HVAC systems will lose efficiency. This happens in part because natural wear and tear can slow down mechanical devices. However, there are many things that you can do to improve your HVAC efficiency. Doing these things helps you save money at times of year when temperatures outside are extreme.
Install Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping helps prevent air leaks that can force your HVAC system to work harder than necessary. Decide which of the many different types of weatherstripping will be most beneficial for your home. Inspect your home for drafts and cold spots, then install weatherstripping in the nearby doors and windows.
Program Your Thermostat
Program your thermostat to make your home slightly warmer or colder at night, when everyone is asleep. This will help you save money on your heating and cooling costs at a time when you're less aware of your personal comfort.
Work With Your HVAC Contractor
A good HVAC contractor will be able to help you decide what you can do to make your HVAC system more efficient. When your HVAC contractor comes in to give you a tune up, ask them what else can be done to keep your air conditioner and furnace functioning as it should.
Call Us Today
At Dick Kearsley Service Center, we're happy to answer your questions about how to operate and maintain your new HVAC system. Call us today to find out more.
Many people prefer natural gas appliances, including dryers, ovens, and water heaters, over their electric counterparts because of the units' efficiency and potential cost savings. Gas ovens are particularly popular because their constant temperatures cook food faster and more evenly.
If you have natural gas appliances, knowing how to install, care for, and use them will help extend their life and prevent an unnecessary leak. Here are a few dos and don'ts for homeowners who prefer natural gas appliances.
Don't Install the Appliances Yourself
Installing gas appliances requires several steps, including installing a new gas line, if you convert the unit from electric to gas. Hiring a professional to handle each of these steps will protect your family, appliance, and entire natural gas system from damage.
Here are a few reasons why you should never install your own natural gas appliances:
Contact a professional to determine the cost of installing a new line or an appliance.
Don't Allow Your Kids Around the Natural Gas Appliances
Curious children combined with natural gas appliances can cause a potentially deadly leak. Childproofing all your natural gas appliances, even the water heater tucked away in the basement, is the best protection from your rambunctious kids.
Purchase childproofing kits from your local department store, such as knob covers for your gas stove, to keep smaller kids from accidentally releasing natural gas into the air. Use the back burners whenever possible to prevent burns. Surrounding your water heater with a baby gate is another inexpensive way to keep little ones safe.
Teach your older kids the dangers of using natural gas appliances and ways to spot a natural gas leak. When your kids are old enough to cook, teach them how to properly use the gas stove.
Do Hire a Professional to Repair Your Natural Gas Appliances
Repairing your natural gas appliances might seem straightforward. Unfortunately, even the most intrepid do-it-yourself homeowner needs to leave any repair job, no matter how small, to the professionals. Here are a few reasons why:
Professionals often have access to natural gas appliance parts at much cheaper rates than are available online or at your local hardware store. When you combine these cost savings and the professional's expertise, leaving repairs to a trusted handyman makes sense.
Don't Ignore the Signs of a Natural Gas Leak
Caring for your natural gas appliances correctly means knowing when you have a problem and what to do if you suspect you have a natural gas leak. Natural gas has no odor, which is why utility companies combine it with additives that create a very noticeable smell.
Check the burners on your natural gas stove or the knobs on your gas dryer. If the knobs are slightly turned, the appliance could be slowly leaking gas. Turn the appliances off and open some windows to allow the natural gas odor to dissipate.
However, if the smell is strong or you suspect you have a leak, do not try to find the source of the leak yourself. Instead, open the windows; grab your kids, pets, and cell phone; and call your local utility company. Your utility provider will find the source of the leak and make any necessary repairs.
Do not enter your home until you get the okay from the utility company. Contact a professional appliance specialist to double check your appliances, once the leak is resolved. A specialist can inspect your natural gas appliances to ensure no issues are left or repair any problems as they arise.
Caring for your natural gas appliances correctly, including leaving any repairs to the professionals, will extend the life of the appliances and prevent an unnecessary gas leak. If you have any more questions, contact the professionals at Dick Kearsley Service Center.
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