“PAC HVAC Insights: Maintenance Tips and News Updates

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Get a Whole Home Dehumidifier This Summer

Humidity Can Make the Heat Feel Much Worse

Humidity is the amount of water vapor that is in the air. The higher the humidity, the more water is present in the air. And because hotter air is less dense, it can hold more water. So higher temperatures are more capable of higher humidity. This is why the summer heat can feel so intense. High humidity also makes it feel hotter. A dehumidifier is an excellent investment to keep a home much more comfortable and increase its air quality during the summer.

How Do Dehumidifiers Work?

The original air conditioner created was intended primarily for dehumidifying. It pulled the moisture out of the air and helped keep the paper in the publishing house from curling and tearing from the humidity. A whole-home dehumidifier is a device used to reduce the humidity in an indoor area.

It works by drawing air into the unit, which is cooled and passed through a filter to extract moisture from it. This moisture then condenses on cold evaporator coils and drips into a collection pan or is discharged directly outside. As humid air passes over the cold coils, it cools and releases moisture into the collection pan, while dry air continues to be released throughout the home or space. The dehumidifier continues this cycle until the optimal humidity levels are reached.

What Indicates the Need for a Whole House Dehumidifier?

Even if a home has a properly working air conditioning system and the temperature stays relatively comfortable, that does not mean that a dehumidifier would be a waste. It can actually assist the cooling system and make its work easier. Several things can happen in a home that signals that a dehumidifier, especially a whole-house dehumidifier, is necessary, including:

Musty smells in the house that cannot be removed indicate too much moisture.
Mold and mildew growth run rampant in high humidity.
Condensation on the windows and walls of a home shows a need to remove moisture.
Allergies and asthma more regularly triggered in the home may indicate a humidity problem.

What Are the Advantages of Having a Dehumidifier?

Some benefits of having a whole home dehumidifier installed are listed below.

Indoor Air Quality: High humidity can actually keep other pollutants like allergens and VOCs in the air. The humidity can also make breathing more difficult for people with chronic lung issues like asthma.

Home Comfort: The home will feel cooler and more comfortable with less moisture in the air.

Preservation of Property: High humidity and moisture can invite mold and mildew, damage a home’s structure, and damage furniture and floors. A dehumidifier helps prevent that.

Easy on the AC: A whole-house dehumidifier makes the air conditioner’s job easier by removing moisture, which can improve the efficiency of the AC and reduce energy costs.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning is an award-winning company serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas. They provide options to fit a budget, fast turnarounds, and maintenance plans. Call them today for dehumidifier installation services in Staten Island, NY.

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The Benefits of Water Filtration Systems

Why Should Homeowners Opt for a Whole House Water Filter?

When the temperatures rise, so does the need for clean and refreshing water. For many homeowners, that means stocking up on plastic water bottles to stay hydrated. However, that can have a significant impact on the environment and budget. One solution is opting for a whole-house water filter. These devices work to remove impurities so families can enjoy clean water directly from the tap. But what do homeowners need to consider before installing one? In this post, plumbing experts explain the benefits of installing water filtration systems.

Clean Water Is Better Tasting Water

Clean water is more than just about protecting families from contaminants in water. Installing a water filtration system in the home can improve the water's taste and smell. Water is an essential ingredient for just about everything – from cooking pasta to brewing a fresh cup of coffee in the morning.

As such, one of the most noticeable benefits of a water filter is the better taste of many of these foods and drinks. Things like coffee, iced tea, lemonade, and even food the water is used to make will taste better with filtered water. Additionally, it can reduce wear and tear on appliances like the coffee maker, a win-win for all water consumption.

Removes Contaminants for Safer Water

When it comes to drinking water, the biggest concern will always be impurities. While most homes receive a steady supply of treated water, impurities can still enter the system through the plumbing. Some of the impurities that may be affecting water in residential homes include:

Metals, including lead and arsenic.
Chlorine or fluoride, which is often used to eliminate bacteria.
Industrial waste like fertilizers or oil.
Waste, like animal droppings or road debris.

While all whole-house water filtration systems differ, many can filter out these impurities before reaching the tap. For example, a reverse osmosis water filter uses filters and pressure to push water through a filtration system that removes even the most minor debris from the water supply for safer and cleaner water.

Water Filtration Saves Money

Finally, water filtration systems can help people save money. Although they require an initial investment for their purchase and installation, they help homeowners save in two major ways in the long run. For starters, homeowners can say goodbye to buying bottled water by having convenient access to clean water. Not only will this cut down on costs, but also it's great for the environment because plastic water bottles contribute to a significant amount of plastic waste.

Second, some water filters can remove minerals that cause hard water and are often harmful to plumbing. This reduces the wear and tear on the plumbing and appliances like the water heater, slowing down corrosion and leading to fewer issues and repairs, saving homeowners money.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is a veteran-owned business serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas since 1978. They provide budget-friendly options, fast turnarounds, and quality workmanship. Call them today for water filtration system installation in Staten Island, NY.

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Add AC Coil Cleaning to the Spring Cleaning Checklist

Improve the Air Conditioner’s Performance With Coil Cleaning

Summer is coming, but spring cleaning must be done before everyone checks out for summer celebrations. By doing some simple tasks when the weather improves during the spring, people can check them off their list and get back to doing the things they enjoy.

During spring cleaning, one of the tasks that can often get overlooked is AC maintenance, particularly coil cleaning. Here is a quick guide so that everyone can understand what coil cleaning is and why it is vital to the efficient operation of an air conditioner.

Evaporator Coil Cleaning

Evaporator coils are an integral part of a cooling system. They are responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside a home and transferring it to the refrigerant flowing through them to cool down the surrounding air. Evaporator coils are typically made of aluminum, copper, or stainless steel and can be found inside the indoor unit of a split-system air conditioner.

Proper maintenance of evaporator coils is essential for the energy-efficient operation of the cooling system and to ensure that it runs smoothly for years to come. Regular cleaning and inspection of evaporator coils will help keep an air conditioner running at peak efficiency, minimize energy costs, prevent potential breakdowns, and extend its lifespan.

Condenser Coil Cleaning

Condenser coils are another vital part of the cooling system in a home located in the outdoor air conditioning unit. The condenser coils transfer heat from the house to the outside environment by dissipating heat from the refrigerant as it flows through the coils. They are typically made up of copper tubes with aluminum fins.

Proper maintenance of condenser coils is essential for efficient cooling in a home, so it’s important to check on them regularly and clean them if needed. Cleaning the coils regularly can help ensure that they are working at their best and that homeowners get the most out of their cooling system in energy efficiency.

Coil Cleaning and Maintenance Benefits

The benefits of coil cleaning and maintenance are:

Prevents refrigerant leaks
Optimizes energy efficiency
Lowers energy bills
Keeps humidity in check
Improves performance
Enhances longevity

The easiest way to access these benefits is to schedule AC coil cleaning and maintenance from a qualified professional. During a routine AC maintenance visit, a technician inspects AC equipment and looks for potential problems. They will also take time to lubricate moving parts and clean the AC coils. Coil cleaning restores lost performance by enhancing airflow through the coil, and it removes caustic compounds that can eat away at the metal in the coils and cause refrigerant leaks.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning is an award-winning plumbing and HVAC company serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas since 1978. They provide fast turnarounds, financing, and a beneficial maintenance plan. Call them today for AC maintenance and evaporator coil cleaning services in Staten Island, NY.

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What Tools Do Plumbers Use to Get the Job Done?

What’s in a Plumber’s Toolbox and Fully Stocked Truck?

Just like surgeons rely on specialized tools, plumbers also rely on various distinctive devices and tools in their line of work. These items allow plumbers to zero in on an issue and finish the job effectively. This blog post will discuss common tools plumbers often use when on the job and what they are used for.

Hand Tools

A professional wouldn’t dare show up to a job without smaller plumbing tools like these in hand:

Wrenches: There are different types of wrenches for different kinds of jobs. For instance, a plumbing contractor may use a monkey wrench if they need to adjust the jaws’ size constantly. Yet, for smaller jobs, they may rely on a wrench set where each one comes with a fixed jaw span.
Pipe cutters: Cutting through a metal pipe with a handsaw could take hours. That’s why plumbers use pipe cutters. These tools can cut lines clean in half, allowing for easy removal and installation.
Plunger: Sometimes, a plumbing issue, like a clogged toilet, just needs a good plunger. Plumbers likely keep “ol’ reliable” in their work van.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Plumbers regularly encounter contaminated water, sewage, and other safety hazards like having to work with scalding hot water.

To avoid endangering their safety and health, they may wear safety equipment, including:

Heat-insulated gloves: A plumber may wear heat-insulated gloves to avoid suffering burns, like when working with a water heater.
Steel-toed boots: Plumbers wear sturdy boots because they don’t want to risk injury if something falls on their feet or they step on something sharp.
Protective goggles and masks: A plumbing contractor may wear goggles to prevent hot liquid or a dangerous substance from getting into their eyes. They may wear masks to avoid inhaling harmful fumes or particles.

Specialized Plumbing Tools

Hand tools and PPE are just some things a professional plumber may rely on. However, complicated plumbing work often requires specialized equipment. These distinctive tools may include:

Plumber’s snakes: Also called drain snakes, these tools remove hard-to-reach clogs from the pipes. They’re flexible cables with a coil on the end to grab onto obstructions and come in both mechanical and manual models. Some also come with cameras, allowing plumbers to get closer looks at the obstruction.
Hydro jets: Hydro jets work a lot like pressure washers. Yet, instead of washing away grime, they blast away clogs in the piping. Hydro jetting is a proven method that not only can unclog lines but can also prevent clogs.
Sewer inspection cameras: Some problems are so deep in a plumbing system a plumber cannot see them up close. This is where drain cameras come in. These devices are put into plumbing lines, allowing plumbers to see and locate issues.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is a disabled veteran-owned business serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas. They provide fast turnarounds, maintenance plans, and award-winning service. Call them today for plumbing services in Staten Island, NY.

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A High Water Bill is a Sign to Call a Plumber

How Were Staten Island Plumbers Able to Lower a Water Bill of $3,000 to $40 the Next Month?

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning is proud to have provided a customer with the quality service that saved them from another outrageous water bill. The story goes like this: Our client had a running toilet, thus accumulating an outrageous $3,000 water bill. PAC was called in to resolve the issue and did so quickly and efficiently. The customer’s next water bill was only $40 - a result of quality work!

What is a Running Toilet, and What Are the Consequences?

A running toilet is a common plumbing issue caused by a faulty flapper valve or other components in the tank. It allows water to leak continuously from the tank into the bowl without ever refilling it. Not only is this annoying and wasteful, but it can lead to higher water bills and potential damage to a home if not addressed quickly.

Furthermore, a running toilet can also indicate a more serious plumbing issue, such as leaks. It is vital to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage and the associated costs. Fortunately, most running toilets can be fixed relatively easily by adjusting the flapper valve or replacing worn components. A professional plumber can diagnose and repair any underlying issues.

Leaks Can Also Spike the Water Bill!

Leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems that can cause high water bills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a leaking faucet that leaks at just one drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually, so even small leaks add up fast.

The best way to avoid an unexpectedly high water bill due to leaks is by regularly inspecting the plumbing for signs of leaks and having them repaired by a plumber as soon as possible. Routine plumbing maintenance and inspections by professionals are also crucial to ensure the plumbing is in good shape and to catch any issues like a running toilet or leaks before they wreak havoc on the water bills.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning have served Staten Island, NY, and the surrounding areas since 1978. They provide options to fit a budget, fast turnarounds, and accurate diagnosis. Call them today for toilet repairs or water leak detection services in Staten Island, NY.