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from Nichols & Phipps and the Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical industry.
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Pest Proofing Your HVAC System This Spring
When winter turns to spring, and eventually summer, pests come crawling out from hiding in search of food, moisture and shelter. Because your HVAC system keeps temperatures comfortable and you have food available in your pantry, your home is a great place for bugs and vermin to thrive. Unfortunately, even the tiniest of insects can cause irreparable…
Drain Maintenance 101: Causes & Prevention
It’s very easy to take your drains for granted. When you’re cleaning or doing the dishes, if an item slips down the drain or even gets caught in the drain plug, it’s easier to let the item fall down the drain and forget about it. That is until that item causes a clog in your…
Dropped it Down the Drain… Now What?
Ever dropped something down your bathroom or kitchen drain? Talk about a sinking feeling. Most objects just aren’t worth the stress. Many objects are also caught within the sink’s trap, specially designed for these instances, and can be quickly retrieved. However, there are those instances where an irreplaceable item makes its way deep into your…
Why and When to Replace an HVAC Evaporator Coil
Why and When to Replace a Coil Evaporator coils are a hot topic when it comes to HVAC repairs. Sometimes a bad HVAC evaporator coil leads to people replacing their whole HVAC unit. So, today we will be touching on what the evaporator coil is, why it goes bad, and when you need to replace…
Troubleshooting Disposal Leaks
A disposal leak may start as a minor annoyance but if left uncorrected it can lead to a huge mess. That’s why if you have a leak it is vital that you find the cause and repair or replace it immediately. We’ve put together some basic information to help you with the first steps in…
Home efficiency vs. HVAC system efficiency
What can a homeowner do to improve energy efficiency and lower energy bills We have talked a lot about HVAC unit efficiency and indoor air quality. We have also touched on HVAC myths, fables, and hidden truths. One thing we have not discussed in depth is home efficiency vs. unit efficiency, so let’s do that…
What do Sewer Odors Indicate?
So, you've noticed unpleasant sewer odors coming from your bathroom or kitchen. There are few things more frustrating than a stinky, smelly sewer odor emitting from your home. This smell could prevent you from having company over or even disrupt your day to day routine.In many cases, it is easy to remedy a sewer odor and…
Efficiency Ratings for Heat Pumps
What you need to know about Heat pump efficiency ratings (SEER, EER, and HSPF) I’m hoping I can clear up a lot of confusion on this one. One thing I see all too often is people selling heat pumps based off SEER efficiency only, that takes off the cooling but does not tell you how…
Three Simple Ways to Spot Furnace Problems in the Winter
If your family is anything like mine, winter is hands down the busiest time of year. Between all the holiday celebrations, the kids’ winter activities, work, and making huge plans for the New Year, the season flies by at a surprising speed. In all the hustle and bustle that this season brings, you probably don’t…
How to fix a leaky faucet?
There are few things more frustrating than a leaky faucet. The dripping can be aggravating and even lead to damage of your sink area. However, fixing this piece is a job that can often be completed on your own, with just a few simple tools. Find the Leak With the different types of faucets available…
Planning a bathroom remodel?
Remodeling your bathroom is exciting. You have probably spent hours imagining what your space will look like with an update. You have picked out colors, surface materials and you have some idea of what layout you desire. You may have even spent some time browsing ideas on Pinterest planning your bathroom remodel. However, Pinterest expertise…
Your HVAC System Efficiency Begins with Proper Installation
“I want to buy a new HVAC system today” … said no one ever. There is a silver lining when the time comes to replace your air conditioning and heating system. In the past 10-12 years, there have been a lot of efficiency improvements in the design of home comfort systems. With these improvements comes…
5 Smart Solutions for Uneven Home Heating Issues
Does your home suffer from hot spots? If your house has uneven temperatures, you are not alone. With a central air and heating system investment, you’d expect equal heating or cooling throughout your home. Unfortunately hot and cold spots are common for many reasons, leaky ducts, inadequate size or layout of ducts, not enough returns…
To Flush or NOT to Flush?
We all think we know what to flush, like toilet paper, it is made to be flushed. But what about other items that are labeled “flushable”, are they ok to flush? Are tissues, baby wipes, tampon applicators, tampons or paper towels ok to flush? Today, we’re covering exactly what you can and cannot flush down…
Making sure your plumbing has a happy holiday season
Ah, the holidays. It’s a time for togetherness, good food, good memories… and plumbing problems. All is merry and bright until Uncle Gary clogs the upstairs toilet, the twins have flushed their new Christmas socks in the downstairs toilet, and your husband lovingly poured the turkey grease into the garbage disposal. Oh, and if that’s…
Gas-Fired Heating Equipment, CO Poisoning, and Why Maintenance Matters
Due to their efficiency gas-fired heating equipment are still very popular, electric appliances are often cheaper on the front end but are more expensive to run. Two things all gas-fired heating equipment has in common: a heat exchanger and a flue. Some are negative pressure, some are static, some are gravity fed, but one thing…
Are Indoor Air Quality Products a Scam?
Indoor Air Quality products (IAQ) seem to be more and more talked about in our industry year over year. As a customer, you’re probably wondering which products are necessary, which ones are just good suggestions, and which ones are a complete scam. You may be surprised to find out that a great majority of the indoor…
Not All Plumbing Repairs are DIY
DIY plumbing repair. Should you do it yourself or should you hire a professional? Here are a 5 major plumbing task that requires an experienced plumber. 1. Working with Gas Gas is inherently dangerous. It isn’t healthy to breathe, and a simple spark can cause a fire and even an explosion. Gas should be respected. If…
Which Heating & Air Conditioning Brand is Right for Me?
Common Questions about HVAC Brands What is the difference between brands and why does the price vary so much? How do I decide which is the best HVAC system for my home? How can I compare systems, brands, and prices to make a smart purchase? A lot of people ask these questions because there are…
Snaking the toilet drain
Should I call a plumber or DIY the job? Many plumbing tasks are DIY, some are not. While swapping out a sink faucet or unclogging a toilet might be within most homeowners’ abilities, there are many plumbing-related projects that can be costly, irresponsible, and even unsafe to do without professional intervention. Snaking the toilet drain is…
To Repair or Replace… that is the question
The major systems that run your home (specifically the electrical, plumbing and HVAC), as well as the components that comprise these systems, are not usually at the forefront of your thoughts. However, there will come a time that you face a major plumbing leak, or your air conditioning doesn't cool down or some other issue…
Is re-piping my home necessary?
Your plumber may have mentioned that “re-piping” your home would be a good idea or perhaps you're worried about the quality of the pipes yourself. Are you asking yourself “Is re-piping my home really necessary?” Possibly. If you have an older home, it could be that your pipes have come to the end of their…