Roof

A lot of things can happen to a roof during the winter months. Shingles and tiles can come loose or pop up and allow moisture to collect, leading to roof damage. Ice dams are another peril and are caused by a ridge of ice that forms as snow melts, trapping moisture and resulting in damage to the edge of the roof. Inspect your roof after the thaw, if you’re capable. If not, hire a professional and schedule repairs.

Rain Gutters

Make sure to inspect your rain gutters for damage or obstructions. To work properly and carry rain or melted snow away from your home, they should be free of litter and be in good repair. Leaking gutters can focus water onto the exterior of your home and cause holes in wooden siding or stains on certain materials. For best results, have a professional repair your rain gutters or install guards.

Yard

Check around your property for debris, fallen limbs and dead trees. Then, remove what you can. you may need to hire a tree service to cut and carry away dead brush and trees.

HVAC System

Next, check around HVAC system’s outdoor condenser unit, removing any leaves, weeds and other debris. Then, peer inside the metal casing of your unit. If you see any leaves, open the unit and remove them.

For indoor maintenance, ask your service technician to check your refrigerant charge, electrical connections, thermostat settings and evaporator coil. Also, ask your expert to check your outside condenser unit for bent fins and a dirty coil.

For more information on how to complete your home’s spring maintenance checklist, contact Smedley Service. We provide plumbing, heating and air conditioning services in Layton and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Layton, Utah about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy upgrades and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Dirty Air Filters and Pressure Drop

Air filter are primarily used to keep particulates in the air from entering your HVAC system. Air filters that aren’t changed regularly can become clogged with dirt, pet hair, dander, pollen and other particulate matter, slowing down the airflow in the system. This can result in a condition called pressure drop, which can cause system damage or failure.

What’s more, a dirty air filter is a haven for mold. Mold spores may be drawn into your HVAC system and recirculated into your home’s air, causing breathing problems and creating bad odors. Mold can also take hold in your HVAC system. If it isn’t treated, mold can flourish, requiring major repairs or even replacement.

Changing the Filter

Be sure you select the right filter for your system and that it’s inserted in the right direction. A poor quality filter is usually adequate for keeping larger particulates out of your system, but a better quality filter can keep even smaller particles out. Change cheaper filters at least monthly, and change your better quality filters as needed. Some of these filters can be effective for as long as three months.

No matter what, you should change your air filter monthly if you meet of these conditions: you own shedding pets, you have several people occupying your home, you live in a windy or dusty area, or if someone in your home has respiratory or allergy problems.

To learn more about how changing an air filter can affect HVAC system efficiency, contact Smedley Service. We’ve been serving our dedicated customers in Layton and Ogden, as well as Idaho, since 1947.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Layton, Utah about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Sink, bathtub, washing machine or toilet overflow. Overflows can occur for a number of reasons, but you can always prevent damage by turning to your shutoff valves. Make sure you know where the main shutoff valve on your property is, as well as the individual shutoff valves for your toilets, sinks and appliances. You should place any tools you might need for shutting off these valves in a handy location.

Clogged drains. Most of the time, you’ll be able to clear less serious drain clogs yourself. Just use hot water, vinegar and baking soda. If this doesn’t work, a drain snake may do the trick. If the drain snake is unsuccessful, the clog may be further down the line and may require a professional’s help.

Leaking faucets. Some homeowners ignore leaking faucets because they don’t want to pay a replacement fee. However, these leaks will cost a lot of money over time, while also wasting a precious resource. What’s more, leaks can cause mold and corrode fixtures and pipes.

Clogged garbage disposal. You can prevent clogs in your garbage disposal by not putting fibrous materials, such as potato skins, corn husks, rice, egg shells or bones, in them. You should run your disposal with plenty of cool water to wash away food debris.

Sediment in your water heater. In our region, mineral buildup is a common issue. It’s a good idea to drain your water heater occasionally to prevent sediment buildup, which can shorten the lifespan of equipment. Draining is different for gas and electric water heaters, so if you don’t know how to do the job, consult with your plumbing expert.

For more plumbing tips, contact Smedley Service. We provide plumbing, heating and air conditioning services for homeowners in Ogden, Layton and Idaho.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Layton, Utah about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about plumbing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Why You Might Need Zoning

Most heating systems are designed to provide one uniform temperature throughout your home. In reality, there are a variety of cold and hot spots. Many factors contribute to uneven home temperatures, such as insulation, windows and vent location.

Just as the name suggests, a zoned heating system sends heat to certain zones in your home as needed. For instance, your entire second level might be one zone and your downstairs another. Because warm air rises, the upstairs section is usually warmer, and may not need as much heat as the downstairs area.

Or, a homeowner may direct heat to the ground-level section of the home during the day and the upstairs level at night. Temporarily unoccupied areas of the home can be allowed to cool down, while rooms that are seldom occupied only need to be heated occasionally.

How Zoned Systems Work

Zoned heating systems can work differently, depending on the kind of heating you have. Thermostats for zoned systems are available in a variety of versions, including programmable.

Forced air heating: Two or more thermostats are connected to a master control panel. Dampers installed in the ductwork are opened and closed by signals from the control panel.

Hydronic systems: A zone valve controls water flow to the heating system. An actuator in the valve opens or closes the valve depending on the thermostat setting for the particular zone. Zone valves can be used with baseboard heating, heat pumps, radiators and radiant heating.

If you think a zoned heating system might be right for your home, contact Smedley Service in Layton. We also serve Ogden and the surrounding communities in Idaho.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Layton, Utah about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about zoned heating systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Energy Audit

When making energy upgrades for older homes, it’s important to get an energy audit. You need to know where you’re losing conditioned air and where unconditioned air is getting in. Your utility company may offer free audits, or you can also hire a professional energy auditor.

At the very least, you should be able to do a few things on your own, such as finding leaks with a stick of lit incense. The smoke will move when you wave the stick around doors and windows with leaks.

Programmable Thermostat

One of the best ways to regulate conditioned air in your home is to replace your analog or digital thermostat with a programmable thermostat. You can schedule your thermostat to raise or lower the temperature as needed when family members are asleep or away. This way, you won’t have to get up and make continuous adjustments.

Insulation

Your older home probably has little or no insulation, unless you’ve renovated recently. You can boost your insulation by hiring a professional to inject foam resin into your walls. Also, if there’s no insulation on your attic floor, you should add foam or batt-type insulation. This will prevent heat from migrating into the attic.

Air Sealing

Check your doors and windows for air leaks, sealing any you find with weatherstripping. You should also apply caulk to cracks around windows and place a plastic film on windows and glass doors to stop leaks. Lastly, close blinds and curtains for added protection.

To learn more about energy upgrades for older homes, contact Smedley Service in Ogden and Layton. We also provide plumbing, heating and air conditioning services in Idaho.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Layton, Utah about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy upgrades and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Preventive Maintenance

All HVAC systems need yearly maintenance, or better yet, seasonal maintenance during the spring and fall. The refrigerant in heat pumps carry heat in from the outdoors during the winter, and vice versa during the summer.

When it’s too cold outdoors for heat pumps to gather enough heat, they will switch to an auxiliary heat source, such as a gas furnace or radiant electric coils. You’ll want to make sure your heat pump is cycling properly and that the auxiliary heat is working as it should.

While you can complete some simple tasks, such as changing the filter regularly, cleaning your supply register and clearing away debris from your outdoor condenser unit, you should leave the technical tasks to a professional. Here are some tasks a technician will complete to service your system:

• Inspect ducts and seal any leaks.
• Measure airflow.
• Measure refrigerant charge and top off if needed.
• Inspect blower and coils for dirt and clean as needed.
• Check electrical terminals for corrosion.
• Clean and tighten connections and apply nonconductive coating.
• Inspect belts for tightness and fraying, replacing any if needed.
• Lubricate motors.
• Check electric controls and cycling.
• Check thermostat settings.

According to the U.S. Energy Department, well-maintained heat pumps consume 10 to 25 percent less energy than those that are neglected.

For more information on how to maintain your heat pump, contact Smedley Service. We provide Layton homeowners with expert heating, cooling and plumbing repair and installation services.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Layton, Utah about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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4 Tips for Better Furnace Performance

Programmable thermostat: Investing in a programmable thermostat is a sure-fire way to take control of your heating and cooling expenses. Analog and digital thermostats require you to adjust the temperature when you don’t need as much heating or cooling.

A programmable thermostat allows you to schedule lower or higher temperatures as needed for when you’re asleep or away without you having to remember to make the adjustment.

Ductwork. Allowing conditioned air to leak out of your air ducts is just plain wasteful. It may be happening right now if your ductwork contains any holes, loose fittings or gaps. Have your ductwork checked during your seasonal maintenance inspection. Make sure to schedule repairs and have your ductwork insulated for extra savings.

Insulation. The insulation in your attic may not be able to prevent heated air from rising into your attic. Energy Star, the federal government’s energy-saving program, says homeowners can save as much as 10 percent more on their bills by ensuring they have the proper R-value (resistance) and insulation coverage.

Make sure to inspect your attic. If it has insufficient or no insulation, install loose fill or batts on the floor. Both types are available in fiberglass, cellulose or mineral wool, with batts also available in cotton.

Seasonal maintenance. Whatever you do, don’t stint on seasonal maintenance. Professional maintenance is the no. 1 way you can ensure your gas furnace and entire HVAC system will keep running efficiently. Among the things a professional technician will check when inspecting your furnace is the electrical connections, controls, thermostat settings, blower, heat exchanger, condensate drain and burners.

To learn more about how you can maintain a more efficient gas furnace, contact Smedley Service in Layton. We provide experienced, reliable service for heating, air conditioning and plumbing.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Layton, Utah about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about gas furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Gases

You can’t see them, but gases surround you in your home. Some of them, such as radon and carbon monoxide, are harmful. Radon comes from decaying minerals in the earth, and enters your home through your basement or crawlspace. The only way to know if this carcinogen is in your home is to schedule a professional inspection.

Carbon monoxide in sufficient quantities can make people and pets sick, resulting in death. This gas is a byproduct of the combustion process, so if you have anything that burns fuel in your home, there’s always a chance a leak may occur. Make sure to install a carbon monoxide detector for your family’s safety.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are present in a variety of products, including carpets, pressed wood, pesticides, paint, dry cleaning fluid, varnish, glue and many other items. These compounds may recirculate in your home’s HVAC system if they’re not contained.

You can control them at the source by buying products with natural ingredients and sealing chemicals tightly. Air out carpets and other chemically treated products before bringing them into your home. Gas phase activated carbon air purifiers can help limit VOCs, as well as smoke.

Mold

Mold is a fungus that occurs when conditions are too moist, perhaps from leaky plumbing or moisture buildup in your kitchen or bathroom. Make sure to fix leaks and add exhaust ventilation to the outdoors to get rid of moisture buildup. Then, use a dehumidifier, either portable or a whole-home dehumidifier to control excessive moisture. You can also install ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) lights in your HVAC system to get rid of mold.

To learn more about creating a healthy home environment, contact Smedley Services of Ogden. We’ve been providing top customer services to Layton residents since 1947.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Layton, Utah about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about creating a healthy home environment and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Mold and Health

Not everyone is sensitive to mold, but for those who are, symptoms may include a stuffy nose, coughing and irritated eyes and skin. Sensitive individuals may react more severely, while people with compromised immune systems can even develop lung infections from mold. People with these issues should avoid being around cut grass, compost piles and wooded areas.

Controlling Mold

If you detect mold in your home, be sure to address the source of the problem. This could be a leaky pipe or faucet or a clogged condensate drain. Other sources might be unvented moisture in your bathroom or kitchen. Clean up any mold outbreaks with water, and consider installing ventilation in your bathroom and over your kitchen range.

Your air conditioner is a weak dehumidifier. After air is drawn into your system and cooled, it passes over the evaporator coil, where moisture forms as condensation. The condensation then flows away into a drain pan. The A/C will remove some moisture, but perhaps not enough to make your home as comfortable as you’d like.

A whole-house dehumidifier installed in your HVAC system may be your best bet for correcting excessively moist conditions in your home. Dehumidifiers also condense moisture from your home’s air on the evaporator coil more effectively than your A/C. Once the moisture from the air condenses, it flows into a water reservoir with a port for drainage. Whole-house dehumidifiers are generally quieter than portables and control humidity throughout the entire home rather than room by room.

To learn more about eliminating household mold with a dehumidifier, contact Smedley Service. We’ve made our customers a priority since 1947.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Layton, Utah about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about eliminating household mold and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Rapid Cycling

Frequent on-and-off cycles may be due to an obstruction in the return-side duct, which can cause your furnace to overheat. As a result, your furnace will shut down until it cools off. Then, your furnace will turn back on only to repeat this rapid cycling. Clogged filters and filters that have been sucked into the duct are common obstructions to airflow and can cause rapid cycling. Check your filter to make sure it’s not caked with debris and dirt, and change or clean as needed.

Pilot or Ignition Problems

Older furnaces typically contain a standing pilot light. If the pilot won’t stay lit, there could be a bad thermocouple or clogged orifice to the gas supply. Your HVAC professional should inspect the device, and clean or replace as needed. Newer furnaces often contain a hot-surface igniter rather than a standing pilot. A hot-surface igniter can typically last three to four years before it needs to be replaced by your technician.

Unusual Furnace Noises

Unusual furnace noises often indicate that there’s a problem in your system. Here are some common noises that require attention:

• Grinding and scraping noises typically come from worn blower motors.
• Rumbling noises could mean your gas burner is dirty or corroded, or that the pilot needs to be adjusted.
• Snapping or clicking noises indicate failed relays or other electrical problems.

Clogged Filter

A clogged furnace filter can quickly wreak havoc on your furnace system. It can create a substantial pressure drop that damages the blower, as well as other components, such as the limit switch. A clogged filter also increases energy consumption resulting in higher energy bills. Be sure to check your filter monthly during peak furnace usage.

If you need assistance with these common furnace problems or other issues, please contact Smedley Service in the Layton area today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Layton, Utah about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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