[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":36},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fB55ICH00AgxqvZg1JTo3JKy1o_56PUk3WaMJ6AIoFvU":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Heating","2021-06-07","\u003Cp>It might not seem like something as basic as turning off a water heater would be difficult. Many homeowners find themselves scratching their heads when trying to figure out what valves to turn! And because it varies based on whether your system is gas or electric, it can take a few extra steps to make sure everything is shut down completely. Here are easy instructions to turn off both gas and electric water heaters to make sure you do it properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>When You Should Turn Off Your Water Heater\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The only time you need to turn off your water heater is when you have a leak. This can happen for many reasons from age and rust to a malfunction with the valve. As soon as you realize your water heater is leaking, you should turn off the water supply until someone can come and have a look to determine what is causing the leak. They will make repairs or suggest a replacement if the tank can’t be repaired. Some people think they need to turn off their water heater before they go away, but it is not necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>First, when you turn your water heater off completely you will return home to find you have no hot water. Second, you can also add wear and tear to your water heater from the effort required to shut down, turn back on and then heat an entire tank of water. It makes more sense to either lower the temperature to about 50 degrees F or to set your water heater to VAC for “Vacation Mode”. Most new models provide this handy setting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>For Gas Water Heaters\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cem>Find Your Water Heater\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>If you aren’t sure where your water heater is located, they are usually in the basement, a utility closet, or sometimes in the garage or attic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"2\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cem>Find the Temperature Dial\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>For gas water heaters, you’ll need to look for the temperature dial which is usually at the front on the bottom. Turn the dial off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"3\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cem>Find the Plumbing Line\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>The plumbing line is either at the top or bottom of your water heater. Once you turn the valve off, you have successfully cut off the water supply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"4\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cem>Draining the Heater\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>If your intent is to drain the heater, you’ll need a hose hook up to the boiler drain. You can then put the hose outside to let the water drain into your yard, or you can use a bucket. However, a bucket might not be big enough depending on how much water is in your tank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"5\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cem>Locate the Gas Supply Valve\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>The valve tends to be on the right side of the water heater. To shut off the gas you either have a lever or a knob. If it is a lever turn it perpendicular. For knobs turn it clockwise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"6\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cem>Locate the Relief Valve\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>The final step is to look for the relief valve near the top of the heater. Once you turn it off it allows air to enter the tank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>For Electric Water Heaters\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cem>Find Your Water Heater\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>Your electric heater will be located in the same areas as gas water heaters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"2\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cem>Find Your Breaker Box\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>For electric water heaters, you’ll need to find your breaker box. In most cases, the box is located either in the garage or on the exterior of your house. From there you need to find the breaker line providing power to your water heater and turn it off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"3\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cem>Find the Plumbing Line\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>The plumbing line is either at the top or bottom of your electric water heater. Once you turn the valve off you cut off the water supply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"4\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cem>Draining the Heater\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>As with gas water heaters, if you need to drain the heater, you can attach a garden hose to the boiler drain. Either put the house outside to let the water drain into your yard or use a bucket. However, watch the water level on the bucket to as it might not be big enough depending on how much water is in your tank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col start=\"5\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cem>Locate the Relief Valve\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>The final step is to look for the relief valve near the top of the electric water heater. Turn it off to allow air to enter the tank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you are having issues with your water heater or can’t figure out how to turn it off, \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">speak to your Santa Fe expert\u003C\u002Fa> at James’ Plumbing & Heating today.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-turn-off-your-water-heater.webp",4,"how-to-turn-off-your-water-heater","","It might not seem like something as basic as turning off a water heater would be difficult. Many homeowners find themselves scratching their heads when trying to figure out what valves to turn! And because it…","How To Turn Off Your Water Heater",[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",1787213981819]