Category: Blog

When your home has plumbing or HVAC issues you need remedied by professionals, the prudent move is generally to source out a few solid options. You want to compare some of the best local plumbers and HVAC professionals, determining which will be best for your needs and budget.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we highly recommend performing such comparisons between our services and those of our competitors – this is the proper move, for starters, and we’re also confident all of our services will stack up well, from our general plumbing to drain cleaning, water heater services and numerous HVAC areas. With this theme in mind, let’s go over several of the primary areas you should be looking at as you source a plumbing or HVAC professional for work on your home.

Licensing and Insurance

For starters, you should not consider any plumbing or HVAC company that cannot provide you with specific, detailed information about their licensing and insurance. Plumbers and HVAC technicians in Utah are required to hold a license to operate, one that certifies proper training and a completed apprenticeship within the industry.

Down related lines, all reputable plumbers should be able to provide proof of insurance to any prospective clients as requested. This will protect both the plumber themselves and you as a client.

History and Reviews

Another factor that’s become vital in today’s world is the ability to view a given plumber or HVAC professional’s history, often through online reviews. There are several potential areas to look in here, with some of the most prominent being Google Reviews and Review Buzz – we’ve linked to our Action Plumbing sections for both these major review formats so you can check them out for yourself.

On top of this, look for accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. As you’ll note when looking at our rating, it’s an A+ from this important governing body.

Up-Front Estimates

Any plumber or HVAC pro you come to with a basic request for services should be able to provide you with an up-front price quote on what those services will cost, at least generally speaking. This shows that the company is experienced with the issue, for one, but also provides the kind of transparency you need to move forward.

One note here: If a potential company is offering a given service at rates far lower than any competitor, this could be a red flag. Check on other areas here to ensure the company is reputable and not attempting some kind of scam or rip-off.

Referrals

Finally, while online reviews and other third-person formats are great and widely-used, some prefer a specific referral from a friend, family member or someone else close to them. These tend to come from companies that provide fantastic customer service and make a connection with their clients, leading to lasting relationships and referrals to others.

For more on how to find the best plumber or HVAC pro for your needs, or to learn about any of our plumbing or heating and air services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

If your home’s water heater is on the decline and you’re looking into replacement options, one area to take a long look at is the tankless water heater. This modern option works in a different way than the older tank water heater format most are familiar with, providing on-demand hot water in a way that’s often much more efficient for today’s homeowners.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we provide a wide range of water heater installation and repair services, including tankless water heater options available at your request. Let’s go over how tankless water heaters work and how they benefit you, plus the steps you should take toward determining if they’re the right choice for your new water heater.

Tankless Water Heater Basics

A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, removes the tank used by older models and instead provides hot water as it’s needed in the home. It does this via a gas burner or an electrical unit – when a hot water tap is turned on anywhere in the home, water enters this unit and is immediately heated on the spot. Generally speaking, a single tankless water heater can produce between two and five gallons of hot water per minute.

For homes that need more water than this, multiple units can be connected to a parallel system. In other cases, some people install a tankless water heater specifically for certain appliances.

Benefits of Tankless Options

Tankless water heaters come with several specific benefits compared to other hot water heater systems:

• Hot water is provided instantly, rather than waiting for it to flow up from the hot water tank.
• The water’s temperature remains consistent at all times, rather than fluctuating based on how much hot water is in the tank.
• Tankless water heaters have longer lifespans than traditional options.
• Tankless options require less space for installation.
• There is a reduced flooding risk based on a lack of a large tank filled with many gallons of water.
• Many homes find major energy savings when it comes to the production of hot water within a tankless system.

Examining Your Water Bill

So how do you get an idea of whether a tankless water heater is the right call for your home in terms of efficiency? By looking at your water bill.

If you discover that your home averages under 41 gallons of hot water used per day, the US Department of Energy says a tankless option will be anywhere from 24 to 34 percent more efficient than a traditional tank option. If your home uses up to 86 gallons per day, the hot water heater will be between 8 and 14 percent more efficient. The USDE also has a convenient tool that helps you calculate water heater costs and determine if a tankless option would be a better choice for you.

For more on tankless water heaters, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the possible causes of leaks taking place in your plumbing system. Whether from pipes or some other component within the system, plumbing leaks can lead to everything from rising water bills to water damage, flooding and even mold or mildew formation.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, our plumbing services include detailed expertise on plumbing leaks, where they come from and how they can be remedied. In today’s part two, we’ll go over a few other potential culprits in forming leaks, plus how you can prevent and remedy these issues if they crop up, either on your own or with the help of our trusted plumbers.

Pipe Corrosion

Over time, particularly in older homes that have not had their pipe system upgraded in many years, it’s possible for natural elements to lead to rust and other forms of corrosion. This is simply a reality of pipes that pass water through them, especially if you’re dealing with older copper or steel pipes that have high susceptibility to corrosion.

In many cases, this corrosion can lead to the metal wearing down and even forming leaks in several areas. Pipes should be inspected by our plumbers at least once every few years for rust or other signs of damage, or more often if your system is on the older end.

Seal or Joint Issues

In most cases, plumbing fixtures will come with joints with curved corners. However, natural wear-and-tear over the years can cause these joints to loosen, or can create damage within the seal that limits its effectiveness. This can cause water to leak directly from the joints when it flows through this area of the system.

One good way of preventing these risks is to take care of your plumbing system, including avoiding abrupt turn-ons and turn-offs plus not blasting hot water too often. In addition, have your components inspected during routine maintenance appointments.

Water Pressure Concerns

In other situations, a home’s water pressure will force water through the pipes too quickly and with too much force. This pressure will put stress on the joints in your pipes, which can crack and cause leaks. If you’re concerned your pressure is too high, you can purchase a simple test – if your pressure is above 60 psi (pounds per square inch), call our plumbers for a solution, usually a pressure-reducing valve that’s easily installed.

Major Clogs

Finally, drains that are clogged present not only an inconvenience, but also a potential source of new leaks. Clogged pipes will deteriorate much faster than normal ones, especially if water and chemicals are part of the clog. If your clog cannot be remedied with a basic plunger, call our team for professional drain cleaning that will address the problem properly.

For more on identifying the cause of a leak in your plumbing, or to learn about any of our plumbing or heating and air services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

For homeowners everywhere, the quality and function of basic plumbing pipes is vital throughout the home. Plumbing pipes allow for water and waste to be transported to the proper areas in the house at all times, and they need to be able to do so without risks of leaking or other issues that detract from their overall quality.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re here to help. We provide a huge range of plumbing service options, including assisting clients with locating and addressing any leaks that have formed in their pipes or any part of their plumbing system. This two-part blog series will dig into many of the common causes of water leaks within the plumbing system, plus how to prevent or address them if they’ve become issues in your home – either with or without the assistance of our plumbers.

Winter Freezing

The time of year we’re in right now is a prime period for one potential culprit in leaking pipes: Freezing temperatures. Pipes that have frozen, or have frozen water within them, will often expand or contract based on this presence, causing them to crack or even burst in some cases. In the worst scenarios, this can lead to major flooding and property damage.

To help prevent this, insulate your pipes ahead of the winter to ensure they are not at risk of freezing. If non-insulated pipes are freezing regularly, particularly in accessible areas like under sinks, thaw them with a blow dryer and then call our team about insulation.

Improper Construction or Installation

In other cases, leak issues can be traced all the way back to the installation or construction of the pipes or components in question. Improper installation often results from not compacting the soil on a property before home construction, which leads to soil settling that moves pipes around and often cracks them.

In addition, less experienced plumbers may leave loose connections or other issues in their component installations. To avoid this, ensure you only work with reputable plumbers like ours.

Fixture or Appliance Concerns

Sometimes, leaks in the plumbing system are not actually coming from pipes. Rather, they may be from a fixture or appliance, such as a leaking toilet base, a cracked washing machine hose or a damaged faucet in one of your sinks. Do your best to keep an eye on these areas and any other water-related connections that may have come loose or worn down over time.

Yard Root Intrusion

Pipes running in and out of your home are buried under the ground, and if you have trees close to these areas, their roots may grow over time and attempt to invade the pipes for water. Do not plant new trees directly over sewer lines, for one, and call our plumbers for an inspection if you fear existing tree roots have grown into your pipes.

For more on the potential causes of leaking issues in your plumbing, or to learn about any of our plumbing, heating or air services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re proud to provide a variety of heating services to all our clients. Not only do we offer common furnace repair and installation services, we also cover everything from duct cleaning to boiler system repair and service for homes that utilize these systems.

If you’ve never spent time in a home or building that used a boiler heating system, you might be wondering what it is and how it compares to the furnace you’re more familiar with. Today’s blog will dig into the basics on each of these items and how they compare, plus which to choose if you’re considering a brand new heating system in your home.

Furnace Basics

The most common heating method out there today, furnaces utilize air movement to heat your home. In fact, they are often referred to as a forced-air heating system. The process for their operation is as follows:

• Your home’s thermostat detects that the temperature is dropping below desired levels, and signals the system to begin heating.
• The furnace begins to heat – with gas options this will mean lighting natural gas or propane in the burner, while for electric furnaces this involves a heating element beginning to warm itself.
• Air entering the system passes through a heat exchanger, which picks up the heat from the burner or electric heating element before passing it back out.
• The blower component forces the heated air into your ducts, moving it throughout the home.
• Located near the floor (since hot air rises), return registers collect cold air and bring it back into the furnace, where the process repeats itself and the air is warmed.

Boiler Basics

Boilers, on the other hand, utilize hot water rather than air to heat the home. They use some form of radiant heat to do this, whether it’s a cast iron radiator, ceramic option or even a baseboard or floor system. The process is simple:

• Gas, oil or electricity is used to heat water in a tank.
• Either steam or hot water moves through pipes and circulates to the radiant heating system.
• Hot gasses are vented outside for pressure maintenance.
• Cold water at the end of the system loop is circulated back into the boiler to repeat the process.

Choosing the Best Option

So which is right for you? This all depends on the kind of air you want in your home, the costs you’re prepared to pay and several other factors. Furnaces are more common in large part because they’re cheaper to install, though many modern boilers are actually more efficient and may recoup these funds in the long run. If you don’t already have ductwork present in the home, in fact, a boiler installation might actually be less expensive. Boilers also avoid risks of dry air and cold patches, though these can also be avoided with proper furnace maintenance.

For more on the differences between boilers and furnaces, or to learn about any of our HVAC or plumbing services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

In parts one and two of this multi-part blog series, we’ve gone over some of the risks associated with indoor space heaters used to complement winter heating needs. These items may help increase your heating capacity, but they come with downsides in terms of safety, health and increasing utility bills that often cancel out their benefits and then some.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re here to help by providing quality HVAC services and alternatives to your heating needs, such as furnace installation and repair or our modern mini-split ductless heating systems that allow for individual temperature controls between rooms. In addition to working with our team to find the best and most efficient heating products for your needs, here are several important areas to keep an eye on that will eliminate the need for expensive, risky space heaters in your home.

Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system should be changed regularly throughout the year to maintain both air quality and system performance, and this is particularly vital during winter. Filters that are clogged up with dust and dirt will not only lower your air quality, but also strain the system, forcing it to work harder to perform the same level of heating – or even lowering its maximum heating capacity significantly.

Instead of rushing off for an expensive space heater if you aren’t getting enough warm air, consider whether your filters have been changed recently and if this might be contributing to the issue.

Vent Cleaning and Air Flow

Another factor that could be contributing to poor heating quality is vents that are not clean, blocking the proper air flow from making its way around the home. One way to avoid this is by cleaning your vents regularly, ensuring the system can perform as strongly as possible at all times. Blocked vents can diminish heating capacity to a larger degree than you might have considered.

Programmable Thermostat

If your home still utilizes a manual thermostat that has to be changed by hand to alter the temperature, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat option can do wonders for your heating. This allows you to easily change the temperature and even schedule heating periods, which both saves you money and allows you to maximize comfort when you know everyone will be home.

Professional HVAC Service

Finally, regular professional maintenance from our HVAC pros will keep your furnace and other components in peak condition. This will limit the need for any additional heating items, allowing your home’s installed system to do all the work in an efficient, affordable way.

For more on the risks associated with space heaters, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

In part one of this multi-part blog, we went over some of the concerns associated with indoor space heaters. Used by many homeowners to supplement heating in a given room or area, these products may increase heating capacity – but also pose several risks, from basic safety to health and, of course, a rising utility bill.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we offer a wide range of safer, more efficient alternatives, from basic furnace repair and installation services to mini-split ductless heating systems and many others. Today’s entry will focus on a few more specific types of indoor heaters and the issues they pose, while part three will dig into the steps you can take to improve your HVAC system so there’s no need to look for risky alternatives like these.

Filler Heaters

Filler heaters are those generally used for smaller spaces, utilizing oil as their heating fuel. This is the first risk: Oil can be spilled and become dangerous to anyone in the area, or can just create a mess you’ll have to deal with.

In addition, like with fuel-burning heaters we discussed in part one, there’s a significant risk of carbon monoxide leaking and causing negative health effects. Especially given that these heaters are used in smaller areas, this is a risk to keep an eye on. If you have a smaller space you need to heat, we recommend our mini-split ductless system instead.

Convective Heaters

Convective heaters do a good job heating a room evenly, but they come with safety risks similar to those of radiative heaters: They become extremely hot to the touch and are not safe for children or animals in the home. In addition, if anyone in the home has issues with allergies, asthma or any respiratory condition, dust movement created by convective heaters can be a significant burden.

Steam Heaters

Steam heaters are among the oldest options we’re discussing here – they’ve been used for decades in varying circumstances. There are even a few new models being made, though this is a rarity today.

Steam heaters are actually relatively safe and healthy, but the issues arise when you get into cost and maintenance areas. They are expensive to purchase, first of all, and older models have tons of potential issues that require repairs and hassle. They’re also not efficient at all, meaning you’ll spend a ton just to get the same level of heat you could accomplish for a much more affordable price by maximizing your HVAC system. Finally, steam heaters are noisy and annoying to be around.

For more on these heater types and the risks they carry, or to learn about any of our furnace installation services or other alternatives, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

With winter in Utah entering full swing, homeowners around the state are looking for ways to stay warm without raising their monthly heating bills. Varying people try different tactics here, one of which is the use of specific indoor heaters, often known as space heaters, to supplement the HVAC system already in place.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re here to offer some warnings and words of caution when it comes to these items. Not only are space heaters and related products often a major cost increase on top of your HVAC bill, they also tend to address issues you could solve for a much cheaper price – and with far less hassle – using standard furnace inspections, furnace repairs and other services we offer around the clock. This multi-part blog series will dig into many of the overall and specific issues with indoor heaters and why you should use caution or avoid them altogether.

Issues With Indoor Heaters

The primary reason we tend to recommend against many of these heater types comes back to personal safety. These heaters are known to cause several dangerous situations, from increased fire risks to certain health risks that may be present using certain kinds of systems.

On top of this, many such heaters are actually raising your heating bill significantly, not lowering it. Many of these items use massive amounts of electricity to function, so while the increase in your bill might not directly show up in heating areas per se, it’s definitely present. Many people find that even occasional use of these items will cause their monthly utility bills to skyrocket.

Our next several sections will go over several of the specific indoor heater options and the issues they pose.

Fuel-Burning Options

For those heating larger spaces, fuel-burning heaters are often used. They do an effective job, but it’s important to realize that you have to pay for the fuel they use – this is an added expense that will add up.

In addition, fuel-burning heaters emit carbon monoxide. This is a harmful gas to humans, but one that we can’t smell, see or taste, meaning it may linger without us even being aware of it. This is a risk that often isn’t worth it, especially given that there are other HVAC-based heating solutions that prevent the need for such a heater to begin with.

Radiative Heaters

Radiative heaters, on the other hand, work in a different way. They emit radiation to warm the area directly. But they take a long time to heat up, meaning they don’t help in many situations, and they also get extremely hot – if you have children or animals in the home, these heaters frankly are not safe to have around. The risk of major burns or other injuries is too great in such situations.

For more on the issues with indoor space heaters, or to learn about any of our alternatives in the HVAC world, from new furnaces to mini-split ductless heating systems, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

Recently in this space, we went over some of the ways you can utilize your modern HVAC system to prevent seasonal allergies, which show up during the fall season for many people (also in spring for many others). Proper basic cleaning and attention to certain minor areas will help keep your air quality high and risk exacerbating allergies, asthma or any other respiratory issues occupants may deal with.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we offer a wide range of related services, from air filters and purification to whole-home duct cleaning services. This latter area in particular speaks to one of the largest single allergen and air contaminant risks present in many homes: Dust. If you’ve been struggling with a dusty home recently, here are some of the possible culprits and what you can do about them.

Air Filter Concerns

The first area to check on if your home is too dusty is the filter in your HVAC system. This filter should be changed at least once every couple months, and more often if you live in a dusty area, have pets or experience any other high-dust risks.

If your air filters have not been changed for too long, they will fill up and clog, leading to dust being spread around the system as it runs. Not only will this increase your dust content, it will cause stress on various HVAC components that may wear down faster than usual and cost you money on repairs.

Humidity Levels

Another potential cause of high dust content in the home is a low humidity level, which is particularly common in a desert state like Utah. Air that’s too dry is susceptible to dust build-ups, and some homes may require a humidifier installed in them to help remedy this concern. At the same time, it’s important not to allow humidity to become too high, as this can lead to the formation of mold and dust mite presence.

Air Duct Issues

Are your air ducts properly sealed and functioning well? If not, you might be risking unfiltered air making its way into your home – even if your filter is in great shape, you’ll still see dust because much of the air you’re breathing is bypassing the filter altogether.

If you notice lint or dust built up ear your vent registers, this is a possible sign of leak issues. Others include rising energy bills and hot or cold spots found in the house.

Window and Door Cracks

Another leak risk that will bring dusty, unfiltered air into your home is cracks around windows, doors and other openings. Check for these and seal them as quickly as possible.

Dirt Tracking

Finally, a simple area many homeowners should consider: Make everyone take their shoes off when they enter the home, especially when it’s dry and/or windy outside. You’d be shocked how much dust in your home might be there because it was tracked in by occupants or visitors on their shoes and clothes.

For more on the potential causes of high dust content in your home and how to remedy them, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC service, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today.

When it comes to water pressure within a home plumbing system, most of the complaints you see are regarding pressure that’s too low. No one wants to shower or clean dishes with weak water pressure, and those in these situations are always looking for ways to increase their capacity.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re here to assist with water pressure as part of our varied plumbing contractor services – but we’re also here to warn you about the dangers of water pressure that’s too high, not just too low. Some homeowners gloss over these risks in their efforts to obtain the highest pressure possible, but we’re here to ensure you understand the full scope. Here are some basics on the risks of inflated water pressure, the general pressure recommendations we offer and some signs your pressure is too high.

Risks of Inflated Water Pressure

So what are the major risks of water pressure that’s too high? There are two primary areas:

• Cost increases: For one, many people don’t realize how much water they’re wasting by using excessively high water pressure. For every 10 minutes of water use, high pressure can waste between 5 and 25 gallons of water, which in turn can have a major impact on your water bill each month.
• Damage: In addition, pressure that’s too high stresses the home’s plumbing system. It can lower the lifespan of various fixtures and appliances, and can create cracking and breakage risks in pipes due to wearing them down over time.

General Pressure Recommendations

So where is the optimal range for your system in terms of water pressure? The general ideal range for most home plumbing appliances and systems will be between 45 and 55 pounds per square inch of pressure, or PSI. If your system is set to greater than 60 PSI, you begin opening yourself up to the risks we detailed above.

Signs Pressure is Too High

Here are a few signs that might indicate your pressure is too high:

• Faucet leak: If you notice the faucet leaks only at certain times of day or only when certain other plumbing fixtures are in use, this is a telltale sign that water pressure is an issue.
• Banging pipes: Another common sign of high water pressure is banging pipes, which are caused by water moving through pipes with too much force and banging them around.
• Running toilet: A rarer sign is a toilet that runs continuously even when not in use.

If you notice any of these signs, contact our plumbers right away for an assessment.

PRV Installation

Our team might offer several potential solutions if your water pressure is too high, and a featured possibility here is called a pressure reducing valve, or PRV. This item automatically reduces incoming water pressure to the proper range, helping save you huge sums on your water bill while also increasing the lifespan of your pipes and appliances. Our plumbers will inform you if a PRV is a logical option for your home.

For more on handling excessive water pressure concerns in your home’s plumbing system, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.