[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":36},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fodfJOzh7gdNmxfdqSH57-fHwKjYd_seZjccEuuqkmLY":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Heating","2019-12-18","\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Ten thousand dollars. \u003C\u002Fem>That’s the average insurance claim related to “water damage and freezing,” according to the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.iii.org\u002Ffact-statistic\u002Ffacts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Insurance Information Institute\u003C\u002Fa>. Each year, \u003Cem>one in 50 homeowners\u003C\u002Fem> will file such a claim—and we’re guessing that you, like all Santa Fe plumbing customers, would rather not be that “lucky” one. In fact, you’d rather not endure the hassle of \u003Cem>any \u003C\u002Fem>sort of insurance claim, let alone one that involves the word water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Of course, when it comes to preventing busted water pipes (or \u003Cem>burst \u003C\u002Fem>water pipes, for you card-carrying members of the Grammar Police Association), it’s not just about the \u003Cem>headache\u003C\u002Fem>: the paperwork and clean-up and deductible (ouch). \u003Cstrong>It’s about heartache, too.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Imagine a ruined wedding photo album. A hopelessly warped antique dining hutch that you’d been saving for your grandkids. A water-soaked, and then mildewed, favorite chair—like that ghastly (but remarkably comfy) mustard-yellow, spinner-rocker-recliner you’ve had since your college days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>All joking aside: Frozen pipes can obviously cause horrific damage to both your home and your belongings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>How Frozen Pipes Burst\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Let’s head back to elementary school science class for just a sec. When water freezes, it expands. (\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fgizmodo.com\u002Fwhy-cold-weather-makes-your-water-pipes-burst-1480690222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">Apparently water is a unique liquid in this regard!\u003C\u002Fa>) If there’s enough water in a particular pipe, and\u002For if said pipe has a defect, the expanding liquid-now-solid creates sufficient pressure to rupture the pipe. A crack as small as ⅛” can release \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.statefarm.com\u002Fsimple-insights\u002Fresidence\u002Fdont-let-pipes-freeze-and-steps-to-take-if-they-do\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">250 gallons\u003C\u002Fa> of water per day—so don’t assume your pipe has to burst in a dramatic or even \u003Cem>obvious \u003C\u002Fem>fashion to do massive damage. \u003Cstrong>Fortunately, burst pipes are usually a preventable problem.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Tips for Avoiding Frozen Water Pipes\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Insulate exposed pipes.\u003C\u002Fstrong> If you have plumbing pipes and fixtures in unheated areas of your home, such as your garage, basement, attic, or crawlspace, it’s wise to insulate them. Home improvement stores carry affordable insulation kits.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Keep your garage door closed.\u003C\u002Fstrong> If your garage is unheated and you happen to have plumbing pipes running through that area, you’ll need to keep it as warm as possible.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Drain your garden hoses and hose bibbs.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Disconnecting and draining your garden hoses will extend the life of the hoses themselves and will prevent your outside faucets (also called hose bibbs) from freezing. To make absolutely certain the bibbs don’t freeze—along with the pipes they’re connected to—turn off the inside water supply line, and then open the bibbs to allow excess water to drain out. (Don’t forget to close them before turning the main water back on.) If your home doesn’t have frost-free hose bibbs, consider insulating them or swapping them out before the temps really drop.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>If you’re heading out for vacation, turn off your water.\u003C\u002Fstrong> If you plan to be away for a few days, go ahead and turn off your water. Then, drain the pipes by turning on a few faucets. Again, make sure you turn the taps off again before you turn your main water valve back on.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Allow your faucets to drip.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Allowing a trickle of water to run through the faucets relieves pressure if standing water in your pipes happens to freeze. This is particularly important in extremely cold temperatures and\u002For if you live in a mobile home. Note: Don’t let faucets on exterior walls trickle. If the temp drops far enough, the water in the drain could freeze, which could overflow your sink.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Open vanity cabinets.\u003C\u002Fstrong> If your bathrooms are particularly chilly, leave your vanity cabinet doors open so warm air from the room can circulate around the pipes. You can also point a portable heater inside the cabinet. Same with the cabinet under your kitchen sink.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Check for drafts.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Feel for drafts near places where pipes, cables, and wires enter your home. If you feel cold air surrounding any uninsulated pipe, use expandable foam to seal off the drafts.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Inspect your pipes.\u003C\u002Fstrong> If you have any exposed pipes, look for bulges. If you find any, that means water has frozen in that spot in the past, and you’re lucky you didn’t have a disaster at that point! Any weakness in your pipes should be addressed by a professional Santa Fe plumber right away.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Don’t turn off your furnace.\u003C\u002Fstrong> If you’ll be away from home for an extended period of time, it’s fine to turn your heat down to save money on your utility bill—but don’t turn off your furnace entirely.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Ch3>What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If you suspect one of your pipes has frozen, turn off your main water valve (just in case there’s already a rupture), leave the taps open, and \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fcontact\">\u003Cstrong>call us for help.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> There are several methods to warming a frozen pipe, and we’d love to make sure you’re using the \u003Cem>safest\u003C\u002Fem>, most-effective option. If you insist on trying to handle the situation yourself, never ever use an open flame, and don’t use an electric appliance such as a hair dryer or space heater in standing water.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-avoid-frozen-pipes-this-winter.webp",4,"how-to-avoid-frozen-pipes-this-winter","","Ten thousand dollars. That’s the average insurance claim related to “water damage and freezing,” according to the Insurance Information Institute . Each year, one in 50 homeowners will file such a claim—and…","How to Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter",[15,22,29],{"category":5,"date":16,"html":17,"image":18,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":19,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":20,"title":21},"2023-03-03","\u003Cp>You may not think the ice and snow outside impacts your HVAC system inside. The truth is ice is problematic for the HVAC components outside of your home. This isn’t even a winter-specific issue. There are times when the buildup of ice caused by an overworking AC unit can block the exhaust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing & Heating, we’re well-versed in HVAC ice buildup and how to deal with it. As a leading HVAC service provider in the Santa Fe area, we’ve just about seen it all. Here, we’ll talk a bit more about how ice and snow affect your HVAC system and what you can do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>There’s more than one problem stemming from a frozen exterior \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Femergency-service\">HVAC unit\u003C\u002Fa>. When snow and ice block the exhaust, it could:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Shut the HVAC system down: Working hard despite the buildup, your HVAC system may overheat and shut itself down. The system will need to be cleared and restarted to begin running efficiently again.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Damage your home’s ductwork and pipes: No HVAC means no proper heating or cooling in your home. This leaves your pipes especially vulnerable to the elements. When pipes freeze, there’s always a chance they could crack. This leads to leaks and additional repair costs.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Release carbon monoxide or other gases into your ductwork: Everything’s connected from your furnace and AC to every room within your HVAC system. If the external HVAC component backs up and dangerous gases are filtered into your home, the ductwork will carry the gas to every room in your home.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Render your outdoor unit inoperable: There comes a point where some HVAC units just give out. Working hard to fight the blockages caused by ice and snow caused the unit to overheat and break.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Increases power bills: When ice forms on your HVAC unit, it needs to work harder to distribute heat or cold air into your home. You may notice a spike in energy bills because of these spikes in power levels.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>Along with the exhaust blocking, there’s a chance that the water in ice and snow will leak inside your system. If this happens, there’s a chance of electrical damage and, eventually, corrosion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>By proactively managing and maintaining ice and snow blockages around your HVAC system, you can avoid a costly HVAC replacement or repair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Keeping HVAC Units Clear\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>There are a few ways to manage your \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Femergency-service\">HVAC system\u003C\u002Fa> in the winter or overworked summer months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>Regular maintenance: Your HVAC systems should be inspected by a professional once every year. Twice if you feel concerned about the unit at all.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Clear the outdoor unit: If it snows, head outside and clear the unit as soon as you can do so safely. Like clearing your walkway before it freezes over, this will prevent ice buildup and eventual melting of ice into the unit.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Clean coils: The evaporator and condenser coils are important aspects of your HVAC unit. If they’re caked in debris and dust, airflow is scarce. Wipe them down every three months. More in the winter if they get coated in snow.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Change filters: Many components of the HVAC system have filters. This is to keep dirt and debris out of your air system and ductwork. Cleaning or changing filters in your furnace and AC ensures these machines run smoothly for longer.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Avoid clutter: Clutter near the air intake register is a no-no. Whether it’s garden tools, outdoor lawn furniture, or a pile of kids’ toys. Clear the objects near the return air intake.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>Air conditioners are very telling when there’s a problem. If you notice ice on the HVAC, it could be either an airflow problem or a refrigerant problem. The airflow problem can be rectified by the above steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>When refrigerant gets too low, it stops being able to move heat from inside to outside. Air still blows over the AC coils, but instead of cold air, it blows warm. Alternatively, the coil could get too cold because it’s unable to regulate temperature. Condensation then ices over, creating frost on the coils and AC unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>For HVAC Ice Help, Give Us a Call\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re experiencing ice or snow issues relating to your \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Femergency-service\">HVAC system\u003C\u002Fa>, James Plumbing & Heating can help. We work with home and business owners in and around Santa Fe on problems just like these.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Waiting until HVAC icing issues expand into bigger problems could mean an irreparable unit or expensive repairs. \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">Give us a call today\u003C\u002Fa>, and we’ll diagnose and remedy your HVAC ice problem.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-snow-and-ice-affect-hvac-systems.webp","how-snow-and-ice-affect-hvac-systems","You may not think the ice and snow outside impacts your HVAC system inside. The truth is ice is problematic for the HVAC components outside of your home. This isn’t even a winter-specific issue. There are…","How Snow and Ice Affect HVAC Systems",{"category":5,"date":23,"html":24,"image":25,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":26,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":27,"title":28},"2023-02-03","\u003Cp>Water dripping from a hot water heater is a bad sign. Hot water heaters work in our homes all day without a second thought. Sometimes a leak can go on without even being noticed. As soon as you recognize puddles or dripping water around the tank, it’s time to take action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>So, why does your water heater leak, and what do you do when it does? At James Plumbing & Heating we have a lot of experience in this area. We help families in Santa Fe deal with water heater issues regularly. Here, we’ll shed some light on the situation and help you determine the next course of action following a leak discovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Why is my Water Heater Leaking?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>This is likely the first question you’ll ask after noticing a leak. Why is the tank leaking? Did something happen to it? The most common reasons for a leak are:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Relief Valve Pressure Problems: The relief valve on the water heater is meant to allow hot air to escape when pressure mounts inside. If the water heater is used too often, the relief valve isn’t given a chance to relax and reset. Instead, the excessive heat and pressure damage the valve.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Age: All appliances in our homes age, and they all have shelf lives. Water heaters have an approximate 10-year lifespan. Once a decade, you should replace the heater. If yours is nearing that 10-year mark (or has surpassed it), it’s simply a matter of age. Parts wear out over time, making the heater less effective.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Drain Valve Issues: Like the relief valve, the drain valve has taken a beating over the years. Anything trapped in the heater, including sediment, gets caught in the drain valve, ensuring it doesn’t flow into your water system. This valve lets the heater be cleaned, and you may notice some water dripping near this area. A little is normal, but a lot isn’t.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Inlets and Outlets: Where hot and cold outlets appear on the tank, there are weak spots. The inlets and outlets weaken faster than other heater components. It’s one of the first places to check if the tank begins leaking.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>Sometimes there are small signs that the heater is ready to give out. Things like a slight change in the color and quality of water, physical changes to the heater (rust, missing pieces, a crack, etc.), strange noises coming from the heater, and of course, water where it shouldn’t be (outside the heater instead of inside the heater).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you notice any of these signs, or there seems to be obvious trouble with the above-mentioned issues, your heater’s in trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>First Steps to Tackling a Leaky Heater\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The first step to fixing anything in your home is diagnosing the problem. Where is the leak coming from exactly? And which of the heater components is closest to the leak? This might help you determine where and why it’s leaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Before acting on any DIY repair attempts, be sure to turn off the power to the tank and drain it. Do this by switching the breaker on your circuit breaker box associated with the heater. Be careful because leaving the power running on a leaky water heater is extremely dangerous, especially if you plan on touching the tank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If the water heater is gas-powered, there should be a switch to turn it off. Gas or electric, always turn off the power before starting any DIY process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Next, turn off the cold water and then the hot water valve (main water valve). Once power and water have stopped running to the tank, and it’s properly drained, you can begin to address the issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Fixing the Leak\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>There are a few areas you can check out by yourself, including the inlets and outlets. It could be something as simple as a loose connection. A wrench can be used to tighten hardware and stop a leak caused by loose inlets and outlets without help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>A broken valve is another common culprit. If you have experience changing a valve, you could tackle this project on your own. Most homeowners need a professional for this. There are a few reasons calling a professional is best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>1. A professional knows which new valve is needed\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>2. Improper assembly could cause bigger problems with the heater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If the reason the tank is leaking stems from a crack or hole, it’s probably game over. Not you, nor a professional will be able to remedy a hole or crack. Most heaters will need to be replaced entirely in this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Call an Expert\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If the time has come to call a professional in Santa Fe, James Plumbing & Heating can help. \u003Ca href=\"tel:+15054737148\">Give us a call\u003C\u002Fa> for ongoing maintenance or repair. We’re always happy to lend a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-to-do-when-your-water-heater-leaks.webp","what-to-do-when-your-water-heater-leaks","Water dripping from a hot water heater is a bad sign. Hot water heaters work in our homes all day without a second thought. Sometimes a leak can go on without even being noticed. As soon as you recognize…","What to Do When Your Water Heater Leaks",{"category":5,"date":30,"html":31,"image":32,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":33,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":34,"title":35},"2023-02-01","\u003Cp>Home heating systems are a necessity, especially during the cold seasons. If your furnace stops working, it can be costly to repair it. This is one reason we at James Plumbing & Heating always tell clients in Santa Fe to invest in \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fac-repair\">annual maintenance\u003C\u002Fa> to avoid any surprises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Here, we’ll talk about 10 of the ways you can tell it’s time to call for repairs. This is what to watch for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>1. Water on the Floor\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Water near a heater is never a good sign. It’s less dangerous than gas or oil leaking onto the floor, but it still causes concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Water appears because of condensation. Normally, the condensate lines in your furnace drain and trap condensation safely, keeping it away from the electrical components of your furnace and off the floor. If the water is pooling on the floor, there’s a big issue inside the furnace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you notice water pooling, call a professional. Left unchecked, this could pose dangers in the home. The condensate line is also not something for a quick DIY fix. It may mean replacing the line, which is a job for the experts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>2. Strange Furnace Noises\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Clanks and bangs from the furnace are almost never normal. You might hear a sound like a soft bang when it comes off or on, especially if it’s old. If you hear a loud bang or a scraping sound, be sure to call an expert! Something definitely needs to be repaired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>3. It’s Been a While Since Servicing\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Regular furnace maintenance is a must. If you know it’s been more than a year, it might need a repair. Have a professional come in to clean the furnace and check it for potential problems. The longer your HVAC system goes without regular maintenance, the more likely it will unexpectedly stop working when you need it most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>4. The Smell of Gas\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you smell gas, call for help. Turn off the furnace or gas supply to be safe, take your family out of the home, and call a repair technician. Never light candles or turn on any type of flame in the home if you smell gas or oil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>5. Vents Blow Cold\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If the air coming from your vents isn’t hot, there’s a furnace problem. There are a few reasons it could be blowing cold. Before calling a professional, check to make sure the furnace is switched on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>On older furnaces, you can check for the pilot light inside the sliding door on the side of the furnace. If the light is out, it needs to be relit by an expert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>6. The Furnace is Blowing, but Barely\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Weak airflow could be a sign that components inside the furnace have stopped or slowed. Motors, belts, and other working parts make your furnace come to life and heat your home. If something has jammed or stopped, air may blow weakly. Call for repair to handle this issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>7. Higher Than Normal Heating Bill\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Is your heating bill running high? It might be a sign that your furnace needs maintenance. In many cases, a good cleaning will fix this problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Something as simple as a dirty filter can cause your furnace to go into overtime, burning harder in an effort to heat your home when the filter clogs. A blocked filter stops air from flowing freely, which forces the furnace to work harder. The harder it works, the higher the bill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>8. Thermostat is Reading Wrong\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The thermostat helps you control the heat in your home. If it stops working and you find yourself constantly turning it up to heat the house, there’s probably a disconnect somewhere between the furnace and the thermostat. This is likely a wiring issue. It’s important to call someone as soon as possible to fix this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Faulty wiring and electrical issues are dangerous, especially when you throw an oil or gas-burning furnace into the mix.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>9. Furnace Keeps Cycling\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>When your furnace turns on, it should heat your home as per the thermostat guide. Once heated, the furnace clicks off, and the temperature is maintained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If your furnace is turning on and off, on and off, to heat your home, there’s a problem. Constant cycling is another sign that the furnace needs a good cleaning. Don’t panic, but do call a professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>10. Age\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Like any appliance in your home, your furnace has a shelf life. Most last about 15 years. The more regularly you service and clean your furnace, the longer it will last. At one point, the furnace will absolutely need to be replaced. Until then, a repair might do the trick and add a few years back to the lifespan of the device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Call an Expert\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you live in Santa Fe and are having trouble with your furnace, we can help. \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">Call us at James Plumbing & Heating today\u003C\u002Fa> to learn more\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002F10-signs-you-need-to-repair-your-home-heating-system.webp","10-signs-you-need-to-repair-your-home-heating-system","Home heating systems are a necessity, especially during the cold seasons. If your furnace stops working, it can be costly to repair it. This is one reason we at James Plumbing & Heating always tell clients in…","10 Signs You Need to Repair Your Home Heating System",1787213982147]