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DIY Home Repairs: Why You Should Always Leave Home Damage to the Professionals

October 11, 2019 by Mandy

As a responsible homeowner, your to-do list seems to go on forever. There’s always another repair or maintenance project that needs to be done.

Consider the following statistic regarding homeowners throughout the United States. It indicates the average homeowner spends one to four percent of the home’s overall value on home improvement every single year.

That can add up to a lot of money. That might be why you like the idea of DIY home repairs if possible. You’d rather avoid hiring someone else for your home improvement projects.

Still, some home damage is not worth trying to handle on your own. This is true, in particular, when it comes to severe structural damage from a natural disaster or something.

The good news, though, is you’ve come to the right place by reading this article. Detailed below is everything about why it’s best to hire professional home repair services.

Consider the Long-Term Cost of Doing an Improper Home Repair

You probably want to handle your home repair project to save some money. It’s true that investing in professional home repair services can get expensive. Still, investing in those professional services is a worthwhile endeavor.

Consider the long-term effects of mishandling a home repair project. You might tackle that project on your own, thinking you’re saving money. It’s possible, though, that you only worsen the issue since you’re not experienced with these projects.

As a result, you’ll only be costing yourself even more money in the long run. Instead of taking that financial risk, leave it to the professionals right off the bat. That way, you can trust that the home repair is done properly the first time.

DIY Home Repairs Put Yourself and Others at Risk

One of the key reasons to avoid handling home repairs on your own is for your own safety. It’s an unfortunate truth that many home improvement projects can be dangerous. This is true, in particular, when the person doesn’t know what he or she is doing.

For example, it’s dangerous to try and trim tree branches by yourself. That’s why professional tree trimming services exist in the first place.

Instead of putting yourself or others in danger, leave it to the professionals. That way, you can trust that they have a better idea of what they’re doing while avoiding injuries, too. You and your family should remain safely out of the way.

It’s No Secret – Home Improvement Projects Are Stressful

At the end of the day, you and your family want to live in a comfortable, secure environment. You already work a full-time job. It’s understandable that having to handle home repair projects on top of that can be stressful.

Don’t underestimate the value of convenience when it comes to home repairs, then. Save yourself the headache of handling these projects by relying on professionals, instead. After all, that’s what they deal with on a regular basis.

Plus, many times, home repair projects can put a strain on relationships. Avoid that stress, then, by hiring someone else to deal with it on your behalf.

Some Home Repair Projects Can Be Covered by Insurance

There’s another significant perk to relying on professional home repair services. In some cases, the cost of those services could be covered by your insurance company.

This is true, for the most part, in many cases of home damage from natural disasters. If your home is experiencing severe structural damage from a major storm, for instance, check your insurance policy. It might be the case that your home repair project is entirely covered.

If it is, this alleviates the concern of spending your hard-earned money on a home repair project. For more specific details, check out more information on property damage claims to see if you may be eligible.

Professionals Will Have All of the Necessary Tools and Equipment

Many home repair projects require specific tools and equipment. This is yet another reason to rely on professionals to handle the project on your behalf. They have everything necessary to complete the project.

For example, it’s not likely that you have a large set of plumbing tools. A professional plumbing service, though, will be sure to have everything needed to get your home in working order again.

It’s true that you can go out and buy those tools and equipment on your own. Still, if you’re going to spend that money anyway, why not spend it on a plumbing service? That’s why it’s worthwhile to invest in professional labor to handle your home repair projects.

Establish a Long-Term Relationship with Your Professional Home Repair Service

As mentioned above, you have a lot of responsibilities as a homeowner. There will always be another repair or maintenance project for you to handle.

When you hire professional home repair services, then, you’re establishing a long-term relationship. By working with those services, you’ll get insight as to whether you can trust them for future projects. That way, you can give them a call the next time you need something repaired around the house.

Continue Investing in Your Ideal Home and Lifestyle

At this point in the article, you have a thorough understanding of why it’s best to avoid DIY home repairs. It’s understandable that DIY projects are tempting to save yourself some money. There’s no need to cut corners when it comes to your safety, though.

Plus, home repair service pros have more knowledge and expertise on the matter. You can trust these qualified professionals to complete your home repair project in an efficient and timely manner. That way, you can rely on the fact that the home repairs will stand the test of time.

After all, you deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is secure. You and your family should feel comfortable enough to live your lives with ease and fun.

In fact, that’s where this website can come into play. We prioritize bringing our readers the latest and greatest advice in maintaining beneficial lifestyle habits. For that reason, we encourage you to browse through the rest of our website for more guidance on making the most of the rest of your life.

Common Heating Issues You May Face

March 1, 2018 by Mandy

In most cases, if you are suffering from heating issues, it is best to call in a professional. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know a few things about your unit. That way you know when there is a problem. Having general knowledge may help you prevent problems before they occur.

Ignition System

Ignition problems with older heaters usually meant the pilot was out and needed to be re-lit. Most of today’s furnaces rely on electric ignitions. The pilot uses electricity to create a spark that lights the burners. It is an intermittent pilot, so it only lights when needed to conserve energy.

Signs that you have an ignition system problem may include frequent cycling, limited heat, or an overactive blower. Problems can be quite varied when it comes to the ignition. Some common causes include

Temperature limiting controller: This is a safety switch that turns the burner off if it becomes too hot. Blocked air filters or a faulty switch can cause the igniter to turn off prematurely.
Igniter: Sometimes the problem is as straightforward as an old igniter system. If you have recently had or installed your own ignition, the issue could be an incompatible igniter. It needs to be matched with your furnace’s voltage to work correctly.
Current: An overpowered current can easily burn out an igniter. If you have experienced a surge of power either from a lightning storm or something else, you may need to replace your ignition system. Check your breaker before calling a professional for heating repairs. Large surges of power often trip the breaker cutting power to your heating unit.

Short Cycling

Short cycling is when your furnace turns on and off frequently. The cycles are typically too short to actually heat your home appropriately. The two main culprits are often a dirty filter or a broken fan motor. Unfortunately, it could also mean your current system is sized too small for your home and cannot keep up with the demands. This will cause it to run constantly. Conversely, if it is sized too big, it will start short cycling. Incorrect sizing ultimately leads to you needing to replace your heater prematurely. Hiring a professional technician to install your furnace can help make sure you get the appropriately sized system.

Wear and Tear

Over the years, your system will experience normal mechanical wear and tear. Regular maintenance can help manage mechanical deterioration. Consider scheduling a complete system inspection and tune-up each fall to help prevent the need for major repairs.

Dirt and Grime

It is important to keep your air filters changed and your unit clean. Clogged filters can cause a noticeable effect on efficiency that only gets worse over time. Regular maintenance makes sure that dust and dirt don’t build up on other parts, like coils, and cause other heater issues.

Cleaning coils should be left up to HVAC professionals. The accumulation of dirt and dust may restrict or clog the A-coil reducing and preventing airflow. Dirty coils often lead to a less efficient system and higher utility bills. It can also cause your unit to overheat. In the best-case scenario, this will cause the safety switch to flip and cut power to your furnace. Unfortunately, it could also cause more extensive damage.

When the cold winter days become more frequent, you rely on your heating system to keep your home warm and cozy. Furnace maintenance is important. It prevents major problems during the time of year when temperatures are plummeting and your home could become rather frosty in a short amount of time. Having some basic knowledge about your HVAC system allows you to notice problems before they escalate. One of the most simple tasks that can help your heating system last is to change your air filters religiously.

What Do Technicians Inspect When Looking At LPG Boilers?

December 19, 2017 by Mandy

Image by Heat Haus via Flickr

LPG, or Liquid Petroleum Gas, is a combination of both butane and propane stored under a moderate pressure. Since LPG is approximately 250 times denser as a liquid compared to a gas, you can store relatively large quantities in a pretty small space. This means it is a feasible alternative for both rural and urban homes that are not on the natural gas grid.

In general, LPG boasts the least amount of carbon emissions of all other fossil fuels available to homeowners, emitting just about 20% less than CO2. More and more people are opting for LPG boilers. They are the ideal solution for any size of home. You just need a fuel feed and a storage tank that can be kept in the garden or installed underground.

The LPG tanks hold around 1,000 to 2,000 litres and you refill them through a tank delivery. You can even automate the delivery so that you don’t forget to reorder. You can also fuel the tanks via exchangeable cylinders and bottles. Whichever you prefer, you can shop around for the best fuel deal to suit your needs and budget.

Boiler Repairs

LPG boilers do require regular maintenance, and there may be times when you require Manchester LPG boiler repairs. Whether you need a repair or a service, your boiler will be able to run more efficiently afterwards, saving you money in the long-run. Regular services will further help to identify any issues early on and help prevent future breakdowns and repair bills.

An annual service for your LPG boiler is relatively the same as a mains gas fed boiler. Things that the technician will look for when inspecting your LPG boiler include:

Checking to ensure that your boiler has been installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions and the current gas safety regulations.
The technician will carry out a flue gas/combustion analysis.
The burner will be cleaned if needed.
The technician will conduct a visual inspection of the chimney or flue.
Check for spillage of fumes on any open flue appliances
Check for the correct burner gas/pressure rate
A visual inspection of the chimney or flue
Testing of safety devices and checking for the right amount of ventilation
Lubrication of the fan
Inspection of all moving parts
Inspection of all electrical connections
Check for the right polarity and electrical safety

When inspecting LPG boilers, technicians will also check the integrity of the case seal on any room sealed appliances.

A gas boiler has several moving parts that tend to wear out with use. They are just subject to wear and tear, which means that as your boiler ages, so the likelihood of a breakdown increases. That’s why regular inspections services are essential to pick up on repair any issues before they become major problems. Technicians are careful in their fault finding and analysis of LPG boilers when they do breakdown, since no one wants to waste time and money on unnecessary repairs. It’s worth trying to fix a part before it needs to be replaced altogether.

Preparing Your Home for Everyday Emergencies

December 4, 2017 by Mandy

Everyday emergencies are quite hard to predict, but when they do happen, you want to be prepared. These emergencies include anything from someone falling, to someone getting cut on something sharp, to even burns. Then, of course, you also need to be prepared to deal with any health issues that your family members might develop. For instance, if your parent lives with you and they have a weak bladder, it’s important to be prepared and well-stocked at all times. This is even more imperative if they have more serious, chronic conditions that you need to take care of.

Being prepared means doing the following so that your home is prepped and your family members are ready:

Stock Up

There are some key items that every household should have. You don’t have to buy a prepacked first aid kit, but instead buy your own. Similarly, it is much smarter to buy discount medical supplies, so you can be stocked and prepared for whatever comes your way without spending a fortune.

Take a First-Aid Training Course

Both you and your partner (and any other adults or teenagers in your home) should take a first aid course. These can usually be done locally, usually with an organization like the American Red Cross. You will not only learn how to react to every kind of first-aid emergency, but also how to help with situations like if someone is not choking or not breathing.

Have Drills

This is especially important for younger children. Have drills so that your children can react accordingly. This is especially important if they get hurt and you aren’t in the vicinity, for instance if they are at school or at a friend’s. This is teaching your children how to protect themselves, whether it’s a normal day and the problem is a small injury, or something terrible is happening like they are being abducted.

Let Children Know Danger Spots

Teaching your child why they shouldn’t put things in danger spots like plugs can help protect them. You cannot, however, just tell them no. Instead, show them videos and other informative, child-friendly programs that will help them understand what they can and cannot do around the house.

Ask for Help

If something terrible happens and you need to go to the hospital, have someone in line to come by and take care of the kids. This person could be your neighbor, or a family member. You do, however, need to ask in advance if it’s okay. They will appreciate the precautions that you are giving them and the head’s up that, if something bad happens, they’ll be the first person you call.

The more prepared your family is in an emergency the better. This means training those who are old enough in your family in how to give first aid or how to help the elderly in your household with their medical needs. It also means teaching your younger children what they should do if they are hurt, of it they get lost, or any other emergency situation. The more you prepare, the better you will be able to deal with whatever everyday emergency you have.

How to Troubleshoot Common Air Conditioner Problems

July 13, 2017 by Mandy

Why does it seem that your air conditioning system goes out on the hottest day of the year? Maybe because that’s when it gets the most use? In reality, several things can contribute to a breakdown, including improper installation and inadequate maintenance. Here are some suggestions for troubleshooting problems with your system.

Don’t Overlook the Obvious

If your AC conks out, begin troubleshooting by looking for the easiest explanation; a blown fuse or circuit breaker. Allow a few minutes for the unit to cool, then reset the circuit breaker. If the compressor stops working on a warm day, the unit may have tripped the switch the high-pressure switch. This is a safety measure that prevents the unit from reaching extremely high pressures.

You can reset the compressor simply by pressing the reset button, which you can find in the access panel. If the switch is triggered again or several times, contact an HVAC professional to check for problems such as a bad fan motor or blockage in the condenser coils or refrigeration system. Ignoring the problem only makes things worse and can lead to bigger repair bills.

Refrigerant Level

Maintaining the proper amount of refrigerant is key for your AC system to run at top performance level. If your system is running low on refrigerant it may not have been properly charged when it was installed, or you may have a leak in the system.

Don’t add refrigerant yourself and call it good; refrigerant is harmful to people, pets, and the environment. Contact a professional technician who can check for leaks and make any needed repairs. The technician should then test the repair, if any, and add the proper amount of refrigerant.

Replace Air Filters

One of the most important maintenance tasks is also one of the easiest: Replacing or cleaning the air filters. Dirty filters can greatly reduce your AC’s efficiency by blocking the normal flow of air. Dirt that normally is trapped by the filter can bypass a clogged filter and wind up in the evaporator coil. This, in turn, can hurt the heat absorption of the coil and impact your energy use, raising it between five and 15 percent.

You can find filters on central AC systems in ceilings, walls, furnaces or in the unit itself. Filters are available in many types and different levels of efficiencies. The high-efficiency filters typically are more expensive. Another choice you have in filters is whether to clean and reuse or simply replace them. During warmer months, you should check filters once a month and replace as needed.

Clean the Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils of your AC naturally collect dirt over time. Cleaning or replacing your filters on a regular basis will help keep them clean for a longer period, but you should check the evaporator coil once a year and clean it if needed. Condenser coils in the outside unit should be inspected more often, as it is open to the wind, which can carry leaves and debris into the coil housing.

Time for a New AC System?

If you’re planning a home remodeling project, it’s a great time to consider replacing an underperforming AC system. In general, a system lasts between 15 and 20 years; if yours falls in that age range, it may make more sense to replace it than to spend money on extensive repairs.

Contact a reputable AC repair company to assess your AC system and discuss your options, so you don’t get stuck on a hot day without a workable system. If replacement is in your future, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner. Coupled with additional energy-saving actions, you can reduce your energy use by 20 to 50 percent, which is money in the bank when you begin seeing lower utility bills.