Begin by unplugging the humidifier and removing the tank and the housing. If the filter is washable, place it in hot water and add some undiluted white vinegar. Allow it to soak while you work on the humidifier. Carefully pour vinegar into the base where water normally enters to become mist and allow it to sit for about twenty minutes.

Meanwhile, wash the water tank in hot, soapy water. If there are any visible mineral deposits, soften them with vinegar and scrub them away with a cloth or soft brush. If you wish to disinfect the tank while the unit is disassembled, fill it with fresh water and add a quarter cup of bleach. Set the tank aside.

Empty the vinegar from the base and wipe it with a clean cloth. If you can still see mineral deposits, you may want to carefully loosen them with a soft brush and rinse carefully. Rinse the filter and tank with clean water and reassemble your home humidifier. Performing this maintenance weekly will prevent future buildup and extend the life of your humidifier.

Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing can help you with your home’s humidity. Serving Cleveland and surrounding areas for nearly 80 years, we can provide you with the best solution for your needs.

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Lower a room’s humidity

When humidity is too high, mold, bacteria, and fungus have the chance to form colonies and lower your indoor air quality. Condensation on walls and ceilings can also damage your home, and books can become warped. In order to lower your room’s humidity, try these tips:

• Run an air conditioner in the summer. Cooler air can hold less moisture, so your air conditioner can help keep excess moisture in check.
• Spread cat litter on a baking pan, and place it in an out-of-the-way space. The litter will absorb moisture from the air.
• Install a dehumidifier. If this room is a single problem spot like a kitchen or bathroom, a stand-alone unit will do. To control humidity for your entire house, a whole-house humidifier is a wise investment.
• Improve the room’s ventilation. Especially in kitchens and bathrooms, cycling the air can help stop high humidityg.

Raise a room’s humidity

When your air isn’t humid enough, it can cause irritation in your throat and lungs, and lead to dry and cracking skin. Static electricity builds up more easily, which can damage electronics. Through the winter, it’s more difficult for a dry room to retain heat. If you need to raise your room’s humidity, try these tips:

• Grow green, leafy plants which can be watered frequently. Not only will the evaporating water raise humidity, but the plants themselves will boost your air quality.
• Install a vaporizer or a humidifier. If this room is a problem spot in your home, a stand-alone humidifier can help. If it’s a bedroom, vaporizers are good for sinuses and respiratory health. Or, a whole-house humidifier can keep your whole home humid enough for comfort.

Ask the experts

To learn more about how to control a room’s humidity level, contact us at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing!

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What Causes a Clogged Sewer?

Sewer lines, which are on average 6 inches in diameter, are generally not blocked by paper or other debris but rather by tree roots. If you were a tree root, you too would find it inviting to invade the tiny crevices and openings in a pipe full of moisture. The roots also feed on the nutrients in the sewer effluent, and eventually flourish sufficiently to block your plumbing.

Determining the Type of Clog

You will probably want to figure out if you have a simple drain clog before you call a plumber. Simple clogged drains may be fixed by the following methods:

• Leave a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar in the drain for an hour and flush with hot water.
• Plunge toilet clogs vigorously. For sink clogs, use a plunger made specially for sinks.
• Disconnect the sink drain to ensure it’s clear.
• Try a drain snake, a flexible steel cable. There are different kinds, electric or manual, snakes for toilets or sink drains, and top snakes for showers, tubs, bathroom sinks and washing machine stoppages.
• Some homeowners swear by chemical solutions to clear simple clogs, but plumbers usually don’t recommend these.

If none of these methods work, call a plumber.

Professional Cleaning Methods

A plumber will probably use an auger, which is longer than the sink or toilet auger or snake described above and is power assisted. Also frequently used is a high-pressure water jet powerful enough to blow roots down the line.

Plumbers may also recommend that homeowners use a chemical root killer periodically to keep roots from invading sewers.

To learn about dealing with a clogged sewer line, call us at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing. We’ve been serving the Greater Cleveland area for 79 years.

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Mineral deposits dissolved in municipal water sink to the bottom of the heater and eventually solidify. This in turn makes the burner run longer to heat water, as well as triggering tank corrosion and discoloring water. If it hasn’t yet solidified inside the tank, sediment may be cleared by a simple DIY tank draining procedure:

1. Turn off the cold water inlet valve on top of the tank and turn the gas valve selector knob to “Off.”
2. Attach a garden hose to the drain faucet valve at the base of the tank. Route the hose outdoors to discharge water safely.
3. Open the tank drain faucet to begin draining. Locate the pressure relief valve near the top of the tank and lift the spring-loaded lever to relieve vacuum in the tank and expedite draining. When the tank is drained allow the pressure relief valve to snap shut and close the drain faucet.
4. Disconnect the garden hose.  Turn on the cold water inlet valve and follow manufacturer’s instruction to turn on the gas and relight the pilot (if equipped.)
5. Open a few hot water taps in the home to allow air to bleed out of the system.

Discolored water that isn’t remedied by flushing the tank may indicate permanent sediment accretion. Other meaningful symptoms include popping and boiling sounds, poor performance and increasing operating costs as well as evidence of leakage. Because the sudden failure of a water heater tank could potentially flood your home and cause expensive water damage, contact a professional plumber if tank flushing doesn’t resolve water discoloration.

For professional help to deal with hot water issues, in the greater Cleveland area contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

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Here’s an overview of what’s doable for homeowners when they’re maintaining home heating boilers:

• First, check the vent pipe leading to your roof for holes, loose joints between segments and debris, such as leaves or bird’s nests that may clog the vent.
• Look around and under your boiler for dripping or other evidence of water leakage. Any unexplained pooling on the floor should be brought to the attention of a qualified service technician.
• Locate the pressure relief valve on the side of your boiler, as well as the discharge pipe that leads away from the valve. While your boiler is at operating temperature, see if you can feel the warmth of hot water passing through the discharge pipe. Also, listen for the sound of water spurting out of the valve. Either of these may identify a leaky pressure relief valve or a valve opening due to excess pressure or temperature. Report this problem to your HVAC contractor immediately.
• Next, inspect your boiler expansion tank for proper air pressure. Your valve reading should be within manufacturer’s specs—usually between 12 to 15 psi. Readings above this range usually indicate excess water in the expansion tank and should be checked by a heating service person immediately. You can often guess the state of your tank by feeling the side. When your boiler is operating, the tank should feel uniformly warm or hot from top to bottom. If the bottom feels cooler than the top, this usually signifies water accumulation that must be drained by a service professional.

For more information on maintaining home heating boilers and how to get professional help in greater Cleveland, contact Geisel Heating & Air Conditioning.

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1. Stop the air infiltration. One of the most reliable ways to find air leaks in your home’s shell is through an energy audit that uses a blower door test, or conduct your own. Turn on all the exhaust fans indoors and light a stick of incense. Walk around the walls and anywhere you see the smoke moving at an angle, note its location. It indicates a leak you can seal later with caulk or expanding foam.
2. Have your heating system serviced. A tuned-up HVAC system runs more efficiently, safely and durably. Make a note to check the air filter for the blower monthly and change it when it’s covered with dust. A dirty filter drives up energy costs because it slows the airflow through the filter, causing the system to run longer.
3. Use reversible ceiling fans. Heat rises and it’s warmer near the ceiling in the winter. A reversing fan will move the warmer air closer to the floor. You can effectively cut your home heating costs if your ceiling plates exceed eight feet.
4. Deal with the windows. Aging and inefficient windows lose a good deal of heat through the glass panes, the window frames and the sashes. Replacing old windows with Energy Star or thermal windows requires a financial commitment, but they will pay for themselves in energy savings. Using clear plastic window kits is a viable alternative for stopping drafts and some of the heat transfer through the glass. Applied according to the directions, the plastic won’t obstruct your view.
5. Install a programmable thermostat. Such a device adjusts the temperature based on home occupancy patterns so that you won’t have to remember to change it. Each degree you keep the temperature cooler inside saves heating costs.

To learn more about how to cut your home heating costs, contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, providing top-notch services for greater Cleveland homeowners since 1950.

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The post 5 Simple Ways to Cut Your Home Heating Costs This Winter appeared first on Geisel HVAC Blog.

The best way to avoid the headache and expense of frozen, ruptured water lines is to properly winterize plumbing and pipes in and around your home.

Protect Vulnerable Areas

Insulate both hot and cold water pipes situated in unconditioned areas, such as the attic, garage, basement or crawlspace. Most hardware stores carry inexpensive polyethylene insulation sleeves that are easy to install. Wrap pipes located in exterior walls with UL-listed heat trace tape before installing sleeve insulation.

Look After the Hose Bib

Put away your garden hose and shut off the indoor valve that feeds the spigot. Next, open the outdoor faucet and let the line drain. Leave it open to prevent a pressure buildup, and cover the hose bib with a Styrofoam insulator for an extra layer of protection.

Drain Outdoor Water Lines

If you have a sprinkler system or swimming pool, drain the water lines but don’t add anti-freeze unless it’s specifically mentioned by your manufacturer.

Take Extra Precautions During Cold Snaps

When the forecast is calling for extremely low temperatures, open the cabinet doors under the bathroom and kitchen sinks so warm air can circulate around the water lines. Open up the faucets just slightly to maintain a trickle of water to help avert frozen pipes. Keep the thermostat set at your usual daytime temperature consistently, rather than dialing it back to reduce energy consumption.

Eliminate Air Leaks

Check around your exterior walls and foundation for gaps, cracks and holes where cold winter air can infiltrate. Seal up any you locate with caulking or an expandable foam product. Repair cracked basement windows, and replace damaged or missing weatherstripping and insulation around basement and garage doors.

For more tips on how to winterize plumbing and pipes in your Greater Cleveland area home, contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

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The post Easy Ways to Winterize Plumbing and Pipes in Your Oberlin Home appeared first on Geisel HVAC Blog.

This gas is produced during incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. Common sources of this gas in our homes include water heaters, power generators, stoves and space heaters.

What Are the Symptoms of CO Poisoning?

Symptoms vary depending on your home’s level of carbon monoxide, as well as your length of exposure. These include;

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hearing loss
• Blurred vision
• Disorientation and confusion
• Headache and dizziness

How to Detect Carbon Monoxide

A carbon monoxide detector can be helpful in determining the CO levels in your home. Wall socket detectors can protect you from high levels, but they can’t measure the exact concentration of CO in your home.

Additionally, CO detectors don’t set off their alarms when they detect low levels. By the time it builds up, your family might already have been exposed to significant levels of CO. The best instrument to use in detection is a portable CO monitor because it has a digital readout. This device can be tested regularly by exposing it to low CO levels. This way, you’re positive it still works.

You can also check your fireplace for soot accumulation. If combustion is not taking place properly, you’ll find soot on the inside of your fireplace. Routine inspection of your water heater, fireplace and other home appliances is necessary for your health and peace of mind. Yellow flames emanating from gas appliances should also be examined. The flame should ideally be blue in color. Therefore, yellow flames could mean there’s a CO leak.

For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning, you can get in touch with Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We’ve been operating in the Greater Cleveland area since 1935.

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Determine what type of leak you have will help you find its source. Just move all of your portable appliances and look for the source. If a dishwasher’s supply line is faulty, moisture will be visible around it. If you don’t find the leak, you should turn off all appliances connected to a water source. Once you do this, mark the meter reading. If it goes up, you have a leak.

Every now and then you should check the following areas for leaks:

Crawlspaces and Basements

Look for any exposed pipes. If you notice corrosion or dampness around pipes, you probably have a leak. If you find mold and rotted wood in your basement and crawlspace, you can pinpoint the leak to these areas.

Floors, Ceilings and Walls

How is the flooring around appliances and fixtures that use water? Moisture around bathtubs, toilets and refrigerators may indicate a leak. This because your floor warps and cracks when exposed to water for prolonged periods of time.

Make sure to inspect the ceiling and walls located underneath bathrooms. If you find stains, there’s a leakage in nearby pipes. Peeling paint and wallpaper also indicate leakage. Get in touch with a plumber immediately to prevent any further damage to your property.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

Check beneath the cabinets in your bathroom and kitchen with a flashlight, looking for moisture at the pipe joints. If you find corrosion on any fittings and valves, you may have a leakage. Remove everything from your cabinets and inspect inside for mildew and water stains. Make sure you tighten the fittings to prevent further leaks. If you can’t repair hidden plumbing leaks, enlist the help of an expert.

Please contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to learn more about the leaks in your home. We’ve been serving Greater Cleveland for over 80 years.

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Control Indoor Humidity

Heat and humidity encourage mildew to grow, so you need to take certain steps to keep your home cool and dry. An indoor humidity level of 30 to 40 percent is ideal for inhibiting mildew growth, while keeping you comfortable.

If you’re not able to achieve this level without help, it’s time to invest in a dehumidifier. Stand-alone units are available, or you can consult with an HVAC professional to determine how this can be integrated into your heating and cooling system.

Ventilation

Keeping your home ventilated is essential, especially in areas with higher humidity. Bathrooms are often a target for mildew, so it’s important for you to a window or a ventilation fan in all of your bathrooms.

Keep Your Home Dry

If you notice leaks in your home, take care of them before mildew has a chance to grow. Even small spills of liquid can result in mold growth, so it’s important for you to act quickly and keep your home dry.

Improve Air Circulation

Stale air and moisture equal mildew, so keeping air flowing in your home could be the key to reducing your risk.

Clear Gutters

Gutters move water away from your home, so it’s important to keep them clean. Clear away any debris, including leaves, to keep water flowing down and away, instead of seeping into your home.

Professional HVAC Services

If you want to keep mold from growing in your home, contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for humidity control and general HVAC services.

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